Packed with concerts and exciting entertainment options, Singapore’s vibrant events calendar means that there is always something to do on this sunny island. Annual highlights include the multicultural dance, music and visual feast at Chingay Parade, the indie music line-up at Laneway Festival 2016 and the spectacular fireworks finale at Marina Bay Singapore countdown party.
Sporting fans won’t miss out either, for Singapore also plays host to major international events such as the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, WTA Finals and the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix.
2. The arts hub of Southeast Asia
If you love the arts, then Singapore is the city to visit for museum hopping. Start at the newly opened National Gallery Singapore, which houses the world’s largest public display of modern Southeast Asian Art. Then make your way to the Singapore Art Museum and Singapore Pinacothèque De Paris before capping the night at Esplanade Theatres by the Bay with theatrical performances and spectacular riverside views.
Key annual events such as the Singapore Art Week and Singapore International Festival of Arts bring together international and regional stars from the contemporary art scene, so don't forget to bookmark those dates.
3. A multicultural melting pot
From a confluence of diverse cuisines to a myriad of architectural styles, Singapore truly is a city where cultures meet. Join in the festivities with the locals who go all out to celebrate Lunar New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Adilfitri, Christmas and other cultural and religious festivals throughout the year. Be sure to visit historic precincts such as Little India, Kampong Glam and Chinatown.
You’ll be amazed by the colourful array of heritage buildings and places of worship within our city; some temples date as far back as the early 1800s
4. Be amazed by awe-inspiring architecture
Let the city’s wide array of old-meets-new architecture astound you. Wander around the historic buildings of the Civic District in the day, as you explore Singapore’s top museums and popular shopping malls. You could just as easily escape the city's bustle by visiting neighbourhoods like Tiong Bahru and Joo Chiat, which are lined with Instagram-perfect shophouses.
Don’t miss the chance to see Singapore’s spectacular skyline. Choose from the many rooftop bars in town for the best views come sundown, when the Central Business District skyscrapers light up to form a postcard-worthy view.
5. A food paradise
Foodies are spoilt for choice at the sheer variety of cuisines and dishes to try in Singapore, for this city is where you can feed your love for food. Try the best of local dishes such as chicken rice, chili crab, kaya toast (coconut jam spread on toast), nasi biryani (rice cooked with Indian spices, usually served with mutton, chicken or fish) and more well-loved favourites at popular hawker centres such as Maxwell and Amoy Street. Indulge in Mod-Sin (Modern Singapore) gourmet cuisine, which gives local dishes an interesting twist. Local chefs will soon up their culinary game for the upcoming Singapore Michelin Guide 2016; the first to be published in a Southeast Asian country.
Be sure to check out food events like the Singapore Food Expo 2016 and Singapore Food Festival, for more mouth-watering meals to feast on.
6. Enjoy greenery throughout the city
Singapore has earned its 'garden city' moniker for good reason, for it’s a city filled with parks and greenery. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find a plethora of flora and foliage lining our streets. Top of your must-visits should include Singapore Botanic Gardens, a tropical garden that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.
For a super-sized garden experience, head to Gardens by the Bay to view the gigantic ‘supertree’ vertical gardens and the cool conservatories.
