Singapore is a unique place to visit – and a city tour is the best way to get to know this city state in Southeast Asia.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Singapore is a pretty unique place to visit. This sunny, tropical island in Southeast Asia, off the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, manages to pack a lot in. Where else do you find cutting-edge business, ancient history, gardens in the sky, beautiful beaches, a buzzing Chinatown, grand colonial buildings, and upmarket shopping, all in one a 710 square kilometre city state? To understand Singapore a little better a sightseeing and city tour is a good place to start – and there are plenty of different options to choose from – here are five of the best.
Singapore: Lion City Highlights Bike Tour
Singapore’s name is derived from ‘Singa Pura’, meaning ‘Lion City’ – according to legend, a prince from Palembang gave it this name to the island after he came ashore and saw an animal he believed to be a lion. This tour is certainly roar-some fun, cycling through Singapore past some of its more famous historical landmarks as well as charming back streets to get off the beaten tourist path. Along the way you’ll see everything from Marina Bay and Chinatown, to the Singapore River and the F1 Circuit – it fits a lot into four hours. A guide is on hand to explain the rich culture and history of Singapore as you go – it’s a top-rated tour. From €59.03.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Singapore: Big Bus Night Tour with Live Guide
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
For something completely different, but no less fun, this night-time bus tour is a unique way to see the sights, sounds and lights of Singapore after dark. You’ll see the sun set over the city skyline at Marina Barrage, before heading to Singapore’s famous Lau Pa Sat Hawker market, housed in one of the oldest Victorian structures in South-East Asia – a complimentary satay tasting is included with the ticket. The next stop is the Gardens by the Bay for the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show at the Supertree Grove, before heading down Orchard Road, Singapore’s prime shopping street. It’s not the most low-key way to see a city, but it’s an easy way to see a lot of Singapore in just three hours. From €43.75.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Singapore Morning City Tour
There are plenty of reasons to see Singapore in the morning – not only will you see the city waking up and avoid the tourist crowds, but also the temperatures are lower and it is less humid. This tour is aimed at first-time visitors to Singapore, taking in the top attractions such as the Thian Hock Keng Temple, National Orchid Garden, Merlion Park, The Arts House (Old Parliament House), and Chinatown. A pick-up and drop-off from select hotels is included, too. The local guide gives a great introduction to the city, its history and culture, before you head out to explore on your own later in the day. From €34.74.
Book at Viator.com
Singapore: Chinatown Historic Walking Tour with Lunch
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Singapore’s Chinatown, made up of five different precincts, is full of hip haunts, cultural treasures, and even places to escape it all, such as the quiet enclave of Ann Siang Hill. Before you explore solo, this tour makes for a great introduction to the fascinating maze of narrow roads. Over the space of 3.5 hours, you’ll visit Thian Hock Keng Temple, which was constructed in 1821, dine at Chiew Kee Noodle House, a restaurant loved by locals for its soy sauce chicken, and visit a tea shop with over a century of history. Lunch is also included with this tour. From €43.67.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Private One Day Highlight Tour of Singapore with Singapore Flyer
Another good option for first-time visitors to Singapore, this is a private tour that takes you around the most important sights and landmarks in your own air-conditioned transport. Not only will you avoid the hassle of catching trains or buses, or standing in large groups, you can also customize the tour to suit what you want to see and experience. Suggested highlights are Gardens by the Bay, Chinatown, Little India, and the hawker food centres. The tour includes a 45-minute scenic river cruise and a ride on the Singapore Flyer big wheel. From €274.38.
Book at Viator.com