Ultimate Singapore Travel Guide: Best Hotels, Food & Activities

Singapore is a city that knows how to impress. From world-class hotels to rooftop bars with jaw-dropping views, this island city-state blends modernity with old-world charm in a way few places can. Whether you're looking for high-end luxury, tropical island vibes, or simply a great cocktail with a view, Singapore delivers - keep reading for your ultimate guide to Singapore.

Your guide to Staying in Style: Mandarin Oriental & Raffles Singapore

Singapore’s hotel scene is nothing short of spectacular, and I had the chance to stay at two of its most iconic properties: Mandarin Oriental and Raffles Singapore.

The Mandarin Oriental is all about sleek sophistication with incredible Marina Bay views. The rooms are stylish and comfortable, but it’s the outdoor pool that really stands out—an infinity pool with front-row seats to the Marina Bay Sands skyline. Service here is as polished as you’d expect, and the hotel’s location makes it an easy base for exploring the city.

Then there’s Raffles Singapore, an institution in itself. Staying at Raffles is less like checking into a hotel and more like stepping into a piece of history. From the grand colonial architecture to the legendary Long Bar (where the Singapore Sling was invented), everything about Raffles feels timeless. The suites are enormous, service is impeccable, and there’s an effortless elegance that makes it one of the best luxury stays in the world.

Make sure to sign up for the tour (included in your stay), where you get to learn about the history about the hotel. The history of Raffles is fascinating - from a tiger being shot by a drunken headmaster in his pyjamas to Michael Jackson bringing organgutans to his suite - this place has seen it all.

The breakfast was one of the best hotel breakfasts I've ever seen.

The Long Bar is a must-visit. This 137 year old bar normally has a long queue, but as a hotel guest you get priority access.

Gardens by the Bay: A Futuristic Oasis

No visit to Singapore is complete without a stop at Gardens by the Bay, a futuristic nature park that looks straight out of a sci-fi movie. The towering Supertrees—vertical gardens that light up at night—are the main attraction, but the real highlight is the Cloud Forest. Inside, you’ll find a misty indoor mountain covered in lush greenery, complete with the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.

The Flower Dome is another must-visit, showcasing plants from all over the world in a climate-controlled conservatory. Whether you’re visiting in the daytime or catching the Garden Rhapsody light show at night, Gardens by the Bay is a magical escape from the city’s urban sprawl.

Island Escape: Exploring Sentosa

For a break from the city, Sentosa Island is Singapore’s resort playground. It’s packed with attractions like Universal Studios, S.E.A. Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Waterpark, but if theme parks aren’t your thing, there are plenty of more laid-back options.

I went hiking in the forests of Sentosa, which feels a world away from the city’s skyscrapers. For a more adventurous side of Sentosa, you can try the SkyHelix Sentosa (a rotating open-air gondola) or go zip-lining at Mega Adventure Park. Whether you want action or relaxation, Sentosa has it all.

Drinks with a View: Atlas Bar & Spago Lounge

Singapore is home to some of the best bars in the world, and I made sure to check out two of the most famous.

Atlas Bar is pure Art Deco glamour. It feels like stepping into a Gatsby-era European grand lobby, complete with soaring ceilings, gold accents, and one of the most impressive gin collections on the planet. Even if you’re not a gin lover, the cocktail menu is outstanding, and the whole experience feels effortlessly opulent. The Martinis are 10/10 - highly recommended!

For a different kind of luxury, Spago Lounge & Bar at Marina Bay Sands is the place to be. Perched on the 57th floor, it offers insane views over the infinity pool and the city skyline. The cocktails are pricey, but you’re paying for the setting as much as the drink. Watching the sunset over Singapore from up here is a must-do.

Final Thoughts

Singapore is a city that blends modern skyscrapers, colonial history, and tropical island vibes into one seamless experience. Whether you're sipping a cocktail at Raffles, lounging on Sentosa’s beaches, or taking in the skyline from Spago, there's no shortage of ways to indulge. It’s one of those places that keeps you coming back, no matter how many times you visit.