Why Fly to Singapore
Singapore punches well above its weight for a country the size of a city. In under an hour you can walk from colonial shophouses in Chinatown to futuristic supertrees in Gardens by the Bay, eat a SGD 5 bowl of laksa that rivals anything in a Michelin-starred restaurant, then end the night at a rooftop bar overlooking Marina Bay. It is one of the most efficiently run, genuinely safe, and logistically easy destinations in Asia — which makes it a great first stop if you are new to the region and a reliable hub if you are not.
The main draw is Singapore City itself, but do not overlook the distinct neighbourhoods that each feel like a different world. Kampong Glam has perfume shops and Arab Street cafes. Little India is all colour and spice. Orchard Road is unapologetically commercial. Sentosa Island is where you go for beaches, Universal Studios, and resort excess. For a city-state with no rural hinterland, Singapore manages to keep things interesting across multiple days.
Best Time to Visit Singapore
Singapore sits just north of the equator, so heat and humidity are constants year-round. That said, February to April is the sweet spot — drier, slightly less oppressive humidity, temperatures in the 27–32°C range, and fewer monsoon disruptions. Chinese New Year (January or February depending on the lunar calendar) adds energy to the streets but also crowds and higher hotel prices, so book early if you want to catch it.
November through January brings the northeast monsoon with heavy afternoon downpours. It rarely ruins a trip entirely — most of Singapore's best attractions are indoors or covered — but factor it in. June to August is hot and sticky with the southwest monsoon. Avoid school holiday periods (June and December) if you want shorter queues at theme parks and lower accommodation rates.
Getting Around Singapore
Singapore is a city-state, so there are no domestic flights and no inter-city travel to worry about. The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is your best friend — clean, air-conditioned, punctual, and cheap. A stored-value EZ-Link card costs around SGD 10 and covers MRT and buses. A tourist pass at SGD 20 per day gives unlimited rides and can be worth it if you are moving around a lot. Grab (Southeast Asia's Uber) is affordable and reliable for door-to-door trips. Taxis are metered and safe but cost more, especially with peak-hour surcharges. Cycling is possible in some areas but not practical citywide given the heat. Walking between attractions in the Central area is very doable early morning or evening.
Visa & Entry Requirements
EU, UK, and US passport holders can enter Singapore visa-free for up to 90 days for tourism or business. You need a passport valid for at least 6 months beyond your arrival date, proof of onward or return travel, and sufficient funds. Before you fly, complete the SG Arrival Card online via the ICA website or app — it takes five minutes and must be submitted up to 3 days before arrival. Biometrics are taken at the border on entry and exit. Overstaying your visa is taken seriously: fines, detention, caning, and deportation are all on the table. Follow the rules and you will have zero issues.
Money & Budget
Singapore uses the Singapore Dollar (SGD). Cards and contactless payments — including Apple Pay and Google Pay — are accepted almost everywhere, including hawker centres and small market stalls. ATMs are widely available with reasonable fees. Carry some SGD cash for markets, street food stalls, or situations where contactless limits apply (typically SGD 200 per transaction). Exchange rates at Changi Airport money changers are competitive; avoid the kiosks with flashy signs and poor rates. For daily budgets, expect roughly SGD 100–120 as a backpacker staying in hostels and eating at hawker centres. A mid-range trip — decent hotel, mix of hawker and sit-down meals, a few paid attractions — runs SGD 200–300 per day. Luxury travellers at Marina Bay Sands or similar should budget SGD 500 and up.
Top Cities to Visit in Singapore
- Marina Bay / Singapore Core: The postcard version of Singapore — Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and the financial skyline. Start here.
- Chinatown: Heritage temples, street food, and night markets packed into a walkable grid. The hawker centre on Smith Street is essential.
- Little India: Loud, colourful, and great value for food and spices. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is a visual highlight.
- Kampong Glam: The Arab Quarter, anchored by Sultan Mosque and lined with indie boutiques, perfume traders, and solid Middle Eastern food.
- Orchard Road: Singapore's main shopping corridor and home to colonial landmarks like Raffles Hotel — worth a look even if you are not shopping.
- Sentosa Island: Connected by cable car, monorail, and causeway. Go for Universal Studios, beach clubs, or a day of deliberate tourist indulgence.
FAQ — Flights to Singapore
Which airport serves Singapore?
Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) is the main international gateway and consistently ranked among the best airports in the world. The Jewel Changi terminal — with its indoor waterfall and forest — is worth arriving early just to see. The airport is connected directly to the city centre via the MRT East-West line in about 30 minutes for around SGD 2.
How long is the flight to Singapore?
From London it is roughly 13 hours direct. From New York or the US East Coast expect 18–20 hours with at least one stop, typically in the Middle East or a European hub. From Los Angeles, direct routes on Singapore Airlines run around 17–18 hours. Singapore is well connected globally, with Changi serving over 100 airlines.
When is the cheapest time to fly to Singapore?
Shoulder seasons — May and September to October — tend to offer the lowest fares and fewer crowds. December and the Chinese New Year period in January or February are peak pricing times. Booking 6–8 weeks out for budget airlines or 2–3 months ahead for long-haul routes from Europe and the US typically gets you the best rates.