While bustling Singapore is the world's fourth-largest financial center and high in the international rankings for standard of living, education and healthcare, it also offers the visitor a thriving cosmopolitan experience brimming with diversity, and we recommend that you take your time and explore the fascinating mix of culture & cuisine, arts & architecture that awaits.
Singapore is a small island country. With a population size of over 5.5 million people it is a very crowded city. However, unlike many other densely populated countries, Singapore - with more than 50% of its area covered by greenery and with over 50 major parks and 4 nature reserves - is an enchanting garden city.
The center of the city is located in the south - consisting roughly of the Orchard Road shopping area, the Riverside, the new Marina Bay area and also the skyscraper-filled Shenton way financial district known as the CBD (Central Business District).
A visit to some of Singapore’s various ethnic quarters will immerse all your senses in the extraordinary diversity of cultures residing in the small island city-state. You can start with Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Little India, Joo Chiat and Katong. For a taste of the arts, museums, galleries and exhibition spaces abound, and you don’t want to miss the art installations along Orchard Road and in the Marina Bay areas. Shopaholics will also find a wide range of unique clothing and other items in the ethnic neighborhoods, and all the designer brands they could desire around Marina Bay.
For foodies, Singapore is a street food paradise. While in Chinatown, venture over to Maxwell Food Centre and try the Hainanese chicken rice. Throughout your stroll through the various ethnic neighborhoods, you’ll discover halal Malay food, South Indian vegetarian thali, North Indian naans and briyani, Cantonese dim sum, Peking duck, fried noodles from Chinas Fujian Province, and spring rolls. Just be sure not to leave without trying some of Singapore’s signature dishes like chilli crab and fish head curry and of course a Singapore Sling.
The latest jewel in Singapore's art crown, the National Gallery Singapore is a visual arts institution housing an unparalleled collection of modern Singapore and Southeast Asian art. Dedicated to curating a collection that will provide insights into the unique art, heritage and history of the region, this is a must-visit destination in Singapore. The Gallery showcases more than 8,000 pieces, making it one of the world's largest and most invaluable public collections.
More information about the neighborhoods of Singapore: https://www.visitsingapore.com/see-do-singapore/neighbourhoods/
Visit Singapore - http://www.visitsingapore.com/en.html
Gardens By the Bay - http://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en.html
Museum of Singapore – http://nationalmuseum.sg/
National Gallery - https://www.nationalgallery.sg/
Singapore’s Zoo – http://www.zoo.com.sg/
Singapore Botanic Gardens - https://www.sbg.org.sg/
Universal Studios Singapore - https://www.rwsentosa.com/en/attractions/universal-studios-singapore/explore
Local Dishes - http://www.yoursingapore.com/dining-drinks-singapore.html
