Today's Singapore is anything but dull and home to some of the world's most innovative green spaces.

A futuristic skyline looms over a famously clean, increasingly green city-state rich in history and culture that is oozing from Singapore's bursting food courts, incense- scented temples, and heritage shophouse-lined streets. Getting around the city is easy thanks to the public transportation system. There are many things to do during your visit.

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1. Tour Singapore’s iconic gardens

There are many parks and gardens to visit in Singapore. You will want to include the two most famous places on your itinerary. The Singapore Botanic Gardens was established in 1860 and features lush themed gardens and a ginger garden. The National Orchid Garden and the Gallop Extension include an excellent botanical art gallery.

Gardens by the Bay is a large fantasy land with biodomes, high-tech Super trees and sculptures. The Super trees lit up for the show.

Purchase a ticket for the observatory at the top of the tallest Supertree to get a panoramic view of the Bay area.

A dish of chicken and rice on a table in a hawker food center, Singapore
Taste incredible dishes at one of Singapore's hawker centers © 2p2play / Shutterstock

2. Eat at Singapore’s hawker centers

Do you want to be hungry? When you arrive in this area, you will want to be. There are many fine restaurants to be found in Singapore, but it's best to go to the cockatiels. The hawker culture of Singapore was inscribed on the 2020 Unesco Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of humanity. There is no better way to get a taste of Singapore than to eat some of the delicious dishes at the hawker centers.

It's one of the cheapest ways to eat in Singapore and it's fun. Cash is the best way to bring small notes.

3. Visit Singapore's superb museums

Singapore has an ever-increasing array of cutting-edge cultural institutions. The National Museum Singapore, the Asian Civilisations Museum, and the National Gallery Singapore are some of the most popular.

Dad talking selfie with daughter in garden
Spend time relax in one of Singapore's many lush gardens and wild green spaces © Tang Ming Tung / Getty Images

4. Soak up Singapore’s other green spaces

Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Botanic Gardens are two of the many parks and gardens in the city state. The Southern Ridges trail features Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge. Hike to Singapore's highest peak in Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, take a tree-top walk at MacRitchie Reservoir and step back into history at Fort Canning Park are just some of the things you can do.

5. Explore Singapore’s historic neighborhoods

The early days of Singapore can be seen in the historic neighborhoods. In Little India you can find aromatic spices and colorful saris. The colonial district is filled with grand buildings constructed during the British administration, while the temples are side by side with hip bars and restaurants.

Home to the wealthy elite in the late 19th to the mid-20th century, the recently renovated east coast village of Katong is now home to some of the city's prettiest shophouses. There are many interesting neighborhoods to explore outside.

People wondering in Chinatown district at night in Singapore.
With its balmy weather, Singapore life thrives after nightfall with bars, clubs and hidden speakeasies © f11photo / Shutterstock

6. Dive into Singapore’s nightlife

Singapore has an ever-expanding collection of night spots that make it a great place to go out. With a sizeable contingent found in Chinatown, this is the place to start off your evening. If you haven't tasted a Singapore Sling at Raffles' historic Long Bar, then you haven't been to Singapore. Most will agree that the national drink's recipe is a step up from the ultra-sweet original.

7. Escape to the island of Pulau Ubin

Located between mainland Singapore and Peninsular Malaysia, this island is a glimpse of the olden days of Singapore. You can hire a bike to explore Pulau Ubin, which is located in the middle of the sea. Past mangrove swamps, lotus-covered lakes, tin-roof shacks, and ramshackle shrines, you'll get to eat seafood by the sea.

The best way to get around the island is by bicycle, and there is a mountain-bike trail to tackle if you want something more challenging.

8. Enjoy a day out on Sentosa Island

One of the best places to go for a break in Singapore is Sentosa Island. It's a playground of all ages, with theme parks, resorts, beach bars and even a casino. There are rides and shows at Universal Studios, giant tanks full of marine life at the SEA Aquarium, and a WWII history museum. The best beaches in Singapore are flanked by palm-fringed bars.

People line a high balcony taking photographs as the sun sets over the city skyline
Get an unforgettable view from the observation deck at Marina Bay Sands Hotel © 2p2play / Shutterstock

9. Splurge on a stay in a luxury hotel

The Marina Bay Sands hotel is the world's largest rooftop pool and is located in Singapore. This is a great place to spend a lot of money.

The glamor of 19th-century Singapore has been fused with the modernity of 21st-century amenities at Raffles Singapore. The Warehouse Hotel and the Parkroyal blend nature and luxury with cutting-edge sustainable initiatives.

Budget travelers can enjoy a slice of Singapore at Adler hostel. The Chinatown sleep is furnished with Chinese antiques and feather down duvets.

10. Visit Singapore’s famed wildlife attractions

The Singapore Zoo has lush, open-air enclosures which make it a close second to the wild when it comes to seeing wildlife. One of the few places outside of Borneo or Sumatra where you can see orangutans is here.

One of the wildlife attractions that can be found in the central north of the island is Singapore Zoo, which features more than 11,000 aquatic and terrestrial animals. The Jurong Bird Park will be part of the Wildlife Reserve.

11. Shop and eat on Orchard Road

There is a 2.5 km strip of malls, department stores and specialty stores on the road. Every brand imaginable can be found in the stores, from emerging local designers to global high-street giants. Some of the city's best restaurants can be found along the strip, including modern European favorites like Buona Terra and Iggy's, as well as some of the city's best shops.

12. Seek out Singapore’s quirky side

You will discover that Singapore is full of quirks, even though it has a reputation for being straight-lined. There is a Chinese mythology theme park on the west coast. There is a museum dedicated to vintage cameras that can be found in the Muslim Quarter of Singapore.

The article was last updated about 6 hours ago.