Homejourney's First Time Visitor Guide to Singapore 2026
This is the definitive first time visitor guide to Singapore, crafted by Homejourney to ensure your trip is safe, seamless, and unforgettable. Whether you're here for business, leisure, or scouting property opportunities, our guide prioritizes user safety, verified information, and practical Singapore travel tips drawn from local expertise.
Singapore blends futuristic skyline with rich heritage, offering world-class attractions, hawker delights, and efficient transport. Homejourney verifies every detail to build trust, helping you navigate like a local while keeping safety first.
Table of Contents
- Essential Planning for Your First Visit
- Getting Around Singapore Safely
- Perfect 3-5 Day Itineraries
- Top Attractions with Insider Tips
- Hawker Food and Dining Guide
- Where to Stay: Neighborhoods and Properties
- Safety and Practical Advice
- Seasonal Events and Best Times
- Frequently Asked Questions
Essential Planning for Your First Visit
First-time visitors to Singapore often marvel at its cleanliness, efficiency, and multiculturalism. Plan your trip around the dry season (February to April) for optimal weather, avoiding monsoon rains from November to January[1][3].
Visa-free entry applies for most nationalities up to 90 days; confirm via Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA). Changi Airport, voted world's best, offers free city tours for layovers over 5 hours[8].
Download the MyTransport app for real-time MRT/bus info and EZ-Link card (S$10, rechargeable) for seamless transit[4].
Essential Information at a Glance
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Best Time | Feb-Apr (dry, 25-32°C) |
| Currency | SGD (1 USD ≈ 1.35 SGD) |
| Language | English (official) |
| Airport Transfer | MRT S$2.50 or Taxi S$20-40 to city |
Homejourney tip: For extended stays, explore safe neighborhoods via our property search to find verified listings.
Getting Around Singapore Safely
Singapore's MRT and buses are punctual, affordable, and air-conditioned—perfect for beating the heat. Fares start at S$1.09; use contactless cards for ease[3][4].
Taxis/Grab rides average S$10-20 across the island; avoid peak hours (7-9am, 5-7pm). Walking is safe city-wide, with covered linkways in shopping districts.
Insider tip: Scan QR codes at MRT stations for multilingual directions—locals swear by it[1].
Transport Quick Guide
- MRT: Bayfront (CE1) to Gardens by the Bay (5-min walk)
- Bus: 97/100/130 from Changi to Marina Bay
- Bumboat: S$25 Clarke Quay cruises (40 mins)[3]
- Go City Pass: Unlimited attractions for 2-7 days, S$89+ [2]
Safety first: Stations have CCTV and helpful staff; report issues via 1800-2255-582[6].
Perfect 3-5 Day Itineraries for First-Timers
Tailored for efficiency, these routes minimize travel time while maximizing highlights[1][2].
3-Day Itinerary
- Day 1: Marina Bay Core – Merlion, Gardens by the Bay (S$28 adult), evening Skyline[1]
- Day 2: Cultural Triangle – Chinatown → Little India → Kampong Glam (MRT hops)[1][3]
- Day 3: Gardens & Shopping – Botanic Gardens (free), Orchard Road[2]
5-Day Extended
- Add Sentosa (Universal Studios S$88), Night Safari[3]
- Explore Haji Lane street art, Maxwell Hawker Centre[4]
Pro tip: Start early (8am) to avoid crowds; hydrate with S$1 coconut water[5]. Link to F1 if timing aligns: Singapore F1 Guide.
Top Attractions with Insider Tips
Gardens by the Bay
Iconic Supertrees light up nightly (7:45pm free show). Tickets: S$28 (gardens), S$53 (domes+Skyway). MRT Bayfront Exit A, 5-min walk[2].
Insider: Visit Cloud Forest first (cooler); photo ops at OCBC Skyway. Family-friendly with mist effects[1].
Marina Bay Sands & Merlion
SkyPark S$38 (sunset best). Merlion free, 2-min walk from Esplanade. Helix Bridge for panoramas[1].
Cultural Districts
- Chinatown: Buddha Tooth Temple (free, 7am-5pm), Maxwell Food Centre (S$5 plates)[4]
- Little India: Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Tekka Centre
- Kampong Glam: Sultan Mosque (free tours), Haji Lane murals[3]
More: Singapore Flyer family guide here.
Hawker Food and Dining Guide
UNESCO-listed hawker centres offer meals under S$10. Must-tries: Hainanese Chicken Rice (S$4), Chilli Crab (S$50+ share)[5].
| Hawker Centre | Signature Dish | Price (SGD) |
|---|---|---|
| Maxwell | Tian Tian Chicken Rice | 5 |
| Lau Pa Sat | Satay | 0.80/stick |
| Makansutra Gluttons Bay | BBQ Stingray | 15 |
Tip: Look for Michelin Bib Gourmand stalls; cashless payments common. Halal options abound[1].
Where to Stay: Neighborhoods and Properties
Marina Bay suits first-timers (walk to attractions). Chinatown for culture, Orchard for shopping[1]. Budget: S$100/night hostels; luxury S$400+ at MBS.
- Marina Bay: Central, safe, views (e.g., near Helix Bridge)
- Orchard: Shopping heaven, MRT-connected
- Chinatown: Heritage vibes, hawker access
For longer stays or investment, Homejourney verifies properties in these areas. Search trusted listings on Homejourney property search or check projects directory for new launches. Financing tips at bank rates.
Safety and Practical Advice
Singapore ranks among safest cities globally (low crime via strict laws). Drink tap water, use pedestrian underpasses[6].
- Wear light clothes, sunscreen; humidity hits 90%
- Accessibility: Ramps everywhere, priority queues
- COVID rules: Mask on public transport if required
- Emergencies: 999 (police/fire/ambulance)
Homejourney prioritizes safety—our verified platform ensures secure transactions for any property needs post-visit.
Seasonal Events and Best Times
2026 highlights: Chinese New Year (Feb), F1 Grand Prix (Sep). Dry months ideal; avoid haze season (Aug-Oct)[3].
F1 tips: Family Guide, Food Nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best Singapore travel tips for first-timers?
Get EZ-Link, visit early, stay hydrated. Prioritize Marina Bay first[1].
Is Singapore expensive for tourists?
Daily budget S$100-200 (hostel, hawker, MRT). Go City Pass saves 40%[2].
How to get from Changi to city centre?
MRT East-West Line to Tanah Merah, then to City Hall (45 mins, S$2.50)[4].
Family-friendly attractions?
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Flyer. See Flyer Kids Guide[2].
Where to stay for first time Singapore?
Marina Bay or Chinatown for convenience and safety[1]. Use Homejourney search.
Best free things to do?
Merlion, Botanic Gardens, Supertree lights[3].
Ready for your first time Singapore adventure? Homejourney supports your journey with verified property insights, from short stays to investments. Explore safe listings and maintenance like aircon services. Contact us for personalized advice—your trust is our priority.
References
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 1 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 3 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 8 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 4 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 2 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 6 (2026)
- Singapore Property Market Analysis 5 (2026)
