10 reasons why you should visit Singapore this year

From scrumptious eats to diverse cultural heritage and exhilarating events, what’s there not to love about Singapore? Plan ahead for your getaway to this sunny city soon. We share 10 of the most irresistible reasons why Singapore should be top on your travel list this year.

1. Have Non-stop Fun All Year-round

Packed with concerts and exciting entertainment options, Singapore’s vibrant events calendar means that there is always something to do on this sunny island. Annual highlights include the multicultural dance, music and visual feast at Chingay Parade, the indie music line-up at Laneway Festival 2016 and the spectacular fireworks finale at Marina Bay Singapore countdown party.

Sporting fans won’t miss out either, for Singapore also plays host to major international events such as the HSBC World Rugby Sevens Series, WTA Finals and the Formula One Singapore Grand Prix.

2. The Arts Hub of Southeast Asia

If you love the arts, then Singapore is the city to visit for museum hopping. Start at the newly opened National Gallery Singapore, which houses the world’s largest public display of modern Southeast Asian Art. Then make your way to the Singapore Art Museum and Singapore Pinacothèque De Paris before capping the night at Esplanade Theatres by the Bay with theatrical performances and spectacular riverside views.

Key annual events such as the Singapore Art Week and Singapore International Festival of Arts bring together international and regional stars from the contemporary art scene, so don’t forget to bookmark those dates.

3. A Multicultural Melting Pot

From a confluence of diverse cuisines to a myriad of architectural styles, Singapore truly is a city where cultures meet. Join in the festivities with the locals who go all out to celebrate Lunar New Year, Deepavali, Hari Raya Adilfitri, Christmas and other cultural and religious festivals throughout the year. Be sure to visit historic precincts such as Little India, Kampong Glam and Chinatown.

You’ll be amazed by the colourful array of heritage buildings and places of worship within our city; some temples date as far back as the early 1800s!

4. Be Amazed by Awe-inspiring Architecture

Let the city’s wide array of old-meets-new architecture astound you. Wander around the historic buildings of the Civic District in the day, as you explore Singapore’s top museums and popular shopping malls. You could just as easily escape the city’s bustle by visiting neighbourhoods like Tiong Bahru and Joo Chiat, which are lined with Instagram-perfect shophouses.

Don’t miss the chance to see Singapore’s spectacular skyline. Choose from the many rooftop bars in town for the best views come sundown, when the Central Business District skyscrapers light up to form a postcard-worthy view.

5. A Food Paradise

Foodies are spoilt for choice at the sheer variety of cuisines and dishes to try in Singapore, for this city is where you can feed your love for food. Try the best of local dishes such as chicken rice, chili crab, kaya toast (coconut jam spread on toast), nasi biryani (rice cooked with Indian spices, usually served with mutton, chicken or fish) and more well-loved favourites at popular hawker centres such as Maxwell and Amoy Street. Indulge in Mod-Sin (Modern Singapore) gourmet cuisine, which gives local dishes an interesting twist. Local chefs will soon up their culinary game for the upcoming Singapore Michelin Guide 2016; the first to be published in a Southeast Asian country.

Be sure to check out food events like the Singapore Food Expo 2016 and Singapore Food Festival, for more mouth-watering meals to feast on.

6. Enjoy Greenery Throughout The City

Singapore has earned its ‘garden city’ moniker for good reason, for it’s a city filled with parks and greenery. Everywhere you turn, you’ll find a plethora of flora and foliage lining our streets. Top of your must-visits should include Singapore Botanic Gardens, a tropical garden that is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.

For a super-sized garden experience, head to Gardens by the Bay to view the gigantic ‘supertree’ vertical gardens and the cool conservatories.

7. Be Spoilt With Nightlife Options

Keen to stay up till late while in the city? Night owls will find an eclectic variety of dining and clubbing options. Dance the night away at Clarke Quay, Marina Bay and more afterhour spots, if you’re in the mood to party. Those in search of something more relaxed can hit the laid-back beach bars and cocktail hotspots with panoramic views.

For cosy gatherings, the restaurant-bars at Club Street and Dempsey Hill are the locales to go to. Supper locations in town can curb those late night hunger pangs too.

8. Top-notch Entertainment For The Family

Whether you’re in search of stellar views or amusement park fun, you’re certain to find something for everyone. Keep the whole family entertained with kid-friendly attractions such as the Singapore Zoo, River Safari, Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A Aquarium, just to name a few. Then end your evening on a high note with a ride on the Singapore Flyer, which offers panoramic views of the city.

9. A Shopper’s Dream Destination

Singapore is a shopper’s paradise and there are options aplenty for all budgets. Be it the famed Orchard Road shopping belt, the luxurious boutiques at Marina Bay Sands or the indie stores at Haji Lane, you’re sure to find fabulous buys to meet your shopping needs. Not to fret if you have yet to find last-minute souvenirs. You could even head to the Singapore Changi Airport early for a spot of duty-free shopping. With its array of stores, the airport has become a shopping destination in itself!

10. The Ultimate Cruise Gateway

As the cruise hub of Southeast Asia, it’s so easy to plan a cruise getaway from Singapore. You’ll get first-class facilities to boot, thanks to the many cruise liners to choose from. While en route to island destinations such as Redang and Bali, you’ll get to soak in the pool, eat to your heart’s content and even go ice-skating on these luxurious cruises.

Are you finding more top things to do in Singapore: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Let’s check it out at here.