Summer weekend in Singapore
How locals do summer in Singapore — patios, beaches, festivals and the long-evening rituals that only happen in July and August.
Top spots in Singapore
Sentosa Island
FamilySentosa
Universal Studios, beaches and the cable car from Mount Faber.
Gardens by the Bay
OutdoorsMarina Bay
Supertree Grove light show every night at 7:45 and 8:45.
Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
OutdoorsMarina Bay
Rooftop observation deck (or pool, if you're a guest) — sunset is the move.
Clarke Quay
NightlifeSingapore River
Riverside strip of bars and clubs — Atlas Bar nearby for the world's best gin list.
Tiong Bahru
Food & DrinkTiong Bahru
Art Deco walk-ups, independent bookstores and the country's most photographed bakery.
Hawker Chan / Maxwell Food Centre
Food & DrinkChinatown
Michelin-starred chicken rice for under $5 — the original Hawker Chan.
Where to eat
Atlas Bar
$$$Cocktail bar · Bugis
Art Deco lobby bar inside Parkview Square — over 1,000 gins on display.
Lau Pa Sat
$Hawker market · CBD
Victorian iron market converted to a 24-hour hawker centre — satay street at night.
Odette
$$$$Modern French · City Hall
Three Michelin stars at the National Gallery — book a month out.
328 Katong Laksa
$Laksa · Katong
Spoon-only Peranakan laksa — Anthony Bourdain's pick.
Burnt Ends
$$$$Modern barbecue · Dempsey Hill
Open-fire counter — beef marmalade brioche is the order.
Live & on stage
Esplanade Concert Hall
Esplanade · Year-round · Classical / Mixed
Laneway Festival Singapore
The Meadow, Gardens by the Bay · Jan 24 · Indie
Singapore Grand Prix
Marina Bay Street Circuit · Sep 18–20 · F1 + concerts
Frequently asked
- Standouts right now: Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, Hawker Chan / Maxwell Food Centre. The shortlist is curated by people who live in Singapore and refreshed regularly so it reflects what's actually open and worth your time.