If you’ve read Kevin Kwan’s Crazy Rich Asians or seen the movie version, you’re probably itching to book a trip to Singapore, ASAP. The small city-state has always been a go-to travel destination for tourists. The glitz and glamor of the city bring the promise of new adventures and exciting city escapades, drawing in hordes of new and returning visitors every year.
From street food vendors and hawker stalls that rival classier restaurants to other world-class offerings, it can seem like people have found every little nook and cranny that Singapore has to offer. Fear not, however, even popular destinations like the Marina Bay Sands are waiting to be rediscovered, solidifying Singapore’s spot as a top travel destination for years to come.
Here are a few other hidden gems and more unique things to do in Singapore that will impress even the locals:
Catch Live Music at a Cozy Bar
One of the best ways to get to know a city is through its local art scene. Luckily for tourists, Singapore’s music scene is steadily growing, with live gigs happening almost every night. If you’ve exhausted your options and already tried the Big Bus tour, this is your next move.
Blu Jaz and Timbre are some go-to spots for good music and even better company, but they’re not the only ones worth checking out. If you find yourself with a free night, try and see if there’s a band playing nearby, you might even discover your next favorite artist.
Learn a Bit About the History of Soccer
Sports fans will be glad to know that Singapore is soccer-crazy, with their love for the sport providing an easy gateway into meeting and getting to know local fans and their culture. A great place to start is The Float @ Marina Bay Sands which is one of the world’s most iconic soccer stadiums, also doubling as the world’s largest floating stage. Situated across from the ArtScience Museum, it hosts concerts and exhibitions and most famously the New Year’s Eve fireworks extravaganza.
Though the amazing views of Singapore’s skyline are worth the visit alone, you could even be lucky enough to catch a live show or even a soccer game. Additionally, it’s worth going on a tour around the stadium, where you’ll find out first hand about the beautiful game’s long and storied history since its inception in 1869.
Go Camping
Singapore isn’t usually the first place that comes to mind when you think about camping, but that doesn’t mean it’s not possible. While everyone’s busy partying at one of Singapore’s many nightclubs, pitch a tent and enjoy a quiet night under the stars. East Coast Park and Pasir Ris Park are good options, provided you’ve gotten your camping permit. Don’t forget to bring insect repellent!
Visit a Bookstore
For an artsy destination, you can check out during the day, visit one of Singapore’s indie bookstores. BooksActually is located in the art deco Tiong Bahru area and stocks a huge selection of titles, from rare editions of English literature to novels by local Singaporean authors.
Cat lovers will be delighted to know that the bookstore is also home to three cats, who will let you purchase books in exchange for head rubs.
Wake Up and Smell the Fish
On the off chance that you’re wandering around Singapore at 3 AM, you should head over to the Senoko Fishery Port. Even if you’re not planning to buy anything, surrounding yourself with a flurry of human activity (and fish) can make you feel like you’re in another world. Foodies and seasoned chefs should definitely visit this place, which is basically ground zero for all the chili crab you’ll be consuming throughout the course of your trip.
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The magic of the Singapore is that despite its small size, there are still a few secrets to discover. There’s nothing wrong with making sure you’ve visited all the go-to tourist spots in Singapore, but don’t forget to step out of your comfort zone and try a few new things that are off the beaten path.
Thanks to Laura for this guest post and to Unsplash for the featured image.
Laura Kaye is a sun-worshiping digital marketing veteran who spends as much time online as she does in the sea, although she’s currently working on making more time for the latter. When she’s not analyzing market trends, she’s perfecting her paddleboating skills in quiet lakes and beach coves across Asia.
