We all build mental pictures of places we haven’t seen, especially those on the other side of the globe. Before visiting Singapore, I pictured an exotic city of lush gardens and visible cultural layers — Indian, Chinese, Malay — with hints of colonial history, stylish residents and spotless streets. That image came from vintage films and a handful of headlines.
The reality overturns many of those assumptions. Singapore is unmistakably modern, efficient, exceptionally clean and dynamic. From the well-run airport to the futuristic skyline, from the high-tech Gardens by the Bay to sprawling malls and sleek casinos, the city hums with activity. Construction cranes dot the skyline, office workers commute from air-conditioned subway stations to glass-and-steel towers, and Singapore stands as a major shipping, manufacturing and financial hub. As industry has grown, so has the leisure sector: dining and shopping options are abundant, and a flourishing nightlife offers clubs, casinos and other places to unwind.
Food is central to Singaporean life, and the city’s culinary scene reflects its multicultural roots, especially Indian, Chinese and Malay influences. If you’re comfortable navigating language and cultural differences, try the hawker centers for authentic street food — ask your hotel for recommendations. For a more convenient, slightly polished experience, visit modern food court concepts in mixed-use complexes and malls, such as Rasapura Masters at Marina Bay Sands. These kiosks serve local favorites like spicy chili crab, fish head curry, chicken fried rice and char kway teow — stir-fried rice noodles with seafood and bean sprouts.
Many of the city’s most impressive dining experiences pair serious cuisine with spectacular views. A standout example is Sky on 57 atop the Marina Bay Sands complex. Led by local celebrity chef Justin Quek, the restaurant offers refined Franco-Asian cuisine and sweeping 57th-floor vistas. It serves breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea, while nearby rooftop lounges provide bottle service and extensive cocktail and Champagne menus.
For Japanese cuisine and refined service, Keyaki at the Pan Pacific Singapore is a reliable choice. Located on the hotel’s fourth floor in a landscaped garden with a koi pond, Keyaki specializes in expertly prepared sashimi, teppanyaki and sukiyaki, and offers private dining rooms suitable for client meetings and important business gatherings.
Traditionalists should consider a visit to Raffles, an iconic hotel that preserves much of the city’s colonial-era charm. Dining and drinking venues such as the Long Bar offer a classic atmosphere — and are the birthplace of the Singapore Sling, a century-old cocktail.
For a modern, award-winning bar scene, 28 HongKong Street is notable. Recognized among the world’s top bars, it focuses on classic American-style cocktails, complemented by a selection of craft beers, Champagnes and wines. The venue offers a private room called The Office for groups up to 12, complete with its own sound system and dedicated staff.
PARKROYAL on Pickering sky gardens © Patrick Bingham Hall
For more casual business lunches or relaxed meetings, the Singapore River area is ideal. Restored wharf buildings now house a lively mix of restaurants, bars and shops, while bumboats — the city’s iconic water taxis — ply the river, adding charm to the bustling riverside scene.
If you entertain business associates who play golf, consider the Marina Bay Golf Course, Singapore’s only 18-hole public course, which offers sweeping city views. Sentosa Island, reachable within a short trip from the city, also features leisure-focused golf facilities with two courses.
One practical note: Singapore’s climate is hot and humid year-round. Pack lightweight clothing appropriate for the heat, but remain mindful of business dress codes. Singaporeans generally dress conservatively yet comfortably. Men often wear lightweight suits and dress shirts, sometimes without ties; women typically choose suits or conservative dresses in muted tones. A well-cut dark suit and a white shirt are always a safe choice for formal occasions.
Accommodation choices for business travelers are plentiful. Marina Bay Sands is the city’s most iconic property, with distinctive towers, a casino, an expansive shopping mall and a major convention center — plus outstanding dining and views. The Westin offers a modern, well-located option with contemporary comforts and a lively atmosphere. For a greener, more intimate stay near the Central Business District, PARKROYAL on Pickering provides an urban oasis with sky gardens, stylish rooms and a calming spa.
Getting around Singapore is straightforward. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system is clean, efficient and easy to use, while taxis are safe, reasonably priced and widely available.