The sights and sounds of Singapore can be overwhelming. Before leaving for Singapore I made a list of all the things I must do before I leave the city. I do this every time I am in a new city or when I travel alone, which this was a little bit of both. I wasn’t alone, but much of the days I was exploring by myself.

No matter where you turn, you see something wonderful. It is a very clean city, so you aren’t burdened with the sights or smell of trash on the streets. I saw no homeless or beggars. Being in a quasi-benevolent-dictatorship you don’t get to see a lot of the bad things other metropolises have.

Here are some of my favorite sights of Singapore and should be on every first time visitors list (and on many returning visitors’ too).

Chinatown

Chinatown in Singapore is bustling at night.

Marina Bay Sands

The infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands looks quite different from this angle.

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the bay is a sensory feast.

View from Marina Bay Sands of Gardens by the Bay

Hawker Stall Meals

The kitchen hard at work Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle

Our pork noodle and soup was totally worth the wait.

Telok Ayer Market

Singapore Botanic Gardens / National Orchid Gardens

Orchid’s at the National Orchid Garden.

Performance Space at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

The famous arches at the National Orchid Garden

Merlion Park

The Merlion Statue with a beautiful skyline in the background

Chinese Gardens Singapore

Twin Pagodas at the Chinese Gardens in Singapore

Statuary and Pagoda in the Park

I really enjoyed my time in Singapore and can’t wait to return.

What are your favorite sights and sounds of Singapore? What is on your Singapore list? Did I miss something? Did I pick some overrated places?