Top things to do in Singapore for the best holidays in 2026 depending on your travel mood

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Top things to do in Singapore for the best holidays in 2026 depending on your travel mood


If you’re mapping out your 2026 trips, Singapore Proving that it is no longer just a stopping point; It’s a chameleon that adapts to whatever pace you set. Whether this is your first visit or your fifth, the city-state continues to blend its multicultural heritage with futuristic innovation. Read also | Tried forest bathing? Rediscover the simple joys of life in Coorg

Take a tour of Singapore’s colorful history on Joo Chiat Road, famous for its beautifully preserved heritage shops. (Photo: STB)

With direct flights from many Indian cities and a streamlined visa processSingapore remains one of the most accessible international getaways. According to Serene Voon, area director (India, Middle East and South Asia) at the Singapore Tourism Board, the magic of the city-state lies in its ability to feel both familiar and fresh.

“One day you’re hanging out at the Peranakan Museum, the next day you’re hanging out in cafes and walking through vibrant neighborhoods just minutes away,” he told HT Lifestyle, adding, “It’s effortlessly a mix of culture, food.” green spacesAnd world-class experiences in one seamless journey.

Here’s how to travel in the Lion City in 2026, suitable for every type of traveler:

There’s nothing like the adrenaline rush of racing your friends across the jungle canopy with the South China Sea as your backdrop. (Photo: STB)

thrill seeker

In Singapore, adrenaline doesn’t hide in far-flung corners; It is woven into the horizon. You can go from urban activities to jungle treks in a single afternoon. Seren said, “After indoor skydiving at iFly Singapore, a night cycle at Marina Bay can easily be done, with the horizon lit up beside you as you ride.

“What’s interesting is the range. If you’re looking for a nature-based adventure, Rainforest Wild Asia offers treetop challenges surrounded by real jungle. But if you want to stay urban, Sentosa has zip-lines, ropes courses and plenty of high-energy activities packed into one island. You can also kayak through the mangroves of Pulau Ubin for something cool but physically demanding. It’s not often you get to go to a Choose between jungle canopy and beach adventure in the same destination – but that’s how Singapore works, concise, accessible and surprisingly diverse,” she said.

Top picks for you:

⦿ Rainforest Wild Asia: Tackle the challenges of the treetops in a real forest canopy.

⦿ iFly Singapore: Experience indoor skydiving before nightly circling around the sparkling Marina Bay.

⦿ Pulau Ubin: Kayak through tranquil mangroves for the physical, nature-based crowd.

Talk about finding your center at a higher level. This tranquil scene depicts a sound healing and meditation session. (Photo: Marina Bay Sands website)

wellness lover

Wellness here isn’t just about the spa; It is this ‘nature-first’ philosophy that underpins the city’s unique architecture. “Here, healing sits at the intersection of technology and innovation, nature-first spaces and traditional practices,” Seren said. A Singapore wellness trip often starts with sunrise yoga at the Skypark Observation Deck on the 56th floor of Marina Bay Sands above the city.

He added, “Recovery is more targeted at Recoup, where science-led treatments focus on performance and longevity. Between sessions, the city is filled with cafes and eateries focused on healthy living — plant-based menus, cold-pressed juices and nutritious grain bowls that make wellness feel less like a discipline and more like a lifestyle. For something slower, forest therapy sessions at places like Hartpark or Southern Ridge offer guided walks that reset the body as well as the mind. Elsewhere, Hideaway and Shelter bathhouses offer rituals and contrast therapy that make the slow pace feel intentional rather than indulgent.

Some suggestions:

⦿ Skypark Yoga: Start your morning on the 56th floor of Marina Bay Sands.

⦿ Recoup: Explore science-based recovery treatments focused on longevity.

⦿ Forest Therapy: Head to Hortpark or the South Ridge for a guided “mindset reset” walk.

Marvel at the intricate artistry and vibrant heritage of the Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, located in the heart of Chinatown. (Photo: STB)

art and culture collector

Singapore’s identity is a vibrant tapestry of traditional crafts and contemporary rebellion. “You can spend hours gallery-hopping at Gilman Barracks before visiting Southeast Asian Tales at the National Gallery Singapore,” Seren explains. The cultural fabric of the city extends beyond museums – temples like Sri Mariamman and the Sultan Mosque double as architectural landmarks, while heritage districts like Kampong Gelum and Chinatown preserve traditional crafts from calligraphy to batik-making.

He added, “Street art adds another creative layer to places like Haji Lane and Little India, which are often best explored through guided walks that uncover the stories behind the walls. For those who want to experience it, studios like Clayful Café Singapore offer ceramic sessions accompanied with coffee. Art and culture become especially accessible during Singapore Art Week, when the city transforms into a canvas of performances, pop-ups and installations by local and regional artists.

Top picks for you:

⦿ Gallery Visit: Visit Gilman Barracks for contemporary works or the National Gallery for Southeast Asian narratives.

⦿ Heritage Districts: Explore the architectural sites of Kampong Gelum and Chinatown.

⦿ Practical art: Try ceramics at Clayful Café or visit during Singapore Art Week to see the city transformed into a public canvas.

Step into a world of rich, aromatic flavors at Old Bibik’s Peranakan Kitchen, a Singaporean favorite spot for heritage cuisine. (Photo: Facebook/Old Bibik Peranakan Kitchen)

foodie

From $10 Michelin-standard hawker plates to high-end ‘flame-fired’ food, the food scene is brimming with purity of taste. “If the reason for your travel is food, Singapore should be your next stop. Here, eating is not just a meal – it is an experience shaped by diversity, where local and international food options co-exist and adjust according to your mood and budget. This can start with affordable shared plates at hawker centers like Lau Pa Sat, where Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow and laksa are eaten fast while they are still at their best. The same respect for flavor carries over into Michelin-starred dining rooms – the flame-driven dishes at Burnt End’s or the season-based menus at Odette reflect the precision inherent in the city’s food culture,” said Cerén.

“Heritage remains central,” he said. In Peranakan kitchens such as Old Bibik’s, dishes such as ayam buah keluk (chicken cooked in black nut sauce) keep food in the memory rather than the trend. Plant-forward dining is equally assured, with places like Whole Earth showing how deeply rooted and expressive vegan food can be. For something a little more intimate, supper clubs like Poons Supper Club are spread around long tables where storytelling shapes the experience as much as the food. In Singapore, the range runs from hawker plates under $10 to fine dining tasting menus – and both are taken just as seriously.

Some options to consider:

⦿ Hawker Staples: Have Hainanese chicken rice or laksa at Lau Pa Sat.

⦿ Fine dining: Experience the precision of Odette or the smoky intensity of charred ends.

⦿ Heritage Food: Visit Old Bibik for authentic food.

Experience the magic of performing arts at the Sands Theatre, located at the Marina Bay Sands complex. This world-class venue is home to international touring productions, breathtaking music and elegant classical performances, as pictured here. (Photo: Marina Bay Sands)

entertainment lover

The 2026 calendar is packed with international giants, making Singapore the region’s live-entertainment hub. According to Seren, “The city’s entertainment landscape is built around a year-round calendar of touring events and stage productions, with almost every tour featuring a different headliner. The 2026 live entertainment calendar promises to be wide in range and international in scale. The year begins with British singer-songwriter Calum Scott bringing The Songbook Tour to the city on February 3, while Les Misérables The Arena Spectacular World Tour runs at the Sands Theater at Marina Bay Sands from March to April.

He added, “Throughout the year, concert halls and stadiums play host to major international tours including SEVENTEEN, IVE, OneRepublic and RIIZE. In December, BTS returns to Singapore for a four-night run as part of their 2026-27 world tour, their first visit in four years. As well as arena shows and orchestral concerts, theater and festival programming continues at venues like the Esplanade, providing travelers with a consistently vibrant cultural calendar throughout the year.

Here are some options:

⦿ February 3, Callum Scott: Songbook Tour at TBA

⦿ March–April, Les Misérables: The Arena Spectacular at Sands Theatre.

⦿ December, BTS: 2026-27 World Tour (4-night run) at National Stadium

⦿ Year Round, Seventeen, OneRepublic, and IVE at various locations

When the sun goes down, the energy shifts to Zouk Singapore, the crown jewel of the city’s nightlife. Located in the historic Clarke Quay district, this famous club has been the center of Singapore’s dance music scene for decades. (Photo: Instagram/Zouk)

night owl

Safety and convenience means the city never really sleeps. Whether you want a high-energy club or a quiet midnight reset, the options are endless. Serene said: “In Singapore, nightlife doesn’t follow a fixed script – and it’s not just about clubs and bars. Some evenings are spent over plates of dim sum at Swee Choon Tim Sum or cocktails at Employees Only Singapore, behind the ‘Psychic’ sign on Amoy Street.

“When the energy changes, clubs like Zouk Singapore and Marquee Singapore keep things going until the wee hours. But the options go beyond that. There’s a midnight cycling loop around Marina Bay, stand-up comedy shows, karaoke sessions, a late-night spa reset at G Spa, or a Vespa tour under the stars. Gardens by the Bay sparkles after dark, hawker centers run until the wee hours, and sweet spots like Café de Muse stay open until sunrise. Live. “What makes it easy to move around independently is how safe and convenient the city is at night – well-lit streets, reliable public transport with late hours, and a general ease that lets you wander between experiences without thinking,” he said.

Here are the top picks:

⦿ Speakeasies: Find the staff just behind the “Psychic” sign on Amoy Street.

⦿ Late-night fuel: dim sum at Swee Chun or desserts at Café de Muse (open until sunrise).

⦿ After-dark activity: Try a Vespa tour under the stars or a late-night session at G Spa.


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