Escape: 24 Hours in Singapore -

By MJ, ELE Editor & Travel Writer

As one of the busiest airport hubs in the world, Singapore is visited by over 18.5 million visitors each year. While many more millions (60 million plus!) transit through Changi Airport, if you have a chance to get out and explore the city, even for a short time, make the most of it. Singapore is one of the cleanest, safest and most modern cities in the world and an absolute mecca for shoppers and foodies alike.

This is our guide to spending 24 hours in this wonderful city.

6pm

If you are arriving late afternoon, head straight to the Fullerton Hotel, one of Singapore’s oldest luxury hotels. This historic building which was once the General Post Office, is perfectly located on the Singapore river. Check in is swift and seamless and, like most of Singapore, the service is impeccable.

An early evening swim in the hotel’s beautiful pool overlooking the city, followed by a wander around the harbour to visit the the famous Merlion park and statue is a sure fire way to cure jet lag.

8pm

Head to Makansutra Gluttons Bay, for the best of Singapore hawker food. Try the famous Carrot Cake, a delectable mix of white radish and eggs, or another Singapore classic, Chilli Crab.

10pm

Head back to the Fullerton hotel for a night cap and a great night’s sleep in the hotel’s comfy king sized beds.

9am

After a sleep in and a leisurely breakfast, head to the ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands to visit the incredible Future World exhibition. The Marina Bay Sands complex itself is worth checking out for a great range of shops, world famous restaurants and of course the Marina Bay Sands Hotel with its famous sky high infinity pool and Sands Skypark where you can enjoy 360 degree views of Singapore from the 57th floor.

11am

A short walk away is Gardens by the Bay, one of Singapore’s must-visit attractions. Check out the incredible Cloud Forest (a cool oasis from Singapore’s heat), the Flower Dome, OCBC Walkway and Supertree Grove.

1pm

Catch a cab (cabs are clean, reliable and cheap – a great way to get around the city) to the famous the Orchard Road for world class dining and shopping. Retail lovers will find everything from high-end designer to high street classics on this long stretch of retail heaven.

3pm

Instragrammers should head to Emerald Hill, and explore the Peranakan Architecture to get the perfect shot amidst rows of colourful houses. Note though that besides a few restaurants and bars there isn’t much else here so you really will be visiting just to check out the historic architecture.

4pm

It’s time to head to Raffles Hotel, and more specifically the Long Bar, home of the famous Singapore Sling. This historic bar shouldn’t be missed. Patrons are encouraged to enjoy the free peanuts (and throw the shells straight on the floor as tradition dictates). Be warned though, the Slings aren’t cheap and the line to get in can be long, so plan plenty of time and cash to enjoy this little slice of history.

6pm

It’s time to head back to the airport, leaving time to check out the new Jewel complex, a tropical oasis at the heart of Changi before heading on to your next destination.

While it would be easy to spend a good week in this fabulous city, if you only have a limited amount of time don’t let that deter you, Singapore is easy to get around, the locals are friendly and there is a lot to see and do. If you have 48 hours in Singapore other highlights to see are the Singapore Flyer, Sentosa Island, the Night Safari at the Zoo, Little India and Chinatown.