What is Singapore Known For?

Singapore is a small island city-state in Southeast Asia. It is best known for its skyline, its food, its cleanliness and its role as a business and financial hub.

1. The skyline and Gardens by the Bay

Marina Bay Sands, with its three towers joined by a rooftop deck, and the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay are the most photographed views of the city. Both sit on the Marina Bay waterfront, which is also home to the Merlion.

2. A green city

Despite being dense, Singapore has plenty of parks, nature reserves and park connectors. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, inscribed in 2015, and is free to enter at its main grounds.

3. Hawker food

Singapore's food scene is a mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian and other influences. Dishes visitors often look for include Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, chilli crab, char kway teow and kaya toast. Hawker culture in Singapore was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020. Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat and Chinatown Complex are among the best-known hawker centres.

4. Cleanliness and rules

Singapore is known for clean streets and strict public rules. Littering, vandalism and other offences carry fines, and chewing gum sales are restricted. Check the current rules with the relevant agency before visiting if you are unsure.

5. Landmarks and attractions

Sentosa, Universal Studios Singapore, the Night Safari and Singapore Zoo, Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam are among the places visitors commonly go. Opening hours and ticket prices change, so check each attraction's own website.

6. A business and financial hub

Singapore is a major trade, finance and shipping centre in Asia. Its location, stable government and transport links have drawn many multinational companies.

7. A multicultural society

Singapore's population includes Chinese, Malay, Indian and other communities, and it has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil. Festivals through the year include Chinese New Year, Hari Raya Puasa, Deepavali and Christmas.

8. Efficient transport and high living standards

The MRT and bus network covers most of the island, and most people live in public housing built by the Housing & Development Board (HDB). Education, healthcare and public infrastructure are generally regarded as high quality, though the cost of living is also high.