What To Do In Singapore When You Need A Break
Here’s your guide on how to escape the island without leaving it.
Singapore may be small, but it has plenty of micro-escapes if you know where to look. If you are wondering what to do in Singapore when you need a break, think of the city as a patchwork of little worlds: rustic islands, cool indoor gardens, neighbourhoods with heritage charm and green spaces that feel far away from the usual rush.
Below, we recommend some of the best things to do in Singapore, sorted by budget. Food is part of the experience too, so each escape comes with something rejuvenating to eat along the way.
What to do in Singapore without spending much
1. Pulau Ubin for kampong vibes and hawker snacks
Views of Pulau Ubin
A bumboat ride from Changi brings you to Pulau Ubin, giving you a glimpse of the olden days with wooden kampong houses, mangroves and quiet trails. Cycle to Chek Jawa for tidal boardwalks and end the day at a quarry lookout. Before boarding, stock up at Changi Village with nasi lemak, fried chicken wings or prata – the perfect fuel for a rustic adventure.
2. Tiong Bahru for vintage charm and hawker classics
Late-night drinks and bites at Dirty Supper.
Tiong Bahru mixes old and new with art-deco flats, indie bookstores and trendy cafes, like Dirty Supper. Spend the afternoon browsing vinyl records or sipping single-origin coffee. End the visit at Tiong Bahru Market, where chwee kueh, lor mee and Hainanese chicken rice are well-loved favourites that keep the neighbourhood grounded in tradition.
3. Nature reserves for calm and neighbourhood bites
A shot of Golden Mile Food Centre at night.
Nature spots like MacRitchie Reservoir and Lower Peirce are ideal for early morning walks, kayaking or just quiet time by the water and being one with nature. After the reset, nearby eateries serve simple comforts like kaya toast and kopi or prata and teh tarik, sealing the experience with a satisfied stomach.
What to do in Singapore with some extra budget
4. Night experiences in the city with supper stops
The night is still young at The St. Regis Bar Singapore.
With the rise of noctourism, people are increasingly drawn to activities after dark. Singapore isn’t losing out either, with live music bars and rooftop lounges creating a new atmosphere. Start with a tour of the Night Safari, followed by supper at a hawker centre – you’ll find that late-night indulgence on some satay and charcoal-grilled chicken wings really hits the spot. Then, end with cocktails or zero-proof drinks at a rooftop bar overlooking the skyline.
5. Gardens by the Bay for cool domes and fancy desserts
Tulipmania at Gardens by the Bay in 2023.
When the heat gets too much, step into the Cloud Forest or Flower Dome. The mist, indoor waterfall and alpine flowers create the feeling of a mountain escape. Stay until the Supertrees light up in the evening for a mesmerising experience. Food-wise, Janice Wong’s fancy desserts add a sweet touch, while local delights at Satay by the Bay keep it casual.
6. ArtScience Museum for digital worlds and waterfront dining
A VR show at Artscience Museum.
Immersive exhibitions at the ArtScience Museum transport you into glowing, interactive spaces that feel futuristic. After exploring, head to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands for dinner. Choices range from food court classics like chicken rice and laksa to waterfront cafes and restaurants, making the evening both cultural and fulfilling.
What to do in Singapore when you want to splurge
7. Japanese bathhouse for relaxation and wellness
Relax in a calming, wooden sauna environment.
Miss Japan? Try visiting a Japanese-style onsen or bathhouse like Yunomori Onsen. You can soak in the variety of hot baths, unwind in saunas and steam rooms, and enjoy spa treatments that send your mind and soul to the land of the rising sun. Tap into your inner zen, enjoy some milk after a bath like the Japanese do, and fuel up on Japanese bites from in-house cafes.
8. Sentosa for beach energy and seafood feasts
Ground through sand and flow with water at one of Sentosa’s many beaches.
Holiday vibes without the flight? Only at Sentosa! Sunbathe at Palawan, paddleboard at Siloso or relax at a beach club. After the sand and sea, go for some chilli crab at Jumbo Premium or fish and chips by the beach at Coastes to make it feel like a proper getaway. Don’t forget to check out the free Sentosa Sensoryscape for beautiful installations!
9. Staycations for indulgence and hotel dining
Mandai Rainforest Resort by Banyan Tree
Remember during Covid times when staycations were the highlight of everyone’s Insta-stories? It’s because checking into a local boutique or even five-star hotel is a reset in itself. Many properties have rooftop pools, themed interiors and spa options. Food makes a big part of the indulgence too! Think in-room breakfasts, curated afternoon teas or chef-led restaurants that turn a mini retreat into a full experience.
From Pulau Ubin’s rustic charm and Changi’s nasi lemak to Sentosa’s beach clubs and seafood, each of these escapades provides more than just a change of scenery. They might just be the much-needed breather from our hectic lives and the long-overdue self-care. If you can’t afford to leave the country and are searching for what to do in Singapore, pick the vibe you need from the list above and enjoy your mini local holiday!