An insider’s guide to Singapore: where to stay, eat, and explore beyond the tourist trail

Where you stay shapes how you experience Singapore. If you want to be in the thick of Orchard Road's retail action, Hilton Singapore Orchard connects directly to Mandarin Gallery and the main shopping strip. Prefer something quieter? Conrad Singapore Orchard sits just off the main road, with spacious suites, 10 upscale restaurants and bars, and a signature turndown service that plugs you into a different pace entirely.

For cultural immersion, Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Serangoon is a short walk from Little India MRT – temples, shophouses, street markets, and some of the city's best Indian food are all on your doorstep. And if skyline views are your priority, Conrad Singapore Marina Bay delivers: elegant rooms overlooking Marina Bay and the National Gallery, with the Singapore Flyer visible from the outdoor pool.

Marina Bay’s skyline is iconic, sure – but locals don’t come just for the Merlion selfies. Rent a bike and hit the Bay East Garden Loop instead. You’ll cruise past the Supertree Grove, Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, and the newly opened IMBA Theatre, a digital art museum with decor and lifestyle brand Stacked Store tucked inside. Gorgeous Marina Bay views unfold all around, and you’ll skip the tourist foot traffic entirely. 

Once you’ve done the waterfront loop, head north to the Civic District. This is where Singapore keeps its best art and history – National Gallery Singapore alone is worth the trip. Housed in the restored Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, it has world-class exhibitions dedicated to Singaporean heritage and Southeast Asian art. And if you have a taste for the performing arts, then Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay is always alive with concerts and theatrical shows – some free and happening right on the waterfront. 

Little India made Time Out’s World’s Coolest Neighbourhoods list for good reason: colourful murals, beautiful temples, and even a trendy thrift store can be found in this cultural district. But if there’s one calling card, it’s the food. 

Tekka Centre alone could feed you for weeks with a diverse selection of great biryani, thosai, and appam stalls. But if you want the local favourite, head to Erode Amman Mess for a proper banana leaf meal with endless top-ups of ghee-laden rice, rich dhals, and spicy sambols. Mustard Singapore does excellent Bengali and Punjabi food, while Mr Biryani on Chander Road has a lighter, fluffier version of the mixed rice dish – one of the best in town. 

If you’re still hungry, it’s a quick 10-minute walk to Jalan Besar for something more mod-Sin: locally-farmed seafood at Scaled by Ah Hua Kelong, artisanal cheese at Cheeselads, great coffee and brunch plates at Space23, and delicious pours at Singapore’s OG multi-tap craft beer bar Druggists. 

Orchard Road is always worth a stop for the big-name brands at the shiny shopping malls like ION Orchard, 313@Somerset, and Paragon. If that’s what you’re after, great. But the more interesting shopping is tucked into the side streets and ageing malls. DORS at Design Orchard is ground zero for local designers: pick up local snacks from Shermay’s Singapore, bead-woven jewellery from Eden+Elie, and stylish, sustainable fits from Rock Daisy. Another boutique design house we love is Beyond the Vines – visit its Design Post at Orchard to check out brightly-coloured bags, apparel, and accessories.

For something even more off the grid, there’s Far East Plaza. This old mall is a mecca of affordable nail salons, watch shops, and tailors. Some surprising finds include vinyl and CD store Inokii, 80s-inspired street fashion shop The Corner Shop, and thrift store Re:Nue. For food, hit up Orchard Towers for The Peranakan Club and Orchard Plaza for Bisco Sakaba, Apollon, and a frankly surprising number of cosy Japanese izakayas. 

These recommendations are just the start. We’ve pulled together a Google Maps list with even more insider spots – save it for your next trip, and you’ll have a running guide to the best attractions, bars, and restaurants that locals love. 

Ready to experience Singapore like a local? Book your perfect stay with Hilton now.