Cheryl Sekkappan

Whether you’re a visitor planning your very first visit to Singapore, or a Singaporean mapping out a special occasion in the city, choosing a hotel in Singapore is an important (and sometimes overwhelming) task. With so many spectacular stays to choose between – from the world-famous Raffles to new boutique stays like 21 Carpenter – it can be challenging to decide which is best for you. To help you determine which hotel to book for your next visit or staycation, our team of local editors (including Time Out Singapore Editor Cheryl Sekkappan, Regional Content Director for Time Out APAC Nicole-Marie Ng and local writer Dewi Nurjuwita) have tried and tested the city’s top-ranking hotels to determine which are worth your time.The list has been overseen by Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC and self-confessed hotel obsessive. Each hotel has been chosen based on amenities, design and proximity to the city’s highlights – with many hotels on the list within walking distance of the best restaurants and bars in Singapore.Read on for our guide to the very best hotels in Singapore right now. RECOMMENDED: The best Singapore attractions to visitThe best rooftop bars in SingaporeAirport hotels in SingaporeThe best luxury hotels in Singapore At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editorial guidelines. While we might not stay in every hotel featured below, we've based our list on to

Need a change of scenery from your usual work setup? Whether your home office is less than inspiring or you just can’t stand another hour in a stuffy library, we’ve got you covered. Ditch the usual crowded coffee chains and check out these alternative spots instead. These cosy cafés offer free Wi-Fi, ample power points to charge your devices, and of course, great coffee to keep you fueled while you power through your to-do list.  RECOMMENDED: Your ultimate guide to the best cafés in Singapore and the best cafés in the CBD Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enjoy exclusive discounts, use dining vouchers, and make instant reservations, all in the Grab app. Explore Grab Dine Out now.

  November came as quickly as it went. Bid the month goodbye as we enter the final week with festivals, concerts and markets. If you love J-pop, anime, gaming, and everything in between, the Anime Festival Asia needs to be on your radar. It’s your chance to meet with other cosplayers and catch the creators behind your favourite shows and games. Big fans of BLACKPINK or The Witcher? The K-pop girl group are playing the National Stadium for three nights, while the latter celebrates the video game’s 10th anniversary with the premiere of The Witcher in Concert. For parents, keep the little ones entertained with all sorts of games at the Asian Civilisations Museum. Or get the fam to disconnect with screens and reconnect with nature over at the inaugural Rainforest Festival. Scroll on for the best things to do in Singapore this week.  RECOMMENDED: The 101 best things to do in Singapore and the best free things to do in Singapore 

Don’t let the last few days of rain dampen your spirit – there’s still a chance to get out of your home this weekend while staying dry and warm. Take fashion notes from Christian Dior at a rare showcase of archival haute couture and never-before-seen photographs that celebrate the French label. Spread the Christmas joy around the island: Mandarin Gallery turns its space into a blind box gifting mania and Resorts World Sentosa ramps things up with a dazzling display of holiday lights and performances.  For the cinephiles, cosy up with French cinema at the vOilah! French Film Festival, while thrill-seekers are bound to enjoy free classes on skiing, surfing or snowboarding at Trifecta’s second anniversary celebrations. Bucklet up: here’s everything you should get up to this weekend in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: New openings and attractions in Singapore in 2025 and The 50 best restaurants in Singapore

If you really want to experience local life at its most authentic when exploring a new city, the best thing you can do is take to the streets. And no, not that one major thoroughfare with the samey high street megastores and generic coffee shops. We’re talking about the neighbourhood backstreets and lively avenues that locals love; the places packed with independent shops and creative people, where a brand-new hi-fi listening bar will share the space with an old-school grocer or a centuries-old pub.  This year, to create our annual ranking of the world’s coolest streets, we asked our global network of local editors and experts to nominate the street that epitomises the very best of their city. Time Out’s global travel team then narrowed down the list and ranked each street against criteria including food, drink, culture, fun and community spirit.  From Saturday samba sessions in Rio de Janeiro to a shapeshifting shopping street in Osaka, every avenue, alleyway and side street on this year’s ranking is unique to its hometown. Walking their length is like taking a stroll through the city in miniature, getting a taste of what makes life there brilliant – from food and culture to shopping and nightlife.  Did your favourite street make the list? Read on to find out. RECOMMENDED: 🏘️ The world’s coolest neighbourhoods in 2025🌆 The world’s best cities in 2025 Stay in the loop: sign up to our free Time Out Travel newsletter for the latest travel news and the best stuff happening a

Gone are the days when cafés mostly offered the same eggs benny or tired rainbow cakes. Singapore’s café scene today is bursting with creativity, character, and caffeine-fulled ambition. Whether you’re after a quiet café for remote work, an aesthetic brunch spot for the ‘gram, or an under-the-radar coffee hideout, this city delivers, and more.  This guide isn’t just for the coffee snobs (though we love you, too). It’s for anyone who loves discovering great food, thoughtful design, warm service, maybe even a surprise or two – like a latte made with cereal milk or excellent sourdoughs right beside a lake in Yishun. From minimalist nooks in the heartlands to buzzing bakeries in the city, these 50 cafés have all been handpicked by our editors and contributors, and are places we’d happily revisit any day of the week.  We’ve included everything from enduring favourites and cult-status cornerstones, to low-key gems you’ll wish you found out about sooner. And if you’re after a more specific vibe – say, pet-friendly spots or dessert-first cafés, we’ve got separate guides for those too. November 2025: This list has been updated with new favourites like Dearborn and Pralet, as well as well-deserved inclusions like Elijah Pies and Tiong Hoe Specialty Coffee, while bidding farewell to a few that have shuttered or slipped in standards.  Find out more about how Time Out makes recommendations and reviews restaurants. Discover, book, and save at hundreds of restaurants with Grab Dine Out. Enj

Say goodbye to October’s spooky thrills because the November is finally here – and it's an arty one. All sorts of creative events take over this month, with blockbuster festivals like Singapore Biennale, Singapore Writers Festival and Southeast Asia's largest French Impressionist exhibition unfolding citywide. There's tons of shopping and tunes too, with Green-House and Boutiques Fair alongside major concerts (Blackpink, Teddy Swims) and more intimate live music events. So much to check out, so little time – get started by scrolling down for all the best stuff to slot in your schedule.   RECOMMENDED: The definitive guide on things to do in Singapore    

Singapore has a reputation as one of the most expensive cities in the world – and it’s a fair accusation. But despite the city’s many high-end offerings, this bustling metropolis is also home to its fair share of affordable places to stay. Whether you’re a Singaporean looking to book an overnight stay in the heart of the city, or a visitor keen to save your holiday money for the hawker markets, it helps to find a good hotel that won’t break the bank. Luckily for you, we’ve got a team of local writers who know the best spots for a budget-friendly break – with bargain hotels ranging from chic, Nordic-inspired guest houses like Lloyds Inn to lively, neon-trimmed apartments like those you’ll find at lyf Funan Singapore. To help you determine which affordable hotel to book for your next visit or staycation, our team of local writers (including Time Out Singapore Editor Cheryl Sekkappan) have tried and tested the city’s best budget hotels to determine which are worth your time. The list has been overseen by Winnie Stubbs, Travel and Hotels Editor APAC and self-confessed hotel obsessive.Read on for our guide to the best cheap hotels in Singapore for a budget-friendly city break. RECOMMENDED:These are the best Singapore attractions to visitThese are the best rooftop bars in SingaporeAnd here’s our pick of the best luxury hotels in the city At Time Out, all of our travel guides are written by local writers who know their cities inside out. For more about how we curate, see our editori

For the past eight years, we’ve made it our mission to scope out the coolest pockets of the world’s greatest cities in order to create our definitive annual ranking. The places where stuff like nightlife, art, culture, and affordable food and drink can be found on every corner and down every backstreet. Where diversity is championed and independent businesses thrive, from old-school boltholes to the newest avant-garde art space. Put simply, the world’s coolest neighbourhoods are places that represent the soul of our cities, while maintaining their own unique local character that draws people in to live, work and play. So, what are the neighbourhoods that fit the bill this year? To find out, we asked our network of writers and editors across a breadth of cities to nominate the vibiest district in their hometown right now. We then ranked every neighbourhood against criteria including culture, community, liveability, nightlife, food and drink, street life and that hard-to-define sense of ‘nowness’.  On our list this year, you’ll find everything from homely, village-like enclaves with tight-knit communities to revitalised city-centre hubs and formerly dormant, industrial areas transformed into creative districts. Many are underrated spots that sit in the shadow of their commercialised counterparts; others have become unexpected culinary hotspots or magnets for the city’s artists, writers and activists. What they all have in common is a DIY spirit – and an unshakeable proclivity f

There’s a chill in the air, and you know what that means – spooky season is here. While Singapore may lack the classic autumn vibes of orange leaves and pumpkins, we more than make up for it with eerie-sistable events and parties that’ll send shivers down your spine. Whether you're dying to flaunt your best costume, boogie with the undead atop Marina Bay Sands, or scream your way through the terrifying haunted houses at Halloween Horror Nights, we’ve rounded up the spookiest happenings in town. Dust off your scariest outfit, throw on your scratchy wig, and brace yourself for fright-filled fun.  RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Halloween in Singapore and the creepiest haunted places in Singapore  

Grilled meats, salads, flatbreads, spices, hummus, grains and legumes. These are quintessential elements of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. And while it's often hard to distinguish where one ends and the other begins, we can all concur that you can't ever go wrong with either. If you're craving the vibrancy and textures that these cuisines have to offer, here's our guide on where to dine for outstanding Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food in Singapore. RECOMMENDED: The best Peruvian restaurants in Singapore and The best Greek restaurants in Singapore

Tucked between the buzzy lanes of Bugis and the artsy stretch of Bras Basah, Bencoolen is one of those neighbourhoods you might have hurried past on your way to bigger, flashier destinations. But slow down, and you’ll find a fascinating mix: indie art spaces, old school eateries, cool cafés, and shops that speak to the area’s creative streak. Whether you’re here for a culture fix, a caffeine hit, or just to dig into some seriously good comfort food, Bencoolen’s got you.  RECOMMENDED: The ultimate guide to Bugis and The ultimate guide to Kampong Glam

It’s a sweet, sweet Christmas this year at The Christmas Atelier. Singapore’s favourite holiday market transforms The Cube @ Asia Square into a Candy Emporium, promising picture-perfect moments with vibrant decor, dazzling installations, and sweet treats at every turn. With 100 local brands gathered in one place, discover handcrafted batik from Yeomama Batik, gourmet cheese from Cheeselads, vegan skincare from Handmade Heroes, and a range of other homegrown favourites in fashion, beauty, F&B and lifestyle. From just $6, grab your ticket for multiple entries throughout the day into this whimsical Candy Emporium, complete with a Yeo’s drink, Cloversoft essentials, and $5 off with a minimum spend of $100 at your favourite brands. The icing on the Christmas cake: stand a chance to win lucky draw prizes worth up to $2,000. Get your tickets to The Christmas Atelier 2025 here. 

The Singapore Oceanarium bursts onto the scene as a dramatic upgrade of its predecessor, now three times bigger, with 22 immersive zones, life-sized animatronics, interactive exhibits, and digital projections working together to bring the story of the ocean and its habitats to life. There's a clearer narrative now as you journey through the oceanarium, starting with a single drop of water and prehistoric marine creatures, progressing through various ocean habitats to the future of our oceans.  Our top tip: set aside at least three hours to explore the Singapore Oceanarium – even more if you're the sort who likes to read every panel and try every activity. And we certainly lost some time zoning out in front of the 36-metre panel full of sharks, rays, and fish in the Open Ocean zone.  However, if you're short on time, here are our top picks from the Singapore Oceanarium.  Ocean Wonders The second zone in the Singapore Oceanarium is simply mesmerising. The darkened room is filled with sea jelly exhibits – Don't miss the fried egg sea jelly (it looks exactly like what its name suggests) and the graceful Pacific sea nettle. But the mother of them all is the 6.8 metre diameter kriesel tank, one of the world's largest. The moon-like circular panel houses thousands of moon jellies, drifting with a gentle current under ever-changing lights.  Ancient Waters Next is Ancient Waters, a zone dedicated to prehistoric sea creatures. Upon entering the zone, you're immediately greeted by a sus

If you find yourself endlessly scrolling, refreshing, and swiping, it might be time to hit pause. StarHub invites everyone to step away from the screen and Find Their Digital Balance at the StarHub 5G Wellness Festival, happening on September 13 and 14, from 10am to 9pm at Capital Outdoor Plaza.  The journey begins with the Digital BMI (Balanced Media Index) Quiz, a quick and eye-opening check-in on your digital habits. Find out if you’re Digitally Detached, Balanced, Overstimulated, or Burnt Out, and get a personalised digital wellbeing prescription matched to StarHub’s five grounding pillars: Gather, Grow, Ground, Glide, and Glow – which will tell you if it's connection, mental enrichment, physical presence, relaxation, or self-care that you need to feel centred again. Get exactly what you need at the festival, which comes alive with activities designed around these pillars to help you find your balance. Journal mindfully with mindful art and positive journaling coach Steph T, flow through silent disco yoga with The Hush Retreats founder Mandi Cheung, or try your hand at leather crafting with Hides & Thread. Need something more social? Gather with friends over free-flow coconut water and all-day DJ beats, or glide into the chillout zone with oversized board games and old-school fun.  Admission is free, but workshop slots are limited – so sign up early, take the Digital BMI Quiz, and get ready to reconnect with what really matters. Show us your quiz results to redeem a free

POP Mart's iconic Mega Space Molly character is getting her time to shine at ION Art Gallery. Mega Space Molly: Hello, Moon exhibition is a whimsical look into the adorable toy's world of exploration and imagination – and an opportunity for die-hard fans to cop some event-exclusive merch too. Some standouts: a 1000% Hello, Moon figurine complete with a glowing moon orb, and a ball-jointed Molly Hello, Moon 1/8 Action Figure wrapped in a furry spacesuit. There are also lifestyle items like lamps, rugs and multi-functional lanyards, all available for pre-order. Don't forget to check out the Space Molly wall art and archival pieces, featuring beloved series like Smitten Love, Jon Burgerman, and Pantone. Of course, buy a blind box home and keep your fingers crossed for a secret figurine. Besides the blind boxes, look forward to a Singapore-exclusive: a Vanda Miss Joaquim-themed Mega Space Molly doll in honour of our national flower. This goes on sale on July 30 at ION Art Gallery. There's also a special anniversary collection dropping on August 1 at ION Art Gallery called the Mega Space Molly 100% Anniversary Series 4 – take a sneak peek here.  See the Hello, Moon exhibition in other parts of Asia  The MEGA SPACE MOLLY: Hello, Moon Exhibition is free and open to walk-ins at ION Art Gallery on Level 4 of ION Orchard. It runs from July 30 until August 24, from 10am to 9pm daily. This same exhibition will also be running in other parts of Asia – here are the dates and locations

Perhaps the cosiest event happening this weekend is A "House Warming" at Chin Swee Neighbourhood Club. Run by the folks at Common Man Coffee Roasters, the weekend pop-up market returns in its third iteration in collaboration with Of Wonder Wander. The space is styled like a home, complete with a living room and kitchen, and filled with brands and activities that invite you to slow down. Craft a sling bag from repurposed fabrics with beckynrosie, or settle into the community living room with Stranger Conversations for some heartfelt sharing. There'll be delicious bites to fill you up as you go: think old-school buns from Eat My Curry Bun and handcrafted pizzas from Pizza Keenway. Roots, a Bangkok-based café, has also made it all the way down to share their crowd-favourite brews, such as Orange Tonic Cold Brew and Cacao Nibs Cold Brew. If this housewarming inspires you to spruce up your own home, then you're in luck – you can shop tastefully picked, secondhand vintage by objects.re or gorgeous flower arrangements by FIBRE.  A "House Warming" at Chin Swee Neighbourhood Club is taking place at CMCR Barista Academy on August 2 and 3, from 10am to 6pm. Entry is free. 

Bali has always had two distinct draws: the sun-drenched coasts with its buzzing beach clubs and the enchanting forests and rice paddies in its interior. If you’re a diehard beach bum, Anantara Ubud Bali Resort will convince you to spare a few days up north. This five-star resort in a quieter neighbourhood of Ubud is the definition of tranquillity, transporting guests back to “Bali as it was 40 years ago”, as a world-weary traveller might say with no little amount of nostalgia. Anantara Ubud cascades down a hillside facing the lush Payangan rainforest in a design that will remind you of the terraced rice fields that Ubud is so famous for. It all originates from the impressive main building, its massive columns holding up the lobby and four dining venues. Every feature of the place calls attention to the outdoors – slatted folding doors in the lobby frame green, waving fronds; floor-to-ceiling windows wrap around the excellent signature restaurant Amerta; and alfresco bar Sulang Lounge leads out to one of the hotel’s two heated pools, which itself seems to hang suspended over the treetops. On a clear day, you can even see the conical peaks of Mount Agung and Mount Batur from the afternoon tea spot, Lobby Lounge.  The suites are carved stepwise into the hillside, accessible by an inclined elevator. Connected by an intricate network of stairs are the private villas – ours a one-bedroom abode with a private pool. The villa is spacious yet charmingly cosy: a neutral palette of bei

No need for a scuba diving license to enjoy the treasures of the sea at Koral Restaurants. It’s Bali’s first aquarium restaurant, tucked away in the luxurious Apurve Kempinski Bali. Request for a table under the arched plexiglass of the aquarium to make the most of the unusual setting. It gives you front-row seats to the dance of colourful marine life while you tuck into artistic multi-course menus with Indonesian-inspired dishes like wagyu beef with Maranggi sauce and silken tofu with Kintamani tangerine. 

Bouldering – it's like rock climbing, but scarier since you're scaling the wall sans rope. But the sport has found quite the following in Singapore because it's a true challenge for both the mind and body. Strength, technique, and strategy are a must to excel. It's also just a great bonding activity to have with friends and other enthusiasts.  Lovers of the sport now have a playground at Project Send, a swanky facility that's housed on the second floor of Esplanade Mall. Founded by climbers Kenneth Ng and Sarah Chua, Project Send stands out for its holistic approach to the sport – combining bouldering, strength training, and a dining concept at Beta Café.  Let's talk about the space. Project Send occupies over 5,200 square feet of space at The Esplanade Mall comprising more than 70 routes covering 12 climbing grades. The 14 bouldering walls overlook cityscape and riverfront views for times you need a breather from – quite literally – staring at the wall. Bouldering nerds will also be happy to know that the walls themselves were designed by seasoned Swiss climber Patrick Andrey, who has taken into account the unique features of the space to create an enjoyable spatial flow.  Besides a world-class bouldering wall to climb, gym-goers can also look forward to a holistic set of classes. Expect strength training and mobility sessions to help you conquer that gnarly overhang while protecting your muscles and joints. It all depends on your climbing goals, which Project Send's coaches

There's a new bookstore in the heart of town, and it's a haven for lovers of Chinese culture, literature and art. Taking over the space in Wheelock Place where the Borders flagship used to be is the ZALL Bookstore. It stocks more than 30,000 Chinese literary works for adults and children across two storeys, and has a café and art gallery to boot. Enter on the first floor and be greeted by black and white calligraphic elements that immediately whisk you away to the Jiangnan Watertown. Here is where you'll find childrens' literature, as well as a spacious multi-functional reading and event space. Head to the café on this floor for some quiet reading time with a hot cuppa – they have a variety of coffee blends, Chinese Chu tea and Taiwan tea on the menu.  Adults will want to head up the spiral staircase to do some book hunting. Expect a comprehensive collection across literature, humanities, history and philosophy from China and Taiwan. If that's not enough culture for you, there's always the art gallery on the same floor. ZALL Bookstore will be featuring creative pieces from both local and international talent, as well as stationery collections you can shop from. 

Taiwan-born Draft Land Singapore turns one, and it's throwing an anniversary bash for the ages. From October 10 to 13, its inviting one and all down for a celebration featuring great food, lively music, and of course, its drafted cocktails.  You'll want to swing by on October 10 (4pm till late), when 20 cocktails-on-tap will be going for the absurdly good price of $10. Dance to a diverse selection of R&B, hip hop, top 40s, and disco tunes by DJ Chuin as you sip on cocktail favourites like oolong tea collins and yuzu whisky sour, alongside new concoctions like Red & Stormy and Pornstar bellini. Draft Land is known for its Sample Service – so do ask the friendly 'draft tenders' to recommend a few cocktails to try before you commit.  The next two nights are all about the music, with multiple DJs on rotation. DJ Val starts the party at 6pm on October 11 with house, R&B and party anthems; followed by DJ Dyna with an energetic hip hop set. DJ Zack C, a big name credited for driving Singapore's top LGBT clubs in the 2010s, takes over with DJ Chuin from 10pm to midnight. If you're in your Mandopop era, swing by on October 12 instead, where DJ Pin will be soundtracking the night with beloved Mandarin ballads and jazz-influenced tracks. Draft Land has a satisfying menu of Taiwanese delights to go with its tipples, but October 13 brings something a little different. Chooby Pizza is set to pop-up with its Naples-style pizza, characterised by naturally leavened, light and thin crust overl

If you can’t race a car, why not hop around town on a GPSS pub crawl instead? For $50, join Pints and Pitstops on a boozy trip to four top bars around Singapore. At each, you’ll get a locally-inspired cocktail: think alcohol-spiked chendol and ice milo drinks, with the night wrapping at one of Singapore’s hottest nightclubs. Come prepared with your F1 knowledge though – the pub crawl includes race-themed trivia and games, with prizes up for grabs, of course.

The Projector has long been a staunch ally of the LGBTQ+ community. It runs regular queer parties and events, the crown jewel of which is the annual film festival, Pink Screen. With Pride Month just around the corner, The Projector has now opened ticket sales for this year's festival. It presents a tight curation of indie flicks from Singapore and around the world, which collectively spotlight queer inclusion, transgender experiences, and diverse voices from the community.  From May 31 to June 15, catch romantic comedies, noir flicks, and touching dramas on the big screen. A hotly anticipated film is a re-run of Bugis Street (1995), which paints an evocative portrait of queer Singapore in the 1960s. It's told through the eyes of a young cleaner employed at Bugis Street's Sin Sin Hotel – also a regular haunt for transvestites and transgender sex workers. This film was banned in Singapore for a good 20 years – an important reminder of how far we've come and how much there is left to go.  On the roster are Femme (2023), a seductive erotic thriller about a drag queen on a revenge quest after a traumatic homophobic attack; Love Is Strange (2024), a Women Film Critics Circle Award favourite about a married gay couple who lose their New York City apartment after one of them is unjustly fired from their job; and Peafowl (2022), an award-winning Korean drama that follows Shin-myung, whose dreams of winning a waacking dance competition (and the prize money for gender reaffirming surge

It’s been a long time coming, but Joo Chiat has finally been named Singapore’s coolest street — and one of the coolest streets in the world for 2025. This colourful stretch in the Katong neighbourhood has always been buzzing with indie shops and heritage eats, but this year, a wave of pop-ups and fresh openings has pulled us back to rediscover it all over again. This verdict comes from our annual Time Out Index, put together by our team of local writers and editors, along with more than 27,000 city-dwellers worldwide. Earlier in September, this same index crowned Bencoolen as one of the world's coolest neighbourhoods – but this time, we drilled down to single out the one street in Singapore that best captures the city right now. Joo Chiat is just that: an irresistible mix of old school eateries, hip cafés, lifestyle stores, laidback galleries, pet boutiques, with quirky brands you won't find anywhere else in Singapore. This is the kind of street you can stroll down and discover something new every time. This year, we checked out fresh arrivals like Heartware Store and Gallery, a second-floor shophouse space with rotating exhibitions by the likes of Daisuke Kondo and We Are Out of Office; Don't Runaway, a fast-casual sandwich shop; Bastille Bakery, a French pastry heaven turning out everything from buttery croissants to airy choquettes; and Marlow's Deli, joining existing deli favourites like The Cheese Shop and Baggie's Butcher and Deli.  Photograph: @sojaoshop/Instagram Mo

It's World Toilet Day! It sounds like a funny thing to celebrate, but this is a legit annual UN observance to raise awareness about the sanitation crisis affecting billions across the globe. Here in Singapore, we're lucky to have a well-managed sanitation system and clean and readily-available public restrooms. And we also have some of the best toilets in the world – in our airport, at least. This year, Skytrax released its very first World's Best Airport Washrooms 2025 awards – and Singapore Changi Airport, also Skytrax's World Best Airport 2025, topped the list. There are a couple of reasons our airport restrooms stand out: it's squeaky clean for one, so major kudos to the staff working round the clock to keep it that way. Then there's the downright luxurious design, from marble floors and ambient lighting, to Peranakan-themed restrooms and some with views of the tarmac. Completing the spa-like experience? A faint orchid tea scent in the air.  A good bathroom also has to be functional, and Changi Airport's toilets are thoughtfully designed for the traveller. Spacious stalls mean plenty of space for your luggage, thoughtful nooks and shelves mean you always have a place for your handheld items, while electronic bidets keep you fresh.  Skytrax covered 235 airports around the world to deliver its final list of best airport washrooms in the world. Since this is a new award, results are based on assessments and feedback from the Skytrax audit office. From next year onwards, cust

It's been a long few weeks since our last long weekend on Deepavali, and we now have the last public holiday of the year coming fast at us. Our next 'free' day off happens to be Christmas Day on December 25 (Thursday), and it's one we welcome enthusiastically thanks to a slew of dazzling installations (think Sanrio, Disney, Mofusand), bountiful festive feasts, and themed shopping events to prep for this season of giving.  SEE ALSO: Singapore's public holidays for 2026 announced with total of six long weekends Unlike Hari Raya Puasa, Good Friday, Vesak Day, and Deepavali, the Christmas Day public holiday doesn't give us a long weekend – but you can easily make it one by applying for a couple of days of leave (and maybe even stretch it until the New Year's Day in 2026). All the better to enjoy Christmas festivities happening around town and spend precious time with friends and family.  Remember that if you're asked to work on a public holiday, your company should be giving you a) time off in lieu, b) an additional day's salary at your payment rate, or even c) overtime pay, depending on your particular scenario. These are all officially required as part of Singapore's Employment Act. The Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has a useful calculator to help you figure out the compensation you should receive, so make sure you don't get shortchanged.  And for the rest who aren’t obligated to work during these public holidays, start planning quick beach getaways, nearby road trips, or a luxuri

Monet, Renoir, Van Gogh...Impressionist and post-Impressionist works have always resonated with Singaporeans, if the response to the multi-sensory exhibitions Monet Inside, Van Gogh Inside: Love, Vincent, and Joaquin Sorolla: Dancing in the Sunlight are anything to go by. These digital, 360-degree showcases offer a uniquely immersive way to engage with beloved masterpieces – but, in our opinion, nothing beats seeing the original works in person. A new blockbuster exhibition at National Gallery Singapore is your chance to do just that. Into the Modern: Impressionism from the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston is Southeast Asia's largest-ever showcase of French Impressionism, featuring over 100 masterpieces by Monet, Renoir, Degas, Cézanne, and more big names of the art movement – straight from the collection of Boston's legendary Museum of Fine Arts.  The show is all shimmering light, bold brushstrokes, and scenes of everyday life that feel as alive and fresh more than a century later. Into the Modern opens on November 14 (Friday) and it's an absolute must-go – here's what to know before you head down.  Photograph: National Gallery Singapore Why is this exhibition such a major event? It's the first time that Boston's world-class collection of Impressionist works has come to Southeast Asia – and the scale is simply staggering. We're talking 25 key artists and 100 artworks, including 17 Monets. The show doesn't just look back, though. It also draws clever connections between 19th-cen

He's witty, he's handsome, he's got great crowd work – and he's more than a little bit controversial. American comedian and actor Matt Rife spent more than a decade working the Los Angeles comedy scene, before shooting to fame with a TikTok-viral video titled "The Lazy Hero". Now, he's selling out shows and running a world tour spanning from New Zealand to Canada – and yes, he's coming to Asia, too. Singapore is Matt Rife's only Asia stop for his ongoing Stay Golden World Tour 2026. The comedian is known for his exceptional crowd work, so we're keeping our fingers crossed for some audience interaction and localised jokes made on the fly. Word of warning: he's stirred some controversy for so-called "edgy" jokes about sensitive topics, so if that doesn't fly with you, then this show is not for you.  If Matt Rife tickles every funny bone in your body, though, then here are all the show and ticketing details you need to know. When is Matt Rife performing in Singapore? He's performing in Singapore for one night only: February 7, 2026. Otherwise, you can catch him in the region beforehand in cities like Perth, Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane.  Where is Matt Rife performing in Singapore? Matt Rife will be juicing up the crowd at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. When do tickets for the Stay Gold World Tour in Singapore go live? There are two presales and one general sale to look out for: Artiste presale: November 12 (Wednesday), 10am Live Nation presale: November 13 (Thursday), 10am Ge

"Dolphins!" The shout ripples across the deck during our post-dive downtime. Within seconds, we're pressed against the rail, watching a mother and calf skim the hull while a larger pod arrows towards a patch of churning sea. Seabirds spiral overhead in a feeding frenzy. It's day four aboard the Mutiara Laut, and as usual, Komodo is showing off. Komodo National Park sits in Indonesia's Lesser Sunda Islands and is fast rising on the global travel radar. Its fame is split between land and sea: the fearsome Komodo dragons and some of the most exhilarating dive sites in the country. It’s quieter than Bali but growing more accessible thanks to new direct flights and a crop of luxury hotels. I've visited Komodo before, drawn to dives like the famous Shotgun, a thrilling drift dive that shoots you through a narrow channel between two islands; Crystal Rock, a superb pinnacle dive teeming with giant schools of fish; and Manta Point – self-explanatory. Like most travellers, I based myself in Labuan Bajo and joined a jam-packed day trip to visit the highlights: Padar Island, Rinca Island, Pink Beach, and manta cleaning stations. Gorgeous, yes – but less enjoyable when you’re packed onto a small boat with 20 strangers and hustled from stop to stop. So when the chance to sail on the Mutiara Laut came up, I didn’t hesitate. Photograph: Mutiara Laut First, what is the Mutiara Laut? Meaning "pearl of the sea" in Bahasa, the Mutiara Laut is a luxury schooner designed with the romance of 19th

If there’s one thing Singapore nails with ease, it’s shopping – especially the indie kind. Our small island is stacked with characterful boutiques and quirky retail gems, each one offering something you didn’t realise you needed until you spot it.  Not sure where to dive in? We’ve done the digging so you don’t have to. Think vintage furniture treasure troves, vinyl dens for serious collectors, independent bookstores for the literature lovers, thrift stores full of surprises, and homegrown fashion labels worth shouting about. Scroll on to explore the full lineup. Aa Furniture Basheer Graphics Books Beyond the Vines Design Store Bynd Artisan Casual Poet Library Grafunkt Grassroots Book Room HonsiePonsie Journey East Knuckles & Notch Loop Garms Objects.re Open Door Store Our Barehands r y e  Ronggeng Records Soilboy Sojao Studio Yono Supermama Swee Lee Clarke Quay Takara House The Bookstore by Books Beyond Borders The Née Vintage Store Vintagewknd Woods in the Books Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Singapore newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  TIME OUT RECOMMENDS... Top 50 places for fun things to do in Singapore Top 16 wellness and fitness venues in Singapore Top 51 restaurants in Singapore

Six Hands has always been the spot for those who want their meals to do more than simply “tick the healthy box”. Born from the same team behind the Japanese restaurant Omoté, its Japanese-Australian philosophy leans into balance and flavour: think layered textures, umami for days, and bowls that feel more like a daily ritual than a duty.  Now, Orchard Road gets its own slice of calm with the opening of Six Hands Daily at Paragon. The brand’s third outlet, following its venues at Millenia Walk and Far East Square, is a compact space that clearly carries the brand’s DNA. Here, you'll find a concise menu of six signature bowls, packed with crisp Australian greens, flavourful proteins like nori ranch salmon, and house-made drizzles and crunches, from wasabi ricotta to chilli crunch. In a district where everything moves a mile a minute, Six Hands Daily is a welcome little oasis where you can slow down and genuinely enjoy honest, good food.  As Singapore's wellness scene evolves, Six Hands Daily is shaping our city’s new rhythm – where quick fixes are giving way to more thoughtful and intentional choices. And with more Six Hands Daily locations planned across the city, you can look forward to having their delicious, well-crafted bowls become part of the familiar rhythm of your everyday city life.  Six Hands Daily is now open at 290 Orchard Road, #B1-K25 Paragon, Singapore 238859, daily from 11am to 8.30pm. 

Anyone who claims Singapore is boring just isn’t looking in the right places. Sure, we’re a compact city, but there’s always something new popping up – you just need to know where to poke around. And while iconic spots like Gardens by the Bay absolutely deserve their global fame, we’re just as excited about the smaller, homegrown venues that give the city its real personality. From a street chess collective and plastic recycling studio to sprawling wildlife reserves and shopping meccas in converted schools, these are the standout spots that earned a place on our Time Out Singapore Recommends 2025 list – each one handpicked by our team. 195 Pearl's Hill Terrace Adventures by Asian Detours Aliwal Chess Club Curbside Crafters Cuturi Gallery Fingers Crossed Studio  Gajah Gallery GOFY Haw Par Villa Hay Dairies Heartware Store & Gallery Hidden Heritage Into The Woods @ Lazarus Island Jurong Play Grounds Katong Antique House KF1 Karting Circuit Kiztopia (Marina Square) MINT Museum of Toys Mr. Bucket Chocolaterie Mud Rock Ceramics New Bahru Nonage Gallery Objectifs – Centre for Photography and Film OH! Open House  Orang Laut SG Pangdemonium Plastify Project Blue  Rainforest Wild Asia Retro Kulture Rumah Kim Choo Singapore Oceanarium STPI Creative Workshop and Gallery Tanglin Gin Distillery Tea Chapter The Green Capsule The Intan The Kitten Sanctuary The Sundown Farm & Lounge The Theatre Practice Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle  Tombalek Workshop  Tong Mern Sern TopTable Trifecta Whampoa C

Singapore’s self-care scene has never looked stronger, and we’re fully on board. From squeezing in a pilates session to unknotting those stubborn shoulders or sinking into a soothing thermal soak, carving out time for your own wellbeing really does make a difference. When you’re feeling balanced and taken care of, that inside-out glow follows naturally. So we’ve pulled together our pick of the city’s standout wellness and fitness spots – all Time Out-approved and featured in this year’s Time Out Recommends 2025 lineup. ALLY Aramsa – The Garden Spa BE. Studios Boulder Movement Climb Central Sports Hub Hideaway Ikeda Spa Knotty Strokes MSFIT Gym (Clarke Quay) Nimble/Knead Nowhere Baths SPHERE STRONG Pilates The Ice Bath Club Trapeze Rec Club Vaura Pilates Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Singapore newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.  MORE THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE Here are 50 places for fun things to do in Singapore, recommended by Time Out Top 28 shops to explore in Singapore Top 51 restaurants in Singapore

Our annual Time Out Recommends lists are out, with more than 200 venues across Things to Do, Restaurants, Shops, Wellness, and more. These represent the very best venues in Singapore, the places that we think deserve a spot in your explore list. Our local writers and editors based the selection on experiences at hundreds of venues throughout 2025 – but that's just us: we also want to know what you think. That's where our Readers' Choice survey comes in. This year, we narrowed down five venues per category and asked readers to choose their favourite spot. Almost 700 of you responded to our call, sharing your recommended attractions, bars, cafés, and more trendy spots in Singapore. From sprawling wildlife reserves in the west to sleek spin and pilates studio downtown, here's where Time Out Singapore readers choose to spend their time and money.  The best venues in Singapore, as recommended by Time Out Singapore readers: Best thing to do: Mandai Wildlife Reserve Best restaurant: Sushi Zushi Best bar: Jigger & Pony Best café: Five Oars Coffee Roasters Best hawker: Tai Wah Pork Noodle Best shop: Beyond the Vines Design Store Best gym or wellness studio: ALLY EXPLORE MORE TIME OUT RECOMMENDS VENUES FOR 2025: The 50 best things to do in Singapore 51 recommended restaurants in Singapore 16 best fitness and wellness venues in Singapore

The Singapore Biennale is back, and this year, the city's the gallery. Opening October 31, the eighth edition of the Biennale goes with the theme, "pure intention", which is all about examining the ways cities like Singapore shift and change over time – whether by chance or design. To do that, it logically takes art beyond the white box of the museum and into familiar, everyday spaces, transforming them into vibrant stages for contemporary art. We're talking shophouses, strata malls, green corridors, and even a former girls' school, all reimagined as portals into new ways of seeing the city. There are more than 100 artworks, projects, and programmes to check out over the next few months. That could get a tad overwhelming, so here's a quick guide to what the Singapore Biennale is all about, some highlight works to check out, and more resources to guide the way.     Photograph: Kei Imazu & Young-jun Tak courtesy of Singapore Biennale What exactly is the Singapore Biennale? Held every two years and organised by the Singapore Art Museum (SAM), the Singapore Biennale brings together local and international artists for a city-wide exhibition. Each edition explores a theme – and this year's is "pure intention", inviting visitors to reflect on how art, ritual, and everyday life shape who we are. This year's biennale happily coincides with Singapore's 60th birthday, which gives more food for thought as you encounter art across diverse sites.  islandwide.   Where does it take place?