Rachel Yohannan

December in Singapore sure hits different. The streets light up, everyone’s in that year-end holiday mood, and there’s a buzz in the air as we go about shopping for gifts for loved ones. To soak in the yuletide vibes all in one place, an outing to a Christmas market does the trick – they’re a happy spread of trinket-filled stalls, food kiosks dishing out seasonal treats, live shows by talented performers, carnival games and more, all set against twinkling decorations that create a magical atmosphere. Read on for our pick of the best Christmas markets in Singapore in 2025, each with plenty of fun for the whole family. RECOMMENDED: The best places Christmas events in Singapore and  The best Christmas log cakes to get in Singapore this year    

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

Mariah Carey has defrosted, and the island is lit aglow with thousands of twinkling lights and towering trees. Yes, the Christmas season is here once again to close off another year. While we can only dream of a white Christmas in these tropics, the festivities in Singapore are no less magical with stretches of magnificent street decorations, scheduled ‘snowfall’ sessions, and even themed set-ups featuring your favourite characters from Disney and Sanrio. Go on and chase those lights at these best places to see Christmas decorations in Singapore in 2025. RECOMMENDED: The best Christmas 2025 events in Singapore and The best Christmas log cakes to get in Singapore this year  

This list is from 2024. Our latest ranking for 2025 is live here. Ticking off the main tourist attractions on a city break is all well and good, but it’s only when you veer off down a side street or stumble across a leafy avenue that you really get a glimpse of a city’s true character. Streets are the heart of local life; they’re where communities come together, where new local businesses become go-to staples and where urbanites go out, hang out and have fun.  So what are the world’s coolest streets worth a stroll right now? To find the answer, we reached out to our global team of local expert editors and contributors, who each made a case for the coolest street in their city. We then narrowed down the selection to create a definitive ranking of the best avenues, thoroughfares, backstreets and boulevards on the planet. And so you have it: the coolest streets in the world’s best cities. Over the last few years, street life has gone through something of an evolution. Outdoor drinking and dining, at one point a temporary measure, has become a staple on many of the streets on our hotlist; only bolstered by green initiatives like pedestrianisation and low-traffic avenues. In other words, these streets have become much more walkable and pleasant places to spend our time. On every street on this list, there are bold, creative new ventures in food, drink, nightlife and culture: from listening bars to repurposed heritage buildings, these streets are where you’ll find a city’s most ex

Although not widely celebrated by Singaporeans, the occasion of Thanksgiving has an essence that’s borderless: Being grateful for both the big and little things, and gathering in the company of your loved ones over a delicious meal. Relatable enough. Whether it’s an existing tradition in your family or otherwise, there’s no harm in partaking in the festivities and carving into a stuffed turkey together, just like how they do in those Hallmark holiday movies. Who could say no to that? Consider Thanksgiving a nice prelude to Christmas, since it occurs on the fourth Thursday of November each year – this year’s is on November 27, 2025. Besides, the seasonal autumn flavours often seen in Turkey Day spreads are always a palatable plus. Here are the six best restaurants in Singapore for a hearty Thanksgiving get-together. RECOMMENDED: Check out this list of restaurants in Singapore recommended by the Time Out team for 2025 and The best new restaurants in Singapore

Also known as the Festival of Lights, Deepavali (or Diwali) is an annual religious celebration for Hindus, Sikhs, and Jains in Singapore. For those who are still unfamiliar, here's an in-depth guide on everything you need to know about the occasion, from its origins, to how it's celebrated in the Little Red Dot, and where you can get in on the celebrations regardless of your background.We've also compiled some tips on house guest etiquette if you've been invited to a friend's Deepavali open house party for the first time and aren't sure of what to wear or bring. RECOMMENDED: The best Indian restaurants in Singapore and the ultimate guide to Little India

This list is from 2024. Our latest ranking for 2025 is live here. In 2024, what exactly makes a neighbourhood cool? Craft breweries, natty wine bars and street art are well and good, but the world’s best, most exciting and downright fun neighbourhoods are much more than identikit ‘hipster hubs’. They’re places that reflect the very best of their cities – its culture, community spirit, nightlife, food and drink – all condensed in one vibey, walkable district. To create our annual ranking, we went straight to the experts – our global team of on-the-ground writers and editors – and asked them what the coolest neighbourhood in their city is right now, and why. Then we narrowed down the selection and ranked the list using the insight and expertise of Time Out’s global editors, who vetted each neighbourhood against criteria including food, drink, arts, culture, street life, community and one-of-a-kind local flavour. The result? A list that celebrates the most unique and exciting pockets of our cities – and all their quirks. Yes, you’ll find some of those international hallmarks of ‘cool’. But in every neighbourhood on this list there’s something you won’t find anywhere else. Ever been to a photography museum that moonlights as a jazz club? Or a brewery with a library of Russian literature? How about a festival dedicated to fluff? When communities fiercely support and rally around their local businesses, even the most eccentric ideas can become a reality. And that, in our eyes, is

The good thing about working in Singapore’s Central Business District is that you’re never short of food options. And on weekdays, there’s that added perk of set lunches, often at value-for-money prices. Whether you’re bonding with your favourite colleagues during break time or entertaining clients, these CBD restaurants offer some of the best business lunch sets in town – with prices starting from just $18. Even if you’re not planning a meal with work associates, these set lunches are worth taking leave for on a random weekday where you simply feel like treating yourself. RECOMMENDED: The best new restaurants in Singapore and the best happy hour deals in the city

It’s time to live life in the fast lane – the Grand Prix™ Season Singapore (GPSS) is back from September 26 to October 5, revving up with even more thrills beyond the race track. Besides cheering on your favourite speedsters zipping through the circuit, there are also plenty of things to do to immerse yourself in the buzz. With one-of-a-kind experiences that roll out just once a year during race week, you’ve got every reason to explore the city before – and even after – the final checkered flag waves. We’re talking 10 days of exciting experiences covering everything from parties at the hottest clubs to exclusive F&B deals, plus unique retail pop-ups and limited-edition merch drops – there’s bound to be something for everyone, no matter your speed. Here are the best spots to hit up this GPSS 2025, and all the activity highlights you shouldn’t miss. For the full lowdown, download your ultimate guide to the season.

There’s never a bad time for ice cream – especially not in Singapore’s unforgiving tropical heat. An abundance of ice cream parlours are dotted all around the island, and we’ve got the scoop on which are most worth your calories. From a gelato café with tea-based flavours, to a late-night joint that opens till 2am, and a homegrown chain we grew up with and still love dearly – here are the best ice cream stores in Singapore for a cool indulgent treat. RECOMMENDED The best guilt-free ice cream in Singapore and the best soft-serve ice creams in Singapore  

Our mums are superstars all year round, but this is the one time of the year where you have the perfect excuse to show extra appreciation toward her. Other than treating her to a delicious Mother’s Day meal or planning a Mother’s Day outing with fun bonding activities like jewellery workshops or strolling through a flower display, you can add a sweeter note to the occasion by blessing her with a thoughtful treat. These local bakeries and dessert stores in Singapore are whipping up special Mother’s Day treats, ranging from cute macarons to a warabimochi cake and even pistachio mille crepe inspired by the latest Dubai chocolate trend.  RECOMMENDED: The best cake shops in Singapore and The best florists in Singapore for any occasion

As far as local landmarks go, Raffles Hotel Singapore is by far one of the most iconic – and not just for its grand postcard-worthy exteriors. Though impeccably well-maintained, this five-star hotel retains its classic colonial charm harking back to the 1800s, and staying here is a premium experience right from the moment you encounter their unmistakable doormen. Plus, it's just been crowned the 17th best hotel in the World's 50 Best Hotels 2023 list, ranking a few spots above Capella, which gives you all the more reason to check it out. Even if you haven't booked one of their luxury suites, there's still plenty to explore within the hotel's sprawling grounds, from its gorgeous lawn area, to the marvel-worthy architecture, and its in-house lifestyle destination, Raffles Arcade. Read on for our guide on the best of Raffles Hotel.

Christmas fairytales come to life at Marina Bay Sands Singapore, with this year’s festive decor following a Nutcracker theme – referencing the classic Christmas adventure we all know and love. But it’s not ‘B’ for ‘book’ nor ‘ballet’ this time. It’s ‘B’ for ‘butler’, as in MBS’s dedicated troop of butlers – Singapore’s largest – who are always ready to assist visitors and guests’ every query with a smile and peak professionalism. The sprawling Marina Bay Sands compound is now home to nearly 190 Christmas trees, and among them stand 88 nutcracker butlers as homage to these key but oft-overlooked staff members of MBS. Making a comeback at The Shoppes is a whimsical ‘forest’ of floating Christmas trees, as though straight out of our dreams. Except, this enchanting sight isn’t a ‘pinch me’ hallucination – it’s real life, and you’ll be able to witness it till December 29, 2025.  The Christmas magic dials further up a notch with The Nutcracker Butlet’s Concert, a twinkling fairy light show at this levitating forest at 7.30pm and 8.30pm daily, with lilting music and immersive LED animations on 16 screens as the backdrop. The show runs for just five minutes at a go, so plan your visit in time to catch its epic blink-and-you’ll-miss-it moments. But don’t just stay indoors, because the experience extends outside with a gold-hued light-up of the building’s facade, along with nutcracker-themed projections on the lotus-shaped structure of the ArtScience Museum. Take note: The outdoor disp

We're closing out October and can already smell Christmas in the air – especially with news about the return of Singapore's biggest year-end market. The World Christmas Market 2025 returns this December as Togetherland, running from December 11 to January 4 at Bayfront Event Space with an exciting Santa sack of activities and events. There'll be lots to explore at Togetherland, which unfolds across nine zones to the theme of "A Christmas Constellation". Each zone is named after one of the Reindeer Hosts, featuring a lively musical, artisanal bazaar, community initiatives, and family attractions.  The clear highlight is Dancer's Magical Playground, a commissioned Christmas musical with a line-up of live performances under a canopy of stars. After singing along to cheerful Christmas carols, you can pick up handcrafted Christmas gifts and social-impact creations at Prancer's Star Bazaar. And because Christmas is all about feasting, you can bet on an impressive spread at Togetherland: modern dining and themed cocktails star at Dasher's Festive Feast, while fine cheeses, wine, chocolate and festive bakes await at Comet's Global Market.  The very first World Christmas Market had a popular Candy Cane Lane – and we're chuffed to say it's back. Get your cameras ready for illuminated candy cane installations, real Christmas trees, and expanded photo installations. And in the Christmas spirit of giving, visit Donner's Heatrlight Haven, where you can meet charities and social enterprises

The festive season is upon us, and you know the drill: Christmas Wonderland is here to bring cheer to Gardens by the Bay for yet another magical edition, starting from November 29, 2025. Presented in collaboration with Trip.com, this massive outdoor Christmas market and carnival has been ranked as one of the best in the world by CNN Travel. While the event is returning to its usual location at the Supertree Grove, this year’s iteration will also sprawl across The Meadow – so expect it to be even more exciting than you’ve ever experienced. One of the main highlights of Christmas Wonderland in Singapore is its annual Spalliera illumination displays, expertly crafted by Italian artisans. Revellers can look forward to frolicking beneath those magnificent structures as powdery white “snow” falls all around. Get further into the Yuletide spirit with carnival games and rides, carolling performances, and tasty Christmassy treats from a mini food village – just like the ones seen at those classic Christmas markets in Europe. A little birdie also told us that there will be a flying Santa making an appearance this year. Christmas Wonderland will be running from November 29, 2025 to January 1, 2026, from 6.30pm to 11pm daily. Ticketing information, including prices, will be available from November 13 onwards. Find out more here. 

Christmas on a Great Street – Orchard Road’s annual year-end light-up – is back once again to blanket our shopping belt in sparkling Yuletide magic. Those with sharp eyes might already have noticed some baubles and bits being strung from Orchard’s lamp posts, but things are about to get more dazzling with the flick of the switch on November 8. Running till January 1, 2026, this 55-day festive display stretches all the way from Tanglin to Dhoby Ghaut. That’s 3.1km worth of sights to soak in. This year’s colour theme features soft, elegant hues of rose gold, gold, and silvery white. But because it’s SG60, local motifs like Merli the Merlion and the iconic dragon playground will pepper the area with more vividness. In lieu of the usual sleigh, Santa’s reindeer will be pulling a trishaw instead – a cute nod to our past. As you’re strolling along, make a point to stop and look up at the facade of Hilton Singapore Orchard for a mesmerising 3D projection mapping show. Spirits will run high at not one but two Christmas villages. The one outside Ngee Ann City will feature carnival games, rides, and a revamped Christmas market with tasty bites and a craft beer bar. Gather around the 14-metre tree for nightly "snowfall", and don’t miss the weekend evening live performances starring Jill-Marie Thomas, Singapore Idol alumni Mathilda D’Silva and Maia Lee, and more. Over at Shaw House, things are more child-friendly with a Kiztopia Christmas Market featuring milder rides and claw machines.

If you’re down to get edgy, mark your calendar for DnA Fest – an unexpected collision of different arts disciplines, served with a side of sass. Sit back for a screening of The House of Janus – a modern film take on Henry Purcell’s opera Dido and Aeneas – starring and directed by Ong Keng Sen who’s also responsible for local comedy hit movie Army Daze. Or, get wild with Dido & The Belindas, a vibrant drag spectacle featuring none other than queen Becca D’Bus. End it off with Afterparty, an underground ballroom event with flashy runway battles and wicked beats. Find out more here.

It’s all things K-culture at Hallyu Weekend, a three-day festival packed with music, dance, and merch. Dance trainer DJ Blink from SM Entertainment will be hosting a free K-pop party with the hottest beats, while Jam Republic’s skilled choreographers will be conducting a dance workshop suitable for all levels. Dreaming of being the next big thing? Try your luck at auditions for KQ Entertainment – the same company responsible for world-famous groups like Ateez. If you’d rather be by the sidelines, watch the finalists of the Dance Dance Hallyu competition battle it out, or simply drop by the K-Culture Market to score some loot featuring your biases. Find out more here.

Thanks to Emerald Hill – a spin-off of popular Mediacorp series The Little Nyonya – Peranakan fever is sweeping over Singapore, and Sentosa is also getting in on the fanfare. From now till the end of August, hop on over to the scenic island and experience a cultural immersion like no other with kebaya rental, Nyonya-inspired afternoon tea, and heritage craft workshops where you’ll learn the art of tile painting and floral embroidery. But the grand highlight? Larger-than-life installations of giant beaded slippers, tingkats and teapots, and a kaleidoscopic replica of a Peranakan shophouse with nightly light shows. Find out more here.

Enjoyed the cute fruit-themed exhibition at Heartware Store & Gallery a couple of months back? The art space at Joo Chiat is now hosting Japanese artist maitoparta’s first solo Singapore showcase titled Itadakimasu! – featuring her signature kooky-looking wooden sculptures all handpainted in bright colours. There will also be exhibition-exclusive posters, plushies, bag charms and more, and pretty much everything you see displayed will be for sale. Be quick, because some of them are one-of-a-kind, with no remakes. Entry is free. Find out more here.

Get swept up in a fairytale of gallant knights and castle landscapes with Rose Romance at Gardens by the Bay. This year’s edition of the Flower Dome display takes you back in time to old England, paying homage to the legend of King Arthur with scenes of Camelot brought to life. Spot the mythical sword of Excalibur, take your spot at the Round Table, learn about the history of British castles, and stroll through paths lined with thousands of beautiful roses in various species and hues. Also on display are icons of England’s more modern eras – from red telephone boots to mailboxes and royal palace guard uniforms. Find out more and book your tickets here.    

*Scape knows what’s up when it comes to the cool crowd. Its latest youth-centric event, It’s Giving Fest, is turning up the heat with a solid mix of music, food, wellness and games. Groove to live performances by homegrown music talents including Benjamin Kheng, Shye, and Tasha Low, or get your muscles moving with pilates and K-pop workouts – all for absolutely free. Or, team up with your fave local stars like Annette Lee and Zhang Ze Tong in a celebrity telematch showdown for laughs and prizes. Add some new treasures to your collection at the flea market and celebrity charity auction, snap some photo booth keepsakes, and when you’re hungry after all the action, stop by the food truck for burgers and other festival grub. It’s two days of non-stop fun – check out the full event line-up here.

Grab your picnic mats and baskets and make a date for a musical soirée at the Botanic Gardens – because the Singapore Symphony Orchestra (SSO) is gracing the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage with a free concert. Lounge on the lawn surrounded by lush foliage, and be serenaded with classical tunes composed by the likes of legends Brahms and Mendelssohn, as well as Singapore’s very own Lee Jinjun. Among the mix, look forward to the first movement of Beethoven’s iconic ‘Symphony No. 5’ – a number you should recognise by its grandiose melody, even if not by title. Pets are welcome too. Find out more here.

Seen a long queue outside Mandarin Gallery lately? That would be the line for the purchase of Singapore-exclusive blind boxes and other paraphernalia at the ongoing Pop Mart Summer pop-up. Even if you’re not down to splurge on collectible toys, it’s still worth stopping by to check out the larger-than-life installations featuring Dimoo, Labubu, Hirono and the gang. Parked right outside the mall next to the Peranakan-inspired container store are character standees alongside nostalgic local icons like the dragon playground and a rickshaw. But wait, there’s more – head into the mall for even more Pop Mart photo spots, featuring HDB block facades and traditional kueh. Hint: The fun doesn’t just stop on the first floor.

Exciting new waves are about to rock Singapore’s seas just before the year ends. The Ritz-Carlton’s cruise arm is launching its Luminara superyacht this month, and our sunny island has been chosen as its home port. What this means is that a schedule of all-new sea adventures embarking from or docking in Singapore are now an option – all with an unmatched level of luxury and class. This comes months before the launch of the new Disney Adventure Cruise embarking from Singapore, which has since been delayed to March 2026 instead of its original planned date in December 2025. The first thing you should know about the Ritz-Carlton’s Luminara yacht? Windowless underground rooms aren’t an option here. All cabins are spacious suites with their own private balconies, with ocean panoramas never far from view. That should give you an idea of the level of luxury you’re dealing with. Even the lowest tier comes with a king bed, a double vanity bathroom, 24-hour in-room dining, and a complimentary minibar stocked based on your liking. The Luminara boasts a total of six dining concepts, including a premium Korean concept and a chill pool bar where you can lounge by the pool while sipping cocktails. Relax with amenities like the Ritz-Carlton Spa, a gym with personalised nutrition guidance, an open-deck bar, and social lounge. Now, brace yourselves for the prices: The cheapest route on the schedule so far is a one-way, nine-night voyage, starting from Colombo, Sri Lanka and landing in Singapor

We’re excited for the Circle Line MRT train loop to finally be completed in 2026, with three new train stations improving accessibility in Singapore’s south. But before that happens, there’s the necessary pain of construction and repair works for an overall improvement of the train line. Other than later starts and earlier ends to the Circle Line's operating hours all the way through end December 2025, Singapore’s Land Transport Authority (LTA) has also announced significant delays on the same line for three months in early 2026 due to tunnel works surrounding the underground route between Mountbatten, Dakota, and Paya Lebar MRT stations. Here’s everything you need to know about the upcoming Circle Line train delays in 2026, the additional time expected for your daily commutes, and information on shuttle services during this period. When will the Circle Line train delays be happening in 2026? The tunnel works will be happening from January 17 to April 19, 2026. Scheduled train delays will be happening throughout that entire period. What are the Circle Line tunnel works in 2026 even for? According to LTA, tunnel squatting has been discovered in some parts of the Circle Line train tunnels. This is a natural occurrence caused by the soft marine clay used in the construction of the tunnels, and can eventually lead to structural compromisation. Tunnel squatting is common, and passengers do not need to worry about their safety, especially since the issue is already in the process o

Family celebrations will soon no longer be the same for regular patrons of East Ocean Teochew Restaurant. The Chinese restaurant at Ngee Ann City – which was previously located at Shaw Centre for 20 years till it moved over in 2012 – is calling it a day after 33 years of service. Unlike other big F&B brands that have ceased operations lately, such as The Privé Group and Eggslut, this exit by East Ocean isn't driven by high operating costs and financial struggles. On its website is a farewell note from the management, stating that their “shareholders and management have advanced in age…with no successors to take over”. The beloved restaurant popular for handmade dim sum – including those cleverly shaped like animals – mooncakes, dumplings and other traditional delicacies will be officially ending its run on December 28, 2025. But before that, as part of its final hurrah, East Ocean will be rolling out special promotions on its menu and Chinese New Year cakes to thank customers for their loyal patronage over the years. Visit East Ocean Teochew Restaurant one last time at #05-08/09 of Takashimaya Shopping Centre. Reservations are currently not being accepted, but walk-ins are welcome. READ MORE Everything you need to know about the first Chick-fil-A store in Singapore, opening on December 11 5 new restaurants in Singapore to check out this December 2025 It's official: You can now buy Korea's famed hanwoo beef in Singapore

If there’s only one recipe book you’re adding to your kitchen this year, let it be Khir Johari’s The Food of Singapore Malays: Gastronomic Travels through the Archipelago. Published in 2021 after a whopping 11 years' worth of research, the book recently won the title of Best Of All in the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards, which is the highest honour in the award’s history of three decades. This isn’t the first accolade bagged by the title. In 2023, it was named the Best in the World, and in early 2025, it was crowned the Best of the Best in Food Culture. This new achievement further solidifies the place that this food journal – and by extension, the cuisine that it represents – holds in the global gastronomic world. “This is not a cookbook. It is the story of a people” – the premise of The Food of Singapore Malays is clear from the start. While the book does include over 30 recipes for traditional dishes that you can attempt to recreate, it’s also very much an extensive compilation of cultural snippets, illustrations, old photographs and more that will take you through the history and evolution of Singaporean Malay cuisine. Photograph: Khir Johari “To receive this latest honour is deeply meaningful. What matters most to me is knowing that the foodways of our region are being seen and understood in a deeper, more nuanced way. My hope is for this work to spark reflection and encourage more people to document their own histories,” Khir Johari says. Find out more about The Food o

In light of an ongoing political spat between Japan and China, over 490,000 flight tickets from China to Japan have been cancelled. If you’re travelling to the Land of the Rising Sun in the next couple of months, you might just experience thinner crowds at the usual tourist spots as a result. On the flip side? Chinese tourists are now setting their sights on other lands, and we’re not at all surprised that Singapore is a top pick, as stated in a DBS market insights report dated November 24, 2025. As it is, Chinese tourists already account for Singapore’s largest pool of visitors, making up 20 percent of our arrivals. While tensions between the two East Asian countries are still running high, Singapore can expect an even larger wave of travellers from China flocking over – which is great news for our economy. At the same time, this influx of Chinese visitors also means that various attractions, malls, and popular hangouts in town will experience greater human traffic. The report predicts more tourist dollars being spent at mid-tier and high-end hotels; shopping centres like Ion Orchard, Plaza Singapura, Bugis+ and Raffles City; as well as Resorts World Sentosa and its attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and the new Singapore Oceanarium. But there are always ways to escape the crowds, even on this tiny island. Some ideas: Enjoy a quiet meal at our favourite hidden cafés, keep it chill with a ‘back-to-nature’ staycation at Lazarus Island, pore over a good book at the un

If you’re thinking of sneaking off for a final quick weekend getaway before the year comes to a close, it might be time to revisit Batam. A brand new ferry route operating between Singapore’s Harbourfront Terminal and the resort island in Indonesia has just launched on November 28, 2025, with boats landing directly at Gold Coast Bengkong International Ferry Terminal instead of the more common arrival point of Batam Center. Prior to this, passengers would have to take a 20-minute cab ride from Batam Center if they wanted to visit Gold Coast Bengkong. Hopefully, this new route will help spread out the crowds and result in shorter immigration checkpoint queues during peak travel periods on weekends and public holidays. The ferry service is operated jointly by Sindo Ferry and Batamfast, with round-trips at $76 inclusive of taxes and surcharges. Each leg of the journey is a speedy one-hour ride – 10 minutes shorter than the route from Harbourfront to Batam Centre – so you could even squeeze in a day trip and take an evening ferry back in time to rest up for your next work day. Have yet to explore Gold Coast Bengkong? Places worth checking out right by the ferry terminal include Bluefire Beach Club, the premium new Seaside Padel Club, and Domoo Bakery for freshly baked shokupan and doughnuts. Venture slightly further and you’ll get to race your pals at Golden City Go-Kart, enjoy wakeboarding at Batam WakePark, and lounge about sipping brews by the beach at Next Level Koffie & Beach

Orchard Road is fully lit, the Christmas jingles are blasting in malls, and the festive season is officially in full swing. If you're already plotting your Christmas meals and New Year's Eve dinners ahead of time, you'll also want to keep an eye on the latest additions to the city's dining scene. December always brings a flurry of openings, but this month feels especially stacked. Which is why we've narrowed it down to five new establishments that we feel are most worth your time and attention this busy season.  Japanese brands never fail to win our hearts, and we've got Udon Shin and Sushidan for silky udon noodles and affordable sushi this month. The National Gallery Singapore's revamp is also underway, and with that, the museum introduces a new Eurasian heritage restaurant by chef-personality Damian D'Silva. For an elegant Italian meal, head to L’Amo Bistrò del Mare at the brand new Mett Singapore hotel in Fort Canning. And nothing quite beats the novelty, charm and deliciousness of Korean barbecue, and the new Joong San in Telok Ayer might just be your next go-to in that category. Explore Singapore’s 2025 restaurant openings by month: New restaurants in November New restaurants in October New restaurants in September New restaurants in August New restaurants in July New restaurants in June New restaurants in May New restaurants in April New restaurants in March New restaurants in February New restaurants in January Discover the best new restaurants in Singapore this yea

Don’t be surprised to see a surge of tourism in Singapore next year. Already immensely popular amongst travellers from all over the world, our island has also just been named as one of the destinations to check out in Travel + Leisure’s list of 50 best places to travel in 2026, under the category of locations for ‘big-city thrills’. To derive this big 50, over 100 nominees were sifted through by the Travel + Leisure team, with input from well-travelled industry insiders and members of T+L’s ‘A-list’. Factors like accessibility, new infrastructural developments, underrated gems, and large-scale cultural events were also considered when making the final pick. The Lion City has specifically been highlighted for its “tons of new places to play”, with Rainforest Wild Asia, the Singapore Oceanarium, and Disney Adventure Cruise being some of the mentioned points of interest. The soon-to-open multisensory IMBA Theatre at Gardens by the Bay, as well as Live Nation’s upcoming music venue at Orchard are also pinpointed as attractions to keep an eye out for. Of course, arriving in Singapore is made all the more sweeter with our world-class airport, which was ranked number one in the world by both T+L readers and Skytrax in 2025. Singapore is one of only six destinations in Asia named in Travel + Leisure’s line-up of 50 best places to visit in 2026, with the others being Malaysia, Taipei, Mongolia, Sri Lanka, and Okinawa. Check out the full list of T+L’s 50 best places to travel in 2026 h

Mett Singapore recently took over the old Hotel Fort Canning – and it’s not just a zhuzh-up of its rooms and amenities. The luxury hotel under Sunset Hospitality Group also comes with all-new F&B concepts, and one of these is L’Amo Bistrò del Mare, an upscale Italian restaurant that also has one other outlet at a yacht club in Dubai. Focusing on coastal Italian flavours, L’Amo Bistrò del Mare is naturally quite seafood-forward, with dishes including polpo el josper (roasted octopus) at $32, risotto limone and gamberi (lemon risotto with Sicilian prawn carpaccio and caviar) at $68, and your pick of the freshest catch at the seafood on ice counter. That said, there are also meat-based dishes including a 250g tagliata di Wagyu alla griglia (grilled wagyu striploin) at $88 and cotoletta alla Milanese (Milan-style breaded veal at $58. Come by during lunch on a weekday and you’ll get to enjoy a value-for-money set meal at $48 for two courses and $58 for three. Photograph: L'Amo Bistro del Mare Drinks-wise, there’s an extensive list of 20 aperitivo options all priced at $18 each, along with Italian-style cocktails and mocktails. Some standouts include the signature Soprevento ($26) with Havana, amaretto, mango, and lemon, as well as the fruity-floral Aurora ($24) made using vodka, Cocchi Americano, rose, yuzu, and pink grapefruit tonic. L’Amo Bistrò del Mare Singapore is located within the grounds of Mett Singapore at 11 Canning Walk, open daily from 12pm to 2.30pm and 6pm to 10.3

Ringing in the new year at Marina Bay isn’t just about the burst of fireworks that lights up the sky right  after the clock ticks down. From now till then, there’s a month-long celebration in the area as part of Marina Bay Countdown 2026, so it’s never too early to start hyping yourself up for that grand finale. This starts with Togetherland by World Christmas Market – a large-scale festive market at Bayfront Event Space from December 11, 2025 to January 4, 2026. Soak in the magic with carnival rides, a bazaar, performances, festive food stalls, and plenty of twinkling light installations at this outdoor funfair. There’s also a pet-friendly corner for those who’d like to celebrate with furkids in tow. The stage performances at the Christmas market aren’t the only form of entertainment to look forward to. Make time for Come Together 2025, a series of free live music performances as The Esplanade, spanning genres from acoustic to Mandopop and jazz. Photograph: URA Towards the end of the month, feast your eyes on a series of nightly light projections as part of Brightening Lives – a social initiative featuring art by persons with disabilities. These vibrant works with an SG60 theme will come alive on the facade of The Fullerton Hotel on December 26 to 31, 2025, from 8pm to 10.30pm. All these will lead up to the moment everyone’s been waiting for: the spectacular fireworks. Clocking in at a total duration of 30 minutes, this year’s pyrotechnics are set to be a 360-degree experi

Caught in a bout of the year-end blues? Give yourself a happiness boost at Dopamine Land, an immersive experience that’s landing in Singapore this December. Comprising a total of nine rooms, each filled with different multisensory installations that glow mesmerisingly, this exhibition has also previously toured other cities including London, Madrid, Dubai, Brisbane and more. Singapore’s edition of this joy-inducing pop-up will be held at Weave, a new lifestyle hub at Resorts World Sentosa that’s also home to the world’s first Coach Coffee Shop and a special bougie branch of Din Tai Fung which has its own cocktail-tea bar. Reawaken your inner child with installations like ‘Cosmic Oasis’, a teamLab-esque room of cascading illuminated bulbs; ‘Euphoria Grove’, a forest of neon-lit trees sprung from a floor of cushions; and ‘Cushion Clash’, where pillow fights are encouraged. Take the chance to have a dance-off at the ‘Chromadance’ room, where a mosaic of coloured tiles light up in sync with the beat and your footwork. Dopamine Land is open from 11am to 9pm on Mondays and Wednesdays to Sundays (closed on Tuesdays) at #02-204/205 of Weave at Resorts World Sentosa. Ticket prices start from $17 for local adults. Find out more and purchase your tickets here.

When it comes to hotels, eye-pleasing interiors are just as important as great service and amenities, because the design of a space can easily influence one’s mood and energy levels. And at the ninth edition of the Society of Interior Designers Singapore (SIDS) awards held on November 24, 2025, one new entrant in the Orchard area bags not one but two awards for its stunning interior design. This hotel is none other than The Standard, Singapore – a boutique hotel with Hollywood roots and art around every corner. Photograph: Ministry of Design Conceptualised by homegrown interior design firm Ministry of Design, The Standard, Singapore’s design is distinctly eclectic, which offers a breath of fresh air against other hotels in Orchard that are less bold in aesthetic. Under the ‘Luminaries’ category, the stylish hotel scores Gold for ‘Best in Hospitality Design – Hotel Communal Spaces’, and this refers to the lobby lounge which also houses Café Standard and its bar. Other than a transparent check-in counter that shows off a terrarium within, the casual space is also decorated with a hodgepodge of animal sculptures and art books. Photograph: Ministry of Design Meanwhile, in-house restaurant Kaya at The Standard bags the Silver award under ‘Best in F&B Design - Restaurants’, and we couldn’t agree more with the selection. Sporting a tropical theme with botanical wallpaper and plants draping from the ceiling, this izakaya-inspired restaurant-bar is as elegant as it gets. There’s a