Is Singapore really boring? We want to find out the truth

Singapore may not be Ireland but that doesn't mean we can't get jolly and celebrate St Patrick's Day in the Lion City. The iconic Irish stout Guinness is pulling out all the stops with its All Hail Patricks campaign, with events leading up to the Guinness St Patrick's Festival on March 16. The campaign also celebrates all named Pats and Patricks in Singapore with plenty of fun and exciting perks to be unlocked all through the month of March. If March seems like an eternity away, Guinness has got your back. The party starts early from March 1 and everyone's invited. Race your way to the mini-festivals happening on March 1 at Suntec City, March 8 at Peranakan Place and Cuppage Terrace and March 14 at Far East and China Square. Then round it all up with the Guinness St Patrick's Festival that’s taking over Maxwell Road on March 16 from 1pm to 10pm. There are plenty of booze, bites, banging tunes and cool experiences to indulge in. Grab a pint of ice cold Guinness and raise a toast. RSVP at get.guinness.com and unlock special perks for you to revel in at this annual outdoor bash. All are welcome and entry is free. It doesn’t end on March 16, either. Guinness is serving up more exclusive treats. By signing up at get.guinness.com, you get to enjoy discounted Guinness and partnered brands like Grab and Redmart throughout the month of March.

The Time Out First Look evening soirée was filled with the music and dance of Grammy-nominated West End Zulu ballet INALA by Sisters Grimm

There’s a gritty, unpolished side to Singapore that lurks well beneath its glitzy surface – a side that most will never venture to. We explore abandoned areas, buildings and the places that are hard to get to, from WWII bunkers to forgotten landmarks so you can see them for yourselves. So if you think everything in Singapore has been discovered already, you best put on those trekking shoes and get out there in the wild (and natural) side of Singapore and do the discovering yourself! RECOMMENDED:  The best secret and hidden parks in Singapore and the best hiking trails in Singapore

With plenty of things to do in this concrete jungle, we can safely say that a boring Singapore is a myth. From the coolest music and art festivals like Zoukout and Singapore Night Festival to mega sporting events like F1 Singapore Grand Prix and the HSBC Singapore Rugby Sevens, there's always a myriad of things to do, see and eat. Stay ahead of the game and plan your 2019 calendar pronto with the crème de la crème of events happening throughout the year. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore and the best things to do this week

The Hokkien term ‘Chingay’ translates to the art of costume and masquerade which is apt for this vibrant street parade. The quintessential Singapore event is usually held during the Chinese New Year festivities. This year, it takes over the F1 Pit Building on February 15 and 16 with its usual riot of colourful costumes, live performances, dazzling floats and intricate props from all around the world. An iconic symbol of Singapore, the massive jamboree celebrates the country’s rich multicultural and cosmopolitan cultures and has become a household name amongst the various communities since its debut in 1973. Trivia: the celebration makes up for the ban on firecrackers that was once a customary Lunar New Year practice to ward off evil spirits. This year, Chingay delves into the theme of ‘Dreams Funtastia’ as part of the Singapore Bicentennial celebrations to showcase the infinite imagination of what Singaporeans can achieve and become in the future. Come rain or shine, get your tickets to this shining, shimmering, splendid street parade at chingay.org.sg. Here’s what you can expect at this energetic bash.  RECOMMENDED: Guide to Chinese New Year in Singapore and the best Chinese New Year events in Singapore

Brighter and bolder, i Light Singapore returns for another season of nocturnal art from January 28 to February 24. And for the first time, it's extending beyond Marina Bay to include the Civic District, Singapore River Esplanade Park and Raffles Terrace at Fort Canning Park. This year, the annual festival features a special edition to kickstart the Singapore Bicentennial commemoration with pieces that explore our history. Soak in the ambience as people from all walks of life connect through shared experiences, tasty bites, live music and immersive play – all while learning more about sustainability and the evolution of our city through time. The sundown art event happens from 7.30pm to 11pm daily, with extended hours to midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. Marvel at 33 artworks and take part in over 20 programmes, including five new activity hubs. Here’s what to expect at i Light Singapore – Bicentennial Edition.

Busy, noisy, filled with people, that’s the general consensus of the Chinatowns of the world. Singapore’s is no different, but ours (perhaps we’re biased) has a charming air about it that appeals to both tourists and locals. A good mix of hawker fare and swish eateries, history and architecture, here are a few good reasons to head down to Chinatown. RECOMMENDED: 101 best things to do in Singapore and guide to getting around Singapore 

Singapore's glamorous shopping belt dazzles with luxury stores, local boutiques and plenty to eat, see and do.

It’s a given that Little India is colourful, vibrant and a hive of activity – but it’s also changing and gentrifying. There’s never a dull moment on this stretch, here are some of our favourite spots. RECOMMENDED: Where to eat in Little India

What was once Singapore’s sleaze central has smartened up big time thanks to classy new developments like Andaz. While the area is evolving into a mini CBD, it hasn’t gone all business-like just yet. With its mix old-and-new, here are some of our new (and old) favourite haunts. Still can't get enough of what this colourful neighbourhood has to offer? Check out the best cafes in Bugis or go on a bar crawl guide in Bugis when it gets dark out. 

Joo Chiat and Katong have gained popularity over the years for their blend of Instagram-worthy Peranakan shophouses, delectable cuisine, and indie retail stores. Named after philanthropist, Chew Joo Chiat, this charming corner in the east of Singapore was once a small village of seaside retreats for the wealthy. It's since been revamped into a residential suburb surrounded by shops and eateries. Declared as Singapore’s first Heritage Town in 2011, this East Coast enclave still holds timeless treasures and insight into the rich Peranakan cultural heritage of the 1950s. Today, most of Joo Chiat’s multi-ethnic influences are most evident in its architecture, dining options, and activities. RECOMMENDED Creative spaces in Katong and Joo Chiat and the best restaurants and cafés in Katong

Singapore's infamous redlight district is the place to go your craving for the king of fruits and good food at any hour of the night.

Take a one-way (MRT) trip to the far east – you’ll find more than chalets and droves of army boys. Hit up Pasir Ris and Changi for a walk through nature as you explore the mangroves or chug down refreshing brews by the seaside. We round up where to hang out and what to do while you're in these two quaint neighbourhoods.

More than just the neighbourhood with Singapore's first IKEA, Queenstown is also home to plenty of cheap and good eats, outlet malls for a good bargain and more.

Get acquainted: Tampines – named for the large number of ‘tampinis’, or ironwood, trees that used to be in the neighbourhood – is the largest residential area in Singapore. The colourful HDB blocks and smart design of the district earned Tampines the United Nations World Habitat Award for Excellence in Housing Design in 1992. Make a deal: Just outside the MRT exit, bargains abound in 513 Tampines Central 1. Get cheap clothes at CK Discount, then wander around the building clockwise until you hear the carnival soundtrack and come to stall No 152 – Three Stars Buy 1 Free 1. Just like the name says, when you buy one of the household goods on sale, you get one free. Along the way, keep your eyes open for discount underwear and a jewellery pawn shop. Eat: On the third floor of the Tampines Mall (4 Tampines Central 5, and ground zero for mainstream shopping in this area), peek in the window of Din Tai Fung and watch dim sum masters rolling out dough and turning it into divine dumplings… okay, enough watching. Time to grab a seat and eat! For what could possibly be Singapore’s best dining bargain (a major claim), head to block 823A on Tampines Street 81 and find stall No 820 in the Food Park for a plate of $1.30 chicken rice. Get fit: After all that chicken rice (at those prices, you know you’ll get seconds), you’ll need a workout. The Tampines Sports Hall (495 Tampines Ave 5 S) offers 19 badminton and table tennis courts where you can play with your birdies and balls. If that doesn

Making the most of its verdant beauty and space, the Bukit Timah stretch has always had a buzz about it. And now with the new Downtown line, this 25-kilometre long stretch has finally become accessible to all. These are just a few of its gems. RECOMMENDED: Guide to MacRitchie and Guide to Coronation