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First time in Singapore? Here are 8 of the top things to do
Singapore is compact -- roughly the same size as New York City -- but the Southeast Asian city-state is brimming with culture and character -- and plenty of things to do.
Bordering the southern tip of Malaysia, just one degree north of the equator, the island of 5.
6 million has become synonymous with hawker centers, urban gardens -- and, of course, the famous Singapore Sling cocktail.
Whether youre in town to sample the myriad street snacks, catch a cricket game or tour the recently renovated National Gallery, theres something for every type of traveler.
Here are a few suggestions for what to see, do, and devour in the Garden City.
Take a heritage tour A British colony for nearly 150 years, from 1819 until 1963, Singapore boasts many beautifully maintained Victorian-era buildings along the Singapore River, just west of Marina Bay.
A walk through the central area will take travelers on a heritage trail, from the grand City Hall and Old Supreme Court, the Peranakan Museum, Fort Canning Flagstaff, St.
Andrews Cathedral, Victoria Theater and Concert Hall and The Arts House.
Many of the heritage buildings hug the Padang, an open playing field home to both the Singapore Cricket Club (est.
1870) and the Singapore Recreation Club (est.
1883).
Overlooking the cricket field, the recently renovated National Gallery specializes in Southeast Asian art.
It is a popular stop thanks to its ever-changing interactive exhibits, including a recent show by Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama, who harnessed infinity mirrors, patterns and light to create a compelling visual experience.
Theres also a rooftop sculpture park, yarn-bombing activities, film nights and even dancing -- depending on the season.
The National Gallery, 1 Saint Andrews Road, #01--01, Singapore 178957; +65 6271 7000 Peranakan Museum, 39 Armenian St, Singapore 179941; +65 6332 7591 St.
Andrews Cathedral, 11 St Andrews Road, Singapore 178959; +65 6337 6104 Eat everything Singapore is said to be one of the worlds best food cities -- and its easy to see why.
The island is home to the worlds cheapest Michelin-starred meal -- Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle -- a humble hawker stall that sells its famous chicken and rice dish for just S$2 ($1.42).
This is just one of thousands of hawker stalls where travelers can indulge in tasty noodle dishes and quick snacks for just a few dollars.
The options are endless and all delicious, from the flaky roti prata in Little India to grilled satay, kaya toast (a coconut-like jam served with half-boiled egg), Hokkien mee noodles, laksa, Hainan chicken rice, chili crab and ice kachang -- a dessert made with shaved ice, condensed milk and assorted toppings such as red beans and mango.
When thirst strikes, a cup of traditional kopi-o (thick black coffee with sugar), kopi kosong(without sugar), grass jelly soy milk or sugarcane juice should be easy enough to find.
For a sampling of everything, Chinatown Complex Food Centre is one of the largest hawker centers in Singapore, with more than 250 stalls.
Nearby, Maxwell Road Hawker Centre also draws crowds to its famous stalls, including the Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stall and Hoe Kee Porridge.
And for a contemporary take on the traditional hawker center? Try Timbre+ -- an artsy outdoor gastropark with more than 30 food stalls, food trucks, craft beer vendors and live music nearly every night of the week.
Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, 78 Smith St, Singapore 058972 Maxwell Road Hawker Centre, 1 Kadayanallur Street, 069184, Singapore; +65 9790 2826 Chinatown Complex Food Centre, 335 Smith Street, #02-127 Chinatown Complex, Chinatown, Singapore Timbre+, 73A Ayer Rajah Crescent, JTC LaunchPad, 139957, Singapore; +65 6252 2545 Drink up the nightlife Singapore might be known for its Singapore Slings -- best savored at the famous Long Bar inside the 19th century Raffles Hotel -- but thats not the only tipple worth a try.
The city is home to countless cocktail bars, particularly around Clarke Quay, Club Street, China Town and the Ann Siang Hill area.
Speakeasy 28 Hongkong Street serves up American-style classic cocktails and barrel-aged favorites, while Bitters & Love specializes in Asian-inspired cocktails with quirky presentations (like a Kaya Toast cocktail served in a mason jar).
Nearby, Operation Dagger does experimental libations in a sculptural setting.
For more low-key options, wed suggest grabbing a seat outdoors at one of the hookah bars and alfresco cafes along Haji Lane.