Singapore City Guide   Singapore might be Asia's financial and commercial centre but despite it being known as a business destination, there's a lot more to this city-state than business alone. As an island on the crossroads of wor...

Singapore City Guide

Singapore might be Asia's financial and commercial centre but despite it being known as a business destination, there's a lot more to this city-state than business alone. As an island on the crossroads of world trading roads, Singapore has always been a global commercial hub and a veritable melting pot of cultures and religions. A local population comprising Taoists, Buddhists, Christians and Muslims has contributed to Singapore's stunningly eclectic culture.

Singapore is one of the safest and cleanest places to visit

Owing to an efficient government and strict laws, Singapore is safe, clean and easy to navigate. You will have no worries about walking back home after a night on the town. Still, it might be faster to use public transport. The MRT (Mass rapid transit), Singapore's speedy, clean and air-conditioned subway system, makes getting around the city a breeze. You can also catch a bus – it might be a bit slower but it's cheaper, less crowded and it will allow you to see the city while sitting back comfortably. You will not fail to notice that Singapore boasts some of the cleanest and best-maintained streets you will find in any big city. There's a very good reason for this. It is illegal to litter or even spit in public places, and anyone caught breaching these laws gets a hefty fine.

Singaporean cuisine is just as diverse as every other aspect of local life.

The British talk about the weather, and the French about love, while Singaporeans talk about food. Shaped by influences from all Asian cuisines, Singaporean cuisine is the most eclectic in the world and this makes the city-state a Mecca for foodies. The quickest and safest way to get introduced to local cuisine is by visiting a hawker centre. These food centres offer affordable fare with superb quality. Locals reserve tables by placing packs of tissues on them, so you can follow suit at busy times to ensure a seat. If you prefer a more formal dining experience, the choice of food outlets along the river will be more than overwhelming with Clarke Quay being the premier area for eating out.

Shopping in Singapore is just as big an affair as eating out.

Singapore is a shopaholic's dream come true. The island state has more shops and malls than you can manage to browse in a single visit. One of the most popular shopping destinations is Orchard road – 2 glorious km lined with 20 malls. Whether you look for fashion, electronics or antiques, you will find it all here and a lot more at prices and quality that range from bargain to luxury. If malls are not your thing, you might try haggling in Little India. A destination in its own right, this quarter has rows of stalls and goodies in all the colours of the rainbow. It's a visual experience as much as a shopping one.

Sightseeing in Singapore is a colourful mix of historic tours, futuristic sites and riverside strolls.

Singapore is a highly modern city filled with stunning contemporary architecture and exotic sites. The Gardens by the Bay, arguably the most futuristic gardens in the world, are among Singapore's top attractions. The gardens' giant conservatories house tropical and Mediterranean flora but the most striking of all are the supertrees – towering vertical gardens, which stand out against the city skyline. Suspended bridges allow visitors to take a walk “in the air” between the tree crowns and free light shows are held every night after 7 pm.

No visit to Singapore goes without a stroll by the riverside. A boat cruise will take you all along the length of the river, passing by various attractions and under historic bridges, but even if you choose to walk, there's a lot to be seen. Watch out for the Merlion water fountain spouting water into the river. This funky, half lion, half fish is the national mascot. There are many places to eat along the river but the most alluring area is Clarke Quay with its quaint houses in soft tropical colours, countless restaurant, bars and nightclubs.

The Singapore skyline might be dominated by glass-and-steel giants but head to Emerald Hill road and you will come across the most charming collection of colonial houses. These 19th-century, pastel-coloured homes with shuttered windows are among the finest architectural landmarks in the city-state. For a more in-depth cultural experience, check out the Singapore National Museum, which is the oldest in the country. Its collections cover a vast array of subjects but expect to see more than artefacts and objects. Art installations, film screenings and festivals are among some of the many events held at the museum throughout the year.

When you get weary of the urban hustle and bustle you can visit the Botanical Gardens or escape the city entirely by heading to Sentosa island. As soon as you dip your toes in the fine sand of Palawan beach you will forget the urban jungle.