Singapore is one of the world’s busiest aviation hubs, which means that a substantial number of its visitors are only passing through. Indeed, if you’re traveling anywhere in Asia or heading towards the West, there’s a high chance that you may have to take a connecting flight at Singapore’s world-famous Changi Airport.

Thankfully, the country is probably one of the best places to be stuck in for a day. Singapore offers an excellent range of attractions suitable for visitors who only have a few hours to spend before their next flight. And most are less than an hour’s drive from the airport (and are packed full of exciting diversions for all ages!)  So, if you find yourself spending an overnight in Singapore, consider biding your time with these fun activities:

1. Explore The Jewel At Changi Airport

Right on the Changi Airport complex, the Jewel at Changi Airport is probably the best place to visit if you’re staying at one of the hotels near Singapore Airport on your layover. Unlike typical airport malls that you might find in other major cities, the Jewel’s designers went the extra mile to make sure it’s a worthwhile visit.

The Jewel at Changi Airport combines a luxury shopping mall with a state-of-the-art urban park on a massive scale, creating a truly interesting experience for visitors. You have high-end shopping and Michelin-star restaurants, and you also have vast indoor gardens and thrilling views of the surroundings. You could easily spend the day just relaxing here, thanks to features like the Shiseido Forest Valley at the center of the complex and the stunning, Insta-worthy HSBC Rain Vortex.

2. Visit the Usual Hotspots

A lot of travel guides might tell you to avoid tourist hotspots. But, in Singapore, these places can be great picks for short layovers since they’re packed with sights and activities that you can explore in just a couple of hours. In particular, the Marina Bay Sands has become iconic and a favorite of travelers on short trips. The resort complex includes a mall, restaurants, a casino, museums, and more than enough diversions for people wanting to spend a day in the Lion City. It’s also home to the world-famous SkyPark Observation Deck, which features the world’s longest elevated infinity pool and an amazing view of the country’s main skyline.

If you’re into something quieter but still undeniably emblematic of Singapore, you can also check out the Gardens by the Bay. It’s a massive nature park and garden complex with over 500,000 plant species and a number of truly stunning features.  Those include one of the world’s largest indoor waterfalls, the world’s largest glass greenhouse, and the one-of-a-kind SuperTree Grove. After, visit nearby Merlion Park to see Singapore’s emblematic Merlion statue (probably the most iconic landmark in Singapore).

3. Hit the Clubs

If you’re in the mood for some clubbing, Orchard Road and Clarke Quay are both positively brimming with options after dark. Take your pick of clubs in these party districts or find a quiet bar to while away the hours until your upcoming flight.

4. Go Shopping

Singapore is a shopaholic’s dream come true, with a full selection of retailers for all tastes and budgets. The previously mentioned Jewel at Changi Airport is no slouch when it comes to retail therapy. You can also check out The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands for limited-edition items, or Orchard Road’s countless boutiques and specialty stores. Alternatively, if you’re into a more offbeat shopping experience, then Haji Lane is a great place to start. There are endless shopportunities to choose from!

5.  Consider Family-Friendly Attractions

In most other cities, layovers can be tricky for families because of the lack of suitable child-friendly recreation options. Singapore has the opposite problem (if you can call it that), with its plethora of wholesome attractions for travelers of all ages.

If your layover only gives you free time at night, your first priority should be Night Safari, the world’s first nocturnal zoo. If you have enough daylight, you can also check out Universal Studios Theme Park, the open-concept Singapore Zoo, and the S.E.A. Aquarium—the largest aquarium in the world. Be sure to check out River Safari to see giant pandas, since this facility is one of only a handful in the world that host these adorable creatures.

6. Grab a Bite of Authentic SG Cuisine

Now for one of my favorite Singapore activities – a literal taste of the city!  Your hotel probably offers a selection of local dishes but, for the best experience, you’ll want to head out to the country’s famous food districts.

If you booked a hotel near or within the airport, the Old Airport Road Hawker Centre is probably your best bet. It’s one of the biggest hawker centers and it offers a solid selection of Singaporean favorites, such as satay, SG-style Hainanese chicken rice, and the ever-popular chili crab (my fave!)  Or, for more modern local cuisine, check out Kampong Glam’s trendy cafes and restaurants.

These recommendations barely touch on the sheer diversity of things you can do while you’re in Singapore. Though the country might be smaller than most, it truly goes big where it counts. On your next trip, plan a layover in Singapore to try out these world-class attractions and see why it’s is one of my favorite places in the world!

Have you been to Singapore before?  What are some of your favorite things to do while you’re there?

You May Also Like:

» The Best Things To Do At Changi Airport
» Picture Perfect Reasons To Visit Singapore
» Long-Haul Flight Packing Guide