Do you have a few hours in Singapore between flights?
Don’t stay confined to the airport! This dynamic city-state offers countless ways to turn a simple layover into a memorable experience. Whether you have 5 hours or a full day, our guide highlights the best ways to enjoy Singapore, with options tailored to every transit duration.
Top Experiences to Enjoy in Singapore During Your Layover
Explore Jewel Changi – More Than Just an Airport
Ideal duration: 1h30 – Minimum layover required: 3h
Even with a short layover, Jewel Changi is well worth a visit. This retail complex connected to the terminals is home to the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall (40m), surrounded by a lush indoor forest. The evening light and sound show is breathtaking. Stroll through the Shiseido Forest Valley, explore the Canopy Park with its fun attractions, and enjoy one of the 80 dining options, including popular names like Shake Shack. Perfect for a short layover without leaving the airport.
Discover the Kampong Glam District and Its Hidden Gems
Ideal duration: 3h – Minimum layover required: 6h
The Malay neighborhood of Kampong Glam offers an authentic off-the-beaten-path experience. Dominated by the majestic Sultan Mosque, this bohemian district is full of artisan shops and street art. Explore Haji Lane for indie boutiques and hipster cafés, Arab Street for fabrics and spices, and Maison Ikkoku for rooftop cocktails. From Singapore Airport, take the East-West line to Bugis (20 min). The compact area is easy to explore on foot.
Savor a Feast at an Authentic Hawker Center
Ideal duration: 2h – Minimum layover required: 5h
For a truly local culinary immersion, head to one of Singapore’s hawker centers—food markets where locals feast for cheap. Maxwell Food Centre near Chinatown or Lau Pa Sat in the business district are easily accessible. Try Chicken Rice (the national dish), Laksa (coconut noodle soup), Chili Crab (for bigger budgets), or Kaya Toast (coconut jam toast). Look for the stalls with the longest lines—that’s where you’ll find the best flavors!
Experience a Magical Night at Gardens by the Bay
Ideal duration: 2h30 – Minimum layover required: 5h (evening)
For an evening layover, Gardens by the Bay delivers a fairytale experience with its glowing Supertrees. The Garden Rhapsody show (7:45 PM and 8:45 PM) transforms these metal structures into living art. Walk along the OCBC Skyway, a suspended bridge between trees, and if time allows, visit the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. From the airport, take the East-West line to Tanah Merah, then switch to the Blue Line to Bayfront (approx. 1h journey).
Enjoy a Singapore Sling at the Legendary Raffles Hotel
Ideal duration: 1h30 – Minimum layover required: 4h30
For an elegant break, head to the iconic Raffles Hotel to sip a Singapore Sling, the historic cocktail created in 1915 at the Long Bar. Although pricey (around 44 SGD), it’s a nostalgic experience in a preserved colonial setting. Unique tradition: you're allowed to toss peanut shells on the floor—the only place in Singapore where this is permitted! If the price feels steep, simply admire the lobby or opt for a more affordable tea at the Tiffin Room.
Book Your Singapore Discovery
A layover in Singapore is never time wasted. With an airport consistently ranked the world’s best and a compact city that’s easy to reach, it’s the perfect chance to get a taste of this fascinating city-state.
Book your Nouméa – Singapore flight and enjoy our quality service. For added comfort, choose a Siège Plus seat and stay connected with Aircalin Connect, our onboard internet service.
Questions / Answers
When is the best time to visit Singapore?
The best time to visit Singapore is from February to April, and then from May to September. During these months, the weather is relatively drier, although brief tropical showers can occur at any time.
Avoid the Northeast Monsoon season (November to January), especially November and December, which are the rainiest months with up to 26 days of precipitation.
February is considered the ideal month, with the least rainfall of the year and pleasant temperatures ranging between 25°C and 31°C. Humidity remains high year-round (around 80%).
To combine good weather with affordable rates, March is a smart choice—it offers excellent weather conditions and more budget-friendly flight prices (approximately €998 round-trip from Paris).
How to Get Around in Singapore?
Singapore’s public transport system is exemplary. The MRT (subway) serves most major attractions with punctuality and cleanliness. Get a rechargeable EZ-Link card (12 SGD with 7 SGD in credit), which can be used across all modes of transport.
For a full day of exploration, the Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited rides (10 SGD per day). Air-conditioned buses efficiently complement the network. Taxis are safe and affordable, with mandatory metered fares.
For more flexibility, apps like Grab or Gojek offer fixed-price rides, often cheaper than traditional taxis.
What are the tips to enjoy Singapore?
Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world, with extremely low crime rates—though it’s still wise to stay alert in tourist areas. Strictly follow local laws: even minor infractions (like littering or eating in the MRT) come with steep fines. Always carry your passport. In case of intense heat, stay hydrated and take breaks in air-conditioned shopping malls. Carry a light umbrella—tropical showers can strike suddenly, even during the dry season.
