31 Things to See and Do in Singapore

Singapore is hot right now-and I'm not just talking about the latest five-day forecast. This city-state at the crossroads of Southeast Asia is being discovered by more and more travelers, pushing it up the rankings of the world's most popular-and beloved-destinations.

Singapore is a sensational place to get introduced to traveling in Asia (or to dig deeper) as it provides tantalizing foodie experiences, enthralling cultural experiences yet familiar cosmopolitan comforts around every corner.

The following are 31 of the best things to do and see when you see Singapore for yourself.

Simply showing up in Singapore is a memorable experience unto itself. The nation's flag carrier Singapore Airlines is consistently rated among the world's best, featuring a flying experience full of swish planes, superior service and scrumptious food-the latter providing a preview of what's to come once you land.

Even if you touch down at Changi Airport with a different carrier, you are still in for a treat. A shrine to air travel, Changi is home to lush gardens (one is home to 1,000 butterflies), soothing spaces, shiny shopping outlets, works of art, a canopy bridge and even a pool. To say nothing of the exceptional food court, which features a bevy of local vendors. As tempting as it may be to stay at the airport, even more great things await.

This collection of enchanting green spaces by the water has quickly become one of the city's signature attractions and no trip to Singapore is complete without a stroll through its lush grounds. Peaceful lakes, meticulously landscaped lawns and fanciful displays of flowers compete with the mysterious and misty Cloud Forest for your attention.

Hands down the Gardens' most recognized attraction, the spindly branches of Supertree Grove are like nothing you've ever seen before in real life. Providing much-needed shade during the day and glowing each evening with a spectacular light show, they are super in every sense of the word. For the best view of the 'trees', take to the OCBC Skyway.

They've been doing street food in Singapore since way before it was cool. Around the mid-20th century, the city nudged its fleet of curbside vendors to move indoors into massive "food courts" called hawker centres and the city's food scene hasn't been the same since. Singapore is widely regarded as one of the best foodie cities in the world and these humble gathering spots are the place to start your immersion into the city's culinary traditions.

You'll find the hawker centres scattered all around town and while everyone has a different opinion on which one is the best (Maxwell Road in the city center is a great place to start), the general concept is the same regardless of where you choose to eat: dozens of stalls serving up a small handful of dishes (or in some cases, just one specialty) and customers lining up for the freshly-cooked food. It can be hard to pick a stall, but it's always a good idea to look for one with a winding line of locals or proudly displaying a laminated newspaper clipping extolling the excellence of their offerings.

Simply put, settling in with a steaming plateful and a cold can of beer on a warm night is the quintessential Singapore experience.

Art lovers will adore this gallery which is located inside two historic buildings: the former Supreme Court and City Hall. But it's not just the aesthetics that will win you over, as the National Gallery is home to the best collection of modern Singaporean and Southeast Asian art anywhere in the region.

Little India is one of Singapore's most vibrant neighborhoods and a stroll through its lively lanes is rewarding on may levels. Serangoon Road is the main drag, but slide off onto the side streets to get lost in a dizzying mix of aromas and sights. Hindu & Chinese temples sit side by side with churches and mosques and the Mustafa Centre-a 24-hour shopping bonanza.

One of the best reasons for visiting the neighborhood is to indulge in the local flavors. From dishes you may be familiar with at sit-down restaurants (this writer was blown away by a smoky chicken tikka masala at Khansama Tandoori) to local specialties like roti prata being served up at the hawker Tekka Centre, you won't leave hungry or unimpressed.

The Singapore Sling was invented at the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel and you just can't come to the city without whetting your whistle with one at this grand venue. A refreshing mix of gin, fruit juices and liqueurs, the drink will cool you down after a day spent seeing the sights and as a bonus, they are served with some of the best peanuts you will ever have in your life.

The Marina Bay Sands remarkable infinity pool may be the most famous but it's certainly not the only game in town. Hip hotel Naumi shines with its cool blue-tiled rooftop pool and lounge that features breathtaking views of the city and an ultra-chill vibe while The Fullerton Hotel features views of the Singapore River. Yes, you're going to want to make sure you check the "rooftop pool" box when searching for a hotel.

The world's first safari park dedicated exclusively to nocturnal animals, the Night Safari has become a beloved tradition for animal-loving visitors and locals alike. Over 2,000 animals call the park home, including Malayan tigers and Asian elephants, with a trip here sure to bring new meaning to your definition of "nightlife".

What do you get when you cross a fish with a lion? A Merlion, and it's Singapore's national icon, symbolizing the city's rise from a humble fishing village to global power. Visit the iconic fountain/statue of the mythical beast at Merlion Park for a most impressive introduction.

As Asia's premier feathered attraction, you can meet thousands of birds across hundreds of species at Jurong. Besides live shows and attractions like Penguin Coast and Flamingo Lake, the park is famous for its Waterfall Aviary, a walk-through attraction that is home to over 600 birds and a cascading waterfall.

The city is known for a bevy of epicurean delights, but this might just be the one that leaves the most lasting impression on you. Take stir-fried crabs and combine them with a sweet, sludgy chili and tomato sauce and you have mouthwatering magic.

While it may look simple, the delicate balance of juicy chicken, starchy rice and sweet spicy sauce makes Chicken Rice one of the ultimate comfort foods in the region.

A heavenly hodgepodge of flavors, a good bowl of Laksa will stay with you long after you leave Singapore too. The city's signature version is anchored by a broth made of coconut milk and dried shrimp before being topped with a selection of shrimp, fishcakes or cockles.

Like the city itself, this street started from very humble beginnings to blossom into something special: a shopping mecca. Shop for everything under the sun and then indulge in cocktails at some of the city's best venues-it's all on Orchard Road.

Although currently closed for maintenance, the Singapore Flyer is expected to take to the skies over the city once again soon. As Asia's largest giant observation wheel, the Flyer treats riders to sweeping views of the city, sea and even (on a clear day) views of Indonesia and Malaysia.

This is Singapore's signature museum and there is no better place to trace the history of the country and learn about its people. Here, you will find exhibitions dedicated to detailing the black-and-white facts of what happened in the past and the colorful popular culture of the modern country.

This stunning pedestrian walkway is positioned over 100-feet high and takes the form of whimsical waves. It has become a beloved part of the cityscape since its debut in 2008 and you'll find locals jogging, walking or just relaxing on its handsome hardwoods.

This nine-mile stretch of shoreline is a recreation paradise. Cycle, run, or just spent time on the sand, but either way, you'll love the space that this park provides. Oh, and because it's Singapore, of course, there's a hawker centre here called East Coast Food Lagoon.

There's just something special about skewers of meat being cooked over smoky charcoal and when that meat is then slathered in sticky, spicy and sweet peanut sauce, it becomes one of the most perfect of local foods. Ideal for sharing with new friends.

Sentosa is located a short hop from the business district of Singapore, but it's trying it's best to run on island time. Here, you will find a myriad of family attractions (from Universal Studios to skywalks, ziplining and indoor skydiving) and an impressive beach complete with stylish beach bars.

An oasis in the center of the city, these gardens offer a breath of fresh air to all and heaven on earth if you are an admirer of orchids. Here, you will find the world's utmost collection of these tropical beauties in addition to hundreds of other flowers and a landscape full of fanciful lakes and gardens.

Boardwalks guide you over marshy wetlands while you are surrounded by both migrating birds and fauna native to the wetlands at this attraction. Naturally, the reserve's nature provides a great respite from the busy city.

Singapore is renowned for being a melting pot of cultures and perhaps nowhere shows this off more impressively than Chinatown. Here, you can admire a Buddhist temple, a Hindu temple and a mosque on the same street before visiting the Chinatown Heritage Centre and settling in for a wonderful meal on the recently-renovated Chinatown Food Street.

While the recent smash movie has many funny and heartwarming performances, the star of Crazy Rich Asians turns out to be Singapore itself. Chase down a couple of scene-stealing locations like Newton Food Centre (this is where Nick introduces Rachel to the glory of hawker centres), Humpback restaurant (where Rachel and Peik Lin have a heart-to-heart conversation across from gorgeous Chinatown shophouses) and the historical CHIJMES complex (where Colin and Araminta get married). Or, sign up for one of the organized tours that have sprung up since the film received international acclaim.

This zoo has won many accolades for its effort at creating more free-roaming-style enclosures for its animals and here you can admire and learn about wildlife from all over the world. The park features 11 different zones that take you on a tour of some of the world's most fascinating environments.

You'll find hundreds of colorful statues and dioramas telling stories from Chinese folklore at this very unique park. Spend a few hours here and come away both enlightened and entertained.

Kaya is a sweet, traditional jam made from coconut and egg and when it's slathered on toast it becomes something extraordinary. Singapore locals love it, so join them and enjoy kaya toast at least once during breakfast or lunch before you leave town.