City Essentials: First Day • 3 hours 5.0 (138)

Singapore Essentials: Your First Day in the City

Start your Singapore journey with a local who helps you explore must-sees, hidden corners, and learn how to navigate the city with confidence.

What makes this experience special

The perfect first-day experience in Singapore. Your host blends must-sees with practical tips—local transport, hawker food, and hidden corners—so you leave feeling confident and ready to explore.

Key highlights

  • Get a feel for Singapore’s layout with a relaxed, local-led introduction.
  • Learn how to use the MRT, best walking routes, and travel tips.
  • See historic riverside shophouses and murals that tell Singapore’s story.
  • Take in the Merlion from a hidden, crowd-free angle.
  • Explore Chinatown’s backstreets beyond the tourist stalls.
  • Taste must-try hawker dishes like Hainanese chicken rice.
  • Gain local insights on the best spots to visit during your stay.

What to know before you go

Here’s everything you need to know before your day unfolds.

3 hours
Fully tailored to your preferences
English Other languages may be requested
Walking experience May use public transport for long distances

What’s included

Tailored itinerary based on your preferences
A knowledgeable host who knows the hidden gems
Flexible start times to fit your day

What’s not included

Food, drinks and shopping expenses
Transport fares or attraction entry fees

Meeting point

Raffles place MRT exit G, 6 Battery Rd, Singapore 049909

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience

What to bring

  • We recommend wearing comfortable shoes and carrying a light bag for your essentials.
  • Public transport may be used during the experience—please bring an EZ-Link or NETS FlashPay card, set up Apple Pay or Google Pay (for contactless payment), or carry small change for bus fares, as no change is given.

How your day could unfold

A flexible, unscripted experience designed entirely around your interests. Your host will adapt the day based on what excites you most

Here’s what your experience could look like

These are just suggestions from our hosts to inspire your day. Your host will tailor the experience to suit your interests and tastes

Meeting point

Raffles place MRT exit G, 6 Battery Rd, Singapore 049909

Singapore Essentials: Your First Day in the City

Get Your Bearings at Boat Quay

A scenic introduction to Singapore’s history and layout.

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Singapore Essentials: Your First Day in the City

Start with a relaxed walk along Boat Quay, where Singapore’s trading history comes to life. Your host shares city tips, key neighborhoods, and MRT insights, tailoring the walk to your interests.

Singapore Essentials: Your First Day in the City

The Merlion—Without the Crowds

See Singapore’s most famous icon, but from a peaceful spot.

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Singapore Essentials: Your First Day in the City

No need to fight the crowds for a photo. Instead, head to a lesser-known viewpoint behind One Fullerton for an unbeatable skyline shot and a true local perspective on this landmark.

Singapore Essentials: Your First Day in the City

Chinatown’s Hidden Corners & Culture

A deeper look at Chinatown beyond the touristy streets.

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Singapore Essentials: Your First Day in the City

Skip the souvenir stalls and explore Chinatown’s quiet alleys, heritage temples, and tea shops. Discover its cultural fusion and get insider tips on shopping, nightlife, and hidden speakeasies.

Singapore Essentials: Your First Day in the City

Hawker Culture & Essential Eats

Taste Singapore’s best hawker food—where locals actually eat.

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Singapore Essentials: Your First Day in the City

No first day in Singapore is complete without a hawker center visit. At Chinatown Complex, your host suggests top street food picks like Hainanese chicken rice, fried carrot cake, or iced kopi peng.

Singapore Essentials: Your First Day in the City

Learn to Ride the MRT Like a Local

Master Singapore’s fast and affordable transport system.

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Singapore Essentials: Your First Day in the City

Public transport is the easiest way to explore Singapore, and your host will show you how to use the MRT, buy tickets, and read the system like a local. They’ll also offer personalized recommendations on which routes to take for the rest of your trip.

Singapore Essentials: Your First Day in the City

If Time Allows: A Quiet End in Telok Ayer

A historic district where past and present quietly meet.

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Singapore Essentials: Your First Day in the City

If time allows, stroll Telok Ayer’s heritage streets, visit a centuries-old temple, or unwind at a tucked-away café—perfect for soaking in the city’s charm and planning your next Singapore discovery.

1. Select a date
2. Select start time
3. Tailor your experience
Answer a few quick questions to help your host craft the perfect day tailored to you.
1. What’s your preferred hosting style?
2. How would you like the pace of your day?
3. What’s your walking comfort level?
4. Are you celebrating something special?

Real Stories, Real Connections

See our hosts and guests creating memories
Exploring Kampong Glam – Colors, Culture, and a Touch of History!

Exploring Kampong Glam – Colors, Culture, and a Touch of History!

A Symbol of Transformation – Standing by the Butterfly Sculpture!

A Symbol of Transformation – Standing by the Butterfly Sculpture!

A Stroll Through Colonial Singapore – History Around Every Corner!

A Stroll Through Colonial Singapore – History Around Every Corner!

Lost in the Magic of Gardens by the Bay – A Walk Among Giants!

Lost in the Magic of Gardens by the Bay – A Walk Among Giants!

Little India’s Vibrance – Culture, Colors, and a Warm Welcome!

Little India’s Vibrance – Culture, Colors, and a Warm Welcome!

The Fountain of Wealth – A Prosperous Moment in Singapore!

The Fountain of Wealth – A Prosperous Moment in Singapore!

Exploring the Rich Heritage of Singapore’s Temples!

Exploring the Rich Heritage of Singapore’s Temples!

A Touch of Old-World Glamour – Drinks & Charm at Atlas Bar!

A Touch of Old-World Glamour – Drinks & Charm at Atlas Bar!

Lost in the Beauty of the Cloud Forest!

Lost in the Beauty of the Cloud Forest!

On Top of the World – Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Views!

On Top of the World – Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Views!

Hawker Heaven – The Best Local Bites with the Best Company!

Hawker Heaven – The Best Local Bites with the Best Company!

17,500+ 5-Star Reviews and Counting

Trusted and recommended by travelers worldwide, including 99% on Google and TripAdvisor.

recommended by 99% of travelers on google
recommended by 99% of travelers on tripadvisor
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What travelers think of this experience

Deborah, Mar 2025

My husband and I visited Singapore for the very first time in March. I reserved a 3.5 hour walking tour with a great guide named Stan. He corresponded with me prior to leaving the US in order to plan our trip. I felt comfortable asking him advice on other areas prior to arriving, and he was happy to provide the information. He met us right on time the day of our tour at our hotel. Together we used the Grab app which I downloaded prior to arriving in Singapore. This is Singapore’s Uber. We took our first ride to the Gardens by the Bay. Stan was so knowledgeable about every aspect of this beautiful garden area. He matched our pace for walking through the gardens. He wanted his clients to be engaged. After the Gardens, we took another Grab ride to Chinatown. Before walking through Chinatown, we went into a City Center area on the second floor where we saw a huge model of city of Singapore. It was so interesting to be able to see the entire city, by walking around this model. Highly recommend this stop. Next, we walked around this area until our time was up. He shared the history of the various temples, churches, and mosques. Stan is a very smart and enthusiastic guide! The perfect combination. We loved our time with him. We ended our day with a lunch. We enjoyed our time with Stan. He became our friend! Thank you, Stan.

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Deborah, Mar 2025

From the start, Stan (our wonderful guide) corresponded with me to plan the 3.5 hour tour in Singapore. If I had ANY question while still in the US, I felt comfortable to ask Stan. He helped me prepare for our arrival at the Changi airport Jewel Rain Vortex, for he highly recommend we see it upon our arrival. So glad we did! During our tour, he took us to the Gardens on the Bay and into Chinatown. Both locations filled our tour time frame. Stan was extremely knowledgeable about these areas. He is so smart, but doesn’t talk over your head. He asked great questions, and he listened. He wanted our tour to be enjoyable! And it truly was! We matched his pace perfectly, so we were able to do a lot in those 3.5 hours cause he has lots of energy. We like to be on the move, so it was a perfect experience. Thank you, Stan!

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Deborah, Mar 2025

Stan is one of the kindest guides we’ve experienced in the last few years. We booked him on our first day in Singapore. In the meantime, before leaving the US, we corresponded in order to organize our 3.5 hour tour. He is so knowledgeable. And engaging of his clients. He was flexible and worked around another tour we had scheduled through our travel agent on day 2. He listened. He had a great pace, and we accomplished so much. He met us at our hotel, and together, we used Grab (Singapore’s Uber equivalent) to get to the “Gardens by the Bay”. Stan knows every inch of these gardens, and moved at a terrific pace for us. He kept us energized with his enthusiasm of the plants, flowers, and sculptures. We loved our tour today.

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Sarah, Mar 2025

The king just had bad or good? It was better than just good. Priscilla did a fantastic job. Customized to my interest with lot of local information and history. Great orientation and introduction to Singapore. -Sarah

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Tali, Mar 2025

Priscilla was very sweet and I enjoyed getting a tour of Chinatown from her! She was knowledgeable and able to answer all my questions about the history and architecture of the area, and helped me plan the rest of my visit as well.

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Kerri, Mar 2025

A great introduction to Singapore - tailored to your specific interests. Our day was unforgettable - all due to our amazing guide Joanne!

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FAQs

Your questions, answered

Is this a traditional tour?

No. Our experiences are unscripted and designed around you. Instead of following a rigid itinerary, your host will plan a personalized journey that feels natural, immersive, and unique.

How does personalization work?

After booking, you’ll complete a short questionnaire about your interests and travel style. We’ll match you with the best host who will tailor the experience to you. You'll have the opportunity to chat with them before the experience and agree on a plan.

Will I see famous landmarks or just hidden gems?

Both! Your host will take you to iconic sights if you want to see them, but they’ll also introduce you to places and stories most travelers miss.

What kind of stories and insights will my host share?

Each host has their own personal relationship with the city. You'll experience the city through their eyes—hearing stories about places they love, discovering hidden gems, and learning what makes their city special in a way that goes beyond a typical tour.

What if I don’t know what I want to explore?

That’s completely fine! Select an experience theme or a flexible discovery experience, and after booking, answer a few questions so your host can design the perfect experience for you.

Can I mix different themes in one experience?

Absolutely! Whether you want a blend of food, history, local culture, or nightlife, your host will seamlessly weave them together into one immersive experience.

Will I know my itinerary in advance?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to chat with your host directly and agree on a plan for the day. However, there’s always room for spontaneity and local surprises!

Are food and drinks included, or do I need to pay separately?

Unless stated otherwise, food and drinks are not included. Your host will take you to great spots where you can order what you like and pay as you go.

Can we explore outside the main city?

Yes! If you’re interested in day trips or exploring beyond the city, let us know in the post-booking questionnaire, and your host will design an itinerary that takes you to incredible places off the usual tourist path.

Can I change the meeting place?

Yes, you will be in touch with your host before your experience, and you can agree on a different meeting point with them. Your host can meet you anywhere central that’s convenient.

Can my host meet me at my accommodation?

Hotel meet-ups are available upon request in central areas. If you're staying outside the city, your host will recommend the best meeting spot and guide you with directions.