Singapore
Singapore Essentials: History, Hawker Bites & Hidden Corners
City Essentials: First Day • 3 hours
5.0
(130)
Singapore Essentials: History, Hawker Bites & Hidden Corners
Kickstart your Singapore visit with a flexible walk through history, landmarks, hidden streets, and must-try hawker dishes only a local would know.
What makes this experience special
Perfect for your first day, this experience blends must-see sights with local secrets. Walk historic streets, hear untold stories, and taste hawker classics—setting the stage for deeper exploration.
Key highlights
- Get a feel for Singapore’s layout with a relaxed, local-led introduction
- 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 navigating the city for the rest of 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 049909Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experienceWhat 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 mostHere’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
A Local’s First Look at Boat Quay
Walk along the Singapore River where the city’s story began.
See MoreChinatown’s Hidden Corners & Culture
Skip the touristy streets and explore authentic Chinatown.
See MoreHawker Culture at Chinatown Complex
Taste Singapore’s best street food—without the long queues.
See More
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
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
Dianna,
Mar 2025
Joanne had the very difficult task of taking our group on the last tour of our visit in Singapore and we had seen a lot. She was up to the task and took us to some special places - those hidden gems - that give you more insight into the lives of those who live in Singapore. It was a special experience. I highly recommend her as a guide for Singapore!
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Marilyn,
Mar 2025
Roy was a great tour guide. He is very knowledgeable about Singapore. I especially liked the information about how the government works and daily life here. He covered a pot of ground from Chinatown to the River area to the Civic center. All the areas we wanted to explore. Thanks Roy!
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Steven,
Mar 2025
A wonderful tour with an excellent guide in Joanne. Very knowledgable and courteous throughout, covering so much in a short time, nothing was a problem at all. Her awareness of many different aspects of the history and culture of Singapore was second to none. Wonderful food at the Lau Pa Sat street food centre, which she expertly guided us through enabling us to have a very enjoyable culinary experience. Chinatown, and Malay culture covered with great detail. Thank you Joanne for an amazing first experience of Singapore. We will be back for more!!
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Lee,
Mar 2025
In addition to showing us around Singapore, she took the time to explain its evolution into the great country that it is. She introduced us to some local food and drinks that we loved. I would definitely schedule another tour with her.
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John,
Mar 2025
Colin enabled us to enjoy some of the main Singaporean landmarks at a leisurely pace. We fired questions at him at a fast pace and his knowledge of local history was very impressive. Well done Colin !!
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Helen,
Mar 2025
Stan was a fantastic guide through Botanic Gardens , River Cruise and Boat Quay. He established in advance what we would like to see and tailored the tour well to suit our needs and pace. He also knew the best places to take photos and capture memories. I would recommend this 3 hour tour and Stan.
Show moreFAQs
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.