How to Live Like a Local in Singapore

Singapore is a city where the old and new seamlessly blend, creating a unique cultural experience that reflects both its rich heritage and modern achievements. Spending a day living like a local offers a fascinating glimpse into the daily life of Singaporeans, where traditions are cherished, and modernity is embraced.

Morning: Kopi (Local Coffee) and Kaya Toast

The day begins at a local kopitiam, or coffee shop, where Singaporeans gather for breakfast. A quintessential Singaporean breakfast typically includes kaya toast (a sweet coconut and egg jam spread on toast), soft-boiled eggs, and kopi (local coffee). This tradition of starting the day with a hearty breakfast at a kopitiam reflects Singaporeans' deep-rooted love for food and community.

Mid-Morning: Exploring Local Markets

It is common for Singaporeans to visit local markets after breakfast to pick up fresh ingredients and produce. Markets like Tekka Market in Little India or Chinatown Complex Market offer a colourful array of fruits, vegetables, meats, and seafood. These markets are not just places for shopping; they are cultural hubs where the old meets the new, with traditional market vendors selling alongside modern stalls offering gourmet produce such as specialty coffee beans.

Directions to Chinatown (7 minutes by car)

Noon: Lunch at a Hawker Centre

Lunchtime is a feast for the senses in Singapore, and there is no better place to experience this than at a hawker centre. These food courts, which are scattered across the island, offer a vast variety of dishes that reflect Singapore’s multicultural society. From Hainanese chicken rice to Indian roti prata, and Malay nasi lemak, the choices are endless. Hawker centres like Maxwell Food Centre or Old Airport Road Food Centre are where Singaporeans of all walks of life come together to enjoy affordable, delicious meals in a communal setting。

Directions to Maxwell Food Centre (7 minutes by car)

Afternoon: Walk Through Heritage and Modernity

Stroll through the city after a hearty meal and explore the architectural contrast that defines Singapore. Start with the historic neighbourhoods of Kampong Glam, Little India, or Chinatown, where old shophouses, temples, and mosques stand as symbols of the city’s past. Then, move towards the Marina Bay area, where the futuristic skyline, featuring iconic structures like Marina Bay Sands and the Esplanade, showcases Singapore’s modern achievements.

Directions to Little India (8 minutes by car)

Directions to Kampong Glam (8 minutes by car)

Evening: Relax in Green Spaces

Despite being a bustling metropolis, Singaporeans value their green spaces, and many unwind in the evenings at parks or gardens. The Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle and bustle, while Gardens by the Bay provides a modern take on nature with its Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest.

Directions to Gardens By The Bay (9 minutes by car)

Night: Dinner

Dinner often brings families together, and many Singaporeans head out for a meal at a local restaurant or food court. The diversity of Singapore’s food scene means that dinner could range from traditional Peranakan cuisine to modern fusion dishes. After dinner, Singapore’s vibrant nightlife comes alive. Areas like Clarke Quay or Marina Bay Sands are popular spots for socializing, offering everything from lively bars to chic rooftop lounges.

Directions to Clark Quay (5 minutes by car)

Grand Park City Hall

Located in a prime spot in the Singapore Civic District and within the Central Business District, Grand Park City Hall stands as one of the top-notch 5-star luxury hotels in Singapore. Situated near major shopping malls like Raffles City and Capitol Piazza, a myriad of dining options and things to do in Singapore are always at your fingertips. Suntec City and the Marina Bay entertainment and business district are minutes away by car. Embark on a journey of discovery as we invite you to explore a world of inspired experiences at Grand Park City Hall.