Aerial view of ferris wheel and downtown Singapore
Cover Only have 24 hours on the island? Here’s how to make the most of your time here (Photo: Getty Images)

Are you ready for it? Here’s how to make the most of your time in Singapore before the Taylor Swift Eras Tour concert

The countdown to Taylor Swift’s iconic Eras Tour concert has begun. With Singapore being the only Southeast Asia city the pop star will be performing in, it’s no surprise that we will see Swifties flying into town from all over the globe to see her. If you’re one of them, it’s best to prepare your daily itinerary early.

There’s plenty to see and do around the city to keep you occupied before the concert, and if you only have 24 hours to explore the island, you’ll want to make your time here worthwhile.

To help alleviate the stress of planning, we have come up with an itinerary that allows you to experience the island in a short amount of time. Whether you’re on a layover or taking a quick trip to catch the highly anticipated show, here are some exciting experiences to try in Singapore.

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Start the day with kaya toast at YY Kafei Dian

Savour a traditional breakfast staple at YY Kafei Dian. Here, its kaya toast comprises thick and fluffy bread generously slathered in kaya and butter. It’s served alongside soft-boiled eggs and a cup of coffee. On top of this nostalgic dish, the eatery also offers a range of Hainanese fare, including chicken rice, wanton noodles, pork chops and more.

YY Kafei Dian
Address: 37 Beach Rd, #01-01, S(189678)

Explore the cultural hubs around the city

Learn more about the various cultures in Singapore by visiting one of our many cultural hubs. Head to Kampong Glam and find 19th-century shophouses that have been revamped into unique stores. Check out the Sultan Mosque before heading down Haji Lane, a trendy street filled with vibrant murals and trendy cafes.

Then take a trip to Little India, a neighbourhood teeming with food, local shops, religious temples and more. Along the bustling neighbourhood, you’ll find the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. One of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore, it’s dedicated to its namesake, the goddess and destroyer of evil. You won’t want to miss visiting the House of Tan Teng Niah, a colourful palace built in 1900.

One of the most vibrant neighbourhoods on the island, Chinatown is home to a range of cultural landmarks, food, shopping destinations and more. Take a walk around the area and you’ll find an array of colourful murals too—look out for the ones by local artist Yip Yew Chong, who depicts scenes of everyday life on the island. On top of street art, check out Pagoda Street and find rows of stalls selling traditional Chinese medicine, clothing and souvenirs.

Try local food at Maxwell Food Centre

Hawker centres can be found all over the island, with one of the more popular being Maxwell Food Centre. Dig into the popular Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice or savour comforting Peranakan fare at Old Nonya.

Maxwell Food Centre
Address: 1 Kadayanallur St, S(069184)

Shop at Orchard Road

A trip to Singapore is never complete without visiting Orchard Road. You’ll find everything you need at this shopping haven, from the latest tech gadgets to trendy fits. Start at Ion Orchard—one of the most well-loved malls in Singapore with over 300 food and retail outlets—and work your way down the stretch.

Ion Orchard
Address: 2 Orchard Turn, S(238801)

Cool down from the heat at Gardens by the Bay

Spend the late afternoon admiring flora and fauna within Gardens by the Bay. Head into the Cloud Forest and you’ll find the world’s tallest indoor waterfall as well as various exotic plant species. Then, head up to the Supertree Observatory for stunning panoramic views of Gardens by the Bay.

Gardens by the Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, S(018953)

Locate the Merlions around Singapore

The official mascot of Singapore, the Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. You’ll find six of these iconic statues dotted around the city, with the most iconic located at Merlion Park. The first official statue ever built, this Merlion stands at 28-feet tall and shoots water into the bay. Other merlions can be found at Tourism Court, Mount Faber, two in Ang Mo Kio, and Sentosa

Merlion Park
Address: 1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049213

Soak in the nightlife at Clarke Quay

The city comes alive after the sun sets and the best place to soak in the nightlife is at Clarke Quay. Party at some of the island’s best nightclubs or imbibe on a drink or two at a bar along the river. If you’re not one for nightlife, take a stroll down the Singapore River instead or hop on a boat that will take you through various riverside highlights.

Clarke Quay
Address: 3 River Valley Rd, S(179024)

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