Orchard

1.6 miles from downtown

Orchard Road’s 20-odd malls are like hives for shopper bees. Teenagers either blow their allowances at Far East Plaza (great for the budget conscious), or save them for *Scape’s weekend bazaar and events. Discerning shoppers head to ION Orchard for eight levels of upscale international designers. 313@Somerset is also great for popular brand names.

Places to stay from $37 a night

Little India

1.1 miles from downtown

"Big India" is a bit far away, so why not save your legs and dive into this foodie's paradise instead? Muthu’s Curry and Banana Leaf are two popular places for fish-head curry, a local delicacy. Little India is one of the last few districts to retain its cultural and architectural authenticity. Don’t miss the ancient Sri Mariamman Temple.

Places to stay from $16 a night

Bugis

0.7 miles from downtown

Boutiques and old colonial buildings have earned this district a reputation as a charming shopping neighborhood. Bugis Street has over 800 tented stalls with quirky souvenirs and knickknacks. Hindu Sri Krishnan Temple bears glistening treasures, with strikingly lifelike decorations that seem to jump out at you from all directions.

Places to stay from $26 a night

Geylang

2.5 miles from downtown

Singapore’s grittiest district is a pink-lit haze of loopy lorongs (lanes) with charming thatched-roof shops and colorful facades. Massage parlors (both adult-oriented and mainstream) offer a thousand ways to relax. Belt out "Cantopop" or Teresa Teng tunes at karaoke, or sink your teeth into some famed chilli crab from one of the seafood eateries.

Places to stay from $17 a night

Sentosa Island

3.2 miles from downtown

Tanjong, Palawan and Siloso are man-made beaches filled with dozens of upscale hotels and even more locals soaking up the sun. Take your kids to Universal Studios, or watch 15,000 creatures flutter by at Butterfly Park. Fly away in iFly Singapore’s humungous wind tunnel, then dine at restaurants by celebrity chefs like Joël Robuchon and Kunio Tokuoka.

Places to stay from $185 a night

Marina Bay

0.6 miles from downtown

Palms jut out of the concrete between Marina Bay’s skyscrapers. Rotate on the huge Singapore Flyer Ferris wheel for some dizzying fun. Take a gander at the Gardens by the Bay, or pull out your microscope and head to the ArtScience Museum for an interactive experience. For kicks, cross over Helix Bridge (a curved bridge that resembles DNA).

Places to stay from $153 a night

Singapore River

0.5 miles from downtown

Adrenaline junkie? Then you'll love to feel the gravity of the G-Max Reverse Bungee. Take in the views of Marina Bay and the famous half-lion, half-fish fountain at Merlion Park. At dusk, the pace slows down as the sun reflects on the water, but a stroll along Boat Quay, Clarke Quay or Robertson Quay reveals plenty of restaurants that pop with color.

Places to stay from $14 a night

Dhoby Ghaut

0.7 miles from downtown

The fabric-beating locals cleared out of this area, known as "Laundrymen by the Riverside" in Hindi. Fort Canning’s hilltop picnic areas are delightful. Watch arthouse films at The Cathay, shop at Plaza Singapura, or head over to Istana to see the President’s official residence – its grounds, full of security guards, are open on public holidays.

Places to stay from $52 a night