Singapore: what to see in 1 day

The Merlion Park, on the mouth of the Singapore river, is the point to start: the statue half-lion and half-fish spitting water into the bay has become the unofficial symbol of the city, with the Marina Bay skyline as backdrop.

A walk along the river leads to Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, the former commercial docks transformed into rows of restaurants and colored bars facing the water.

Crossing the bridge you reach the Gardens by the Bay, the futuristic park with its Supertree Grove, artificial structures up to fifty meters tall covered in climbing plants, connected by a suspended walkway.

For lunch, one of the hawker centers of the city, covered markets of street food recognized even by the Michelin guide, offer a taste of Chinese, Malay and Indian cuisine under the same roof.

The Marina Bay Sands observatory is in the resort with the rooftop infinity pool suspended among its three towers, from there you see the entire bay and the Supertrees from above.

Chinatown and the nearby Little India, two distinct quarters a few minutes apart by metro, tell with their Buddhist and Hindu temples, markets, the city's migratory history.

Toward evening, returning to Marina Bay, the free light and music show at the Gardens by the Bay accompanies dinner nicely in one of the restaurants facing the bay.

Merlion Park, the river, and Gardens by the Bay clearly explain Singapore's futuristic face, while the afternoon choice between Marina Bay Sands and Chinatown/Little India adds the panoramic or multicultural perspective.

Sentosa Island, with its artificial beaches and theme parks, and Orchard Road shopping remain chapters for a second trip. Seeing the Supertrees illuminate at dusk, with music and light shows, is what lingers longest from Singapore.