Singapore Photos -- National Geographic's Ultimate City Guides

Esplanade Neighborhood
Photograph by Justin Guariglia/Eightfish/Getty Images
Singapore’s Esplanade neighborhood is home to a 15-acre (six-hectare) performing arts center, the Esplanade Mall, and two outdoor performing venues.
Raffles Hotel
Photograph by Heimo Aga
A Sikh guard stands in front of the Raffles Hotel, opened in 1887 and declared a National Monument a century later.
Esplanade Concert Hall
Photograph by Stefano Scatà/SIME
Inside the Esplanade’s sleekly designed concert hall is an orchestral platform that holds up to 120 musicians, a reverberation chamber used to alter the hall’s acoustics, and a 4,470-pipe organ.
Botanical Gardens
Photograph by Lynn Johnson/Getty Images
The Singapore Botanical Gardens, built in 1859 and spanning 128 acres (51 hectares), are a popular spot for locals to stroll, jog, or practice tai chi.
Tourists Pose With a Python
Photograph by Heimo Aga
Tourists pose to have their photograph taken with a python, with the city’s Financial District in the background.
Chinatown
Photograph by Iorio Gianni/SIME
In Singapore’s Chinatown, officially named Niu Che Shui (Bullock Cart Water), visitors can buy Chinese handicrafts, clothing, and medicine.
Li Lian Xing
Photograph by Stefano Scatà/SIME
Li Lian Xing, an herbalist at Imperial Herbal, specially prepares an herb-infused dish made for his client.
Thaipusam Walk
Photograph by Kris LeBoutillier
Adorned in fruit, hooks, and steel rods, a Singaporean sets off on his Thaipusam walk through the city.
Chinese Opera Performer
Photograph by Kris LeBoutillier
A Chinese opera performer paints her face backstage at a neighborhood performance in Singapore during the Chinese New Year.
East Coast Park
Photograph by Kris LeBoutillier
Children play in the surf at East Coast Park, a popular beach complete with a driving range, tennis courts, a watersports center, and the East Coast Sailing Centre.