Singapore

Singapore earned its name as a world financial center and strategic shipping port. Today, it is a mecca for tourists, who find that the tiny country has much to offer. A city of immigrants, you’ll find Chinese, Indian, Malay and British Colonial neighborhoods, each with its own character. Singaporeans can be found worshipping at golden-domed Sultan Mosque, colorful Sri Mariamman Temple, or Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Wherever you wander, you’ll find rows of the city’s traditional shophouses, lined up like townhouses along the way.

Though Singapore deserves at least a week, you can see a lot of its attractions in only one day. Take a boat tour on the Singapore River, order up a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel, and explore the conservatories at Gardens by the Bay. Unwind at Clarke Quay, lined with former warehouses that have been converted into buzzing restaurants and bars. Shop on high-end Orchard Road or delight in the Botanic Gardens and its colorful orchid section. If you have kids, spend the day at the superb Singapore Zoo and stay past dark for the Night Safari. Or take a cable car to Sentosa Island, where you can sunbathe on a sandy beach or bring out your own inner child at Universal Studios theme park.

For such a small country, there’s a lot to do in Singapore.