If you’re currently planning your 2026 travels and the idea of visiting an Asian country keeps coming to mind, consider adding Singapore to your list. Over the last few years, Asian destinations like Japan have seen a surge in visitors, becoming popular travel destinations for a range of American tourists. According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, in 2024 alone, more than 2.7 million Americans visited the country.
While Japan is an excellent pick, we’re challenging Black travelers to switch things up this upcoming new year and visit the luxurious Southeast Asian island, Singapore. Known as the “city in the garden,” Singapore is rich in culture and experiences. Despite what’s portrayed in films like Crazy Rich Asians—trust us when we say, you don’t need to be fully-loaded to enjoy the best parts of this wonderful location.
Need more of a reason to add this beautiful country to your 2026 travel plans? Then keep on reading.
The Airport
Immediately upon arrival, you’re transported to another world at the extravagant Jewel Changi Airport, also known as the Jewel. The billion-dollar hub was designed as a connector between the terminals at Changi Airport, Singapore’s principal international airport. Exploring the airport can feel like a trip in itself, often taking up to three hours to get the full experience. Nonetheless, it’ll be three hours well spent.
To start, the Jewel is a retail and entertainment oasis featuring art installations, a butterfly garden, free movie screenings, local and international shops, and Asia’s largest indoor garden, the Forest Valley. At the uppermost part of the airport (75 ft above ground, to be exact) is where you’ll find the thrilling Canopy Park. The park features long-spanning walking nets, a misty pit known as Foggy Bowls, two mazes, a lush garden, and four slides. Essentially, it’s one big adult playground.
Among all these alluring attractions is the airport’s real showstopper, the Rain Vortex. The cascading indoor waterfall stands 130 ft high (the largest in the world) and can even be viewed while seated in the terminal-connecting skytrain. Nighttime is when all the real fun happens, as the Rain Vortex transforms into an exciting light-and-sound show. But whether you visit during the day or at night, the flowing rainfall makes for a picturesque backdrop to start an even more scenic vacation.’
The Food & Drinks
What makes Singaporean cuisine exceptional is its commitment to fresh, quality ingredients and dishes, regardless of the price. Perhaps that’s why it won’t take long before you stumble upon a Michelin-awarded restaurant, as numerous restaurants and even Hawker Centres (open-air food stalls) have been recognized by the culinary organization.
Make sure to try popular Singaporean dishes like the zesty chilli crab, a blend of sweet and savory flavors, dressed on a meaty mud crab. As well as Hainanese chicken rice and laksa (a spicy noodle soup). Another favored item is satay, a skewered grilled meat made with beef, chicken, or seafood. Stop at places like Jumbo Seafood, Yué, Maxwell Food Centre, Bugis Street, Lau Pa Sat, and Chinatown Complex to try these tasty dishes and more.
To quench your thirst, Singapore is rich with incredible coffee and matcha, and of course, refreshing juices — with favorites being sugarcane, lychee, passionfruit, and coconut. However, if you’re looking for something a bit stronger, head to the Great Gatsby-inspired bar, ATLAS, which holds the title for having the world’s largest gin collection.
The Attractions
Whether you’re scouting for Instagrammable backdrops on Joo Chiat Road or taking in the beautiful views at Gardens By The Bay, Singapore is bustling with many tourist attractions for every type of traveler. If you’re looking to keep things lowkey, spend the day at Sentosa with your crew. The family-friendly resort features Universal Studios, relaxing beaches, and an aquarium — all accessible by a scenic cable car or an express monorail.
For a more lavish resort experience, make way to the astonishing Marina Bay Sands. This Singaporean landmark holds one of the world’s most expensive standalone casinos, a luxury shopping mall, an ArtScience museum, the breathtaking Observation Deck, and a floating Apple Store. After a long day of exploring, end your excursion with a relaxing Sampan ride through The Shoppes, followed by a lovely meal around the indoor canal. It’s the perfect way to conclude a trip of a lifetime.