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Compelling and contradictory, Central Singapore blends an array of styles and cultures. Traditions from India meet with a fast-paced financial district, Chinese street stalls mingle with waterside charm, while busy covered markets contrast modern air-conditioned malls. Somehow these distinctive sides come together in harmony, creating an atmosphere that's uniquely Singaporean. The centre is the heart of a city and a country, blending almost everything that Singapore has become known for around the world. Central Singapore is one of the five regions in the country and encompasses the area in the geographical south of the nation, where Downtown and most of the commercial buildings are located.

There's an iconic skyline to Central Singapore, leading visitors into a series of suburbs that delight in their diversity. Colonial enchantment fills the area of Riverside, the old relics mixing with restaurants, bars, theatres and statues. Orchard Road is famous for shopping, with street stalls standing outside many kilometres of shopping malls. Marina Bay has recently been redeveloped and is now one of the flashiest parts of the city, as well as a place to take a boat along the winding river that cuts through Central Singapore.

Glistening skyscrapers dominate Shenton, also known as Singapore's CBD. Shenton is where commerce and banking headquarters are found, along with many upmarket restaurants. Not far away from here is Little India, an authentic piece of the sub-continent with pervasive smells, enticing temples and women in colourful saris. Chinatown is another popular place to shop and explore, while Bugis and Kampong Glam reflect the Malay heritage of Central Singapore.

Changi International Airport is one of the busiest in Asia and the hub for Singapore Airlines. Uniquely, the city offers free guided tours of Singapore for anyone with a five-hour layover at the airport. Various airport shuttles head into Central Singapore, or visitors can take the MRT to Tanah Merah and transfer onto another subway service. This MRT system is the most efficient means of traversing Central Singapore, with lines reaching out to the diverse suburbs. Taxis are readily available throughout the city and a great way to admire the skyline is on a boat cruise through Central Singapore.

While Singapore's history books are mostly filled with tales of colonial occupation and innovative independence, the country dates back much further. Legend declares that a Srivijayan prince landed here, saw a strange creature and called the place Singapura, which is Sanskrit for “Lion City”.