Singapore Essentials

Affectionately dubbed the Little Red Dot by its residents, equatorial Singapore stands at the cutting edge of tech and design: the city-state’s futuristic skyline shows off the latest eco-minded architecture trends, while robots have been deployed as full-time baristas and librarians. For long-haul travelers, the forward-thinking island republic offers a gentle introduction to Southeast Asia. Getting from point A to B via public transportation is a breeze; the excellent museums and theme parks cater to kids and grownups alike; and choices for gourmands range from hawker centers serving up classic local favorites to French and Japanese Michelin-starred restaurants. And there’s also a vibrant craft cocktail scene worth checking out. Another defining characteristic? The profusion of indoor and outdoor green spaces around town, including a botanical garden–slash-shopping mall at Changi Airport, the world’s best by a mile.