8 ways to adventure beyond the tourists in the world's best cities
| THIS ARTICLE WAS CREATED IN PARTNERSHIP WITH Singapore Airlines |
Whether it’s a fresh perspective on a famous city or checking out a place you haven’t been to yet, Singapore Airlines will help you explore your favourite destinations.
Hear the chime of Big Ben, slip through the back streets of Paris, feel the breeze off the Mekong and see the skyscrapers illuminated at Asia’s most exciting and versatile destination, Singapore; whether you’re curious to explore well-known capitals or ready to be charmed by a lesser-known city, Singapore Airlines can get you there.
Although a household name, many Australians don’t realise how extensive the Singapore Airlines network is – but with over 110 destinations worldwide, travellers can explore far beyond the main cities. Here are just a few to add to your ‘must-see’ travel list.
1. Singapore
Singapore Airlines customers transit through Singapore’s Changi Airport, a world-class hub renowned for its seamless connections and unparalleled amenities. Visitors love the luxurious shopping experiences and unique attractions, like the two-storey butterfly garden and newly refurbished hawker-style food market.
However, a stopover in Singapore truly allows you to appreciate the country, known cheekily as the ‘little red dot’.
“How can we talk about Singapore if we don’t talk about food?” says Singapore Airlines flight stewardess Madelene. “East Coast Lagoon Food Village is one spot locals love going to. Supper is the most Singaporean way to wrap up a night with friends.”
2. London
From catching a play in the West End to walking across Westminster Bridge, London is a city that won’t disappoint. With 33 flights weekly to Heathrow and Gatwick from Singapore (and a newly refurbished SilverKris Airport Lounge at the former for a refreshing way to start and end the trip), the destination is a clear favourite with guests of Singapore Airlines.
But despite being one of the world’s best-known cities, London also has plenty of new things to offer. In 2025 the V&A East Storehouse and Museum is set to transform East London, while the Museum of Shakespeare will open in Shoreditch.
3. Brussels
Home to the European parliament and one of Singapore Airlines’s newest destinations, Brussels could be mistaken as all business. But the city’s serious side is juxtaposed by the elegant beauty of its architecture and unique art history. This is the birthplace of Art Nouveau, and most travellers begin their exploration in the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Grande Place to admire the gold-gilded buildings. Stroll through the Royal Saint-Hubert Galleries and visit the only statue in the world with its own wardrobe, the Manneken Pis.
The city has a unique connection to comic books, and large murals from popular Belgian titles like The Adventures of Tintin and The Smurfs brighten up the streets.
“Start off on the Comic Strip Trail to pay homage to the history of comic books,” recommends Singapore Airlines flight stewardess Heidi. “And take some time to enjoy animation history at the Comic Art Museum.”
4. Phnom Penh
With a deep history, vibrant street life and ambitious energy, Cambodia’s bustling capital of Phnom Penh is one of Asia’s most exciting cities. Visit the lively morning markets before seeing the incredible collection of Khmer art and artefacts at the National Museum of Cambodia. Later, visit the Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda. Come sundown, head to one of the city’s much-loved sky bars to watch the sun set over the Mekong River.
5. Da Nang
Perched between the coast and the mountains, Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s favourite coastal getaways. While Da Nang is home to the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Cham ruins at My Son Sanctuary and is a favourite Vietnamese beach resort, it also delights visitors with its more modern wonders, including the Cau Rong “dragon” Bridge and the Golden Bridge in the Ba Na Hills. One of the most photographed sights in Vietnam, the Golden Bridge pedestrian walkway is supported by two ethereal carved hands and provides spectacular views.
6. Paris
A city for lovers of shopping, most visitors to Paris head to the Galeries Lafayette or stroll the Champs Elysees. But Moon, leading steward for Singapore Airlines, recommends tourists head outside the popular spots in favour of the antique and flea markets on the edge of the city.
“Marche aux Puces de Saint-Ouen is one of the best spots to look for antique items in Paris,” he advises. “You’ll find hidden gems, from books to vintage tees and photographs.”
7. New Delhi
Vibrant and energetic, New Delhi is a brilliant mix of old and new in India. Stunning architectural icons like the iconic Red Fort and the lesser-visited Agrasen Ki Baoli, a 10th-century stepwell, show the city’s deep connection to its past, while new destinations like Champa Gali, with hidden cafes, shops and bespoke studios, showcase the city’s modern scene.
New Delhi is also an incredible hotspot for both fine dining and street food. “Right in the heart of Chandni Chawk is where you’ll find incredible bites, like khameeri roti fresh out of a tandoor oven,” says Mitchelle, an in-flight manager for Singapore Airlines. “And the timeless Bukhara is one of the most famous restaurants in New Delhi, serving cultural classics of north-west frontier cuisine.”
8. Istanbul
From the marble and mosaics of Hagia Sofia to the hidden corners of the Grand Bazaar, Istanbul’s heady blend of continents, culture, tradition and modernity charms visitors. Developments like Galataport have transformed the city, bringing a new riverside promenade, retail precinct and a world-first underground cruise terminal.
But for many travellers, it’s the old pastimes – like soaking in one of the city’s centuries-old hammans – that help you truly get a feel for the world’s most visited city.
Singapore Airlines
Wherever you plan to explore, Singapore Airlines has an extensive network to get you there, allowing you to travel across Asia, Africa, Europe, North America and the Southwest Pacific in comfort. In fact, the premium customer experience has seen it become one of the world’s most awarded airlines.
Today, it also has its low-cost subsidiary, Scoot, operating over 160 weekly flights from seven cities across Australia to destinations across 36 countries.
And, KrisFlyer members can join its lifestyle rewards app, Kris+, to earn and redeem miles on non-air offerings like transport, dining and entertainment. As well as discounts and benefits at over 3500 outlets in 16 countries.
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