Thinking of traveling to Singapore? Once a colonial trading post, this city-state has evolved into one of the world's greatest financial hubs. It is also fast becoming one of South East Asia's must-visit travel destinations. Whilst a lot more expensive than its neighbors, Singapore has a growing number of tourist attractions that have made it an exciting and unique metropolis. Combined with a tropical climate, it is the perfect vacation spot. Here are 7 cool things to do whilst in Singapore.

Singapore's Central Business District is where most of the commerce goes on, but it is also a popular spot for tourism. It is here you will find some of the city's most impressive skyscrapers including the Marina Bay Sands Hotel - three skyscrapers with a ship on top! There are also a number of quirky attractions to be found in the area including the Gardens By The Bay, a nature park with an impressive suspended walkway hanging over it.

It is possible to take a tour along the Singapore river in which you can learn about some of the landmarks along the way. There are various river tour companies to be found operating along the banks that focus on the CBD area. You can also take a walk along the riverside where you will find lots of street entertainment, particularly around the Marina Bay area.

One thing that shocks most people is how clean the pavements are around this area. Although this may have something to do with Singapore's zero tolerance approach to littering – you can get fined thousands! Hotel prices can be expensive in the Central Business District due to the views and attractions on one's doorstep.

If you are on a budget, you could be better off looking for accommodation on the outskirts and traveling in. Similarly, if you are traveling to the city for work and looking for a studio apartment for rent in Singapore, you might be better off looking for properties outside this area where you are likely to find more affordable rental rates.

Transport links into the Central Business District are very good and relatively cheap (so long as you stick to trains and buses - taxi fares can be steep).

Singapore's Chinatown is a great mix of old and new and well worth a visit simply for the sights and sounds. However, if you want to make your visit to Chinatown complete, you will want to taste some of the local cuisine here which is renowned for being some of the best in the city. Many of the locals stick the Hawker Centres.

These huge food courts are great places to try cheap and wholesome street food. The biggest Hawker center is Maxwell Road Hawker Centre where there are over 100 stalls. Look out for the busiest stalls. Whilst you will have to wait a little longer to get your food, these stalls are often the busiest for the simple reason that they are the best!

If you are able to splash out on some fine dining, Chinatown also has some quirky bistros worth trying. Labyrinth is one such restaurant in which you can try unusual combinations such as Fish and Chips Soup and Chilli Crab with ice cream. Another must-visit bar/restaurant is The Tippling Club. This bistro pairs unusual dishes with unusual cocktails and has appeared in multiple lists of Asia's greatest restaurants.

On the topic of cocktails, Singapore has long been famous for its bar wizardry. One of its most signature beverages is the Singapore Sling - a gin-based cocktail which can be found across the city.

The Raffles Hotel, a historic hotel in the city, happens to be the birthplace of this cocktail. Most people go here to try an authentic sling. Unfortunately, The Raffles Hotel is currently under restoration until late 2018. So those visiting before then may miss out on the opportunity to try the drink in its original form.

That said, there are plenty of cool bars throughout the city where you can still taste this iconic cocktail. Smoke and Mirrors is one bar worth visiting situated atop the National Gallery with incredible views of Marina Bay. Another great bar worth visiting is Flagship. Whilst its traditional pub feel may make it the last place you would expect to get a cocktail, the bar actually serves a mean Singapore sling with its own unique addition of pineapple syrup.

This giant Ferris wheel found in Marina Bay offers some of the best views of the city to be found. Until 2014, it was the largest observation wheel in the world, surpassed by Las Vegas High Roller. Its capsules are able to carry 27 people and are air-conditioned, making it a great escape from the muggy city heat. Operating until 10:30 pm, it is possible to even take in the city sights at night if you get a late night ticket.

You can buy tickets for the Singapore Flyer online or purchase them from the counter at the attraction. Combo tickets may include access to the Gardens By The Bay giving you two attractions for the price of one.

Racing enthusiasts may also want to pay a visit to the city's formula one track. First opened in 2008, the Marina Bay Street Circuit has been a fixture for every Grand Prix since renowned for being one of the most challenging city circuits (more so that Monaco according to many of the F1 drivers).

Throughout most of the year, it is possible to walk the circuit for free. However, for a more thrilling experience, you can also drive on the track in a supercar. Accompanied by a professional driver, it is possible to hire out a Ferrari, Mclaren or Lamborghini and drive around the track. You don't need any racing experience, although you will want to bring along your driving license and book at least 48 hours in advance.

The US isn't the only place where you can pay a visit to the Universal Studios theme park. Singapore has its very own version with 24 movie-themed rides and attractions to choose from. You can take a boat trip through Jurassic Park and ride a Transformers-themed roller coaster. It is the perfect attraction for thrill-seekers and movie buffs alike.

As with all big theme parks, you can expect long queues throughout most of the year (weekends are generally busier, as are bank holidays). It is worth paying extra for an express pass. These tickets allow you to enter a faster queue, which could allow you to get on more rides.

There are combo-ticket deals online that can allow you to also visit the Singapore Zoo and Wild Wild Wet Water Park. Hotels near Universal Studios can be more expensive, but the convenient access could be more worthwhile if you want to get the most out of your visit.

Many people are surprised to learn that Singapore has beaches. The truth is that few of Singapore's beaches are natural. Most were wiped out centuries ago with the construction of the city's harbors. However, there are still some beautiful man-made beaches to be found on the island of Sentosa that are perfect for soaking up the city's year-round sunshine.

Built using imported sand from Malaysia, Indonesia and Cambodia, these beaches are rival to other South East Asian shores if you can get past the fact that they are artificial. Here you will also find a number of luxury hotels and lively beach bars that could be perfect for a tropical beach holiday combined with a city break.

Palawan Beach is the most family-friendly strip featuring a pirate-themed waterpark and scenic suspension bridge. Siloso Beach meanwhile is the best beach for bars and watersports as well as being a popular picnic area. There is also Tanjong Beach, which is one of the more secluded spots on the island better suited for those that want to relax with a book.

All in all, there is plenty of opportunities to hit the beach in Singapore. You can even take a day trip to the nearby Indonesian island of Batam for some extra beach outings.