( CNN ) -- Airport stopovers are seldom the highlight of any business traveler 's journey . Hours whittled away in generic fast food outlets or tacky themed bars , which in many cases represent the extent of terminal building entertainment , ensure onward journeys ca n't come quickly enough . For those passing through Changi Airport in Singapore , however , a brief window between connecting flights is a great opportunity to explore one of Asia 's most happening destinations . The city-state 's condensed landscape -- the entire country is squeezed into a land area smaller than most big cities -- means visitors can quickly tour some of Singapore 's most famous attractions and be back at the airport in a matter of hours . Changi itself offers free city tours to passengers with a stopover of five hours or more but visitors can also leave the airport to traverse the city on their own accord . With the help of Shawn Low , travel editor of Lonely Planet 's Asia Pacific edition , we highlight some of the must-see Singaporean sights for those with a few spare hours between flights , whatever the time of the day . See also : Asia 's budget airlines spread their wings . Early morning . A stroll in Singapore 's lush Botanic Gardens at sunrise provides a great opportunity to catch the normally bustling metropolis in one of its more tranquil moments , says Low . Dense green foliage is complemented by a selection of finely manicured greens and picturesque lakes , a genuine oasis amidst the concrete jungle of high rises and skyscrapers . From here , a short trip down the nearby Orchard Road , one of Singapore 's main retail thoroughfares , allows for a spot of shopping . It also has good transport links back to the airport . `` Gadgets are particularly cheap '' in Singapore , says Low , and there are plenty of bargains to catch the eye , especially at Funan IT Mall on North Bridge Road . All those splashing out while in the city should be mindful not to forget they are eligible for a Goods and Services Tax refund ( worth 7 % of their total purchase value ) when they pass through customs at the airport , he adds . Afternoon in the shade . The Singapore sun is at its strongest between lunch time and late afternoon , with temperatures regularly reaching as high as 31Ëš Celsius ( 88 Fahrenheit ) . Indoor activities at this time of day can therefore offer a more comfortable pursuit for those dashing around on a tight time scale , says Low . Fortunately , the city 's art galleries and cultural centers provide plenty to see and do whilst offering an air-conditioned sanctuary away from the midday sun . The National Museum , Singapore Art Museum , and Peranakan Museum are within walking distance of the city 's famous Colonial District , which is easily accessible from the airport by either bus , tour bus or taxi . For those less charmed by artistic endeavors , the area 's many stylish restaurants , coffee houses and bars offer an equally quaint cultural experience . Spectacular sunset . A good way to get a sense of Singapore 's vibrant skyline is to find a perch on one of the city 's many rooftop bars come sundown , says Low . Ku De Tah at the Marina Bay Sands complex and the Lantern Bar at the Fullerton Bay Hotel offer particularly appealing vistas , as well as highly agreeable Singapore Slings , he adds . Those looking for a panorama of the city without the alcoholic beverage can take a ride on the Singapore Flyer , a 165 meter-high observation wheel -- similar in concept to the London Eye -- that enables spectacular 360 degree views . Suitably impressed by the city 's vast neon silhouette , visitors can then head down to the neighboring Geylang district for a genuine Singaporean eating experience , says Low . See also : Business Traveller in Singapore . Restaurants such as the Sin Huat Eating House offer local specialties such as crab bee hoon ( mud crab cooked with rice noodles ) while cramped food stalls and bustling coffee houses crackle with the chatter of locals late into the night . Night Safari . Like all major modern cities , Singapore offers just as much to see and do come night time as it does during the daylight hours . Low highlights the Night Safari at Singapore 's world renowned zoo as a particularly fun attraction for families and wildlife lovers alike . Visitors can get up close and personal with a variety of nocturnal animals -- Singapore zoo is famed for its policy of keeping animals in open enclosures rather than in cages -- before hopping in a taxi back to the airport . Low also singles out Little India , home to Singapore 's vibrant ex-pat Indian community and a remnant of the city 's previous incarnation as a British colonial trading port , as a particularly authentic night time activity . `` ( Little India ) is as close as you 'll get to the Singapore of the old days , '' says Low . He says Friday nights and weekends , when the streets throng with market stalls and `` the redolent scent of spices and colorful flowers '' are the best time to visit .
India 's condensed nature means it is possible to explore the city in five hours . Lonely Planet 's Shawn Low says there are scores of activities for those short of time . He highlights visiting the Fullerton Bay Hotel and Lonely Planet 's Shawn Low as one genuine Singapore experiences .