KAMPONG GLAM. Arab Street is the heart of Singapore's Muslim community, as evidenced by the impressive Sultan Mosque. Lining the streets you'll find stalls and quaint little shops brimming with a vast array of goods, from baskets and camel skin bags to cloisonné boxes and fishing tackle. But the big draw is textiles: bolt upon bolt of fabric in every color and pattern imaginable, handmade batiks, French chiffons and Chinese silks. Woven rugs are plentiful as well, and the neighborhood is home to plenty of family-run restaurants and tea shops that are great spots to rest your feet and refuel. Plan to arrive a little before midday, as most shops open late and close early.

CHINATOWN. Much of Singapore's Chinatown has been declared a national heritage site, which helps preserve the authentic historic feel of the district. The area has many restored shophouses, two- to three-story structures unique to Singapore and Malaysia that originally contained some sort of business on the ground floor and residences upstairs. Today the buildings feature unique shops selling Chinese medicines and trinkets. There are also a large number of vendors who maintain stalls along the streets, and permanent shops that deal in high-end antiques and collectibles. The malls here are populated with shops offering Chinese fashions, crafts and foods. Operating hours tend to be from late morning till after dinner, so plan to come after lunch, when the place is really buzzing. If you're hungry, authentic Chinese fare is everywhere, along with good Korean food and inexpensive eats at the Smith Street Hawker Centre. Roughly bordered by New Bridge Street, Cross Street, South Bridge Road and Cantonment Road.

CLARKE QUAY. Every Sunday, colorful Clarke Quay has a big flea market where you can find some great deals on out-of-the-ordinary items. The rest of the week, the colorful former warehouse district is a fun place to look for antiques and home furnishings, kitschy souvenirs and t-shirts. Food options are nearly boundless ­ nosh on satay from a street vendor or partake of a fine sit-down dinner at an upscale restaurant. Nightlife is hopping here as well ­ there is truly something for every taste and preference, from intimate jazz bars to hard-partying dance clubs. And adventurous types will want to check out the G-Max Reverse Bungy, a thrill ride if ever there was one!

Holland Village is known as ex-pat central, the neighborhood where most non-Singaporeans tend to migrate. Most of the shophouses in the area have been restored and now shelter everything from quaint curio shops to trendy music stores and buzzing coffee shops. You'll also find a wet market and several upscale restaurants and pubs.

Little India's vibe is exotic and exciting, with plenty of brightly-painted shophouses and wonderful aromas emanating from every other business. In addition to saris and jewelry, spices and incense are the big sellers here, and the food prepared in the kitchens of all the little family-run restaurants is inexpensive and wonderfully satisfying. Aside from strolling down the neighborhood's main drag, Serangoon Road, there are several other sights to see. Don't miss the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, the Tekka Centre (a wet market with a bountiful array of fresh fish, meat, vegetables and flowers), or the Mustafa Centre (a 24-hour mall with a surprisingly vast selection of goods, ranging from electronics to perfume). Signs here are mostly in Tamil and other Indian dialects, but most people speak excellent English. The district is bordered roughly by Race Course Road, Kitchener Road, Sungei Road and Kapor Road.