If there's one building in Singapore that has largely remained the same (at least on the outside) since the city's colonial days, it's the Raffles Hotel (raffles.com). Built in 1887 as a 10-room hotel fronting the beach (long gone thanks to land reclamation), the island's oldest and most iconic place to stay has undergone just two restorations in its long history – notable in a city where change is the only constant.
Although its resplendent lobby is only accessible to hotel and restaurant guests, this slumber palace is worth a quick visit for its magnificent ivory frontage, famous Sikh doorman and hushed tropical grounds. Whether through its gardens or popping into one of its bars, a visit here offers the chance to time-travel. 45-min long guided heritage tours are available for visitors twice a day (11.30am and 5.30pm) and can be booked online (from S$24).
The Long Bar is where the hotel's famous Singapore Sling was first concocted by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon in 1915 – and is still sold today. It's also the only place you're allowed to sweep your peanut shells onto the floor, a practice that dates back to the 1920s Malayan plantation that the decor is inspired by. The bar only takes walk-in guests so if it gets too crowded, you can pick up Singapore Sling and other Raffles-related souvenirs at the Raffles Boutique along Seah St.
