Don't hang around with your luggage. At Singapore Airport, many airlines allow you to check in and drop your bags up to 24 hours in advance, so you can enjoy the attractions of Changi. If you are landing in Singapore as a transit passenger, you can also make the most of your layover with the following activities.

Let the tensions of your first-leg flight melt away with a rejuvenating massage or facial. Hair and beauty services are available in all three terminals, leaving you relaxed and ready for the rest of your journey.

No matter what time your body clock is running on, you can enjoy world-class entertainment at Changi Airport's free 24-hour movie theatres. Located in terminals two and three, this is the perfect way for lone travellers and families alike to kill a few hours.

Long-haul flights and tiresome airport waits are not usually associated with nature and relaxation, but in Changi Airport Singapore you have the opportunity to escape into a world of tranquillity. Pockets of greenery can be found in each of the three terminals, including an orchid garden and rooftop cactus and sunflower gardens.

If you're passing through Singapore in transit, you can still take the opportunity to see some of the city's best sights without worrying about missing your connection. If you have five or six hours to spare, take advantage of the Changi Airport Free Singapore Tour for a guided express excursion around the island state.

Transit passengers are permitted to enter and exit Singapore once during their layover period, subject to possession of a valid entry visa. Take the opportunity to see the surrounding area and soak in some of Singapore's best sights before continuing your journey.

Forget fancy restaurants and international chains – Singapore's hawker centres offer a true taste of the city at a fraction of the price. Try one of our top picks and lunch like a local.

• Head to the Chinatown Complex Food Centre to experience the largest hawker centre in Singapore. Choose from over 260 stalls serving up delicious local specialities at bargain prices. 
• Try the famous soya bean curd at the Old Airport Road Food Centre, one of Singapore's oldest and most iconic hawker markets. But be prepared to queue – this spot is a local favourite. 
• Soak in some sights while you feast on the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice at the Maxwell Road Hawker Centre. Situated in Chinatown opposite the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, this is the perfect place for those with limited time to experience a taste of Singapore culture.

See and be seen in Singapore's trendiest destination. From iconic sights and attractions to entertainment, high fashion and fine dining, there are plenty of ways to while away the hours at Marina Bay.

• Get your bearings and some beautiful bird's-eye-view snaps to match from the Singapore Flyer, Asia's largest observation wheel. Escape the heat at the iconic ArtScience Museum. With 21 gallery spaces featuring renowned international exhibits and creative installations, you will leave feeling inspired for the journey ahead. 
• Step into another world at the dazzling Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay. Showcasing rare plant life, a mysterious mountain and the world's tallest indoor waterfall, this is the perfect place to take a breather. 

Find out more about things to do in Marina Bay, Singapore

As one of Asia's most famous shopping streets, Orchard Road needs no introduction. With limited hours with which to explore, head straight to these recommended spots to glean a full Orchard experience in a fraction of the time.

• Considered the central destination on Orchard Road, ION Orchard offers a truly memorable shopping experience. With over 300 retailers, a clutch of world-leading luxury flagship stores, a sprawling food hall and a 5,600 square foot gallery, this is not your normal mall.
• An intimate and sophisticated shopping mall, Mandarin Gallery offers a V.I.P experience. Browse high-end brands, splash out on elegant tailoring and enjoy personalised service in this elegant centre.
• Delight the family back home with some gifts from Paragon Shopping Centre. This multi award-winning shopping mall extends over six floors, boasting the best in upmarket fashion, on-trend consumer goods and world-class designer names. 

Twelve or more hours is plenty of time to see lots of Singapore's iconic attractions, as well as get ample rest for your onward journey. Book a comfortable hotel room or suite at Pan Pacific Singapore – the perfect base to relax, refresh and see the best of Singapore. If you feel tired or jetlagged, enjoy an energising workout at our 24-hour fitness centre or pamper yourself with a rejuvenating treatment at St. Gregory spa to ease some tense muscles. After this, you will be ready to discover everything the Lion City has to offer.

Known for being one of the most beautiful wildlife parks in the world, Singapore Zoo is an award-winning attraction, stretching across 26 hectares of lush rainforest. See animals in their natural environments in a number of meticulously designed global habitat zones including Wild Africa, Frozen Tundra and the Australian wilderness.

Learn about the cultural heritage of Singapore and the rest of Asia at the spectacular Asian Civilisations Museum. Understand the history of Singapore's diverse society and get a first-hand glimpse of ancient artefact collections and beautiful creative exhibits.

There are scores of beautiful temples dotted across Singapore serving a number of different religions. Visitors with limited time should see the beautiful Thian Hock Keng, one of the oldest and most important Hokkien temples in the city. Next, take a short stroll to the nearby Sri Mariamman Temple. This elaborately designed icon is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore and is truly a sight to behold.

Have more time to spare in the city? Read our comprehensive guide of things to do in Singapore