Beautiful gardens, incredible architecture, delicious food. Singapore has earned every one of its superlatives. Enjoy the best the island nation has to offer with our pick of the best things to do in Singapore.
By: Paul Healy | Last Updated: | Jump to Comments
In recent decades, few cities have seen as much change as Singapore. Transformed from a colonial outpost to a garden city at the heart of Asia, Singapore’s journey has been remarkable.
Today, famously clean streets, framed by leafy gardens, are overlooked by colonial-era shophouses, all set under a futuristic skyline.
Tucked amongst the diverse neighbourhoods are a host of excellent activities unique to Garden City.
Enjoy the best of this culture-rich, food-obsessed city-state with our curated guide to the very best things to do in Singapore.
MAP: SINGAPORE ATTRACTIONS
Singapore’s public transport system the MRT is quick and efficient. However, this is a compact city and most places in this guide are easy to get to on foot. Download our map to visit the best of Singapore’s tourist attractions.
USING OUR MAPS. Click on the top right corner to open in the Google Maps app. Click on the star to save to your Google account.
WHAT TO DO IN SINGAPORE?
1. SKYPARK OBSERVATION DECK
The boat-shaped roof of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel has made it the iconic feature of Singapore. It’s one of the unmissable experiences in the city.
The SkyPark Observation Deck on the top of the hotel provides amazing panoramic views of Singapore.
There is a small bar selling drinks and basic snacks. However, it’s standing room only on the observation deck. There are no seats on the deck, and the bars on the roof are not accessible with a SkyPark ticket.
If you want to have a drink (and a seat) while watching the sun go down, you can try one of the rooftop bars in the Marina Bay Sands.
Book – SkyPark skip-the-line tickets.
2. SPECTRA SOUND & LIGHT FOUNTAIN SHOW
Spectra, a futuristic sound and light show on the Marina Bay Promenade, is one of the most entertaining, free things to do in Singapore.
The 15-minute outdoor production features dancing water fountains, light projections, and lasers. The whole thing is choreographed to a spirited orchestral soundtrack. It’s an awesome spectacle that easily rivals the Bellagio Fountains in Las Vegas.
We watched Spectra from the promenade just in front of the Marina Bay Sands Shopping Mall, which is a great location to see the display up close.
Showtimes are 8 pm and 9 pm (Sunday to Thursday) and 8 pm, 9 pm and 10 pm (Friday to Saturday).
3. HAWKER CENTRES & STREET FOOD
Hawker Centres are an essential part of Singapore life. They are open-air food courts that serve a variety of cuisines from around the world. You’ll find some of the best (and cheapest) food in the city at Hakwer Centres.
They are great for a quick lunch, but we loved going in the evening, when they are full of buzz.
Here are our favourite Hawker Centres in Singapore:
- Boon Tat Street is rearranged with plastic tables and chairs at night, with a row of satay stalls.
- Gluttons Bay is a pedestrianised street in the Marina Bay area with a great selection of food stalls.
- The Chinatown Complex has over 260 stalls serving a huge selection of food from around the globe.
4. SINGAPORE BOTANICAL GARDENS
Singapore Botanical Gardens is located at the end of Orchard Road, and it’s one of the most impressive gardens we’ve been to. It’s the only tropical garden in the world to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The gardens were established on the current site in 1859 and played an important role in transforming Singapore into a Garden City.
Spread across 82 hectares, the sweeping gardens are a wonderful mix of stunning flowers, landscaped lawns, jungle walks and pretty ponds. It’s a great thing to do if you’re looking for some downtime.
The highlight is the National Orchid Garden, which contains thousands of species of orchids.
Book — National Orchid Garden tickets
5. NATIONAL GALLERY OF SINGAPORE
The National Gallery of Singapore opened in 2015 after a 10-year renovation. The project converted the old City Hall and Supreme Court into the world’s largest collection of modern Southeast Asian Art.
The primary focus is the influence of European culture as told through Asian art techniques. There is also a special focus on life in Singapore throughout the years.
Our highlight was Xu Beihong’s portrait of Lim Loh. Lim Loh was one of the pioneers of Singapore who fought with the Chinese against the Japanese.
After strolling through the galleries, we had a look through the old government buildings. The former Supreme Court foyer has a history of Singapore. The Rotunda Library and Archive is one of the best photo opportunities in the building.
6. GARDENS BY THE BAY SUPERTREE GROVE
Gardens by the Bay is a massive horticultural extravaganza on a large area of reclaimed land. It includes greenhouse domes and huge tree-shaped structures lined with solar cells.
The site includes a grove of 12 supertrees. Acting as giant vertical gardens, they contain thousands of plants from over 200 species. It’s free to stroll around the Supertree Grove from 5 am to 2 am.
You can book tickets in advance, although we just purchased tickets when we arrived.
7. FLOWER DOME & CLOUD FOREST
Flower Dome is the world’s largest glass greenhouse. Cooled to a comfortable 23°C – 25°C (73°F – 77°F), it showcases a diverse collection of exotic plants and flowers from various climates around the world.
You’ll find rare and colourful blooms from Australia, South Africa, California, and the Mediterranean.
Right next door, the Cloud Forest is an indoor tropical forest with a 35-meter waterfall. It replicates a misty highland environment, housing rare plant species that are only found above 2,000 meters.
There is an elevated walkway that provides an immersive way to experience the lush vegetation in the forest.
Book – Flower Dome & Cloud Forest skip-the-line tickets
8. SUPERTREE OBSERVATORY
The Supertree Observatory is located on the highest tree at Supertree Grove. From the top, you can see the whole of the Gardens by the Bay complex, including the Kingfisher Wetlands.
Looking down over the OCBC Skyway, this is the best view of the overall complex, and it’s a great vantage point to take in the Marina Bay area.
Book – Supertree Observatory Tickets.
9. OCBC SKYWAY
The OCBC Skyway is a 128-metre curved walkway, 22 metres above the ground. It connects 2 of the supertrees, giving you a closer look at the structures and their plants.
It’s lower than the Supertree Observatory, so the view is not quite as good, but it’s still worth doing if you don’t mind the extra cost.
Book – Book your OCBC Skyway tickets.
10. GARDEN RHAPSODY
Garden Rhapsody is a 15-minute sound and light show that turns Gardens by the Bay into a night-time spectacular.
The Supertrees come alive with a vibrant light display, choreographed to a melodic soundtrack.
We watched from the circular platform between the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the gardens. Follow the signs to Gardens by the Bay from the hotel, which will take you to the viewpoint platform. This was a great place to see it from because you’re close enough to take it all in.
The other good spot is from the top of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, where the photo below was taken from.
There are two performances each day, at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm.
11. BOAT QUAY
Boat Quay is a historic section of riverside entertainment set beneath Singapore’s modern skyscrapers. A charming row of colonial-style buildings is bursting with every conceivable cuisine.
In our opinion, this is not the best quality food Singapore has to offer, and the touts encouraging you into their venues are very annoying. But, it’s great for a boozy night out.
12. CLARKE QUAY
Clarke Quay is a riverside entertainment venue, reclaimed from old warehouses. It’s particularly buzzy on Friday and Saturday nights with pubs lining the water and a host of restaurants located around the area. It’s one of the top nightlife destinations for locals and tourists.
It’s popular with tourists and the after-work crowd and great for a night out. There are plenty of great meal deals, fancy restaurants, cocktail bars and pubs.
13. COLONIAL DISTRICT (CIVIC CENTRE)
The area north of the river is Singapore’s Colonial District. Wonderful old buildings serve as a reminder of British rule from the 19th to the mid-20th century. The old colonial buildings, backed by modern skyscrapers, make it feel like the heart of Singapore.
Most people come to the Colonial District to see the famous Raffles Hotel, but there are some other points of interest worth checking out.
- Asian Civilisations Museum – Trace the origins of Asian cultures, from Islamic West Asia through Southeast Asia to China.
- The Fullerton Hotel – Pop into the lobby for a photo opportunity in one of Singapore’s prime addresses.
- St Andrew’s Cathedral – Singapore’s largest cathedral was unfortunately under scaffolding on our last visit, but it is still worth a look.
14. CHINATOWN
Chinatown is the epicurean epicentre of Singapore. It’s a wonderful maze of narrow roads that includes souvenir shops, boutiques, and trendy wine bars. It’s a diverse part of the city that’s more about the vibe than the must-visit attractions.
The highlight for us in Chinatown is eating and drinking. But here are the main points of interest you might want to visit:
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple – An eye-catching 5-story Buddhist temple said to hold Buddha’s tooth.
- Chinatown Complex – A hawker centre with an amazing array of street food on Smith Street.
- Thian Hock Keng Temple: One of Singapore’s oldest and most important Hokkien temples.
A great way to see both Chinatown and the Civic Centre is via this well-rated City Highlights Bike Tour.
15. KAMPONG GLAM
Kampong Glam is Singapore’s Muslim Quarter and one of the city’s oldest residential areas. There’s not much to do in terms of attractions, but we loved strolling around and admiring the mix of Malay and Arab cultures, heritage sites, colourful streets, and trendy boutiques.
The best streets to explore are Haji Lane and Arab Street, where 19th-century shophouses have been converted into boutiques and restaurants.
The main points of interest are:
- Sultan Mosque – An iconic landmark known for its impressive golden domes and intricate Islamic architecture.
- Malay Heritage Centre – Learn about the contribution of the Malay community in a beautifully restored palace.
16. LONG BAR RAFFLES
Raffles is a luxury colonial-style hotel in the heart of Singapore. Having a drink in the Long Bar at Raffles is something all visitors to the city should try at least once.
Although it has had many homes within the hotel, the current Long Bar retains the earthy décor inspired by Malay life in the 1920s. In keeping with the bar’s relaxed roots, it’s still acceptable to throw your discarded peanut shells on the floor. It’s about the only place in Singapore where littering is tolerated.
The Singapore Sling was invented in the Long Bar. Unfortunately, it’s a whopping $37. Other cocktails are a slightly more reasonable $28. We were just there for the atmosphere, so we both had a beer.
We did have quite a long queue to get in (around 1 hour). Honestly, if we didn’t write this blog, we probably wouldn’t have bothered waiting that long.
17. SOUTHERN RIDGES WALK
The Southern Ridges is a 10-kilometre hiking trail connecting 5 of Singapore’s most popular open spaces. These are Kent Ridge Park, Hort Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Mount Faber Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve.
Hiking in these green spaces, as skyscrapers flit in and out of view, was the highlight of our last trip to Singapore. It’s especially good on a hot day when the shady path provides a cool escape from the city.
The best section of the walk is about 6 kilometres long and takes about 2 to 3 hours. It begins at Car Park B at the top of Vigilante Road in the Kent Ridge Park and winds its way eastwards along the top of the ridge.
18. NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE
The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest museum in Singapore and a fascinating look into life in Singapore. You are taken through the different stages of the city’s evolution in various engaging exhibitions.
The Singapore History Gallery is a walk-through of the history of early Singapura and modern Singapore.
Modern Colony showcases the cosmopolitan life of Singapore as a British Colony in the 1920s. For us, this was the most interesting section.
Growing Up explores life in Singapore in the 1960s. It’s a great insight into the emerging cultural style and the uncertainty that new independence brought to Singapore.
Tickets – Book skip-the-line tickets for the National Museum of Singapore.
19. SHOPPING IN SINGAPORE
Singapore is a great destination for shopping, and if you have the time on your stopover, here are the best places to go.
Orchard Road is the premier shopping destination in Singapore. It’s a series of huge shopping malls, rather than a strip of shops. So it’s not like strolling from shop to shop, but it’s the best place to go if you’re looking for designer brands.
Raffles City is a huge shopping mall in the Civic District (Colonial District) of Singapore. You’ll find designer brands, big department stores, and a very popular food court.
The shopping mall at Marina Bay Sands has the largest collection of luxury brands in Southeast Asia. It’s spread across 800,000 square feet of retail indulgence.
If you’re looking for serious shopping, we’d probably pick Marina Bay over Orchard Road. It’s more conveniently located, and it has all the big names.
20. HAVE A NIGHT OUT ON AMOY STREET
Amoy Street, in Chinatown, has been the meeting place for a night out in Singapore for decades. Originally the home to Malay, Chinese, and Arab immigrants, Amoy Street later became the opium-smoking centre of colonial Singapore.
The street’s iconic shophouses you see today were added in the 1830s. Here you’ll find cool bars and cafes catering to food-obsessed Singaporeans.
We loved Amoy Street, it had a great blend of local culture, but was still friendly to tourists looking for a good night out.
- Dumpling Darlings – Delicious creative dumplings and a winning cocktail list.
- Hashida – Top-end dining and a refined experience by master chef Kenjiro Hashida.
- Birds of a Feather – Sichuan flavours in a restored shophouse blending Western cuisine with Asian flair.
- Employees Only – A hidden cocktail bar with a dark and moody speakeasy vibe.
21. MERLION PARK
Merlion Park is an iconic waterfront park situated in the heart of Singapore’s Marina Bay area. It’s famous for being home to the Merlion, a national symbol of Singapore.
The Merlion Statue is a popular photo spot in the city. The mythical creature has the body of a fish and the head of a lion, representing Singapore’s humble beginnings.
The waterfront area is a great place to stroll around and get your bearings in the city, with most of the main landmarks visible from here.
22. TAKE IN THE VIEWS FROM A ROOFTOP BAR
Singapore has a skyline worth savouring from above. Enjoy a cocktail with a view from one of our favourite rooftop bars in Singapore.
Level 33 is a microbrewery with one of the best views in Singapore. Located in the Marina Bay Financial District, the bar has sweeping views of Marina Bay Sands and the city skyline. To score a good seat on the outdoor deck, it’s a good idea to book in advance.
Cé La Vi is the rooftop bar and restaurant at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. They have a restaurant and a club, but for the best views, it’s hard to go past the Skybar. Booking ahead is advisable.
SKAI Bar at Swissôtel The Stamford offers awesome views in a Scandi-inspired setting. It’s great for contemporary dining and crafty cocktails.
23. JEWEL CHANGI AIRPORT
More than just a transport hub, Jewel at Changi Airport is one of Singapore’s top attractions. This 10-story dome houses a host of entertainment options, restaurants, and retail outlets.
The highlight is the 40-metre rain vortex, surrounded by a rainforest containing over 2,000 trees. On the rooftop, stroll among 14,000 square meters of gardens, walking trails, and play areas.
You also need to pay for some attractions, including a Hedge Maze, the Walking Nets, and the Canopy Bridge. None of which we thought were particularly worth the cost.
24. SINGAPORE FLYER
The Singapore Flyer is a 165-metre observation wheel in the central district of Singapore. Get stunning 360° views of the city, including Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay, and the Singapore River. On a clear day, you can even see Malaysia.
There are 28 air-conditioned capsule,s and the full journey takes 30 minutes.
Book – skip-the-line Singapore Flyer tickets.
25. SINGAPORE WITH KIDS
Singapore makes a great stopover between Europe and Asia. If you’re doing this journey with kids, there are plenty of great things to keep them entertained in Singapore.
SINGAPORE ZOO
The Singapore Zoo occupies 26 hectares on a forested catchment area on the northwest side of the island. It’s regarded as one of the best rainforest zoos in the world. Open 8 am to 6:30 pm daily.
Book – skip-the-line Singapore Zoo tickets.
NIGHT SAFARI
Take a tram ride through the jungle to see a myriad of nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. Hotel pick-up and a guide are included.
Book – Night Safari tickets, which include the option of having dinner.
UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE
Get a dose of adrenaline at Universal Studios Singapore with rides, shows and attractions across various themed sections based on blockbuster movies and TV shows. The park is open from 11 am to 6 pm.
Book – skip-the-line Universal Studios tickets.
S.E.A. AQUARIUM
The S.E.A Aquarium on Sentosa is one of the largest aquariums in the world. There are over 100,000 marine animals from over 1,000 species. The experience is designed to be immersive with interactive programmes and close encounters with the animals.
Book – skip-the-line S.E.A. Aquarium tickets.
WHERE TO STAY IN SINGAPORE?
To make the most of the compact centre of Singapore, we’d suggest staying as central as possible. Chinatown, the Colonial District, and the Marina Bay Sands area are all great choices.
Here are a few places we recommend.
- The Clan by Far East Hospitality ($$$) – Elegant stay with a superb infinity pool and floor-to-ceiling windows with top views. They offer free guided tours.
- Naumi Hotel ($$$) – A stylish Small Luxury Hotel property with all the boutique hotel trimmings, including earthy tones and high-tech bathrooms.
- KINN Capsule ($) – Smart, clean, very budget-friendly cabins in an excellent location near the quays. They have a shared lounge, sun terrace and free WiFi.
SINGAPORE ITINERARY
From our first visit to Singapore over 20 years ago, there seems to be much more to do nowadays. It’s no longer just a quick stopover between Europe and Asia; Singapore is worth exploring.
To see a good selection of the main attractions, we’d recommend 3 days.
DAY 1: CHINATOWN & MARINA BAY
- Morning: Walk or cycle around Colonial District & Chinatown
- Lunch: Chinatown Complex Hawkers Centre
- Afternoon: Explore Gardens By the Bay
- Evening: Sunset at Skypark Observation Deck & Spectra Sounds & Light Show
- Dinner: Grab a meal on Amoy Street & a drink in Boat Quay
DAY 2: GARDENS & ORCHARD ROAD
- Morning: Singapore Botanical Gardens
- Afternoon: Shop at Orchard Road and visit the National Museum of Singapore
- Evening: Grab sunset Drinks at Level 33
- Dinner: Eat at Boon Tat Satay Market
DAY 3: KAMPONG GLAM & RAFFLES
- Morning: Explore the area of Kampong Glam
- Lunch: Pick a pavement cafe in Kampong Glam
- Afternoon: Peruse the National Gallery of Singapore
- Evening: Sip Singapore Slings in the Long Bar at Raffles
GETTING AROUND SINGAPORE
Singapore has a very efficient public train system called the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit). To save some cash, check out the Singapore Tourist Pass. It gives you unlimited travel for 1, 2, or 3 days on all buses and trains.
Taxis are generally easy to get in Singapore. In some places, you’ll find a taxi rank where you need to press a button to call a cab. Uber does not operate in Singapore, but Grab is the most popular ride-sharing app.
TIPS FOR VISITING SINGAPORE
- The tap water in Singapore is drinkable so there’s no need to buy bottled water.
- Happy Hour takes place from around 5 pm to 9 pm in bars across the city. It’s a great time to go out.
- Tipping is not expected in restaurants in Singapore, but a service charge may be added to your bill.
- Spitting and littering are illegal in Singapore.
- Be prepared for a tropical climate, it’s both warm and wet in Singapore.
MORE GUIDES
- For a few days in paradise, read our guide to Tonsai Beach, Thailand.
- Enjoy another vibrant Asian city with our 3-day Bangkok itinerary.
- Discover the best things to do in Sydney.
- Read our guide on the best day trips from Sydney.
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Thanks for your support. Paul & Mark
super – thanks for all of the ideas
You’re welcome.