The best things to do in
Singapore

Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort on the namesake Marina Bay. It has a one-of-a-kind design and is likely recognizable to travelers who have never been there. Opened in 2010, the resort is one of Singapore's most famous luxurious attractions. The resort contains a mall, museum, two large theaters, restaurants owned by notable celebrity chefs, two floating Crystal Pavilions, art-science exhibits, and the world's largest atrium casino. It is an all-in-one destination and most of the buildings and structures here have beautiful, eye-catching contemporary designs aimed at attracting and keeping the attention of visitors.

Marina Bay has many of the best things to do in Singapore, so if you haven’t decided on a place to stay during your trip, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel should be close to the top of your list.

Gardens by the Bay

From time to time, avid travelers encounter something absolutely spectacular. The attraction is so impressive an unreasonable number of photographs are taken. One such attraction is the Gardens by the Bay. The horticultural masterpiece isn't like any other garden you will encounter. Divided into three waterfront gardens, Bay Central, Bay East, and Bay South, the award-winning gardens aim to increase the city's quality of life by introducing more greenery and flora. Originally initiated by Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong in 2005, the gardens have become synonymous with Singapore and remain popular with tourists and locals.

Bay South is the largest of the three gardens and has two creative conservatories, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. The 3-acre Flower Dome was at one time the largest greenhouse in the world and has a total of eight different gardens. The Cloud Forest, which is a little smaller, has an elaborate artificial 'mountain' called Cloud Mountain which features a waterfall.

Lovers of green spaces will adore these incredible gardens which have an army of professionals tending to the plants and structures daily.

Merlion Park

Merlion Park is one of the city’s most iconic attractions, drawing millions of visitors each year to its waterfront location. The park is home to the famous Merlion statue, a mythical half-lion, half-fish creature that symbolizes Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village and its rise to become a global metropolis.

Standing 8.6 meters tall and spouting water from its mouth, the Merlion statue is a popular spot for photography, offering stunning views of Marina Bay and the surrounding skyline. The beautiful park provides a quiet space for visitors to relax and enjoy the scenic surroundings.

In addition to the main Merlion statue, the park also features a smaller, two-meter-tall Merlion cub. This makes it a popular place for locals and tourists. Located near the Marina Bay Sands complex, Merlion Park is often included in walking tours. The park is especially beautiful in the evening when the lights go on against the backdrop of the city’s glittering lights.

Singapore Flyer

The Singapore Flyer is an observation wheel located on Raffles Avenue by the bay. It offers incredible panoramic views of Singapore and beyond. The 165-meter-high Ferris wheel is the next best thing to taking a helicopter ride to enjoy views of the beautiful downtown area. It also has a three-level terminal building to facilitate boarding the Ferris wheel and offers visitors a place to shop for souvenirs and dine.

The Singapore Flyer used to be the tallest Ferris wheel in the world before it got dethroned by the High Roller in Las Vegas which has since lost the throne to Ain Dubai. Each of the 28 air-conditioned capsules has a capacity of 28 people. A ride on the Singapore Flyer takes 30 minutes.

The Ferris wheel was completed in 2008 and has since been featured in multiple movies and documentaries, including the 2018 film Crazy Rich Asians and the 2019 Detective Conan film The Fist of Blue Sapphire. Formula One fans may have noticed that the Ferris wheel is along the Marina Bay Street Circuit used for the Singapore Grand Prix.

Clarke Quay

Situated on the riverside, Clarke Quay is a vibrant area packed with bars and restaurants. It is a beautiful part of the city at night when it is aglow courtesy of its drinking and dining establishments. Clarke Quay is also home to trendy fashion stores and other top of the line shops. The waterside provides a gorgeous background for a day or evening out. It is a favorite spot for tourists and shouldn’t be missed while exploring Singapore.

Raffles Hotel

Housed in an elaborate colonial architecture building, Raffles Hotel opened its doors in 1887. The hotel was named after Sir Thomas Raffles, who founded Singapore. Beyond being a top-notch 5-star luxury hotel, it is a signature Singapore landmark and offers some insights into the city-state's history. The hotel is one of the most beautiful examples of the period's architecture and has hosted stays for various political dignitaries and celebrities over the years. The hotel's famous Long Bar is the place where the 'national drink' known as the Singapore Sling was invented. They say it is still the best place to order the drink in town.

Even if you choose not to stay at the Raffles Hotel, you can still enjoy one of many fine dining options, including La Dame de Pic, where you can treat yourself to culinary masterpieces by Michelin-starred chef Annie-Sophie Pic and the wood-fire cooking expertise of Hawaiian chef Jordan Keao at the Butcher's Block.

Night Safari

Singapore has a fantastic zoo that is perfect for kids and adults. Its collection of animals and design make it a fascinating day out. Once the sun sets, zoo-goers can get even closer to the animals thanks to the Night Safari. The wildlife park opens in the evening and remains open well into the night. Located next to the zoo, visitors will wander the footpaths while viewing over 120 animal species. The darkness gives a very different feeling to the one offered during daylight hours. It can be spooky and fun all at the same time.

The Esplanade

The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, often referred to simply as 'The Esplanade,' is one of Singapore's premier cultural and performance arts venues. Located along the picturesque Marina Bay, the Esplanade is instantly recognizable by its unique architectural design, which resembles the durian, a popular tropical fruit.

This iconic structure houses a concert hall, a theatre that hosts various performances, and several smaller venues for shows and exhibitions. Since its opening in 2002, the Esplanade has become a key player in Singapore's vibrant arts scene. It offers a diverse program that includes music, dance, theatre, and visual arts from local and international artists.

Beyond its role as a performance venue, the Esplanade is also a community space that actively engages visitors through free performances, workshops, and outdoor events.

Kampong Gelam

Explore one of Singapore's oldest urban areas, where history meets the modern day. Filled with local food outlets run by the Arab, Malay, and Bugis communities that call the area home and many independent retailers, you can immerse yourself in the vast array of cultural experiences offered here. Filled with stunning architectural sights like Sultan Mosque, a day spent walking around Kampong Gelam will never disappoint.

The Southern Ridges

Step away from the hustle and bustle of central Singapore and enjoy some time in nature at the Southern Ridges. With 10 km of green space, surrounded by some of Singapore's most picturesque parks, the views of the city from here are well worth the trip. Whether you're into hiking, nature watching, or taking photos, you can find your muse in the Southern Ridges.

Sentosa

Sentosa Island (mostly referred to as just Sentosa) is a resort island off the southern coast of the main island. The 1236-acre island is home to multiple tourist attractions, including a casino, an expansive golf club with two large courses occupying more than half of the island, and its main attraction, Resort World Sentosa. Offering everything from beaches, luxury shopping and numerous fine-dining options, Sentosa has enough to keep all visitors happy. Connected to the mainland via an elaborate boardwalk and the Sentosa Gateway Bridge with a monorail available to transport visitors to the island, Sentosa is a place where you may want to spend a couple of days of your time in Singapore. That should help you explore the best of what it has to offer.

Favorites among tourists visiting Sentosa include Universal Studio Sentosa, the Mega Adventures amusement park, Siloso Beach, and S.E.A. Aquarium, a large aquarium that houses more than 800 species of marine life. Before leaving, you should try The Royal Albatross - Luxury Tall Ship cruise. The large sailing luxury yacht has different charter packages to suit any occasion.

War history buffs may also want to stop by Fort Siloso, the decommissioned World War II artillery battery that's now a military museum.

Singapore Art Museum

Opened in 1996, the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is a leading contemporary art institution dedicated to showcasing Southeast Asian art and artists. It is also the first art museum in the city-state. Housed in a restored 19th-century mission school building, the museum blends historical architecture with modern design, offering a unique setting for its diverse collection.

SAM focuses on contemporary practices and often features thought-provoking exhibitions that explore themes relevant to the region. The museum also actively supports emerging artists, providing a platform for experimental and innovative works.

In addition to its permanent collection, SAM hosts temporary exhibitions, workshops, and public talks. These events engage visitors and deliver a deeper understanding of contemporary art.

Chinatown

Singapore is said to have the best Chinatown in the world. It is the best example of China’s neighborhoods and architecture outside of China itself. Chinatown has a number of small, independently owned restaurants and shops. Travelers can also find ornate temples with colorful ceremonies. Chinatown is incredibly special. Across the area, there are heritage markers explaining the importance of various locales.