Your Ultimate Guide To The Best Things To Do In Singapore

Singapore is one of my favorite travel destinations. I’ve visited twice and hope to visit again in the future. This little island is one of the world’s top financial centers, yet its striking, contemporary skyline, rich cultural neighborhoods, commitment to sustainability, and friendly people make it a must-visit destination. Whether you want to admire its fascinating, futuristic architecture, experience the lively and luxurious atmosphere of Marina Bay, enjoy its lush green spaces, explore its diverse cultural neighborhoods, indulge in mouthwatering dishes, or savor an iconic Singapore Sling, you’ll find that Singapore is as diverse as its population. This post covers the best things to see and do in Singapore.

This post may use affiliate links. This means I may make a small commission if you choose to make a booking or purchase through one of these links. This is at no additional cost to you. If you find my content helpful, please consider booking through me as it is completely win win!

• Marina Bay
• Gardens by the Bay
• Supertree Grove & Observatory
• Cloud Forest
• Flower Dome
• ArtScience Museum
• Merlion Fountain
• Singapore Flyer
• Cultural Districts
• Chinatown
• The Arab Quarter
• Little India
• Katong
• Singapore Night Safari
• Singapore Botanical Gardens
• Orchard Road
• Island Getaways
• Hawker Centers
• Singapore Sling
• Where To Stay In Singapore

Marina Bay

Luxe Marina Bay is the financial heart of Singapore. It’s mesmerizing, with shimmering skyscrapers stacked along its serene bay, world-class restaurants, high-end shops, and one-of-a-kind sites like the Supertree Grove, the Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. It’s beautiful by day, but it really comes alive at night when it’s lit in brilliant colors.

Marina Bay Sands is one of its most iconic buildings. It’s not only an impressive sight in the skyline, it’s one of the most luxurious places to stay in Singapore. The rooms are elegantly designed and the service is as impeccable as the views. It also boasts the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool on the 57th floor. It’s only open to guests so feels incredibly exclusive as you enjoy its stellar views. Plus, it’s open until midnight so you can take a magical swim when everything is lit in ambient light.

If you want to experience the amazing views and the energy of the Marina Sands rooftop, but you’re not a guest, buy a ticket to the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck. It doesn’t have the same exclusive feel as the infinity pool, but it does have similar, stellar views and is still amazing.

There are also several excellent restaurants, bars, and cafes, on the rooftop, for both guests and non-guests, like Spago Bar & Lounge, CÉ LA VI Singapore: Restaurant, SkyBar & Club Lounge, and LAVO Italian Restaurant And Rooftop Bar. While you can (just) order a drink (and bypass the Observation Deck fee), some have a basic charge or entry fee.

Other highlights of Marina Bay include Spectra – A Light & Water Show, which occurs nightly in the bay, a Casino, Esplanade – Theaters on the Bay, high-end retail shops and many restaurants and cafes.

Gardens By The Bay

Gardens by The Bay is a vast nature park, spanning over 250 acres by the bay. It sits next to the Marina Bay Sands complex, so you can easily walk there. This was designed to be Singapore’s urban outdoor recreation space, or “City in a Garden”. It’s where you’ll find the innovative Supertree Grove, the Cloud Forest, the Flower Dome, and Merlion Fountain, as well as Heritage Gardens, and Satay by the Bay (for food).

Supertree Grove & Observatory

The futuristic Supertree Grove has 18, colossal, futuristic, tree-like structures. They look like electronic trees, yet carry out plant-like functions as they collect rainwater for irrigation, and absorb sunlight to generate energy for their dazzling kaleidoscope of color at the nightly, free Garden Rhapsody show.

Walking around the grounds of the Supertree Grove and watching the nightly show is free. If you choose to visit the Supertree Observatory, there is a small fee. It stands 72’ (22 m) off the ground, spanning two of the Supertrees. I think it’s worth the fee to view the Supertree Grove from above and the beautiful Marina Bay Sands architecture beyond. It’s open from 9 AM to 9 PM daily, so you can also see the 7:45 or the 8:45 light show from there too.

Cloud Forest

The Cloud Forest is also spectacular. Sitting in a striking geodesic dome, it features the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, which greets you with its majesty at the entrance, and plants from around the world. The “forest” is designed as a mountain covered with orchids and tropical plants. The walkway spirals up to the top, which is also the top of the waterfall. If you’re wondering why it’s called the Cloud Forest, it’s because the dome is filled with mist multiple times a day to simulate “walking in the clouds”. See their website for mist event times so you don’t miss it.

Visitors often buy a combo ticket for the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome (below), but you can just visit one. If you decide to visit one, I recommend the Cloud Forest as the better of the two. It’s much more impressive.

Flower Dome

The Flower Dome is the world’s largest greenhouse. It also sits in a giant geodesic structure, right next to the Cloud Forest dome. It features plants and flowers from around the world, including flowers in brilliant colors, desert cacti, Baobab trees, and a Dragon tree.

There are also often exhibits, like the Monet exhibit that was going on when I visited, and there is a restaurant inside the greenhouse, called Hortus.

ArtScience Museum

Marina Bay is also home of the ArtScience Museum. Ingeniously designed in the shape of a lotus flower, its immersive exhibits are as interesting as its architecture, like Future World, its permanent exhibit, which merges art, science, and technology. There are also temporary exhibits.

You can buy tickets to all exhibits, or just specific ones. I recommend reading up on the options before you visit. This will help you focus your time and reduce costs if there’s something you’re not really interested in. At the very least, I recommend Future World.

Merlion Fountain

Merlion Fountain is an icon of Singapore and another top attraction in Marina Bay. The sculpture’s unique fish body signifies Singapore’s origins as a fishing village, while its lion head signifies its founding name, Singapura, which means “Lion City”.

This fountain is across the bay from the Marina Sands hotel complex, offering stunning views of the bay by day and night.

Singapore Flyer

Marina Bay also has the Singapore Flyer, which is taller than the London Eye. It offers stunning views of the bay and the architecture here as you ride in a shared-capsule.

One entire spin takes about 30 minutes. It runs 10 AM to 10 PM, so you can choose the see Marina Bay lit up at night or during the day.

Singapore’s Cultural Districts

When Singapore was a British colony, cultural neighborhoods formed for the many immigrants arriving to this nation of immigrants. Today these districts are a very rich and engaging part of the city’s diversity. From Chinatown, to Little India, the Arab Quarter, or Kampong Glam, and Katong, there is a lot to explore. I honestly had a hard time deciding which areas I enjoyed the most.

Chinatown

Chinatown is the largest and most popular district. At a minimum, wander down Pagoda Street, where the Chinatown Street Market is, explore its colorful street art, and admire its colorful, renovated shophouses.

There are also three great temples here to visit. The first is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. It’s a gorgeous 5-story temple loaded opulent halls, museums, and what is believed to be a relic of Buddha’s tooth, which is how it gets its name.

Thian Hock Keng Temple, one of the oldest and most significant temples in Singapore, or “Temple of Heavenly Happiness” is another. It was established in the early 1800s for Hokkien immigrants to pray right away upon landing after their long journey from China. It is dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea and protector of seafarers.

Sri Mariamman Temple is the third must-see temple in Chinatown, although it’s actually a Hindu temple, dedicated to Mariamman, the goddess believed to cure many diseases. The colorful sculptures and paintings adorning the temple depict various Hindu deities.

The Singapore City Gallery is also a great stop in Chinatown. Spend a few hours here learning how Singapore transitioned from a small trading post to one of the world’s top financial centers.

See my post on Hidden Treasures & Things To Do In Chinatown for more details on all the fascinating sites, excellent food options, and the best places to stay in Chinatown.

The Arab Quarter

Kampong Glam is Singapore’s Malay-Arab Quarter and home to its largest mosque, Sultan Mosque, with its striking golden dome, and the Malay Heritage center, which was once a royal palace, but now showcases Malay history and culture.

Despite what you probably expect from an Arab Quarter, there are many trendy eateries and boutique cocktail bars along with a variety of excellent Middle Eastern food here. The atmosphere on Haji Lane, named after those attending pilgrimage to Mecca, is definitely buzzing at night.

During the day, it’s also the busiest street in the Arab Quarter (and also the narrowest), with many indie shops and boutiques, interesting cafes, and colorful art. You can even get a tattoo! It’s very popular with the cool, hip crowd fay and night.

The Arab Quarter is also very colorful, with lots of street art, like the celebrated work called Murals @ Muscat Street. Painted by one of Singapore’s most famous street artists, it tells the history of this area’s Malay and Arabic roots, their traditions, and the trade that was key to this area’s growth.

To learn more about the Arab Quarter, what to see here, the top places to eat, or have a cocktail, and where to stay, see my post The Charming Arab Quarter of Singapore.

Little India

Little India is another colorful district with rich history. Wander the streets to explore its colorful shops. Especially along Sarangoon Road, which is home to some of the most exquisite Indian jewelry, as well as vibrant fabrics, and spices. Sarangoon is also where to find some amazing Indian food and Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.

Like Sri Mariamman in Chinatown, Sri Veeramakaliamman is adorned with colorful sculptures of from Hindu mythology, but this temple is devoted to Veeramakali, or Kali, the goddess of transformation and Destroyer of Evil. Sri Srinivasa Perumal, dedicated to Vishnu, the preserver and protector of the universe, is another beautiful temple here, as well as Abdul Gafoor Mosque.

Another must-see are the flower vendors making garlands for the temple on Buffalo Street. They’re so enticing, you’ll want one for yourself.

There is also colorful Tan Teng Niah, the residence of a prominent Chinese businessman that dates back to when small Chinese cottage industries thrived alongside Indian-dominated one’s. It’s one of the last surviving Chinese villas in Little India. It is not open to the public, but it’s still worth a visit.

Not far from Serangoon and Buffalo Street is the Indian Heritage Center, which highlights the history and cultural practices of the Indian community.

Little India also has a hawker center, called Tekka Center. The food here focuses on the aromatic spices of the Indian culture with foods like mouth-watering byriani and tikka masala.

To learn all the details, see my post on the 7 Must-See Site In Little India.

Katong

Katong, with its rich Peranakan cultural heritage, is another must-visit in Singapore. Originally inhabited by Malays, this area saw an influx of affluent Chinese businessmen in the 18th and 19th centuries, which resulted in blended families and a new culture called Peranakan.

While it’s most well-known for its rows of exquisite, colorful shophouses, it’s also a bit of a hipster and foodie destination with many international cuisines (as well as Peranaken of course).

This is perfect for a half-day visit to take photos on the picturesque streets of Joo Chiat Road and Koon Seng Road, learn about the Peranakan culture in some of its Peranakan houses-turned-museums, and try some amazing food.

To learn more about the beautiful shophouses here, its boutique shops, food, and places to stay, see my post on Joo Chiat Road | Colorful Shophouses, Culinary Wonders, & Cultural Fusion.

Singapore Night Safari

The Singapore Night Safari is another very popular attraction. This was the world’s first night zoo and is very well designed. It specializes in nocturnal and crepuscular animals (animals active at dusk and twilight), like lions, tigers, elephants, and leopards.

The enclosures, especially for the star attractions along the tram ride, are creatively designed using invisible barriers, like moats and glass, so the animals look like they are enjoying the jungle, rather than sitting behind bars. On top of this, everything is lit by moonlight-like lighting, which adds to the ambiance and excitement. With the stunning animals (which are normally sleeping during day zoo visits), the well-designed enclosures, and moody lighting, it really feels like you’re on a safari as you drive by in the tram.

See my post on the Singapore Night Safari for more details.

Singapore Botanical Gardens

The Singapore Botanical Gardens date back to the mid-1800’s and are what remains of the original rainforest that once covered this island. It is one of the world’s oldest botanical gardens and is an UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Some of its highlights include its 6 hectare rainforest, extensive orchid garden (with over 1,000 orchid species and 2,000 orchid hybrids), tranquil Swan Lake, concerts at Symphony Lake, and more.

Shopping On Orchard Road

Orchard Road, which gets its name from the fruit orchards and spices that once grew here, is a mecca for shopping and entertainment. Orchard Road is 2.5 km long and lines with malls, department stores, and boutiques. You can find your favorites from trendy basics, like Zara and H&M, to high-end shops like Louis Vuitton and BOSS.

This area is so large, there are actually several MRT stations to make it a little easier to get around.

Island Getaways

Singapore is one of the most densely populated countries in the world, so if you find the need to escape, you’re in luck as there are several islands to explore. A few of the top tropical getaways are listed below.

• Sentosa, is the largest, closest, and most visited island with tons of activities. You can visit Universal Studios, the SEA Aquarium, several beaches, nature hikes, stunning views, and has nightly entertainment. It’s so popular, and so close, you can get here via cable car, monorail, driving, and even walking across the pedestrian bridge!
• Bintan, known for its high-end resorts, golf courses and beautiful beaches is southeast of Singapore. It’s less than an hours ride via ferry.
• St. John’s Island. Once a quarantine area, this tranquil island is now an oasis of beaches. There are no stores here, so it’s really tranquil.
• Lazarus, just east of St. John’s, is another relaxing escape with white beaches and watersports.
• Sister’s Islands the Marine Park at Big Sisters’ Island is open to the public. It’s popular for nature walks, snorkeling, and picnics.
• Pulau Ubin is an island off northeastern Singapore. Its name literally means ‘granite island’ due to the abandoned granite quarries here. It’s known for its lush greenery and traditional villages.

This post may use affiliate links. This means I may make a small commission if you choose to make a booking or purchase through one of these links. This is at no additional cost to you. If you find my content helpful, please consider booking through me as it is completely win win!

Singapore’s Unesco Hawker Culture

Singapore is a food paradise and its Hawker Centers are a must-visit. These open-air centers offer inexpensive, yet amazing, food. In fact, hawker culture is such an important part of Singaporean life, it’s been award UNESCO Heritage status.

The biggest Hawker Market is the Chinatown Complex Food Center, with over 260 food stalls. Liao Fan Hawker Chan was the first hawker stall to be awarded a Michelin Star in Singapore, and although it lost this star, the lines for its award winning soy sauce chicken rice are always long. Ann Chin Homemade Popiah, with its famous spring rolls, is another top spot as is 1950’s Coffee and the fried butterfly rolls nearby for dipping into your coffee.

Maxwell Road, also in Chinatown, is also popular. One of its best-known, Michelin rated stalls is Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice. Fuzhou Oyster Cake is another Michelin recommendation at Maxwell Road.

In Little India, there the Tekka Center which offers foods with more Indian spices like byriani and tikka masala. There are several Michelin recommendations here including Delhi Lahore, Alauddin’s Briyani, and Heng Gi Goose And Duck Rice.

In Katong, there is The Gaylang Serai Market and Food Center, where many stalls offer Malay and Peranakan food. Some of its best examples include the nasi sambal goreng at Nasi Ayam Sambal, the nasi pudding at Sinar Pagi Nasi Padang, and Kueh Talam, a traditional Malay dessert.

Old Airport Road, Lau Pa Sat, and Chomp Chomp are just a few of the many, many more. See this Michelin Guide List for the best rated places at all locations and more details.

If you want to take a Hawker Center tour, I recommend this one: Singapore: Local Hawker Food Tour with Tastings. They meet in Chinatown.

Singapore Sling

Last but not least, you must try a Singapore Sling when visiting Singapore. The best place to have one is at the Long Bar at the historic Raffles Hotel, its birthplace (although it does get busy here). This drink was developed in the early 1900s, after bartender, Ngiam Tong Boon, decided to create a cocktail that looked like fruit punch, as it was not acceptable for women to drink alcohol in public at the time.

There are, however, several other amazing places to try this tropical masterpiece. They include the CÉ LA VI Skybar, on top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel, the Lantern, rooftop bar at the Fullerton Bay Hotel, Jigger & Pony, one of the best bars in Singapore, and it’s also an option when riding in your Singapore Flyer capsule. Its called the Singapore Flyer Experience with a Singapore Sling.

For more details, see my post Singapore Sling in Singapore an Iconic and Legendary Sip.

Where To Stay In Singapore

I stayed in a few locations in Singapore, but my favorite was definitely the Marina Bay Sands. The rooms are stunning (as is the view), the amenities are top notch, and the location is ideal.

For a full list of the best places to stay in Singapore, see my post on The Best Places To Stay in Singapore.

Want To Read More About Singapore?

• Experience The Best Of Marina Bay | Must-See Waterfront Experiences
• Hidden Treasures & Things To Do In Chinatown Singapore
• The Charming Arab Quarter of Singapore
• 7 Must-See Sites in Little India Singapore
• Joo Chiat Road | Colorful Shophouses, Culinary Wonders & Cultural Fusion
• Is It Worth Visiting Sentosa Island?
• Singapore Night Safari Review | Is It Worth It?
• The Best Places To Stay in Singapore

Safe Travels!

Julie