Things to do in Singapore
Welcome to Singapore
With its space-age architecture, busy shopping malls, and skyscraper-lined waterfront, Singapore is one of Asia’s most modern cities, but there’s more to the city than its contemporary draws. Discover Singapore’s multi-cultural heritage in the Arab Quarter and Little India, stroll the illuminated waterfront of Marina Bay, tuck into tasty street food at the Chinatown night market, then escape the urban sprawl for the Botanic Gardens and the Gardens By the Bay. A short cable car ride away, Sentosa Island has something for the whole family, with theme parks, amusement rides, and plenty of beachfront entertainment.
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Top 15 attractions in Singapore
#1
Little India
For subcontinental color, cuisine, and atmosphere, head to Singapore’s Little India, one of the island’s most vibrant districts. Shops, restaurants, street vendors, and colorful Hindu temples line the streets of Little India, making it an excellent place to take a walk. The culture and community center of Little India, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is the neighborhood’s most important Hindu Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali.More
#2
Merlion Park
A Singapore landmark, Merlion Park is named for its centerpiece, the Merlion statue, which spouts water into Marina Bay. With the head of a lion and the body of a fish, the Merlion is the national icon of Singapore. The park is also popular with locals, who come here to play and relax along the waterfront.More
#3
Singapore Chinatown
For many visitors, Singapore’s Chinatown is the sightseeing focus of the city, home to traditional shophouses, temples, and cultural heritage. Take a wander down the atmospheric streets, dropping into shophouses to see what’s for sale. Admire the rooftop dragons of Thian Hock Keng Temple, dedicated to the Goddess of the Sea, and the festively gaudy Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple, covered with colorful cows and depictions of the gods. Of course, Chinatown is also the place to go to for great food, especially along Smith Street.More
#4
Gardens by the Bay
A surreal mixture of abstract structures, light features, and living plants, the Gardens by the Bay is divided into three sections—Bay Central Garden, Bay South Garden, and Bay East Garden. Don’t miss the Supertree Grove, featuring towering tree-like trunks which light up after dark; the Cloud Forest, home to an indoor waterfall; and the Flower Dome, a botanic garden housing exotic plant life from around the world.More
#5
Clarke Quay
Lining the Singapore River, the renovated riverside warehouses and “godown” shophouses of historic Clarke Quay comprise one of Singapore’s major wining and dining precincts. Now pedestrianized and home to shops, restaurants, nightclubs, river cruise bumboats, and floating cafés, Clarke Quay is a good place to look for varied cuisines—from Italian to brewhouse to fine French—and relaxed outdoor bars with riverfront views. It’s also where you’ll find Singapore’s wild Reverse Bungy adventure ride.More
#6
Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay
Veiled in mist and home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, the Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay is a must for first-time visitors to Singapore. Marvel at orchids, pitcher plants, and ferns from the tropical highlands, and stroll along the vertiginous Cloud Walk and Treetop Walk.More
#7
Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay
Step inside the world’s largest glass greenhouse and into perpetual spring at the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. Containing more than 130,000 plants from five continents, and flower displays that change on a seasonal basis, the 2.9-acre (1.2-hectare) conservatory emulates the cool and dry climate of the Mediterranean.More
#8
Kampong Glam
Once inhabited by the Malay and Muslim elite of Singapore, the Kampong Glam neighborhood is one of the city’s most attractive. Former shop houses have been restored to their former beauty and now house modern shops and restaurants. The area is also home to the Sultan Mosque and Malay Heritage Centre.More
#9
Universal Studios Singapore
As Southeast Asia’s first movie-themed park, Universal Studios Singapore offers a slew of exciting attractions, including 24 movie-themed rides, a festive walk, water park, marine life park and maritime experiential museum and aquarium. Opened in 2011 with director Steven Spielberg as a creative consultant, the kid-friendly park takes inspiration from some of Hollywood’s biggest hits, including Transformers, The Lost World, and Madagascar.More
#10
Marina Bay
Dramatically transformed by urban redevelopment, Marina Bay is home to a plethora of entertainment options as well as some of Singapore’s most iconic attractions. Popular with locals and travelers alike, the vibrant waterfront region is an exciting place to spend the day (or night).More
#11
Singapore Botanical Garden & National Orchid Garden
Dating back to 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens displays a collection of some 10,000 types of plants—mostly tropical flora—across 183 landscaped acres (84 hectares). The expansive grounds are home to the National Orchid Garden, with its impressive collection of 60,000 colorful orchids representing 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids.More
#12
Singapore River
Flowing through the city’s dense Central Business District, the Singapore River is closely tied to Singapore’s history and modern day-to-day life. It was on the north bank of the river where Stamford Raffles first landed to found his colony, and many government buildings still line its shores. Many of the city’s top nightlife hot spots are also situated along the river, including Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay.More
#13
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
The imposing, five-story Tang-style Buddha Tooth Relic Temple was constructed entirely around a single tooth. Not just any tooth but that believed to be the canine tooth of the Buddha. The sacred relic was discovered by the Venerable Cakkapala and is now enshrined at the temple.More
#14
Singapore Flyer
All the major world cities seem to have a big wheel these days, and Singapore is no exception. Lifting you 540 feet (165 meters) into the air, the Singapore Flyer is Asia’s largest observation wheel, providing amazing panoramic views of the city, the sea, and the surrounds from one of 28 capsules.More
#15
Battlebox
An unusual museum 30 feet (nine meters) beneath Fort Canning Hill, the secretive British military fort known as Battlebox once played an important role in Singapore’s history. Used by the Malaya Command to defend Singapore during World War II, the bunker was where Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival ultimately surrendered Singapore to the Japanese, marking the decline of the British Empire. Today, the cavernous space is filled with lifelike wax mannequins and antique photos and video clips that depict what it was like to live and strategize within the gray, 29-room labyrinth during the final days of the war.More
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When to visit
Scorching sunshine and frequent showers are par for the course in Singapore, where umbrellas are used to protect locals from both elements. Summer is the driest period and brings events such as the Singapore Food Festival, the Great Singapore Sale, and National Day. To see Singapore's legendary celebrations in full swing, visit during Chinese New Year.
Currency
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Time Zone
SGT (UTC +7)
Country Code
+65
Language(s)
Chinese