Whether you’re the kind who strays off the beaten paths or hit the biggest tourist traps, you’ve got to admit there’s a lot of must-see attractions in Singapore. The pulsating streets, iconic monuments, historic landmarks, and sandy beaches – the list goes on.
Here are 50 Singapore attractions you have to do at least once in your lifetime to consider yourself Singapore, checked.
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It’s almost illegal to not see Gardens by the Bay while in Singapore.
This massive man-made park is as famous for its towering tree-shaped structures at the Supertree Grove as it is for its fully air-conditioned Flower Dome and 35m indoor waterfall at Cloud Forest. Seasonal exhibits rotate every few months so depending on when you’re here, you’ll be able to catch dope installations like the Sakura display with Pokémon.
The iconic half fish half lion creature spewing water into the waters of Marina Bay at Merlion Park deserves your time and attention.
Located by the waterfront outside the historic One Fullerton hotel, the Merlion statue draws a steady crowd of tourists and locals daily. Come for the obligatory selfie and stay for the cool breeze and the unparalleled views. The statue lights up at night against the backdrop of the glittering skyline, so don’t miss it.
Book a Merlion Park tour.
Visiting a carefully cultivated garden like Singapore Botanic Gardens can bring a sense of peace.
Billed as the island’s largest garden, the 82-hectare green space’s different zones will make you go ooh and ahh. There’s the orchid glasshouse, a Japanese bamboo forest, a playground for kids, and an open field that’s perfect for picnics. Be sure to stop by one of the park’s most impressive assets: the swan lake where you can feed black swans.
Connecting the mainland to Sentosa, the Singapore Cable Car system offers expansive views at the sprawling metropolis below, the sands of 3 beaches on the island, and the buzzing port. Each Cable Car Sky Pass entails a round trip to and from Sentosa Island, so you’ll get to admire the view at least twice.
If you get the opportunity to dine 165m above the ground inside the Singapore Flyer, take it. Order a fancy 4-course meal for 2 that comes with champagne; it’ll be worth it with the panoramic views of the city below. Choose from 3 menus Western, Asian, and Vegetarian, and devour it in 60 minutes.
Book tickets to Singapore Flyer.
The 40-minute Singapore River tour explores 3 vibrant neighbourhoods of Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, and crams in dozens of city wonders along the way. Tour guides aboard the wooden bumboat will point out everything from the skyscrapers in the financial district and heritage shophouses to Merlion Park and the Fullerton Hotel.
You won’t have to wait till Christmas to see dazzling light displays in the city. Outside Marina Bay Sands, there’s the free Spectra water and light show every night.
Image credit: Marina Bay Sands
Swing by to snap some jaw-dropping photos of the show, and explore the iconic Marina Bay Sands that’s featured in countless postcards and flyers. At this mega mall, there’s good food and an even better range of shops for you to splash your cash at.
It’s not everyday that you get to acend 35m up on an open-air SkyHelix gondola at Sentosa Island.This slow and steady ride gives you unobstructed panoramics of the surrounding islands and comes with a slushy or soda included in your admission. Each ride lasts for 12 minutes, including a 10-minute stop at the top where the gondola gently rotates.
Getting up close and personal with wild animals doesn’t require a trip into the wild. Just head to Singapore Zoo.
At this 69-acre compound, you’ll be able to see over 300 species and 4,200 animals from endangered sea lions to Madagascar-esque ring-tailed lemurs. Trams will take you through all zones from Splash Safari to Fragile Forest, so you can hop on and off as and when you feel like it.
A trip to the zoo alone will probably take up the entire day. But if you’re game, cross over to see the world’s largest freshwater aquarium at River Wonders and 400 bird species at Bird Paradise. To cover all grounds and make sure you won’t miss a thing, check out our Mandai Wildlife Reserve guide.
Activities are always better when they’re free. For a chill sesh 100m above the ground, head to the CapitaSpring Green Oasis and Sky Garden.
Spanning 4 floors, the airy space consists of walking trails, 3,800 plants, and bird cage-shaped loungers with charging stations. There’s even a bistro that serves Western brunch, lunch, and dinner, with a side of stunning vistas.
Address: 88 Market Street, Singapore 048948
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-10.30am & 2.30pm-6pm (Closed on Saturdays and Sundays)
Contact: 6713 3948
As far as travel traditions go, visiting a theme park is right up there with going to the beach or road-tripping. So naturally, you’d want to make a trip to Universal Studios Singapore while you’re here.
Split into 6 themed zones, the park is made up of adrenaline-spiking rides, low-key attractions, character meet-and-greets, and musicals. Fan faves include the Battlestar Galactica double rollercoaster, Egyptian-themed Revenge of the Mummy, Jurassic Park Rapid Adventure boat ride, and Madagascar and Minion shows.
Sentosa might be known for its beaches and bars, but the island is also home to the thrilling Skyline Luge.
With 4 tracks, a 40m-long tunnel, and multiple twists and turns, a luge ride might be the closest thing you’ll get to Mario Kart. Hop on the skyride chairlift that takes you up to the top of the hill before skirting and swerving down. The paths light up at night in rainbow neon lights, so coming over after sundown will be worth it.
There are some pretty wild things to do in Singapore and bungy jumping is one of them.
Measuring 50m in height, the AJ Hackett tower in Sentosa lets you plummet all the way down into a pool. The freefall takes about 3 seconds but it’ll be one of the gnarliest moments in your life. You can either jump solo, with another person, or just skip the jump altogether and ride the adjacent swing instead, which reaches a speed of 120km/h.
For an exciting and challenging activity to help you beat the heat, head to Singapore Wake Park to cable ski and surf.
The wake park features 3 cable systems with varying levels of difficulty. Beginners can go for the easy route if they’ve not balanced on a board before. Or, go for the advanced option if you want to bump and grind on a rough water surface. As with every thrilling sport, there’ll be a safety briefing before you hit the waves.
The tracks can fit up to 30 people at once.
Racing fanatics can head to the circuit at either of the 2 The Karting Arena outlets at Bukit Timah and Jurong. Beginners can hop onto single or double go-karts that go up to 30km/h, while those with a driving license can take on the speedier ones that go up to 50km/h.
If the idea of geting swung 40m up in the air before hurling down at a furious speed of 120km/h doesn’t cause your palms to sweat, then you’ll want to hop on the GX-5 Extreme Swing.
The giant swing fits up to 5, and you’ll get spectacular views of the Singapore River and its surroundings.
For a bit more speed and height, jump onto the Slingshot. Located in the same compound, the catapult ride will haul you 70m up above the ground before letting you free fall at 160km/h. Both experiences are hair-raising, so maybe don’t eat a big meal beforehand.
A trip to an inflatable waterpark in Singapore is arguably one of the coolest things to do. Known as HydroDash, the park features giant floating trampolines, twister slides, and obstacle courses so you can slip, slide, and bounce off your energy. Kids are welcome, too, as long as they’re 7 years old and above, and meet the height requirements of at least 1.1m.
For those with tots in tow, the free Coastal PlayGrove is where it’s at. Let your pint-sized person run free around the slides and swings and take to the climbing nets and obstacle courses. Then, cool off at the water play area. If you find yourself starving after a few rounds of swooping and sliding with the kids, hit up the onsite food court to refuel.
That’s not all; check out these indoor playgrounds and outdoor playgrounds for more places to bring your kids to.
At iFly Singapore, you can skydive without having to hurl yourself off a plane from thousands of feet above the ground.
Billed as the world’s second-largest indoor wind tunnel, the acrylic glass structure is almost 5-storeys high. You’ll be able to flip, flop, and soar through the air – it’s pretty much like the real deal, except you’ll be in a safe environment.
Here’s the deal with ArtScience Museum: the lotus-shaped exterior is eye-catching, but the exhibits are even better.
There’s a mix of permanent exhibits like the art and science-themed Future World and VR Gallery, as well as seasonal ones. The seasonal exhibits rotate regularly so make sure you check their website prior to heading over. It’s also located at Marina Bay Sands so you’ll have plenty of things to do afterwards.
You can easily spend an entire morning, if not a day, at S.E.A. Aquarium.
Covering over 20 acres of land on Sentosa, the aquarium’s home to over 100,000 marine species. You’ll find tanks of water dedicated to coral reefs, sharks, dolphins, moray eels, and manta rays, as well as a touch pool where you can gently feel sea cucumbers and starfish. There’s also a rotation of exhibits on how to save the ocean, as well as kids’ workshops.
If you want to learn about art and the history of the city-state, head over to National Gallery Singapore.
The world’s largest public collection of Singapore and Southeast Asian modern art inside the museum draws a steady crowd during the day. At night, the vibey Smoke & Mirror bar on the rooftop, along with several fine dining restaurants, are where you want to be.
While you’re at it, read about the best museums and galleries in Singapore.
It’s 365 days of summer in Singapore, which means things can get pretty hot and sweaty. If you need to cool off, Snow City is the perfect solution.
Spanning 32,000sqft and set in a steady sub-zero temperature, it is the only indoor snow dome in Singapore. It comes with 60m slides, icy igloos, a shooting arena, and even bumper cars. With every ticket purchased, you’ll get to do unlimited sledding and tubing runs down snowy slopes.
With multiple locations, TimeZone is the place to go for old-school arcade games, and then some.
At this arcade, there’s everything to make your inner child squeal: LED-lit bumper cars, mini bowling alleys, claw machines, Dance Dance Revolution – you name it, they have it. There’s even a VR arena where up to 6 players can join forces to fight zombies. Try your luck at all the classics and check out the gift shop on your way out.
Cool finds, cheap eats, and even cheaper nail salons are a few things you’ll find at Bugis Street. Here’s a quick rundown of this labyrinthine indoor-outdoor mazes of stalls:
The 1st level is dedicated to souvenirs, while the 2nd and 3rd floors are for shops selling everything from denim shorts and handmade accessories to electronic gadgets. As you travel up the escalator to the 4th and 5th floors, be prepared to see a compilation of vendors selling street snacks, nail salons, and foot massage parlours.
It’s not even fair to think of Orchard Road as just a road. It’s more like a giant maze that also happens to have thousands of stores and eateries attached.
Traipse up and down the shopping mecca of Singapore and admire the cool architecture of the malls. There’s the modern Tang Plaza with a pagoda-inspired roof, ION Orchard that resembles a giant crystal orb, and the brick-coloured Ngee Ann City with 2 towers.
Trapped Escape Room has a nearly 5-star rating on Google from discerning players, so you know it’s good.
Their multiple locations are dedicated to games based on horror movies like A Quiet Place and 28 Days A Night. There are props that look like the real deal, stunning room designs, slick effects, and puzzles so high-tech they require the whole team’s brainpower to solve.
If you’re craving more, check out these other escape rooms in Singapore.
Billed as the world’s largest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex thunders inside Jewel at Changi Airport.
It is smack dab in the middle of the terminal so the chances of you missing it is relatively low. Take the obligatory photo with the waterfall as your backdrop before proceeding to check out the rest of the sights. Go on a stroll around Forest Valley, and check out the funky animal sculptures giant walking nets at Canopy Park.
You’ve dragged your feet around town for days, so it’s time to give them the TLC they deserve.
Go for a quick 30-minute treatment or treat yourself to an extended session to release all of your feet and leg stiffness. The island is rife with foot massage parlours that are good and cheap-as-chips, so you’ll have plenty of options to sift through.
Pulau Ubin might be small but it’s undeniably gorgeous and full of things to do.
Located a 10-minute bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, the island’s where hikers, cyclists, kayakers, and wanderers thrive. There’s a walking trail lined with fruit orchards, Puaka Hill with scenic views, an off-road bike path, and mangroves. Plus, a floating seafood joint called Smith Marine Floating Restaurant for your belly and wallet to consider.
Book a Pulau Ubin tour.
Lazarus and St.John’s islands are where it’s at to get a good taste of island life.
A 45-minute ferry ride away from Singapore’s mainland, St. John’s island is home to educational marine centres, a calm lagoon, and the iconic human chessboard that’s said to be haunted. A 15-minute walk across a causeway from St. John’s Island is Lazarus Island, where you can swim, fish, jet ski, and paddle board in the waters.
Read more about Singapore islands you can explore, as well as Singapore beaches for some sun, sand, and sea.
Book a ferry ride to St.John’s island and Lazarus.
The 11km MacRitchie Reservoir hike is famed for its serene lakes, bamboo groves, and forest full of monkeys.
Such a journey can take a better half of a day for most hikers, but the less heroic among us can opt for shorter routes. There’s the 3km Green Trail or the 7km Purple Trail that’s less intimidating. Either way, you’ll arrive at the scenic MacRitchie Treetop Walk. Cross the iconic hanging bridge to the other side and continue to see the rest of the sights like the Zig Zag Bridge and Jelulong Tower.
Address: MacRitchie Reservoir Park, Singapore 298717
With sunny stretches of man-made white sand beaches and dozens of bars you can shake a cocktail at, Sentosa oozes holiday vibes, whether you’re a local or a tourist.
Dip into the shallow waters of Palawan Beach, feast on tasty grub at Siloso Beach, or plop a towel on the sand at Tanjong Beach to watch all types of sporty people whizz past on a kayak or surfboard. There are also beach clubs scattered around the 3 beaches if you’re after a boozy beachside brunch.
Read more about tips on visiting Sentosa and check out our guide to hiking in Sentosa. If you’re planning to stay on the island, turn your attention to these hotels in Sentosa.
The 3.5km Changi Jurassic Mile is a cycling and walking trail that traverses the entire area from East Coast Park to Changi Terminal 2, and then some.
To start your journey, head down to Hub & Spoke cafe at Terminal 2 to rent a bike. There are single bikes, tandem bikes, and even family bikes with bucket seats. The route is completely flat, perfect for cyclists of any calibre, and full of giant dinosaur statues for the kids to ogle at.
Address: 60 Airport Boulevard, #01-T2S-02, Singapore 819643
Bukit Timah Railway Station gives us modern-day folks some insight into the history of Singapore train travel between the 1930s and 1990s.
Part of the station has been turned into a museum where artefacts are displayed. The other part which includes the tracks, signages, and ticketing booth has been restored to its original glory. And you, my friend, can access all of the above for free.
Address: 1 Railway Station, Singapore 599938
The little Hay Dairies farm on the Northern tip of the island is known for its abundance of goats.
Aside from farm-fresh goat milk and cheese prepared in an actual barn, the farm also has live milking and goat-feeding sessions, so take a gazillion photos while you’re at it.
There’s also a farm nearby called Bollywood Farms that grows vegetables in the garden and serves all organic produce.
Hawker centres are a popular part of the Singapore dining landscape. So naturally, you’d want to visit at least one: Newton Food Centre.
The famed food court lies on a busy edge of an intersection and consists of almost 100 stalls which open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. You’ll be able to find everything from BBQ chicken wings and deep-fried treats to local noodle and rice dishes. If you’re a fan of seafood, save your appetite for grilled stingray drenched in spicy sambal from Guan Kee Seafood.
Also, check out the best hawkers in Singapore such as Maxwell and Amoy Food Centre. There are also plenty of cheap and good hawkers to go around if you’re on a budget.
Address: 500 Clemenceau Ave North Singapore 229495
With live music lounges, bars, and restaurants all in one, Haji Lane is probably the epitome of Singapore fun.
A few notable stops to hit for good food and great drinks include Piedra Negra, Blue Jazz, and Bar Stories. The entire stretch gets popping from 5pm on the weekends so arrive on time to snag a table. There’s also a bunch of boutiques selling souvenirs for you to take home to friends and fam.
If you’re looking for more things to do once the sun goes down, check out these bars in Singapore or even these late-night date ideas.
Roasting titans like Starbucks are everywhere, but the quirky cafes in Tiong Bahru are where it’s at.
There’s The Butcher’s Wife with its robust gluten-free menu of surf, turf, and homemade cheese; Merci Marcel with dreamy French-y interiors to treat your eyes and stomach; and P.S. Cafe Petit that serves brunch and cocktails all day – to name a few. This neighbourhood also doubles as a people- and dog-watching site enhanced by vintage stores and bookshops.
While you’re here, check out these photo-worthy spots in Tiong Bahru.
When a dish has been around since the 1950s, it’s got to be good.
That applies to the sweet and spicy chilli crab – an unofficial national dish of Singapore. In a nutshell, it’s a whole crab that’s stir-fried and then drenched in a savoury gravy. You’ll be able to find it at almost any local restaurant and food court. But if you’re after a fancy schmancy seafood night, head to either Jumbo Seafood or Long Beach.
You tend to be an iced-coffee-for-breakfast kind of person. While you’re touring Singapore, however, level up your morning meal by opting for a traditional feast of kaya toast and boiled eggs.
We’re not talking about the hard-boiled type you’re envisioning. These half-boiled eggs are warm and gooey and go perfectly with slices of toast covered in coconut pandan jam. Chain coffee shops like Ya Kun Kaya Toast and Toast Box across various malls, as well as Tong Ah Eating House on Keong Saik Road, are your best bets.
CÉ LA VI’s 57th-floor lounge is one of the swankiest options for rooftop bars in Singapore, but the stunning view alone isn’t the only thing that sets it apart.
Image credit: @celavisingapore via Instagram
There’s also a daily buy-1-get-1 happy hour, inventive Asian fusion bites and cocktails, and free drinks for ladies on Wednesday nights. It’s also perpetually packed at sundown with a crowd eagerly watching the sunset. Every night is a party up in this place, so swing by to roll through a couple of margarita pitchers.
Image credit: Eatbook
If you’re after a speakeasy experience in the city, then the bars with hidden entrances below are the places to go see and be seen.
There’s Taylor Adam with a suit shop storefront; The Other Room that’s hidden behind unassuming black curtains in a hotel lobby; A Japanese-styled bar called Brown Sugar which sits at the back of a fridge door – the list goes on.
For a night of unbridled fun belting out all of your fave tunes with your besties, head to one of the many karaoke bars on the island.
There’s everything: themed rooms, free-flow drinks, sizzling snacks, and sick sound systems to let you live out your Broadway superstardom dreams. The best part is, some joints open till 4am so you can cover every Western karaoke anthem and Mandopop hit on your bucket list.
When you feel like going on a tear, the nightclubs in Singapore are where it’s at.
From small venues with A-list names like Avenue to massive mega clubs like Marquee, you’ll have plenty of options to channel your inner Michael Jackson. Every Wednesday night, ladies get free drinks at plenty of clubs and bars.
Haw Par Villa is anything but an ordinary park.
Made up of 1,000 funky statues of mythical gods telling old-school tales, the amusement park is rich in culture and history. Expect to find intertwined bridges and stone structures with ancient carvings, alongside Hell’s Museum that’s dedicated to death and the afterlife. Entry to the park is free, but a visit to the Hell’s Museum will cost you $10/child or $18/adult.
Chinatown isn’t just about cheap shopping and good food. If you find yourself in this culture-rich part of town, consider checking out the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
As its name suggests, the temple is home to a huge tooth that’s believed to have belonged to Buddha. Other notable sights to see inside include a giant 15-foot golden Buddha statue, a 10,000 Buddha pavilion, and a rooftop garden. You can spend a few hours exploring on your own or opt for a guided tour, but be sure to dress respectfully.
Also, explore these beautiful religious buildings in Singapore while you’re at it.
Fort Canning Park was once swarmed with WWII soldiers fighting enemies. Today, it’s a scenic park with walking trails and ancient ruins.
Peppered along the park are remnants of the last ruler of Singapore. There’s an old tomb, 14th-century gold ornaments, 19th-century fortress remains, a spice garden, and a Battlebox. Make your way around and see if you can locate all of the above. Don’t forget to make a pit stop at the split gate at Sang Nila Utama Garden and snap some Bali-esque photos.
Book a Fort Canning Park walking tour.
Known for its density of ethnic shops, funky murals, and excellent eats, Kampong Gelam is one of Singapore’s hippest hubs.
The charming Muslim neighbourhood covers the area around Arab Street and Haji Lane. Over here, the souvenirs and snacks are worthy of a trip down, but there’s also a slew of mosques, art galleries, and heritage centres. Take all the time you need to see the sights, or go for a guided tour to hear about the history behind each attraction.
Book a Kampong Gelam walking tour.
The Peranakan Museum has one of the largest collections of vintage artefacts. So if you’re into all things Perakan, from hand-painted photos and home goods to traditional apparel kebaya, this is the spot to visit.
There are 3 floors and over 800 gems to ogle over, so expect to spend at least half a day here. As for the other half, feel free to check out the sweeping selection of Peranakan finds at The Intan – in case you can’t get enough.
Singapore might be small, but it definitely packs a punch. Just scan through the giant list of 50 touristy things to do in Singapore above and you’ll see why.
Some might insist 3 days in Singapore is enough. With our trusty guide, however, you’ll find yourself eating dim sum in Chinatown and trekking through lush reservoirs for weeks to come.
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A portion of this content may contain referral links to products. However, our opinions remain our own.
Originally published on 19th July 2023.
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