25 Best Things to Do in Singapore: Must-See Sights and Hidden Gems
Unlock Singapore's Ultimate Experiences: 25 Must-Do Activities in the Lion City
Discover the captivating blend of modernity and tradition in Singapore, where endless attractions await at every turn. This comprehensive guide unveils the 25 best things to do in the "Garden City," ensuring you don't miss a single highlight during your visit.
From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, our curated itinerary covers:
• Awe-inspiring attractions like Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands
• The historic Merlion Park and vibrant neighborhoods
• Thrilling adventures on Sentosa Island
• Off-the-beaten-path experiences on Pulau Ubin
• Cultural treasures including temples and museums
• World-class shopping destinations
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you navigate Singapore's diverse offerings, creating unforgettable memories in one of Asia's most dynamic cities. Get ready to explore the best of Singapore!
Discover the captivating blend of modernity and tradition in Singapore, where endless attractions await at every turn. This comprehensive guide unveils the 25 best things to do in the "Garden City," ensuring you don't miss a single highlight during your visit.
From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, our curated itinerary covers:
• Awe-inspiring attractions like Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands
• The historic Merlion Park and vibrant neighborhoods
• Thrilling adventures on Sentosa Island
• Off-the-beaten-path experiences on Pulau Ubin
• Cultural treasures including temples and museums
• World-class shopping destinations
Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, this guide will help you navigate Singapore's diverse offerings, creating unforgettable memories in one of Asia's most dynamic cities. Get ready to explore the best of Singapore!
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25 places
Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
1
11:30 - 15:30
Gaining international fame for its unique design, Gardens by the Bay is a must-see park while in Singapore. The Park has 3 main gardens: Bay Central Garden, Bay South Garden, and Bay East Garden. All our magnificent and full of flowering and the beauty of mother nature.
18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953Bay East Garden, which is smaller than Bay South, yet larger than Bay Central, is also a true joy. Bay East will provide you with a lovely view of the Singapore skyline and a quiet place to wander and relax, surrounded by the beauty of nature. Bay Central connects Bay South and East, with entrancing 3 kilometers waterfront promenade.
Other fantastic attractions at Gardens by the bay that are very much worth visiting are:
The Cloud Forest – contains vegetation from all over the globe and one of the largest indoor waterfalls.
Dragonflies and Kingfisher Lakes - 440 meters boardwalk with lakes view that provides a glimpse to kingfishers and dragonflies which are inseparable from the Gardens ecosystem.
Floral Fantasy – in Floral Fantasy you will find colorful suspended bouquets and unique flowers designs. Located right next to Bayfront MRT station, Floral Fantasy seems like it came out of a fantasy dream of nature lovers.
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Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, Singapore
2
16:00 - 17:30
Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade is 3.5 km surrounding Marina Bay which provides a direct look at Singapore's ravishingly beautiful skyline. The Promenade has an environmental-friendly design that also includes mist sprays, to effectively protect its visitors from heat and humidity. With a connection to the popular Coller Quay, Marina Centre, and Bayfront and bewitching waterfront and laser and water show - the lively Promenade is a central tourist attraction.
Merlion Park, Singapore
3
10:30 - 11:00
Merlion Park is another coveted destination in Singapore that should not be missed. The park is a wonderful hotspot for strolling by Marina Bay but most of all, viewing the monumental Merlion statue. Body of a fish and head of a lion, the Merlion is a symbol of Singapore and a magical reminder of its past. A remnant of Singapore's modest beginning as a village based on fishing for a living and the former name of the country, Singapura, which means "lion city". The Roaring fish-lion which pours water of his mouth is approximately 9 meters tall and weighs 70 tons. The park is also a home to another Merlion statue, 2 meters tall, named "Merlion cub".
Marina Bay Sands Singapore
4
17:30 - 18:00
Marina Bay Sands Singapore serves as a hotel and a casino, but more than that, the place's skyscrapers are an architectural landmark that shapes Singapore's sky. Marina Bay Sands includes many attractions as the alluring luxury mall "The Shoppes" and Sands SkyPark Observation Deck which gives a full panoramic view of Singapore. Also, the place consists of a lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum, incredible Infinity Pool and offers a free light and water show named Spectra.
Helix Bridge, Singapore
5
18:00 - 18:30
Helix Bridge provides another way to see the marvelous view of Marina Bay. Favorite among pedestrians, the impressive Double Helix Bridge connects Marina Centre with Marina South. The bridge is widely famous for its unique and modern architecture that was inspired by the look of DNA. Magnet to tourists and citizens, Helix Bridge is one of the Marina Bay area's highlights.
SingaporeSingapore Flyer
6
19:00 - 19:30
Giant observation wheel, which reveals an outstanding view of Marina Bay. Singapore Flyer is the largest observation wheel in entire Asia and reaches up to a height of 165 meters. If you feeling adventurer, Singapore Flyer provides sky dining, you can have dinner inside of a capsule and besides the delightful food, it will definitely be a dinner to remember.
Sentosa, Singapore
7
Warm golden beaches, tranquil turquoise waters, endless attractions, and spectacular aquatic activities. This is Sentosa, a splendid island dedicated to fun and serves as the main vacation destination in Singapore due to its remarkable amount of adventures.
From young to old, solo travelers, couples and especially families, all will find something fantastic to enjoy from in Sentosa. Indoor or outdoor, there is always a thrilling activity to view and experience.
As an all-family fun, Sentosa Island is also the location of one of the most exciting experiences in all Singapore - Universal Studios. In Sentosa you can sunbathe on winsome beaches, snorkel in a terrific waterpark and touch dolphins. Among other attractions in the island, you can find skywalk, and skydive, ride on slides and carts, see a superb audio-visual show and much, much more.
If you are in Singapore, do not miss Sentosa and all it has to offer, it is a one-in-a-kind place and an absolutely must-see while you are in the "Garden City".
From young to old, solo travelers, couples and especially families, all will find something fantastic to enjoy from in Sentosa. Indoor or outdoor, there is always a thrilling activity to view and experience.
As an all-family fun, Sentosa Island is also the location of one of the most exciting experiences in all Singapore - Universal Studios. In Sentosa you can sunbathe on winsome beaches, snorkel in a terrific waterpark and touch dolphins. Among other attractions in the island, you can find skywalk, and skydive, ride on slides and carts, see a superb audio-visual show and much, much more.
If you are in Singapore, do not miss Sentosa and all it has to offer, it is a one-in-a-kind place and an absolutely must-see while you are in the "Garden City".
Sentosa, SingaporeBook now
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Singapore
8
09:00 - 10:00
House of faith and worship, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a picturesque 5-floors Buddhist temple and a museum in Chinatown. Very popular among tourists, it is claimed that the Temple holds the tooth relic that belongs to Buddha himself. However, doubts and questions were raised by experts about the trustworthiness of the tooth relics. Still, the place serves Buddha's faithful believers and the general public that is able to learn about Buddhism history, philosophy, and practices. The temple and museum are very peaceful and impressive. Abundant with Buddha statues and religious artifacts and has lavish red-golden decoration and a splendid rooftop garden.
National Museum of Singapore
9
10:00 - 12:30
Reside in a majestic neo-classical building, the National Museum of Singapore is an excellent source of learning about Singapore history, its development through the years, and its culture. The museum, as the name suggests, is a national museum, one of four official national museums in the country. The Museum was originally established in 1849 and is the oldest in the country. It has an exquisite and elegant balance between the old and the modern. It pays respect to the country's past and exhibits the fascinating processes that brought Singapore to be the advance and modern country it is today.
National Gallery Singapore
10
13:30 - 16:30
A prominent force in Singapore art life, the National Gallery has a fantastic collection of Southeast Asian modern art, including, of course, notable artworks of Singaporean artists. The buildings that are home to the National Gallery are also art, the former City Hall and Supreme Court that gives the artworks another dignified layer.
Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore
11
11:30 - 13:30
Singapore's formation was a process of blending different cultures and ethnicities and generating one unify national identity. This melting pot strategy and the nowadays results are wonderfully displayed at the Asian Civilisations Museum (ACM). One of the official four national museums in the country, the Asian Civilisations Museum exhibits the deep relationships, religious connections, and trade between the Asian countries and the world through art. The Museum hosts a wide variety of sculptures, paintings, ceramics, and artifacts that tell the story of all Asia. This is another prominent source of learning about Singapore's creation and development, culture, and its people in a local and global context.
Fort Canning Park, Singapore
12
17:00 - 18:00
Full of atmosphere and charm, the picturesque Fort Canning Park resides on a hill in the heart of Singapore, and its chronicle entwined with the country's history. The Park is a great vantage point and a green space that is full of attractions, historical remains, and nine alluring gardens with lovely vegetation and walking trails. The Park is also a popular venue for music events, festivals, and much more. The Bukit Larangan ("Forbidden Hill") as it used to be called was a holy Malay hill that serves the Majapahit as a center for the Malay rulers of Singapore in the 14th century.
River Valley Rd, Singapore 179037Book now
Orchard Road, Singapore
13
18:30 - 20:00
Shopping time! Orchard Road is a famous shopping street in Singapore. More than 2 km of shopping centers, department stores, restaurants, and cafés will pleasant your time and provide you ultimate shopping experience.
Orchard Rd, SingaporeChangi Airport, Singapore
14
Award-winning and internationally famous for its excellence, Changi Airport was crowned multiple times as the best airport in the world. Changi Airport is not only one of the best but also one of the bustling airports in the world. As such and due to the fact many passengers must wait for their flights at the airport for long hours, the place is dotted with plenty of attractions that can cover an entire trip day.
Clarke Quay
15
Clarke Quay is known for its vibrant nightlife with ebullient bars, clubs, and restaurants. However, there are plenty of things to see and do in this area during the day as well. For example, you may enjoy a refreshing river cruise, visit the fascinating Asian Civilisations Museum, see Cavenagh Bridge which is one of the antique bridges in Singapore, stroll at Fort Canning Park and view the Chinese temple, Hong San See, and much more.
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Clarke Quay, SingaporeBook now
Sri Krishnan Temple, Singapore
16
Hindu temple which inaugurated in 1870, a place of faith and devotion that was built to honor Sri Krishna and his consort Rukmini. Beautifully designed, the place is inviting and welcoming, with an exceptional entrance that is decorated with graceful and colorful statues. Resides at Waterloo Street in Bugis neighborhood, right near the popular Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple.
Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, Singapore
17
13:00 - 13:30
A Buddhist temple in Bugis neighborhood, dedicated to Kwan Im (also known as Kuan Yin) - the Goddess of Mercy. With a history dating to 1884, Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho has a traditional Chinese temple's architecture, red-golden decoration, and stately golden Cundi Bodhisattva (one of Kwan Im reincarnations) statue. The place is very popular among believers who wish to receive blessings of luck and good fortune from their Goddess and tourists who wish to observe the marvelous temple.
Bugis Street, Singapore
18
13:30 - 14:00
Bugis street is a shopping hub at affordable prices, with a wide selection of goods. The Street also offers plenty of gastronomical options and due to its accessible location and low prices, it can be bustle and crowded at times. However, the street can provide a vibrant shopping experience for travelers on a budget who wish to buy things for themselves and gifts for their loved ones.
Hajjah Fatimah Mosque, Singapore
19
Much smaller than Sultan Mosque, yet very interesting, Hajjah Fatimah Mosque (Masjid Hajjah Fatimah) is another prominent religious monument in Singapore. Opened in 1846 thanks to a major donation from Hajjah Fatimah Sulaiman and therefore the mosque, in an untypical act, named after her. Taking the name of a woman is not the only exceptional thing about this Mosque. Architecturally, the Hajjah Fatimah Mosque was built under oriental and European influences according to a design of an unknown non-Muslim British architect. The Mosque's minaret is leaning toward the dome and adds another dimension to the uniqueness of this Mosque.
Arab Street, Singapore
20
14:00 - 14:30
A colorful bazaar of shops and boutiques with a wide variety of goods and delicious Middle Eastern cuisine. Textile, perfumes, carpets, clothing, restaurants, and energetic vibes, the Arab Street will give you authentic aromas and flavors of the Middle East.
Sultan Mosque, Singapore
21
14:30 - 15:00
A majestic mosque with glorious golden onions domes and an impressive prayer hall that can contain up to 5,000 believers, Sultan Mosque is a must-see while in Kampong Glam. The Mosque, also known as Masjid Sultan, was built in 1924 by Sultan Hussain Shah, who ruled Singapore. The Construction ended 2 years later, however facing the time damages and the need for a better place for the growing Islamic community, the present-day Mosque was inaugurated in 1928. Except for its inspiring sight, the building reflects a spiritual and humanistic view of equality. The dome's base has been made out of glass bottles, donations of the unprivileged, and a symbol that all, poor or rich, are welcome in the Mosque. Praised for its magnificent architecture thenceforth, the Mosque receives the prestigious status of Singapore's National monument in 1975.
Haji Lane, Singapore
22
Haji Lane is one of the narrowest and trendiest streets in Singapore. Affluence with street art, vintage look, and indie spirit vibes, Haji Lane is a photo-taking hotspot. If you live on social media, this street is a lovely variegated stop to photograph and share with family and friends. The street is also abundant with fashionable boutiques, restaurants, cafés, and bars at affordable prices. This eye-candy street is very inviting and a terrific location to stroll, eats, and shop.
Haji Ln, SingaporeBaghdad Street, Singapore
23
15:30 - 16:00
Baghdad Street is very much like Haji Lane, a foodies' favorite with plenty of restaurants offering delectable food and a colorful street to take pictures or a selfie.
Baghdad St, SingaporeMalay Heritage Centre, Singapore
24
16:00 - 17:30
Small, yet fascinating, the Malay Heritage Centre will take you through Singapore and the Malay's community history alleyways. The 2-floors Centre use to be a royal palace, Istana Kampong Gelam, a place where Singapore's Malay sultans used to live. It was originally built in 1840 according to the will of Sultan Ali, the son of Sultan Hussein Shah who ordered to build the famous Sultan Mosque. Preserved and re-opened in 2005, the Malay Heritage Centre has 6 permanent galleries that provide a glance at the rich heritage of the Malays in Singapore.
Pulau Ubin, Singapore
25
Pulau Ubin is a splendid hidden jam in Singapore, and a wonderful day trip in nature while you are in the country. The charm of the island lies in its rustic characteristics, which make you feel like you are back in time to the 60s-70s of the past century. It is a fascinating contrast to the ultra-modern nowadays Singapore.
The meaning of Pulau Ubin is granite stone in Malay, and the island has lovely trails, ponds, old houses, and the breathtaking scenery of Chek Jawa. A marvelous wetland with a rich ecological system that is a main attraction on the island.
The meaning of Pulau Ubin is granite stone in Malay, and the island has lovely trails, ponds, old houses, and the breathtaking scenery of Chek Jawa. A marvelous wetland with a rich ecological system that is a main attraction on the island.
Pulau Ubin, SingaporeBook now
Sticky Notes
Tickets
Enhance your Singapore experience by purchasing tickets to major attractions in advance. This strategy helps you skip long queues and ensures entry to popular sites, especially during peak seasons.
For your convenience, we've partnered with GetYourGuide to offer you:
• Competitive prices
• Free cancellation options
• Easy booking process
• Wide selection of attractions
Secure your tickets now to make the most of your Singapore adventure!
Bugis and Kampong Glam
Bugis and Kampong Glam are two nearby neighborhoods that are full of stores, shopping malls, and plenty of places to eat at affordable prices. Kampong Glam is considered Singapore's Muslim quarter and contains mosques and many Middle Eastern cuisine restaurants. Both neighborhoods are a vibrant bazaar of clothes, perfumes, rugs, food and so much more. Both neighborhoods have a hipster-chick, bohemian atmosphere, and a few wonderful colorful streets that are perfect spots to take photos and selfies and share with others by social media.
Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin (Granite Stone in Malay) is a lovely island with 60's -70's rustic characteristics that contain very few residents and is a wonderful day trip for nature lovers. Visiting Pulau Ubin will make you feel like you are inside of a nostalgic postcard from the past. This island is very different than modern Singapore, therefore it is advised:
• Take comfortable walking shoes
• Bring a bottle of water and some snacks
• Ensure you have enough cash (there are no ATMs at Pulau Ubin)
• Have mosquito repellent
• Rent bicycle (with a lock) for easy trip navigation
Changi Airport
Considered the best airport in the world and one of the busiest, Changi Airport is itself a thrilling travel adventure. If you have the time before leaving wonderful Singapore, dedicate some time touring the many attractions of this exceptional airport that offers almost anything, from massage, cinema, art installations, gardens, playgrounds, innovative architecture, waterfalls, shopping, and so much more.