Trip and Wellness

12 Top Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in the Singapore

Singapore Merlion Fountain CBD skyscrapers overlooking Marina Bay

Singapore, with its fusion of Asian and European cultures, is one of the world’s greatest cities. Founded as a British commercial colony in 1819, it has become one of the world’s most wealthy city-states with one of the busiest ports.

Elegant colonial structures coexist with centuries-old street marketplaces and sophisticated high-rises. Although the government may be strict with inhabitants and tourists who break the laws, visitors who respect the rules are captivated by this multicultural metropolis. Please read our list of the best attractions in Singapore for suggestions on what to see and do.

1. Garden by the Bay

Gardens By The Bay, Singapore
Source: istockphoto

You won’t be able to stay away once you’ve seen this nicely constructed green area. Wandering around the Bay East Garden is ideal for admiring the vivid plant life and temporarily avoiding the city bustle.

You won’t want to miss Supertree Grove, a collection of distinctive, futuristic buildings built to serve ecologically beneficial activities. Another place to visit is the Cloud Forest Dome, where you can experience the world’s highest indoor waterfall and learn about biodiversity. For the price and date of the tours, you can see them on the website.

2. Sentosa Island

sentosa island resorts, Singapore
Source: istockphoto

Singapore isn’t exactly known for its beaches, but Sentosa Island is the place for having fun in the sun. Siloso Beach is a lovely area with free volleyball courts, kayaking, and skimboarding available. There is Underwater World, an aquarium where you can swim with dolphins.

The Merlion, Singapore’s famous monument, is a must-see on Sentosa Island. You can take the escalator to the top for panoramic views of the surrounding region. 

3. Merlion Park

Merlion Park, Singapore
Source: istockphoto

The Merlion in Singapore is a fabled creature that is depicted as having the head of a lion and the body and tail of a fish. It symbolizes the city’s modest beginnings as a fishing community and its old Malay name, Singapura, which means “lion city.”

The sculpture, transferred to Merlion Park in 2002, is 8.6 meters tall and weighs 70 tonnes, spewing water from its mouth in a fountain.

The nearby Merlion Cub is just over two meters tall but weighs three tonnes. The city has a total of five other official Merlion monuments. Merlion Park is an excellent location for picture opportunities, whether you’re shooting a selfie in front of the famous creature or photographing the park’s spectacular vistas of the bay.

4. Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands casino, Singapore
Source: istockphoto

If you want to wallow in limitless luxury, go to Marina Bay Sands, Singapore’s most famous hotel and lavish resort, which has the world’s biggest infinity pool with tempting views of Singapore’s cityscape. You won’t want to leave the exquisite amenities that await you, including world-class meals, a spa, a fitness center, entertainment, shopping avenues, and much more. Furthermore, you may spend the whole day lounging in your luxurious suite and taking in the city’s beautiful vistas.

5. Singapore Zoo

Flamingos at Singapore Zoo
Source: pixabay

Singapore Zoo, regarded as the world’s finest rainforest zoo, is a prominent tourist destination in Singapore. You can see orangutans, zebras, parakeets, mole rats, white tigers, kangaroos, a Komodo dragon, and other animals. The place is an excellent destination for a day trip with family or friends to see exotic creatures from various regions of Asia. It is great to visit the zoo at feeding time to observe these beasts emerge from their dens and caves.

6. Chinatown

Buddha Toothe Relic Temple in Chinatown
Source: istockphoto

If you’ve ever been to China, Singapore’s Chinatown area will transport you back there. The region is buzzing with activity, from modest mom-and-pop shops and Chinese cuisine to brilliant red lanterns. Here you can look at the spectacular and majestic Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple inside the Chinese Heritage Centre.

7. Jewel Changi Airport

Waterfall inside Jewel Changi Airport, Singapore
Source: istockphoto

The 10-story-high Jewel Changi Airport has often been recognized as the greatest airport in the world. It should be on your list of must-see attractions in Singapore.

The HSBC Rain Vortex, an indoor waterfall that is 40 meters high and encircled by over 2,000 trees, is the most well-known feature of the airport. Additionally, there is a garden in each of the airport’s three terminals, which are all linked to one another smoothly. Terminal 1 has a cactus garden, Terminal 2 has a sunflower garden, and Terminal 3 has a highly renowned butterfly garden with over 40 kinds of butterflies, a six-meter grotto waterfall, and lots of blooming plants.

The airport also has two movie theaters, an entertainment section with antique arcade games, an indoor canopy park with garden mazes and spectacular observation decks, and a 12-meter-tall (four-story-high) slide open to both children and adults.

8. Singapore Flyer

Singapore Flyer, Singapore
Source: istockphoto

If the observation deck at the Marina Bay Sands doesn’t quite do it for you, try sipping high tea while gazing out over the city from the Singapore Flyer, the world’s most enormous observation wheel. Various packages allow you to be pampered while enjoying the view that not only includes the skyline of Singapore but also extends to the Spice Islands in Indonesia and the Straits of Johor in Malaysia.

The ticket packages include entrance to the multimedia Journey of Dreams exhibit. This exhibit dives into Singapore’s history and building process of the Singapore Flyer.

You can select which perspective of the city you want to take in during your flight, either at the beginning of another busy day or when Singapore is aglow after dark since flights endure for thirty minutes and operate from early dawn until late at night.

9. National Gallery Singapore

National Gallery Singapore
Source: istockphoto

The National Gallery exhibits the works of local and Asian painters beginning in the nineteenth century. Over 64,000 square meters, the 9,000-plus pieces of art are distributed between two buildings: the City Hall and the old Supreme Court. The gallery exhibits the work of both emerging and recognized regional artists. Visit the newly built Chinese Ink Art Gallery, and do not miss the rooftop sculpture garden, which features works by Vietnamese-born Danish artist Danh Vo.

10. Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay in Singapore
Source: istockphoto

Clarke Quay, one of Singapore’s most popular tourist sites, is a remnant of the city’s history that is still active today. The former 19th-century business hub is now known for its stylish restaurants, elegant taverns, waterfront entertainment, and pushcart sellers. It’s ideal for a date since you may have a fine dinner at a restaurant or a drink at a bar while gazing out at the beautiful waterfront views.

Nearby sights include the Asian Civilisation Museum located in Singapore’s oldest fire station and the Hong San See Temple – a gorgeous century-old Buddhist temple.

11. Fort Canning Park

Fort Canning Park, Singapore
Source: istockphoto

Fort Canning has had a long and diverse history as a military bastion. The fort, built in 1859 to protect Singapore from invasions, became a bunker during World War II and was finally surrendered to the Japanese in 1942.

Now that the war is over, the historic structure serves as a home for contemporary performing arts companies and often hosts events such as picnics, concerts, theatrical performances, and festivals.

Other attractions in the park include artifacts from Singapore’s early history dating back to the 14th century and Sir Stamford Raffles’ home. Guests may also witness a reproduction of Raffles’ spice market, which he founded in 1822, and ASEAN sculptures from the 1980s.

12. Little India

Little India in Singapore
Source: istockphoto

Singapore is well-known for being a glamorous and glam modern-day metropolis with sky-high skyscrapers, cutting-edge architecture, and nature-friendly parks. Few people know its dynamic and lively cultural aspects. And guess what? That culture does not exist in Singapore! That’s correct. You’ll discover a small piece of India in Singapore’s glossy streets, just as frivolous as the nation itself.

There is a lot of stuff in these normally-packed streets that will make you want to stay forever, from stores selling Indian products to street-side vendors offering Indian cuisine to Hindu temples and many other things that say “India.”

See also: Where to Stay in Singapore

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Singapore?

The best time to visit Singapore is between February and April, during the dry season when the weather is relatively cooler and less humid. However, note that this is also the peak tourist season with higher prices and more crowds.

If you prefer a quieter and more affordable time to visit, consider traveling between August and October when there are occasional showers but fewer tourists. Just be prepared for slightly higher humidity levels during these months.

Do note that Singapore has a year-round tropical climate, so be prepared for warm and humid weather no matter when you visit.

Is Singapore an expensive city to visit?

Singapore can be an expensive city compared to other Southeast Asian countries. However, it ultimately depends on your travel style and budget. For example, if you want to stay in luxury hotels and dine at high-end restaurants, you can expect to pay a premium price. On the other hand, if you are willing to stay in budget accommodations and eat at hawker centers (street food stalls that offer affordable and delicious local food), you can save a significant amount of money. Additionally, public transportation in Singapore is affordable and efficient, making it easy to get around the city without breaking the bank.

Do I need a visa to visit Singapore?

Visitors from many countries are eligible for visa-free entry into Singapore. Check with your local embassy or consulate for more information.

Is English widely spoken in Singapore?

English is indeed widely spoken in Singapore. It is one of the four official languages in the country, alongside Malay, Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil. English is the primary language of instruction in schools, and also the language of business and government in Singapore.