Top Singapore Attractions: Best Things to See and Do in Singapore
Singapore may be one of the most expensive cities in the world, but it has plenty to offer. Some of the top Singapore attractions include the largest rooftop infinity pool and the world’s first safari park. And not to forget Singapore is home to some of the most delicious food in the world.
Singapore connects over a hundred destinations around the world and is one of the busiest transit points. Changi Airport is among the top 3 best airports in the world. It has a plethora of things from butterfly gardens, waterfalls, areas to nap and shower, and great shopping.
Whether you are transiting through Singapore, or staying for a few days, or a week, this is a great holiday destination for everyone. It’s one of Asia’s most family-friendly cities, filled with activities that the kids will love.
You’ll find extraordinary gardens, impressive architecture, shopping streets, and a beautiful marina. And let’s not forget the magnificent Sentosa island which is a treat in itself.
Singapore has a high standard of living and is one of the world’s most prosperous city-states. It has an excellent public transportation system that makes sightseeing convenient and easy. Once you’ve got a sense of the metro map, you’ll have no problem getting from one part of town to the next. Singapore is one of the easiest and most comfortable countries to navigate in Southeast Asia.
Below is a list of the top Singapore attractions that will assist in planning your trip to this city-state.
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Know Before You Go
- Singapore ranks up with other culturally and religiously diverse nations making it quite different from its neighboring countries.
- The island has four official languages; English, Tamil, Malay, and Mandarin and it also celebrates the national holidays of many different religions.
- Visitors can enjoy culinary experiences from different countries as well as visit many different places of worship.
- Singapore is expensive compared to other countries in Asia. But it provides a totally different experience. You can find hawker stalls that provide cheap meal options. Their chili crab is simply amazing!
How to Make the Most of Your Time in Singapore
To ensure you get across as many of the top Singapore attractions, you can consider the Singapore Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour. It is a great way to see the sights and get familiar with the layout of the city. Tickets are valid for 24 or 48 hours and the open-top double-decker buses, with multilingual audio commentary, operate on several routes.
Top Singapore Attractions: Best Things to See and Do in Singapore
Below are the 20 top Singapore attractions. These must-visit attractions in Singapore should be on everyone’s list when visiting
1. Marina Bay Sands
This magnificent resort cost US$5.7 billion to build, making it the world’s most expensive building when it opened in 2010. The Marina Bay Sands is a resort that has it all: a luxury hotel, restaurants, theatre, an ArtScience Museum collection of shops, a convention center that is one of the largest in Asia, and the Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck. It also has an indoor skating rink made with synthetic ice!
The Skypark’s viewing deck and infinity pool are found in the ship (yes, ship) that tops the hotel. Only hotel guests are allowed to use the infinity pool, but anyone can visit the observation deck. If staying at the resort is out of your budget, you can visit the observation deck or grab a snack at the rooftop restaurant. You can find more information here.
2. Singapore Zoo
The Zoo is large, clean, and inviting with plenty of lush vegetation and habitat space. It consistently ranks as one of the top Singapore attractions for good reason. This is one of the top attractions in Singapore for kids as it provides a range of activities from breakfast with the orangutans to the Night Safari, there’s something to do every moment you are there.
With 28 hectares to cover, be sure to plan your visit to the Zoo strategically. Download the Singapore Zoo app so you can have the map on hand at all times. Choose parts of the zoo you want to see. If you don’t enjoy walking in the heat and humidity, jump on a guided tram ride. If you are traveling with kids, they offer rental services for strollers and wagons.
Get up and close with the animals, catch a show, or stay up for the night safari. Singapore Zoo is impressive and has something to offer everyone.
3. Orchard Road
This world-class city is known for its style and designer chic and Orchard Road just happens to be the main shopping street in Singapore. Along with tourists, you’ll find plenty of locals that spend time here. The road is lined with high-end stores, restaurants, coffee shops, cafes, and hotels. It is said to have around 22 malls and six department stores alone! This is a great place for a shopping spree.
It is also the site of the official residence of the President of Singapore. During December, the Christmas decorations along Orchard are spectacular with reindeer leaping through palm trees and gingerbread houses topped with fake snow.
4. Singapore Flyer
If you are looking for great views over Singapore, then make your way to the Singapore Flyer. The Singapore Flyer is a giant observation wheel that provides incredible views over Singapore. Cars hold up to 28 people as they circle above the city. When it opened in 2008, it was the highest Ferris wheel in the world, reaching 165 meters (541 feet). It is one of the best things to do in Singapore with kids.
Flights last 30 minutes and run from early morning until late at night, so you can choose which view of the city you want to enjoy. It’s incredible either way. They offer several packages and you can choose to have high tea here while taking in the views.
5. Chinatown
This area is quite different from the rest of the city. It’s bursting with culture and fragrant smells of traditional cuisine. You can embark on a historical heritage walk through the markets and temples or pick up some souvenirs at the souvenir shops in the quarter. It’s a blend of old and new where you can discover the heritage of Singapore.
You can spend an entire day exploring this vibrant area. Whether you are a foodie exploring the flavors of Singapore or someone looking to satisfy your taste buds, Chinatown’s diverse food offerings will definitely satisfy your cravings. Besides being home to culture and tradition, Chinatown is also a neighborhood filled with a plethora of bustling bars where you can socialize over a drink. Head over to Ann Siang Hill and Club Street for alfresco dining and cocktails at one of the many bars on the stretch.
Even though the area is quite touristy, it is worth the visit. You can discover Singapore’s hawker food stalls in the heart of Chinatown on a guided walking tour.
6. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
Located in the heart of Chinatown, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is known for its extensive collections of Buddhist culture, art, and history that tell stories of a culture thousands of years old. The temple is built in a style inspired by the Buddhist mandala and is based on various elements of Tang dynasty architecture.
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum gets its name from a sacred relic which is believed to be the left canine tooth of Buddha and was recovered from his funeral pyre in Kushinagar in India.
The Temple is a remarkable 5-story structure. On entering the gate, you’ll notice the stunning main hall with its high ceiling. The bell tower and drum tower are on the same floor.
The sacred Buddha Tooth Relic is the main attraction that draws devotees to the temple. It is housed in a giant stupa weighing 3,500 kilograms and made from 320 kilograms of gold, most of which has been donated by devotees. It is placed in a hall called “Sacred Hall of Light” on the fourth floor. Visitors can view the tooth relic from the public viewing area. The Buddhist Culture Museum on the third floor holds an array of artifacts of the Buddha, such as bone and tongue relics.
Other highlights include the Eminent Sangha Museum and a theatre. The rooftop garden has a pagoda and Buddha prayer wheel where you can enjoy some peaceful time.
Take a walk through one of Singapore’s must-see cultural sites, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, and marvel at an impressive array of Buddhist relics.
7. Sentosa – Indulge in Island Fun
Amongst the must-visit places in Singapore, is a day trip to Sentosa. Singapore isn’t known as a beach destination. But if you are craving sand, sea, and fun, Sentosa Island is the place to be. With its pristine beaches, exciting attractions, and tropical landscapes, the island of fun has something for everyone.
Sentosa is a 1,236-acre island resort off the southern coast of Singapore. It’s home to major tourist attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and the S.E.A. Aquarium. Singaporeans. Visitors also flock here to lay back on the beaches and shop at the luxury fashion galleria, and zip line at Mega Adventure Park. If you are an avid golfer, golf is quite popular here too. The Sentosa Golf Club has two award-winning courses.
If you are looking to have a beach day, there are three beaches that span Sentosa’s coastline. Siloso Beach is the island’s most bustling stretch, and home to various restaurants and attractions; Palawan Beach’s playgrounds, parks, and lagoon are perfect for families, and Tanjong Beach is ideal for a tranquil getaway.
A must-see on Sentosa Island is the Merlion, Singapore’s famous statue that has the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The lion bit represents Singapore’s original name, Singapura, which means Lion City and the fish stands for Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village. You can take an escalator to the top of the statue and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding area. Other highlights include Madame Tussauds Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and SkyHelix Sentosa.
Whether you are looking for a relaxing day at the beach, an adrenaline rush or you want to swim with the dolphins at Underwater World, the island is packed full of some of the top Singapore attractions for you to enjoy.
Official Site: https://www.sentosa.com.sg/en
8. Universal Studios Singapore
At the heart of Sentosa is a massive theme park featuring seven themed zones, and over 25 rides and attractions for families and thrill-seekers. Universal Studios Singapore is the best place to visit in Singapore for families. It’s one of the best things to do in Singapore with kids. It provides something for everyone, from the faint-hearted to the adrenaline junkie.
The park is arranged with each area paying tribute to a location, film, or television show. Destinations include New York City, Hollywood, Madagascar, and a trip back to Ancient Egypt. The park offers a range of rides from kid-friendly to daredevil. Your little ones can catch their favorite Madagascar and Minions characters, while those in the family seeking more of an adrenaline rush can hop on the twin coasters, and get wet and wild on the Jurassic Park flume ride. There are also kid-friendly attractions for the young like a Shrek 4D cinematic experience, a train trip through Sesame Street, and the canopy flyer for an aerial view of Jurassic Park. You can book your tickets here.
9. Clarke Quay
In the 1800s, this was one of the centers of trade, when barges would transport goods upstream for storage in the warehouses. Today, the warehouses have been restored and painted in rainbow hues, making this a great photo spot.
Clarke Quay doesn’t purely revolve around nightlife. It is a gorgeous place during the day and undergoes a boisterous transformation at night when its famous nightclubs come alive. It is one of Singapore’s food, drink, shopping, and entertainment hubs. The area has been converted into an open-air pedestrian precinct filled with waterside restaurants and a great selection of bars and clubs making it one of the top Singapore Attractions.
There are plenty of great things to see in Clarke Quay. During the day you can check out the nearby Fort Canning Park, also known as Singapore Hill or Bukit Larangan (Forbidden Hill). If you enjoy the adrenaline rush, the G-Max Adrenaline Bungy is a fun way to spend the day. The bungy falls from 80m at speeds of 120 km/h. With an electrifying buzz at night but with plenty of history to see during the day, Clarke Quay is a well-deserved addition to your Singapore itinerary.
Just around the corner from Clarke Quay is Boat Quay. This stretch is lined with bars and nightclubs. You can take a stroll along the water’s edge or admire the spectacular views from one of the surrounding eateries.
Tip: Head to the section of North Bridge Road that crosses the river near Clarke Quay station. To the south, you have Singapore’s towering central business and to your east, the opulent Marina Bay Sands is directly ahead of you. They put on a spectacular laser show every evening at 8 pm and 9:30 pm.
10. Night Safari
If you’ve ever wondered what the animals get up to at night, take a Night Safari to find out. It’s one of the best things to do in Singapore at night. To get a taste of the entire Night Safari, hop onto the complimentary guided tram ride to learn about the animals and catch them in action. Start at the main tram stop at the entrance of the Night Safari. A whole trip around the park takes roughly 40 minutes, but you can choose to hop off at any of the designated stops to explore exhibits up close. The best part is you can hop back on the tram whenever you’re done exploring.
At the world’s first nocturnal zoo, you’ll be able to find over 2,500 different creatures. The park’s habitats are divided into four sections, each with its trail that lets you observe these creatures. The Leopard Trail has leopards, as well as lions, flying foxes, and porcupines among other animals. The Fishing Cat Trail tours the habitat of animals native to Singapore, including the fish-loving felines, pangolin, binturong, and other species. East Lodge Trail features Malayan tigers and spotted hyenas. The Wallaby Trail introduces visitors to the marsupials of Australia. One of the main highlights of the Night Safari is the highly popular Creatures of the Night Show.
The Night Safari is one of the top Singapore attractions and is not to be missed when you are in this part of the world. You can find more information here.
11. Jewel Changi Airport
The Jewel Changi Airport is certainly no ordinary airport. The 10-story airport has consistently been voted as one of the best airports in the world. The transportation hub has everything from shopping, dining, and entertainment.
Some of the things to do in Singapore airport include the 40-meter-high Rain Vortex, an indoor waterfall surrounded by over 2000 trees, and nearly 300 stores. Each of the airport’s three terminals have its own garden. There’s a cactus garden in Terminal 1; a sunflower garden in T2; and a very famous butterfly garden at T3. The butterfly garden is home to more than 40 species of butterflies, a six-meter grotto waterfall, and plenty of flowering plants.
The airport also has two movie theaters, an indoor canopy park with garden mazes and stunning viewing decks, an entertainment corner with vintage arcade machines, and a 12-meter-tall slide that both children and adults are welcome to use.
This is a game-changer for travelers on layovers. I know if I were to have a layover in Singapore, I’d look forward to it. It’s one of the most visited Singapore tourist places. Several airlines will let you check in 24 hours in advance just to maximize your time inside Changi Airport. How cool is that!
You can find more information here.
12. Raffles Hotel
Built-in 1887, this colonial-style building has served as a city landmark for well over a century and continues to live up to its reputation with excellent food and service. Since it opened in 1887, it quickly became the place to stay in Singapore, with famous writers like Rudyard Kipling and Ernest Hemingway adding to its fame
The hotel boasts 15 restaurants and bars, including the Long Bar where the cocktail Singapore Sling was invented. The classical architecture and tropical gardens provide a refined setting and represent another facet of Singapore’s history.
The Raffles Hotel Singapore is located in the city’s Colonial District, which is also home to several other historic sites. A good place to base yourself for Singapore sightseeing.
13. Admire Nature at Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a recent addition to Singapore’s attractions and one of the best things to do in Singapore. It is built on reclaimed land in central Singapore. The breadth of plants and the creative ways in which they’re displayed are mind-blowing. Beyond the flora and fauna that you’ll find here, admire the Gardens’ iconic structures. This beautifully designed green space is the perfect place to escape the city’s bustle. Wander through the Bay East Garden, a splendid oasis where you can relax with a book, or enjoy a picnic with your loved ones. It is perfect for enjoying the vibrant plant life and is an ideal place to visit in Singapore for families, sports enthusiasts, as well as anyone wanting to soak up the sun and immerse in the outdoors.
Next visit the Supertree Grove, where you’ll find a cluster of iconic, futuristic structures designed to perform environmentally sustainable functions. Make a stop at the Supertree Observatory which offers unparalleled views of Gardens by the Bay’s surroundings and the Marina Bay area. Finally, head to the Cloud Forest Dome to see the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and a lush mountain clad with plants from around the world. Check here for ticket sale prices and tour times.
Note: The Supertree Grove is beautiful at night when the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show goes on. You can head up to the OCBC Skyway to stroll amongst the trees and enjoy the views from the top. This is one of the top Singapore attractions that shouldn’t be missed.
14. ArtScience Museum
The ArtScience Museum is one of the iconic structures that make up the Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort. The museum blends the worlds of art and science together through carefully curated exhibitions. It is the place to go for Instagram-worthy pictures and top Singapore sightseeing. The 170,000 LED lights in the Crystal Universe are a winner and should not be missed. Click here to get your tickets.
15. Merlion Park
Singapore’s national icon, the mythical Merlion, possesses the body of a fish and the head of a lion. One of the most famous depictions of this iconic symbol is the statue found at Merlion Park. This is one of the best places to visit in Singapore.
This park overlooks Marina Bay and is home to the iconic statue, a half-fish, half-lion stone carving that spouts water into the bay. The fish symbolizes Singapore’s beginnings as a fishing village while the lion head is a nod to Singapura, which means “Lion City” in Malay. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore.
16. S.E.A. Aquarium
This aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world. S.E.A Aquarium is home to over 100,000 different marine creatures from over 1000 different species. If you are traveling with kids to Singapore, this is a great place to check out. Tickets can be bought here.
17. Haji Lane
The long narrow Haji Lane is lined with fusion restaurants, eclectic shops, and unusual boutiques. You’ll notice incredible vibrant artwork plastered along the building walls.
18. Singapore Botanic Gardens
This UNESCO World Heritage site has three main areas:
- The Tanglin core is the oldest and the one visitors see first as they pass through the historic Tanglin Gate.
- The Tyersall-Gallop core is integrated into the park’s existing rainforest.
- The Bukit Timah core is home to a children’s garden complete with treehouses, a suspension bridge, and a farm.
19. Eat Like a Local
The best way to experience a place is through its food. Singapore has some of the most delicious food with classics like roti, nasi lemak, and chili crab that will leave your taste buds singing for days on end. Head to popular hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre, Old Airport Road Food Centre, and Chomp Chomp Food Centre.
20. Haw Par Villa
If you are looking for something unusual and less touristy, Har Par Villa is your kind of place. The eccentric theme park is known for its colorful statues and dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese legends and myths. Learn how death and the afterlife are viewed and interpreted across religions, cultures, and the ages at the Hell’s Museum.
Haw Par Villa is famous for its vivid depictions of the Ten Courts of Hell from Chinese folklore.
Final Thoughts
Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world but don’t let that fool you, it’s also a pretty exciting place, especially if you’re visiting Singapore for the first time. This destination is a must-visit gem of Southeast Asia. Despite its infamously high costs, Singapore is a wonderful place to visit. It’s the perfect place that has something to offer the whole family. With so many amazing top Singapore attractions to choose from, there’s always a lot to see and do. So hopefully this list of the best things to do in Singapore will help you plan your trip to discover the Lion City. And if you are looking for a half-day city tour that covers some of these attractions, check out this tour right here.
Happy Travels!
Top Singapore Attractions: Best Things to See and Do in Singapore
- Marina Bay Sands
- Singapore Zoo
- Orchard Road
- Singapore Flyer
- Chinatown
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
- Sentosa – Indulge in Island Fun
- Universal Studios Singapore
- Clarke Quay
- Night Safari
- Jewel Changi Airport
- Raffles Hotel
- Admire Nature at Gardens by the Bay
- ArtScience Museum
- Merlion Park
- S.E.A. Aquarium
- Haji Lane
- Singapore Botanic Gardens
- Eat Like a Local
- Haw Par Villa
Note: The information here is updated the best we can at the time of writing this article. Please check attractions, activities, and transport before you can as things tend to change from time to time.
Frequently Asked Questions About Singapore Tourist Attractions
Q. What is the best area to stay in Singapore for tourists?
A. Singapore is compact and relatively easy to explore and has a metro system that makes getting around simple. Some of the best areas to stay in Singapore for tourists include:
1. Orchard Road
2. Colonial District
3. Marina Bay
4. Clarke, Robertson, and Boat Quays
5. Bugis and Kampong Glam
6. Chinatown
7. Little India
8. Sentosa Island
Q. When is the best time to visit Singapore?
A. The best time to visit Singapore is between February and April because of its pleasant weather. However, Singapore is known to be an all-year-round destination.
Q. How many days do you need to visit Singapore?
A. 5 to 6 days are adequate for a trip to Singapore. This will allow you to cover the best attractions in Singapore, experience all the amazing activities, and enjoy some leisure time as well.
Q. Where should I stay to be near Singapore tourist attractions?
A. Marina Bay Sands Singapore, Destination Singapore Beach Road, Fraser Place Robertson Walk, Orchard Road.
Q. What are the places to visit in Singapore for free?
A. Merlion Park, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Marina Barrage, Gardens By The Bay, and Esplanade Outdoor Theatre are some of the top Singapore attractions that are free to visit.
Q. Which are the best places to visit in Singapore in 3 days?
A. Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, Singapore Flyer, Chinatown, and Universal Studios are some of the places you should visit if you have only 3 days in Singapore.
Q. What are the best night attractions in Singapore?
A. Gardens by The Bay, The Helix Bridge, and the Waterfront Promenade are some of the most popular night attractions of Singapore.
Q. What are the most famous family attractions in Singapore?
A. Some of the best family-friendly places in Singapore are:
1. Gardens by the Bay
2. Singapore Zoo/ Night Safari
3. KidZania Singapore
4. Palawan Pirate Ship
5. Adventure Cove Waterpark
6. ArtScience Museum
Q. What are the top 5 must-visit attractions of Singapore?
A. In my opinion these are the 5 top Singapore Attractions:
1. Gardens by the Bay
2. Singapore Flyer
3. Universal Studios
4. Chinatown
5. Sentosa Island
Q. What activities can be done at Changi Beach?
A. You can go fishing, have a picnic, enjoy a barbeque, take up several water sports, or even get the opportunity to land an aircraft. Or just sit back and relax and enjoy the warm weather.
