Top 19 Best Things to Do in Singapore
Things to Do in Singapore : Selecting the top activities in Singapore proved challenging due to the cityโs wealth of impressive attractions, thrilling experiences, and family-friendly day trips. Most people are familiar with the cityโs iconic symbol, the Merlion, which is featured alongside the Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyerโboth offering stunning panoramic views of the famed Singapore skyline.
This compact island nation is a tapestry of contrasts; Chinatown and Little India, each a vibrant hub for food and shopping, highlight the countryโs rich ethnic diversity. When it comes to nightlife, you can enjoy a Singapore Sling at the elegant Raffles Hotel or visit Clarke Quay for some of the cityโs most scenic dining and drinking spots. Explore these highlights and more in our curated list of the best things to do in Singapore.
1. Marina Bay
Marina Bay is the heart of Singapore’s most stunning attractions and activities. As this dynamic city-state has rapidly evolved, the Marina Bay area has transformed on a grand scale.
The centerpiece is the S$5.5 billion Marina Bay Sands complex, around which many of the areaโs top sights and experiences revolve. This iconic resort is home to the Science Museum, a casino, and numerous options for shopping, dining, and nightlife. For an unforgettable experience, visit Marina Bay around 8 p.m. to witness the mesmerizing light show that brightens the water and showcases several of the cityโs iconic landmarks that are postcard-famous.
2. Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a vast, vibrant, and futuristic park located in Singaporeโs bay area, renowned for winning numerous architectural awards. The iconic Supertree structures feature a stunning skywalk with panoramic views of the gardens, while the giant, seashell-shaped greenhouses simulate cool mountain climates. With a diverse array of plants and trees to explore, this destination offers an engaging experience for visitors of all ages, making it a favorite spot for both kids and adults.
3. Sentosa
Sentosa is a man-made island just off Singaporeโs southern coast, designed specifically for leisure and relaxation. This stretch of reclaimed land is home to beaches, theme parks, golf courses, shopping, dining, and much more. You can reach the island by road or cable car.
While it may not offer the most authentic experience, Sentosa is perfect if youโre looking to add some fun to your Singapore visit. You can choose to stay on the island, but even if youโre based elsewhere, all the attractions are easily accessible via the MRT, just 15 minutes from downtown Singapore.
4. Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore is Southeast Asiaโs first theme park of its kind, featuring over 20 attractions spread across themed zones like the Lost World, Ancient Egypt, New York, Hollywood, Madagascar, and Far Far Away.
Among the rides, youโll find two water attractions and five exciting roller coasters. The park also caters to families with young children, offering live shows, a kid-friendly roller coaster, and a charming merry-go-round. Situated on Sentosa Island, Universal Studios is conveniently accessible via the MRT subway.
5. Singapore Chinatown
Exploring Chinatown is a must in Singapore, no matter how many times youโve visited. Itโs a popular spot for shoppingโmany claim itโs the best place to score affordable souvenirsโwhile offering a mix of significant attractions and plenty of authentic Chinese cuisine.
The area is filled with countless restaurants and hawker stalls. To dive deeper into the history of Chinatown, visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre on Pagoda Street, which highlights the struggles of the Chinese immigrants who played a key role in founding Singapore. Other notable attractions include Thian Hock Keng Temple, Singaporeโs oldest temple, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Eu Yan Sang Chinese Medical Hall, and Maxwell Road Food Centre.
6. Orchard Road
Orchard Road is one of Singaporeโs most famous streets and the cityโs premier shopping destination, comparable to Oxford Street in London or Nathan Road in Hong Kong. Lined on both sides with a mix of local and international department stores, boutiques, offices, spas, beauty salons, hotels, entertainment venues, restaurants, and cafes, you could easily spend an entire day exploring this bustling avenue.
The shopping malls along Orchard Road offer just about anything you could need. Additionally, thereโs always some event, fair, or activity happening within the malls, making Orchard one of the liveliest areas in Singapore with plenty to see and do.
7. Clarke Quay
This vibrant riverside hub is brimming with lively bars, restaurants, boutique shops, and energetic nightclubs, drawing in both tourists and Singaporeโs nightlife enthusiasts.
Clarke Quayโs prime location makes the most of the scenic river flowing through the city, offering a wide range of alfresco dining spots along the waterfront. Beneath the unique, jelly-like canopy, youโll discover plenty of shopping choices and an abundance of bars, making it an ideal destination for bar-hopping and entertainment.
8. Treetop walk at MacRitchie Reservoir
The treetop walk at MacRitchie Reservoir is a significant project and the first of its kind in Singapore. This wooden suspension bridge, standing 25 meters high and stretching 250 meters long, offers a unique perspective of the cityโcompletely free from skyscrapers. Instead, youโre treated to stunning panoramic views of the surrounding forest and its diverse wildlife. To fully experience the treetop walk, youโll need at least three hours to cover the approximately 7-kilometer trail.
9. Raffles Hotel
This iconic colonial-style hotel, dating back to 1887, is one of Singaporeโs most celebrated landmarks. It has hosted notable guests such as Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Elizabeth II, and the late King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
The Raffles Hotel boasts 103 elegant suites, 18 distinctive restaurants and bars, and an arcade featuring over 40 luxury boutiques, including brands like Louis Vuitton and Tiffany & Co. Many visitors come specifically for the Raffles Bar experience, where you can enjoy the cityโs finest Singapore Slingโfitting, as the cocktail was originally invented here, with nearly a century of expertise behind every drink.
10. Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer ranks among the worldโs largest observation wheels. Offering a unique experience, this massive structure stands 165 meters tall with a diameter of 150 meters, built atop a three-story terminal building. Itโs even 30 meters taller than Londonโs famous Eye and moves at a leisurely pace of 0.21 meters per second.
The Flyer provides stunning panoramic views, each offering a distinct charm depending on whether you visit during the day or at night. From your capsule, youโll catch glimpses of iconic city landmarks such as the Singapore River, Raffles Place, Marina Bay, Empress Place, and the Padang.
11. Marina Bay Sands Casino
The Marina Bay Sands casino resort is Singaporeโs second casino, offering a vast gaming experience with 700 game tables and over 2,500 gaming machines spread across four opulent floors.
With a construction cost of $5.5 billion and covering 15,000 square meters, the casino itself occupies less than 3% of the resortโs total floor space. The integrated resort also boasts more than 50 restaurants, extensive shopping options, and numerous meeting and convention facilities. Entry is complimentary for international visitors.
12. Lau Pa Sat
Constructed in 1894, Lau Pa Sat was originally a wet market and has since transformed into a vibrant and atmospheric hawker center. This historic structure, adorned with Victorian filigree cast iron, is situated in the heart of Singaporeโs business district. During lunchtime, it buzzes with office workers, while in the evening, the street is closed off and a variety of food stalls offer a range of local favorite dishes.
Also known as Telok Ayer Market, Lau Pa Sat is renowned for its delicious offerings, including skewers of savory satay chicken served with peanut dipping sauce and grilled stingray topped with a spicy sambal sauce.
13. G-Max Reverse Bungy
For the ultimate adrenaline rush in Singapore, look no further than the G-Max Reverse Bungy, the cityโs first bungy attraction. Youโll be catapulted into the sky at a speed of 200 km/h, reaching heights of 60 meters and experiencing a thrilling bounce for around 5 minutes.
This exhilarating ride feels akin to a rocket launch as you sit in an open-sided โcapsuleโ. For an additional fee, you can also purchase a T-shirt and a DVD recording of your ride, captured by an onboard camera.
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