33 Places to Visit in Singapore + Things To Do for First-Timers

Truth be told, I didn’t consider Singapore as one of the most exciting places to visit when I just starting my adventures abroad. The more I traveled to more places in Asia, I started to appreciate Singapore as a worthwhile destination, especially for people who are traveling abroad for the first time. It is so easy to get around the city and there are so many tourist spots that many types of travelers, of all ages, can enjoy.

To date, this country has become my most visited country in Southeast Asia thanks to frequent promo fares & direct flights from major airports in the Philippines. The best places & things to do in Singapore are attractions that showcase the city’s rich multi-cultural heritage, innovative modernity and drive to harmonize nature with its dense urban landscape.

If you’re on your way to this bustling city-state, I hope this these tips will help you make the most out of travel experience.

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1. Merlion Park

Merion Park and skyline, in Singapore

The Merlion Park is the perfect spot to start your Singapore adventure. The famous half-fish half-lion statue is not only the nation’s most prominent icon, its location also provides a stunning 360-degree view of the soaring skyline and World-famous structures surrounding Marina Bay.

How to go — From Raffles Place MRT Station on the East West Line (EW14) & North South Line (NS26), walk towards the United Overseas Bank (UOB) Tower. Once you reach the Singapore River, turn right and follow the riverside footpath to Merlion Park. The walk is around 500 meters. If you want to take a shortcut, go inside Fullerton Hotel and follow the underground link to One Fullerton. You should see the Merlion Park on your left after you exit at the Marina Bay side.

Admission fee — It’s a public park! No admission/entrance fee.

2. Singapore River

Statues of children playing by the river with a view of heritage buildings and bridges along the Singapore River at the Civic District in Singapore

Cavenagh Bridge along the Singapore River

Asian Civilizations Museum, Singapore

3. Gardens By The Bay

Gardens by the Bay – Supertree Grove in Singapore

Cloud Forest Dome at Gardensby the Bay, Singapore

Colorful blooms at the flower dome, in Gardens By The Bay, Singapore

Supertree Grove at Gardensby the Bay, Singapore

A surreal man-made marvel that truly makes the city stand out from the rest of the World. The Gardens by the Bay was built to transform Singapore from a “Garden City” to a “City in a Garden.” The main attractions here are the 25 towering man-made Supertrees and two equally extraordinary biodomes.

How to go — From Bayfront MRT Station on the Circle Line (CE1/CC34) & Downtown (DT16), follow the signs and exit at the Gardens by the Bay.

Admission fee — Admission/entrance fee is free if you just want to walk around the outdoor gardens. The conservatories & OCBC Skyway charge varying rates on admission. Entrance fees — Two Conservatories (Cloud Forest Dome & Flower Dome) — SGD28 per adult; OCBC Skyway — SGD8 per adult.

4. Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore – Far Far Away Castle in Sentosa Island, Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore is a good reason on its own to visit the country, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends. This thrilling world of movie magic is the first (and only) theme park of its kind to open in Southeast Asia. It features over 20 attractions, most of which are original or specially adapted for the park.

How to go — You can find it in Resorts World Sentosa. From HarbourFront MRT Station on the North East Line (NE1) or Circle Line (CC29), take Exit E to VivoCity and go to Level 3 to board the Sentosa Express monorail. Drop off at the Waterfront Station, the first stop. Walk straight until you see Chili’s Restaurant on your right. Turn right and head towards the Universal Studios Globe. The best way to get to Universal Studios Singapore, is by riding the cable car. Scroll up to read more tips on how to get to Sentosa Island.

Admission fee — Admission/entrance fee at Universal Studios Singapore is SGD74 per adult.

5. Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island – Tiger Sky Tower view, in Singapore

Giant Merlion at Imbiah Lookout, Sentosa, Singapore

ResortsWorld Sentosa, Singapore

Fort Siloso skywalk, in Sentosa Island, Singapore

Dubbed as Asia’s Playground, Sentosa Island is home to Singapore’s best beaches, resorts, a wide variety interesting spots to visit and fun things to do including Resorts World Sentosa, The Wings of Time show, Sentosa Merlion, iFly Singapore, Wave House Sentosa, S.E.A. Aquarium, and three beaches.

How to go — The best way to get to Sentosa is by riding the cable car from Harbourfront Centre. Go to HarbourFront MRT Station on the North East Line (NE1) or Circle Line (CC29), take Exit B to Harbourfront Centre and follow the signs leading to Singapore Cable Car station at Harbourfront Tower II. You can also take Exit E to VivoCity and go to Level 3 to board the Sentosa Express monorail. The cheapest way is to cross the Sentosa Boardwalk from VivoCity to Resorts World Sentosa.

Admission fee — Admission/entrance fee is SGD4 if you take the Sentosa Express. Admission is included if you get the Singapore Cable Car pass. The entrance fee is free if you take the Sentosa Boardwalk.

6. Sentosa Beaches

Overlooking Palawan Beach in Sentosa, Singapore

Tanjong Beach – hazy morning, in Sentosa Island, Singapore

Siloso Beach in Sentosa Island, Singapore

7. Sentosa Cable Car, Harbourfront & VivoCity

Resortsworld Sentosa view from the Singapore Cable Car, in Sentosa, Singapore

VivoCity Mall, Singapore

Sentosa Boardwalk, Singapore

8. Singapore Zoo

Panda at Singapore River Safari, Singapore

Singapore Zoo – Tiger

Elephant Show at Singapore Zoo, Singapore

Visiting the Singapore Zoo is an educational and fun way to see a wide array of animals from different continents around the globe. It’s an impressive attraction on its own but if that’s not enough, you can also experience the Night Safari, River Safari, and Jurong Bird Park located nearby.

How to go — From Ang Mo Kio MRT Station on the North South Line (NS16), walk to Ang Mo Kio Hub (mall) and ride Bus #138. The bus ride alone takes 30 to 45 minutes to Singapore Zoo. If you want to save time, take the train to Kranji MRT Station on the North South Line (NS7), and ride a taxi (SGD7 or more depending if it’s peak hours).

Admission fee — Admission/entrance fee on Singapore Zoo tickets is SGD33 per adult. If you want to visit the other parks, consider getting a ParkHopper ticket.

9. Marina Bay Sands Skypark

Marina Bay Sands Skypark view overlooking Singapore skyline

Marina Bay Sands Skypark view overlooking Gardens by the Bay, in Singapore

The Skypark perched on the rooftop deck of the iconic Marina Bay Sands offers a breathtaking view of Singapore. Enjoy Asia’s largest light and water show in front of The Shoppes (mall). This 15-minute spectacle is run every night at 8pm & 9:30pm.

How to go — Ride the train to Bayfront MRT Station on the Circle Line (CE1/CC34). This station is connected to The Shoppes (mall) and Marina Bay Sands (hotel).

Admission fee — Admission/entrance fee is free if just walk around the mall and bayside area. A ticket/pass to the Sands SkyPark Obeservation Deck is SGD23 per adult. Entrance to Marina Bay Infinity Pool is available only to guests staying at the hotel.

10. Marina Bay Sands infinity pool & hotel

Marina Bay Infinity Pool in Singapore

11. Helix Bridge & Marina Bay

Marina Bay and Helix Bridge at night, in Singapore

Marina Bay, Singapore

Marina Bay Light & Sound show, Singapore

Resembling the structure of a DNA molecule, this uniquely designed bridge is awe-inspiring. The postcard-worthy view of the Singapore Skyline and Marina bay from the bridge’s platforms is especially beautiful under the sunset twilight.

How to go — From Bayfront MRT Station on the Circle Line (CE1/CC34), walk to The Shoppes (mall) exit. You should see the Helix Bridge as you head towards the ArtScience Museum. It is also an easy walk from the Esplanade building & Singapore Flyer.

Admission fee — No admission / entrance fees.

12. Fountain of Wealth

Fountain of Wealth, in Suntec City Mall, Singapore

13. Singapore Flyer

View of the skyline from the Singapore Flyer, in Singapore

For a fun experience, the Singapore Flyer found across the bay also offers amazing overlooking views of Singapore.  This giant Ferris wheel once held the title as the world’s tallest at the time of its completion.

How to go — From Promenade MRT Station on the Circle Line (CC4), head towards Exit A and follow the signs to the Singapore Flyer. It is also an easy walk from the Helix Bridge, Marina Bay Sands & Esplanade building.

Admission fee — Admission/entrance fee on Singapore Flyer tickets is SGD33 per adult.

14. Esplanade Theatres on the Bay

Esplanade Theatres by the Bay at night, in Singapore

Makansutra Singaporean food

The quirky durian-shaped Esplanade building is one of Singapore’s iconic structures. In addition to its beautiful design and as a venue for performing arts events, excellent food options can be found nearby. Makansutra Gluttons Bay, an outdoor hawker-type dining area, has delicious seafood and a good variety of local dishes.

How to go — From Esplanade MRT Station on the Circle Line (CC3) or City Hall MRT Station, exit to Stamford Road and head towards Marina Bay. Lookout for the Esplanade building’s unique durian-inspired design. The walk takes around 5 minutes.

Admission fee — No admission/entrance fees.

15. Lau Pa Sat

Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre, in Singapore

Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre, in Singapore

Head to Lau Pa Sat for a memorable Singaporean food experience. Eating at hawker centres, which can be found all over the city, is a great and cheap way to sample the multicultural cuisines in Singapore. Lau Pa Sat is quite special because it is housed in a stunning historic building.

How to go — From Raffles Place MRT Station on the East West Line (EW14) and North South Line (NS26), take the exit along Robinsons Road and follow the street for one block. Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre is also near Telok Ayer and Downtown MRT Stations on the Downtown Line (DT18 & DT17).

Admission fee — No admission/entrance fees.

16. Singapore cheap eats & hawker food

Chicken Rice

Old Street Bak Kut Teh, in Singapore

Chintatown – Tiger Beer, in Singapore

17. Chinatown

Chinatown colorful lanterns at night, in Singapore

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, in Chintatown, Singapore

Chintatown Food Street, in Singapore

Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown, Singapore

Thian Hock Keng Temple in Chintatown, Singapore

Experience Singapore’s multi-cultural diversity by taking a walking and food tour of Chinatown. Visit a mosque, Hindu, Buddhist and Taoist temples all in one walk. Go on a food adventure and try dishes from Singapore’s different cultural influences at affordable hawker centers.

How to go — Take the train to Chinatown MRT Station on the North East Line (NE4) and Downtown Line (DT19). Exit to Pagoda Street and start your walking tour of Chinatown.

Admission fee — Admission/entrance fee is free if you are just walking around the area. Museums and galleries may have admission fees if you want to get inside.

18. Little India

Little India – Deepavali Festinal, in Singapore

Mustafa Centre at night, in Little India, Singapore

Little India, as the name suggest, is the centre for the large Indian community in Singapore. This is one place that you can visit if you want to enjoy South and North Indian food. Mustafa Centre, a discount department store, is especially popular among Filipinos as a place to buy cheap imported items & pasalubong to bring back home.

How to go — You can take the train to Farrer Park and Little India MRT stations on the North East Line (NE8 & NE7), which are located in the neighborhood of Little India. Take off at Farrer Park if you are going to Mustafa Centre.

Admission fee — Admission/entrance fee is free if you are just walking around the area.

19. Kampong Glam

Masjid Sultan (mosque), at Muscat Street, in Kampong Glam, Singapore

Kampong Glam – Haji Lane colorful street art, in Singapore

Kampong Glam is the heart of Singapore’s Malay community. This area is famous for the landmark Sultan Mosque, and Malay Heritage Centre. It’s also an excellent place to sample Malaysian, Indonesian, and Arabic food.

How to go — From Bugis MRT Station on the East West Line (EW12) and Downtown Line (DT14), exit at North Bridge road walk 2 blocks, northwards to Arab Street.

Admission fee — Admission/entrance fee is free if you are just walking around the area. Museums and galleries may have admission fees if you want to get inside.

20. Civic District

Raffles Hotel at the Civic District, in Singapore

Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall in Civic District, Singapore

National Museum of Singapore

Parliament House, Singapore

National Gallery Singapore

A short walk from Merlion Park takes visitors to the Colonial District, also known as the Civic District. This area is filled with imposing historical landmarks and buildings that trace its roots from the British-colonial era, World War II, to the early stages of modern Singapore’s independence.

How to go — Ride the MTR to City Hall Station on the East West Line (EW13) & North South Line (NS25). This station is located beside St. Andrew’s Cathedral, near many museums and attractions in the Civic District. You can also start your walking tour from Merlion Park. Cross one the historic Singapore River bridges to get to the Civic District.

Admission fee — Admission/entrance fee is free if you just walk around the Civic District. Selected Museums & galleries charge varying fees to get inside. Here’s a list of entrance fees — Asian Civilisations Museum — SGD 8 per adult; National Museum of Singapore — SGD10 per adult; National Gallery of Singapore — SGD20 per adult; National Museum of Singapore — SGD10 per adult; Singapore Art Museum — SGD10 per adult.

21. Clark Quay

Clarke Quay at night, along Singapore River

The Singapore River meanders between the Civic District and the Central Business District. A relaxed riverside walk or guided boat cruise offers a contrasting view of modern skyscrapers on one side and quaint heritage buildings on the other. After sundown, a happening nightlife scene comes alive at Clark Quay and Boat Quay.

How to go — Take the train to Clarke Quay MRT Station on the North East Line (NE5). You can find the Clarke Quay complex and Singapore River right around the corner.

Admission fee — No admission/entrance fees.

22. Orchard Road

Orchard Road, Singapore

ION Orchard Mall, at Orchard Road, in Singapore

Hazy view at ION Sky, along Orchard Road, in Singapore

Orchard Road is home to Singapore’s biggest malls. This shopping street is lined with mall and stores that range from luxury to mainstream brands. If you’re in the area, don’t skip the breathtaking overlooking views from ION Sky found on the 56th floor of the ION Orchard Mall.

How to go — Take the train to Orchard MRT Station on the North South Line (NS22). This station is linked to Ion Orchard (mall). Somerset MRT Station (NS22) or Dhoby Ghaut (NS24/CC1/NE6) are also found along Orchard Road.

23. Singapore Botanic Gardens

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Botanic Gardens – Clock, in Singapore

24. Bus & Boat Tours

Singapore Riverside boat and bronze scultures

Singapore Hop-on Hop-off bus. Photo by PROshankar s (@shankaronline) via Flickr.jpg

25. Singapore malls & outlet shopping

Changi City Point mall, Singapore

IMM outlet mall, Singapore

Velocity Mall, Singapore

IMM outlet mall, Singapore

26. Singapore rooftop and skyline views

Marina Bay Sands Skypark, Singapore

Marina Bay and the Singapore Skyline, viewed from the Singapore Flyer, in Singapore.

27. Singapore museums, galleries & exhibitions

ArtScience Museum in Marina Bay, Singapore

National Museum of Singapore

Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore

28. Fort Canning

Fort Canning mast, in Singapore

Fort Canning cannon, in Singapore

29. Singapore nature & urban trails

TreeTop Walk at MacRitchie Nature Trail, in Singapore. Photo by traveloriented via Flickr CC BY-SA 2.0

Marina Barrage sunset view, Singapore

Henderson Wave Bridge, Singapore. Photo by yeowatzup via Flickr CC BY 2.0

30. Pulau Ubin

Pulau Ubin bicycle trail, in Singapore

31. Singapore islands and beaches

Kusu Island, Singapore. Photo by Jnzl via Flickr CC BY 2.0

32. Changi Airport

Changi Airport – Kinetic Rain Sculpture at Terminal 1, in Singapore

Pre-departure area at Chiangi Airport – Terminal 3, in Singapore

Check-in hall at Chiangi International Airport – Terminal 3, in Singapore

33. Haw Par Villa

Haw Par Villa, Singapore. Photo by Tony Hisgett via Flickr CC BY 2.0

Places to visit in Singapore

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

Don’t Stop Here

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