HomeAsiaSoutheast AsiaSingapore 33 Places to Visit in Singapore + Things To Do for First-Timers By Marcos Detourista. Updated on January 2, 2019. Where to go in Singapore? Achieve your travel goals with this list of beautiful destinations, things to do, best places to visit, Singapore tourist spots, attractions & more. 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. Follow on Instagram 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 1. Merlion Park 2. Singapore River 3. Gardens By The Bay 4. Universal Studios Singapore 5. Sentosa Island 6. Sentosa Beaches 7. Sentosa Cable Car, Harbourfront & VivoCity 8. Singapore Zoo 9. Marina Bay Sands Skypark 10. Marina Bay Sands infinity pool & hotel 11. Helix Bridge & Marina Bay 12. Fountain of Wealth 13. Singapore Flyer 14. Esplanade Theatres on the Bay 15. Lau Pa Sat 16. Singapore cheap eats & hawker food 17. Chinatown 18. Little India 19. Kampong Glam 20. Civic District 21. Clark Quay 22. Orchard Road 23. Singapore Botanic Gardens 24. Bus & Boat Tours 25. Singapore malls & outlet shopping 26. Singapore rooftop and skyline views 27. Singapore museums, galleries & exhibitions 28. Fort Canning 29. Singapore nature & urban trails 30. Pulau Ubin 31. Singapore islands and beaches 32. Changi Airport 33. Haw Par Villa Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank. Don’t Stop Here Click below for more travel inspiration: Singapore Itinerary Singapore Travel Guide 16 Beautiful Countries in Asia Share your travel goals with #detourista Just keep swimming 🌊 Summer is coming! I didn't Weekend swim & stretch with diving paddlers @iloil One with nature 🌊 First freediving adventure in Do Your Best Today. It Might Not A Difference Imme Let's roll with the waves 🌊 Exploring Antique Province underwater and over the Follow on Instagram Pin on Pinterest https://www.pinterest.com/detourista/best-of-detourista/ Don’t leave yet. There’s more! 32 Places to Visit in The Philippines + Things To Do…19 Places to Visit in Hong Kong + Things To Do for…13 Places to Visit in Cambodia + Things To Do for…20 Places to Visit in Malaysia + Things To Do for… Discover more blogs and travel tips in: Singapore Southeast AsiaAsia See all places Find more posts about:FeaturedBest TravelBest PlacesBest Things To Do Leave a Reply Cancel replyYour email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *Comment Name * Email * Website This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.Comments Kirk Tizon says January 9, 2016 at 3:47 pm Do you have a sample “budget-friendly” itinerary for first timer Filipino’s wanting to go to Singapore? Complete with estimated costs for travel, food, accomodations, etc? If so, please e-mail it to me at [email protected]. My family already booked tickets for Singapore this year, and it would be of great help if an experienced traveller would share something he knows in Singapore. Reply Marcos Detourist says January 9, 2016 at 10:52 pm Hi Kirk, you can find more of my posts about Singapore here: https://www.detourista.com/place/singapore/ Reply Marie says May 15, 2016 at 11:55 am Been planning to go to Singapore for a while now. This has been very helpful! Reply Marcos Detourist says May 15, 2016 at 12:02 pm Thanks Marie Reply Alexander Villamor says November 27, 2016 at 8:59 am How much will it cost for two-person stay for 3days and 2nights in SG? A budget-friendly maybe Reply Marcos Detourist says November 29, 2016 at 2:28 pm Hello Alexander, your budget will hugely depend on what kind of activities you plan on doing in Singapore. You can find more Singapore tips here: https://www.detourista.com/place/singapore/ Reply Kathleen Ramirez says March 26, 2018 at 6:57 pm I had been there in Singapore for official meet and literally its a fabulous city on earth. I’d visited some the places you’ve mentioned above. I would also like to specially mention here that Singapore is one of the safest places on Earth. There is little to no crime, and violent crime against women is virtually unheard of. The punishments are so severe that they are a major deterrent to antisocial or criminal behavior. Thanks for exploring other places :) Reply Wani says November 17, 2020 at 12:00 pm Hello Singapore!I.love to take pictures whenever I went to the nice places in Singapore!I really amazed those lovely and very nice view in many places that I been there..thanks Singapore for the cleaness and greeness nature I love it..exploring SG is one.my greatest adventure in my life.❤🥰🙏 Reply R Shunmugham pillai says December 13, 2020 at 7:21 pm Excellent .. Reply
Kirk Tizon says January 9, 2016 at 3:47 pm Do you have a sample “budget-friendly” itinerary for first timer Filipino’s wanting to go to Singapore? Complete with estimated costs for travel, food, accomodations, etc? If so, please e-mail it to me at [email protected]. My family already booked tickets for Singapore this year, and it would be of great help if an experienced traveller would share something he knows in Singapore. Reply
Marcos Detourist says January 9, 2016 at 10:52 pm Hi Kirk, you can find more of my posts about Singapore here: https://www.detourista.com/place/singapore/ Reply
Marie says May 15, 2016 at 11:55 am Been planning to go to Singapore for a while now. This has been very helpful! Reply
Alexander Villamor says November 27, 2016 at 8:59 am How much will it cost for two-person stay for 3days and 2nights in SG? A budget-friendly maybe Reply
Marcos Detourist says November 29, 2016 at 2:28 pm Hello Alexander, your budget will hugely depend on what kind of activities you plan on doing in Singapore. You can find more Singapore tips here: https://www.detourista.com/place/singapore/ Reply
Kathleen Ramirez says March 26, 2018 at 6:57 pm I had been there in Singapore for official meet and literally its a fabulous city on earth. I’d visited some the places you’ve mentioned above. I would also like to specially mention here that Singapore is one of the safest places on Earth. There is little to no crime, and violent crime against women is virtually unheard of. The punishments are so severe that they are a major deterrent to antisocial or criminal behavior. Thanks for exploring other places :) Reply
Wani says November 17, 2020 at 12:00 pm Hello Singapore!I.love to take pictures whenever I went to the nice places in Singapore!I really amazed those lovely and very nice view in many places that I been there..thanks Singapore for the cleaness and greeness nature I love it..exploring SG is one.my greatest adventure in my life.❤🥰🙏 Reply