33 Things to do in Singapore + Tourist Spots

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.

Singapore Tourist Spots

What to do & where to go in Singapore? I got you! Here are places to visit, interesting attractions & things to do in Singapore for your bucketlist/itinerary.

Note: Destinations featured above are not listed by rank.

See also

View more travel tips in: Singapore, ALL Destinations.

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1. Gardens By The Bay

By far, my favorite and #1 recommended destination in Singapore. This surreal man-made marvel truly makes the city stand out from the rest of the world. The main attractions here are the iconic Supertrees set in a massive lush garden. Two equally extraordinary biodomes, the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, are worth visiting as well as the free outdoor gardens. I especially love the Cloud Forest’s indoor waterfall and misty aerial walkways. Ascend to the Supertree Observatory and OCBC Skyway for stunning panoramic views.

Gardens by the Bay

Price:

Location — 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953. Save on Google Maps.

Opening Hours —  Outdoor Gardens: 5 AM to 2 AM; Flower Dome & Could Forest: 9 AM to 9 pm.

How to go —  Nearest train station is Bayfront MRT Station on the Circle Line (CE1/CC34) & Downtown (DT16). Follow the signs and exit at the Gardens by the Bay.

2. Jewel Changi Airport

Home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall (the Rain Vortex), Jewel Changi Airport is a must-visit for any trip to Singapore. Best time to visit is during the nightly Rain Vortex Light Show. There’s a lot of things to do here too like the Canopy Bridge, which offers a close-up look of the Rain Vortex. Jewel Changi Airport is set-up like a mall, so there’s a wide array of shops and food spots to explore here. The Jewel Changi Airport is definitely worth squeezing in your Singapore itinerary (before your departure flight or after arrival).

Jewel Changi Airport

Price:

Location — Changi Airport. Save on Google Maps.

Opening Hours —  The building is open 24 hours; Most shops and attractions are open from 10 AM to 10 PM.

Rain Vortex Light & Sound Show Schedule — Mon to Thu: 8 PM to 9 PM; Fri to Sun: 8 PM, 9 PM & 10 PM.

Pro-tip: To make your trip planning easier, I’ve added links to the pin locations on Google Maps. Use the ‘save’ feature on the app to see all your saved locations on one map, visualize your itinerary, and know the best areas to stay near the places you want to go.

Singapore Travel Essentials

Before we go with the rest of the list, here are travel essentials you might need for a hassle-free trip. Click below to see discounts & read traveler reviews.

 

Travel tip: Use promo code “DETOURISTAKLOOK” to grab up to 5% OFF your next booking on Klook. Tap below to save this promo on the app. To make sure you are getting the best deals always compare with other booking sites.

Where to stay in Singapore:

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3. Singapore City Tour

Experience the blend of tradition and modernity in this dynamic city. See iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Merlion Park, and the multicultural districts including Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. You can either go on a do-it-yourself DIY trip or opt for a hassle-free guided tour. DUCKtours (land and water experience), provide a quick and convenient way to explore the Riverside and Marina Bay area, while hop-on hop-off (HoHo) bus tours are great for discovering the rest of the city. If you have the budget, rent a car charter to maximize your customized itineraries.

Price:

4. Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore is one of the most popular tourist spots in Singapore, especially for those 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 and seven themes zones: Hollywood, New York City Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World and Far Far Away.

Universal Studios Singapore

Price —  SGD 83 (Book here)

Location — 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269. Save on Google Maps.

Opening Hours —  Mon to Fri & Sun: 10 AM to 7 PM; Sat: 10 AM to 8 PM

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.

5. Side Trip to Legoland Malaysia

Located just across the border from Singapore, Legoland Malaysia is a must-visit for families and Lego enthusiasts. It’s famous for its intricate Lego sculptures and thrilling rides. The side trip to Legoland offers an easy way to experience two countries in one trip! The bus journey from Singapore typically takes 1 to 1.5 hours but may take longer depending on traffic and queues at the immigration checkpoint (avoiding the afternoon rush hours if possible). You can choose to go on a day trip or stay overnight by booking a night at the Legoland Malaysia Resort.

Legoland Malaysia

Price:

Location — 7, Persiaran Medini Utara 3, 79100 Iskandar Puteri, Johor, Malaysia. Save on Google Maps.

Opening Hours —  10 AM to 6 PM; Closed on Wednesdays.

LEGOLAND Malaysia Resort

Room rates —  from SGD 224.25 (Book here)

6. Singapore Hawker Food

Getting a taste of the vibrant food scene is a must when in Singapore. Hawker Centers (local food courts) are a great way to savor the different flavors of Asia at affordable prices. Try iconic dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, chili crab, and char kway teow, as well as Singaporean specialties like satay, rojak, and kaya toast. Some of my fave hawker stalls are: Lau Pa Sat, Maxwell Food Centre, and Makansutra Gluttons by the Bay. Don’t leave without dropping by the many Michelin-starred hawker stalls.

7. Marina Bay Sands

Towering 57 floors above Marina Bay, this iconic integrated resort features a stunning mall, a luxury hotel with an insane rooftop pool views, and many popular attractions like the Skypark (offers breathtaking views overlooking Singapore) and ArtScience Museum. Come at night to experience “Spectra – A Light & Water Show,” considered as the largest of its kind in Southeast Asia.

Marina Bay Sands

Price:

Location — 6 Bayfront Ave Singapore 018974 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974. Save on Google Maps.

Opening Hours —  Marina Bay Sands SkyPark: 11 AM to 9 PM. Last entry at 8:30 PM. ArtScience Museum: 10 AM to 7 PM; The Shoppes: 10 AM to 10 PM.

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).

8. Merlion Park & Singapore River Walk

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.

Merlion Park

Price —  FREE to walk around the area. Admission fee may be charged at the museums/galleries.

Location — 1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049213. Save on Google Maps.

Opening Hours —  24 hours.

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.

9. Fort Canning Park & Spiral Staircase

Most visitors flock to Fort Canning Park to capture that iconic travel photo at the Instagram-famous Spiral Staircase. Come here as early as possible because there’s almost always a long queue. Nestled amidst the bustling city, Fort Canning Park offers scenic nature and historical trails. Nearby, you’ll find the National Museum of Singapore, Singapore Art Museum, and Clarke Quay (Singapore Riverside).

Fort Canning Park

Price —  FREE

Location — River Valley Rd, Singapore 179037. Save on Google Maps.

Opening Hours —  24 hours.

10. Chinatown

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.

Chinatown

Price —  FREE. Museums/galleries may charge admission fees.

Location — Singapore. Save on Google Maps.

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.

11. Kampong Glam & Arab Street

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. Stroll along Arab Street to see the colorful street art and murals.

Kampong Glam

Price —  FREE. Museums/galleries may charge admission fees.

Location — Singapore. Save on Google Maps.

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.

12. Little India

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.

Little India

Price —  FREE. Museums/galleries may charge admission fees.

Location — Singapore. Save on Google Maps.

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.

13. Sentosa Island

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.

Sentosa Island

Price:

Location — Sentosa, Singapore. Save on Google Maps.

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.

14. Singapore Zoo

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 (River Wonders), and Jurong Bird Park (Bird Paradise) located nearby.

Singapore Zoo

Price:

Location — 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826. Save on Google Maps.

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).

15. Helix Bridge

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.

Helix Bridge

Price —  FREE

Location — Marina Bay, Singapore. Save on Google Maps.

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.

16. Singapore Flyer

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.

Singapore Flyer

Price —  SGD 40 (Book here).

Location — 3 Temasek Blvd, Singapore 038983. Save on Google Maps.

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.

Beyond Singapore

 

Malaysia

Location — Indochina, Southeast Asia (mainland). Save on Google Maps.

Malaysia Travel Essentials

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Indonesia

Location — Southeast Asia. Save on Google Maps.

Indonesia Travel Essentials

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Book your way to Singapore

How much does it cost to travel to Singapore? Click below to compare flight, ferry & buses fares posted on these booking sites:

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Where to Stay in Singapore

Book your stay near MRT train stations if you plan on getting around conveniently by public transport.

Clark Quay (Riverside), Chinatown, Little India & Bugis are the most popular places to stay for backpackers and budget travelers.

You can find most of the mid-range and luxury hotels in Orchard Road, Marina Bay, Promenade/City Hall area & Sentosa Island.

Book sooner rather than later if you already have your dates set. Cheaper-priced rooms and hotels with high reviews tend to get fully booked faster, especially during busy days like weekends, holidays & peak tourist seasons.

Don’t Stop Here

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