27 Top Things to Do in Singapore (From a Frequent Visitor)
I’ve been to Singapore eight times now. It’s my most visited country after the Philippines (18 times in the past decade!), and I’m sure I’ll be back soon enough.
I first visited in 2015 when I did WWOOFing where I lived and worked on a farm in Singapore & non-profit community.
Now, Singapore’s of my favorite countries to visit, especially as a vegan. The vegan food in Singapore is the best 💯.
Beyond the high-rise & modern buildings, traveling to Singapore is like stepping into different countries. Singapore is beautifully multi-ethnic, multi-religious, and multi-lingual.
While it’s a small country, there’s always new things to do in Singapore.
Here are 27 things to do in Singapore that I’ve personally visited, some multiple times.
📝 Write down the sites that interest you most and create your personal Things to Do in Singapore list and itinerary.
27 Things to Do in Singapore
1. Merlion Park
Visiting Merlion Park is a one of the most popular things to do in Singapore. It’s located near the mouth of the Singapore River, and shows the iconic Merlion statue, a body of a fish and the head of a lion.
From here you can see the Marina Bay waterfront and durian-shaped Esplanade. It does get packed so head there early if you can.
2. Esplanade Theatres on the Bay
The Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, aka the Esplanade, is a performing arts center located along the Marina Bay waterfront. It’s shaped like a durian, the king of fruits.
You can catch performances, including concerts, musicals, and dance productions. You can also eat at its waterfront restaurants, or enjoy the panoramic views of the city skyline.
3. Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands is a resort complex that hovering over the Marina Bay skyline. Visiting Marina Bay Sands is probably at the top of things to do in Singapore.
It features a luxury hotel, convention center, and shopping mall. A hotel room goes for around $600 USD a night.
You’ll get great views from the observation deck or by the infinity pool on the rooftop. Alternatives to the infinity pool is going to the LAVO restaurant on the 57th floor, or go to a rooptop bar across the Marina Bay Sands. I’ve done both and each offers beautiful views of Singapore at night.
4. Marina Square
Marina Square is a grand shopping mall situated in the Marina Center. It has 5 floors with over 200 retail stores, dining options, and entertainment facilities.
For luxury shopping in Singapore, head back across the Helix Bridge to Marina Bay Sands, where The Shoppes is located, featuring high-end luxury brands and boutiques.
5. Helix Bridge
The Helix Bridge is a pedestrian bridge located in the Marina Bay area in Singapore. The design resembles a double helix structure. You’ll get panoramic views of Marina Bay and the surrounding skyline. It’s especially nice at night, where it’s illuminated by LED lights.
6. Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer is a giant observation wheel located in Marina Bay at 165 meters tall. You’ll see panoramic views of the city skyline and iconic landmarks. The ride lasts for 30-minutes and costs $30 USD on Klook, but there’s often discounts.
7. Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a massive nature park spanning over 100 hectares in Marina Bay. It has lush gardens, futuristic Supertree structures, and conservatories.
You can explore the diverse plant species, enjoy themed light shows at the Supertree Grove, or stroll along the elevated walkways. I highly recommend visiting Gardens by the Bay at night.
🎫 Prebook your Gardens by the Bay ticket (1+ million booked)
8. Little India
Little India in Singapore is a vibrant neighborhood and a must-visit. Its streets are filled with shops selling spices, clothing, and traditional items. While there, visit the colorful Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. You get a taste of India in the heart of Singapore.
9. Arab Street
Arab Street, located in Kampong Glam, is a unique area with Middle Eastern influences. It’s known for its charming shophouses and trendy cafes, and beautiful shops selling textiles and handicrafts. It’s lively at night and during the day.
10. Sultan Mosque
Sultan Mosque, also in Kampong Glam, is an important Islamic landmark in Singapore. The mosque features striking architecture with its domes and minarets. Visitors can learn about Islamic culture and heritage while admiring the mosque’s grandeur.
11. Malay Heritage Centre
Nearby is Malay Heritage Centre, a cultural institution dedicated to preserving Malay heritage in Singapore. It showcases artifacts, exhibits, and interactive displays that highlight the history and traditions of the Malay community.
12. Haji Lane
Haji Lane is a narrow street known for its vibrant street art and indie boutiques. It’s a hotspot for local fashion shops, unique accessories, photo booths, and quirky cafes.
There’s also lots of restaurants and colorful art murals. Visiting is usually one of the top things to do in Singapore (at least for me, I always happen to be there).
13. Botanic Gardens
Singapore’s Botanic Gardens is home to a diverse collection of plants, including orchids, ferns, and palms, as well as several themed gardens and tranquil lakes.
Admission is free, and it’s open from 5am to midnight. Many locals have picnics here too.
14. Bugis Junction
Bugis Junction is a popular shopping destination in Singapore, that has a mix of retail outlets, restaurants, and entertainment options. It’s located in the Bugis area.
Visitors can shop for fashion, electronics, and souvenirs. There’s also a Bugis+ mall right across the street.
15. Bugis Street
Bugis Street, on the other hand, is a indoor market street in Singapore known for its affordable shopping and lively atmosphere, so it gets quite packed. You can buy from wide range of clothing, accessories, and souvenirs.
Right outside on the end of Bugis Street is usually fruit vendors where you can buy durian and other tropical fruits in season.
16. Chinatown
Chinatown in Singapore is one of the bigger Chinatowns I’ve visited. It’s home to historic temples, traditional shophouses, eateries, and shops where you can buy Singapore-themed souvenirs.
You can visit street markets, Chinatown Heritage Centre, and Hong Lim Market & Food Centre. The vegan food here is especially good.
🚌 Join a guided tour of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam
17. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is an incredible and large Buddhist temple located in the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown. I’m always in awe whenever I see it from the outside. Visitors can also visit inside, including the main prayer hall, museum, and rooftop garden.
18. Orchard Road
Orchard Road is Singapore’s premier shopping street, lined with luxury boutiques, department stores, and malls. You can visit iconic shopping centers like ION Orchard, as well as enjoy dining and entertainment stores scattered along the strip.
19. Koon Seng Road (Peranakan-Style Houses)
Koon Seng Road is a street in the Joo Chiat neighborhood of Singapore, known for its rows of beautifully preserved Peranakan-style shophouses. These colorful houses reflect the unique architectural heritage of the Peranakan community.
20. Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park is a historic hilltop park located in the heart of Singapore, where you can see lush greenery, ancient ruins, and views of the city skyline.
It dates back to the 14th century. It’s also a nice spot for picnics and walks through all the greenery trails. Admission is free.
21. National Gallery Singapore
The National Gallery Singapore is a must-visit for any history and art buffs. It’s also housed in the buildings of the former Supreme Court and City Hall.
You can check out the collections of Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to present day. I spent hours exploring the galleries, exhibitions.
22. Visit a Hawker Centres
You’ll find hawker centers / centres in almost every neighborhood, which house numerous food stalls offering local and international cuisines. There’s usually a vegan-vegetarian option as Singapore has a large population of Buddhist-vegetarians.
The most popular hawker centers in Singapore include:
- Lau Pa Sat in Singapore’s CBD
- Albert Hawker Centre in Bugis
- Hong Lim Market & Food Centre in Chinatown
📖 Read: 15 Vegan Hawker Foods You Have to Try in Singapore
23. Pulau Ubin Island
Pulau Ubin Island is more locally known, but a nice a getaway located off the northeastern coast of Singapore. You’ll get a glimpse into the island’s traditional village life and nature.
I rented a bike and explored the island’s forests, mangroves, and coastal trails.
24. Sentosa Island
Visiting Sentosa Island is also one of the most popular things to do in Singapore, especially those who want to visit beaches (there’s also East Coast Beach for a quieter and local beach).
Admittedly, I have yet to visit Sentosa Island even after eight times in Singapore. But while there, you can visit the different attractions, entertainment, and recreational activities.
🎫 Prebook your round-trip cable car ride to Sentosa Island
25. Universal Studios
Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park located on Sentosa Island, one of the other popular things to do in Singapore for locals and tourists. I have yet to visit, though. There’s a variety of themed zones, rides, live shows, and attractions based on popular Universal Studios franchises. Maybe next time!
🎫 Universal Studios tickets are often most cheapest on Klook.
26. Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay is a riverside quay located along the Singapore River. It’s known for its nightlife scene, with numerous bars, restaurants, live music performances, and clubs lining the waterfront. You can also take the popular scenic river cruise (200k+ booked).
27. Raffles Hotel
Raffles Hotel is a colonial-style and luxury hotel built in 1887. It’s quite pricy at almost $1,000 a night, you visitors can still visit. Some notable guests at Raffles Hotel in the past include Charlie Chaplin, Elizabeth Taylor, King George VI, Queen Elizabeth II, and Winston Churchill.
Best Things to Do in Singapore
If you only had one day in Singapore, here are my recommendations for best things to do in Singapore to add to your itinerary. A lot of these are within walking distance of each other:
- Merlion Park
- Esplanade Theatres on the Bay
- Marina Bay Sands
- Gardens by the Bay
- Little India
- Haji Lane
- Arab Street
- Bugis Street
- Visit a Hawker Center
Top Tours in Singapore
If you’re on a time crunch or enjoy the ease of group tours, here are top tours in in Singapore:
1. 6-Hours Singapore Tour in Private Car or Minibus with Driver
2. Private Tour: Nighttime Sightseeing with River Cruise
3. Lion City Bike Tour of Singapore
🎫 Look for more Singapore tours in Viator OR create your custom guided tour.
Singapore Travel Essentials:
📲 Local sim card or eSIM card from Airalo
🚍 Book your Singapore airport pickup
🎫 Browse through dozens of Singapore tours
🏡 Find your hotel or hostel in Singapore
Related Posts
Uber in Singapore for Travelers: Alternative and Costs Examples
15 Vegan Hawker Foods You Have to Try in Singapore!
