Top 27 Things to Do in Singapore if You’ve Never Visited

Singapore Checklist: have you booked these yet?

📲 Sim card or eSIM card that works right after landing

🏨 Best hotel picks — great locations and solid reviews

🚍 Schedule an airport pickup for a stress-free arrival

🎫 Local-led tours with stops * insight you won’t find alone

Iconic Landmarks & Bayfront Views

1. Merlion Park

Visiting Merlion Park is 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 Marina Bay Sands, 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.

As a durian fan, it’s one of my favorite attractions in Singapore, as 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 luxury hotel complex that hovers over the Marina Bay skyline.

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.

For alternative high-rise views, I’ve also gone went to a rooptop bar across the Marina Bay Sands and to the LAVO restaurant on the 57th floor:

4. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

The Shoppes is a large shopping mall situated inside Marina Bay Sands.

Besides the hotel, it also has a casino and convention center.

It features mostly high-end luxury brands and boutiques.

Visit for the impressive structure, indoor canal, and Rain Oculus whirlpool inside:

5. ArtScience Museum

While exploring the mall, head upstairs and follow the signs to the ArtScience Museum, where you’ll find an outdoor viewing platform for a close look at the striking white building.

🎫 You can also purchase tickets to enter the ArtScience Museum and explore its art and science exhibitions, including the popular teamLab Future World.

5. Helix Bridge

The Helix Bridge is a pedestrian bridge located right next to the ArtScience Museum.

The design resembles a double helix structure. You’ll get panoramic views of Marina Bay and the surrounding skyline.

I recommend visiting at night. too, 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.

The Gardens by the Bay area has different attractions and requires separate tickets unless you buy a combo ticket.

So far I’ve done the two most popular activities, the Cloud Forest (photo above) and watched the Garden Rhapsody music-themed light show at night (free to watch).

🎫 Prebook your Gardens by the Bay ticket (1+ million booked!)

Cultural Neighborhoods & Heritage Streets

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 Islamic and Middle Eastern influences.

It’s known for its charming shophouses and trendy cafes, and beautiful shops selling textiles and handicrafts. It’s always lively at night and during the day whenever I pass through.

10. Sultan Mosque

Sultan Mosque, also in Kampong Glam, is an important Islamic landmark in Singapore. The mosque features beautiful architecture with its domes and minarets.

I’m always in awe whenever I see the mosque from the outside.

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.

*While it’s currently closed for renovation, you can still view it from the outside.

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. 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

14. 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 view it from the outside. Visitors can also visit inside, including the main prayer hall, museum, and rooftop garden.

15. 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.

Shopping Streets & Architectural Highlights

16. 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.

Shop for fashion, electronics, and souvenirs. There’s also a Bugis+ mall right across the street.

17. Bugis Street

Bugis Street, on the other hand, is a indoor market street in Singapore known for its affordable shopping and lively atmosphere.

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.

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. 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 and exhibitions.

20. Visit a Hawker Center

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

21. 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).

22. Raffles Hotel

Raffles Hotel is a colonial-style and luxury hotel built in 1887.

It’s quite pricy at almost $1,000 a night, but 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.

Nature, Parks & Off-Island Escapes

23. 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.

24. 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.

25. 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.

It was one of my favorite things to do in Singapore for an extended stay.

26. Universal Studios

Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park located on Sentosa Island, one of the other popular Singapore attraction 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.

27. 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

Top Things to Do in Singapore On Limited Time

If you only had one day in Singapore, here are my recommendations for top Singapore attractions 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 to Book in Advance

If you’re on a time crunch or enjoy the ease of group tours, here are some of the top booked-tours in Singapore:

• 6-Hours Singapore Tour in Private Car or Minibus with Driver
• Private Tour: Nighttime Sightseeing with River Cruise
• Lion City Bike Tour of Singapore (would love to do this!)

➡️ Look for more Singapore tours in Viator OR create your custom guided tour.

Have a great time exploring Singapore’s attractions. I hope you enjoy visiting as much as I do!

Singapore Checklist: have you booked these yet?

📲 Sim card or eSIM card that works right after landing

🏨 Best hotel picks — great locations and solid reviews

🚍 Schedule an airport pickup for a stress-free arrival

🎫 Local-led tours with stops & insights you won’t find alone

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