From futuristic gardens and spectacular city views to hawker food, colourful neighbourhoods and tropical wildlife, Singapore has something for almost every traveller. Here are 10 of the best things to do in Singapore on your next visit.
Singapore is one of those destinations where modern city life and traditional culture sit comfortably alongside each other.
One minute you can be surrounded by towering skyscrapers and futuristic architecture, and the next you’re wandering through colourful streets filled with historic shophouses, temples, markets and local food stalls.
Add tropical gardens, beaches, incredible shopping and world-famous attractions, and it’s easy to see why Singapore works so well for both a dedicated city break and a longer stopover.
If you’re planning a trip and wondering what to see and do, these are 10 of the best things to do in Singapore for a memorable first visit.
1. Explore Gardens by the Bay
Few places sum up modern Singapore quite like Gardens by the Bay.
The huge waterfront attraction is home to the instantly recognisable Supertrees, enormous vertical gardens that have become one of Singapore’s most famous sights.
The gardens are particularly impressive after dark, when the Supertrees are illuminated during the Garden Rhapsody light and music show. You can also explore the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, with its dramatic indoor waterfall and mist-filled mountain landscape.
Of all the things to do in Singapore, Gardens by the Bay deserves a place near the top of the list. It’s worth visiting during the day and returning in the evening if your itinerary allows.
TravelHype tip: Allow several hours if you want to explore the outdoor gardens as well as the conservatories.
2. Take in the views around Marina Bay
Exploring Marina Bay is another of the essential things to do in Singapore, particularly on your first visit.
Take a walk around the waterfront and you’ll see some of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, including Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum and the Singapore Flyer.
The area becomes particularly atmospheric around sunset, when the skyline starts to light up and the reflections across the bay create some excellent photo opportunities.
For an even better view, head upwards to one of Singapore’s observation decks and look out across the city.
3. Try Singapore’s famous hawker food
Sampling the local food is easily one of the best things to do in Singapore.
Hawker centres bring together dozens of food stalls serving inexpensive local dishes, making them one of the best ways to experience Singapore’s food culture.
Look out for classics such as Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, char kway teow and satay.
You don’t need to book an expensive restaurant to have a memorable meal in Singapore. Some of the city’s best food experiences can be found sitting at a shared table with a plate of local food in front of you.
Chinatown is a particularly good place to start, with plenty of opportunities to combine food with sightseeing and local shopping.
4. Wander through Chinatown
Exploring Chinatown should also be high on your list of things to do in Singapore if you’re interested in the city’s history, culture and food.
The area is packed with colourful shophouses, restaurants, market stalls and historic religious buildings.
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is one of the area’s standout sights, while the surrounding streets provide plenty of opportunities to explore on foot.
Chinatown is also an excellent place to stop for food, with hawker centres and restaurants offering everything from traditional Singaporean dishes to modern interpretations of local cuisine.
Don’t be afraid to leave the busiest streets either. Some of the most interesting details are found in the smaller lanes and surrounding streets.
5. Get closer to wildlife at Mandai
Singapore isn’t just about skyscrapers. Visiting its wildlife attractions is one of the most rewarding things to do in Singapore for families and animal lovers.
Head north to Mandai Wildlife Reserve and you’ll find several major wildlife attractions, including Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and Bird Paradise.
It’s an excellent choice for families, but adults travelling without children can easily spend a full day exploring the area too.
The Night Safari offers a particularly different experience from a traditional daytime zoo visit, with the chance to encounter nocturnal wildlife after dark.
If wildlife is high on your list, set aside plenty of time for Mandai rather than trying to squeeze everything into a couple of hours.
6. Discover the colours of Little India
For a completely different side of Singapore, head to Little India.
Exploring this colourful neighbourhood is one of the best things to do in Singapore if you’re interested in food, architecture, photography and local culture.
The streets around Serangoon Road are full of colour and activity, while the area’s temples provide a glimpse into Singapore’s diverse cultural heritage.
You can also visit the Indian Heritage Centre, which explores the history and contributions of the Indian community in Singapore and Southeast Asia.
And, naturally, this is another excellent place to eat.
Try a traditional curry, dosa, roti prata or one of the many other Indian dishes available throughout the neighbourhood.
7. Spend a day on Sentosa Island
If you want to escape the city for a few hours, Sentosa Island is the obvious choice and one of the most varied things to do in Singapore.
The island combines beaches, attractions, restaurants and entertainment, making it particularly popular with families and visitors who want something different from the city centre.
You can relax on one of the beaches, try an adrenaline-fuelled activity or simply enjoy the island’s restaurants and resort atmosphere.
Sentosa is also home to Universal Studios Singapore, so it’s possible to spend an entire day here without running out of things to do.
If you’ve got several days in Singapore, Sentosa makes an easy addition to your itinerary.
8. Explore Kampong Gelam and Haji Lane
Exploring Kampong Gelam and Haji Lane is one of the more colourful things to do in Singapore.
The historic neighbourhood is centred around the impressive Sultan Mosque, while the surrounding streets are filled with independent shops, restaurants, cafés and colourful buildings.
Then there’s Haji Lane, a narrow street known for its colourful murals, independent boutiques, cafés and bars.
It’s particularly good for an afternoon or evening wander when you’re looking for somewhere with a more relaxed atmosphere than Singapore’s huge shopping districts.
Bring your camera — there are plenty of colourful walls and interesting buildings to discover.
9. Take a break at the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore’s reputation as a green city isn’t limited to Gardens by the Bay.
Visiting the Singapore Botanic Gardens is one of the most relaxing things to do in Singapore and provides a peaceful break from the city’s busy streets.
It’s an excellent place for a morning walk, particularly if you want some time away from the crowds and traffic.
The gardens are also home to the National Orchid Garden, making this a particularly good stop for anyone interested in plants and nature.
The contrast between the gardens and Singapore’s urban landscape is part of what makes the city so interesting.
10. See Singapore from the river
Finish your sightseeing with a trip along the Singapore River.
Taking a river cruise is one of the most relaxing things to do in Singapore and gives you a completely different perspective of the city, passing historic riverside areas such as Boat Quay and Clarke Quay before heading towards the modern Marina Bay area.
During the journey you’ll see the contrast between Singapore’s historic architecture and its modern skyline.
A daytime cruise is a good way to appreciate the architecture, while an evening trip lets you see the city illuminated after dark.
It’s also a relatively relaxing way to finish a busy day of sightseeing.
How many days do you need in Singapore?
For a first visit, three to five days is a good starting point.
Three days gives you enough time to experience many of the best things to do in Singapore, including the major sights around Marina Bay, a couple of the city’s cultural neighbourhoods and some of its famous local food.
With five days, you can slow things down and add attractions such as Sentosa, Mandai Wildlife Reserve and the Botanic Gardens without having to rush from one side of the city to another.
Singapore also works extremely well as a stopover destination. Its compact size makes it possible to see a surprising amount even if you only have a couple of days.
When is the best time to visit Singapore?
Singapore has a tropical climate, so warm and humid weather can be expected throughout the year.
Rain can occur at any time, but don’t let that put you off visiting. Heavy showers can pass relatively quickly, and there are plenty of indoor attractions, restaurants, museums and shopping centres to keep you occupied.
Because many of the best things to do in Singapore can be enjoyed throughout the year, there isn’t necessarily one perfect month for every traveller.
If you’re planning your trip around specific events or attractions, check the latest dates and opening information before travelling.
Is Singapore worth visiting?
Absolutely. With so many different things to do in Singapore, the city is well worth considering for your next trip.
Singapore manages to pack an enormous amount into a relatively small destination. You can spend the morning exploring tropical gardens, eat lunch at a hawker centre, visit a historic temple in the afternoon and finish the day looking across one of Asia’s most impressive skylines.
It’s also an excellent destination for travellers who want variety. The huge range of things to do in Singapore means you can build an itinerary around food, shopping, architecture, beaches, wildlife, culture or a combination of them all.
Whether you’re planning a short stopover or a longer city break, you’ll find plenty of memorable things to do in Singapore.
For more travel inspiration and destination guides, or if you’re looking to compare flights, hotels or car hire, visit TravelHype and start planning your next trip.
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