Things to Do in Singapore

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Must-See Attractions

Singapore is a vibrant cosmopolitan city with attractions, natural wonders, and exciting activities. From Universal Studios to the Singapore Flyer and Gardens by the Bay – there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

In this article, we will discuss the must-see attractions in Singapore. Then, we will explore the best places to visit and activities to do to get the most out of your stay.

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is a nature park spanning 101 hectares (250 acres) of reclaimed land in central Singapore, adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. Featuring the world’s largest glass greenhouse and two impressive outdoor gardens, this must-see attraction offers visitors a vision of a 21st-century garden city.

The centerpiece of Gardens by the Bay is its two cooled conservatories, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. The Flower Dome replicates mild, dry climates worldwide and features diverse floral displays from South Africa, California, and Australia. The Cloud Forest houses an elevated mountain-like environment with luscious vegetation and an incredible 35-meter (115 ft) tall mountain structure wrapped in greenery to rival an actual tropical rainforest.

In addition to its conservatories, Gardens by the Bay also boasts two central outdoor gardens – Bay South Garden and Bay East Garden. These sprawling gardens have a variety of themed areas to explore, such as:

  • Supertree Grove (filled with futuristic Supertrees)
  • Dragonfly Lake (home to aquatic wildlife)
  • Far East Organization Children’s Garden (complete with slides, swings, and mazes)
  • Coastal Walkway
  • Sun Pavilion
  • World of Plants

Visiting during their light show hours will give you a spectacular view over Marina Bay toward Downtown Singapore!

Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is one of the city’s most popular attractions for locals and tourists. Located in the north of Singapore, it houses more than 2,800 animals from over 300 species, many of which are free to roam the open range enclosures.

The zoo is dedicated to creating a sustainable environment for its animals that mimics their natural habitats and works hard to conserve endangered species through initiatives such as animal adoption and awareness campaigns. In addition, visitors can enjoy interactive activities such as keeper talks, animal encounters, and educational shows like elephant rides.

From walking trails and wild safaris to a nature gallery showcasing various threatened species, there are plenty of things to see and do at the zoo!

Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions, located in the heart of downtown Singapore. It is a multi-billion dollar complex consisting of an integrated resort, shopping mall, Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, luxurious accommodations, and the world’s largest infinity pool. Also included in the destination are two theaters: Sands Theater and Grand Theatre, hosting Broadway shows and spectacular concerts. With its incredible skyline view from 200 meters above sea level and stunningly designed architecture along the waterfront promenade, Marina Bay Sands provides magical experiences for all visitors.

Besides its entertainment offerings, the waterfront boardwalk promenade offers excellent views and entertainment throughout the day, with an array of attractions, including wine bars and restaurants to explore, along with some unique cultural events and promotions. For example, visitors can enjoy a peek at traditional lion dances performed during Chinese New Year every year, as well as Sunday market showcases that feature local artists performing traditional music performances amidst street art activities like face painting workshops & dragon boat races during Chinese festivals & holidays. In addition, the glamorous Marina Bay lights up at night, bringing nightlife excitement to another level for visitors looking for late-night fun activities with their friends or family.

Shopping

Singapore offers a wide variety of visitor shopping experiences, from malls and department stores to local markets and independent boutiques. So whether you’re looking for the latest fashions, luxury goods, or traditional souvenirs, shopping in Singapore will satisfy your needs.

From designer outlets to street markets, here is a guide to help you plan your shopping trip in Singapore:

Orchard Road

Orchard Road is one of Singapore’s most popular shopping areas. This lengthy boulevard stretches from the Singapore River to Changi Airport and is home to many of Singapore’s best-known department stores, international fashion brands, and luxury boutiques. Orchard Road’s streetscape features towering palm trees, imaginative shopfronts, and art installations rarely found elsewhere.

If you need anything from designer attire to electronics, you will find it at one of the many stores along this vibrant street. After retail therapy, there are plenty of venues to choose from when it comes to dining and entertainment. From fine dining restaurants to cutting-edge bars and cool cafes – Orchard Road is a one-stop shop for relaxation and enjoyment. A mix of malls with multi-label stores and standalone boutiques offers something unique to the shoppers, making it easy for visitors to find the items they desire at great prices.

Be sure not to miss out on the sales representatives running discounts outside their shops, or consider taking advantage of price matching across different shops if they offer the same product – You never know what kind of deal you might come across!

Bugis Street

Bugis Street is a shopping mecca located in Singapore’s colorful downtown district. The area is complemented by a range of alfresco dining outlets alongside the many chic shops that offer an array of lifestyle products and fashion accessories from around the region.

Prime retail experiences include Bugis Junction, an air-conditioned mall home to over 100 stores and entertainment outlets, and Bugis+ (formerly Iluma), a sprawling complex that features urban-style fashion, electronics, beauty products, sports equipment, books, and toys.

Besides fashion shopping experiences, there are also several traditional markets catering to different interests; two of these are the Guardian Sungei (Pool) market located on Victoria Street at one end of Bugis Junction; and the newly opened Trash & Treasure Flea Market at Bugis+, offering vintage items such as clothing, accessories as well as groceries at great prices.

For foodies looking for traditional cuisines such as satay bee hoon and chai tow kway (fried carrot cake), the Albert Centre Market & Food Centre is just a few minutes away from Bugis Junction. The area also abounds with budget food choices, including fast food outlets like McDonald’s and KFC and dessert spots like Loole’s Corner Café & Bakery near Bugis Station.

Chinatown

Chinatown is an excellent destination for shopping in Singapore. With plenty of stalls and markets to browse, visitors can expect to find plenty of reasonably priced options. Located near the MRT station, Chinatown is easily accessible and covers a wide range of offerings. Because it is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, many items only circulate through this area – unique textiles, jewelry, artwork, furniture, and more.

Most travelers will find plenty of beautiful souvenirs and memorabilia to take home from Chinatown, including traditional Chinese clothing, antiques, and handicrafts such as Buddhist devotional objects. The nearby lanes and shophouses are also must-see attractions for those seeking a glimpse into Singapore’s culture and history. Street hawkers tend to offer bargains at enticing prices if you know how to haggle, so don’t be afraid to bargain for your purchase or ask questions about authenticity or quality before buying anything.

Food

Singapore is a food paradise, with various cuisines from all over the world – from European to Chinese and Malay. Singaporeans love to eat, and you can find different types of food everywhere. Delicious local dishes abound, with chili crab being a favorite. There are also plenty of hawker centers and food markets to sample the most popular dishes.

Let’s take a look at the best food options in Singapore:

Hawker Centers

Singapore is home to a melting pot of cultures, reflected in the range of hawker centers dotted across the country. Hawker centers are open-air complexes that house hundreds of food stalls serving cuisines worldwide. These centers offer an authentic and affordable way to experience Singaporean culture through their unique culinary offerings.

Hawker center stalls typically specialize in one type of dish, with some dishes char kway teow (stir-fried noodles), Hokkien mee (noodles with bean sprouts, prawns, and pork), roti prata (Indian pancakes) or satay (skewered grilled meat). It allows for a variety of flavors at each hawker center. Additionally, these establishments offer a glimpse into traditional life in Singapore, as customers usually must order from the same stall and dine at large communal tables.

Large hawker centers include:

  • Tekka Centre near Little India, which serves primarily Indian cuisine.
  • Chinatown Complex, near Chinatown MRT station, contains numerous Chinese seafood stalls and other Asian eats like barbecue pork noodles and laksa (spicy noodle soup).
  • Old Airport Road Food Centre near Dakota MRT station offers popular Malay dishes like ayam penata (sweet and sour chicken) and western options such as French toast.

Regardless of the type of cuisine one is looking for, one can find it among Singapore’s vast array of hawker centers.

Local Favourites

Singapore is known for its incredible variety of local and international foods. With such a mix of cultures from around the world, you can find various cuisines, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, Peranakan, and even fusion dishes! From traditional favorites like laksa to modern creations like Chilli Crab Toast, Singapore’s culinary scene has something for everyone.

Local Favourites:

  • Fish Head Curry: An iconic Singapore dish served with either red Snapper or Stingray. This curry is sour and spicy, with lots of tangy tamarinds and creamy coconut milk.
  • Hainanese Chicken Rice: This poached chicken served with fragrant pandan-flavored rice is a must-have dish in Singapore. The flavorsome broth and fragrant sesame oil make this traditional comfort food an absolute hit!
  • Laksa: A Colonial blend of Malaysian and Chinese cooking styles that have become popular across South East Asia. Laksa is a spicy noodle soup with coconut milk, prawns, and fish cakes that provides sensory overload as soon as its served.
  • Chilli Crab: Bite into succulent crab smothered with zingy chili sauce – this delightfully sweet and spicy combination will send your tastebuds wild!
  • Kaya Toast & Kopi: Widely regarded as the national breakfast dish in Singapore – Kaya Toast & Kopi (coffee). Crisp toast slathered in sweet coconut egg jam with highly caffeinated black coffee will wake you up!

International Cuisine

Singapore is home to an array of flavorful and exciting international cuisines that offer a little something for everyone’s taste buds. You can find well-known favorites like Italian, French, Thai, or Chinese, as well as fusions and regional dishes only Singapore offers. Here are just a few of the larger cuisines that you can explore when you visit Singapore:

  • Chinese: Singaporean Chinese food is heavily influenced by their neighbor, Malaysia. Popular dishes include Fish Head Curry and char kway teow.
  • Indian: In Singapore, you’ll find some of the best Indian food in the world due to their large population of Tamil Indians from South India. Foods such as tandoori chicken, naan bread with coconut chutney dip, and mixed vegetable curry are popular.
  • Malay/Nyonya: Here in Asia, you can also find various versions of Nyonya cuisine, a fusion of Malay and Chinese cooking styles. Popular dishes included beef rendang (spicy beef stew), laksa (curried noodle soup), otak otak (fish cake wrapped in banana leaves), and a wide variety of pickles or achars.
  • Contemporary Fusion: There’s no lack of trendy restaurants offering modern fusion culinary experiences that combine elements from multiple cuisines, such as Mee Goreng Judah (Malay-style flat noodles with Italian meatball sauce topped with Parmesan cheese). Of course, don’t forget the classic Hainanese Chicken Rice found almost everywhere in this country!

Nightlife

Singapore is home to some of the liveliest nightlife scenes in Southeast Asia. With its vibrant mix of cultures, Singapore offers something for everyone, whether looking for a wild night on the town or a mellow evening by the beach. From chic rooftop bars to lively pubs, Singapore’s nightlife has something for everyone.

Let’s explore some of the best places to enjoy the city’s nightlife:

Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay is an excellent option for those seeking a night out on the town in Singapore. Located within a short drive of Chinatown and lined with bars, restaurants, and clubs, this pleasant riverside location contributes to the vibrant nightlife of Singapore. Visitors will enjoy the ambiance of lively street entertainers, the convenience of nearby shops and eateries, and the variety of thrilling activities such as jet-skiing or dragon boating.

At Clarke Quay, there is something for everyone. For those looking for a peaceful evening stroll by the river, consider taking advantage of the scenic trails and boardwalks that lead alongside lush green vegetation or rent out luxurious vessels from one of several private yacht charters around Clarke Quay. After nightfall and lights illuminate the area, visitors can explore nightclubs offering music for every taste or grab a bite from renowned eateries like Smith Marine Restaurant & Bar or Julius Pizzeria.

During weekends, locals and travelers flock to Clarke Quay to enjoy the great festivities, such as live music performances or art exhibitions near various hubs throughout this popular destination.

Boat Quay

Boat Quay is a popular area frequented by locals and tourists alike. It is known for its lively nightlife, excellent restaurants, and trendy bars. The atmosphere here is always electric, with revelers finding solace in the many night spots ranging from chic pubs to hip clubs. The area offers visitors the perfect opportunity to explore Singapore’s buzzing drinking culture.

At night, Boat Quay comes alive with lights and music that draw people in from all directions. Its waterfront location provides a stunning backdrop to all the fun and festivities. The stunning Singapore River is a perfect setting for enjoying drinks over some great conversations while looking out to the multi-colored facades of nearby buildings rising majestically against the inky sky.

Many of Boat Quay’s venues offer live bands, showcasing local talent and globally renowned international performances throughout the week. Music lovers can enjoy everything from jazz soundtracks and upcoming original artists to pop hits that keep you on your feet until dawn!

Whether you’re looking for fun or a kickback after work, Boat Quay has something for everyone and serves up a great social experience no matter what time of day it is!

Zouk

Zouk is the perfect destination for a thrilling evening out in Singapore if you love music. Founded in 1991, Zouk is an iconic superclub renowned for its premier sound system and stellar line-ups of world-renowned DJs and producers.

It features three main sections – the main room with illuminating disco balls, neon walls, dramatic shadow shows, and warm, intimate lighting that pulsates to the beat; Velvet Underground featuring a state-of-the-art Funktion One sound system enjoying fresh new techno atmospheres; and Phuture which houses hip hop beats.

With its diverse musical styles ranging from R&B and Top 40s to house music and psychedelic trance, Zouk has established itself as one of Asia Pacific’s leading clubbing institutions. So whether you’re looking for a casual night out with friends or a wilder night dedicated to dance, there’ll be something perfect at Zouk.

Culture and Entertainment

Singapore is a great city full of culture and entertainment. So whether you are looking for a show or a museum to explore, there is something for everyone.

This section will cover some of the fantastic things to do in Singapore related to culture and entertainment, from art galleries and museums to traditional performances and shows:

Museums

Museums of all kinds are among the most popular attractions in Singapore, offering visitors a glimpse into the nation’s vibrant culture and impressive historical records. From renowned national museums to quirky, little-known gems, Singapore has enough cultural heritage sites to enthrall curious minds.

The National Museum of Singapore is one of the city’s oldest and most distinguished landmarks. Founded in 1887 and housed in a former school building, it covers everything from Asian history to local folklore, exploring indigenous cultures and traditions through engaging activities such as interactive performances and art performances. Fans of traditional Asian art can visit the Asian Civilisations Museum, home to some of the world’s finest ancient artifacts from South Asia, China, Southeast Asia, and West Asia. Additionally, children can enjoy fun interactive activities at Kidzania – an edutainment center equipped with a simulated city center where kids learn life skills while role-playing adult jobs such as being a veterinarian or running their own business.

There is no better place for aviation enthusiasts and space lovers than the Changi Airport Aviation Gallery, which celebrates Singapore’s thriving aviation industry with exhibits on commercial flight activity in Singapore and exciting insights into military operations. But, if you’re looking for something more outdoorsy, head to Bukit Brown Cemetery, where you can walk among centuries-old tombstones surrounded by lush greens – imparting invaluable lessons about Singapore’s history and culture. Together these venues will open up splendid vistas of days gone by – allowing visitors to connect over shared interests in art or explore old traditions from all over Asia!

Art Galleries

Art galleries in Singapore showcase a wide variety of artwork ranging from local to international artists. The galleries are a great way to appreciate and learn about the different styles of artwork and art movements. Besides paintings, visiting art galleries can also be an exploration of sculpture, photography, and multimedia installations from renowned and up-and-coming artists.

The National Gallery Singapore is home to two historic buildings – the City Hall building and the former Supreme Court building – which house some of the nation’s most valuable art collections. It also organizes regular exhibitions showcasing pieces from its collection or collaborations with regional designers, photographers, and printmakers.

Additionally, you can visit privately-owned galleries such as:

  • Timbre+ for monthly exhibitions featuring works from emerging Asian artists.
  • Alison Yeo Gallery has an impressive collection of modern Southeast Asian contemporary art.
  • Sundaram Tagore Gallery in Gillman Barracks with its globally acclaimed works.

Whether you are an avid collector or just an enthusiast looking for exciting activities in Singapore, take time out of your busy schedule and check out these fantastic galleries! Whether looking at individual pieces or entire collections, visiting one of these prestigious institutions will undoubtedly educate you about the history and culture behind various art forms.

Live Music Venues

Live music venues are great places to enjoy performances and discover new music in Singapore. Whether you’re looking for an intimate acoustic show, rock concert, or jazz bar, there is something for everyone in this vibrant and eclectic city. Here are some popular live music venues to check out:

  • The Social Square: This chic venue offers multicultural programming, including a wide selection of classical, jazz, and world music performances, as well as regular cabaret nights. Located near the Waterboom Shopping Centre on Orchard Road, The Social Square also doubles up as a different kind of dining experience, complete with a food set alongside the live performance.
  • Timbre at the Substation: This urban blues pub provides the perfect atmosphere for listenings to live music from various genres, including folk, indie and acoustic rock. Situated in Little India at The Substation art center, Timbre hosts local acts from 8 PM onwards every day of the week!
  • Duxton Hill Bar: Great for when you want an upbeat night out – Duxton Hill Bar is located on a historic road lined with shops and bars – providing a unique setting for traditional pu sandwich concerts showcasing rock covers by local bands. With nightly live performances between 8 PM–12 AM – Duxton Hill bar is a great place to have drinks and make friends while experiencing the best of Singapore’s live folk/rock/indie scene.
  • Canvas Night Club: Canvas turns into a transformed nightclub once the sun goes down on Clarke Quay – where live DJs (Singaporean favorites!) provide techno beats. At the same time, spectators dance away into the early hours of morning beneath dazzling neon lights! Check out their website for upcoming artiste showcases; they regularly feature local artists that bring dynamic sounds to this highly energized venue along the Singapore River.