For such a small country, Singapore has a surprisingly long list of things to do. This guide will take you through the top 10 things to do in Singapore without overwhelming you and your itinerary.
Be wowed at Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is the top tourist attraction in Singapore. It’s best known for Supertrees, vertical gardens that look like trees of the future. Gardens by the Bay is a public park that feels more like a botanical garden.
Although entrance to the gardens is free, you’ll need to buy tickets to visit top sights like the Cloud Forest and Supertree Observatory. If you’re on a budget or short on time, you can walk through Supertree Grove for free to see the famous Supertrees from below.
Relax by the Merlion at Marina Bay
The Merlion, a fountain that’s half mermaid, half lion, isn’t very impressive, but the views around it and Marina Bay are. Marina Bay is home to the best views of Singapore’s modern skyline.
From the Merlion and Fullerton Hotel, you’ll have the perfect viewpoint of Marina Bay Sands, a famous luxury hotel that looks like a ship in the sky. From the Marina Bay Sands side by the Helix Bridge, you can get a view of the entire skyline. Marina Bay is small enough to walk a loop around. Walk around the bay to take in the sights and see every angle.
Stroll along the Singapore River
Starting at Marina Bay, you can walk up the Singapore River, to see colorful facades and wild otters (if you’re lucky). Along the Singapore River, you’ll walk past multiple quays (pronounced keys) like Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Robertson Quay.
Clarke Quay is for shopping, Boat Quay is for dining and going out, and Robertson Quay starts to get more residential.
Taste local cuisine at hawker centres
You’ll find Singapore’s best food at hawker centres across the city. Hawker centres are outdoor food halls that serve cuisine from all over the globe, especially Asian countries. The most famous hawker centres to visit are Lau Pa Sat, Maxwell Food Centre, and Chinatown Market Complex. You can get a meal at any of these spots for as little as 5 SGD.
Explore cultural neighborhoods
Like many metropolitan cities, Singapore is a melting pot of cultures. Singapore has three distinct cultural neighborhoods outside of downtown: Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam (the Muslim Quarter).
Chinatown itself is pretty diverse. Yes, you’ll find Buddhist temples, Chinese food spots, and traditional shophouse architecture with Chinese letters on them, but there are also many new bars, restaurants, and shops that aren’t necessarily Chinese. The neighborhood has a welcoming, laid-back feel.
In Little India, you’ll find cultural shops that sell traditional food, dresses, and gold jewelry, plus street carts selling flowers to offer to the Hindu gods. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is at the heart of Little India, making it a good place to start your neighborhood tour at.
The Muslim Quarter or Kampong Glam is just south of Little India. The main sight is The Sultan Mosque. Many tourists also visit Haji Lane, an alley-like street with bars, cafes, and shops.
Go temple hopping
In Singapore, you can find a place of worship for every religion. In Chinatown, there are three temples that are less than a 10-minute walk from each other. Make a morning out of it and visit Buddha Tooth Temple, Thain Hock Temple, and Sri Mariamman Temple.
Many of the temples, mosques, and churches welcome visitors with open arms. In many temples, you’ll need to borrow a shawl or pashmina to cover your shoulders and legs. Hindu temples and Islamic mosques also require you to leave your shoes at the door.
Snap a photo of the historic Peranakan Houses
The traditional architecture of Singapore are colorful shophouse with intricate details. You can find shophouses throughout the city, but the most famous ones are the colorful Peranakan Houses in Joo Chiat. This residential neighborhood features many shophouses that are still used as shops today. The easiest way to get to Joo Chiat is by car.
Go on a food tour of Geylang Road
Yes, Singapore is known for its hawker-style cuisine, but, outside of the city center, you can find affordable and delicious eats on Geylang Road. The Geylang neighborhood is Singapore’s former red light district that is now home to different eateries. This New York Times article chronicles a self-guided food tour along Geylang Road. I recommend starting at J.B. Ah Meng (one of Anthony Bourdain’s favorite spots) and bopping around from there.
Shop on Orchard Road
Orchard Road is the shopping destination in Singapore. Orchard Road is home to a network of indoor malls with luxury stores like Prada and more accessible retail chains like Uniqlo.
When shopping, be mindful that Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world. So, although the exchange rate may be in your favor, prices are still higher than most places.
Indulge in a Singapore Sling
The famous Singapore Sling cocktail was invented at The Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel. The cocktail bar has a colonial tropical vibe and serves free peanuts. The free peanuts help soften the blow of the 41 SGD you’re about to spend on a cocktail.
The Long Bar is a part of the Raffles Hotel which is a historic hotel featured in Crazy Rich Asians.
Planning a trip to Singapore? Check out The Ultimate Singapore Travel Guide.
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