The Best Things to Do in Singapore: The Top Places to Visit in Singapore
The exotic city of Singapore is a marvelous blend of different cultures and lifestyles while balancing between being a modern urban business center and a scenic destination where the local traditions are almost tangible. Thus, it comes as no surprise that the city welcomes countless visitors every year who are fascinated by its high-tech vibes, charmed by its traditional character, or thrilled by their combination. Are you one of them? Then you should definitely check out the top 10 things to do in Singapore!
1. The Breathtaking Marina Bay
Being so much more than a resort -although Marina Bay Sands is, without a doubt, one of the top Singapore hotels– Marina Bay is one of the not-to-be-missed city’s attractions. Verily, besides the well-known hotel, the area features several sites and attractions. Thus, should you visit the vibrant Marina Bay, and unless time is on your side, you’ll have to make your pick among its countless options. Explicitly, the top things to do in Marina Bay are:
- Visit the Skypark: the 57th-floor Observation Deck, literally standing on the three hotel’s towers, houses the world’s largest rooftop pool and restaurants and hosts various parties and events. Offering seamless city views, the Skypark is the perfect place to get a good look at the city of Singapore from above.
- Explore restaurants, cafes, or even nightclubs.
- Exercise: You’ll find various available courses, from yoga lessons to water activities, spin classes, and dance sessions. On the other hand, if you want to find your inner peace, meditation is an option as well!
- Gamble: A casino facility is to be found in the Marina Bay area.
- Take a pic with the city’s mascot: The statue of Merlion -the statue representing a half-lion half-mermaid figure- lies at the edge of the water, spouting water from its mouth. It is one of the most iconic places in Singapore.
- Explore Esplanade – Theaters on the Bay: If culture had a home, it would probably be the Esplanade. Here, art is ubiquitous. Performances, shows, events, concerts—something is always happening, regardless of the day or time. Singapore’s rich artistic character is vividly displayed in this region of Marina Bay.
- Watch the Spectra Light Show: Visible from many parts of the city, the Spectra Light Show is based on laser and mist technology. It combines light, sound, and water in a magical spectacle, ‘dancing’ its way from the Marina Bay Sands Resort and the ArtScience Museum to nearby areas. It takes place 2-3 times per evening (depending on the day of the week).
- Visit the Digital Light Canvas: Here, walking is so much more than a mode of transit. Here, you’ll make your way around the floor and create art at the same time!
2. Singapore Flyer and Time Capsule
Situated in the heart of Marina Bay, the Singapore Flyer is one of the best attractions in Singapore, deserving a separate mention. It is one of the largest observation wheels in the world, offering amazing views and allowing you to take in the city’s beauty. Still, if you thought that the Singapore Flyer was just that, you couldn’t be more wrong. Make your way to Singapore Flyer and enjoy a unique picnic, or even opt for the most romantic dinner of your life, comfortably sitting in your capsule and enjoying the spectacular sunset or observing the city by night. Moreover, before your Singapore Flyer experience, you can also visit the Time Capsule and delve into an interactive journey to the city’s history.
3. The ArtScience Museum
As part of the Marina Bay Sands Resort, the ArtScience Museum stands out as more than just an ordinary museum facility, hence its separate mention. Even if you don’t want or don’t have the time to visit it, you should at least approach it and observe its unique architectural design. Respembing a lotus flower, the museum observes the process of arts and science throughout the years but not separately. Conversely, it is the first museum establishment to clearly state the constant interaction between the world of science and culture. Besides the various exhibitions (it houses 21 gallery spaces), the museum hosts a wide array of events and interactive activities.
4. The Magnificent Gardens by the Bay
If Singapore is regarded as one of the “greenest” cities globally, often referred to as the “City in a Garden”, Gardens by the Bay is perhaps the most noteworthy confirmation of that fact. It is truly one of the top things to do in Singapore. Nature lovers swear in its name, but even non-enthusiasts find themselves thrilled by the spectacle. First things first, you should have plenty of time to visit the multi-awarded Gardens by the Bay. The area is split into three regions -the Bay South Garden, the Bay East Garden, and the Bay Central Garden. Furthermore, three cooling conservatories are to be found around its premises. The Flower Dome is the largest in the world, featuring flora from all five continents. The Cloud Forest showcases plants from tropical highlands, some of which grow up to 2000 meters above sea level, as well as one of the largest indoor waterfalls. Finally, the Floral Fantasy is a fairytale-themed greenhouse. On the other hand, countless gardens lie scattered around Gardens by the Bay. However, the most spectacular area is, without a doubt, the Supertree Grove. The gigantic vertical gardens are impressive to begin with. Still, light and sound shows make the spectacle even more breathtaking. What’s more, the Supertree Observatory is the place to be to enjoy stunning views of Marina Bay while savoring a refreshing drink.
5. One of the Best Things to Do in Singapore is Exploring its Neighborhoods
The cultural and religious blend that is Singapore is clearly reflected in its neighborhoods. Verily, the city’s diversity is evident, making walking around its districts overall interesting and far from boring. So, which districts should you visit to reveal the city’s cultural background?
- Little India: Temples and mosques, street art, markets, and various eateries form the mosaic that is Little India. The ethnic district is a kaleidoscope of colors and flavors, fragrances and spices. Once reaching Little India, foodies can take their pick among countless local dishes and fusion recipes, while jewels, spices, and sweets usually attract the attention of shopping enthusiasts. Moreover, the district’s visitors willing to fully explore the area find themselves across unexpected architectural hidden gems.
- Chinatown: The right place to delve into the local lifestyle. Everything in Chinatown -from the food to the markets and the street art- uncovers Singapore’s everyday life. Still, the city’s diversity doesn’t cease to exist.
- Kampong Glam: Being once home to the Muslim community, Kampong Glam preserves its historical background but blends it with ethnic and even international influences. It is the ideal Singapore district to shop or enjoy a delicious meal while taking in the colorful surroundings.
6. The Best Historical Thing to Do in Singapore: Fort Canning Hill
History lovers will simply fall for this Singapore’s attraction. Centrally lying in the city, the hill bears a long history, with its military use perhaps being its most distinctive feature. From the medieval age to World War II, the historical significance of Fort Canning Hill is undoubted. Still, nowadays, it has been partially “discharged” from its military character, serving as an area where various shows, art exhibitions, and concerts are constantly held.
7. Singapore’s Botanic Gardens
Dated back in 1859, Singapore’s Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO Heritage site. As a matter of fact, it is the only tropical botanic garden included in the heritage list of UNESCO. Botanic Gardens is one of the city’s hotspots for jogging, dining, or simply relaxing while taking in the green scenery. Moreover, a garden dedicated to children is an additional reason why the Botanic Gardens are widely favored by families. You’ll find various gardens and facilities scattered around the vast area. Here also lies the National Orchid Garden, the largest orchid garden in the world, featuring 60.000 plants. Moreover, the Gallop Extension has been added to the Botanic Gardens’ complex, housing the Botanical Art Gallery and Forest Discovery Centre @ OCBC Arboretum, the Mingxin Rambler’s Ridge, and the COMO Adventure Grove, the area where visitors can actually play and climb in the trees.
8. Singapore’s National Gallery
Apart from being the largest visual arts museum in Singapore, there is another reason why the National Gallery is among the top things to do in Singapore. Verily, the gallery is actually located inside two historical buildings: the City Hall and the building that formerly housed the Supreme Court. The National Gallery gives its visitors a clear insight into contemporary local art as well as the artistic heritage of Southeast Asia. Following Singapore’s and Southeast Asia’s artistic evolution from the 19th century to the present day, it houses more than 1000 exhibits and also showcases the British impact on the region’s artistic profile.
9. The Most “Relaxed” Thing to Do in Singapore: River Cruises
If you want to explore Singapore in the most relaxed way, you should take part in one of the river cruises that traverse the city, revealing its attractions along with sights from everyday life. The cruises are usually guided, meaning that you’ll be led into the city’s history, being provided with interesting facts and lesser-known information.
On the other hand, if you want to be part of a tour resembling like no other, then you should definitely take into consideration the Duck Boat’ tours. In other words, how would you feel about participating in a sightseeing tour aboard an amphibious World War II vehicle from Vietnam? You’ll travel on land and sea, uncovering all of the city’s major sites and attractions without having to lift a finger from your seat.
10. The “All-Time-Classic” Thing to Do in Singapore: The Hop-on Hop-off Buses
The Hop-on Hop-off Buses are one of the most convenient ways to get to know Singapore. You can catch one of the double-decker coaches and alight once you spot an interesting site or attraction. Do you want to continue your bus journey around Singapore? Then, all you’ll have to do is take the next bus and repeat the process as many times as you feel like it.
You’ll find two available bus routes. Thus, the Hop-on Hop-off Buses’ Red Route is the so-called Heritage Tour, traveling around Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. On the other hand, the Yellow Route -the City Tour- explores the Botanic Gardens, Marina Bay, and the Gardens by the Bay.