Places to visit in Singapore I’ve always dreamed of visiting Singapore! This city is a stunning blend of state-of-the-art malls, fancy hotels, and towering skyscrapers. Thanks to its booming economy over the years, Singapore has experienced tremendous growth and drew in a whopping 18.5 million tourists in 2018. So, where should you head to when you finally make it to Singapore?
First off, Singapore is renowned for its lively ethnic neighborhoods, awesome public spots, rich history, and mix of cultures. Keeping this in mind, let’s jot down some Destinations in Singapore that will delight everyone—from casual sightseers to hardcore travelers. Here we go!
Top Places to visit in Singapore
Gardens by the Bay
One cool thing about Singapore is that despite its sleek, modern cityscape filled with skyscrapers, it also offers plenty of green havens. Head over to Gardens by the Bay, home to a whopping 1.5 million plants. These gardens have captivated over 50 million visitors and even made it to the global top 20 most checked-in places on Facebook.
Gardens by the Bay is a must-see because it features a vast assortment of both local and exotic plants. The tours here take you through some of the world’s most breathtaking gardens, and you can even learn a thing or two about sustainability.
Don’t mix this up with the famous Botanic Gardens of Singapore, which is the only place in the country to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You should definitely take a leisurely walk through these gardens too!
Universal Studios Singapore
Are you into Hollywood-themed parks? Then you should definitely check out Universal Studios Singapore; it’s one of the top spots in Singapore for movie buffs.
Universal Studios has loads of cool stuff. They’ve got areas designed to look like real places, like New York and Hollywood—totally modeled after the real cities. Plus, there are imaginative spots like Shrek’s Far Far Away and Sci-Fi City too. And if you’re a thrill-seeker, don’t miss the dueling rollercoasters themed after Battlestar Galactica. Yearning to explore Ancient Egypt or dive into Jurassic Park? Universal Studios Singapore is your destination.
Chinatown
Heading to Singapore and skipping Chinatown? Big mistake. Chinatown offers a genuine taste of Chinese culture and lifestyle, making you feel like you’re in mainland China.
The vibrant red and other bright colors greet you as you step into Chinatown. Street hawkers are everywhere, just like old times, and red lanterns light up the streets. Traditional Chinese culture meshes perfectly with modern bars and trendy restaurants.
You can hang out at bars like Potato Head or enjoy a meal at places like Taikoo Lane. But don’t forget to check out some key landmarks while you’re there. The Chinatown Heritage Center is super popular—it’s a museum that showcases the lives of early Chinese settlers in Singapore, with very authentic interiors.
Chinatown is also home to Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, the Sri Mariamman Temple. Another must-see is the morning drum ceremony at the Buddha Tooth Relic temple. Don’t miss it!
Merlion Park
Ever heard of the Merlion? It’s a legendary creature in Singaporean folklore with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. This unique combo symbolizes Singapore’s past as a fishing village and its name “Singapura,” which means Lion City in Malay.
At Merlion Park, you’ll find an impressive statue of this mythical beast. Standing 8.6 meters tall and weighing 70 tonnes, it’s a real showstopper. The Merlion Park statue is a must-see, drawing in visitors while keeping a watchful eye over the bay. It’s a top spot for snapping some great pics and soaking in the views. With the statue overlooking Marina Bay, the scene is something you’ve got to witness firsthand.
Marina Bay Sands
When in Singapore, make sure Marina Bay Sands is on your to-do list. Visiting this place is like a rite of passage. The resort has loads of attractions, from staying in a swanky hotel to exploring the ArtScience museum, theatre, or the exhibition center.
You can’t miss the high-end mall with its 170 luxury shops and 200 outlets. The Shoppes is a paradise for shopaholics. The dining options are just as impressive. You can eat at celebrity chef restaurants or check out other cool eateries and bars around the resort. Plus, they often host big events and entertainment.
Wrap up your day at the world’s largest atrium casino or sip cocktails at the incredible rooftop pool. The view from the Sky Park of the entire city is a sight you absolutely can’t miss.
Singapore Zoo
One of the coolest places to check out while you’re in Singapore is the Zoo. Covering 26 hectares, the Singapore Zoo is home to a bunch of unique and exotic animals. Every year, about 1.9 million people come to visit.
The Singapore Zoo isn’t just a place to see animals; it’s also a rescue center for wildlife. You can find nearly 300 different species there, with 34% of them being endangered. The Zoo is more than just animals like orangutans, komodo dragons, and white tigers—there are over 2,400 animals to see!
Besides the Zoo, tourists love to explore nearby parks and safaris such as the Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park, and River Safari. Don’t forget the giant panda reserve! Plan to spend several hours if you’re heading to the Singapore Zoo—it’s totally worth it!
Orchard Road
Visitors spend $27.1 billion in Singapore every year, with a big chunk of that going toward shopping. If you’re planning to shop your heart out, you have to hit up Orchard Road.
Orchard Road has been around since the 1830s and was named after the fruit orchards that used to line it. By the 1850s, the first store, House of Tangs, had opened up, and the place has been booming ever since. Nowadays, it’s the best shopping district in Singapore. So, if shopping is on your agenda, make sure you visit Orchard Road!
Singapore Flyer
If you’re looking for some jaw-dropping views and the Sky Park at Marina Bay Sands didn’t quite cut it, then head over to Asia’s biggest observation wheel, the Singapore Flyer.
The Singapore Flyer stands at a whopping 165 meters tall and spans 150 meters across. When you’re at the top, you can catch views stretching up to 45 kilometers in the distance.
If you’re putting together a list of the top spots to check out in Singapore, you gotta include the Flyer. The Singapore Flyer can accommodate around 784 visitors, with each rotation taking about half an hour. It’s an impressive feat of architecture and engineering, and really something you don’t want to miss.
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Nestled in the colonial district, the Raffles Hotel Singapore is a blend of diverse history and culture in the city. Built back in 1887, this luxury hotel has since become an iconic landmark.
There’s a lot to love about its classic colonial-style design, which leaves visitors in awe. Recently, the hotel underwent some renovations to keep its charm intact. The lush tropical gardens are a guest favorite, and the service is top-notch. According to Rudyard Kipling, it’s “a place called Raffles Hotel, where the food is excellent.”
Asian Civilizations Museum
Situated in the Empress Place Building, the Asian Civilizations Museum is a must-visit spot. It’s not just for history enthusiasts—anyone interested in learning about Singaporean culture and lifestyle will enjoy the stunning art galleries. Right next to the Singapore River, this museum celebrates Singapore and Asia’s rich cultural and artistic heritage.
On the ground floor, you’ll find the Trade and Exchange of Ideas Gallery, showcasing artifacts and artworks that highlight Singapore’s history as a major trading hub. Don’t miss the Khoo Teck Puat gallery with its fascinating 9th-century Tang shipwreck collection from China.
The Kwek Hong Png Wing focuses purely on contemporary art. Visitors can also dive into ancient Singaporean culture and explore major Asian religions in the Ancient Religions Gallery. The Scholar in Chinese Culture gallery highlights the tradition of knowledge and learning in Asia.
Plus, the museum has an amazing collection of over 300 exquisite Chinese ceramics.
Fort Canning Park
If you’re into colonial-era buildings and architecture, Fort Canning Park is a must-visit. Originally built as a fort by the British to protect the island, it was later taken over by the Japanese during WWII. Since gaining independence, the fort has become an integral part of Singaporean culture and life.
These days, the park is buzzing with performance arts, theater shows, concerts, and festivals. Both locals and tourists love to hang out here for picnics and to enjoy the fresh air. If you’re planning to visit, make sure to set aside a few hours to fully explore the park.
Also, the park houses the original home of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore, along with a stunning replica of the spice market he established in 1822. A visit here offers a deep dive into the local culture, history, and fascinating facts about Singapore.
Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay used to be the hub of commercial activity in 18th-century Singapore. After you’re done shopping on the fabulous Orchard Road, Clarke Quay is perfect for unwinding. Here, you can enjoy delicious meals by the beautiful Singapore River. Besides snapping some great pics, you can also take boat rides and river cruises. For the thrill-seekers, there’s even bungee jumping available.
The location is also close to other key spots like the Asian Civilizations Museum and Fort Canning Park. If you’re visiting Singapore, make sure Clarke Quay is on your list!
The Maritime Experiential Museum
Singapore’s maritime history is super rich, influenced by trade and diverse cultures. From ancient routes to colonial times, this place has always been a major trading hub. If you’re fascinated by Singapore’s sea-faring past, then the Maritime Experiential Museum is definitely worth a visit. Trust me, even if boats aren’t your thing, this interactive museum will keep you hooked.
As you step into the museum, you’ll be greeted by various ships docked there. The museum offers a mix of indoor and outdoor experiences with 15 different galleries to explore. Unlike typical museums, this place offers a hands-on, immersive experience that’s definitely one-of-a-kind.
The museum tour makes you feel like a true adventurer on the maritime silk road. Holograms of famous explorers like Marco Polo guide you through exhibits showcasing ports, markets, and ships. As you stroll around, you’ll hear live pirate performances in the background. And if that’s not interactive enough, the Typhoon Theatre’s sinking ship simulation will definitely make you feel like an explorer.
Raffles Quay, Lau Pa Sat Festive Market, Singapore
Sentosa Island
Singapore might not be famous for beaches, but its gorgeous sandy spots have gained popularity recently. Most of Singapore’s best beaches are on Sentosa Island. This manmade island also features many resorts like Resorts World, along with free bus and rail transport.
The top spot to hit on Sentosa Island is Siloso Beach. It’s not just one of Singapore’s best beaches; there’s plenty to do here. Tourists can soak up the sun, play sports, enjoy dining by the waves, and more. Ta Jong and Palawan are also great spots for some sandy fun. Plus, Sentosa Island has other cool places like waterparks and museums.
Summing Up the Places to Visit in Singapore
Wow, what an amazing place! As we’ve seen, Singapore is packed with incredible things to do and sights to see. Plus, it’s common knowledge that Singapore Airlines is one of the best in the world. I can’t wait to go!
View more Top Singaporean Street Cuisine: Must-Try Dishes and Dining Spots
What are your favorite places to visit in Singapore?
