Singapore, affectionately known as the Little Red Dot or Lion City, is unique to the world as the only island city-state. The Southeast Asian nation known for Chicken Rice and Tiger Beer is worth an extra day or two on your layover for some exploring. After 3-years living in the Little Red Dot, I’ve distilled down these top things to do in Singapore.
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Why visit Singapore?
There are many things to love and loathe about Singapore. On the positive side it is extremely safe; mostly squeaky clean; the tap water is drinkable; and English is one of its four official languages. The island nation has an extremely efficient airport and continually works to make itself more attractive to visitors. The food is fantastic and “city in the garden” philosophy makes it feel greener than most metropolises.
On the downside, Singapore is expensive due to its small land area and dense population. Its conformist nature lacks the artistic and creative aspects that travellers like myself prefer in a destination. You won’t find a street art scene or great live music venues. Nor is Singapore particularly LGBTQI+ friendly. While there is a growing social acceptance, antiquated laws that criminalize consensual gay sex remain in place. Gay travellers do not necessarily need to worry about their safety, but should respect conservative values and limit PDAs.
So, why visit Singapore? Singapore makes an excellent 2-4-day stopover. There are definitely some gems to unearth and if you know where they are, you can cover the highlights quickly. Singapore is also a great place to get your feet wet if you have any trepidation about travelling through less developed parts of Asia, or you are solo female traveller.
Top things to do in Singapore
1. Gardens By The Bay
Gardens by the Bay is one of my absolute favourite corners of Singapore. So much so, I wrote an entire post about Gardens by the Bay, its iconic Supertrees, towering indoor waterfall, beautiful conservatories and more.
2. Marina Bay
If you’re looking for Singapore’s signature skyline or its mythical national creature the Merlion, you need to visit Marina Bay. Choose your perspective: from down low on foot or a bumboat seat on the water; alternatively, on high from Marina Bay Sands’ SkyPark or the Singapore Flyer (Ferris wheel). Lesser-known opportunities for a top-down view are restaurants such as:
- Lighthouse at Fullerton Hotel
- JAAN on level 70 of the Swissôtel The Stamford (1 Michelin Star)
- Level 33 in the Marina Bay Financial Tower, who also claims the world’s highest urban craft brewery
3. Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands is the icon of Singapore’s skyline. The hotel and entertainment complex consists of three towers spanned by a boat-shaped deck. If that doesn’t ring a bell, you probably know it for its highly-Instagramed infinity pool that featured in the closing scenes of Crazy Rich Asians. Unfortunately, that pool is exclusively for guests of Marina Bay Sands Hotel. If you’re not staying inhouse you can still visit or dine atop the structure for panoramic views of Singapore. The Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck offers two options:
- Pay $36 for an adult. You can wander freely around the northern part of the Deck and down the rear side with views to Singapore Strait.
- Pay $0 – tell them you are going to have a drink at the bar. You will be restricted to the bar area and you will have to buy a drink per person, but even SG$8 for a can of soft drink is cheaper than the entry fee, if you’re on a strict budget.
4. Chinatown and Telok Ayer
Singapore is over 76% ethnically Chinese, so it makes sense to visit Chinatown. However, I recommend Chinatown not for its many cheap souvenirs and polished tourist fronts, but for the one-offs like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum; Red Dot Design Museum; Thian Hock Keng Temple; and the beautiful Peranakan shophouses that extend to Amoy Street.
Maxwell Food Centre is thought to be the Chicken Rice mecca, for those looking for Singapore’s best version of the dish. You will also find trendy, delicious (and expensive) cafes of all cuisines on Duxton Hill and in Club Street. If you happen to be travelling during Chinese New Year, Chinatown is the epicentre of celebrations in the country.
5. Singapore Zoo
I’m not a big fan of animals confined to people-made enclosures, but I make an exception for Singapore Zoo. Their Night Safari offers a unique opportunity to see animals in the dark, many of which are nocturnal and inactive when viewed during the day. The surprising plus of the Night Safari is that it has been designed so that many of the enclosures melt into the darkness and you can be forgiven for thinking that there isn’t anything standing between you and some of the animals.
Second to the Night Safari is Breakfast in the Wild (formerly Breakfast with the Orangutans) – who could resist?! It’s expensive, but this buffet breakfast at the Zoo allows you to get really close to some lovely creatures and snap a pic unhindered by bars or glass.
6. Satay Street
Eating is Singapore’s national sport. I’ve barely met one Singaporean that couldn’t be considered a foodie. While there’s lots of great local dishes to try, this one is more of an experience. Each night Boon Tat St is closed off to traffic, as Lau Pa Sat hawker centre spills into the street. Grills and plastic outdoor tables invade the bitumen to create an outdoor fair of beer and satay that is both delicious and cheap!
7. Kampong Glam
Singapore’s Arabic neighbourhood is one of my absolute favourite parts of the country. Here you will find Lebanese, Turkish and other Mediterranean/Middle Eastern cuisine. The Muslim Quarter has developed a mural art scene in more recent years. You’ll also find independent boutiques rather than the repetitious Orchard Road chains, including textile stores galore. Highlights include the gilt-domed Sultan Mosque, Haji Lane and Malay Heritage Centre.
8. East Coast Park
As its name suggests, East Coast Park stretches along most of the east coast of Singapore. You can walk almost from the airport all the way to the CBD if you can stand the heat (and have the time). Alternatively, rent a bike at one of the many outlets along the way. The park is an easy stroll or ride, being mostly flat and paved. There are various food and beverage outlets where you may stop to take in the view of Singapore Strait, dotted with an astounding number of ships.
9. Civic District Art Trail
For a little art, history and architecture rolled into one, walk the Civic District Art Trail. The Trail links many historical points of interest, displaying some of Singapore’s best colonial architecture along the way. Many of these buildings have been transformed into museums, galleries and hotels including the famed Raffles Hotel where you may partake in a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar or afternoon tea in the Tiffin Room.
10. Mount Faber
If you need to walk off all the delicious food you’ve been consuming, hike up Mount Faber and admire the view over the shipping channel and Sentosa Island. The hike is a section of the Southern Ridges Trail, which is a nine-kilometre trail connecting four parks across hills of Singapore’s south. Replenish at one of the hilltop restaurants then, take the cable car down to Harbourfront, where you can take the MRT to your next destination. Alternatively, continue on the trail as far as your heart desires.
11. Haw Par Villa (Tiger Balm Gardens)
In my opinion, this place is fascinatingly hideous, which is exactly why you should go. The founders of Tiger Balm built Haw Par Villa or the Tiger Palm Gardens to celebrate their Chinese heritage and folklore. The park is easily accessible by the MRT and is free to enter. Though past its heyday, Haw Par Villa is a spectacle that you won’t forget as you wander through the graphic dioramas of Chinese mythology and tradition. If you were a Monkey Magic fan in your childhood, you’ll enjoy the story that inspired the show.
12. Discover the Peranakans
The Peranakan culture is the result of historical trade in Southeast Asia, as traders from China and other countries moved into the region and married local Malay, Indonesian and Singaporean women. The descendants of these marriages are known as Peranakan “locally-born” and they have many unique traditions to explore. Visit the Peranakan Museum, and take in the variety of beautiful Peranakan shophouses you will see around town. For more about the Peranakan people and how to explore their colourful culture, see this post. This is one of the most interesting cultural experiences Singapore has to offer – don’t miss it!
13. Singapore Botanic Garden
Arguably Singapore’s best, all-outdoor green space is the UNESCO Heritage Listed Botanic Garden. You can treat yourself to some visual inspiration, plus read more about the history and significance of the Botanic Garden here.
14. National Museum of Singapore
If you still have time, the National Museum of Singapore will easily take up a few hours with excellent exhibits investigating the country’s history and culture. The National Museum is housed in a Neo-Palladian and Renaissance building opened in 1887 to coincide with Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee.
I hope you enjoy exploring these top things to do in Singapore. For more advice on saving money and getting the best from your visit, see my Singapore Travel Guide and these packing tips for Southeast Asia. If you have any questions, drop them in the comments below.
Peace, love & inspiring travels,
Madam ZoZo