Whether you’re a tourist or a local showing visitors around, check out these popular attractions and experience the best of Singapore.
Stopping by our shores for a short visit? We’ve marked down all the must-see places in our handy Singapore attractions guide, which takes you from museums and wildlife parks to nature reserves and food feasts. Even if you’re a born and bred local, there’s always something new to discover on our ever-changing island. And hey, you might even end up lovin’ our tiny red dot a little more.
Singapore sightseeing guide: Fun attractions in the city
1. Gardens by the Bay
We’re really proud of our “bay” area – that said, Gardens by the Bay is a beautiful green space on the island, and perhaps a glimpse of how city parks will be in the future. We’re big fans of the abstract “Supertrees” lining the skyline and the seashell-shaped greenhouses (aka the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest) that recreate different climates to house hundreds of trees and plants.
Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
2. Jewel Changi Airport
The now-iconic attraction made a huge splash when it first opened, and Jewel Changi Airport has been on every visitor’s list ever since. A huge dome-shaped mall housing the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, the building features all the entertainment you need to keep you occupied before (or after) your flight, including countless eateries and shops, a cinema, play areas, lovely green spaces and more.
Jewel Changi Airport, 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666
3. Aqua Adventure
Want to beat the blazing heat and enjoy splashing good fun? Step inside this indoor water adventure centre with colourful interactive wet and dry play elements at every corner. Kickstart your day on a high with the 85m-long thrilling Black Hole slide, which has seized the title as Singapore’s longest indoor water slide. Next, grab a pal and glide down the Double Trouble slide, or catch a breather at the Laze pool.
Here’s where you can also test your limits (safely), with thrilling climbing walls and obstacle courses like Aqua Course, Scramble Nets and Clockwork Towers. Those coming with family and friends in tow can look forward to mini challenges and team games like Captain’s Ball and scavenger hunts at the different zones, too. Psst: HomeTeamNS members can enjoy subsidised tickets!
Aqua Adventure, #02-06, HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir, 900 Bedok North Road, Singapore 479994
4. Singapore Cable Car
Have you heard? One of the newest attractions in Singapore is the cable car’s SkyOrb, aka the world’s first chrome-finished spherical cabin. It’s not for the faint of heart though, because it boasts a transparent glass floor to give you the ultimate soaring experience. Hop onboard the futuristic-looking cabin to head to Sentosa and enjoy one-of-a-kind panoramic aerial views!
Singapore Cable Car, Faber Peak, 109 Mount Faber Road, Singapore 099203
5. Marina Bay Sands
You can’t possibly miss this building as it towers spectacularly over, well, everything else. It’s a recognisable part of our Singapore cityscape and for good reason! Check out the curated boutiques, the fine dining establishments and the stunning views from here – whether you’re on top of the building or chilling down by the bay at sunset.
When the hunger pangs come calling, head to restaurants like Lavo, Wakuda, Yardbird Southern Table & Bar, and Mott 32. Or hit up Ce La Vi for a night of partying. We also love a good stroll around the Marina Bay waterfront, where you’ll find plenty of merrymakers clinking glasses at restaurants and bars.
Marina Bay Sands, 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956
6. Singapore Zoo
With eco-tourism on the rise, a visit to the iconic Singapore Zoo is a must. There’s a reason why it’s the best rainforest zoo in the world, with its beautiful landscaped grounds and leading conservation programmes. It’s home to more than 4,200 animals across zones like Australasia, Fragile Forest, Primate Kingdom, Wild Africa, and Treetops Trail.
For a family-friendly adventure, head to the new KidzWorld to experience animal interactions, water play fun, playground activities, and more.
Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
7. ArtScience Museum
Once you’re done exploring Marina Bay Sands, hop over to the nearby ArtScience Museum for an adventure like no other. Its galleries highlight the intertwining of art, science, culture and technology with ever-evolving exhibitions. Plus, don’t miss out on the permanent Future World: Where Art Meets Science showcase. It’s a gorgeous, magical world of digital interactive installations.
ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974
8. Snow City
Singapore’s one and only Snow City offers frozen fun on our sunny island. Round up the family for a chilly day of sub-zero activities including bumper car rides, winter shooting and a coloured ice playground.
Snow City Singapore, 21 Jurong Town Hall Road, Singapore 609433
9. Bird Paradise
The newest attraction by Mandai Wildlife Reserve, Bird Paradise is a wonder to behold in Singapore. Spend the day here for major fun with the family and immerse yourself in aviary action. Asia’s largest bird park features pretty flamingoes, waddling penguins, rainbow-coloured lorikeets, majestic eagles and more across zones like Amazonian Jewels, Lory Loft, and Songs of the Forest. Tip: it can get a little hot if the weather doesn’t cooperate, so don’t forget your hats, umbrellas, sunscreen and water bottles!
Bird Paradise, 20 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
10. Wild Wild Wet
Enjoy an afternoon of splashin’ fun at the water theme park Wild Wild Wet. Slip and slide down high-adrenaline rides, cruise along a lazy river with the fam and race other riders down multiple-lane slides. But one thing’s for sure: you’ll definitely get soaking wet!
Wild Wild Wet, 1 Pasir Ris Close, Singapore 519599
11. Museums
You don’t have to be a culture vulture to appreciate Singapore’s rich history and flourishing art scene. Spend time in the company of rare artefacts and the finest contemporary art by touring the National Museum of Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum or National Gallery Singapore. These majestic buildings display some of the most important collections of modern art from Southeast Asia, alongside slivers of local heritage and regional history.
Plus, there’s Gillman Barracks, a former British military camp, which has been transformed into a bustling arts cluster housing renowned contemporary art galleries.
National Museum of Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897; Asian Civilisations Museum, 1 Empress Place, Singapore 179555; National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957; Gillman Barracks, 9 Lock Road, Singapore 108937
12. Sentosa
Singaporeans don’t know how to let loose? Nonsense. First, Sentosa (an offshore island in the south) is dubbed the “State of Fun”. And guess what else is on it? The award-winning Best Amusement Park in Asia, Universal Studios Singapore. There’s a rollercoaster and an attraction for everyone, from the scaredy-cat to the adrenaline junkie. More thrilling adventures await at iFly Singapore, HyperDrive, and HydroDash.
While you’re on the island, sift through entertainment options like Madame Tussauds Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark, SkyHelix Sentosa and more. As night falls, cap off your day with a sundowner by the shore at Tanjong Beach Club, Tipsy Unicorn, Foc by the Beach, Coastes or Ola Beach Club.
Sentosa, various locations
13. Night Safari
Curious about the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park? When the sun goes down, make your way to the Night Safari for an adventure like no other. Explore the Tasmanian Devil Trail to say hi to the titular creatures, or traverse the East Lodge Trail for a glimpse of the sloth bear, aardvark, and bongo. Prefer to cruise in style? Hop on the safari tram to journey through six geographical regions. Keep an eye out for the Asian elephant, Malayan tapir, White African lion, Nile hippopotamus, and more!
Night Safari, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
14. Orchard Road
Shopaholics, welcome to your heaven. From high-end to high street, designer threads to discount finds, there’s something for everyone on Orchard Road. Check out malls like Plaza Singapura, Ion Orchard, Wheelock Place, Ngee Ann City and Orchard Central, then stop by boutiques like Design Orchard, Love, Bonito or In Good Company for local goodies.
Orchard Road, various locations
15. Singapore Botanic Gardens
This city sure has everything. We’ve got modern, strange-looking buildings, and then we have a 158-year-old tropical garden that’s been honoured as a Unesco World Heritage Site. Sprawling over 82 hectares of land, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a national treasure and an important botanical institute in the horticultural and agricultural industry. And yes, you can have a picnic here. Highlight attractions worth visiting include the National Orchid Garden and Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden.
Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
16. Merlion Park
Half-lion, half-fish, our mascot of Singapore might sound a tad silly. But real talk: the lion bit represents Singapore’s original name, Singapura, which means Lion City, and the fish stands for Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village. Witness this well-known icon in the flesh (or concrete) at Merlion Park – it’s worth a photo or two.
Merlion Park, 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049213
17. Haw Par Villa
On the offbeat side, Haw Par Villa is all kinds of weird and wondrous. The eccentric theme park is one of Singapore’s major attractions that lean towards the quirky side. It’s known for its colourful statues and dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese legends and myths, so yeah, the Ten Courts of Hell makes an appearance here. Add on to the spook factor by purchasing a ticket after the sun sets for a night tour.
Haw Par Villa, 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118628
18. River Wonders
At Asia’s only river-themed wildlife park, you’ll discover more than 11,000 land and aquatic animals across 260 species. Take a peek at the manatees and giant river otters at the Amazon Flooded Forest, or spot the giant anteaters at the Amazon River Quest. Of course, you can’t miss out on the Yangtze River zone, which is home to the famous giant pandas.
River Wonders, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826
19. Science Centre Singapore
As Jesse Pinkman from Breaking Bad once said, “Yeah, science!”. Share his enthusiasm at the Science Centre Singapore, where you can solve the mysteries of the universe with science. Partake in family-fun experiments, fiddle with magnets and electricity, boggle your mind with illusions and more.
Science Centre Singapore, 15 Science Centre Road, Singapore 609081
20. Esplanade
You’ll be spoilt for choice at Esplanade, a world-class performing arts centre that has a year-round line-up of impressive international music acts, festivals, exhibitions and theatre productions. P.S. it plays host to live music performances on selected weekends, so you know where to go for a melodious Saturday evening!
Esplanade, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
21. Offshore islands
Hop on a boat and spend a day with nature at Singapore’s offshore islands. You’ll explore the pristine, unspoilt beaches of the nearby Pulau Ubin or Lazarus, Saint John’s, Kusu and Sisters’ Islands. It’s a welcome break from city life, as each destination has its own beautiful flora and fauna.
Offshore islands, various locations
22. Chijmes
A historic landmark now famous for that over-the-top wedding scene in Crazy Rich Asians, Chijmes has evolved through the years from a girls’ school and an orphanage to a lifestyle destination buzzing with hip restaurants and bars serving everything from Mexican grub to Japanese nosh.
Chijmes, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
23. Mount Faber
A romantic spot overlooking the south, Mount Faber is one of the city’s oldest parks. Here’s where you can ride the cable car to reach Sentosa, head up to Mount Faber Peak to admire the panoramic view or embark on a guided trail to learn about the history and heritage of the place.
Mount Faber, junction of Kampong Bahru Road and Telok Blangah Road, Singapore 099448
24. All the malls in Singapore
Yep, we certainly love our air-conditioned shopping centres. They’re a must for your bucket list of Singapore attractions. Even though most of them are similar in appearance and directory, there’s nothing that feels quite as good as an afternoon of retail therapy (especially when it’s scorching hot or pouring rain outside). Check out our extensive mall guide for everything you ever wanted to know about shopping on our island.
P.S. new malls include One Holland Village and The Woodleigh Mall, and we’ve also got guides to iconic attractions like Mustafa Centre in Singapore.
25. Water sports
Love outdoor activities? Gear up for fun water sports in Singapore, including the likes of kayaking, windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, sailing and wakeboarding. We adore a good splash, especially when the weather is scorching hot!
26. Local food
The best way to experience Singapore is through your taste buds, in our humble opinion. So go forth and munch your way across the island, sampling classic local dishes such as Hokkien mee, chicken rice, nasi lemak, laksa, roti prata, satay and char kway teow. Not sure where to go? Head to popular hawker centres like Tiong Bahru Market, Golden Mile Food Centre, Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat and Chomp Chomp Food Centre.
Hawker centres, various locations
27. Virtual reality arcades
Transport yourself to another world at virtual reality arcades. All you need is a sense of adventure! Just grab a few friends and strap on for the ride. You’ll be fending off zombies, trudging through jungles, flying across space and more.
28. Nightclubs
Keen to dive into the nightlife scene? Hit up nightclubs for a little midnight madness. Clarke Quay is the spot that never sleeps – making it the perfect destination to wind down after a long day. Meanwhile, the always-bustling Boat Quay is home to some of the city’s coolest watering holes. We also love Robertson Quay for its breezy, waterfront restaurants and chill bars.
29. Little India
Put on your good walking shoes and explore this neighbourhood for flower markets, fresh produce in Tekka Market, beautifully decorated places of worship, and all the great food you can eat. From a stack of crispy roti prata to hole-in-the-wall cafes and shopping in the eclectic Mustafa Centre (the massive department store is open till late), Little India has lots to offer to the curious traveller.
30. Chinatown
Primarily known as a Chinese enclave in Singapore, Chinatown is teeming with new energy these days. You can embark on a historical heritage walk through the markets, temples and quaint souvenir shops in the quarter. And when you’re ready to turn it up a notch, head over to Ann Siang Hill and Club Street for alfresco dining and cocktails at the numerous bars on the stretch.
31. Arab Quarter
Like most of Singapore’s attractions, there’s a bit of old and new here. Drop by the neighbourhood and walk past heritage buildings, browse through shops selling traditional wares, or take in the grand architecture of the Sultan Mosque. Switch it up as you hop over to Haji Lane and Bali Lane, where cafes, bars and chic lifestyle shops line the streets – they get a bit of a rep for being “hipster” hangouts too.
Start your trail from Sultan Mosque, 3 Muscat Street, Singapore 198833
32. Singapore Flyer
Yup, our little city has our very own giant Ferris Wheel! Here’s where you can rent a bike to explore the surrounding areas, lounge around at eateries, or try an immersive flight experience. If you want something out of the ordinary, opt for one of the dining and drinking packages on board the Flyer – you’ll be clinking champagne glasses or enjoying a four-course dinner with a panoramic backdrop of the city skyline.
Singapore Flyer, 30 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039803
33. Cafe brunches
Hipster ‘hood Tiong Bahru is home to some of the most happening cafes on the island – perfect for leisurely brunches and coffee dates on a lazy Sunday afternoon. We also love Keong Saik Road, Amoy Street and Telok Ayer for their variety of trendy eateries and watering holes. If you’re looking forward to a day of shopping, hit up Haji Lane, or head to the east to explore laidback areas like Joo Chiat and Siglap. Psst: we’ve also put together a massive list of Singapore’s best cafes for you to tick off your bucket list!
34. Beaches
Ain’t life a beach? If you can’t get enough suntanning and sandy shores at Sentosa, there’s more to explore on the island. So grab your picnic baskets, bicycles and sunnies for a chill day out at East Coast Park, Pasir Ris Beach or Changi Beach Park.
35. Parks and nature reserves
We’re not called a Garden City for nothing, so make the most of your green visit by luxuriating in lush nature parks and hiking trails at places like Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, Coney Island Park, Fort Canning Park, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, MacRitchie Reservoir Park, The Southern Ridges, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve and loads more.
Nature parks, various locations
Go ahead and explore the best of Singapore with this list of major attractions!
