Things to do in Singapore

Singapore is one of the most unique places I’ve visited as part of my 6-month adventure through South East Asia. This ultramodern city combines innovation and creativity while bringing together people from many different backgrounds and cultures. 

Singapore is clean, safe, and endlessly exciting – yet green spaces are never far away, offering a peaceful escape from the city buzz. 

In this post, I’ll share with you the best things to do in Singapore, from exploring its diverse districts and tasting food from different cultures to visiting museums and my favorite parks. Have fun reading!

Where to stay in Singapore

As a location base, I recommend Bugis / Bencoolen area, right between Marina Bay and Orchard Road. It’s one of the best-value central locations in Singapore.

Bugis is close to top attractions, great food and MRT stations that connect you easily to different places in the city.

19 best things to do in Singapore

Walk Along Marina Bay & the Helix Bridge

Marina Bay is home to one of the most recognizable skylines in the world and the futuristic architecture of Marina Bay Sands has become a global symbol of Singapore.

On my first visit here, I loved to get a feel for the city by walking along the waterfront promenade and take in the spectacular views of the skyline.

Nearby, you’ll find the Helix Bridge linking Marina Center with Marina South. Its design was inspired by human DNA and looks especially striking at night, when the bridge is beautifully illuminated.

For an active and immersive way to explore the area join this City Bike Tour. It’s a fun and unique introduction to the city, taking you through Marina Bay, the Civic District, and other must-see places in Singapore.

If biking isn’t your thing, join the Private Singapore Tour with a Local, where a local guide will introduce you to Singapore’s highlights and hidden corners.

Book your city tour:
Lion City Bike Tour
Private Singapore Tour with a Local

Visit Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is another spot that most people immediately connect with Singapore. As another one of the most iconic must-see attractions in Singapore, this park is a futuristic green area where nature meets innovation.

You can wander through the towering Supertrees and relax in the park just opposite.

It was one of my absolute favorite spots on this trip. Standing beneath the Supertrees for the first time was a moment I’ll never forget – the moment I truly felt I’d arrived in Singapore.

Don’t miss the light and music show every night at 7.45pm and 8.45pm, during which the trees light up in sync with a regularly changing playlist. For an even better experience, combine this show with a second light show at the Marina by booking this river cruise.

Just next door, you’ll find the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, showcasing different plants from across the world. The Cloud Forest features an impressive 35-meter indoor waterfall, while at the Flower Dome you can admire colorful Mediterranean flowers.

Book your experience: Singapore Night Cruise, Garden Rhapsody & Spectra

See the views from Singapore Flyer

For one of the best views in Singapore, take a spin on the Singapore Flyer, one of the world’s tallest observation wheels at 165 metres high.

From the air-conditioned capsules, you’ll enjoy 360° panoramas of Marina Bay, the skyline, and even parts of Malaysia on a clear day. It’s a popular attraction so book in advance!

Book your tickets: Singapore Flyer Wheel

Explore Chinatown’s Temples & Street Food

Chinatown is a must-visit if you’re interested in Singapore’s rich heritage and diversity. Its history dates back to the early 19th century, when Chinese immigrants settled in this area and built traditional shophouses that served as both homes and businesses.

The district soon grew into a bustling hub for trade, culture, and community life.

Spend your time wandering through the narrow streets, discovering the markets filled with souvenirs and traditional crafts, and trying authentic local dishes at the Chinatown Complex Food Centre, one of the city’s most famous hawker hubs.

There are several Michelin guide hawker stalls in Chinatown and I recommend you explore them on this Chinatown Food Tour.

Don’t miss a visit to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a Chinese Buddhist temple said to house, as the name suggests, a tooth relic of the historical Buddha.

Book your food tour: Chinatown Food Tour

Discover Singapore’s Hawker Food Scene

By now, you’ve probably realized how deeply food is woven into Singapore’s identity. The city’s hawker centres, (open-air food courts) are even recognised by UNESCO as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage!

You’ll find everything at the Hawker centers and as a vegan, I especially loved how easy it was to get plant-based dishes, like bao buns, spicy laksa and colourful fruit stalls.

Insider tip: Don’t go right at noon to grab lunch, but rather go around 11 a.m. or after 1:30 p.m.: There will be fewer crowds and shorter lines.

If you’re feeling adventurous, try durian – the famously pungent “king of fruits” that most Singaporeans seem to absolutely adore (and most foreigners not so much).

To make the most of it, I reccommend you join this Hawker Centre Street Food Tour. You’ll try signature dishes from some of the city’s best stalls while learning about the fascinating stories behind Singapore’s diverse food culture.

Book your tour: Hawker Centre Street Food Tour

Stroll Through the Singapore Botanic Gardens

If you’re looking for a peaceful escape from the city, the Singapore Botanic Gardens are one of my favorite places to go. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is over 160 years old and offers a refreshing, green sanctuary right in the heart of the city.

The gardens are pretty big, so take enough time to explore. You’ll come across themed gardens, lakes and tropical forests.

My personal highlight was the National Orchid Garden, which showcases more than 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids, Singapore’s national flower. To visit this area you’ll need to book a Orchid Garden ticket in advance.

Book your adventure:
Singapore Botanic Garden Tour (incl. National Orchid Garden)
National Orchid Garden Admission Ticket

Admire Art at the National Gallery Singapore

Housed in two beautifully restored buildings (the former Supreme Court and City Hall), the National Gallery Singapore is a cultural highlight.

Here you can find the largest public collection of modern art in Southeast Asia. The gallery’s exhibitions offer fascinating insights into regional history and identity. Even if (like me) you’re normally not an art enthusiast, a visit here is truly worth it!

Read next: Your guide to the SG National Gallery

Book your tickets:
SG National Gallery tickets
Singapore Pass (includes gallery ticket)

Take a Hop-On Hop-Off City Tour

The Singapore Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Tour is the easiest way to cover all the must-sees, from Orchard Road and Clarke Quay to Marina Bay and Sentosa. It’s perfect for first-time visitors wondering what to see in Singapore without worrying about transport, sweating and time.

Book your tour:
Singapore Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
Singapore Pass (includes bus ticket)

Join a Singaporean Cooking Class

Whenever I’m in a new country, I love to get a deeper dive into the culinary scenery (and impressing my friends back home) by taking a cooking class.

On this Singapore Cooking Class you’ll learn to make authentic local dishes like laksa or pandan cake in a hands-on cooking experience.

Book your adventure: Singapore Cooking Class

Discover Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is like the city’s big playground. Just off the coast of Singapore, the island offers cable car rides with incredible views, sandy beaches, and attractions like Madame Tussauds or Adventure Cove Waterpark.

For adrenaline seekers, Universal Studios Singapore offers thrilling roller coasters and movie-themed rides.

To make the most of your day grab a Singapore Pass, which allows you access multiple attractions conveniently in one go.

Explore Tiong Bahru – The Hip Heritage District

The district of Tiong Bahru is a trendy, creative area and a really cool place to explore, especially at night. It’s actually one of the city’s oldest residential neighbourhoods, and to this day retains its nostalgic charm – for me, it was a true hidden gem in Singapore.

You can explore the streets lined with Art Deco architecture, independent bookstores, boutiques, and cafés, and discover a new side of the city that feels both timeless and refreshingly modern.

Wander Colourful Little India

Little India is one of the most interesting and sensory-rich neighbourhoods in Singapore, and another testament to the city’s cultural diversity.

The area’s history dates back to the 19th century, when Indian migrants settled here, bringing their culture, cuisine, and traditions with them. Today, Little India remains a quirky mix of temples, markets, and food stalls.

Don’t miss the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples.

For a lunch break, stop by the Tekka Centre to taste authentic South Indian food and check out the stalls selling spices, saris and jewellery.

Explore the Arabic Quarter: Kampong Glam & Arab Street

For a glimpse of Singapore’s Islamic heritage and some of its coolest street vibes, head to Kampong Glam, often called the Arabic Quarter. Once home to Malay and Arab merchants, this neighbourhood has evolved into an interesting mix of traditional culture with an artsy atmosphere.

The heart of the district is Arab Street lined with colourful shophouses selling textiles, carpets and perfumes. From here, head to Haji Lane to see murals, trendy boutiques and cosy cafés.

In addition, I recommend visiting the Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan), and, after exploring, grab a mint tea at one of the cosy cafés nearby and soak in the laid-back atmosphere.

Visit Haw Par Villa

For something truly unusual to do in Singapore, visit Haw Par Villa (Tiger Balm Garden), a surreal outdoor museum filled with colourful statues depicting Chinese mythology.

Once built by the creators of Tiger Balm, this is one of those off-the-beaten-track Singapore spots that has both a cultural and quirky side, and is absolutely memorable.

Enjoy the City Views from a Rooftop Bar

I’m a huge sunrise and sunset lover, so I try to catch this special moment whenever I can in a new destination. So for me, naturally, enjoying a cocktail (or mocktail) with a view over the city during sunset is a must-do in Singapore!

There are many rooftop bars to choose from – CÉ LA VI, 1-Altitude Coast, and Mr Stork being among the most popular. Trust me, watching the sunset from one of these buildings will give you another one of those “Wow, I’m really in Singapore!” moments.

For more insight into the city after dark, you can join the Starry Night Adventure Tour, which combines great photo spots with local drinks and stories about Singapore’s nightlife culture.

Book your adventure: Singapore Starry Night Tour

Explore Pulau Ubin

Another way to escape the busy city life is visiting Pulau Ubin, a small island off the northeast coast. Accessible by a short bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, this peaceful spot is the ideal place to relax. When you’r ethere rent a bike and explore mangrove trails, wooden kampong houses and wildlife.

Visit the National Museum of Singapore

If you want to understand how Singapore transformed from a small trading port into the dynamic metropolis it is today, the National Museum of Singapore is the perfect place to start.

Through immersive galleries, multimedia installations and curated artifacts, you’ll travel through Singapore’s history, from its early days under colonial rule to independence and rapid modernization.

Get Outdoors on the Southern Ridges Trail

For a truly off the beaten path experience in Singapore, you shouldn’t miss the Southern Ridges. Located a bit outside of the city, this forest walk links several parks and offers beautiful views.

This was another one of my favorite discoveries, as I never expected to find such a wild, jungle-like trail here (it even reminded me of my trip to see orangutans in Sumatra).

The highlights include Henderson Waves, Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge, and the popular canopy walks at Kent Ridge Park. Alltogether, the trails have a total length of 10 kilomters.

For me, this is one of the best free things to do in Singapore, ideal for escaping the city life, getting fresh air and enjoying panoramic views.

Experience the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix

If you happen to visit Singapore in September, you’re in for one of the city’s most exciting events: the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix. This race is much more than “just” a sporting event: it’s a full-blown festival that takes over the entire Marina Bay area.

Beyond the race itself, the event transforms the city into a massive open-air celebration. Even if you’re not a motorsport fan, you’ll feel the energy everywhere.

How many days in Singapore

3 to 4 days in Singapore is ideal. Personally, I spent 4 full days here and it gave me enough time to see the city’s highlights without feeling rushed.

If you have 5 to 6 days, you can explore at a more relaxed pace, add lesser-known attractions like Pulau Ubin or the Southern Ridges Trail, and enjoy more of the city’s food scene.

Getting to Singapore

By air: Singapore’s main gateway is Changi Airport (SIN), one of the world’s most awarded airports. It’s located about 20 km (12 miles) or a 20–25 minute drive from the city center. Once you land, you can take a taxi, airport shuttle, or MRT (metro) directly into town.

By bus: If you’re traveling from Malaysia, several companies run daily buses from Kuala Lumpur, Malacca, or Johor Bahru to Singapore. The journey from Kuala Lumpur takes around 5-6 hours, depending on border traffic.

Getting around Singapore

Singapore’s transport system is one of the best in the world! It is fast, clean, and efficient.

• MRT (Metro): The easiest way to get around, as trains cover most attractions.
• Buses: Reliable and air-conditioned, great for shorter routes. You can also explore the city easily with a Hop-On Hop-Off Bus Pass.
• Taxis & Ride Apps: Grab and Gojek are affordable for direct trips.
• Walking: Central areas like Marina Bay and Chinatown are very walkable.
• Cycling: Rent bikes via SG Bike or Anywheel for park and waterfront trails.

Is Singapore worth visiting?

Absolutely! Singapore is a one-of-a-kind blend of modern city life, big green parks and jungle escapes; you can try food from around the world and explore different cultural districts, and all of this in a single day.

Singapore is clean, safe, and easy to navigate. No matter if you’re planning a short stopover or a longer stay, Singapore is a destination absolutely worth visiting.

Best time to visit Singapore

Singapore is a year-round destination, with a warm tropical climate averaging (77-90°F) (25-32°C).

In my opinion, the best time to visit Singapore is during the shoulder months of February to April and July to September. During these periods, the weather is warm and relatively dry, with fewer heavy rain showers than at other times of the year.

Planning a trip to Singapore?

Singapore is a city where cultures, cuisines, and skylines collide. A place where futuristic architecture meets lush gardens, and hawker stalls sit steps away from Michelin-starred dining.

Keep exploring with our other Singapore guides to find the best things to do, where to stay, and everything you need to plan your trip to this vibrant city-state.