Singapore may be small, but there’s almost unlimited things to do here thanks to its great balance of city skylines, garden landscapes, and seaside views.
If you’re visiting for the first time, here are the best things to do in Singapore that should definitely be on your bucket list:
- 1. See the famous Merlion in person
- 2. Explore Sentosa Island
- 3. Go luging at Sentosa
- 4. Stroll along the Marina Bay Sands
- 5. Enjoy a slice of nature at Gardens by the Bay
- 6. Catch the sunset by the bay
- 7. Visit ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands
- 8. Shop ‘til you drop at The Shoppes
- 9. Ride the Singapore Flyer
- 10. Walk through the Helix Bridge
- 11. Visit Universal Studios Singapore
- 12. Eat and shop in Chinatown
- 13. Ride a cable car
- 14. Explore Haji Lane
- 15. Check out Little India
- 16. Have a gastronomical experience at Singapore’s Hawker centres
- 17. Marvel at the colourful houses at Joo Chiat Road
- 18. Cruise down the Seafarer's Channel
- 19. Check out Masjid Sultan at the historic Kampong Gelam
- 20. Explore Haw Par Villa
- 21. Be captivated by a light show
1. See the famous Merlion in person
An unmissable thing to do in Singapore is to visit the Merlion statue—a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. This national icon of Singapore pays homage to the nation’s humble beginnings as a fishing village!
2. Explore Sentosa Island
On the Southern coast of Singapore lies Sentosa Island, a treasure trove of attractions including rainforests, spas, resorts, and beaches that feel like paradise!
Bonus: if you're in Sentosa anytime between now 'til 2 January 2023, don't miss A Minion's Perspective Experience. This cool exhibition takes you through the minds of the adorable minions and has heaps of cute photo ops.
3. Go luging at Sentosa
You don’t need to be an Olympian to go luging in Sentosa, where you can feel the breeze as you race down four thrilling tracks. And get this, your tickets also include 2 rides on the Skyride to get to the top of the track!
4. Stroll along the Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands is the famous coast where the Merlion once stood (it’s now at Merlion Park), adorned by a gorgeous city skyline. A stroll at the iconic bay is one of the things to do in Singapore that you can’t miss!
5. Enjoy a slice of nature at Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is an iconic Singapore attraction with numerous waterfront gardens and conservatories that house diverse flora and fauna. Its standout attraction is the Super Tree Grove, which features a skywalk overlooking the gardens.
#Klooktip: keep your eyes peeled for Avatar: The Experience which will open on 28 October 2022. Cloud Forest at Garden's by the Bay will be transformed into an immersive walk-through of ethereal world of Avatar.
6. Catch the sunset by the bay
Looking for a free thing to do in Singapore? The harbour is the perfect spot to watch the sunset. You can see the sun sink beneath the gorgeous city skyline for a more relaxed evening in town!
7. Visit ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands
If you’re in Singapore with your kids, one of the best things to do in Singapore is going to the ArtScience Museum, which is also located in Marina Bay. This educational hub for art, science, and technology features a number of interactive exhibits that ignites all the senses.
8. Shop ‘til you drop at The Shoppes
Shopaholics will enjoy visiting The Shoppes, a famed shopping mall in Marina Bay sands with a slew of luxury brands, from clothing to jewellery. Treat yourself to the most luxurious shopping experience in town!
9. Ride the Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer is Asia’s largest observatory wheel. From one of its 28 air-conditioned capsules, you can go up to 165 metres above the ground to catch amazing views of the surrounding city and its famous destinations.
10. Walk through the Helix Bridge
Have a scenic walk through the unique structure that is the Helix Bridge, which connects parts of Marina Bay Sands. Fun fact: this architectural feat is inspired by the DNA double helix structure.
11. Visit Universal Studios Singapore
Similar to its counterparts around the world, Universal Studios Singapore brings movie magic to life with its attractions and rides. Meet all your favourite characters from Elmo to the minions of Despicable Me!
Find out more about Universal Studios Singapore with this guide:
12. Eat and shop in Chinatown
Singapore is brimming with diversity, with multiple cultural hubs for everyone to enjoy. These include Chinatown, a great place to enjoy amazing eats and shopping for clothes, crafts, and antiques.
13. Ride a cable car
Riding a cable car is a relaxing way to enjoy 360-degree views of the Singaporean landscapes until you reach Sentosa. It is said that no Singapore trip is complete without a ride!
Here’s #KlookTip: You can save up big time on admission to attractions by bundling them up with the Singapore attraction pass!
14. Explore Haji Lane
Haji Lane is a vibrant, colourful, and picturesque street in Singapore with amazing street art. It's hard to resist flocking to this street for IG-worthy photos.
15. Check out Little India
Celebrate Singapore’s diversity and visit Little India, which showcases the best of Indian culture. Our favourite part about Little India is the scrumptious Indian eats—including vegan dishes from South India and the tandoori dishes of North India!
16. Have a gastronomical experience at Singapore’s Hawker centres
Hawker centres are a must when going on food trips in Singapore, thanks to their array of cuisines and street food. Get ready to stuff yourself with Thai, Vietnamese, and even Costa Rican food!
17. Marvel at the colourful houses at Joo Chiat Road
Joo Chiat Road is home to quaint colourful houses, a lot of which are conserved structures from the early 1900s and part of a residential conservation project. Together with the multi-ethnic shops, these make for amazing photo op backdrops. It’s a must-visit if you’re looking to fill your camera rolls with amazing shots!
18. Cruise down the Seafarer's Channel
Sentosa Cove is located right at the tip of Sentosa Island and offers views of lush palm trees, lapping waves and yacht clubs. The best way to journey along the waters of Senotosa Cove and surrounds on a speedboat.
You can sail into a part of Singapore's history at the Seafarers' Channel and learn about the "Silk Road of the Sea", The Straits of Singapore and Sir Stamford Raffles' voyage.
19. Check out Masjid Sultan at the historic Kampong Gelam
Visit this Sultan Mosque, also known as Masjid Sultan, the stately centre for the Muslim community in Singapore. You can also check out the numerous cafes and shops that look straight out of the Middle East!
20. Explore Haw Par Villa
Do you dare to step inside the Courts of Hell?
Haw Par Villa is a cultural park packed with folklore and storied myths from one of the oldest existing cultures in the world and is famous for its realistic depictions of the Ten Courts of Hell from Chinese folklore.
21. Be captivated by a light show
Singapore hosts a slew of themed light shows. To watch these spectacular displays, all you have to do is hang out at famous attractions such as Marina Bay Sands, Gardens By the Bay, Sentosa and more.
Now that you have a bucket list for Singapore, you can start planning your trip. A #KlookTip for your preparation: you can book your airport transfer in Singapore conveniently on Klook!
But before building your bucket list, check out our guide to traveling to Singapore from Australia:
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