Are you looking for the best places to visit in Singapore? This list is your ultimate guide to everything in this amazing city!
Singapore is truly a modern marvel, and it’s one of the most exciting, interesting and diverse cities in the world. There something to do here for every kind of visitor, from foodies and backpackers, to families and honeymooners. It’s a city with a bit of everything, for everyone, and there are so many places to visit in Singapore that you’re bound to love.
If you’ve never been to this metropolis, I’ve curated a list of some of my favourite places to visit in Singapore. It’s impossible to fit all my recommendation for places to visit in Singapore into a list of just 15, but here are my absolute favourites that are sure to please even the pickiest tourist!
Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
First on my list of places to visit in Singapore, it’s the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark. Marina Bay Sands is the huge hotel at the heart of Singapore’s skyline – which looks like it has a cruise shop balanced on top. It’s a pretty amazing place, and there is a lot to do there. The first thing you’ll want to do is head up to the top of their observation deck, called the Sky Park. There are incredible views from up there, and it’s a brilliant place to soak in the skyline and take some amazing photos.
You can book skip-the-line tickets to the SkyPark by clicking here.
Marina Bay Sands Casino
We told you there was a lot to do in Marina Bay Sands! If you’re up for a gamble, try your hand at any one of the casino tables or games machines in Marina Bay Sands’ massive casino. If you like this kind of night out, then it’s definitely one of the best places to visit in Singapore.
Stretching over four levels of Marina Bay Sands’ shopping centre and with free entry for foreigners, there’s no harm in exploring. If you’re not one for gambling, never fear! This massive complex also houses a myriad of restaurants and more shopping than you could ever imagine! With a fabulous view across the bay, this otherworldly place has something for everyone.
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is my next choice on this list of places to visit in Singapore. This place is all about sheer wow-factor. A huge park in the middle of the bay area, it’s architecture like nothing I’ve ever seen. With tree-like structures that double as amazing skywalks, you get a comprehensive view of the Bay Area in the presence of Singapore’s finest natural offerings.
Not only does Gardens by the Bay function as a fantastic park, but it has two fabulous domes filled with different plants from around the world. The Flower Dome lets visitors discover hundreds of foreign plant species, whilst the Cloud Dome provides a detailed look into the world’s rainforests. Definitely one of the most un-missable places to visit in Singapore.
You can book ticket to Gardens by the Bay by clicking here.
Singapore Zoo/ Night Safari
Next on my list of places to visit in Singapore, it’s the zoo and night safari. I’ve lobbed these two together as they’re so closely linked geographically. I must admit though, they’re worlds apart in the terms of the animals that you can spot. Singapore’s Night Safari and world-leading Zoo are phenomenal glimpses into the animal kingdom.
With species that are rarely seen in the Asian wilderness, Singapore once again proves that it goes above and beyond with its places to visit. Whether you want to catch the Himalayan griffon vultures or the elusive White Tiger, I highly recommend a visit to both spots.
Click here to book tickets for Singapore Zoo.
Click here to book tickets for Singapore’s night safari.
Raffles Hotel
Call me old fashioned, but sometimes I just fancy a tipple in a grand colonial building. Raffles Hotel is one of the most historical and beautiful buildings in Singapore – and it’s a must-see. It’s perhaps Singapore’s most famous historic hotel, Raffles Hotel opened in 1887 if you’re interested! It is a luxury hotel smack-bang in the middle of the city, so it’s easy to find too. This is certainly one of the most glamorous places to visit in Singapore!
The cost to stay there is a bit eye-watering, but if you want to feel in with the in-crowd, how about ordering a Singapore Sling at the bar and admiring the internal architecture? I promise Singapore’s famous cocktail is not one to miss.
Asian Civilisations Museum
Next on my list of places to visit in Singapore, it’s this great museum. If you’re clamouring for more of Singapore’s colonial architecture after a visit to Raffles Hotel, I highly recommend the Asian Civilisations Museum. Billed as one of Singapore top places to visit by tourists, the Asian Civilisations Museum enlightens both tourists and locals on how multiculturalism has shaped the nation. If you want to take a deeper look at Singapore’s history, this is an absolute must.
Fort Canning
Another look into Singapore’s past comes in the form of Fort Canning park. I believe that this is genuinely one of Singapore’s top places to visit and is something of a hidden gem. Built in 1859, this was meant to act as a military stronghold, but these days the central building is mainly home to the performing arts and festivals.
You can bring a picnic to have on the green and spend the rest of your day seeing some of Singapore’s oldest relics. Fort Canning is the epicentre of Singapore’s cultural history and I highly recommend you pop it on your list of places to visit in Singapore.
Lau Pa Sat Market
If you’re a big fan of hawker food, you’ve got to check out Lau Pa Sat Market. Singapore is known for it’s amazing street food, so the hawker food courts make for top places to visit in Singapore. This particular market, amongst travellers, is widely regarded as one of the top places to visit in Singapore both for its historical prominence (it was built in 1894) and its superb food. One of the best places to visit in Singapore for food lovers!
Built in cast-iron and located in the heart of Singapore’s business district you’ve got endless choices for some grub. With a plethora of different cuisines to choose from, the foodie in me just can’t get enough of this one. Grab some famous satay or sample a delicious Nasi Lemak- you just can’t go wrong here.
Top tip! If you’re a bit of a foodie, then I definitely recommend booking yourself onto a Singapore food tour (click here for the tour I recommend!) because you’ll get to try LOADS of the best street food in the city and you’ll be shown all the best places to eat.
Sentosa Island
If you fancy a beach vacay as much as a trip to an urban paradise, look no further than Sentosa. This place will definitely make your list of places to visit in Singapore for a relaxed day out!
Sentosa is a purpose-built island in the south of Singapore and a hotspot for leisure activities and just generally fun stuff. With luging, cable cars and endless stretches of glistening sand, Singapore’s solution to the beach is one that I can get on board with. An internal monorail makes things super easy too. Just hop on at any one of the main stations within Sentosa and you can get around the island quicker than you can say Sentosa!
You can book tickets onto the cable car (which takes you over to Sentosa) by clicking here.
Merlion park
Merlion Park is my next addition to my list of places to visit in Singapore! If you want to have a good look at Singapore’s national symbol, look no further than Merlion Park. This is a must on our list of places to visit in Singapore as not only is it located in the heart of Singapore, but it’s simply an amazing monument.
Shooting water into the Singapore River, you get two amazing views from this statue. You can turn one way and see the bustling business district, or gaze across the bay to see Singapore’s mighty Marina Bay Sands.
Orchard Road
If you’ve come to Singapore to shop, you’re in luck. Much like London’s Oxford Street, Orchard Road is a retail paradise. With department stores and local boutiques nestled between international favourites, you could spend all day on this stretch of road. But that’s not all. Orchard’s bustling services industry means you can also get your hair done, get a pedicure or hit up one of its many entertainment spots. The choices really are endless here- just make sure you’ve got enough cash! This is one of the key places to visit in Singapore if you love shopping!
Botanic Gardens
Singapore’s Botanic Gardens are a firm favourite amongst locals and tourists and considered a fab place to visit in Singapore. Far removed from its urban neighbour Orchard Road, the Botanic Gardens act as a preservation area as well as a place for tourists to visit. Make sure to hit the National Orchid Garden if you take a trip here. As a tribute to Singapore’s national flower, it would be rude not to!
Singapore Flyer
Towering above Singapore is the Singapore Flyer (which just so happens to be the world’s largest observation wheel if you didn’t know!). With views that span the whole of Singapore, it’s an amazing place to visit day or night.
If you’re not satisfied with seeing Singapore from the ground, this panoramic experience will give you a fantastic bird’s eye view of Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore River, Marina Bay and more. This is a must-see place to visit in Singapore, especially if you want to see the city skyline!
Chinatown
Chinatown is a cultural mecca that brings you right to the heart of Singaporean culture. From authentic shophouses that mirror Singapore’s early beginnings to bright colours that are visible from every angle, this place is brimming with life. If you fancy a peek into Chinatown’s past, take a trip to the Chinese Heritage Centre.
If you want to further expand your cultural checklist, add on the Sri Mariammam Hindu temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic temple. Both landmarks are fully functional places of worship and an amazing look into the breadth of Singaporean culture. Generally considered to be one of the island’s most progressive neighbourhoods, this is a definitely one of the top places to visit in Singapore.
If you don’t know where to start exploring, I really recommend booking yourself onto a tour of the area! It’s a great way to make sure you see all the best bits! I recommend this tour as it include a walking tour, a boat ride, dinner and a trishaw ride too!
Clarke Quay
Next up on my list of places to visit in Singapore – it’s this nightlife hotspot!
If it’s Ladies Night and the feeling’s right, waltz on down to Clarke Quay. With dozens of fantastic deals for women every Wednesday, the girls amongst you would be silly not to take advantage of the amazing things on offer in Clarke Quay. But don’t fret guys, Clarke Quay is buzzing every night of the week. With daytime river cruises, historic bridges and bars galore, Clarke Quay is a picturesque place to grab a drink or three.
Universal Studios Singapore
For the fun loving and freewheeling amongst you, the next place on my list of places to visit in Singapore is going to be the one for you! A trip to Universal Studios Singapore surely wouldn’t go amiss. Though smaller than its Californian and Floridian counterparts, Universal Studios Singapore is a thematic wonderland that will please both young and older visitors.
Step into New York City, Madagascar, Ancient Egypt and other settings. If you’ve got little ones, don’t worry. There are amazing kid-friendly rides, with shopping and shows that are sure to appeal to all those who toddle.
Click here to book regular tickets for Universal Studios in Singapore.
Click here to book skip-the-line tickets for Universal Studios in Singapore.
Book an amazing hotel suite
Some of the best views in the city of Singapore can actually be found from the amazing hotel suites around the city. Booking a city view room in the Marina Bay Sands would be a pretty epic place to go in Singapore – even if you only splurged for one night in a luxury suite – it’d be so worth it! If you’re planning a romantic surprise or if you’re heading to Singapore for your honeymoon, then this is definitely one of the best places to visit in Singapore!
Take a river cruise
See the city’s skyline from a different perspective, and take a river cruise along Marina Bay. It’s a really lovely way to see the city’s skyline and buildings, and it’s a unique way to spend an afternoon or morning too! I recommend this boat tour of the marina, I like the traditional boat style and the route it takes!
The Jewel Waterfall
This incredible indoor waterfall actually located in Singapore airport, but it’s open to the general public too (even those without an airline ticket) you can click here to book tickets – it’s really affordable! It’s a truly spectacular sight to see – a huge cascading waterfall falling from the ceiling all the way into the ground, and it’s one of the tallest man-made waterfalls in the world.
The waterfall also has an amazing lifestyle hub of shops and restaurants surrounding it too – it’s beautiful and well worth a visit and definitely one of the best places to visit in Singapore!
Lazarus Island
Lazarus Island is a bit of a hidden gem in Singapore, and a little slice of paradise just waiting to be visited and enjoyed. It is nestled south of mainland Singapore, and is the perfect escape from the bustling city and urban landscape. It boasts the most breathtakingly beautiful surroundings, with a stunning beach and loads of picnic spots too.
The Helix Bridge
The Helix Bridge is our last suggestion on our list of places to visit in Singapore. It is a bit of an ‘instagram hot spot’ in Singapore, which is why it made our list of places to see in Singapore. You’ll find this unique and intriguing bridge in the Marina Bay area, trust us – it’s hard to miss it! It’s a pedestrian bridge which makes it perfect for snapping some great shots, and it’s lights up in the evening making it even more eye-catching!
I hope this list of places to see in Singapore is useful! Singapore is an amazing city to explore!
Singapore is so full of amazing things to do that there’s no way this list could cover everything. But I promise there will be something for everyone on this list of top places to visit in Singapore. Grab a camera and some sunglasses and start making a checklist, as Singapore’s culture is waiting!
