Singapore packs an incredible amount into its small island.
You’ll find futuristic gardens, historic neighborhoods, world-class attractions, and some of the best food on the planet.
Whether you’re here for a quick stopover or a week-long adventure, these 17 experiences showcase the best of what Singapore has to offer.
I’ve put them together to help you make the most of your time in Singapore. 😊
1. Gardens by the Bay
This is Singapore at its most spectacular. Gardens by the Bay isn’t just a park. It’s a futuristic wonderland where nature meets cutting-edge design.
The outdoor gardens are free to explore from early morning until late at night. But the ticketed attractions inside are what make this place truly special.
a. Must-See Highlights
Cloud Forest hits you with cool mist the moment you walk in. You’ll see the world’s tallest indoor waterfall cascading 35 meters through tropical plants. Take the elevator up, then wind your way down through the Cloud Walk.
Starting May 29, 2025, Jurassic World takes over with life-sized animatronic dinosaurs throughout the conservatory.
Flower Dome feels like eternal spring. As the world’s largest glass greenhouse, it showcases plants from five continents. The central flower field changes with the seasons, so there’s always something new blooming.
b. The Famous Supertrees
These vertical gardens tower up to 50 meters high. During the day, they’re impressive. At night, they’re magical.
Don’t miss the free Garden Rhapsody light show at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM daily. Find a spot on the lawn, lie back, and watch the trees dance to music.
For views, walk the OCBC Skyway (suspended 22 meters up between two Supertrees) or head to the Supertree Observatory on top of the tallest one for 360-degree views.
c. Getting There
- Nearest MRT: Gardens by the Bay Station or Bayfront Station
- From Gardens by the Bay MRT: Exit 1 (9-minute walk)
- From Bayfront MRT: Exit B, follow signs through underground linkway (10-15 minute walk)
Pro tip: Start at the conservatories in the afternoon when it’s hottest outside, then explore the outdoor gardens as the sun sets.
2. Marina Bay Sands
You can’t miss those three towers topped by what looks like a ship. Marina Bay Sands defines Singapore’s skyline.
This isn’t just a hotel. It’s a complete destination with restaurants, shopping, art, and those famous views from the top.
a. SkyPark Observation Deck
Take the elevator up 56 floors for the best panoramic view in Singapore. You’ll see everything: the bay, Gardens by the Bay, the busy port, and the entire city stretching to the horizon.
The infinity pool? That’s for hotel guests only. But the observation deck gives you the same incredible views.
b. The Shoppes and More
The mall here goes beyond regular shopping. Look for these unique features:
- Indoor canal with sampan boat rides through the mall
- Digital Light Canvas by teamLab (interactive art where digital fish swim under your feet)
- ArtScience Museum next door, shaped like a lotus flower
Celebrity chef restaurants fill the complex. This is where Singapore’s high-rollers come to eat and play.
c. Getting There
- Nearest MRT: Bayfront Station
- Exit D lead directly into The Shoppes
- You’re already inside the complex once you exit the station
3. Spectra Light & Water Show
Here’s a Singapore secret: one of the best shows in town is completely free.
Spectra transforms the Marina Bay waterfront every night with fountains, lasers, and projections telling Singapore’s story. The 15-minute show runs:
- Sunday to Thursday: 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM
- Friday and Saturday: 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM, and 10:00 PM
a. Best Viewing Spots
Stand at the Event Plaza in front of Marina Bay Sands for the full effect. You’ll feel the mist from the fountains.
Want a different view? Watch from Merlion Park across the bay. You’ll see the entire show with Marina Bay Sands as the backdrop.
b. Perfect Evening Plan
Here’s how to see two light shows in one night:
- Watch Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay (7:45 PM)
- Walk across the bridge to Marina Bay Sands (15 minutes)
- Catch Spectra at 9:00 PM
c. Getting There
- Nearest MRT: Bayfront Station
- Exit D through The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
- Walk through the mall to the waterfront Event Plaza (4 minutes)
4. Jewel Changi Airport
Even if you’re not flying, Jewel is worth the trip to the airport. This isn’t a regular terminal. It’s an attraction that happens to be at an airport.
The HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, drops 40 meters through the center of the glass dome. It’s free to see and absolutely mesmerizing.
At night (Monday to Thursday: 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM; Friday to Sunday: 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM, and 10:00 PM), the waterfall transforms into a stunning canvas for a light and sound show.
a. Canopy Park Adventures
Level 5 has the paid attractions (tickets required):
- Canopy Bridge: Glass-floored section 23 meters above ground
- Bouncing nets suspended in the air
- Hedge and mirror mazes
- Discovery Slides that double as art installations
b. Getting There
- MRT: Changi Airport Station
- The station is in the basement between Terminals 2 and 3
- Follow signs to Jewel via Level 2 link bridges from Terminal 3
- Walking time: 7-10 minutes from MRT
Insider tip: Jewel has over 280 shops and restaurants. The basement food court offers affordable local food if you want to eat like a local.
5. Rainforest Wild Asia
Opened March 2025, this isn’t your typical zoo. Rainforest Wild Asia lets animals roam freely while you explore on elevated walkways, forest trails, and through caves.
You’ll spot 36 animal species in their natural habitats. Small-clawed otters might cross your path. Malayan tigers lounge near waterfalls below your walkway.
a. Choose Your Adventure Level
- Elevated walkways: Easy and accessible for everyone
- Forest treks: Scramble over logs and boulders for the full jungle experience
- The Cavern: 220-meter cave system with bats and blind cave fish
- Adventure activities (extra fees): Via ferrata climbing, cave exploration, canopy jumping
b. Getting There
- MRT: Khatib Station, Exit A
- Take the Mandai Khatib Shuttle (S$2.50, every 15 minutes)
- Journey time: 15-20 minutes to park entrance
Heads up: Wear good walking shoes and bring water. This is an active experience, not a leisurely stroll.
6. Bird Paradise
Asia’s largest bird park houses 3,500 birds from 400 species. But numbers don’t tell the whole story.
Eight massive walk-through aviaries recreate different world habitats. You’re not looking at birds through glass. You’re walking through their world.
a. Can’t-Miss Zones
- Heart of Africa: Dense rainforest with the prehistoric-looking Shoebill
- Crimson Wetlands: South American habitat with scarlet macaws flying overhead
- Penguin Cove: Four penguin species in a multi-level Antarctic environment
Don’t skip the bird shows at Sky Amphitheatre. Birds of prey soar inches above your head.
b. Getting There
Same route as Rainforest Wild Asia:
- MRT: Khatib Station, Exit A
- Mandai Khatib Shuttle to Bird Paradise
- Both parks are next to each other, so you could do both in one very full day
7. Chinatown
Chinatown balances perfectly between preserving history and staying relevant. Colorful shophouses line the streets. The smell of incense mixes with sizzling wok hei from the hawker centers.
a. Cultural Treasures
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple amazes even non-religious visitors. Four stories of Tang Dynasty architecture house a sacred tooth relic in 320kg of gold. The rooftop garden offers unexpected tranquility.
Sri Mariamman Temple (Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple) sits right in Chinatown. The carved entrance tower depicts hundreds of colorful deities. Yes, a Hindu temple in Chinatown. That’s Singapore for you.
The street market on Pagoda Street sells everything. Some of it’s touristy, but you’ll find genuine treasures if you look carefully.
b. Food Paradise
Head straight to:
- Maxwell Food Centre: Home of the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
- Chinatown Complex: 200+ stalls including Michelin-starred hawker food
c. Getting There
- MRT: Chinatown Station
- Exit A puts you right on Pagoda Street in the heart of the action
8. Little India
Little India assaults your senses in the best possible way. Bollywood music spills from shops. Jasmine garlands perfume the air. Every surface seems painted in vivid colors.
a. Essential Stops
Tekka Centre shows you real Singapore life. Downstairs, you’ll find a wet market and hawker center with fresh produce, spices, and tasty Indian food. Upstairs, there are shops selling clothes, fabrics, and other everyday items.
Mustafa Centre is legendary. This 24-hour department store sells absolutely everything at rock-bottom prices. Getting lost in its maze-like aisles is part of the experience.
b. Instagram Gold
The House of Tan Teng Niah (a rainbow-painted Chinese villa from 1900) might be Singapore’s most photographed building. It’s the last Chinese villa in Little India, making it even more special.
c. Getting There
- MRT: Little India Station
- Exit E leads to Tekka Centre and Buffalo Road
Best time to visit: Come during Deepavali (October/November) when the entire district lights up with decorations.
9. Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam perfectly captures modern Singapore. The golden-domed Sultan Mosque anchors a neighborhood where traditional carpet shops share streets with hipster cafes and indie boutiques.
a. Haji Lane
This narrow alley became Singapore’s coolest street. Colorful murals cover the shophouses. Independent boutiques sell local designer clothes. At night, bars spill onto the lane with live music.
b. Arab Street Traditions
Traditional perfume shops let you blend custom scents. Carpet merchants still sell Persian rugs like their ancestors did. Textile shops overflow with batik and silk.
For food, try nasi padang at Hjh Maimunah or the legendary murtabak at Singapore Zam Zam.
c. Getting There
- MRT: Bugis Station
- Exit E, walk 5 minutes down Victoria Street
- You’ll see the Sultan Mosque’s golden dome as you approach
10. Clarke Quay & Boat Quay
These riverside districts transformed from old warehouses into Singapore’s nightlife capital. But they’re worth visiting any time of day.
a. Day vs Night
During the day: Quiet riverside walks, historic architecture, museums nearby
After dark: The party starts. Clarke Quay’s colorful canopies shelter dozens of bars and clubs. Boat Quay offers more relaxed riverside dining with spectacular views of the financial district.
The newly refreshed Clarke Quay now has three zones:
- The Riverfront: Pet-friendly dining
- The Warehouses: Lifestyle shops
- The Circuit: High-energy entertainment
b. Beyond the Bars
Take a Singapore River Cruise from here (more on that later). Or try the G-Max Reverse Bungy if you want your heart in your throat.
c. Getting There
- For Clarke Quay: Clarke Quay Station, Exit C
- For Boat Quay: Raffles Place Station, Exit H
11. Singapore Flyer
Asia’s largest observation wheel takes you 165 meters up for unmatched 360-degree views. The 30-minute rotation gives you time to spot everything.
On clear days, you can see Malaysia and Indonesia in the distance.
a. Enhance Your Flight
- Time Capsule (included): Journey through Singapore’s history before you board
- Singapore Sling Experience: Sip the famous cocktail while you soar
- Sky Dining: Four-course dinner in a private capsule (special occasions only)
c. Getting There
- MRT: Promenade Station
- Exit A, for 8-minute walk
Best time: Book a ride just before sunset. You’ll see the city in daylight, sunset, and lights in one rotation.
12. Merlion Park
Yes, it’s touristy. Yes, you still need to go.
The Merlion statue (lion head, fish body) symbolizes Singapore’s evolution from fishing village to Lion City. Everyone takes that photo pretending to drink the water stream. Just embrace it.
a. More Than a Photo Op
The park offers the best free view of Marina Bay. You’ll see:
- Marina Bay Sands perfectly framed
- The entire bay skyline
- A great vantage point for the Spectra show
Look for the smaller “Merlion cub” nearby for photos without crowds.
b. Getting There
- MRT: Raffles Place Station
- Exit B or H, walk toward Fullerton Hotel
- Walking time: 10 minutes
13. Universal Studios Singapore
Southeast Asia’s only Universal Studios brings movies to life on Sentosa Island. Seven themed zones pack serious thrills into a compact park.
a. Thrill Seeker Essentials
- Battlestar Galactica: World’s tallest dueling coasters (choose human or Cylon)
- Revenge of the Mummy: High-speed indoor coaster in total darkness
- Transformers: Mind-blowing 3D motion simulator
The new Minion Land just opened with Despicable Me attractions.
b. Beyond the Rides
- WaterWorld show: Hollywood-quality stunts with real explosions
- Character meet-and-greets throughout the day
- Themed dining in every zone
c. Getting There
- MRT: HarbourFront Station, Exit E
- Enter VivoCity mall, go to Level 3
- Take Sentosa Express monorail to Resorts World Station
- Total journey: 20 minutes from downtown
Read More: 3 Best Ways to Get to Universal Studios Singapore
14. Singapore Oceanarium
This isn’t just an aquarium. The Singapore Oceanarium takes you through the ocean’s entire story, from ancient seas to the mysterious abyss.
a. Immersive Journey
Travel through six themed zones exploring ocean evolution. The massive Open Ocean habitat makes you feel like you’re walking on the ocean floor with manta rays gliding overhead.
Interactive technology enhances everything. Digital experiences show climate change impacts. The app adds layers of information as you explore.
b. Special Experiences
- Dolphin encounters with animal specialists
- Dive programs for certified divers (swim with sharks!)
- Educational feeding sessions throughout the day
c. Getting There
Same as Universal Studios:
- MRT to HarbourFront, then Sentosa Express to Resorts World Station
15. Sentosa Sensoryscape
This free attraction opened recently, connecting Sentosa’s beaches to its hilltop attractions through sensory gardens.
By day, it’s a beautiful elevated walkway. By night (7:30 PM to 9:15 PM), it transforms with the ImagiNite experience. Digital projections, lights, and augmented reality turn the gardens into an enchanted forest.
a. Six Sensory Gardens
- Lookout Loop: Panoramic island views
- Symphony Streams: Water features that become digital oceans at night
- Scented Sphere: Fragrant plants and perfume mists
- Tactile Trellis: Plants you’re encouraged to touch
- Glow Garden: Illuminated flower sculptures
- Palate Playground: Food-inspired art
Download the free ImagiNite app for AR features that bring mythical creatures to life.
b. Getting There
Two entry points via Sentosa Express:
- North entrance: Imbiah Station (2 stops from HarbourFront)
- South entrance: Beach Station (3 stops from HarbourFront)
Read More: How to Get to Sentosa Island (3 Best Transport Options)
16. Singapore River Cruise
A 40-minute bumboat ride shows you Singapore from its historic waterway. These modern versions of old cargo boats provide a peaceful escape from street level.
a. What You’ll See
Starting from Clarke Quay, you’ll float past:
- Colorful shophouses of Boat Quay
- Colonial buildings and historic bridges
- Fullerton Hotel (1920s post office)
- Merlion Park
- Marina Bay’s futuristic skyline
Commentary explains the history as you cruise.
b. Timing Your Cruise
Sunset cruises offer the best of both worlds. You see the city in daylight, then watch it light up.
Some evening cruises position themselves to watch the 8 PM or 9 PM Spectra show from the water.
c. Getting There
- Main departure: Clarke Quay
- MRT: Clarke Quay Station, Exit C
- Multiple jetties allow hop-on, hop-off options
17. Orchard Road
Singapore’s shopping paradise stretches 2.5 kilometers with malls connected by underground passages. Even if you don’t shop, the people-watching and food make it worthwhile.
a. Mall Highlights
- ION Orchard: Luxury brands plus ION Sky observation deck on level 56
- Design Orchard: 90+ local Singapore designers under one roof
- Takashimaya: Japanese department store with incredible food basement
- 313@Somerset: Popular with younger crowds for trendy fashion and entertainment
b. Hidden Gems
Step off the main road onto Emerald Hill. This preserved street of colorful shophouses now houses intimate bars perfect for escaping the crowds.
The street transforms during Christmas (November to January) with spectacular light displays that draw crowds from across Asia.
c. Getting There
Three MRT stations serve different sections:
- Orchard Station, Exit 5: For ION Orchard and luxury malls
- Somerset Station, Exit B: Direct access to 313@Somerset and Orchard Gateway
All stations connect directly to malls, so you’re shopping the moment you exit.
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Photo Credit:
Photos by PIXTA