In this article, I discuss best things to do Singapore. Welcome to Singapore, a dazzling city-state that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity. Known for its towering skyscrapers, vibrant cultural heritage, and lush green spaces, Singapore offers an array of attractions and experiences for every type of traveler. This article serves as an extensive guide to the best things to do in Singapore, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this dynamic destination.
Best Things to Do Singapore
Welcome to Singapore, the vibrant city-state that never ceases to amaze! Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor, Singapore offers a plethora of activities and attractions that cater to all interests. From its futuristic skyline to its rich cultural tapestry, there's something for everyone in this Lion City. So, why is Singapore a must-visit destination? Let's dive in and explore the best things to do in this dynamic metropolis.
1. Impressed by the architecture of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
A hallmark statue of the Chinatown precinct is the monumental Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Wander inside its majestic Tang Dynasty-inspired exterior and observe monks and devotees in religious procession.
Address: 288 South Bridge Road
2. Explore Singapore's Southern Ridge
Stretch those legs as you explore the luscious flora and fauna of Singapore's Southern Ridges. Start from the vantage point of Mount Faber with stellar views of the city from Henderson Waves and descend toward Hort Park. Looking for more intense leg work? Extend your trek to Kent Ridge Park.
3. Go on a heritage tour of Little India
Wander the narrow lanes, explore the various temples spread across the border, visit the bustling Tekka Bazaar and work up an appetite for delicious dosai or fish head curry. Indie Singapore has free walking tours that take you down back alleys and side streets that uncover hidden gems and dying trades.
4. Visit a 24-hour shopping center with everything
Even if you don't want to buy anything, a visit to the Mustafa Center is an interesting experience. The giant maze-like field has everything from drones to gold jewelry, baby nappies and fresh fruit. If you can think of buying something, chances are, it's at the Mustafa Center.
Address: 145 Syed Alvi Ra
5. Walk through the Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens hosts free events throughout the year such as musical performances and heritage walks.
In 2016, Singapore's oldest garden became the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the sprawling green spaces in the heart of the city and enjoy numerous activities from vigorous jogs to relaxing family picnics, dog walking and even bird watching.
Address: 1 Cluny Road
6. Enjoy the light display at Gardens by the Bay
You have to pay to enter the conservatory at Gardens by the Bay but you don't have to spend anything to check out one of Singapore's most iconic attractions - the Supertree Grove. There is a sound and light show every evening at 7.45 pm.
Address: 18 Marina Garden Drive
7. See a drive-in movie for free
Movies under the stars? Free popcorn? Drive-in movies? Yes, we are seriously dead. From the open fields of Tanjung Rhu to the green lawns of the Botanic Gardens, Movie Mob shows a free movie every fortnight. Visit FB page for latest updates.
8. Go farming in Kranji village
Experience the slow side at one of Singapore's few remaining farms. Take a stroll through Bollywood Veggie and reconnect with nature or take the kids to see the goats at Hay Dairy.
9. Visit an urban farm downtown
Pioneering urban farming, ComCrop is Singapore's first commercial rooftop farming company. Once a month, ComCrop hosts a free farm tour that gives you an inside look into the environmentally sustainable climate-controlled areas of hydroponic technology. Each tour group is capped at 25 pax so be sure to book your spot in advance.
Address: #04-01 *Scape, 2 Orchard Link
10. Admire the neo-Gothic architecture of St. Andrew's Cathedral
Located near City Hall MRT, Singapore's largest cathedral is a must-see landmark. Step back in time and admire the architectural beauty of the Anglican Church, which was used as an emergency hospital during World War II.
Address: 11 St Andrew's Road
11. Tour the official residence of the President of Singapore
The Istana may be the official residence of the President of Singapore, but none of the presidents have lived there except Yusuf Ishaq. In this article, I discuss best things to do Singapore.
Plan to visit one of the Istana's open houses on major public holidays throughout the year. Celebrate these important events with free performances on the Istana grounds and learn about life at the Presidential Palace with guided tours.
Address: 35 Orchard Road
12. Visit a real fire station
Perfect for the young ones who get up early on a Saturday morning. Some SCDF fire stations offer open houses every Saturday from 9am to 11am. Learn about the life of a firefighter and watch them slide down the sliding pole.
13. Read your fortune
Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple, built in 1884, still attracts large crowds of locals today. If you're going there, try the divination stick, a form of fortune-telling that devotees claim is particularly accurate at this temple. Kneel before the Goddess of Mercy while holding the cylinder of the stick between your palms. Whisper your question, and shake the cylinder until a stick hits the floor. Take that stick to the person in charge and you'll receive a divination slip, which gives a short (and cryptic) answer to your question.
Address: 178 Waterloo Street
14. Get up close to wildlife at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Not far from the city center lies this treasured find in a wetland reserve. Home to many species of animals and birds that thrive off the land, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for otters, monitor lizards, mud lobsters, tree-climbing crabs. Climb the 18-metre tall aerial tower and you might be lucky enough to spot migratory birds like the Pacific Golden Plover and the Common Greenshank.
Address: 301 Neo Tew Crescent
15. Take a romantic sunset stroll
Stretching about 2.2 km along the coastline, the Changi Point Coastal Walk is an easy water ride. The boardwalk takes you down to the water where you might be lucky enough to spot anglers casting their lines. In this article, I discuss best things to do Singapore.
Address: 7A Gosport Road
16. Read Underprivileged Children
At KidsREAD, a National Library Board initiative, volunteers come for an hour each week to read to young underprivileged children from all walks of life. If you share the same ideals of promoting a love of reading and a strong command of language, the program is always in need of volunteers.
Address: 100 Victoria Street
17. Volunteer at the SPCA
Love pets? Lend a hand at an animal shelter — The SPCA is always in need of volunteers to clean and care for animals. Remember that this is not a trivial matter, and passion and commitment as a volunteer is valuable.
Address: 50 Sungei Tenga Road
18. Admire the preserved shophouses along the Singapore River
From fishing village to Southeast Asian trading port, Singapore's rivers have changed rapidly in appearance and significance. Follow Indie Singapore's free three-hour tour and enjoy travel stories from the Bay Area.
19. Take on a burger challenge
It may seem blasphemous that a "free meal" can arise from a game of overindulgence. But here at The Beast, the folks put deliciousness on their subject — a holy triumvirate of meats, buttermilk fried chicken, pulled pork and jumbo beef patties between buns. Conquer it and walk away with no tabs and an exploding belly.
Address: 17 Jalan Klapa
20. Drink for free at Changi Airport
Some of the best things in life are available to the curious in the form of free and complimentary samples and tastings at the DFS wine and spirits booth at Changi Airport. Taste some of the world's best and most exclusive wines.
21. Immerse yourself in Peranakan culture at Katong Antique House
Located east of Singapore is Katong Antique House where the owner and fourth generation Peranakan, Mr. Peter Wee shares his knowledge of the precious Creole culture. Scout through the collection of intricate ornaments, clothing and furniture and learn about this fascinating culture.
Address: 208 East Coast Road
22. Get cultured with free concerts in the park
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra often hosts free concerts in the garden to make classical music more accessible to everyone. Gather your family and friends, bring a mat, throw a picnic together and enjoy a round-up musical performance in the green nature.
23. Learn how cemeteries are an important form of heritage in Bukit Brown
Most travelers don't know that much of Singapore, including Orchard Road, is built on old cemeteries. Bukit Brown is one of the last remaining, though it is slated to pave the way for economic development. While it's still around, it's worth a self-guided walking tour created by the Singapore Heritage Society.
Established in 1922 as a burial ground for the Chinese, Bukit Brown offers an intimate glimpse into Singapore's history. The walk will guide you to the graves of people who have contributed significantly to the development of the city. Along the way, you'll learn more about ornate tomb designs and details that give you clues as to where the person buried came from.
Address: 36C Lorong Halwa
24. Visit the world's only Louis Vuitton boutique on water
There are three ways to enter the Louis Vuitton Island Maison — through an underwater tunnel that connects to the main shopping area of Marina Bay Sands, via an outdoor bridge or, for dramatic effect, by boat. However you get there, take time to explore the nautical-inspired space.
25. Visit Singapore's oldest Chinese temple, Thean Hock Keng Temple
It might be hard to imagine but Telok Ayer Street is Singapore's main coastline — the sea rises right where the temple sits. Thean Hock Keng is one of Singapore's oldest temples for a reason - it served the earliest Chinese immigrants who sought to thank the temple's presiding deity Mazu (goddess of the sea) for their safe arrival.
Address: 158 Telok Iyer Street
26. Take your shot for the village at Fort Canning
If you're alone, ask the person behind you to help you take your picture — everyone's there for the same reason.
To get there, exit Dhobi Ghat MRT station and walk towards Park Mall. Take the underpass connecting Fort Canning Road and Penang Road and join the queue of people waiting to climb the spiral staircase. In this article, I discuss best things to do Singapore.
27. Go on a wild ride on any of the 26 slides at Admiralty Park
The largest park in Singapore's northern region is home to the largest number of slides of any park in the city. There are three play areas for children of different ages. Adults can join in on the fun too — take the 23-metre long tube slide or The Curved Roller Slide, a 34-metre long outdoor slide.
Address: 6A Admiralty Road
28. Win a full 3.2kg Chicken Rice
If you're into competitive eating games, here's a challenge you can consider with a bonus that allows you to stumble upon free food. The goal is to conquer 3.2 kg of chicken rice in 289 Jiang Jie Roasted Delight under 40 minutes. We hope you came hungry.
Address: #01-60, Blk 20 Ghim Moh Road
29. Take a photo at Singapore's other Merlions
Forget jostling with tourist crowds at Merlion Park. There are other parts of Singapore where you can get a photo with the famous Merlion. There is one at the highest point of Mount Faber but one that is completely free for tourists can be found at the car park entrance from Blk 216 to Blk 220 of Ang Mo Kio Avenue 1.
30. Relax in Singapore's most beautiful library
Curved white bookshelves, bamboo flooring and a distinctly sleek and clean aesthetic make Library@Orchard look more like a design lifestyle store than a public library. Take a seat in the single-seater reading cocoons on the second floor and marvel at the idea of being in the heart of such tranquil Orchard Road.
Address: #03-12/#04-11, 277 Orchard Road, Orchard Gateway
31. Go to Hell in How Per Villa
Definitely one of the most offbeat things you can do in Singapore, Hao Per Villa is a theme park best known for its 10 Courts of Hell exhibit based on Chinese beliefs. Walk through kitschy dioramas and sculptures depicting punishments like having your tongue cut out or thrown into a volcanic crater for lying. It may not be Disneyland but a visit will be unforgettable.
Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road
32. Visit the SAFTI Military Institute
Apart from the SAFTI Military Institute bus tour, the Singapore Discovery Center has many interesting exhibits where you can learn more about Singapore's story. In this article, I discuss best things to do Singapore.
Departing from the Singapore Discovery Center on Tuesdays to Sundays, explore the 88-hectare training grounds for officers from the tri-services of the Singapore Armed Forces by bus; Army, Navy and Air Force.
33. Visit Little Guilin at Bukit Batok Town Park
Bukit Batok translates to "cough hill" and was named after the sound of the granite quarries exploding. In this article, I discuss best things to do Singapore.
Formerly a decommissioned granite quarry, the nature park is now prized for its jagged granite outcrops that contrast with the green hills that make it resemble the rock formations of Guilin, China.
Address: Bukit Batok East Avenue 5
34. Walk in the footsteps of British governors at Fort Canning Park
History buffs will appreciate a trip to Fort Canning Park where landmarks like the 19th century cannons and Fort Gate will take you back to the days when the hills were the first residences of British governors in charge of the newly discovered territory.
35. Enjoy a free concert at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music
One of Asia's most exciting international conservatories, NUS's Yong Siew Tow Conservatory of Music is fast gaining a reputation for its impressive outreach efforts to promote music-making. The conservatory occasionally hosts visiting international artists who perform classical music in the 573-seat concert hall.
Address: 3 Conservatory Drive
36. Conquer Singapore's highest mountain
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is home to about 40 percent of Singapore's native flora and fauna. In this article, I discuss best things to do Singapore.
Part of the Central Catchment Nature Reserve, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is located on the slopes of Bukit Timah Hill, which is 163.63 meters tall. Feel free to chat with other hikers — you're likely to meet people who are training to climb mountains abroad.
Address: Hindade Drive
37. Have a picnic at Marina Barrage
Head to the Marina Barrage rooftop — a wide open space the size of four football fields with panoramic views of the Singapore city skyline. If you're interested, you can also visit the Sustainable Singapore Gallery where you can learn about the country's ongoing efforts to tackle environmental and water issues.
Address: 8 Marina Garden Drive
38. Catch an outdoor movie
Be My Movie Kaki aims to nurture the kampung spirit by bringing back the days before outdoor movie screenings. A 7.2-meter-long lorry stops at nearby parks, city centers and common spaces and opens a huge LED screen on the side of the lorry that shows movies. Check its Facebook page for its screening schedule.
39. Walk along An Siang Road
Singapore's last remaining water well behind the main block of shophouses on Ann Siang Road. In earlier days, water was drawn from these wells and transported to Chinatown by bullock carts.
You may recognize An Siang Road from the movie Crazy Rich Asians, but this charming street is more than just a bunch of cute shops, bars and restaurants. Look for some of the last remaining active House Clan Associations — they were set up to help early immigrants who were new to a foreign land connect with other people.
40. Visit one of the city's most iconic Brutalist beauties before leaving
Singapore has its fair share of glitzy buildings like Marina Bay Sands and the Esplanade, but among all these impressive structures is the brutalist building of the 70s - a style of buildings known for its stark simplicity and concrete-heavy and rigid structure. Many of these buildings have been demolished to make way for new buildings so be sure to admire one of the most iconic buildings of the era while it still exists — the People's Park complex.
Address: 1 Park Road
FAQs
What is the best way to get around Singapore?
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system is the most efficient way to travel around Singapore. Buses and taxis are also readily available.
Are there any free attractions in Singapore?
Yes, there are several free attractions such as the Spectra light and water show, Supertree Grove light show, and the various gardens and parks.
What local dishes should I try in Singapore?
Some must-try local dishes include Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, char kway teow, and chili crab. Visit a hawker centre for an authentic experience.
Is Singapore safe for tourists?
Singapore is known for its safety and low crime rates. It's generally very safe for tourists, but always exercise common sense and take usual precautions.
When is the best time to visit Gardens by the Bay?
Gardens by the Bay is beautiful year-round, but visiting in the late afternoon allows you to enjoy the indoor conservatories first and then catch the Supertree Grove light show in the evening.
Conclusion
Singapore is a city that truly has it all – from towering skyscrapers to lush gardens, thrilling adventures to serene retreats, and rich cultural experiences to modern attractions. Whether you're here for a short visit or an extended stay, there's always something new to discover. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the best that Singapore has to offer!
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