Places Of Interest In Singapore: Things To Do And Activities

In 1959, Singapore gained self-governance with the establishment of the State of Singapore within the British Empire. In 1963, Singapore joined Malaysia, but this union was short-lived. In 1965, Singapore declared independence from Malaysia, becoming a sovereign nation. Since then, the country has faced challenge after challenge, but their perseverance brings them to now, where they’re a modern first world country.

When it comes to Singapore, there’s literally always something to do around every corner. The country isn’t that big, and thus it’s dense with things to do. It’s practically impossible to go to Singapore and not have a great time discovering things, because no matter where you go, you’re bound to find something new. So, let’s get straight into the best places of interest in Singapore!

Places To Visit In Singapore: Attractions & Activities

There are some attractions in Singapore that you need to visit during your trip. Thanks to its small stature, it’s relatively easy to travel between attractions in Singapore. Thus, you owe it to yourself to check out all of these attractions, as they’re integral to the Singapore vacation experience. Don’t miss out on these incredible landmarks!

1. Marina Bay Sands

Of course, we have to include Marina Bay Sands on this list, no list of Singaporean attractions would be complete without it. The world-renowned resort offers a luxurious and iconic experience, with many different activities on offer. The SkyPark is a breathtaking rooftop oasis that offers panoramic views of the city skyline. Lower on the ground floor, the shopping mall offers a wide variety of luxury goods.

When nighttime comes, Marina Bay Sands lights up, revealing a vibrant nightlife scene. Rooftop bars make for phenomenal views, especially once the skyscrapers all light up the sky.

2. Gardens by the Bay

There is no better showcase of Singapore’s innovation and creativity than Gardens by the Bay. Walking along the Supertree Grove with its massive supertrees and plants is a breathtaking experience. The giant greenhouse showcases tons of different flora from around the world while staying cool and pleasant. Meanwhile, the Cloud Forest replicates the cool, tropical forest vibe with a stunning indoor waterfall and lush vegetation.

3. Merlion Park

Merlion Park is one of Singapore’s most recognizable landmarks, known for its statue of the Merlion—a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. It was originally designed as a symbol of Singapore’s identity as the “Lion City” and its maritime heritage. The park is situated at the mouth of the Singapore River, and the Esplanade Bridge provides a picturesque backdrop to the Merlion statue.

The Merlion and the surrounding area are beautifully illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere for an evening stroll. Regardless of timing, it remains a popular spot for both locals and tourists to capture memorable photographs with the cityscape in the background.

4. Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is a popular resort island located just off the southern coast of Singapore. One of the main highlights, Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park that features various movie-themed attractions. There’s also the S.E.A. Aquarium, one of the world’s largest aquariums, showcasing a stunning variety of marine life. Sentosa is home to several beautiful beaches, including Siloso Beach, Palawan Beach, and Tanjong Beach.

5. Raffles Hotel

One of the most famous landmark in Singapore, Raffles is named after the man who founded modern Singapore in 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles. Raffles underwent major facelifts in 1989 and 2019 to restore it to its original colonial glory. It now houses multiple prestigious restaurants, as well as its iconic Long Bar where you can order a Singapore Sling, an iconic gin-based beverage that’s a signature of Raffles.

Best Cultural Places

Singapore isn’t lacking in culture despite its diminutive size. Thanks to its relative closeness to Malaysia, Singapore shares in its rich heritage, but with local twists on existing ideas. The result is multiple attractions in the country that proudly showcase how local cultures have grown and cultivated over time in the Singaporean environment.

1. Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam is known for its rich Malay and Arab cultural heritage, reflecting Singapore’s diverse cultural tapestry. It houses the Malay Heritage Centre, which showcases the significance of Malay culture in Singapore’s history. Outside you’ll find Bussorah Street, lined with shops and eateries, offering a mix of traditional Malay and Middle Eastern goods and cuisine. You’ll also find the Sultan Mosque, featuring stunning architecture with golden domes and intricate details.

2. Chinatown

As the name implies, Chinatown is a culturally rich neighbourhood that reflects the country’s Chinese heritage. It is home to numerous markets and street stalls where you can shop for local goods. The Chinatown Heritage Center is a museum that offers insights into the early lives of Chinese immigrants in the country. Outside, you’ll find various hawkers and vendors selling classic Chinese fare practically everywhere,

3. Little India

Covering all bases, we have Little India. Yet another in the line of culturally rich spots in Singapore, its colourful streets and prominent landmarks make it a popular spot for tourists. The main thoroughfare of Little India, Serangoon Road, is lined with shops, restaurants, and vibrant storefronts. As with the others, Little India features the Indian Heritage Center, a museum showcasing the prominence of the Indian community’s presence in Singaporean history.

Nature Lover’s Places

While development runs rampant in Singapore, the country also maintains a natural, untouched side to it. If you’re one of the many people who prefers to spend their time enjoying the untapped and pristine side of things, then these places of interest in Singapore will be right up your alley! If you’re already in Singapore and looking to relax outside, you should definitely pay some of these a visit!

1. Singapore Botanic Garden

Established in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a green oasis in the heart of the city. It features a variety of themed gardens, a swan-filled lake, and the National Orchid Garden, which showcases a stunning collection of orchid varieties. There’s also the Rainforest, a section that showcases the natural flora and fauna of a tropical rainforest.

2. Singapore Zoo

The Singapore has a reputation as one of the best zoos in the world, and for good reason. It offers a unique and immersive look at all its wildlife, with an open concept that mimics the animal’s natural habitats. Even the barriers between viewers and the animals are kept to a minimum. Walking through the zoo can, as a result, feel like walking through different parts of the world. The animal shows and many exotic animals on display are the cherry on top.

When night time kicks in, you can also visit the Night Safari, a unique and immersive experience. Hop on a tram, and get close and personal with a lot of the wildlife at the zoo. There are also walking trails, in case you’d like a more paced and quiet experience.

3. Jurong Bird Park

If you like bird watching, then Jurong Bird Park is simply a must. Like the Singapore Zoo, Jurong Bird Park’s exhibits create an environment that simulates the birds’ natural habitat. The Waterfall Aviary is one of its main attractions, a stunning 30-meter waterfall that you can walk through. You can also feed nectar to birds in the Lory Loft, and see some penguins far from their home in the Penguin Coast.

Places to Eat in Singapore

Singapore shares a lot of their food culture with Malaysia, and as such you’ll find a lot of crossover between their signature dishes. Where Singapore stands out however are its wide variety of offerings that take inspiration from all around the world. Hawker culture is the star here, but you can find practically anything in Singapore with a little effort. Here, we have a list of some of the best foodie destinations in the country.

1. Lau Pa Sat

Lau Pa Sat is a historical site in Singapore, and has been a cultural landmark for nearly 150 years. While the market at Lau Pa Sat is great, the best thing here is the sheer amount of food available. Here, you can find foods ranging from traditional Chinese flavors to foods from countries like Mexico or Thailand. Local favourites can be found around every corner of this market, so feel free to explore and find something that suits your tastes.

2. CHIJMES

CHIJMES stands on the site of the former Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ), which was established in 1854 by the French Catholic order of the Sisters of St. Paul of Chartres. The complex served as a girls’ school and convent, but has now been repurposed as an event venue and heritage site. It is simply bustling with dining options ranging from local specialties to international favourites, making it a popular destination for foodies.

3. Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay is a historic riverside quay in Singapore that has transformed into a vibrant entertainment and dining district. It features various entertainment venues, including live music bars and clubs hosting local and international performances. The area also has shops and boutiques, allowing visitors to indulge in some retail therapy along the riverside. It is the most well-known for its diverse range of restaurants and generally unique vibe.

4. Maxwell Food Centre

Maxwell Food Centre is a popular hawker center located in the heart of Chinatown in Singapore. The hawker center has a bustling and lively atmosphere, with numerous food stalls offering a variety of Singaporean and local Chinese dishes. Some of the must-try dishes include Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, chicken curry rice, char siew rice and more, all for affordable prices. Explore enough, and you’ll find a ton to enjoy here!

5. Tiong Bahru Market

Like many of the other markets on this list, Tiong Bahru Market carries a heavy emphasis on hawker culture. Tiong Bahru Market is known for its unique Yong Tau Foo stall, where you can choose your ingredients, which are then stuffed with a flavorful fish paste and served with noodles or rice. Outside of that, you get all the usual fixings you’d find at any other hawker market, as well as several local desserts.

Best Time to Visit Singapore

Like most metropolitan cities, Singapore is always a good place to visit during any time of the year. Generally, you’ll want to avoid the rainy and festive seasons, sticking to the drier period between May to July. This is mainly if you’re looking to visit places like the Singapore Zoo. Otherwise, avoid public holidays and festive seasons that will naturally make most places more crowded.

How Many Days Do You Need In Singapore?

Singapore may be small, but to truly experience everything Singapore has to offer, we’d recommend staying for at least 4 days. There’s a lot to do in Singapore, and most of the attractions here can consume your entire day. Even a lot of the hotels here are luxurious and enjoyable, and you may want to spend more time there. To comfortably experience everything, you may want to go for a week.

Where to Stay in Singapore?

Singapore is littered with hotels everywhere for every price range, and they’re mostly good. We’ve made a list below that will help you to make a choice, but for the most part, you’re going to be spoiled for choice. Generally, we say you should definitely look up reviews for any hotel you’re planning to stay at when you’re in Singapore.

Pan Pacific Orchard – A magnificent 5-star hotel with every amenity available.
JW Marriott Hotel Singapore – Another high class and luxurious 5-star hotel.
V Hotel Bencoolen – A 4-star mid-range hotel that’s incredibly comfortable.
Ibis Budget Singapore Joo Chiat – One of the more clean and comfortable 3-star budget hotels available.
Village Hotel Albert Court – Excellent 4-star hotel with mid-range pricing.
OSS Backpackers Hostel – Good and affordable budget hostel for backpackers.

How Do You Get Around in Singapore?

Singapore’s public transport infrastructure is one of the best in the world. You can practically go anywhere in Singapore via public transport, so a car is almost unnecessary. But, if you can drive a car or motorcycle, you will have more freedom to go anywhere as you see fit. It’s not a necessity, but the most convenient way to get around when you’re in Singapore is still by car or motorcycle.

Conclusion

Singapore is a country that never truly sleeps. Its modern marvels of architecture, rich food culture, and many different but memorable attractions make it such a stand-out vacation spot, despite its small size. There’s a reason why so many people love paying visits to the country, as you can find a lot to do and enjoy. Keep in mind that Singapore can be a bit more pricey at times, but otherwise it is excellent.

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