Planning a trip to Singapore? If so, you’re in for a treat because there are tons of fascinating things to see and do in the Little Red Dot. Think glittering skyscrapers with chic rooftop bars, action-packed theme parks where the whole family can have fun, thought-provoking museums, unique multicultural neighbourhoods, and beautiful spots where you can immerse yourself in nature and see wild animals. Not sure what to put on your travel itinerary? These Singapore tourist attractions are a must for any visitor to the island.
Adventure Cove Waterpark
When the temperature starts to rise in Singapore, there’s no better place to cool off than Adventure Cove Waterpark. This wet and wild theme park has rides and attractions for all ages including winding water slides, a splash-tacular maze, a reef where you can snorkel with over 20,000 tropical fish, and a bay where you can wade with and feed rays.
Adventure Cove Waterpark, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Resorts World Sentosa, Singapore 098269. Open daily 10am – 6pm
ArtScience Museum
Just like the name suggests, this unique lotus-shaped museum brings together art and science in rotating exhibitions that focus on everything from space to cinema, fashion, high-tech gadgets, the natural world, and more. If you happen to be in town on the third Thursday of the month, you can also attend ArtScience Late to see free after-dark performances and view the exhibitions up until 10pm.
ArtScience Museum, 6 Bayfront Ave, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018974. p. +65 6688 8888. Open daily 10am – 7pm (10am – 10pm on the third Thursday of every month)
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
A trip to Chinatown wouldn’t be complete without visiting the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. This massive Tang-style temple is modelled after a mandala and is home to what Buddhists believe is the left canine tooth of the Buddha himself. Inside you’ll find gorgeous statuary and paintings, a Buddhist museum on the third floor, and the tooth housed in a massive gold stupa.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, 288 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058840. p. +65 6220 0220. Open daily 7am – 7pm. Museum and stupa chamber open daily 9am – 6pm
Perched high above the city on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands, CÉ LA VI is the place to be for sunset drinks and spectacular views of the CBD skyscrapers and Marina Bay. Start with a few cocktails at Skybar, then head to the restaurant for modern Asian bites. End the night with more drinks and dancing to electrifying beats at the Club Lounge.
CÉ LA VI, 1 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands, SkyPark #57-01, Singapore 018971. p. +65 6508 2188. Open: Restaurant Mon – Fri: 12pm – 3pm, Sat – Sun: 12pm – 3:30pm, Sun – Wed: 6pm – 11pm, Thurs – Sat: 6pm – 11:30pm. SkyBar & Club Lounge: Daily: 11am – late.
Clarke Quay
Once a centre of trade along the Singapore River, Clarke Quay is now one of the hottest nightlife destinations on the island. The pedestrian-only road along the quay is lined with restored warehouses that are home to hip and happening restaurants, pubs, and nightclubs. Some of our favourites include Level Up for arcade games and beers, the Pump Room for craft brews, and Zouk for its legendary parties.
Little India
Little India is undoubtedly one of Singapore’s most vibrant neighbourhoods with an eye-popping mix of colourful Hindu temples, mosques, authentic Indian restaurants, and shops selling multi-hued saris, spices, flower garlands, and glittering gold jewellery. Be sure to hit up Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour shopping spot that sells pretty much everything under the sun.
Maxwell Food Centre
When in Singapore, eat like the locals do at Maxwell Food Centre. There are tons of hawker stalls to choose from, so you can try a variety of local favourites like chicken rice, wanton noodles, fried dumplings, oyster cakes, and fish porridge. There are also plenty of Western style options like fresh salads, chicken cutlets with fries, and bangers and mash.
1 Kadayanallur St, Singapore 069184
Mega Adventure Park
Get the adrenaline pumping at this family-friendly adventure park on Sentosa Island. Start your day by whizzing down a 450-metre long zip line high above the treetops, then test your agility on the treetop rope climb with 36 obstacles. Other attractions include MegaJump where you can free fall for 15 metres and Megabounce, a giant bungee-assisted trampoline.
Mega Adventure Park, 10A Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa Island, Singapore 099088. p. +65 6722 3785. Open daily 11am – 7pm
The Merlion
Snap a few selfies with Singapore’s national mascot, the Merlion. This iconic spouting statue sits on a promontory near the mouth of the Singapore River in front of the historic Fullerton Hotel. The viewing deck offers plenty of opportunities to snap shots of the half-lion, half-fish statue from the front or side with views of the river and city skyline in the background.
National Museum of Singapore
Learn about Singapore’s transformation from a sleepy fishing village into the modern metropolis it is today at the National Museum of Singapore. Each gallery takes you on a trip through history from colonial times to the Japanese occupation, the early days of the nation, and right up to the present with engaging displays featuring artefacts, videos, and artworks.
National Museum Singapore, 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897. p. +65 6332 3659. Open daily 10am – 7pm
Night Safari
Looking for an after-dark adventure for the whole family? Round up the crew and head to the Night Safari where you can see over 2,500 nocturnal animals including leopards, owls, fishing cats, and Malayan flying foxes. Journey through different habitats along the walking trails or take a guided tram ride to learn interesting facts about the animals. You can also catch the nightly animal show and fire performance.
Singapore Night Safari, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826. p. +65 6269 3411. Open daily 7:15pm – 12am
Orchard Road
Singapore is a shopaholic’s dream, and Orchard Road is the epicentre of all the shopping action. The road is home to some of the best shopping malls on the island including ION Orchard, Mandarin Gallery, Paragon, and Ngee Ann City. There are shops to suit all budgets and tastes including affordable chains and high-end fashion boutiques.
S.E.A. Aquarium
Ever wondered what it would be like to live underwater? The S.E.A. Aquarium gives you a glimpse into the aquatic life with over 100,000 marine animals in 50 different habitats. Get up close and personal with hammerhead sharks, giant moray eels, and Indo-Pacific bottlenose dolphins. Special experiences include diving, swimming with sharks, and walking along the seabed while wearing a special breathing helmet.
S.E.A. Aquarium, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269. p. +65 6577 8888. Open daily 10am – 7pm
Singapore Botanic Garden
Singapore may be a bustling urban hub of Southeast Asia, but the city still has beautiful patches of nature and greenery where you can escape from the concrete jungle. The Singapore Botanic Garden is just such a spot with over 60 acres of tropical foliage and flowers to explore. Be sure to check out the National Orchid Garden, which has the largest collection of orchids in the world.
Singapore Botanic Gardens, 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569. p. +65 6471 7138. Open daily 5am – 12am
Singapore Cable Car
If you’re planning a trip to Sentosa Island, the Singapore Cable Car is a must. The line actually starts on the top of lofty Mount Faber and makes its way down to the harbour and across the water to Sentosa. Along the way you can soak up incredible views of the city and harbour. There’s also a Sentosa Island line that gives you bird’s eye views of the theme parks and beaches.
Singapore Cable Car, 3 Harbourfront Pl, Harbourfront Tower 2, Level 1, Singapore 099254. p. +65 6377 9688. Open daily 10:30am – 7pm
Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer is the largest giant observation wheel in Asia and one of the most scenic places in Singapore. Standing at a height of 165 metres, the Flyer has 28 air-conditioned capsules that can hold up to 28 people each. As it rotates and climbs high in the sky, you can take in sweeping vistas of the bay and city spread out below.
Singapore Flyer, 30 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039803. Open daily 8:30am – 10:30pm
Singapore Zoo
Sprawling across 28 hectares, the Singapore Zoo is one of the largest in the region and home to roughly 315 species from all corners of the globe. You could spend an entire day here visiting orangutans, giraffes, elephants, wolverines, pythons and more. Both adults and kids will love exploring the different habitats and joining fun activities like wildlife tours and feeding sessions.
Singapore Zoo, 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826. p. +65 6269 3411. Open daily 8:30am – 6pm
Tanjong Beach Club
Need a break from the busy city streets? Tanjong Beach Club is located on sunny Sentosa Island along a beautiful expanse of golden sand. Grab a sun lounger and settle in for a relaxing sun tanning session followed by a refreshing dip in the pool, sundowner cocktails, and delish Mediterranean-inspired eats. They also throw fab beach parties where you can dance all night under the stars with your toes in the sand.
Tanjong Beach Club, 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098942. p. +65 6270 1355. Open Mon – Fri 11am – 10pm, Sat, Sun & PH 9am – 10pm
TreeTop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir Park
If nature walks are your game, then the TreeTop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir is an absolute must. This beautiful nature reserve has a number of trails winding through the forest, many of which will take you to the TreeTop Walk, a 250-metre long free-standing suspension bridge in the middle of the park. The bridge takes you high above the forest canopy at a height of 25 metres off the ground.
Universal Studios Singapore
There is only one Universal Studios in all of Southeast Asia, and it’s right here on Sentosa Island in Singapore. Big kids can hit up thrilling roller coasters and rides like the Revenge of the Mummy coaster and Transformers: The Ultimate 3D Battle. Little ones will have just as much fun on attractions like the Magic Potion Spin ferris wheel and Madagascar river boat ride.
Universal Studios Singapore, 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269. p. +65 Open Mon – Thurs 10am – 6pm, Fri – Sun 10am – 7pm