Singapore is where a captivating blend of modernity and tradition awaits you. Whether you are a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Singapore never fails to mesmerize with its top-notch attractions and unique experiences. In this Singapore travel guide, we will take you on a journey of discovery through the Singapore tourist attractions that define this dynamic destination. So, fasten your seatbelt and get ready to immerse yourself in the wonders of the top places to visit in Singapore that will leave you with cherished memories and a desire to return for more.
Iconic Landmark: Exploring Marina Bay Sands
The three towers that comprise the complex are topped off by the incredible SkyPark, which is 1,120 feet long. At the top is the incredible infinity swimming pool. This resort opened back in 2010 and was one of the priciest standalone casinos at the time. It’s got an enormous hotel, an exhibition center, a shopping mall, museum, theater, two crystal pavilions, art-science exhibits, restaurants from celebrity chefs, and the largest atrium casino around.
SkyPark Observation Deck – The SkyPark Observation Deck offers amazing views of Singapore. It’s the perfect spot to take in all that Singapore has to offer – you can even see the whole country from up there!
Art Science Museum – This museum is totally cutting-edge – you can check out some really cool exhibitions and things to do that will get you thinking. There’s an awesome mix of art, culture, tech, and science all rolled into one.
Digital Light Canvas – It’s a definite must-see if you have kids. Take a look at the little fishes gliding around while the lights twinkle overhead.You can even get creative and draw stuff with your feet, and flowers will bloom as you walk along.
Marina Bay Sands Casino – Marina Bay Sands has a big casino taking up 15,000 square meters across four levels.
Cultural Enclave: The Enchanting Gardens by the Bay
If you’re in Singapore, you should definitely check out Gardens By The Bay – it’s a must-see! It’s packed with interesting things to explore – from impressive sights and displays to activities you can do – and it won’t break the bank. Some parts are even free, so you can easily spend a whole day here.
Cloud Forest – You can’t miss the huge mountain with a waterfall, and the gardens are surreal. Orchids, ferns, pitcher plants, the works! There’s an elevator ride to the top of the mountain that takes you to a secret garden with flowers and a pond. If you’re taking the kids to Singapore, this is the place you have to go.
Flower Dome – You can easily spend hours at the gardens, admiring all the beautiful flowers and trees. And you’ll never guess what you could find – a sloth sculpture hiding in the trunk of a huge tree. It’s mind-blowing how much attention has been paid to each and every corner of the flower dome – it’s all perfectly arranged! Pretty awesome.
Super Grove – Check out the SuperTree Grove in the middle of the Gardens – it’s totally free! It’s got some seriously impressive trees – 160,000 plants have been planted on 12 of them!
OCBC Skyway – OCBC Skyway is suspended between two of the tallest trees, so you get an amazing view of the Gardens from up there.Once you hop in the elevator, you’ll be taken to a stunning view.That’s not even half as high as the biggest Super Trees, though!
Historic Charm: Unveiling the Beauty of Chinatown
Step into the enchanting world of Singapore’s Chinatown, a place where history, culture, and traditions converge to create an immersive and captivating experience. Nestled amidst the bustling city, Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood that takes you on a journey back in time, unveiling the beauty of its rich heritage and historic charm. As you meander through its colorful streets, adorned with ornate temples, traditional shophouses, and bustling markets, you’ll find yourself immersed in the sights, sounds, and flavors that define this iconic enclave. Join us as we delve into the heart of Chinatown, discovering its hidden gems and fascinating stories that continue to shape the cultural tapestry of Singapore. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a culinary explorer, or a seeker of cultural delights, Chinatown promises an unforgettable experience that celebrates the spirit of Singapore’s diverse and captivating past.
Check out the food – If you love food and trying out different dishes from around the world, you’ve got to check out Chinatown’s Street Market. It’s definitely one of the best places to sample Singaporean cuisine. Both locals and tourists flock to this spot for a taste of the delicious local dishes.
Watch a theatre show at Drama Box – If you’re a theatre and drama fan, you’re in for a real treat at Drama Box in Chinatown Singapore. This renowned theatre company puts on shows that encourage social consciousness and a sense of civic duty in locals. Chinatown Crossings is one of their popular plays that gives you a glimpse of life in Chinatown.
Learn history at Chinatown Heritage Center – If you want to learn about the history of Chinatown Singapore, the Chinatown Heritage Centre is the place to go. You can check out relics from the past and get a look at what life was like for the original settlers. Plus, there are lots of cool souvenirs to buy from local designers in the museum shops.
Explore temples – Stroll around Chinatown and check out the different temples it has to offer – one of the oldest being the Thian Hock Keng Temple. This temple is something to behold, as it was built without nails and is decorated with some awesome carvings on the walls and roofs. If you’re into architecture, an hour spent here is totally worth it.
Urban Oasis: A Day at Sentosa Island
Heading to Singapore? Don’t miss out on Sentosa Island! It’s jam-packed with awesome activities for everyone, no matter how old you are. It’s got everything – from six world-class hotels to a casino, celebrity chef restaurants, and cool entertainment. Helmed as Asia’s ultimate destination resort, Sentosa is sure to make your trip one to remember! Here are some of the attractions at Sentosa Island.
Universal Studios – Sentosa Island has a lot of awesome places to check out, but Universal Studios tops the list. It’s one of the best attractions around, taking you into a magical world of Hollywood movies produced by Universal. You can ride the movie-themed rides, watch the shows, and get up close and personal with characters like Optimus Prime and King Julian.
Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom – Exploring the wildlife in Sentosa is a great time! Check out the butterfly park and insect kingdom here – they’ve got 15,000 live butterflies and 3000 different types of bugs. It’s a must-see!
Beaches – Sentosa Island is home to some of Singapore’s most stunning beaches. Palawan Beach has plenty of bars and restaurants for guests to check out while they lay out in the sun. Siloso Beach is on the western side and is a great spot for activities like canoeing, mountain biking, and rollerblading. Tanjong Beach is more on the east side and it’s the place to be if you’re looking for a nightlife scene with pubs and clubs.
S.E.A. Aquarium – S.E.A. Aquarium is a must-see if you’re at Sentosa Island. It’s got an awesome selection of over 10000 critters from 49 habitats, so you’ll definitely need to set aside a lot of time to check it out. It’s one of Singapore’s top attractions, so you won’t want to miss it.
Timeless Elegance: Visiting Singapore’s Botanic Gardens
If you’re into nature, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a must-see. It’s only a five-minute drive from Orchard Road and has been around for over 150 years! You’ll find thousands of plants, including rare orchids and ancient trees, plus plenty of heritage charm and educational zones. There are even forest habitats! Pack up a picnic and check out this awesome spot – there’s so much to see, do and eat!
Sundial Garden – That sundial in the Sundial Garden has been around since 1929! It’s been through a lot but it still stands strong. It’s surrounded by some great greenery, and you can take a nice, peaceful walk there on the red brick path.
Ginger Garden – Head to the Botanic Gardens through the Tyersall gate – you’ll be greeted by a beautiful waterfall. Take a stroll through the Ginger Garden to kick off your visit – you’ll find big Amazon water lilies in the pool and loads of different kinds of ginger from Asia, the Pacific, Africa and Indochina.
National Orchid Garden – The Singapore Botanic Gardens is the place to be – it’s full of amazing orchids! With 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids, you’ll see a stunning array of leafy arches, fountains with colourful orchids and impressive decorations. Make sure to take some pics, because you’ll find lots of Instagram-worthy spots around every corner.
Learning Forest – Tie your laces and get ready for a wild ride! Located in the Tyersall-Gallop Core of the garden, the Learning Forest is full of pathways and high walkways for you to explore. You’ll find freshwater forests, wetland zones, and lowland rainforests – it’s a sight to behold! You’ll find a range of gigantic trees, palms, climbers, and epiphytes, plus the Canopy Web.
Colonial Heritage: Discovering Fort Canning Park
Singapore has an impressive past that goes back way before Sir Stamford Raffles landed. Fort Canning Park is where you can take a peek into the days when Malay kings ruled in the 14th century. The British colonization era left its own mark on the park too, with Raffles building his place there and founding the first botanic gardens. Fort Canning Park has kept up with the times and now it’s super popular for art and cultural events.
Sang Nila Utama Garden – If you’re looking for something new to check out, Fort Canning Park has a relatively recent addition – the Sang Nila Utama Garden. Named after the Palembang prince who is said to have been the first ruler of Singapore, it’s like stepping back in time with its recreation of Southeast Asian gardens from the 14th century.
Raffles Garden – Sir Stamford Raffles had a real appreciation for plants, so the Raffles Garden is full of species he discovered during his trips around Southeast Asia. It’s a small garden you can easily explore, and at one end, you’ll find Raffles House, a neoclassical building that was the home of Singapore’s founder.
Spice Garden – Sir Stamford Raffles and Nathaniel Wallich set up a Botanical and Experimental Garden on Government Hill in 1822 with 125 nutmeg and 450 clove trees. It was a place to experiment with different economic crops. If you go in through the Gothic Gate, you can wander the paths and see signs for spices like laksa leaf, cardamom, torch ginger and galangal.
Spiral Staircase – The spiral staircase is the star of the show – it’s the most popular spot in the park. Take a photo from below and you’ll get the perfect shot of the sky and the tree branches above. To find it, just take the Dhoby Ghaut MRT and get off at Exit A. Then head towards the UBS building and you’ll see the spiral staircase at the entrance to the park on the left.
Art and Science Fusion: The National Gallery Singapore
This is the biggest museum in Singapore and it’s got a massive 64,000 square metre space, which has one of the biggest collections of Southeast Asian art in the world. It’s got 8,000 pieces from Singapore and other countries in the region, so if you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s totally understandable. Where do you even start with so much to see and how can you make the most of your time?
DBS Singapore Gallery – If you’re stopping by National Gallery Singapore, the DBS Singapore Gallery should be your first port of call. It has artworks from local artists like Liu Kang and Georgette Chan. The DBS Singapore Gallery is split into three sections, with Gallery 1 being the oldest and Gallery 3 being the newest.
UOB Southeast Asia Gallery – This can be found in the Supreme Court Wing, with three floors jam-packed with art from Southeast Asian countries such as Indonesia and the Philippines. With fifteen different rooms, there’s plenty to see, including Raden Saleh’s Boschbrand in Gallery 2, Latif Mohidin’s Pagodas II in Gallery 8, Nguyen Gia Tri’s Landscape of Vietnam in Gallery 5, and Hernando R. Ocampo’s Dancing Mutants in Gallery 6.
SingTel Special Exhibition Gallery – Throughout the year, National Gallery Singapore offers special exhibitions for people to check out. If you’re looking for something interesting to do, you should definitely check out the SingTel Special Exhibition Gallery on the third floor of City Hall Wing. They usually have some really cool exhibitions.
Traditional Flavors: Indulging in Singapore’s Hawker Centers
If you’re in Singapore and need a bite to eat pronto, a hawker center is the way to go. You’ll find rows and rows of vendors offering up some of the most mouth-watering dishes from all around the region. Not to mention, some of them have even been given Michelin awards – so you know it’s delicious! Plus, the prices are super affordable, so you don’t have to break the bank.
Old Airport Road Food Centre – This spot has been here for ages and it has a ton of stories to tell. It’s got over 150 food stalls, so it’s no surprise that it’s a go-to for many Singaporeans. You’ve got to try the Nam Sing Fried Hokkien Mee and Dong Ji Fried Kway Teow when you’re here – but all the vendors have some yummy food.
Maxwell Food Centre – This Chinatown spot is the place to go for Tian Tian Chicken Rice, which has won a Michelin award – and it’s definitely worth it for their delicious Hainanese Chicken Rice! But if you’re looking for something else, Jin Hua Fish Shop, Popo & Nana’s Delights, and Hum Jin Pang all have great options too.
Lau Pa Sat – If you’re looking for a great spot to grab a bite right in the middle of Singapore’s financial district, Lau Pa Sat, or Telok Ayer Market, is the place for you. It’s not far from Marina Bay Sands either, so you can grab a bite after a nice rooftop cocktail – perfect! Not only does this hawker center have awesome satay, laksa and chili crab, but it’s also aesthetically pleasing with its colonial-inspired architecture.
Singapore truly stands as a gem in Southeast Asia, offering an eclectic blend of modernity and tradition. As we’ve explored in this Singapore travel guide the Singapore tourist attractions, we’ve been captivated by its historic charm in Chinatown, dazzled by the breathtaking views from Marina Bay Sands, and immersed in the serenity of Gardens by the Bay. The blend of cultures, vibrant neighborhoods, and delectable cuisine make Singapore a unique and unforgettable destination for tourists.