Singapore might not be the most Instagrammable place in the world any longer – that honour now goes to Milan according to travel publication Big 7 Travel – but that doesn’t mean that our city isn’t still filled with picture-perfect spots. Heck, we even filled a full blockbuster Hollywood movie with our scenic spots (we’re looking at you, Crazy Rich Asians). With plenty of street art, landmarks and iconic buildings, Singapore definitely has some dazzling spots that’ll make anyone #jelly of your feed.
And though we’re a small island, you might really have to go travelling all four corners of the island looking around for some of the best Insta-worthy spots. We’ve got a couple of spots to mark off your list – there are a lot more pretty spots than Gardens by the Bay!
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Beautiful places in Singapore
1. Bukit Timah Railway Station
Built in 1932, the Bukit Timah Railway Station was recently restored and preserved to retain its nostalgic charm. Now, you can visit the heritage gallery within to learn about the history of the Rail Corridor. Remember to snap pictures of key architectural and railway elements – think track switching levers, ticketing booth and the replica of a signals diagram in the signal room. In front of the building, more restored features can be found, including station signs, token poles, and cheery yellow replicas of railway station wagons that were used as railway maintenance vehicles.
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2. Haji Lane
Need a interesting shot? Step into Haji Lane for a pop of colour. Located within Kampong Gelam, this hipster street lined with indie cafés and boutiques is a haven for those who are looking for a vibrant backdrop. The dynamic murals along the narrow path create picture-worthy moments at every corner – perfect for an instagrammable OOTD.
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3. Marina Barrage
With a breathtaking 360º view of the bay area, there are near endless opportunities for snapping that perfect pic from any angle. Frequented by people flying colourful kites, having a picnic, or on a stroll, the compound is a perfect place for family fun. The expansive rooftop lawn with views of the city skyline and the open sea on both ends of the barrage, there is no excuse not to capture it all in a panoramic shot.
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4. Jewel Changi
Home to the iconic Rain Vortex, the tallest indoor waterfall in the world, Jewel has plenty to offer the camera. Head to the top floor Canopy Park, an interactive garden space that allows for some creative phototaking or simply admire the grand view of Jewel’s stunning centrepiece.
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5. Hindhede Nature Park
You might have to sweat from the stroll through the park but the main highlight of course is the picturesque and majestic Hindhede Quarry. Granite mining in the quarry took place in the 1900s and ended in the 1980s. Since then, it’s been filled naturally with rainwater and groundwater. Located deep in Bukit Timah, this is an Instagram opportunity you might have to travel for but hey, with that view, no one is complaining.
6. House of Tan Teng Niah
Other than the colourful peranakan houses at Joo Chiat, or the vibrant murals at Haji Lane, the House of Tan Teng Niah is another great photo stop for a pop of colour on your feed. Built in 1990, and conserved in the 1980s, the former house of Tan Teng Niah is located in Little India is one of last Chinese villas left. Not only does it hold an interesting history, but it also provides a colourful background for insta-worthy photos.
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7. Capitol Theatre
This beautifully restored historic building is a visual delight for night photography enthusiasts. The architecture of the building is a mix of art deco and neoclassical styles, which makes it a unique and picturesque location for taking photos but the real appeal here is how the neon lights pop in the background of your shot.
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8. Mandai Connection
The 360º spiral car park creates an aesthetically pleasing monochromatic image that can be captured at all angles. With a big open space in the middle, you are sure to get a good shot when the sunlight streams in creating highlights and shadows.
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9. Marina Square
Though it is meant to be an emergency exit, this labyrinth-like rooftop area has a unique design that provides insta-worthy shots when taken from above which makes you look like you are trapped in a maze. With narrow pathways painted white, all corners and turns in this stairwell that seemingly needs to nowhere creates a mystifying illusion. The staircase may be hard to find, but let’s hope the maze has an exit!
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10. Gardens by the Bay
An iconic attraction you have to visit in Singapore, the giant Supertrees at the Gardens by the Bay coincidentally make the perfect Instagram shot to show off our jungle city.
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11. People’s Park Complex
The mighty People’s Park Complex is a mustard-coloured monolith in the skyline of Chinatown. Besides old shops and massage parlours, the open-air rooftop carpark is a popular spot for photos. Gritty and industrial, if you want to up your street cred, you know where to go.
12. The Helix
Situated at the entrance of the Marina Bay Waterfront, right in between Marina Bay Sands and the floating platform, The Helix bridge makes for definitely a good picture spot to capture and soak in the Singapore skyline. Come by in the evening and watch as the bridge double-helix structure illuminates against the night sky by a series of lights.
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13. Cloud Forest
Enter into the mysterious misty tropical highlands as you explore the diverse flora and vegetation, venture through the Cloud Walk and Treetop Walk and stare in awe at the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 35 metres high. Explore around the cool-moist dome and create your own interpretation for a picturesque photograph as the lights bounce off the waterfall and surrounding lush greenery.
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14. Singapore Botanic Gardens
Established in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a tranquil respite from the city buzz and provides plenty of lush landscapes for you to snap something pretty for the feed. Don’t miss some of its architectural landmarks as well – the colonial-style buildings at Burkill Hall inject a bit of historical interest to your snaps.
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15. CÉ LA VI
While most people are familiar with the extraordinary view of Singapore’s skyline offered at MBS’s infinity pool, you can also catch it at the rooftop bar CÉ LA VI Singapore, right next to the pool, without having to be a hotel guest. Offering both amazing views of the Gardens by the Bay and Marina Barrage on one side, and the city skyline on the other, CÉ LA VI offers a bird’s eye view of the heart of Singapore and promises some gorgeous photographs as you chat the night away with friends and sip on your drink of choice.
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16. ArtScience Museum
Watch as art and science come together in the form of digital exhibits and interesting showcases here at the ArtScience Museum, to counter the ‘conceptual barriers erected between the artistic and scientific communities’. Get futuristic with those shots!
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17. National Gallery Singapore
Maintaining a balance between heritage and modern architecture, the refurbished former City Hall and Supreme Court buildings forming the National Gallery is truly a sight to behold as it represents both Singapore’s past and present. Its historical architecture is definitely a must to capture, see and feel for yourself when you visit Singapore. If visual art is your cup of tea, head on inside and take a stroll through the collections of work on display that changes on a rotational basis every few months.
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18. Chijmes
Located right in the beating heart of City Hall, this well-preserved and gorgeous white 19th-century chapel takes you back in time to its historical days. Snap a few Instagram worthy shots here to leave your friends guessing where you’ve been.
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19. Little India
Enter into this vibrant ethnic district of colourful sights, chattering sounds and the most spiced grub you’ll find here in Singapore. Little India is bursting with life and bohemian character, making you forget that you’re still here on our tiny island. Look out for these colourful buildings around the area that would definitely look good for the ‘gram.
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20. Bugis
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21. Joo Chiat Road
Located at the eastern side of Singapore, Joo Chiat is a quaint vibrant neighbourhood recognised by their colonial bungalows and pastel coloured two-storey Peranakan style heritage shophouses. Take an afternoon to explore around Joo Chiat and catch glimpses of what still remains in this area after the war.
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22. Sultan Mosque
This place of worship, with its eye-catching golden domes and intricate details like its base that comprises many glass bottles, is an icon in the heart of the Kampong Gelam ‘hood. If you’re planning on snapping a pic here, just be sure to be respectful and cover up (read: don’t use revealing clothing).
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23. Upper Seletar Reservoir
Situated in the northern part of Singapore, this reservoir park is the perfect place for an evening walk or jog through nature. It’s a little bit out of the way, but its worth the distance. Stroll along the park’s water body whilst taking in the calming silence of the surrounding forestry and snap a few photos as the evening sun lights up the sky in vibrant orange and red hues, reflecting across the lake.
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24. MacRitchie Reservoir
Singapore’s oldest and most popular nature park is a haven for joggers, families and weekend strollers. A highlight of the reservoir is the HSBC TreeTop Walk, a suspension bridge positioned 25 metres above the forest floor connecting the two highest points in the reserve, offering splendid panoramic views. Whether be it crossing the suspension bridge or strolling alongside the waters, there are plenty of Instagrammable spots located throughout the park waiting to be discovered.
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25. Chinese and Japanese Gardens
The Chinese and Japanese Gardens are mini islands that sit in Jurong Lake, connected to each other by the Bridge of Double Beauty. One of the best times to visit the gardens is during Chinese New Year (usually January or February) and the Mid-Autumn Festival (September or October), where the gardens are lit up at night like a fairyland by hundreds of beautiful and ornate paper lanterns. Pop by for a nature trail but also take a few Insta-worthy shots while you’re at it.
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26. Punggol Waterway Park
Located in a quiet, tranquil residential district in the northeastern part of Singapore, Punggol Waterway Park is perfect for individuals, families, and couples of all ages. Admire the views from the Rope Bridge and Kelong Bridge as the sun begins to set across the horizon.
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27. Central Fire Station
We know you’re probably wondering why would the Central Fire Station be on this list. This red and white Central Fire Station was completed in 1908 (and is still in use), has a watchtower and living quarters for firemen. Head on down on Saturday mornings when the fire station is open to the public and capture your own photo interpretations.
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28. Old Hill Street Police Station
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29. The Pinnacle@Duxton Skybridge
The Pinnacle@Duxton, located off Chinatown, is the first condominium-inspired public housing of its kind. While it is a private residence, the towers’ 50th-floor sky garden is open public for a $6 entrance fee. Note that only 150 outsiders a day are allowed to enter and there are no toilets on this floor. Be sure to check the quota left for the public and how to purchase tickets before heading down to try and get some stunning views of Singapore skyline. More information can be found here.
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30. Tampines St 41 Blk 417
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