Gleaming skyscrapers, luxury hotels, instagrammable parks and boulevards filled with air-conditioned malls – Singapore truly has it all. Oh, and there are loads of attractions and great things to do to keep the hordes of visitors occupied too.
With so much to explore, it can be tricky to know where to begin – from nature’s endless beauty to breathtaking views, or the abundance of galleries and shops for those seeking a more relaxed experience. Here’s a guide to the best attractions in Singapore, handpicked by our local experts just for you.
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Must-see attractions in Singapore
1. New Bahru
New Bahru is Singapore’s biggest lifestyle opening in 2024. Masterminded by The Lo & Behold Group, this new lifestyle and creative cluster will be home to at least 40 homegrown brands across dining, retail, and wellness when it fully opens in September this year. Housed in former Nan Chiau High School, classrooms and canteens are now the site of some of the most exciting local brands: Sojao, Soilboy, Curious Creatures, Kotuwa, The Coconut Club, Huevos, and more. Over the next couple of months, look forward to the likes of Beyond the Vines, PPP Coffee, OM, and concepts by Keirin Buck and Mirko Febbrile. Need more time to explore? There’s even a serviced apartment called Alma House that you can clock into to stretch your Ner Bahru adventure over a couple of days.
2. Sisters’ Island Marine Park
The Sisters’ Island Marine Park is the first of its kind here, with 40 hectares of maritime flora and fauna – and over 250 species of hard corals – that prove the biodiversity found in Singapore is, honestly, pretty staggering. The best way to take in the sights is to hop on the twice-monthly guided tours, organised by the National Parks Board. Register early, too, as only 45 nature lovers tops are allowed on each walk.
You’ll need to travel quite a bit for this one. But if you go on the guided tour, boats from the mainland will be chartered for you at no cost.
3. Singapore Zoo
With 26 awe-inspiring hectares to explore, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to cover Singapore Zoo in its entirety in a day. But give it a good go. Unlike traditional zoos, which keep its animals in cages, this place was the first in the world to implement the ‘open concept’, which has animals in individually landscaped enclosures. There are more than 4,200 animals to see across 12 zones, including Wild Africa, Primate Kingdom and Frozen Tundra. There’s over 300 species, so honestly, all sorts of things you’ll never see anywhere else. Visit the world’s largest captive colony of orangutans, feed the friendly Asian elephants and see the rare white tiger. You can also feed giraffes, if you’re tall enough. It’s a zoo done properly.
4. Jewel Changi Airport
If you’ve just got off the plane, don’t have to leave the airport just yet! Instead, entertain yourself at Jewel Changi Airport. This majestic dome is home to over 280 dining and retail outlets, with some open around the clock – think dining at ungodly hours at American fast-food chain A&W or food court Five Spice, or killing a couple of hours with a movie at 24-hour Shaw Theatres. You can also catch the hourly light and sound show at the HSBC Rain Vortex, the mall’s 40m-tall indoor waterfall, from 7.30pm to midnight. Honestly, this place is ridiculous. Arguably worth the flight just to see this. Not a sad pasty shop in sight. There’s even play attractions for the little ones – including trampolines! Hell, you could even add a day onto the stay and use the on-site hotel. Sure makes checking in a little sweeter.
5. Gardens by the Bay
The stuff of nature-lovers’ dreams, Gardens by the Bay is a truly magnificent site. The 250-acre green haven is filled with huge, flora-wreathed towers connected by ‘skyways’ and two enormous conservatories. Opened in 2012 as part of a drive to bring more greenery into Singapore, the gardens are free for guests to explore but you’ll need an admission ticket for access to the flower domes that house rotating floral exhibitions. Needless to say, this is a non-negotiable must-see. There’s also membership passes so you can visit its key attractions again and again. You’ll want to, as it’s absolutely massive. And beautiful.
6. Bird Paradise
A sad goodbye to Jurong Bird Park and an enthusiastic hello to Bird Paradise. This new 17-hectare park has eight stunning, walk-through aviaries modelled after the different biomes of the world. Think African rainforests, South African wetlands, and Australian dry eucalypt forests. This is where you can walk among free-flying birds, including some of the world’s most threatened species and one of the largest populations of Hornbills under human care.
The new park comes with refreshed programmes too. Visitors are in for a treat at new avian shows like Predators on Wings and Wings of the World, as well as behind-the-scenes tours at the Avian Healthcare and Research Centre and the Avian Breeding and Research Centre (with more to come). Otherwise, get up close with bird friends at special feeding sessions; the $8 fee will go to conservation programmes across the region that are supported by Mandai Wildlife Group.
7. Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a jewel among the many beautiful parks and gardens in Singapore. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features attractions like a swan lake where visitors can feed the black Australian swans and the Evolution Garden Walk, a well-landscaped plot containing the fossilised remains of ancient trees. It’s also home to the world’s largest collection of orchids – some 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids, plus the national flower, Vanda Miss Joaquim – at the National Orchid Garden. During weekends, tours to its rainforest patch are available, while outdoor concerts are often held at Symphony Lake. And with the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden, where children can run wild and explore the farm, orchard, and forest which has its own stream and ponds, this nature spot is family-friendly.
8. Night Safari
Set in lush secondary rainforest, the Night Safari is a must-see for visitors. The world’s first night zoo (opened in 1994) allows you to witness what 900 nocturnal animals from close to 100 species get up to after dusk, in naturalistic habitats and without barriers, via the use of special lighting techniques. Lions? Check. Rhinos? Check. Leopards? Check. Flying squirrels? Check! There’s animals from seven geographical regions, and you get to see the lot without much work (you’ll ride a tram all the way through).
9. Pulau Ubin
Take a walk on the wild side as you step foot on one of Singapore’s most popular off-shore islands. A sprawling 1,020 hectares, Ubin boasts lush greenery and abundant wildlife, drawing nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to explore the many wonders of the granite island. There are plenty of activities to get up to here: go birdwatching at Pekan Quarry, wander through nature trails, and hike 75 metres up Puaka Hill for a breathtaking panoramic view of the islet. The sea-and-mangrove route will be a breeze for moderate kayakers (it’s a word) and will be an accessible challenge for beginners. So go on, enjoy the chill vibes on this throwback offshore island.
10. MacRitchie Reservoir
Singapore’s oldest nature park is continuously filled with joggers, families and weekend strollers. You can get into the reservoir’s rainforest via the MacRitchie Trail, which offers straightforward boardwalk treks and more ambitious, longer hikes. There’s plenty of wildlife here, from flying lemurs to tree frogs and pangolins – but they do tend to hide out of sight. The one exception are the long-tailed macaque monkeys that hang about. Be warned, though: having been fed by less responsible visitors, they can be aggressive little terrors. Don’t feed them, or wave about snacks. They’re cute when behaving though, so do come along to the big green lung right at the heart of Central Catchment Nature Reserve. It’s one of the most significant, untouched, bits of land on the entire island.
11. Singapore Art Museum
When Singapore Art Museum first opened in 1996, it was the first art museum in Singapore. Housed in a former Catholic boys’ school, it exhibited intimate, Southeast Asian contemporary art shows in its small, unusual and hidden gallery spaces. Now at a new location in Tanjong Pagar Distripark, Singapore Art Museum continues to be a prime stop for 20th-century Asian visual art, often drawn from the museum’s own collection of Southeast Asian ‘pioneer’ art.
12. Haw Par Villa
Opened in 1937, this weird and wonderful park was named after its owners, Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par, the brothers who made their fortune from the acclaimed cure-all ointment Tiger Balm. Multicoloured statues and tableaux – some looking rather neglected – depict scenes from Chinese mythology. The highlight is the Ten Courts of Hell (responsible for childhood nightmares for generations of Singaporeans) where dioramas showing human sinners being punished in a variety of hideous and bloodthirsty ways – in extremely gory and graphic detail. It’s a safe bet that you will never see anything like it anywhere else. There is the infamous 10 Courts of Hell to navigate, but don’t worry, it’s not too scary. You can go in groups of up to 25 if you believe the whole ‘strength in numbers’ thing.
13. National Gallery Singapore
The former City Hall and Supreme Court buildings have been refurbished to become Singapore’s National Gallery. It is the largest visual art gallery in the city-state and is mostly dedicated to local and Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to the present day. So all the pretty modern and contemporary stuff then. Many of the works on display are drawn from the permanent National Collection but there’s also a rolling programme of temporary exhibitions to check out. So, there’s always something new to see, even if you’ve been before.
14. Esplanade Theatres on the Bay
Few buildings have created such a stir in Singapore as the Esplanade. Opened in 2002, the eye-catching bayfront complex has been dubbed ‘the durians’ by locals because of its resemblance to the spiky (and stinky) tropical fruit. It’s the city’s most prominent performing arts centre and the programme bears an eclectic mix of Western and Eastern influences. Book a gig, concert or theatre show in advance and make a cultural evening of it. There’s usually around 3,500 events at this venue every year, so you’ll find something you like. There’s also a lovely park nearby for those of you who enjoy a post-production stroll.
15. Universal Studios Singapore
This outpost of Universal Studios’ theme park empire on Sentosa Island has an array of world-class rides across its various regions. There’s Transformers: The Ride (a 3D adventure where you have to protect the Allspark), Battlestar Galactica (twin roller coasters that are sure to get your heart racing), Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure (everyone’s favourite water ride), Enchanted Airways, Canopy Flyer and Revenge of the Mummy. Your kids will obviously never forgive you if you don’t let them run amok here. There’s fun for all the family here though, whether you like thrill-seeking rides or chilling with the cast from Madagascar, it’s all going on.
16. River Wonders
Another animal exploration! This time it’s the watery (and other) ones. Manatees, crocodiles, flamingos and monkeys are just some of beasties (numbering over 11,000 specimens!) you’ll encounter in this river-themed wildlife park, which boasts the world’s biggest freshwater aquarium and a panda exhibit housing the cuddly couple Kai Kai and Jia Jia. So good they named them twice, twice. River Wonders is split into two zones: the Rivers of the World, which showcases animals from eight rivers including the Congo and Yangtze, and Wild Amazonia, where you can come face-to-face with over 30 animals from the rainforest on a boat ride aptly named Amazon River Quest. You can also see ancient-looking creatures, from a time long before we all started visiting zoos and stuff.
17. Chijmes
Once a convent school, CHIJMES has transformed into a hip lifestyle enclave brimming with bars, restaurants and cafés. It’s currently undergoing a revamp – and it’s more than just a cosmetic update. A fleet of new F&B joints are flocking to the old school, including El Mero Mero and Prive. Whether you want to just chill on the lawn, get your yoga on, or just eat and drink basically everything you’ve ever eaten, you can do it here. An essential stop while you’re in Singapore really. Especially if you want to just be in a place doing stuff.
18. Marina Bay Sands
The 2,500 rooms at this hotel offer views of the South China Sea or Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline, but let’s be honest: the Moshe Safdie-designed SkyPark is the real crowd-puller, sitting atop the three hotel towers 200 metres above ground level (that’s high up, that is). Non-hotel guests have to pay for the privilege of enjoying unfettered views from the Observation Deck across the city – but it’s definitely worth it to take that selfie to make all your friends seethe with envy, if nothing else. We’re talking proper panoramic views, from the Gardens by the Bay to the Supertree Grove sculptures, and of course that skyline. You can see the lot from up here. Well worth catching at various times of day.
19. Changi Airport
An airport doesn’t sound like much of an attraction – more a series of interminable queues filled with tetchy flyers and shrieking babies. But Singapore’s Changi Airport is consistently voted the top airport in the world – and there’s much to marvel at here. Butterfly habitats, Balinese-style rooftop pools, 24-hour cinemas, spa centres, and the highly-raved Jewel Changi Airport – trust us, this ain’t your average airport. There are far worse stopovers during a long-haul flight. I mean, you read about Jewel Changi Airport, didn’t you? This is the airports-are-a-great-place epicenter of the world. A lot of the long-haul flights go out of here too. You can just rock up very early, get a massage, have a little swim, the obligatory pre-flight drink at any ridiculous hour, and then you’re jetting off. Stress free. Alternatively, when you turn up to the airport just forget the hotel for a few extra hours and chill. It’s a holiday no?
Orchard Road
Once home to an orchard of fruit trees, this area of Singapore is now widely known as the shopping district. Stretching out over two kilometres in the centre of the city, Orchard Road is home to numerous coffeeshops, beauty salons, art galleries, hotels, designer and discount outlets, restaurants and nightclubs. Come armed with cash, and plenty of it. This is a 1.6 mile road full of amazing places to part-take in the old retail therapy. Whether you’re looking for fantastic dining, beautiful shops (such as The Grande Whisky Collection, which has a nice 4,500 of the oldest whiskies in the world), and more. There’s also some decent hotels, like the Four Seasons.
21. Singapore Flyer
Marina Bay’s giant, 42-storey, 165m observation wheel continues to pull a mix of tourists and locals who come for the breathtaking, 360-degree views of the city available from one of its capsules. Each flight lasts 30 mintues and on a clear day the panorama from the top of the wheel stretches into neighbouring Malaysia and Indonesia. If you fancy pimping your experience a bit, take a look at the dining and cocktail packages that are available. If you’d like to soak up some sweet sweet knowledge also, you’re in luck – these 30 minute adventures come with an in-capsule audio guide and interactive screens designed to help you discover the past, present, and future of Sinapore.
22. National Museum of Singapore
After an $118 million refurb and rebranding job, the Singapore History Museum reopened as the National Museum of Singapore: the largest museum on the island. There are two main galleries: the Singapore History Gallery, which traces the history of Singapore from its beginnings in the fourteenth century to the present day and the Singapore Living Galleries, which focus on four lifestyle themes – food, fashion, film and photography. That’s over 700 years of Singapore to get stuck into, and over 1700 artefacts. It’s worth a visit just for the building, an imposing neoclassical structure, complemented by modern glass additions.
23. ArtScience Museum
Shoehorning art and science into the same room and doing justice to both was always going to be a big risk. But by and large, the ArtScience Museum succeeds. Future World: Where Art Meets Science is a collaboration with Japanese art collective teamLab and features interactive experiences that are also perfect Instagram fodder. The building is a lot of fun too, with a real spaceship vibe to the layout – it has ten fingers that are anchored by a round base in the middle, so that’s worth a looking alone. Inside, the art-science crossover should mean something for everyone.
24. SEA Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa
Sing ‘unda tha sea’ as you ogle at over 1000 species of marine wildlife in the world’s largest aquarium, which also has the title of the largest collection of manta rays in captivity. Can you name 1000 species? Doubt it, but why not try on the trip over. Amongst the other underwater beasties tenured here are nurse sharks, hammerhead sharks, eels, clownfish, giant octopuses, bottlenose dolphins and seahorses. You can learn a lot about all these wonderful creatures, and also specifically about 50 of the complex ecosystems to be found in the waters of planet earth.
25. Adventure Cove Waterpark
You gotta love a waterpark, right? Adventure Cove – located on Sentosa Island – is a great one filled with high-speed rides that spiral, dive and plunge. One standout here is the Rainbow Reef, where you can snorkel among 20,000 tropical fish. For those not feeling so hyperactive, there are plenty of shaded cabanas to relax with a drink. Fun for all the family, whether you’re an adrenaline mom or a scared-of-heights dad. You can be sure to have a blast here. If you’re new to the rides, dip a toe in. Go onnnnn.
26. Singapore Cable Car
Arrive at Sentosa in style on the Singapore Cable Car from Mount Faber Peak down to Sentosa Station. This unique mode of transportation can also be transformed into a private dining space where you’re served a four-course meal with dishes like wagyu beef cheek and smoked duck breast during the 90-minute ride. Not bad at all that. Lovely accompaniment to the views of Singapore’s southern district. If you don’t feel like you can smash a four course in that time, why not opt for a coconut ice cream? Delicious.
27. Fort Canning Park
While the grown-ups will appreciate the history of this modest-sized mound in the heart of the business district, the kids… well, they don’t need any excuse to tumble around in a park as verdant as this, do they? As they explore the many nooks and crannies of Fort Canning Park and its many colonial-era relics, history buffs can learn more about the vital roles it played in Singapore’s story over the centuries. Whether you want to explore the 26-room warren under the fort, or the WWII command post (also underground), this place is rich with secrets, purpose, and genius architecture. The guide will bring the place to live in an engaging and captivating way too.
28. Asian Civilisations Museum
One of Singapore’s largest and most impressive museums, the Asian Civilisations Museum has 11 galleries showcasing more than 2,000 artefacts from the civilisations of China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and West Asia. The first floor of galleries charts the story of trade across the region, while the second floor presents systems of faith and belief and the third features materials and design used in Chinese ceramics from the Han to the Qing dynasty.
At the Fashion and Textiles gallery, have a close look at Indian trade textiles, Southeast Asian batiks, and Chinese embroideries. Its first exhibition titled Fashion Revolution: Chinese dress from the late Qing to 1976 presents 40 stunning examples of Chinese dress, including rare, elaborate dragon robes, early styles of the iconic qipao, and a zhongshan zhuang suit. The gallery, Jewellery, is the first permanent gallery in the world to spotlight island Southeast Asian jewellery. You’ll learn about its varied and complex styles, forms, and uses through a showcase of objects from the Neolithic period to the 20th century. A highlight piece is an elaborate Peacock belt, which comprises linked gold panels and 75 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds, believed to be commissioned by a Peranakan woman.
29. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
Founded in 2002 by Venerable Shi Fazhao, this 5-storey serene place of worship dedicated to the Maitreya Buddha – The Compassionate One – rests one of Buddha’s sacred body parts in its ethereal form, as well as many other relics. Worshippers, or any individual seeking to enlighten their curiosity can embark on two different museums journeys, both of which highlight and showcase Asian Buddhist artifacts, arts and culture. The Buddhist Culture Museum and Sacred Relic Chamber, located on the third floor, is open daily from 9am-6pm, while the Emiment Sangha Museum on the Mezzanine floor is open daily from 7am- 7pm.
30. Singapore Sports Hub
Anyone who’s driven along Nicoll Highway and East Coast Parkway is not likely to miss the hulking dome at the Singapore Sports Hub. This massive enclosure consists of the 55,000 seat National Stadium as well as an adjoining three-storey mall Kallang Wave, forming the epicenter of sports and leisure in Singapore. Come here to run, skateboard, or rollerblade around the covered track, play watersports at the facility along Kallang Basin, rock climb at the vertical playground within Kallang Wave, or just cycle around the scenic waterside. There’s something for everyone.
Check out more great things to do in Singapore
The 101 best things to do in Singapore
The best free things to do in Singapore
The best hiking trails and spots in Singapore
The best art exhibitions in Singapore
The best music concerts and festivals in Singapore
