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One of the world’s great urban destinations, there are so many things to do in Singapore. A compact but mighty city-state, it is a place not just to see but to experience; from rich, heritage-filled neighbourhoods to golden beaches and theme parks to world-famous hawker centres. Then, on vibrant streets where multiculturalism thrives, there is something around every corner that highlights the fascinating coming together of quaintly traditional, thoroughly modern and lush nature.
It is that lush nature that sets Singapore apart. From the second you leave the award-winning Changi Airport; you’re greeted by the vibrant greenery that makes the city’s reputation as a tropical island where nature and city-life intertwine. It’s the thing that makes eclectic and quintessentially Singaporean attractions and experiences even better, the city’s innovative green vision. It is a ‘City in Nature’ that invites all visitors to embark on a rich cultural journey, and what a journey it is!
Stopover for a couple of days or final destination for longer – it is perfect for both – read on for the best things to do in Singapore…
Singapore’s Top Attractions
There are some Singapore attractions that are simply iconic, making them unmissable however long you are staying in the city. Popular, yes, but for a very good reason, they are the things that people think of when they hear ‘Singapore’. Marina Bay is arguably the most used image of the city, backed by the instantly recognisable shape of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Head to the hotel’s SkyPark Observation Deck to enjoy fabulous panoramic views of the city from 57 floors up and pay a visit to the city’s symbolic Merlion.
No best things to do in Singapore list is complete without a walk along the Orchard Road. A bustling boulevard of shopping malls, artisanal boutiques and vibrant cafes and restaurants, this is the place to get your shopping fix, pick up a few souvenirs and eat some amazing food – there are seven Michelin-starred restaurants on this road alone.
Then, of course, is the crowning jewel of Singapore attractions, the Gardens by the Bay. A botanical garden of the future, this 100 hectares of reclaimed land is packed with biodomes, themed gardens, whimsical sculptures, and towering ‘supertrees’, their concrete trunks draped in ferns, orchids, and flowering climbers. With the fantastic Garden Rhapsody, a free, nightly sound and light show, there is plenty to keep you busy and full of awe.
Not forgetting the historic Raffles, one of the world’s most iconic hotels. You can soak up its old-world glamour even if you’re not staying there by stopping by the Long Bar for a drink. Where better to try a Singapore Sling than its birthplace?
These may be Singapore’s best known attractions but there are so, so many more things to do in this spectacular city – stay for longer and there is still plenty to explore…
Singapore’s Neighbourhoods
One of the city’s most distinct features, visiting at least a few of Singapore’s vibrant neighbourhoods should be high on your list of things to do! Discovering these enclaves is a wonderful way to engage with the history and culture of the city, and a great way to get your hands on some of Singapore’s best snacks.
Kampong Gelam
One of the city’s oldest districts and hub of Malay culture, Kampong Gelam is centred around the golden dome of the Sultan Mosque, built in 1824. Spend some time strolling vibrant lanes and alleyways lined with a mix of trendy cafes and traditional businesses selling trinkets and textiles. At the heart of it all is Haji Lane, bright with murals and home to some of the city’s best independent boutiques.
Chinatown
One of the world’s oldest Chinatowns, Singapore’s is a district full of fascinating nooks and crannies to discover. As you explore, look out for the beautiful murals depicting life in the past painted by local street artist Yip Yew Chong. There are some great Singapore attractions to find here – have a wander through the incense heavy air of Thian Hock Keng, Singapore’s oldest Chinese temple to admire the meticulous craftsmanship of the architecture.
Little India
Best explored with a tasty traditional snack in hand, soak up the ambiance of Little India as you stroll past stores full of exotic spices, jewellery, and hand embroidered saris, admire vivid murals and browse heaving market stalls. If you’re feeling extra peckish stop by the Tekka Food Centre for some traditional dishes then walk down Serangoon Road to visit the district’s oldest confectioners Moghul Sweet Shop, for dessert.
Katong-Joo Chiat
A conglomeration of two neighbourhoods, Katong and Joo Chiat are a true testament to Singapore’s multiculturalism as the home of the Peranakans, Singaporeans with Malay or Indonesian heritage. Here you’ll find a fascinating cultural fusion in the flavours of delicious food (a pause at one of the boutique cafes for lunch is a must), the architecture and the colours of the intricate beadwork in the windows of the charming shophouses. Grab a kopi peng (iced coffee) as you walk to make the experience even more authentic.
Sentosa Island
Singapore’s feel-good island, Sentosa is packed with fun-filled attractions and is a heady way to spend a day. Connected to the mainland by a bridge, you can reach it by taxi, or for the more adventurous – fly high over the water on a cable car or take the Sentosa Express monorail. Once there, the island is your oyster with plenty of ways to while away the time, from golden beaches, thrilling adventure parks and interactive theme parks within Resorts World Sentosa, to extensive shopping and great eateries.
Singapore’s Food
There is simply no way to compile a things to do in Singapore list without talking about the out-of-this-world gastronomy. Seriously, if there is one thing to make the most of here, other than the sunshine of course, it is the food, a (sometimes literal) melting pot of the flavours of different cultures. The best place to enjoy this are the hawker centres, where you can taste a huge variety of quintessential local dishes in one sitting, all for a low price. A feast for the senses as well as the stomach, the sizzling of food, wafting smells and buzz of a local crowd sharing a meal also gives a fantastic atmosphere. There are hawker centres all over the island, look for stalls with the longest queues for a good place to start your culinary adventure.
At the other end of the scale, for those looking to eat in style, Singapore has nine restaurants featured in the 2024 edition of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants, 51 starred restaurants in The Michelin Guide Singapore 2024, and four bars on The World’s 50 Best Bars 2024. The talent, diversity and innovation of Singapore’s hospitality scene should not be missed.
Changi Airport
A destination in its own right, Changi Airport is a showstopper and certainly sets the tone for your Singapore experience! Alongside world-class facilities there are an astounding array of things to do, so it’s worth putting aside some time either on your arrival or before you depart to explore.
The series of magical art installations and whimsical gardens, like the Enchanted Garden, Discovery Garden and butterfly garden are just the beginning because, of course, there is the iconic Jewel where you’ll find the HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, in an astounding terraced tropical setting complete with an elevated walking trail. For families, or the young at heart, Canopy Park occupies Level 5 of the Jewel, where there are climbing walls and play attractions to burn off any excess energy. Then the Changi Experience Studio is full of interactive touchpoints to guide you through the history, development and running of Changi, complete with games that allow you to have a go at running the airport’s functions.
Pop by the recently refreshed Terminal 2 to experience new digital installations which will immerse you in ‘The Wonderfall’ and ‘Dreamscape’, a blurring of art and technology.
Then there’s the huge range of shops and eateries; Singapore Food Street in Terminal 3 has a hawker centre-like vibe, then there are more than 100 bars and restaurants, and 300 shops spread across the airport’s four terminals and Jewel’s seven floors. You may never want to leave!
Getting There with Singapore Airlines
Singapore Airlines flies from London Heathrow, London Gatwick and Manchester to its hub at Changi Airport. Giving easy access to Southeast Asia, China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, Singapore has never been a more perfect destination to holiday or break up a journey, now made even smoother by Changi Airport’s Passport-less immigration, available across all terminals.
With the World’s Best Airline Cabin Staff (Skytrax 2024) to take care of you, the holiday starts from the moment you step on the plane. Once you’re in your seat, you’ll get unparalleled levels of comfort from the state-of-the-art cabin features, as you relax with access to over 1,900 on-demand entertainment options, including latest releases, and dine on exclusive dishes accompanied by delicious wine. You can even keep in contact with work, friends and family as you fly with unlimited complimentary wifi in Business and First Class, and in Economy and Premium Economy for KrisFlyer members.
