Visit Singapore: Top 30 Things To Do And Must See Attractions

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Things to Do in Singapore: The 30 Best Places to Visit (All Highlights)

You’re planning to visit Singapore, in Southeast Asia? You’re looking for the best things to do in Singapore?

You’re at the right place!

In order to help you plan your stay, I have prepared this guide of the 30 best things to do in Singapore, with all points of interest and must-see attractions.

You will find all the places of interest to explore, with links to book your guided tours or tickets for the most popular attractions.

In addition to this list of things to do and activities, I will also give you itineraries to visit Singapore in 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 days (or even 1 week!) as well as my selection of the best accommodations depending on your budget.

So, what are the best things to do in Singapore? Where to stay?

Visit Singapore: All Must See attractions

1. Gardens by the bay

This is the unmissable tourist site in Singapore: Gardens by the bay.

Even if the name doesn’t remind you of anything, no doubt you have already seen the famous Supertrees in pictures.

These giant metal trees are over 65 feet tall, covered with vegetation and LEDs, and are the main attraction of the bay gardens. And they are particularly impressive!

When they are lit up at night, it’s one of the best spots to take photos in Singapore. Moreover, every evening (at 7.45pm and 8.45pm), there is a nice free sound and light show.

You can also climb on the footbridge (OCBC Skyway) that connects the trees, more than 22 metres in the air. You will be able to enjoy an amazing view over Singapore, if vertigo doesn’t take over! 😅

Gardens by the bay, à Singapour
Gardens by the bay, à Singapour

In addition to the Supertrees, there are 2 other places to see in Gardens by the bay:

  • The Flower Dome, which reproduces the ecosystems of some countries, particularly with an Australian or Chinese garden. There is an entrance fee.
  • The Cloud Forest with a giant waterfall under a huge dome. Several footbridges perched a few metres high allow you to move around and climb up to the Secret World. There are also exhibitions, films and other gardens. Here too, there is an entrance fee.

You can walk around the gardens of the bay of Singapore free of charge to admire the spaces with different plants. You can also enjoy the view of the famous Marina Bay Sands (see below) and the Ferris wheel (details a little further).

In Garden by the bay you will also find several bars, restaurants, playgrounds for children and a toilet.

Voyage Tips - Advice

To avoid queuing at the entrance of the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest, you must buy your tickets in advance, by clicking on the button below:

If you would like to go to OCBC Skyway, you can buy tickets on site for $8.

To reach the gardens by the bay, the easiest way is to take the underground metro to Bayfront station.

Supertree Singapour
Supertree, à voir absolument à Singapour!

2. Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is the other unmissable place to see in Singapore.

This is the city’s most famous luxury hotel! With 3 buildings taller than 50 floors, it has the distinction of hosting the longest and highest infinity pool in the world at its summit!

Nicknamed the Infinity Pool, it is located at a height of 200 metres and offers unobstructed views across Singapore and the giant trees in the bay gardens. But there is only one way to get there: book a night in the hotel. The swimming pool is reserved for guests only.

If you feel like spending a night in Singapore’s iconic hotel, check rates here: Marina Bay Sands 5* Hotel.

But rest assured, if you can’t afford a night at the Marina Bay Sands on your trip to Singapore, you can still access the observation deck next to the pool.

The Sands SkyPark offers a splendid panorama of the bay. 

But since it is crowded, it is better to book your tickets in advance to go up to the observation platform. You can buy them by clicking on the button below:

In addition to the hotel complex, the Marina Bay Sands also has a large shopping centre with several luxury shops and a casino. And if you prefer a kitschy option, you can even take a gondola ride through the criss-crossing canals.

Voyage Tips - Advice

From the Marina Bay Sands, take the lift to Tower 3 to reach the Gardens by the Bay. The connecting bridge offers a nice view of the hotel, the Ferris wheel and the Supertree Grove.

If you want to visit Marina Bay and the gardens by the bay in a unique way while enjoying the views, you must book this 3 hour guided segway tour:

Marina bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands

3. The Merlion

As long as we are discussing the emblematic and popular places, you can explore the Merlion.

This statue with the body of a fish and head of a lion spouting water, is one of the major tourist attractions of Singapore and one of the symbols of the city. 

The fish serves as a reminder that Singapore was a mere fishing village in the beginning, and the lion refers to the name of the city itself, meaning ‘Singapore’ which translates to ‘Lion City’ in Malaysian.

Taking a selfie in front of the Singapore Merlion has now become a must-do for all tourists. It is located in the business district on the esplanade, and on the banks of the Singapore river.

From here you will also have a beautiful view of the Marina Bay Sands and the Art Science Museum building.

Voyage Tips - Advice

You’re going to Singapore?

You probably know it: the hardest part of planning your trip is to find an hotel offering a good value for money!

And that’s even worse in big touristic cities like Singapore 😅.

The closer you get to your travel dates, the harder it will be to get a good deal. Tens of thousands of people will be visiting Singapore on the same dates as you, so you can be sure that the best deals are booked extremely quickly!

Hopefully, there is a pretty simple solution to this problem: do like me and book your hotel as early as possible!

So, my best advice is to take 5 minutes (now) to have a look at the list of travelers’ favorite hotels in Singapore.

And if you see a good offer, book it!

Most hotels offer free cancellation, so it’s quick, easy, and you will avoid the the inconvenience of finding nothing but mediocre rooms at exorbitant prices.

To check the current best deals for your hotel in Singapore, simply click on the green button below 😎:

Once you’ve booked your hotel, it will be time to continue reading this guide and find out more about the best things to do in Singapore!

Merlion Singapour
Le Merlion, l’emblème de Singapour

4. The colonial district of Singapore

Mandatory step in your tour in Singapore: the colonial district.

This is where Sir Stamford Raffles founded the city of Singapore in 1819. The former fishing village quickly transformed into an important trading post of the British East India Company.

There are still a few colonial buildings from this era to admire.

On your walk in the colonial district of Singapore, you must visit:

  • The Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall: Singapore’s first city hall
  • The city hall where Singapore’s National Art Gallery is located
  • The Padang, a large cricket ground, is a historical landmark in the history of the city. The Japanese used it to pile up prisoners during World War II before sending them to the camps.
  • Saint Andrew’s Cathedral, completely white and neogothic style
  • The Old Parliament, which is now transformed into the House of Arts
  • Fort Canning located on the forbidden hill: so called by the first inhabitants of the island who considered it a sacred place. The Fort park is the ideal place to go for a walk or a picnic.
  • The Fine Arts Museum
Voyage Tips - Advice

To discover all monuments in the colonial district and have detailed explanations, the best way is to opt for a guided visit. The guide is really interesting and you will get to know everything about the history of Singapore.

This guided tour of Singapore’s Old Colonial District can be booked here:

Padang Singapour
Quartier du Padang, Singapour

5. The Raffles Hotel

The Raffles Hotel is a legendary hotel in Singapore. It is also located in the colonial district.

As much as the Marina Bay Sands is known for its modernness, the Raffles is historical in nature. A true institution of the city, it is one of the most famous hotels in Singapore and is considered a very important part of the architectural and cultural heritage.

Opened in 1887, the colonial style palace, welcomed many famous personalities, politicians and writers.

The Raffles bar, the Long Bar, is ranked among the best in the world for its homemade cocktail, the Singapore Sling. A must-try for your trip to Singapore!

To reserve one of the sumptuous suites in this emblematic establishment, just click on the following link: Hotel Raffles Singapore.

Raffles Hotel Singapour
Raffles Hotel, à Singapour

6. Chinatown

Amongst the districts to visit in Singapore, I recommend going to Chinatown.

Climbing down from the “Chinatown” metro station, you will arrive directly on the main street with many shops and restaurants.

The unmissable spots in Singapore’s Chinatown:

  • Chinatown Visitor Centre: the information desk where you can get a map of the district
  • Chinatown Heritage Centre to learn all about the lives of the first inhabitants of Chinatown, Chinese immigrants. The museum recreates the interior of a shophouse, these typical South-East Asian residences that served as shops on the ground floor and houses on the first floor.
  • Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple
  • The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a very nice temple with typical Chinese architecture
  • The Ann Siang Hill Park, a covered lane leading to the Thian Hock Keng Temple, a Taoist temple dedicated to the goddess of the sea
  • Masjid Jamae (or “Chulia”) mosque, one of the oldest in the city.

If you are feeling peckish, you can also go to the Coconut Club to enjoy a gourmet Nasi Lemak Bib, recommended by the Michelin Guide!

Voyage Tips - Advice

If you want to immerse yourself in Chinese culture, why not opt for a guided tour?

With your guide, you can walk the lively streets and discover the monuments. Dinner at a local restaurant, a trishaw ride and a night cruise along the Singapore River are also included.

To book your guided tour of Chinatown, just click on the button below:

Chinatown Singapour
Quartier de Chinatown de Singapour

7. Little India

This guide to Singapore continues with another district to discover: Little India.

The main places of interest in the Indian district of Singapore:

  • Tan Teng Niah House, a very colourful house built by a Chinese merchant and very popular as an Instagram spot!
  • Sri Veeramakaliamman, a Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, wife of Shiva
  • Little India Arcade: a building housing souvenir shops and boutiques selling Indian fabrics, saris, clothes and sculptures
  • Tekka Centre: a large covered market selling fruit, vegetables, meat, fish and which is crowded with people. Very picturesque place!
  • Indian Heritage Centre, a new museum about the culture and history of the Singapore Indians
  • Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple: dedicated to Vishnu, it has a 20 m tall gopuram (a tower)
  • Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, also known as the Temple of 1000 Lights. There is a giant Buddha statue, 15 metres tall and 300 tons heavy.

Just like the colonial or Chinatown districts, there are also tours of Little India.

They can be booked here:

Little India Singapour
Little India, le quartier indien de Singapour

8. Kampong Glam: the Malay neighbourhood

Kampong Glam is one of the oldest neighbourhoods to see in Singapore. It was in 1822 that Sir Stamford Raffles allocated this area to the Arab and Malay community.

Today the neighbourhood has remained quite authentic and picturesque with many traditional stalls and beautiful houses.

What are the things to see in Singapore, in Kampong Glam:

  • Haji Lane: a street with colourful houses and lined with trendy bars and cafes with a lot of street art
  • Arab Street: a street parallel to Haji Lane with boutiques selling traditional carpets, fabrics and clothes
  • Bussorah Street: where you will find pretty classy houses, Lebanese or Moroccan restaurants and souvenir shops
  • Malay Heritage Centre for Malay History and Culture
  • The Masjid Sultan mosque and its imposing golden dome

For all the historical details, you can also choose a guided tour to explore the streets of the Malay district. Click here to book:

Kampong Glam Singapour
Kampong Glam, Singapour

9. Katong District

We end this tour of Singapore’s must-see districts with Katong.

Located to the east of the city, Katong is one of the oldest neighbourhoods and houses beautiful houses with colourful façades and old shophouses. To admire them, you can take a walk along Koon Seng Road.

Most of these shops were owned by Peranakans, Chinese immigrants who married locals, and out of this mix a new culture was born.

Katong is also known for being home to many small and very nice restaurants where you can taste the local cuisine.

Koon Seng Road
Koon Seng Road, quartier de Katong

10. Singapore Botanical Garden

Where are the places to go in Singapore to enjoy some greenery and take a nice walk?

The Singapore Botanical Garden is a direct metro ride away. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the place is super pleasant and perfectly maintained.

It is the most visited botanical garden in the world and it is free of charge (except the entrance to the national orchid garden, which costs $5).

There are several themed gardens to see, lakes, museums on the history of the garden or temporary exhibits. There are also several cafés and restaurants.

Expect your visit to take 2 to 3 hours because it’s a really big place. It is an ideal place to walk, with a quiet and relaxing atmosphere.

Jardin botanique de Singapour
Jardin botanique de Singapour

11. Museums to visit in Singapore

If you want to do some cultural tourism in Singapore, you will find many museums to visit:

  • Asian Civilisations Museum for Asian art and culture in general
  • The National Gallery Singapore for Modern Art
  • The National Museum of Singapore for the history of Singapore, from its creation to the present times
  • Indian Heritage Centre dedicated to the history of the Indian community of Singapore
  • Malay Heritage Centre for discovering the Malay people
  • Chinatown Heritage Centre recreates scenes from the daily lives of the city’s first Chinese residents
  • Peranakan Museum to better discover this unique community
  • Singapore City Gallery to learn more about Singapore’s architecture and urban development over the years
  • Art Science Museum at Marina Bay Sands and its various sections on art, culture, science and technology.
Artscience Museum Singapour
Artscience Museum Singapour

12. Shopping in Singapore

Going to Singapore and returning without having done a bit of shopping? Unimaginable!

You must go to Orchard Road for a small shopping spree at one (or more) of the huge shopping centres nearby. H&M, Victoria’s Secret or luxury boutiques (Louis Vuitton, Hermès…), there is a plethora of choices.

Just to clarify, even though you are in Asia, don’t expect to find low prices like in Bangkok (Thailand) for example. Singapore remains one of the most expensive cities in Asia, even if you include the duty-free aspect.

If you haven’t found what you were looking for at Orchard, don’t worry, you can always continue to the VivoCity (HarborFront subway), one of the biggest malls in Southeast Asia, or to the shopping centre at the Marina Bay.

And for affordable accessories or souvenirs, I suggest you go to Bugis Street, a covered market where you will find everything and nothing in a jolly mess!

Voyage Tips - Advice

For your purchases of photo or electronic equipment, avoid Sim Lim Square at all costs , guaranteed scams! I won’t dwell on the subject, but if you do a little research, you’ll quickly realise that this place must be avoided.

Shopping Thessaloniki
Shopping in Thessaloniki

13. Singapore Flier

An idea for a nice activity to do in Singapore to admire the city: a Ferris wheel ride. It is not far from Marina Bay.

At 165 metres tall, the Singapore Flier has long been the world’s biggest ferris wheel. During the tour, you can enjoy the view of the buildings, the bay and the Supertree.

To book your ticket for the Singapore Flier, simply here:

Singapore Flyer
Singapore Flyer

14. The Southern Ridges

We continue our Singapore guided tour with a walk through nature.

The Southern Ridges is a 10 km-long trail connecting several parks in Singapore, located in the south of the city. With footbridges between the trees and the canopy, the place allows you to discover the local flora and fauna.

Guests can visit the Kent Ridge Park, Hort Park, Telok Blangah Hill, Labrador Nature Reserve and Mount Faber Park. 

You don’t have to go all the way because there are several places from where you can begin. For example, I got off at Telok Blangah metro station to reach the Telok Blangah park and walk down the footbridges to the hill.

From here you will not be far from the Henderson Waves Bridge and the cable car to Sentosa Island. I’ll explain everything below.

The Southern Ridges Singapour
The Southern Ridges, à Singapour

15. Henderson Waves Bridge

Take the Southern Ridges trail to the Henderson Waves Bridge.

This futuristic-looking wooden bridge is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore and a very popular spot for photos. It has to be said that its shape, full of waves and curves, is very original and also allows you to admire the view of the city, 36 metres tall.

Henderson Waves Bridge
Henderson Waves Bridge

16. Sentosa

Sentosa is an island entirely dedicated to leisure, and you will find plenty of tourist attractions in Singapore (click on the orange links to book your tickets):

You can also indulge in a number of activities: segway, toboggan, bicycle, surf, tree-climbing, skydive (indoor free fall) or even bungee jump.

A bit of advice: avoid the Butterfly Park Insect Kingdom which contains 3 poor butterflies and some animals.

Voyage Tips - Advice

To reach Sentosa island, you can take the metro to Harbourfront station and then go on a cable car.

The departure point is at Mount Faber, just before the Henderson Waves Bridge, where you can admire the view of the entire south of the city. You can book your tickets for the Singapore cable car directly by clicking here:

téléphérique pour Sentosa
Prendre le téléphérique pour Sentosa

17. Singapore Aquarium

As I said, you can also visit the Singapore Aquarium on your day in Sentosa.

Jellyfish, colourful fish, rays, sharks, there are really many underwater species to see! The aquarium is also well designed and maintained.

To avoid queuing at the entrance, I advise you to book your tickets in advance by clicking here.

This is really a must-see if you have decided to go to Singapore with your family.

Aquarium Singapour
Visiter l’Aquarium de Singapour

18. Singapore Zoo

To spend time among animals and family outings, if you don’t know what to do in Singapore, you can go and visit the city zoo.

The Singapore Zoo is one of Asia‘s most famous zoos, with its 170 acres and more than 2,500 animals. You can see tigers, lions, leopards, giraffes and much more. Tickets available here.

Just next to the zoo (but at an additional cost) is the River Safari park, which is more focused on the different ecosystems of the aquatic world.

But strangely, it’s in this River Safari that you can see the giant pandas. It’seasy to see why they are not actually in the zoo: to “force” you to buy tickets for the 2 parks.

So if you want to see the pandas, you have to buy your River Safari passes too. They can be booked here.

Tigre blanc zoo de Singapour
Tigre blanc, au zoo de Singapour

19. Cruise on the Singapore River

During your vacation in Singapore, you can also relax on a cruise on the Singapore River.

Departing from Clarke Quay, you can take a boat ride to explore the skyscrapers of the financial district, the Merlion, the theatre or the monuments of the colonial district.

A pleasant 40-minute trip to get a different view of the city.

Clarke Quay Singapour croisière
Croisière à Singapour

20. Singapore rooftops

What could be better than a rooftop (roof terrace) in one of the highest buildings in Singapore to gaze upon the city at night and enjoy an excellent cocktail.

Here is my selection of the best rooftops in Singapore:

  • The Ce La Vi located at the top of the Marina Bay Sands
  • The 1-Altitude located on the 63rd floor, at 1 Raffles Place. One of the highest bars in the world!
  • LeVel 33 overlooks the Singapore Marina and boasts the highest microbrewery in the world.
  • The Loof for a more relaxed atmosphere
  • The Kinki and its panoramic view of the business district
  • The Lantern in the Fullerton Bay Hotel
  • The SuperTree by Indochine is located in one of the giant trees of Gardens By the Bay, one of the most spectacular rooftops in Singapore!
  • The New Asia Bar is located at the 71st stop of the Swissôtel hotel and hosts the world’s most famous DJs
Voyage Tips - Advice

Most of these rooftops are quite chic, so you’ll have to take your best outfit out of your bags to go here!

Cocktail prices are quite high and generally start at around $20.

rooftop Singapour
Contempler la ville de Singapour depuis un rooftop

21. Night Safari

If you have decided to visit Singapore with your family, you can’t take the rooftop option for your evening. But no worries, I found a more suitable activity: a night safari.

The Night Safari is one of the main tourist attractions of Singapore at night. You can discover many animals such as lions or elephants.

The first part of the tour is on foot and you will then climb into the tram for the visit and enjoy from the audio commentary.

Book your Night Safari tickets in Singapore here:

Voyage Tips - Advice

If you plan to visit the Singapore Zoo and do the Night Safari, I suggest you opt for a combined ticket. This will save you money.

The zoo + night safari ticket is available here.

singapore Night Safari
Singapore Night Safari

22. Bird Park

Finally, in Singapore, you can also visit the world’s largest bird park.

The Bird Park has no less than 5,000 birds of 400 different species. Like the zoo, River Safari and Night Safari, it is managed by the NGO Wildlife Reserves Singapore. Most birds are found in large aviaries and the park is quite well designed.

To avoid queuing at the entrance, you can book your tickets to Singapore’s Bird Park in advance:

Singapore Bird Park Flamingos
Singapore Bird Park

23. The beaches of Singapore

Would you like to take advantage of your visit to Bangkok to go to the beach?

Well, be warned, don’t expect paradisiacal beaches and unspoilt surroundings such as around Koh Lanta or Phuket, Thailand. The beaches in Singapore are not as pretty but if you want to take a breather and cool-off, they do the job.

The most accessible beaches in Singapore are on the island of Sentosa:

  • Palawan beach: very busy and surrounded by restaurants
  • The Siloso beach where you can indulge in several water activities
  • Tanjong beach, a little quieter during the day

South of Singapore, you can also find East Coast Park, the largest park in the city with a large sandy beach.

Siloso beach Singapore
La plage de Siloso, à Singapour

24. Taste the local cuisine

On your trip to Singapore, you will obviously have the opportunity to taste local cuisine.

Among the specialities to try, you must have:

  • The Dim Sum: delicious, steamed bite-sized treats filled with vegetables or meat
  • Laksa, a spicy noodle soup made from coconut milk and served with eggs and shrimp
  • Nasi Lemak: a coconut cream rice with fish or chicken and a sauce made with chilli, ginger and lemon (among others)
  • The Chilli Crab: crab served with special bread (mantou), which is dipped in a delicious sauce
  • Fish head curry which, as its name suggests, is a fish head marinated in a curry
  • The Hokkien Mee: 2 types of noodles cooked in a shrimp and squid broth
  • Durian: Singapore’s national fruit known for its horrible smell and banned on public transport and most hotels! Once you get over this, it actually seems good!

To discover the typical dishes of Singapore, you can also choose a guided tour with tasting several specialities like Nasi Lemak and Dim Sum.

This food tour is very nice and includes about ten tasting sessions in the Malay village, Chinatown and Little India.

Just click the button below to book this private guided tour:

Durian gastronomie Singapour
Le Durian, connu pour son odeur infecte!

25. MacRitchie Reservoir Park

Another nice park for taking a stroll in Singapore: the MacRitchie Reservoir Park.

This park has a complete change of scenery with its lush vegetation, and a large population of monkeys.

You can choose between several marked paths (the longest is 11 km long), but you must absolutely not miss the Treetop Walk, a suspension bridge offering a nice panoramic view of the park.

You will find signs for the routes at each entrance to the park. Remember to bring water, good sneakers and mosquito repellent!

Mac Ritchie reservoir
MacRitchie Reservoir Park

26. Pulau Ubin

To conclude this list of the top things to do and see in Singapore, you must go to Pulau Ubin.

This island is located in the northeast of the city and easily accessible by boat (only 10 minutes for the crossing). The boat can be taken at the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. No timetables, it leaves when it is full, but the process is fast because it can only accommodate a dozen passengers.

Spending a day in Pulau Ubin during your stay in Singapore allows you to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and get a little change from the skyscrapers.

You can explore the island on foot or by bicycle to discover the traditional village, the ancient quarries, the jungle and the mangrove.

Voyage Tips - Advice

You must also climb to the Puaka Hill viewpoint, which offers a clear view of the surroundings!

Pulau Ubin Puaka Hill
Pulau Ubin

The best things to do around Singapore?

After seeing all these interesting spots in Singapore, it is time to find out what you can do in the nearby areas.

In fact, there isn’t much to do in the immediate vicinity of Singapore, but on the other hand, you can get to other destinations very easily in just a few hours by plane or boat.

27. The islands of Indonesia

Batam Island and its neighbour Bintan, are the closest islands to visit around Singapore. Located in Indonesia, they are just a 1-hour boat ride away.

In Batam, you can enjoy several beaches for sunbathing and swimming. Golf lovers can also indulge in their passion at one of the world-class golf courses.

Quite touristy, the islands also offer duty-free shops, luxury hotels and resorts and water sports activities.

It is the ideal destination for a relaxing weekend near Singapore.

And if you want to go a little further Bali is only a 2h30 flight away, so your trip to Singapore can be the opportunity to go and discover this beautiful island of Indonesia!

Bali Indonésie
Bali, Indonésie

28. Thailand

From Singapore, you can also easily fly to Thailand.

If you are looking for an island with beautiful beaches, then you have Phuket, Koh Lanta, Koh Yao Noi, or Krabi.

If you’re not fed up with visiting urban areas, head for Bangkok , the Thai capital.

To help you organise your trip to Thailand, you can ready read my dedicated articles for the country: Destination Thailand.

Koh Yao Noi
Découvrir la Thaïlande

29. Vietnam

Another country to discover around Singapore: Vietnam.

A 2-hour flight will take you to Ho Chi Minh, formerly known as Saigon.

The unmissable spots in Ho-Chi-Minh:

  • The war museum, recounting all the horrors of the Vietnam War
  • Temples and pagodas
  • The Reunification Palace 
  • The Cu Chi tunnels where tens of thousands of people hid
  • Notre Dame Cathedral
  • The central post office and its typical French architecture
  • Enjoy an ice-cold coffee, a sumptuous experience!

And once in Vietnam, you can discover the wonders of the country, such as the famous Halong bay or the terraced rice fields of Mu Cang Chai.

Rizières en terrasse Mu Cang Chai Vietnam
Rizières en terrasse Mu Cang Chai, Vietnam

30. Cambodia

Cambodia is also one of the destinations close to Singapore easily accessible by plane.

You can visit the capital Phnom Penh (the royal palace, the national museum) or, of course, go to Angkor Wat to discover the temples, it is Cambodia’s most touristic site.

Angkor Cambodge
Le Cambodge

Visit Singapore with your family

Here is a list of things to do in Singapore with your children:

Zoo de Singapour Panda
Les pandas du zoo de Singapour

How many days to visit Singapore?

Considering the number of places to see in Singapore, I recommend staying there for a minimum of 3 days. It’s an ideal period of time to discover most of the places that I discussed in this top things article.

Here are a few examples of how to visit Singapore in 1, 2, 3 days or more.

Voyage Tips - Advice

If you are planning to go on paid attractions in Singapore, there is a city pass that saves money.

It gives you free access to more than 35 tourist attractions and activities in Singapore that are all in my top things article. However, you will have to plan your visits in advance to combine the ones that are included and to make the most of it.

Indeed, as it is valid for 2, 3, 5 or 7 days, this leaves little room for manoeuvre in case of bad weather or unforeseen events: for example, you will have to count one day if you want to go to the zoo, the River Safari and the Night Safari and another day for Sentosa. This rather imposes a sustained pace for your excursions.

If you are planning to visit the city in its entirety, book your unlimited Singapore sightseeing pass by clicking on the button below:

And if you want to be less rushed, it’s better to book your tickets one by one for each attraction using the links I gave you throughout the article.

Visit Singapore in 1 day

If you only have one day to visit Singapore, for example, on a long stopover, you can easily reach the areas you’re most interested in by subway and then walk around.

It all depends on your interests, but the most spectacular place in the city remains the Gardens By the Bay and the outskirts of Marina Bay and Merlion.

A good, quick and inexpensive way to get an overview of the city and its main neighbourhoods is also to choose to visit Singapore by multi-stop bus.

You need to book your tickets here:

Visit Singapore in 2 days

If you have 2 days in Singapore, you can follow the following itinerary:

Day 1:

  • Discovery of Chinatown
  • Visit to the Singapore City Gallery
  • Going to the Marina Bay Sands
  • Visit to the Gardens by the bay
  • SuperTree Sound and Light Show

Day 2:

  • Visit to the Little India and Kampong Glam neighbourhoods
  • Dine at the Raffles Hotel to sip a Singapore Sling
  • A walk in the colonial district
  • Photo with the Merlion
  • Take a ride on the Ferris wheel and/or enjoy the panoramic view from one of Singapore’s rooftops
Super trees by night Singapour
Les Supertree de Singapour

Visit Singapore in 3 days

In 3 days in Singapore, you can continue from the schedule for the first two days and then you have the following options:

  • A walk to the Southern Ridges and a visit to the Henderson Waves
  • Take the cable car to Mount Faber
  • Spend the rest of the day in Sentosa: you can visit one or more attractions or go to the beach

You also have another option for the 3rd day in Singapore:

  • Visit the Singapore Botanical Garden in the morning
  • Spend an afternoon shopping on Orchard Road 

Visit Singapore in 4 days

For a 4 day stay in Singapore, you can go the places that you did not choose in day 3.

Visit Singapore in 5 days

If your trip to Singapore lasts 5 days, you can choose between:

  • 1 day at MacRitchie Reservoir
  • 1 day to visit the Singapore Zoo and also the Night Safari if you feel like it
  • 1 day at Pulau Ubin

Visit Singapore in a week

In 7 days in Singapore, you won’t have to choose, continue with the itinerary till day 5.

On the sixth and seventh day, you can go to 2 other places. You will have then visited most of the tourist sites in Singapore!

Where to stay in Singapore

There’s no hiding it, unlike other Asian cities, Singapore is not really an inexpensive place.

The prices of the rooms are quite high and it is better to book them as early as possible to get reasonable prices. The good news is that you will still have plenty of choices because there are hundreds of hotels in Singapore.

As far as the location is concerned, it doesn’t matter as long as your hotel is not far from a subway station, as this is the main means of transport you will use to get around.

To help you choose, I have prepared my selection of the best hotels to stay in Singapore, based on your budget:

The capsule hotels (hostel style) – the cheapest accommodation in Singapore:

  • Spacepod@com Located 100m from the metro and 3 km from the colonial district. Capsule bed (called “pods”) from €40, breakfast included. Strong points: Very near to the subway, functional and comfortable capsule.
  • The Atlas Station: Capsule hotel located 2 km from the Singapore Art Museum and 3 km from the Singapore Flier. Double space capsule from €50, breakfast included. Strong points: air-conditioning and a screen with Netflix in each pod, friendly staff.
  • Wink Capsule Hostel @ Chinatown: Located in Chinatown. Capsule bed from €60, breakfast included. Strong points: location in Chinatown, subway a 2 minute walk away, cleanliness. This is our recommendation for a cheap stay in Singapore.

The best hotels for a budget between €100 and €200:

  • Hotel Boss: Located between Kampong Glam and Little India. Modern double room with city view from €110, breakfast at €8. Strong points: swimming pool, good location, view.
  • Hilton Garden Inn Singapore Serangoon: Located in Little India. Comfortable and well equipped double room from €150, breakfast at €13. Strong points: soundproofing, comfortable bedding, swimming pool. An excellent choice to stay in Singapore!
  • YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road: Located in the heart of the shopping district, on Orchard street and 270 metres from the metro station. Very modern and functional double room from €170, breakfast included. Strong points: outdoor swimming pool, comfortable bed, excellent breakfast. It’s my favorite for its excellent value for money in Singapore!
  • Swissotel Merchant Court Singapore: Located in Clarke Quay, just next to the colonial district and not far from Chinatown. Warm double room with views of the river or the swimming pool from €200, breakfast at €28. Strong points: very friendly and helpful staff. The best choice to stay in a 5* hotel in Singapore for a “reasonable” price for the city.

Luxury hotels in Singapore:

  • Parkroyal on Pickering: Located in Chinatown. Designer and warm double room from €250, breakfast at €25. Strong points: swimming pool, hanging gardens and leafy setting, magnificent decoration, excellent breakfast. An exceptional place to stay in Singapore!
  • Marina Bay Sands: This emblematic 5 star hotel in Singapore is known for its famous swimming pool: the largest infinity pool in the world, with a superb view of the Gardens By the Bay. Double room with contemporary decoration and large bay windows to enjoy the view, from €400. Strong points: quality of service, access to the Infinity Pool, services. This is our recommendation for an upscale stay in Singapore!
  • The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore: Luxury hotel located in Marina Bay. A very classy double room with uncluttered furniture, from €460, breakfast at €37. Strong points: quality of service, comfortable rooms, delicious food.
  • Raffles Hotel Singapore: Another emblematic 5 star establishment in Singapore. The Raffles Hotel offers very elegant rooms in the colonial style from €600, breakfast at €47. Strong points: setting, architecture, ambiance, luxury and refinement. This is our recommendation for a luxury stay in Singapore!
Marina Singapour
Visiter Singapour

Where to eat in Singapore

I don’t really have specific recommendations for a restaurant in Singapore.

It will really depend on where you stay and where you are at meal time. But you will find places to eat at any time of the day.

You must visit the the food courts of the shopping centres, or the hawker centre, open-air or semi-covered spaces (more typical) that bring together all the cuisines of the world.

Choose what you want to eat from any of the stands and you can sit on the tables in the centre to enjoy it. If you see a bunch of tissues on the table or chair, it is reserved!

A super convenient option if you are together and everyone wants to eat a different dish.

Where to go in Singapore at night

In addition to all the rooftop locations I’ve talked to you about, if you want to party in Singapore or have a drink in a relaxed atmosphere, you have the following options:

  • Haji Lane street for its many bars where DJs and live musicians perform
  • The Telok Ayer Street is also very lively in the evening
  • The Zouk (Clarke Quay underground), ranked in the top 10 best nightclubs in the world

There are also bar tours in Singapore. Ideal if you’re visiting Singapore solo but want to meet other travellers for an evening.

The tour includes free shots, discounts on other drinks and a VIP entrance to a club.

Book your pub crawl in Singapore by clicking here.

Singapour de nuit
Singapour de nuit

How to get around Singapore?

To get around Singapore, the best way is taking the subway. The network is super developed and you will avoid all the traffic jams that are inevitable if you are travelling by bus or taxi.

Upon arrival at the Singapore airport, you must take the Singapore Tourist Pass which gives unlimited access to public transport for 1, 2 or 3 days for $10 per day or $30 for 3 days.

The rate includes the $10 deposit that will be returned to you when you bring your transportation cards back. This is the best pass for transportation.

Visiting Singapore: flight prices

Since flight prices for Singapore vary greatly, it is a good idea to compare them as soon as possible. To do this, you can use our flight comparison tool, in partnership with Skyscanner. You can rest assured that you will get the best rates.

Tourist map of Singapore

To help you visualise the city a little better, I made you a tourist map of Singaporelisting the places to visit that I talk about in this top 30 things to do in Singapore and nearby. You can display the map legend by clicking the button at the top left with a small arrow.

 

So what have you planned to do during your trip to Singapore?

Book your trip now and save money!

You’re traveling to Singapore? These articles will help you!

Discover all my articles about Singapore: All my articles to help you plan your trip to Singapore are listed there.

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Best places to visit in Singapore
Anonymous

Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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