Top 10 Things to Do in Singapore

A Fusion of Future and Tradition: Your Ultimate Singapore Guide

Welcome to Singapore, the dazzling city-state where futuristic skyscrapers coexist with lush green sanctuaries and vibrant cultural enclaves. Often called the "Lion City," this island nation is a masterclass in urban planning, multicultural harmony, and culinary excellence. Whether you're a first-time visitor captivated by its iconic skyline or a returning traveler eager to delve deeper, the sheer variety of things to do in Singapore can be overwhelming. This guide is here to help you navigate the best of the best.

From otherworldly gardens and architectural marvels to bustling hawker centres and serene nature trails, Singapore offers a rich tapestry of experiences. It’s a city that constantly reinvents itself while cherishing its heritage, creating a unique destination that caters to every type of traveler. Get ready to explore a world of possibilities packed into one compact, efficient, and endlessly fascinating island. Here are the top 10 things to do in Singapore that you absolutely cannot miss.

1. Wander Through the Otherworldly Gardens by the Bay

No trip to Singapore is complete without a visit to the breathtaking Gardens by the Bay. This iconic nature park, spanning 101 hectares of reclaimed land, is a testament to the city's vision of a "City in a Garden." It's a wonderland of horticultural artistry and sustainable technology that will leave you in awe.

The Supertree Grove

The first thing you'll notice are the massive, tree-like vertical gardens known as the Supertrees. Ranging from 25 to 50 meters in height, these structures are not just visually stunning; they're functional marvels, harvesting solar energy and collecting rainwater. For a small fee, take a walk along the OCBC Skyway, a 128-meter-long aerial walkway connecting two of the larger Supertrees. The panoramic views of the gardens and the Marina Bay skyline are spectacular. Don't miss the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show, which transforms the grove into a magical, illuminated forest every evening.

Cloud Forest and Flower Dome

Step inside the two massive cooled conservatories to escape the tropical heat. The Flower Dome replicates a cool-dry Mediterranean climate, showcasing a changing display of flowers and plants from various regions. The Cloud Forest, however, is the real showstopper. You're greeted by the world's tallest indoor waterfall, cascading down a 35-meter-tall "Cloud Mountain" covered in lush vegetation. Take the elevator to the top and descend via the winding aerial walkways, exploring the different levels of this misty, high-altitude ecosystem.

2. Touch the Sky at Marina Bay Sands

Dominating the Singapore skyline, Marina Bay Sands is more than just a hotel; it's an integrated resort and a premier lifestyle destination. This architectural icon is famous for its three cascading hotel towers topped by the incredible Sands SkyPark.

Sands SkyPark Observation Deck

For one of the best views of the city, head up to the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck on the 57th floor. From this vantage point, you can see landmarks like the Singapore Flyer, Gardens by the Bay, and the bustling shipping lanes that have defined Singapore's history. While the famous infinity pool is reserved exclusively for hotel guests, the observation deck is open to the public and offers an unforgettable perspective of the cityscape. The best time to visit is just before sunset to watch the city transition from day to night.

3. Immerse Yourself in Singapore's Cultural Enclaves

To truly understand Singapore's soul, you must explore its historic and vibrant cultural neighborhoods. Each one offers a unique window into the heritage of the communities that helped build this nation.

Chinatown

Singapore's Chinatown is a bustling mix of old and new. Visit the stunning Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, a four-story temple that houses a sacred relic. Wander through the colorful streets, browse the souvenir stalls, and then dive into the culinary heart of the area at the Maxwell Food Centre or Chinatown Complex Food Centre for some of the city's best and most affordable local dishes.

Little India

As you step into Little India, you're immediately greeted by a sensory explosion of colors, sounds, and scents. The air is filled with the fragrance of jasmine garlands and incense. Explore the ornate Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of Singapore's oldest Hindu temples, and shop for everything from spices to silk saris at the 24-hour Mustafa Centre.

Kampong Glam

This is the historic heart of Singapore's Malay community. The magnificent Sultan Mosque, with its golden dome, is the area's focal point. The surrounding streets are a delightful contrast. Arab Street is known for its textiles and Persian rugs, while the adjacent Haji Lane is a hipster's paradise, famous for its independent fashion boutiques, quirky cafes, and vibrant street art murals. It's the perfect place to find a unique souvenir and capture some incredible photos.

4. Embark on a Culinary Adventure at a Hawker Centre

You haven't truly experienced Singapore until you've eaten at a hawker centre. These open-air food courts are the bedrock of Singaporean food culture, offering a staggering variety of delicious and incredibly affordable dishes from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan traditions. In 2020, Singapore's hawker culture was even added to the UNESCO list of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Must-Try Dishes

Navigating the endless stalls can be daunting, so here are a few national treasures to get you started. Look for the stalls with the longest queues—it's usually a sign of something special.

5. Discover Wildlife at the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

The Mandai Wildlife Reserve is home to some of the world's best wildlife parks. The Singapore Zoo is renowned for its "open concept" design, where animals live in spacious, naturalistic enclosures separated from visitors by moats and other subtle barriers. It's a fantastic experience for all ages, with highlights like the Fragile Forest biodome and the daily animal shows.

Adjacent to the zoo is the Night Safari, the world's first nocturnal wildlife park. As dusk falls, you can explore the park on a guided tram ride or on foot along walking trails, observing over 2,500 nocturnal animals in their naturalistic habitats. It's a truly unique and memorable wildlife experience.

6. Play and Relax on Sentosa Island

Known as "The State of Fun," Sentosa is Singapore's premier island resort getaway. Connected to the mainland by a short causeway and a cable car, it's packed with attractions for thrill-seekers, families, and beach lovers.

Top Attractions

• Universal Studios Singapore:A world-class theme park with rides and shows based on blockbuster films.

• S.E.A. Aquarium:One of the world's largest aquariums, home to more than 100,000 marine animals.

• Beaches:Relax on the sandy shores of Siloso, Palawan, or Tanjong Beach. Palawan Beach is particularly family-friendly, featuring a suspension bridge to a small islet that's considered the "Southernmost Point of Continental Asia."

7. Walk Among the Treetops at The Southern Ridges

For a dose of nature without leaving the city, explore The Southern Ridges. This 10-kilometer-long trail of green, open spaces connects several parks, including Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, and Kent Ridge Park. The highlight is the Henderson Waves, Singapore's highest pedestrian bridge, which features a stunning, artistic wave-like structure. The Forest Walk and Canopy Walk offer elevated walkways that take you through the treetops for a bird's-eye view of the forest canopy.

8. Dive into Art and History at the National Museums

Gain deeper insights into Singapore's history, culture, and art by visiting its excellent museums. The National Museum of Singapore is the nation's oldest museum, offering a comprehensive look at the country's past through engaging and immersive exhibits. For art lovers, the National Gallery Singapore is a must-visit. It's housed in two beautifully restored national monuments—the former Supreme Court and City Hall—and oversees the world's largest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art.

9. Experience the Buzz of the Singapore River

The Singapore River was the city's original lifeline, and today its banks are a vibrant hub of dining and entertainment. Start at Boat Quay, with its rows of shophouses converted into lively bars and seafood restaurants. Further down, you'll find Clarke Quay, known for its colorful, restored warehouses that now house a plethora of nightclubs and restaurants, making it the epicenter of Singapore's nightlife. Taking a river cruise is a fantastic way to see the city's landmarks from a different perspective, gliding past modern skyscrapers and historic colonial buildings.

10. Be Amazed by Jewel Changi Airport

In Singapore, even the airport is a world-class attraction. Jewel Changi Airport is a stunning nature-themed entertainment and retail complex linked to the passenger terminals. Its centerpiece is the HSBC Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall, which cascades 40 meters down from the center of its glass-and-steel dome. Surrounding it is the Shiseido Forest Valley, a terraced indoor garden with walking trails. With its myriad of shops, restaurants, and attractions like the Canopy Park, Jewel has transformed the airport experience into an essential part of any Singapore itinerary.

Your Singapore Adventure Awaits

Singapore is a city of endless discovery, where every neighborhood tells a story and every meal is an adventure. This list of the top things to do in Singapore is just the beginning. Whether you're marveling at supertrees, savoring a plate of chicken rice, or exploring a vibrant laneway, the Lion City is sure to captivate and inspire you.

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