Things to do in Singapore

Ask any local about the most popular things to do in Singapore and chances are that Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade will be on top of the list. The centre of Singapore’s recreational, cultural and entertainment activities, Marina Bay is one of the best tourist attractions in Singapore.

Without a single dull moment, there are so many things to do here that travellers keep coming back for more. The entire area is lit up with bright lights and you are surrounded by towering skyscrapers, the hustle-bustle of restaurants and numerous entertainment zones. 

There are a number of attractions and activities here, but Wonder Full definitely steals the show. Said to be the largest light and water show in Southeast Asia, it will take your breath away. The play of light and water is perfectly synchronised and is beautifully complemented by the orchestra. 

If you are travelling with children, the Art Science Museum is a must. The lotus-shaped building is home to more than 20 galleries which exhibit unique art and science works. If you have sufficient time in your itinerary, we also recommend including a guided tour of the museum in your things to do in Singapore itinerary.

Cost: A visit to Marina Bay in your things to do in Singapore itinerary will cost you anywhere between Rs.1000 and Rs.2500.

Nature and man can peacefully coexist and a beautiful example of this is Gardens by the Bay. Said to be among the most popular things to do in Singapore, a visit to Gardens by the Bay should be one of the first things in your itinerary. The garden is divided into three sections which are known as Bay Central Garden, Bay South Garden and Bay East Garden.

One needs at least three to four hours to explore the entire area and even then you might have to come back for more. The garden is home to more than 4,00,000 plants and is known for its use of technology and natural elements. You should not miss including the enthralling light and sound show, Garden Rhapsody, in your things to do in Singapore itinerary.  

The highlights of the garden are the Supertrees, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. Supertrees are vertical gardens and a huge draw for visitors. Offering travellers a close look at the Supertrees, the elevated walkway is another experience that you can’t ignore.

Another highlight and a wonderful activity in your things to do in Singapore itinerary is a visit to Cloud Forest. An indoor, tropical dome, it’s a fascinating representation of the wonders of nature. The cascading waterfall which was one of the highest indoor waterfalls before Jewel Changi was set up at the Singapore airport, is breathtaking and dream-like. 

At the same time, a visit to Cloud Mountain should also be a part of your things to do in Singapore itinerary. Transporting travellers to the mountains, this man-made wonder creates an ambience and promises views that one can only dream of. You must also take a look at the flora here which is inspired by plants species in mountainous regions. Don’t forget to capture panoramic views of Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay from the top. 

The Flower Dome is another highlight in most things to do in Singapore itineraries. Considered to be one of the largest glass greenhouses in the world, the dome is home to a few rare flowers. The park is open late into the night but the timings for all attractions are different. It’s important to remember that most activities and sections in Gardens by the Bay have additional costs which are not part of the entry ticket. 

Cost: A trip to Gardens by the Bay in your things to do in Singapore itinerary will cost you between Rs.700 and Rs.1500.

A major highlight in most itineraries, a visit to Universal Studios is one of the most popular things to do in Singapore, especially if you are travelling with children. One of the biggest amusement and theme parks in the world, Universal Studios promises a fun-filled day.

While the tickets are slightly expensive, it's completely worth it. From the many amusement rides, theme parks, adventure zones, restaurants, children's areas, film set replicas – Universal Studios has been thoughtfully designed and ensures you have an unforgettable experience.

We recommend spending the whole day here if you want to explore the entire area. There are numerous information desks set-up around the park which give you an update on the latest shows. You can catch a glimpse of popular movie and storybook characters including Minions, Shrek and Alex, the Lion. There are seven different zones here including Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt and the Lost World. Each zone promises a number of options for eating out and shopping.

To keep little ones engrossed, there are numerous performances including 4D shows and virtual-reality based activities. In fact, Shrek in 4D adventure is one of the major highlights in things to do in Singapore itineraries. 

Cost: Including a trip to Universal Studios in your things to do in Singapore itinerary can set you back by Rs.5000.

Singapore is home to people from different countries and cultures, making it a cultural hotspot. A visit to Chinatown is among the top things to do in Singapore and is highly recommended by travellers. An area dedicated to Chinese immigrants in Singapore, it’s a cacophony of colours and sounds that you won’t find anywhere else. Where on the one hand, street vendors are whipping delicious delicacies, the bars are coming to life with soothing jazz melodies.

Chinatown takes you into a different world, one which is different from Singapore’s urban neighbourhood. Giving travellers a peek into Chinese customs, history and heritage, Chinatown is home to numerous temples and small museums.  

Travellers often include a visit to Chinatown Heritage Centre in their things to do in Singapore itinerary. The Heritage Centre offers an enthralling tour which traces the history of this vibrant country and also takes you back into the past with replicas of old buildings. 

Another reason why Chinatown is a favourite in most things to do in Singapore itineraries is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. One of the best things to see in Singapore, it houses more than 300 Buddhist artefacts from across Asia and a gold stupa which is breathtaking. If you want to learn more about the temple and its history, you can include an enthralling tour in your things to do in Singapore itinerary. These tours take place every Tuesday and Thursday. Since it’s a busy tourist attraction, it’s best to book your slot well in advance.
Cost: A visit to Chinatown in your things to do in Singapore itinerary can cost you anywhere between Rs.500 and Rs.2000.

A visit to Sentosa Island is one of the top things to do in Singapore. It is among the most popular tourist attractions in the city and is packed with exciting activities. You can either opt for a day trip or choose to stay a couple of days, depending on your budget and your things to do in Singapore itinerary.

The magnificent butterfly garden is the highlight of all-day tours and it takes a couple of hours to explore the area. Also home to Universal Studios, SEA Aquarium and Tiger Sky Tower, it is a delight to discover for little ones. 

Said to be ‘Asia’s Favourite Playground’, it is the top attraction in most itineraries for things to do in Singapore. During the 19th century, Sentosa was a fortress which transformed into a military base after the Second World War. If you are a history lover, you can include a visit to the military museum in your things to do in Singapore itinerary. The museum has numerous intriguing exhibits which are one of a kind.

Beach bums can head to Siloso Beach, which is one of the major attractions in things to do in Singapore itineraries and offers umpteen activities including volleyball and water sports. 

You must not miss the panoramic views that the highest observation tower, the Tiger Sky Tower offers. The viewing deck of the tower promises mesmerising views of Sentosa Island and surrounding islands and is a must-include in your things to do in Singapore itinerary.

Cost: A trip to Sentosa Island in your things to do in Singapore itinerary will cost you between Rs.5000 and Rs.8000.

A cultural hotspot, Little India is a popular attraction in things to do in Singapore itineraries. Remarkably different from the cosmopolitan side of the city, Little India is a bustling centre of shops, restaurants and local eating joints. It’s an ideal place to head to if you want to indulge in retail therapy and also satisfy food cravings for Indian food. Most restaurants here offer a variety of north Indian and south Indian dishes along with delectable street food. 

There are numerous boutiques lining Serangoon Road which offer apparel, jewellery and home decor at reasonable prices. The road is also home to old shops where you can find a treasure of antiques. Bali Lane and Haji Lane are two shopping streets which are perfect for shopaholics. We recommend bargaining to your heart’s content if you have a long shopping list. 

Little India is usually crowded so it’s best to schedule a visit in your things to do in Singapore itinerary on weekdays. If you happen to head to the market on a Sunday, be prepared to brave the crowds. 

Cost: A visit to Little India in your things to do in Singapore itinerary will cost you anywhere between Rs.1000 and Rs.3000.

The Jurong Bird Park is one of the largest bird parks in Asia. Home to over 5,000 birds, it is a treat for bird watchers and nature lovers. If this is your first visit to the city, we recommend including a visit here in your things to do in Singapore itinerary.

There are numerous shows that take place here which offer interesting insights about the various species of birds. If you are travelling with little ones, we definitely suggest booking a guided tour in your things to do in Singapore itinerary. The most visited attraction in the bird park is the Waterfall Aviary which is home to more than 600 birds and boasts a 30-meter high waterfall. The aviary is touted as one of the world’s largest walk-in aviaries. 

Lory Loft Forest Enclosure is one of the world’s largest walk-in lory flight aviaries and is a major highlight of the park. Penguin Coast, on the other hand, is home to penguins and is a delight for little ones to explore. You must also include a tour of the Flamingo Lake and Pelican Cove in your things to do in Singapore itinerary.

If you have included guided tours in your things to do in Singapore itinerary, it will take you around three to fours to explore the park. 

Cost: A tour of Jurong Bird Park in your things to do in Singapore itinerary will cost you between Rs.2000 and Rs.4500.

Singapore is not just immaculate streets and high rise buildings, the world-class country offers great options for nature lovers as well. 

The Southern Ridges are the perfect escape from city life and offer nature lovers an opportunity to admire nature in all its glory. The ridges stretch for almost 10 kilometres and are surrounded by tall trees, verdant gardens and a variety of flora. The ridges connect Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve. A visit to the Southern Ridges is a must in your things to do in Singapore itinerary if you enjoy photography and hiking. 

The Southern Ridges are popular among people who enjoy long walks or hikes. Most hikes include a trip to Mount Faber. From there you can take the Henderson Waves pedestrian bridge, an architectural marvel spanning over 270 metres. The bridge stands tall at almost 36 metres above Henderson Road and is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. 

The bridge connects Mount Faber to Telok Blangah Hill Park. At the Hill Park, an elevated walkway takes you up to the level of the forest canopy, offering majestic views of the diverse wildlife.

While you can explore the area on your own, we highly recommend including a guided tour in your things to do in Singapore itinerary.

Cost: A trip to Southern Ridges in your things to do in Singapore itinerary will cost you between Rs.3000 and Rs.4500.

The iconic Merlion Park is undoubtedly one of the most famous landmarks in the world. The marvellously sculpted statue is frequented by travellers and locals alike and should be part of your things to do in Singapore itinerary. The statue depicts the mythical Merlion which is represented by the body of a fish and head of a lion. Merlion is a homage to Singapore's humble origins as a fishing village and its original name Singapura (Lion City). 

The statue is located in Merlion Park, in front of Fullerton Hotel overlooking the Marina Bay. The 28-feet statue is also a fountain, with water spouting from its mouth. The statue which is one of the most popular things to see in Singapore was crafted by the famous local artist, Lim Nang Seng, and was inaugurated on September 15, 1972, by the then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. 

As the sun sets, you can witness the mesmerising light and sound show that takes place at Marina Sands Bay.

Cost: Including a visit to Merlion Park in your things to do in Singapore itinerary will cost you between Rs.1000 and Rs.2000 including transport.

Exploring bars, clubs and restaurants is one of the most popular things to do in Singapore. And there isn’t a better place for night owls than Clarke Quay. The hub of nightlife in the city, a visit here should be part of your things to do in Singapore itinerary, especially if you are looking for delicious food, good music and a memorable experience.

If you are travelling to Singapore with your partner or friends, chances are that you’ll spend most of your evenings here. During the day, Clarke Quay is a busy riverfront, but as the sun sets, the area transforms into a party zone with blaring music and hundreds of people. 

There are numerous dance bars, live music nightclubs and restaurants in the area and depending on your budget, you can choose your favourites. If loud music isn’t your idea of a good evening, there are a few restaurants which are known for their delicious food and impeccable service.

The major highlights of the area are Attica which is one of the most popular clubs, Trace, which promises a memorable night, the Chupito Bar, which is known for its Spanish delicacies and unique concoctions of drinks, and Harrys at Riverside Point, which offers delectable food.
Cost: If you want to include an evening in Clarke Quay in your things to do in Singapore itinerary, we recommend keeping aside between Rs.2000 and Rs.5000.

If shopping is the highlight of all your vacations, then a trip to Orchard Road needs to be on your list of things to do in Singapore. It’s the answer to the question – what to do in Singapore for shopaholics and is a delight to discover. Situated in the heart of Singapore, Orchard Road is dotted with shopping malls, local markets, beautiful restaurants and hotels. 

An erstwhile farming area where orchards were planted, Orchard Road today has transformed into a bustling shopping area. During the Great Singapore Sale which is held annually, the market comes to life with myriad sales and events to lure customers. 

There are more than 45 shopping malls in the area and each offers something different. ION Orchard is among the busiest shopping places in Singapore and is home to more than 300 stores. You will find several high-end designer stores here including Cartier, Armani and Prada. 

On the other hand, Lucky Plaza is ideal for bargain shoppers. If you are looking for reasonable shopping options and want to take home souvenirs or electronic goods, you’ll be spoilt for choice in Lucky Plaza. Since Orchard Road is home to a number of malls and stores, you may want to keep aside sufficient time in your things to do in Singapore itinerary to enjoy this shopping hub.
Cost: Including a visit to Orchard Street in your things to do in Singapore itinerary will cost you anywhere between Rs.1500 and Rs.3500 including eating out.

The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve is a must-include in your things to do in Singapore itinerary if you are a nature lover. The reserve is home to 40% of the local flora and fauna in Singapore and is among the two ASEAN Heritage Parks in the city. It is said to be one of the largest rainforests in Singapore and bedazzles travellers with its natural beauty.

Situated on the tallest hill in Singapore, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve was established in 1883. If you are curious about the variety of trees here, you must include a guided tour in your things to do in Singapore itinerary. The highlight of the park is the Shorea Curtisii tree. Said to be more than 400 years old, they are the oldest trees in Singapore. 

You can also spot 18 species of Dipterocarps, which are the tallest hardwood trees of the rainforest. There is an ecological bridge which connects the Bukit Reserve with the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. The bridge is an effort towards conservation of the native flora and fauna in both reserves. The eco-spaces are home to more than 500 species of animals and over 840 species of plants. 

If you are an adventure enthusiast, you can include activities such as mountain biking and hiking in your things to do in Singapore itinerary. The reserve is also home to numerous nature camps which are a must-attend if you are travelling with children. We recommend including a guided tour in your things to do in Singapore itinerary and booking it well in advance so that you don’t miss out on an opportunity to learn more about the natural heritage of Singapore.
Cost: Including a visit to Bukit Timah Nature Reserve in your things to do in Singapore itinerary will cost you anywhere between Rs.3000 and Rs.5000.

The National Gallery Singapore is a must-visit destination for art and culture enthusiasts. The gallery houses and oversees one of the largest collections of Southeast Asian modern art. The gallery is located in two iconic structures of Singapore – City Hall and the old Supreme Court building. 

The gallery houses over 8,000 Singaporean pieces of art from the 19th century to the present day and should be a part of your things to do in Singapore itinerary. Artwork from artists around Southeast Asia is also showcased here. A series of exhibitions, guided tours, artist talks and lectures are organised regularly to keep visitors engaged. 

The gallery also has an amazing souvenir shop for art lovers and a cafe for food lovers known as Gallery & Co. It is located at level 1 of the City Hall wing. You can enjoy lip-smacking meals and buy books, journals and artwork here. 

The entry to the gallery is free for Singapore residents while a $20 fee is applicable for foreigners.

Cost: To include a visit to the National Gallery of Singapore in your things to do in Singapore itinerary, it will cost you between Rs.2000 and Rs.3500.

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