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.