12 Amazing Things to Do in Singapore
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Have You Ever Wondered How a Tiny Island Became One of the World’s Most Exciting Travel Destinations?
Singapore may be small, but it packs so much fun into its compact size! This amazing city-state in Southeast Asia mixes old and new, East and West, in ways that will surprise and delight you. With so many things to do in Singapore, visitors of all ages can find activities they’ll love.
Often called the “Lion City,” Singapore is clean, safe, and easy to get around. Whether you love eating delicious food, seeing beautiful gardens, shopping, or learning about different cultures, there are plenty of things to do in Singapore that will make your trip special.
1. Explore Gardens by the Bay
One of the most popular things to do in Singapore is visiting Gardens by the Bay. This futuristic nature park has giant “Supertrees” that light up at night! Inside the park, you’ll find:
- Cloud Forest: A mountain with a waterfall inside a glass dome
- Flower Dome: The world’s largest glass greenhouse with plants from all over
- Supertree Grove: Tall tree-like structures that have a light show at night
The best part? Many areas of the gardens are free to visit! Walking among these amazing plant displays feels like stepping into the future.
2. Visit the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari
The Singapore Zoo is one of the best in the world! Animals live in open, natural-looking areas rather than cages. You can see orangutans swinging right above your head and watch white tigers play.
Next door, the Night Safari lets you see nocturnal animals when they’re most active. Riding the tram through the dark jungle while spotting animals is one of the most exciting things to do in Singapore with kids.
3. Take a Photo with the Merlion
The Merlion is Singapore’s famous mascot – part lion, part fish! The main statue stands at Merlion Park, spraying water from its mouth with Marina Bay Sands in the background. This is one of the most popular spots to take photos in the city.
Standing by the Merlion and enjoying the beautiful view is a must-do on any list of things to do in Singapore.
4. Enjoy Universal Studios Singapore
If you love rides and shows, Universal Studios on Sentosa Island is the place for you! The park has seven themed zones with exciting roller coasters, 4D shows, and attractions based on movies like Transformers, Jurassic Park, and Shrek.
This theme park is smaller than others around the world, which means you can see everything in one day! It’s one of the most fun things to do in Singapore for families and thrill-seekers.
5. Stroll Down Orchard Road
Orchard Road is shopping heaven! This long street is lined with huge malls selling everything from cheap souvenirs to luxury brands. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, walking through the beautiful air-conditioned malls is a great way to escape the heat.
During holidays, especially Christmas, the whole street is decorated with amazing lights and displays. Shopping (or just window shopping) is one of the most popular things to do in Singapore for visitors.
6. Eat at Hawker Centers
Singapore is famous for its food, and the best place to try local dishes is at hawker centers! These are like food courts with many small stalls selling delicious and affordable meals. Some must-try foods include:
- Chicken Rice: Tender chicken with flavorful rice
- Laksa: Spicy noodle soup
- Chili Crab: Singapore’s national dish
- Satay: Grilled meat on skewers with peanut sauce
- Kaya Toast: Sweet coconut jam on toast, often eaten for breakfast
Visiting places like Maxwell Food Centre or Lau Pa Sat and trying different foods is one of the tastiest things to do in Singapore.
7. Explore Sentosa Island
Sentosa is Singapore’s fun island! Besides Universal Studios, it has:
- Beautiful beaches
- S.E.A. Aquarium with thousands of sea creatures
- Adventure parks and zip lines
- The tallest Merlion statue
- Fort Siloso, which tells the history of Singapore during WWII
You can reach Sentosa by cable car, train, or even by walking across a bridge. Spending a day or two exploring this island is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Singapore with family.
8. Visit Little India and Chinatown
Singapore has many different cultures living together peacefully. Two of the most colorful neighborhoods to visit are Little India and Chinatown.
In Little India, you’ll find bright buildings, temples, spice shops, and delicious Indian food. Chinatown has red lanterns, beautiful temples, traditional medicine shops, and great dim sum restaurants.
Walking through these neighborhoods and learning about different cultures is one of the most interesting things to do in Singapore.
9. See the City from Marina Bay Sands
The Marina Bay Sands hotel looks like a ship sitting on top of three towers! On the roof, there’s an infinity pool (only for hotel guests) and an observation deck called SkyPark (open to all visitors).
From up high, you can see the whole city, Gardens by the Bay, and ships in the harbor. This view is especially beautiful at sunset and at night when the city lights up.
10. Visit the National Museum of Singapore
If you want to learn about Singapore’s history and culture, visit the National Museum. It’s in a beautiful old building but has modern, interactive displays that make learning fun.
You’ll discover how Singapore changed from a small fishing village to a modern city-state. This is one of the most educational things to do in Singapore and perfect for a rainy day.
11. Walk the Southern Ridges
For nature lovers, the Southern Ridges is a 6-mile walking path that connects several parks. The most famous part is the Henderson Waves, a wave-shaped bridge high above the trees.
Along the walk, you’ll see birds, monkeys, and beautiful plants, plus great views of the city and harbor. This peaceful walk shows a different side of Singapore away from the busy streets.
12. Experience Clarke Quay at Night
When the sun goes down, Clarke Quay comes alive! This area by the river has many restaurants and bars with outdoor seating. You can enjoy dinner while watching boats go by, try bungee jumping, or dance the night away.
Taking a river cruise from here is also fun – you’ll see colonial buildings lit up at night alongside modern skyscrapers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Things to Do in Singapore
How many days do I need to see Singapore?
3-4 days is enough to see the main attractions. If you want to explore more deeply or take day trips to nearby islands, 5-7 days would be better.
What’s the best time to visit Singapore?
Singapore’s weather is hot and humid year-round. February to April might be slightly less rainy. However, there’s no “bad” time to visit, and most attractions are either indoors or designed for hot weather.
Is Singapore expensive to visit?
Singapore can be more expensive than other Southeast Asian countries, but there are ways to save money. Eating at hawker centers is cheap and delicious, public transportation is affordable, and many attractions offer discounts for booking online.
Do I need to tip in Singapore?
Tipping is not expected in Singapore. Most restaurants already include a 10% service charge in the bill. Taxi drivers don’t expect tips either, though you can round up the fare if you want.
Is Singapore safe for tourists?
Singapore is considered one of the safest cities in the world. Crime rates are very low, and the streets are clean and well-lit at night. Still, use common sense and watch your belongings in crowded areas.
What should I wear in Singapore?
Light, breathable clothes are best for Singapore’s hot weather. Shorts and t-shirts are fine for most places. If you’re visiting religious sites like temples or mosques, bring something to cover your shoulders and knees. Many indoor places like malls and restaurants can be very cold with air conditioning, so a light sweater might be useful.