Top 20 Things to Do in Singapore - Highlights & Hidden Gems

It’s incredible how much personality, culture, and contrast you can pack into such a small place. One minute you can wander through incense-filled temples in ChinaTow, the next you’re sipping cocktails 57 floors above the skyline, and somehow it all makes sense. That’s the magic of Singapore. You get a bit of everything.

After exploring Singapore multiple times I’ve put together this list of all my favourite spots, some highlights and some hidden gems to help you pan yout trip to Singapore.

The Best Things To Do in Singapore

As always I’ll start with the fun part first, namely the top things to do in Singapore. If you also want more practical information like where you should base yourself, how to get around and my favourite bars and restaurants, just scroll further down and you’ll find everything you need.

Explore Gardens by the Bay (Day and Night)

Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore’s most iconic sights and it really does live up to the hype. Walking among the futuristic Supertrees feels a bit like stepping into a sci‑fi movie, especially after dark when the free light and sound show brings the whole area to life.

If you have the time, I highly recommend coming both during the day and night to see the difference.

No matter when you come, there are multiple ways of seeing the area. You can of course just walk around and enjoy the Supertrees for free, or you can pay to get up to one of the trees and bridges. It’s important to know that there are two different tickets. One lets you get up to the biggest tree and one lets you walk around the different bridges. They cost the same, so don’t make the mistake of buying one, expecting to be able to do it all.

If you only have time and budget for one, I would pick the one where you can walk around the bridges. If you come in the evening you can also get one of the last time slots and stay up there until the first light show.

You also have the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest that requires their own ticket. You can get tickets to that here. All in all you can easily spend almost a full day exploring this area of Singapore.

If you’re coming for the light show in the evening, they are free and starts at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM. It can get a bit crowded, but I honestly expected it to be worse. My biggest tip is to settle down somewhere first, watch a bit and then wander around and see it from different angles. Most people will sit or lay and look straight up so you wont be hindering peoples view by exploring.

Walk Around Marina Bay Sands (Even If You Don’t Stay There)

If it’s in your budget, a night at the Marina Bay Sands can be a really cool addition to your trip. It’s the only way you can enjoy the famous rooftop infinity pool, so if that’s on your bucket list you need to spend the night.

If you don’t want to spend the night you can choose to just explore the grounds, check out the various shops and cafes or head up to the observation deck for an amazing view of the surrounding area.

Get tickets to the observation deck

Have everything figured out in advance, pick your timeslot and buy tickets here.

Another alternative is to book a table at one of the rooftop restaurants and bars for drinks, lunch or dinner. I have to say that it might at first look like a cheaper alternative, but the prices at the top are quite high so no matter if you just come for drinks you’ll probably end up paying about the same, or even more, than just tickets to the observation deck tickets. So it’s not a more budget friendly option, but it gives you some options.

Wander Through Chinatown Beyond the Main Street

Chinatown in Singapore is vibrant, chaotic, and full of contrasts. While Pagoda Street is fun, the real magic happens when you wander just a few streets away. Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and check out the mix of traditional shophouses, cafes and modern bars.

If you have the time I highly recommend coming both during the day and in the evening to get the best of both worlds.

During daytime the area is full of food stalls, people wandering and you can explore the various murals you’ll find in every alley. I loved just wandering here without a huge plan.

In the evening Chinatown turns into one of Singapores coolest areas with plenty of really good restaurants and cool bars. I recommend checking out The Other Side, Native or Employees Only for a fun night out.

Get Lost in Little India

I was lucky enough to wander around in Little India on a day they had a Hindu festival. I never got the name unfortunately, but it meant that the whole area was packed with people celebrating, which made it even more fascinating.

Otherwise I have to say that the area in itself isn’t as fascinating as other areas in Singapore. I still think it’s a nice place to wander around, but i don’t think you need to set aside as much time here as many of the other spots.

Just wander around without a huge plan, take in the colourful buildings and Indian shops everywhere along Serangoon road, and definitely head to the Hawker centre here for some amazing Indian food.

Explore Arab Street & Kampong Glam

Arab Street and Kampong Glam are some of the coolest neighbourhoods in Singapore in my opinion. I spent hours walking around this area, and probably could've spent even more.

It has everything from a stunning golden mosque, lots of cute shops, street art and small bars. It has to be said that it was also pretty catered to tourists, but I still loved it. Make sure to check out Muscat street, Haji Ln street and Kampong glam, and other than that just wander around without a plan. I promise you there’s more than enough to explore here.

Eat at a Hawker Centre (Multiple Times)

Even if you’re not visiting Singapore on a tight budget, it’s worth visiting a Hakwer centre at least once. Hawker centres are the heart of local life and the best place to eat incredible food for cheap. You’ll find them all over Singapore and every one we visited was super charming and had plenty of food options to choose from, so you don’t need to head to one specific to get the best food, just plan according to where you are.

Some of my favourites are Lau Pa Sat, Maxwell Food Centre, Chinatown Complex, Tiong Bahru Market and Newton Food centre. they are spread out around the city so just pick the one that aligns with your daily agenda.

Visit Jewel Changi Airport

I don’t think I’ve ever put visiting the airport as one of the top things to do anywhere, but here it deserves a spot on the list.

When we landed in Singapore I couldn’t wait to see the indoor forest and the famous Rain Vortex. However, when we got there I saw that it was on the complete opposite side of the airport from where we came, and after a long flight we didn’t have it in us to drive to the other side before heading into the city, so unfortunately I never got to see it since we took a bus onwards to Malaysia. I regret not going there anyways just to see the area, but hopefully I’ll come back again soon and see it.

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Stroll Through Tiong Bahru

Tiong Bahru is one of Singapore’s trendiest neighbourhoods, blending old-school charm with cool cafes and boutiques. You can come here for brunch, wander around in bookshops, and just enjoy a slower pace than the city centre. It’s a great place to see everyday life in Singapore.

This is an area that just feels more authentic. No tourists, just people living and doing their daily life in Singapore. The price tag on some of the restaurants were pretty steep, but it was still worth it to just stroll around here and grab some food.

Get a donut with burned butter glaze from Pralet, trust me! It’s one of the best ones I’ve ever had, and Adrian and I still talk about it from time to time.

Experience Singapore’s Skyline from a Rooftop Bar

Whenever I'm in a big city I immediately research sky bars and head to at least one each day. Singapore was no different. I explored so many and loved all of them. Some have better views than others, and some can be quite expensive, but I honestly think it was worth every penny.

I preferred the ones where you can look out on Marina Bay Sands just because the building is so iconic, but there are also some great ones on that building where you can look out over the city. Most of them also has a restaurant if you want to grab some food.

Its important to know that for most of these you need to make a reservation in advance and some of them have a minimum spending fee.

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Walk the Southern Ridges & Mount Faber

For a completely different side of Singapore, head to the Southern Ridges. This network of walking trails and bridges, like Henderson Waves, offers amazing jungle views and surprisingly few crowds.

There are so many different trails to choose from, but you won't be disappointed no matter which one you take. I think the Henderson bridge is a must and make sure to reach the top of Mount Faber for some amazing city views. If your also heading to Sentosa one day, this is a great combo since you can take the cable care from Mount Faber right over to Sentosa.

Visit Singapore Botanic Gardens

if you want a peaceful day in Singapore, this is where you need to go. I spent almost a full day wandering through the gardens because it’s so much bigger than I thought it would be.

I got of at Napier MRT and walked through the Botanical garden and ended up at the Botanical garden MRT. That way I didn’t have to backtrack and I think it was the perfect stroll.

There are a couple of lakes to walk around and some nature trails that will take you through jungle landscape. They say you can see black swans in the lake, but I wasn’t that lucky. I did however spot a white swan and some otters running around, which was great fun.

There is also a specific Orchid Garden in the centre, but you need to pay 15USD to enter. I personally thought it was a bit steep since I’m not that interested in flowers, so we skipped it. I do however think it would be a great spot if you love flowers and orchids in particular.

There are also a cute restaurant and a couple of restrooms around if you it.

Spend a Day on Sentosa Island

Sentosa is Singapore’s playground and definitely different from what I imagined. Whether you’re into beaches, theme parks, or just relaxing by the sea, it’s an easy day trip.

You could even spend a couple of days here if you want to have a beach day and a theme park day. It all depends on your time and budget.

The island has three beautiful beaches you can enjoy and a huge variety of theme parks, exhibitions and activities. You’ll find spots like Universal Studios, Harry Potter theme parks, bungee jumping, zip-lines, and so much more. I honestly think they have everything I’ve ever heard of.

It’s also fun to take the cable car over from the mainland. Just know that when you buy a ticket you cant just buy one way, so if you’re only going to take it one way it might not be worth it for the price.

Explore Peranakan Culture in Katong & Joo Chiat

This area doesn’t have one specific sight, but it’s full of super charming and colourful houses and shops in the traditional Peranakan style. It looks different from anywhere else in Singapore, so if you have some extra time, it’s absolutely worth it to come here for a stroll one day.

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Walk Through Fort Canning Park

Fort Canning is a beautiful hilltop park with historical significance and great city views. It’s also home to one of Singapore’s most Instagram-famous staircases.

I spent a couple of hours just wandering around the park, taking in the city views. It’s definitely a nice park, but if you're short on time in Singapore this isn't what I would prioritise, unless you want that famous staircase photo. However, if you're looking for a place for you're morning or evening run this is amazing.

At the end of the park you’ll find the staircases, and I do understand why they’ve become so famous, they are pretty cool. However if you want to get a photo there with yourself in it, expect a long line. I was genuinely surprised at how long it was. Standing in line for what I assume was at least an hour for a picture isn't my thing, so I just took one without me in it or from a different angle instead and left.

Visit the ArtScience Museum

I personally never visited the inside of the ArtScience Museum so I cant give an honest opinion, but it is one of the most famous museums in Singapore filled with interactive exhibitions and futuristic design, so it seems like the perfect indoor option for a rainy day in Singapore.

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Shop (or Window Shop) on Orchard Road

Orchard Road is Singapore’s most famous shopping street. Even if luxury malls aren’t your thing, it’s interesting to see just how big shopping culture is here. There are also some really cool buildings around here and it's just a nice walk along the boulevard. I wish I could could’ve done some shopping here, but I don't have any more room in my luggage so I had to stick to window shopping this last time.

Enjoy the Nature trails in Peirce Reservoir Park

One thing I rarely hear people talk about is the stunning nature just outside the city centre. After exploring as much of the city as we possible could, we decided to head to Peirce Reservoir and explore the nature trails here and it was such a great day. It’s about a 20 minute metro ride outside the city, but well worth it.

There you’ll find plenty of different trails to explore, some very long and some shorter. We wanted to see the treetop bridge so we took the MacRitchie nature trail, a 7km loop that took us about 2 hours in total with plenty of photo stops and some pauses to avoid the rain. The trail was very easy and well maintained and after just 5 minutes we saw plenty if monkeys.

The highlights was the treetop bridge. It reminded me of our time in Costa Rica and I didn’t think I would find something like that in Singapore.

If you want to see the hanging bridge, the only thing to keep in mind is that you can only access the bridge from one side, so make sure to follow the signs and don’t try to take any shortcuts. There are guards on both ends making sure that people ony cros the brige one way.

Visit Merlion Park

No trip to Singapore is complete without seeing the famous Merlion, the city's half-lion, half-fish symbol. It’s located on the waterfront at Merlion Park, and from here you’ll get one of the best views of Singapore's skyline, with Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum and the surrounding skyscrapers across the water.

The Merlion itself is free to visit, and you can easily combine it with a walk along the Marina Bay waterfront. It's one of those quick stops that won't take long, but it's worth visiting for the photos and the chance to see some of Singapore's most recognisable landmarks from one spot. I recommend coming in the late afternoon or around sunset, when the temperatures are a little more comfortable and the skyline starts to light up.

Visit Green Heart at Marina Bay

This is a spot I just stumbled upon and absolutely fell in love with. If you;re wandering around the Marina Bay area, it’s a small detour, but absolutely worth it.

It’s a peaceful green space in the middle of Singapore's futuristic Marina Bay area which offers a nice cintrast. I later understood that it’s part of Singapore's ongoing effort to bring more greenery into the city. It’s a nice spot to take a break and get som cool photos. It’s not a major attraction, but if you have some extra time, I think it was well worth a visit.

Where to Stay in Singapore

Marina Bay Sands

This is without a doubt the most famous hotel in Singapore. Staying here gives you something you simply can't get anywhere else: access to the famous rooftop infinity pool. You’ll also get direct access to the shops and restaurants, while Gardens by the Bay is right next door.

Check prices and availability

Andaz Singapore, By Hyatt

This hotel has a stylish design, excellent city views and a rooftop pool and bar. Its location puts you close to Kampong Glam, Arab Street and Haji Lane while still giving you easy access to the rest of Singapore.

Check prices and availability

Mondrian Singapore Duxton

This is one of the more stylish options in the Chinatown/Tanjong Pagar area. The hotel is surrounded by heritage shophouses, restaurants and bars, while the hotel itself has a much more contemporary feel. There is an outdoor pool, a garden and stylish public spaces.

Check prices and availability

For most first-time visitors, I'd narrow it down to Marina Bay, Chinatown, Bugis/Kampong Glam or Clarke Quay. These areas give you an excellent combination of sightseeing, restaurants, public transport and things to do.

If you're travelling on a tighter budget, Little India is one of the best places to look. If shopping is the main reason you're visiting Singapore, choose Orchard Road. And if you want your Singapore trip to feel more like a resort holiday, Sentosa is the obvious choice.

Map of the Best Hotels in Singapore

What Is the Best Time to Visit Singapore?

Singapore is a year-round destination, so there isn't really a bad time to visit. The city has a tropical climate with hot and humid weather throughout the year, and temperatures usually stay around 25–32°C. Instead of dramatic seasonal changes, the biggest differences come from rainfall, humidity, crowds and prices.

For most people, February to April is one of the best times to visit Singapore. These months tend to have a good balance of warm weather and slightly lower rainfall.

June to August can also be a good time to visit, especially if you want plenty of sunshine and don't mind the heat. These months can be busy because of school holidays, and Singapore can feel particularly hot and humid when you're walking around the city during the middle of the day.

Singapore's wettest period is generally around November to January, when the northeast monsoon can bring heavier and more frequent rain. However, don't let this put you off visiting. Rain showers are often intense but relatively short, and there are plenty of indoor attractions, shopping malls, museums and restaurants to enjoy when the weather turns.

One thing to keep in mind is that Singapore's weather can be unpredictable at any time of year. Even during the traditionally drier months, you can have a sudden tropical downpour, so I would always carry a small umbrella or lightweight rain jacket. We visited in February and still had a couple of days with rain, but it was never bad enough to cancel our plans.

How Many Days Do You Need in Singapore?

For a first visit, I recommend spending at least 3 days in Singapore. This gives you enough time to see the major sights, explore neighbourhoods such as Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam, eat at some of the city's famous hawker centres and experience Singapore after dark.

If you have 5–7 days, you can slow down and explore beyond the main tourist attractions, spend more time on Sentosa or discover some of Singapore's less-visited neighbourhoods. Singapore is small enough to see a lot in a few days, but there is enough to keep you busy for much longer if you prefer travelling slowly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best things to do in Singapore?

Some of the best things to do in Singapore include visiting Gardens by the Bay, seeing the Merlion at Merlion Park, exploring Chinatown and Little India, walking around Marina Bay, visiting Marina Bay Sands, watching the Garden Rhapsody light show and exploring Kampong Glam. Singapore also has excellent food, shopping, museums, rooftop bars and beaches, so there is plenty to do beyond the main tourist attractions.

What is the number one attraction in Singapore?

Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore's most popular attractions and one of the city's must-see sights. The enormous Supertrees have become an icon of Singapore, and the outdoor gardens can be visited for free. The famous Garden Rhapsody light and music show at Supertree Grove is also free and takes place in the evening.

What can you do in Singapore for free?

There are surprisingly many free things to do in Singapore. You can visit Merlion Park, walk around Marina Bay, explore Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam, visit the outdoor areas of Gardens by the Bay and watch the Garden Rhapsody at the Supertree Grove. Walking around Singapore's colourful neighbourhoods and discovering the city's street art, temples and architecture is also completely free.

What should you not miss in Singapore?

If you're visiting Singapore for the first time, I wouldn't miss Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay, the Merlion, Chinatown, Kampong Glam and at least one hawker centre. I'd also recommend seeing Singapore after dark, when the skyline and Supertrees are illuminated and the city takes on a completely different atmosphere.

Is Singapore expensive to visit?

Singapore can be an expensive destination, particularly when it comes to hotels and luxury experiences. However, you don't need to spend a fortune to enjoy the city. Hawker centres offer some of the best and most affordable food in Singapore, public transport is relatively inexpensive and many attractions and experiences, including several of the city's best outdoor sights, are free.

Is Singapore good for a first trip to Asia?

Yes. Singapore is particularly easy for first-time visitors to Asia because it is clean, organised, safe and extremely easy to navigate. English is widely spoken, the MRT makes getting around simple and there is a huge variety of accommodation, restaurants and attractions. It can also be a good introduction to Southeast Asia before travelling onwards to destinations such as Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia or Vietnam.

What are the best things to do in Singapore with kids?

Families have plenty of options in Singapore, including Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Zoo, the SEA Aquarium, Universal Studios Singapore and Sentosa's beaches and attractions. The city's excellent public transport also makes getting around with children relatively straightforward.

Final Thoughts: Is Singapore Worth Visiting?

Absolutely. Singapore is one of those places that grows on you the more time you spend there. It’s easy to navigate, endlessly interesting, and full of small details that make it special. Whether you’re here as a stopover or as your main destination, I can almost guarantee that you’ll find it fascinating and fun.

The only downside is that it can be a bit expensive, especially compared to its neighbouring countries, but there are so many things you ca do for free and planty of spots to eat budget friendly so I wouldn’t be put off by it.

Plan Your Trip to Singapore

Hopefully this guide has given you everything you need to plan where to stay in Singapore. To make planning the rest of your trip even easier, I've included all the resources I personally use when I travel.

Find the best hotels and compare prices on Booking.com

Find the best hotels and compare prices on Hotels.com

Compare flight prices on Skyscanner.com

Book buses, trains and ferries with 12Go

Brows the best tours on Viator here

Brows the best tours on Get Your Guide here

Compare eSIM plans with Airalo here

Get travel insurance from SafetyWing here

Every recommendation is based on tools and services I genuinely use and would recommend to friends and family.

By using these links you help me continue to create free travel guides like this one.

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If you have any questions about travel in Singapore, or just want to follow along as I travel the world full time, don‘t hesitate to reach out to me on social media.

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-Ingrid

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