Home in the World

Last Updated on July 17, 2026 by Home in the World

You will most likely have seen photos of the sci-fi-looking purple and green trees, which light up in a dazzling array of colours at night. That is the Supertree Grove, and it is one of the areas that is totally free of charge to wander around.

There is also a free 15-minute light show every night at 7.45pm and 8.45pm, with a different music theme each month. When I visited it was all inspired by movies/Disney. If you want to enhance your Supertree experience, you can also pay to go up to the Supertree Observatory or the OCBC Skyway. I did not do this, but it’s something I might consider next time.

The Gardens by the Bay experience I chose to pay for was the combo ticket for the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, which was SGD 46 (in May 2026), and it was well worth it. The Cloud Forest was incredible. It is a vast, glass-enclosed structure that is home to one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls and centres on a steep, lush mountain whose vegetation changes as you climb further up.

I loved exploring the amazing, unique flora, admiring striking artworks and soaking in the enchanted vibe created by the misting. As it also included the Jurassic World Experience, there was no shortage of dinosaur-related installations, including an exhibition on the technology used to recreate the dinosaurs. Overall a really educational and fascinating attraction that was well worth the money. I recommend spending 1-2 hours there.

The second part of my combo ticket was for the adjacent Flower Dome, which is pretty much exactly what its name suggests: abundant flora from all over the world under one giant glass roof. In that regard it is similar to the Cloud Forest, but it is definitely more flower oriented, and of course does not have the tall mountain and waterfall.

When I visited there was a stunning hydrangea exhibition forming part of a special Turkey-themed garden. But the entire dome is divided into different geographic areas, such as the South American garden, Australian garden etc., with unique flowers and plants from the respective parts of the world. All in all, a beautiful, picturesque experience that is worth 1-2 hours.

A similar ticketed experience exists at Floral Fantasy, which I didn’t visit myself but which looks like a very Instagrammable spot, with suspended flowers and colourful floral arrangements everywhere. It’s located at a far end of the complex, accessible via shuttle. I’d probably consider visiting it next time.

For other free areas to explore at Gardens by the Bay, consider wandering through the Heritage Gardens – Indian Garden, Chinese Garden, Malay Garden, Colonial Garden –, which represent Singapore’s main ethnic groups and heritage, or taking a stroll along the boardwalks of Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes. You can also enjoy a surreal view of the Supertrees from there.

In terms of facilities at Gardens by the Bay, there are several food outlets, such as Shake Shack, ample (clean) bathrooms, ATMs, bottle-filling stations, power-bank rental kiosks, lockers, free WiFi and wheelchair rental options. And if walking around such a large complex is not viable for you, there is a shuttle service operating at 10-minute intervals and costing SDG 3 for two rides (adult/child).

In general, I found Gardens by the Bay to be an excellent day (and night) out. I did the day part on one day and the light show on another night, but you can easily spend the whole day and evening there. What’s not to love about being amongst nature and enjoying incredible views? A fabulous, potentially low-cost option for the whole family. I’m so glad I finally got a chance to visit. If you’re wondering what to see in Singapore, make sure Gardens by the Bay is one of the top things on your list!

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Marina Bay Sands

That insane structure that looks like a boat sitting atop three skyscrapers? You’re bound to have seen a photo of it before. That is the Marina Bay Sands hotel in central Singapore. But more than just a 5-star hotel, it is an entire complex in its own right. And you don’t have to be hotel guest to enjoy it.

If you want to take in panoramic views over the city from the top, consider heading up to the SkyPark Observation Deck for a cost of SGD 39. Or do it in style and dine at the Cé La Vi rooftop restaurant and bar. I have not tried either of these personally, but it is something I would think about doing on another trip.

The Marina Bay Sands complex also includes the Shoppes, a multi-level mall of high-end stores and dining outlets that sweeps around the bay front. While I wasn’t there for shopping, I did enjoy the glass roof that made great use of natural light and made for some great photos.

Not to mention the Digital Light Canvas art installation by teamLab in the food court. I had purchased a ticket for this, so I was able to actually walk on it and participate in the interactive art feature, but if you simply want to admire the colourful, moving aquatic world and cascading lights hanging from the ceiling, you can easily do that for free – either from the ground floor at the food court itself, or by overlooking it from one of the upper levels.

And speaking of teamLab (yes, of Tokyo fame), they have a small-scale experience called Future World at the ArtScience Museum, which also happens to be on the Marina Bay Sands grounds. Simply step out of the Shoppes on the bay side and you’ll see a giant, white, lotus-shaped building, complete with actual lotus ponds, overlooking Singapore’s amazing waterfront skyline.

I pre-purchased a combo ticket for the Future World and Digital Light Canvas online (though you can buy individual tickets too). The main Future World experience at the ArtScience Museum had an allotted time and was apparently only for 10 minutes, but I found that once I was in there, I could stay as long as I wanted.

I have not been to any other teamLab installation, so I have nothing to compare it with, but I did enjoy Singapore’s offering. I know it is much smaller than its Tokyo counterparts, but if you still want to get a feel for what the teamLab art collective is all about, Future World at Singapore’s ArtScience Museum is a solid option.

You are immersed in floor-to-ceiling worlds of vibrant, nature-inspired digital art; walls of shapeshifting flowers, aquatic scenes, video-game-like activities, a mini slide and much more. I really enjoyed it. And it was very family-friendly too; lots and lots of kids!

And finally, Marina Bay Sands is located just next to the aforementioned Gardens by the Bay, and I recommend walking over via the Garden Bay Bridge, accessible directly from the hotel lobby. It’s open from 8am to 11pm, and will give you an amazing elevated view of the gardens and lakes as you approach, including the tops of the iconic Supertrees.

And don’t forget to turn around and enjoy the incredible sight of Marina Bay Sands’ three towers soaring up right behind you. It’s quite surreal! An easy and scenic way to move between the hotel and gardens.

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Haji Lane and Kampong Glam (Arab Quarter)

If you’re looking for quirky street art, diverse dining options, vibrant colour and multicultural hustle & bustle, definitely add Kampong Glam – and specifically Haji Lane – to your list of what to see in Singapore.

I took a Grab to Haji Lane first and walked its entire length, soaking in its offbeat, bohemian atmosphere. A narrow pedestrian laneway semi-covered with multi-coloured sails, it is filled with a variety of funky restaurants and cafés (serving everything from Mexican to Indian to Japanese), eclectic boutiques and plenty of striking murals. It’s not a particularly long street, but it’s worth taking your time to stroll around it. I started at the Beach Road end and worked my way up to North Bridge Road.

From there, you’ll be right in the heart of Kampong Glam, Singapore’s Arab Quarter – one of three distinct districts dedicated to Singapore’s main ethnic communities (Chinatown and Little India being the other two).

I made the mistake of arriving on a Friday shortly after midday and got caught up in somewhat of a surge of people exiting the Sultan Mosque after prayers. I had completely forgotten that there would be Friday prayers in an Islamic Quarter, and if I could do it again I would probably have avoided that particular time window, but it wasn’t unbearable by any means.

I was particularly struck by the incredible murals near the corner of Muscat Street and Arab Street. Most are done by local artist Yip Yew Chong, whose work features a lot around the city and elsewhere in the world, including in Perth! His piece depicting street scenes and exquisitely lifelike textiles hanging down the side of a bright green wall honestly took my breath away!

Muscat Street is also home to eight granite arches featuring paintings by Omani artists. It’s a real vibe. Just be prepared that it can also be quite a busy little street, with plenty of pedestrians and mopeds, so you might need to be a bit patient when trying to photograph the art.

I similarly recommend taking a wander down nearby Bussorah Street, which is lined with colourful Peranakan houses, palm trees and an abundance of restaurants, particularly serving Turkish and Lebanese cuisine. You’ll also have a great view of the stunning, gold-domed Sultan Mosque from here.

And if you want to spot a few more quirky murals, head down the laneway running parallel between Bussorah Street and Arab Street. I walked down there by accident but it paid off!

Overall, I loved Kampong Glam and ended up spending a good few hours there. At times I honestly forgot I was in Singapore. The people, the food, the aromas, the street names… it was like being temporarily teleported to the Middle East. Highly recommended!

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Chinatown

The second of Singapore’s three heritage districts is Chinatown, which is a vibrant reflection of the city’s vast Chinese population.

I took a Grab to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, which I found to be a good place to start exploring. It is a striking red-and-white Tang-style building housing rich gold treasures and of course the Buddha Tooth Relic. It is free to enter if you wish. I did not because I was there on a Sunday, which happened to be a very busy day. There was a very long queue to get in and it was packed with people inside, not to mention how hot and steamy it was on that day. So I chose to just admire it from the outside.

There was also a weekend craft market down the adjacent Sago Street, which was nice to browse around. I walked the entire length of Sago Street and then followed it around to the right onto Trengganu Street.

From here, there are a number of little streets and alleys unexpectedly packed with stunning murals depicting Chinatown life, many once again created by the aforementioned local artist Yip Yew Chong. One of my favourites was located between Smith and Temple Streets.

It’s also worth taking time to admire the colourful Peranakan houses on both Smith and Temple Streets. And if you’re feeling peckish, there’s no dearth of restaurants, cafés and tea houses to choose from either.

To experience a typical Singapore hawker market, you can head inside the Chinatown Complex, which is located at the end of Sago Street, or the Maxwell Food Centre, located just opposite the Buddha Tooth Relic. It’s quite popular among fans of the famous chicken rice.

One surprising attraction I saw in Chinatown was the Sri Mariamman Temple, a Hindu temple built in typical South Indian style – a pyramid-like shape covered in colourful deities. It was really stunning, and something I must say I was more expecting to see in Little India rather than Chinatown.

But the fact that you can have a Hindu temple just a few doors down from a Chinese Buddhist temple is pretty much Singapore in a nutshell; a diverse mix of cultures all coexisting peacefully.

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Little India

And speaking of Little India, that is definitely the third of the heritage districts you need to add to your list of what to see in Singapore.

I took a Grab to the Tekka Centre on Buffalo Road, where there is a convenient drop-off and pick-up point for rideshares, and found it to be a good place to start exploring this neighbourhood.

Just like in Chinatown and the Arab Quarter, you immediately feel like you are in that respective part of the world, in this case India. All of a sudden, shop signs are written in various Indian language scripts, there are street stalls selling marigold garlands, and an intoxicating mix of incense and spice aromas fill the air.

I started by walking along Buffalo Road, taking in all the vibrant shops housed in colourful Peranakan houses and selling everything from fruits, vegetables and flowers to jewellery.

I then turned off to the right onto a small, nameless street that led to one of the main sights I wanted to see in Little India: the Former House of Tan Teng Niah. If that doesn’t sound very Indian to you, it’s because it’s not. This iconic, brightly coloured (though a little faded these days) bungalow of Chinese businessman Tan Teng Niah. It is the last surviving Chinese villa in Little India and, much like the Sri Mariamman Temple in the middle of Chinatown, is a reflection of Singapore’s seamless fusion of cultures.

Once you have finished admiring this building’s incredible mix of European and Chinese architecture, take a wander around the many Indian restaurants and curry houses located across this precinct, have a bite to eat if you feel like it, and then continue exploring some of the side streets, several of which are – once again – home to several striking murals. Belilios Lane is one such place. You particularly won’t want to miss the Traditional Trades of Little India artwork by local artist Psyfool.

At the end of Belilios Lane, on the corner of Belilios Road and Serangoon Road (Little India’s main drag), you will find the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, a Hindu temple similar to the aforementioned Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown. Unfortunately during my visit, a lot of it was under scaffolding, so I couldn’t appreciate it as much as I would have liked. But hopefully you will have better luck!

If you keep heading up Serangoon Road, taking in the colourful Peranakan houses and eclectic businesses, and perhaps also exploring more public art on Hindoo Road, you will eventually end up at the Mustafa Centre, a huge shopping mall selling virtually anything you can imagine. I did not get there this time, because by that time the weather was just too stiflingly hot to keep walking around in, but it’s definitely somewhere I’d like to check out next time.

There are also a few streets of colonial houses, namely on Chitty Road, Veerasamy Road, Rowell Road and Hindoo Road, which architecture lovers may find of interest. And similarly, for those keen on Indian heritage and culture, there is the Indian Heritage Centre, which costs SGD 10 to enter. I did not go in, but it is something I would consider for next time around.

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Peranakan Houses of Katong

One of the many colourful and photogenic things to see in the dynamic metropolis that is Singapore is undoubtedly the iconic Peranakan Houses in the Katong/Joo Chiat Road district. You’ve probably seen photos of them if you’ve ever seen any social-media posts or travel articles about Singapore. Their aesthetics have meant they’ve become very popular among Instagrammers.

Peranakan culture is a fusion between the local Malay-Indonesian culture of Southeast Asia and influences from India, the Middle East, China and Europe, and its architecture is fittingly vibrant. There is indeed even a small Peranakan Mansion Museum here near the corner of Koon Seng and Joo Chiat Roads, though I did not go in (I visited the Peranakan Museum in central Singapore, which I write about later in this post).

These pastel shophouses date back to the 1920s, and were inhabited by members of the Peranakan community until the 1970s. They are often adorned with beautiful floral tilework. Today, many are privately owned, with many of their residents being wealthy locals or even expats. Some are also used commercially as cafés, bars and boutiques.

The main ones featured here (which also happen to be the ones you will most commonly see in travel photos) are actually on a short stretch of Koon Seng Road, which intersects with Joo Chiat Road. I personally found them to be the prettiest. The candy-like pastels and gorgeous floral tilework were utterly stunning. I also walked part of the way down Tembeling Road to photograph a few more.

Do remember while taking your shots, however, that many of these properties are local residences, so it is important to be respectful and mindful of residents’ privacy. It is also worth noting that Joo Chiat Road and Koon Seng Road can get quite busy, and you may have to be patient to wait for a gap in the traffic to get your shot. It’ll be worth it though!

The Peranakan Houses are about a 15-minute drive from downtown Singapore. We just used a Grab (Singapore’s Uber equivalent) to get there, though it is also possible to take the MRT and get off at Marine Parade station.

Apart from its fabulous Peranakan shophouses, Joo Chiat Road is a thriving hub of eateries, small businesses, boutiques and hotels, and I do recommend taking time to take a stroll down it. You’re also bound to spot some fabulous murals while you’re at it!

If you like admiring colourful architecture as I do, I definitely recommend adding the Peranakan Houses to your itinerary of what to see in Singapore!

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The Raffles Hotel

If there’s one thing that’s synonymous with Singapore’s British colonial heritage, while still also being an iconic tourist attraction of sorts, it is the Raffles Hotel. Established in the late 1880s by Armenian hoteliers, it was named after British East Indian administrator Sir Stamford Raffles, who founded the modern port city of Singapore.

The Raffles chain has since expanded to include luxury properties all over the world, but the original is firmly rooted in Singapore, instantly recognisable with its signature white façades, dark wood detailing, ceiling fans, iron grill gates and long verandas.

And you don’t have to be staying there to enjoy it. While the hotel is understandably extremely exclusive, allowing only in-house guests to access its main lobby, you can still take a wander around some of its beautifully manicured grounds, leafy courtyards and historic shopping arcades.

The Raffles’ Long Bar is of course also the birthplace of the famous gin-based Singapore Sling cocktail, and if you fancy trying this for yourself, you can absolutely visit the bar and do so (for a cool SGD 44), even if you’re not a hotel guest. Just be mindful of the ‘smart casual’ dress code.

I did not do this, but I did enjoy taking in the lush tropical gardens and photographing the beautifully preserved British colonial architecture and courtyards. Given the hotel’s central location, within an easy walk of Esplanade Park, the National Gallery and even Kampong Glam (we walked from Kampong Glam to the Raffles in about 20 minutes), I’d say it’s definitely worth at least making a pit stop at the Raffles Hotel; it really is a Singapore icon.

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Merlion Park & surrounds

Singapore does, of course, have another equally famous icon, and it’s actually located just a 15-minute walk from the Raffles. I refer to the Merlion statue that stands on the Singapore River, flanked by the high-rise of the downtown city core and overlooking Marina Bay Sands, water spouting from its mouth.

Its fish-like body represents Singapore’s origins as a fishing village, while its lion head represents the city’s original name of Singapura (‘Lion City’ in Sanskrit).

Cross Esplanade Drive at the main pedestrian crossing in front of the Fullerton Hotel and head down the steps at the One Fullerton shopping mall to access the Fullerton Promenade and Merlion Jetty. You can expect it to be packed with people; it certainly was when I visited late afternoon – because of course everyone wants to get the perfect open-mouthed pose ‘catching’ the Merlion’s spray.

There are a number of al-fresco restaurants lining the water here too, and the view of Marina Bay Sands is indeed impressive. Still, I didn’t feel the need to spend too long here once I had taken a few shots of the Merlion.

While you’re in this part of the city, you might want to consider heading across to the Fullerton Hotel, once again just to explore another of Singapore’s heritage buildings. Prior to becoming the luxury 5-star hotel it is today, the Fullerton was actually a general post office, and if you take a wander through the lobby, you will indeed see a traditional red English post box, complete with insignia of Queen Elizabeth II. There is also a small ‘museum’ display of the hotel’s history in the form of the Fullerton Heritage Gallery.

I recommend then walking over the Cavenagh Bridge, or the historic Anderson Bridge, over the Singapore River behind the hotel, which will take you to the vast green space that encompasses the Empress Lawn, Asian Civilisations Museum, Victoria Concert Hall, Queen Elizabeth Walk, Esplanade Park and the Padang playing field. I particularly liked the 24 Hours in Singapore mirror balls sculpture on the Asian Civilisations Museum Green.

The Asian Civilisations Museum itself is a gorgeous, pale yellow, European-style building. It costs SGD 15 to go in, so I did not do so on this occasion, but it is somewhere I would consider on a future visit.

So if you’re trying to figure out what to see in Singapore, and want to incorporate a bit of history, culture, architecture and parklands within a compact section of the downtown area, I’d say a stroll around the Merlion Park and surrounds is definitely a great idea.

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CHIJMES

While you’re in the vicinity of The Raffles or indeed the Peranakan Museum (mentioned below), I highly recommend also checking out CHIJMES (pronounced ‘chimes’). On the stretch of Victoria Street between Stamford Road and Bras Basah Road, you will see two well-preserved church-like buildings – one on either side of the street. The cream-coloured one on the north-western side is Archbishop’s House, which I did not go into but photographed from the outside, because its exterior was beautiful.

Just opposite, however, you will see the white steeple of a similarly religious-looking structure, with an ornate wrought-iron gate. I initially thought it was indeed another church, but decided to take a walk through the grounds just to explore anyway. After admiring the striking forecourt and gorgeous Gothic archways, I ventured further in and found it to be a deceptively large, multi-level hospitality and retail complex.

As it turns out, this former Catholic convent (Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus (CHIJ)) has been one of Singapore’s premier dining precincts since 1996. And the main hall, formerly a chapel, with high ceilings and stained-glass windows, is today still used as an event space, particularly for weddings.

I absolutely loved the way the numerous al-fresco restaurants, serving all kinds of international cuisine, were seamlessly integrated into the leafy gardens and set to the backdrop of beautiful heritage architecture. I was there late afternoon on a weekday, just as the sun was setting, and it really was a vibe. People of all ages chilling out, enjoying a drink in one of the trendy bars, listening to the music and generally having a good time. I definitely recommend you visit!

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Peranakan Museum

I do love me a good small museum – something that’s beautifully presented and dedicated to a particular subject. Which is why the Peranakan Museum ended up being one of the best things I did while in Singapore!

I love learning about different cultures, and the Peranakan culture was one I really knew very little about. I had seen the Peranakan Houses of Katong a few days prior (read more about them above) and been captivated by the architecture, but it is thanks to this gorgeous museum that I now actually know a lot more about this community.

The unique mix of heritages that form the eclectic Peranakan culture of Southeast Asia – Chinese, Indian, Arab, European fused with local Malay-Indonesian – mean it is extremely rich in all things textiles, ceramics, jewellery and art. I adored how colourful it was, and the museum, housed in a former school building, really lent itself to the displays. I particularly loved the colourful lanterns hanging in the centre, visible from every mezzanine level.

Everything was showcased so beautifully over three levels, one of the parts I found most interesting was the photographic and video display of Peranakan people talking about their identity and what it means to them to be Peranakan. I found it so fascinating to listen to their stories and hear how they define themselves; some consider themselves Peranakan Chinese, others Peranakan Arab, others Peranakan Indian etc. But all sharing the common Peranakan thread.

When I visited, there was a separate exhibition on peacock symbolism in Peranakan culture, which was similarly exquisite. It was amazing to see how the peacock manifests in so many areas. As a foreign tourist, the only ticket I could buy was an all-access pass that automatically included this exhibit (Singaporeans/permanent residents can opt to only visit the permanent galleries with free entry), but that was perfectly fine by me.

I bought my ticket online in advance at a cost of SGD 18 (SGD 12 for concession, and children aged 6 and under are free), but you can also get them at the front desk on the day. All of the staff were so incredibly friendly, knowledgeable and helpful – and were truly appreciative of the positive feedback we gave about our experience.

If you’re wondering what to see in Singapore that combines gorgeous architecture and incredible, educational exhibits, I cannot recommend the Peranakan Museum highly enough. And while you’re there, do spend a little time in the Armenian Street Park area (a.k.a. the First Botanical Garden) around the museum. It, too, is home to some beautiful heritage architecture and a gorgeous mural entitled Rasa Sayang (Malay for ‘loving feeling’).

The Peranakan Museum is open from 10am-7pm daily (and until 9pm on Fridays). You truly will not be disappointed!

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Clarke Quay

Just around the bend of the Singapore River, just a short Grab ride from the downtown area is Clarke Quay, named after Singapore’s second governor, Sir Andrew Clarke. Originally established as a trading hub by the British Empire, it later served as a dock, where cargo would be loaded and unloaded from the ground-floor warehouses, while Chinese migrants and working-class families would inhabit the upper levels of the shophouse.

Today, it has been redeveloped as a thriving riverside entertainment precinct, boasting numerous hotels, restaurants and nightclubs. It is obviously more of a night-time area, as walking through in the day time, I found it to be surprisingly quiet – something I had also noticed on my previous visit in 2012. I did like the use of bright colours in the restored warehouse and shop façades though, in keeping with the Singapore government’s 1985 plan to convert the area into a ‘festival village’.

A short walk over the Read Bridge to the other side of the river from this colourful precinct will take you to the Boat Quay side. If you want to do a spot of shopping or escape the heat for a bit, you can head inside the Clarke Quay Central (I incidentally found this to be a good pick-up and drop-off spot for my Grab rides), take a stroll or sit by the water and watch the bumboats go by – you might even want to take a cruise on one yourself. For a sweet, refreshing snack, I recommend trying one of the Hokkaido ice-creams from Azabu Sabo, located right on the quay.

While you’re in this area, you might want to go and see the Old Hill Street Police Station, a heritage-listed building known for its 900+ rainbow-shuttered windows. I had seen it on my previous visit but have to say I was a little disappointed this time at how faded the colours had become. It is a shame these have not been maintained so well, because it is otherwise a striking building. To get the best view of it, head to the crosswalk at the intersection of River Valley Road and Hill Street (you can access it via stairs/elevator from the far eastern end of Clarke Quay’s North Boat Quay.

Behind the Old Hill Street Police Station is the sprawling Fort Canning Park, which is yet another of this lush city’s green havens. Unfortunately I did not get a chance to visit it on this occasion, but it’s definitely on my list for next time.

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Orchard Road

If shopping is your thing, then your list of what to see in Singapore is definitely going to have to include Orchard Road – the city’s marquee shopping street.

When we used to come to Singapore for family holidays in the ’80s and ’90s, it was a must-visit destination, because there were so many things you could get there that we couldn’t get in Australia at the time.

Nowadays, with the global village we live in, Orchard Road is much like any major shopping street you’d find around the world, with all the main global brands and plenty of eateries (I enjoyed a cheeky gelato at Gelatissimo Shaw House on the corner of Scotts and Orchard Roads).

Still, it’s synonymous with Singapore and worth taking a stroll down at least once. You may even be staying nearby, as a number of the city’s hotels are also located here. Of note in this respect is the Pan Pacific Orchard. Even if you’re not a guest there, I recommend having a walk past it, or even checking out the lobby, as it is a good example of Singapore’s push to integrate greenery and sustainability into high-rise designs. It really is quite striking to look at!

Meanwhile, there is the huge ION Mall on the corner of Orchard and Paterson Roads, packed full of fashion outlets, dining options a LEGO store and even an art gallery. I particularly liked the colourful sculptures decorating the steps outside it. Just opposite is the distinctive Chinese pagoda-like building of Tang Plaza, home to iconic Singapore retailer TANGS and the Marriott hotel, among other things.

I was there late afternoon/early evening on a Saturday and there was even a little pop-up market on the roadside, which added to the already bustling atmosphere. So depending on your tolerance of commercialism, retail and general crowds and traffic, you may want to spend a long time here or only a brief stint. I was more in the latter camp, but am still glad to have experienced it.

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What to see in Singapore: other options

The above list should hopefully give you a good cross-section of options in terms of what to see in Singapore. They are all things I personally visited myself. One thing I did not do (and have not done since I was a child) was go out to Sentosa Island.

Sentosa is Singapore’s resort destination, home to beaches, family-friendly resorts and theme parks, most notably Universal Studios. Other attractions include a Harry Potter experience, Madame Tussauds, a skywalk, an adventure park and the Singapore Oceanarium.

Just a 20-minute drive from downtown Singapore (or you can also choose to arrive by cable car), it is a great place to base yourself, especially if you’re travelling with kids and intend to spend a lot of time at the beach or visiting theme parks.

Another popular attraction, particularly for families, is Singapore Zoo, which offers night safaris and the famous ‘Breakfast in the Wild’ with the orangutans. I did do this as a child and I remember it being a very unique (if a little intimidating to me at the time!) experience. So if you’re looking for family-friendly fun and a good day out amongst nature and wildlife, the Singapore Zoo could be another option worth considering.

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Getting to & around Singapore, and where to stay

Singapore is home to what is routinely named the world’s best airport in the form of Changi International. It’s certainly my favourite airport, offering so much to see and do. Serving as the hub for the national carrier, Singapore Airlines, and serviced by almost every other major airline in the world, it will likely be your gateway to this tropical city-state. Don’t forget to check out the Jewel at T1 once you’ve cleared immigration!

I recommend using Skyscanner or Trip.com to find and compare the best fares.

Singapore is a very easy city to get around; it is safe, clean and compact. Your two best options are the MRT (subway system) or Grab (Singapore’s answer to Uber). The MRT network is quite expansive and should be able to take you to most places you need to go. Either buy rides as you go by tapping a contactless credit/debit card or via mobile wallet, or consider getting a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP).

I personally used Grab and found it to be excellent. This is Southeast Asia’s Uber, as Uber itself does not operate here. I had previously also used Grab in Cambodia, and had had a similarly positive experience. It is not super cheap, but if you’re travelling as a family or in a small group, the convenience of door-to-door travel, especially on very hot days, can be appealing.

Whichever option you choose, you will not have a problem getting around Singapore.

In terms of where to stay, I personally stayed at the Mandarin Oriental, which I have comprehensively reviewed here. It was located in the Marina Bay area, which, in my opinion, is the nicest part, as you are close to water, as well as many of the main attractions mentioned in this post. There are a number of other hotels in this district too.

The other main area for hotels is the Orchard Road/Scotts Road part of the city, where you will have arguably even more choice of properties. And if you like being amongst all the hustle and bustle of a major shopping street, that could be a good option for you.

Use the search below to find a property meeting your specific needs and budget.

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Final thoughts on what to see in Singapore

I hope this post has given you some ideas for what to see in Singapore. They are all things I have experienced myself personally and which I believe are worth considering, whether it’s your first time in Singapore or not.

This Southeast Asian metropolis packs so much into its small area. Often overlooked or viewed simply as a quick transit stop, it honestly deserves a lot more time. It is a fully fledged destination in itself, rich in culture, architecture, art, dining, family-friendly attractions and shopping – all in an extremely clean, safe, easily accessible environment.

If you’ve been thinking about taking a trip to Singapore, this is your sign! You won’t regret it. And don’t forget to download my free one-page guide to Singapore to help you plan your trip!

** This post, like everything else on this website, has been written entirely by me. No ChatGPT or any other AI tool has been used. It takes longer to create, but I value 100% human-generated content and I hope you do too! **

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For more Asia travel content, feel free to check out my other posts from Singapore, as well as my posts from Cambodia, China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan, plus my older travel memories (more narrative style than blog style) from Hong Kong, Macau and Malaysia.

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