Top Things to Do in Singapore:
Best Attractions & Places to Visit Guide
- Written by Roi Alfassi
- Updated April 2025
City, country, or island? Tiny Singapore is all three—and it’s also a fantastic vacation destination for every type of traveler. This modern and spotless nation is easy to navigate and comfortable to explore, offering something for everyone: sleek skyscrapers and vibrant ethnic neighborhoods, glitzy shopping malls and authentic markets, countless family attractions, lush tropical greenery, and outstanding food. It’s a glimpse into the place where East Asia meets the West.
Singapore offers visitors a completely different experience from most other Asian countries. Despite its location in Southeast Asia, this tiny nation feels distinctly Western in character—modern, clean, and meticulously organized. It’s a city of gleaming skyscrapers, luxury shopping centers, innovative architecture, lush parks and gardens, and countless family-friendly attractions. Everything runs efficiently and smoothly, creating a comfortable and indulgent travel experience.
Perhaps because of this, some travelers see Singapore merely as a stopover en route to other destinations in Asia or Australia. Yet Singapore is a fascinating destination in its own right, perfect for all types of travelers—from romantic couples to families with young children. Alongside its comfort and modernity, you’ll discover vibrant ethnic neighborhoods, beautiful temples, and, not least, exceptional cuisine.
Attractions and Tours: From a Giant Ferris Wheel to an Orchid Garden
Many of Singapore’s top attractions are man-made — including some that flawlessly imitate nature. One of the most popular entertainment areas is Marina Bay, a vast complex of hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and countless attractions. Here, you’ll find the famous Merlion Fountain, a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish — an enduring symbol of Singapore.
A true highlight of Marina Bay is the spectacular Gardens by the Bay, a futuristic park made up of three gardens featuring massive climate-controlled domes that recreate different ecosystems. Its most iconic feature is the Supertree Grove — towering steel structures covered in living plants that come alive with lights at night. The area also includes the Singapore Flyer (the second-highest Ferris wheel in the world after Las Vegas), the ArtScience Museum shaped like a lotus flower, the world’s largest floating stage, and the luxurious Marina Bay Sands Resort, home to a massive hotel, shopping mall, casino, ice-skating rink, and museum.
Each evening, visitors can enjoy a dazzling light and music show at Marina Bay, illuminating the skyline with color and sound.
Another major hotspot for family fun is Sentosa Island, just south of Singapore — an artificial island designed entirely for leisure and recreation. Sentosa boasts sandy beaches, theme parks like Universal Studios Singapore, golf courses, shopping centers, restaurants, and more.
Despite its compact size and urban skyline, Singapore also offers abundant greenery and natural beauty. The Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a tropical paradise featuring a small rainforest, serene lakes, and flowing streams. The crown jewel here is the National Orchid Garden, home to over a thousand orchid species — a must-see for nature lovers.
Beyond the city center, you’ll find several nature reserves worth exploring. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve offers mangroves, wetlands, and an impressive array of birdlife. MacRitchie Reservoir Park features a rainforest, a tranquil lake, and a breathtaking canopy suspension bridge connecting the treetops. Meanwhile, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, located on a hill outside the city, showcases a rich tropical rainforest filled with walking trails, hundreds of plant species, and diverse wildlife including monkeys, squirrels, and butterflies.
Culture and Tradition
After exploring Singapore’s modern attractions, it’s time to dive into its rich cultural heritage. Start with Chinatown, the historic Chinese quarter established in the 19th century. Here, sleek modern buildings stand alongside beautifully preserved traditional shophouses, colorful temples, and even mosques — a true reflection of Singapore’s multicultural spirit. The district is also filled with vibrant markets, authentic eateries, and countless small shops offering everything from souvenirs to herbal remedies.
While in Chinatown, don’t miss the Sri Mariamman Temple, a vividly decorated Hindu temple adorned with intricate sculptures of deities from Hindu mythology. Another interesting stop is the Fuk Tak Chi Museum, originally Singapore’s first Chinese temple, now converted into a small museum showcasing the lives of early Chinese immigrants. For a taste of local life, head to the Maxwell Road Hawker Centre, a covered food market famous for its affordable and delicious street food. As evening falls, explore the bustling Chinatown Night Market and the nearby night food market, both offering lively atmospheres and authentic flavors.
Another must-visit neighborhood is Little India, where Singapore’s Indian heritage comes to life. The area bursts with color, fragrance, and sound — from ornate Hindu temples and traditional Indian restaurants to spice stalls, gold jewelry shops, and vibrant street markets. Walking through Little India is like stepping into another world, showcasing the diversity and harmony that define Singapore’s cultural mosaic.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Singapore is an exceptionally family-friendly destination, offering excellent infrastructure, easy navigation, and endless attractions suitable for children of all ages (many of which adults will enjoy just as much).
One of the highlights is the Singapore Zoo, a beautifully maintained and immersive park home to nearly 3,000 animals living in habitats that closely resemble their natural environments. A unique and unforgettable experience here is the “Breakfast in the Wild”, where visitors can enjoy breakfast in the rainforest alongside a family of orangutans — a truly magical moment for both kids and adults.
Another must-see is the Night Safari, the world’s first nocturnal zoo. Featuring dozens of themed zones representing different regions of the world, it offers visitors the chance to encounter animals active at night, such as tigers, leopards, foxes, owls, and civets. Part of the tour is done on foot, while the rest takes place aboard electric trams.
For bird lovers, Jurong Bird Park — the largest of its kind in Asia — is a delight. The park includes multiple zones such as a parrot paradise, penguin coast, nocturnal bird area, and flamingo lake. Visitors can also enjoy interactive activities, including bird shows and feeding sessions.
Over on Sentosa Island, you’ll find a huge concentration of family attractions. The island is home to one of the world’s largest and most impressive aquariums — the S.E.A. Aquarium — featuring an incredible diversity of marine life, from sharks and rays to dolphins and tropical fish. Sentosa also boasts the Adventure Cove Waterpark, offering thrilling water slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, a rope course above the water, and more.
The island’s crown jewel is undoubtedly Universal Studios Singapore, a massive theme park divided into seven themed zones — including Hollywood, New York, Madagascar, and Ancient Egypt. Each area features rides, live shows, themed restaurants, and movie-inspired attractions. Visitors can enjoy roller coasters, 4D experiences, special effects shows, and spectacular evening fireworks.
For activities that are a bit more educational but still engaging, families can visit the Singapore Discovery Centre, with its interactive exhibits about the country’s history and future, or the Science Centre Singapore, an innovative museum combining fun and learning. Another charming stop is the Mint Museum of Toys, showcasing a fascinating collection of vintage toys that will spark nostalgia in adults and wonder in children alike.
Beach Time
Singapore’s natural coastline has largely disappeared due to rapid urban development, but the city makes up for it with stunning man-made beaches — soft white sands imported from neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia. The most beautiful beaches are found on Sentosa Island, including Palawan Beach, famous for its rope suspension bridge that looks straight out of Pirates of the Caribbean; Tanjong Beach, a quieter spot ideal for relaxation; and Siloso Beach, known for its lively atmosphere, beachside restaurants, and water sports activities.
Nightlife: Party Until Dawn
Singapore boasts a vibrant and diverse nightlife scene, with countless clubs, bars, and restaurants open well into the night. One of the most popular areas is Clarke Quay, a picturesque riverside district lined with open-air restaurants, trendy bars, and energetic nightclubs. Here you’ll find world-famous venues like Zouk and Trace Club, where locals and travelers alike dance the night away to international DJs in one of Asia’s liveliest nightlife hubs.
Shopping: From Mega Malls to Ethnic Markets
Shopping is practically a national sport in Singapore — so why not join the fun? This tiny island has more shopping malls per square kilometer than anywhere else in the world. The heart of the action is Orchard Road, a 2.2-kilometer boulevard lined with dazzling malls, luxury boutiques, and designer stores.
Among the must-visits are ION Orchard, a futuristic architectural gem filled with international brands; Paragon Shopping Centre, boasting six floors of global fashion labels; and Knightsbridge Mall, home to luxury boutiques, jewelry stores, and an Apple flagship store. Far East Plaza offers a younger, trendier vibe with up-and-coming local designers, while Palais Renaissance caters to high-end shoppers seeking exclusive designer fashion. For an all-around retail experience, The Centrepoint features everything from fashion and electronics to cosmetics, home décor, and sports equipment.
Beyond the malls, Orchard Road also features department stores, stylish cafés, and elegant hotels, making it the city’s ultimate shopping district. For a more authentic and colorful experience, wander through the markets and specialty shops of Chinatown and Little India, where you’ll find everything from handcrafted souvenirs and spices to traditional clothing and street food.
Food
Singapore’s cuisine is a vibrant reflection of its multicultural identity, blending influences from Chinese, Indian, Malay, and Indonesian traditions. Traveling around the island, you’ll encounter a dazzling variety of dishes representing all these culinary heritages.
Among the local favorites are roti, a thin Indian-style flatbread often served with curry; satay, grilled chicken or beef skewers topped with a spicy peanut sauce; laksa, a rich coconut milk noodle soup with shrimp; biryani rice, fragrant with spices and often served with vegetables or lamb; and classic soy-braised chicken dishes.
Alongside the ethnic eateries, Singapore is also home to countless Western restaurants and international dining options, catering to every taste and budget. For delicious, affordable meals, head to the hawker centers or the food courts inside the city’s shopping malls, where you’ll find everything from street-style noodles to gourmet treats — all at unbeatable prices.
One thing is certain: in Singapore, you’ll never go hungry.
Final Thoughts
Singapore is a city, an island, and a nation — but above all, it’s an experience. Sleek and modern yet deeply rooted in tradition, it’s a place where glass towers rise beside centuries-old temples, and where tropical gardens coexist with futuristic architecture.
Whether you come for the world-class attractions, the incredible food, the vibrant neighborhoods, or the seamless blend of cultures, Singapore offers something for everyone. It’s clean, efficient, safe, and endlessly fascinating — the perfect gateway to Asia and a destination worth exploring in its own right.
From the glowing skyline of Marina Bay to the tranquil beauty of its gardens, from sizzling street food to fine dining — Singapore invites you to see, taste, and feel the best of both East and West.