Things to do in Singapore

The 18 best things to do in Singapore

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1. 1Singapore

   Watch the Supertrees glow at Gardens by the Bay

   The Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay holds 12 of the garden's 18 Supertrees, vertical gardens up to 50 m tall planted with more than 162,900 bromeliads, orchids, ferns and climbers. By day they give shade; 11 of them carry working features such as solar cells. Walk the OCBC Skyway, 22 m above the ground, for views of the Marina Bay skyline, or ride up to the Observatory on the tallest tree. At night the grove stages Garden Rhapsody, a free light and sound show, twice nightly at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM. The outdoor gardens are open from 5 AM to 2 AM. From Bayfront MRT, take Exit B and the underground linkway, then cross the Dragonfly or Meadow Bridge.

   Tip: Arrive a little before 7:45 PM to find a spot under the trees, and note that during the year-end Christmas Wonderland event the grove itself is ticketed, though you can still watch the show for free from World of Plants.

   Usually free; ticketed events restrict grove access
   Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: Gardens by the Bay (official); Gardens by the Bay; Gardens by the Bay; Gardens by the Bay (official)
2. 2Singapore

   Explore the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories

   Next to the Supertrees, two cooled glass conservatories bring other climates to the equator. Flower Dome holds the Guinness World Record for the largest glass greenhouse and grows plants from Mediterranean and dry regions: baobabs, succulents, South African and Australian gardens, an olive grove with a 1,000-year-old tree, and a Flower Field with changing seasonal displays. Cloud Forest wraps a mountain in plants from tropical highlands around 2,000 m above sea level, with one of the world's tallest indoor waterfalls, pitcher plants and aerial walkways with views over Marina Bay. Both domes open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM.

   Tip: Each dome closes on a few scheduled maintenance days a year, so check the opening calendar before you go.

   Both domes, non-resident adult: SGD 46 (about $36) · One ticket covers both domesFee changed?

   Last verified Nov 3, 2026

   Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: Gardens by the Bay; Gardens by the Bay (official); Gardens by the Bay
3. 3Singapore

   Eat your way around Chinatown Complex hawker centre

   Hawker centres are Singapore's community dining rooms, and UNESCO added the country's hawker culture to its list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020. Stalls serve Chinese, Malay, Indian and other dishes, and many hawkers cook one specialty they have refined for years. Chinatown Complex, which Singapore's tourism board calls the country's largest food centre, is a good place to start: it has halal options and several Michelin Bib Gourmand stalls, so you can share plates from a few counters at one table. Chinatown MRT station serves the area.

   Tip: Hawker centres close for cleaning a few days each quarter, so check the National Environment Agency's closure list before you make a special trip.

   Pay as you go
   Sources: UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage; Singapore Tourism Board; National Environment Agency (Singapore government)
4. 4SingaporeBook ahead

   See the city from the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

   The SkyPark Observation Deck sits 56 storeys up on Hotel Tower 3 of Marina Bay Sands, with views over Gardens by the Bay, the bay itself and the durian-shaped domes of the Esplanade. An exhibition, Skyline Singapore: Stories From Above, tells how Marina Bay grew from reclaimed land. Daytime entry runs from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and evening entry from 5 PM to 10 PM, when you can also look down on the Spectra show. The deck is open to the sky and may close for heavy rain or lightning. Your ticket covers the deck only; the infinity pool is for hotel guests. Enter from the Hotel Tower 3 driveway.

   Tip: Entry is by time slot, so buy online ahead for a sunset slot, and leave luggage at the Tower 3 Guest Services Desk, since bags are not allowed up.

   Adult, 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM: SGD 35 (about $27) · Adult, 5 PM to 10 PM: SGD 39 (about $30) · Book a time slot; enter via the Tower 3 drivewayFee changed?

   Last verified Nov 3, 2026

   Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: Marina Bay Sands
5. 5Singapore

   Meet the Merlion and stay for the Spectra show

   The Merlion, half lion and half fish, is Singapore's best-known symbol: the fish body recalls the fishing village of Temasek, and the lion head the name Singapura, Sanskrit for lion city. The 8.6 m statue, built by craftsman Lim Nang Seng, was unveiled in 1972 at the mouth of the Singapore River and later moved to Merlion Park, in front of the Fullerton Hotel, after Esplanade Bridge blocked the view. The park overlooks Marina Bay, and after dark you can head to the Event Plaza at Marina Bay Sands for Spectra, a free 15-minute light and water show with fountains, projections and lasers.

   Tip: Spectra runs at 8 PM and 9 PM from Sunday to Thursday, with a third show at 10 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.

   Free to visit
   Search tours on KlookSources: Visit Singapore (Singapore Tourism Board); Marina Bay Sands (official)
6. 6Singapore

   Stroll the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a World Heritage Site

   Founded in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens became the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, and it is the only tropical botanic garden on the list. Its pioneering work on rubber laid the foundation for the worldwide rubber boom. Today its 82 hectares hold more than 10,000 types of plants, heritage trees, a patch of primary rainforest and the earliest ornamental lake in Singapore. Entry to the gardens is free, and they open daily from 5 AM to midnight. Botanic Gardens MRT station on the Circle and Downtown lines serves the Bukit Timah Entrance, Napier station serves the Tanglin Entrance, and Orchard Road is less than 10 minutes' walk away.

   Tip: Come in the early morning, when it is cooler, then finish at the National Orchid Garden once it opens at 8:30 AM.

   Free to visit
   Search tours on KlookSources: Singapore Botanic Gardens (NParks, official); National Parks Board, Singapore
7. 7Singapore

   Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown

   This Buddhist temple on South Bridge Road opened on Vesak Day in 2007, built in a style drawn from Tang dynasty architecture and the Buddhist mandala. It is named for a relic that Buddhists regard as the left canine tooth of the Buddha, kept in a large stupa made with 320 kg of gold, and the building also holds two museums of Buddhist art and relics. Chinatown has two more landmark places of worship: Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, and Thian Hock Keng, its oldest Chinese temple. Chinatown and Maxwell MRT stations serve the area.

   Tip: Make a slow loop on foot through Chinatown to see all three, and keep your voice down inside, since each is an active place of worship.

   Free to visit
   Search tours on KlookSources: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum (official); Singapore Tourism Board; Singapore Tourism Board
8. 8Singapore

   Have satay under the stars at Lau Pa Sat

   Lau Pa Sat, meaning old market, is the former Telok Ayer Market in the middle of the business district. The cast-iron market you see today was finished in 1894 on what was then newly reclaimed land, making it Singapore's oldest market structure, and it became a national monument in 1973. Inside, more than 80 stalls cook local favorites and international dishes, and the market is open 24 hours. The best time to come is the evening: from 7 PM each day, satay carts set up on Boon Tat Street beside the market, grilling skewers for open-air dining, a tradition here since 1996.

   Tip: Arrive soon after 7 PM to get a table on Satay Street before the after-work crowd.

   Pay as you go
   Sources: Lau Pa Sat (official); Lau Pa Sat (official); Lau Pa Sat (Kopitiam, FairPrice Group)
9. 9Singapore

   Visit Sultan Mosque and the lanes of Kampong Gelam

   Kampong Gelam is one of Singapore's oldest urban quarters, and Sultan Mosque is its centerpiece. Its history goes back to 1824, when Sultan Hussain Shah proposed a mosque here; the brick original was replaced by today's building after the trustees decided to rebuild in 1924, and its prayer hall holds up to 5,000 people. It has been a preserved historical building since 1975. Walk-in visitors can tour the permitted areas from Saturday to Thursday, 10 AM to noon and 2 PM to 4 PM; it is closed to visits on Fridays. Afterward, wander Haji Lane for murals, boutique fashion stores and small bars. Bugis MRT is the nearest station.

   Tip: Dress with arms and legs covered (robes are lent at the counter), remove your shoes, and enter through Gate 5 facing Bussorah Street.

   Set visitor hours; enter at Gate 5 facing Bussorah Street
   Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: Sultan Mosque (official); Sultan Mosque; Visit Singapore (Singapore Tourism Board)
10. 10Singapore

    Walk the streets and temples of Little India

    Little India grew up around Serangoon Road, one of Singapore's earliest roads, and is easiest to enjoy on foot. Expect families shopping for flowers and spices, shopkeepers arranging garlands and textiles, and murals on the walls. Stop at Sri Veerakaliamman Temple, built by Indian pioneers in the 19th century and dedicated to the goddess Kali, then learn the community's story at the Indian Heritage Centre. Nearby, the former House of Tan Teng Niah, a two-story villa from 1900, is painted in bright colors. Tekka Centre, the country's largest indoor wet market, also has halal food options. Little India and Jalan Besar MRT stations are both close.

    Tip: Come hungry: Banana Leaf Apolo on Race Course Road is known for South Indian fish head curry served on a banana leaf.

    Free to visit
    Sources: Singapore Tourism Board
11. 11Singapore

    Wander the National Orchid Garden

    Inside the Botanic Gardens, the National Orchid Garden holds one of the largest orchid collections in the world: more than 1,500 species and 3,000 hybrids, laid out in sections themed on the four seasons. Orchids have been grown here since the late 1800s, and the gardens' breeding program helped make Singapore a center for orchid hybrids. The garden opened in 1995, and in 2021 it added the Tropical Montane Orchidetum, with display houses that recreate the cooler conditions of tropical mountains. It opens daily from 8:30 AM to 7 PM, with last tickets and entry at 6 PM. Tyersall Entrance is the closest drop-off point.

    Tip: Tickets are sold only at the counter at the garden's entrance, so plan to buy them when you arrive.

    Standard adult: SGD 15 (about $12) · Ticketed garden inside the free Botanic GardensFee changed?

    Last verified Nov 3, 2026

    Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: Singapore Botanic Gardens (NParks, official)
12. 12Singapore

    Spend an afternoon at National Gallery Singapore

    National Gallery Singapore fills two national monuments, the former Supreme Court and City Hall, joined after a decade-long renovation into one home for art. Its long-term exhibitions cover Singapore and Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to today, and a free guided Building Highlights tour tells the story of the two buildings. It opens daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, and visitors typically spend about 3 hours. From City Hall MRT, take Exit B and walk about 7 minutes.

    Tip: Sign up for the free Building Highlights tour at the Visitor Services Counter on the day, since places are limited and first come, first served.

    General admission, standard: SGD 20 (about $16) · Buy a general admission ticketFee changed?

    Last verified Nov 3, 2026

    Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: National Gallery Singapore; National Gallery Singapore (official)
13. 13Singapore

    Trace Asia's trade routes at the Asian Civilisations Museum

    The Asian Civilisations Museum sits on the Singapore River in the Empress Place Building, a neoclassical building first completed in 1867 that housed government offices, including the immigration department until the 1980s. It focuses on the links between Asia's cultures and Singapore's past as a port city, across three themed floors: Maritime Trade, Faith and Belief, and Materials and Design. Its collection, which began with objects from the colonial Raffles Library and Museum, now spans Southeast, East, South and West Asia. It opens daily from 10 AM to 7 PM, and until 9 PM on Fridays. Raffles Place MRT is about 5 minutes' walk away.

    Tip: Come on a Friday evening, when it stays open late, then walk along the river to Boat Quay and Clarke Quay for dinner.

    S$[fee]Know the fee?
    Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: Asian Civilisations Museum (National Heritage Board); Asian Civilisations Museum (National Heritage Board)
14. 14Singapore

    Take a night tram through the Night Safari

    Night Safari, in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, calls itself the world's first nocturnal wildlife park. After dark you can ride the Safari Adventure Tram, with commentary in English, then explore four walking trails to see more than 900 animals that are active at night, from free-roaming Malayan tapirs to lions. The Leopard Trail passes leopards, civets and porcupines, and another trail covers marsupials from Australia, New Zealand and New Guinea. The park opens daily from 6 PM to midnight, with last entry at 11:15 PM, and the trails and tram start at 7 PM.

    Tip: Every visitor must pick a time slot, so book yours online before you go, ideally for an early evening slot.

    Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: Mandai Wildlife Group (official)
15. 15Singapore

    See the Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport

    Jewel, at the heart of Changi Airport, is built around the Rain Vortex, the world's tallest indoor waterfall. Water falls 40 m, seven stories, into the basement, and on sunny days the light catches the spray. After dark the waterfall becomes the backdrop for a light and music show, at 8 PM and 9 PM from Monday to Thursday, with an extra show at 10 PM from Friday to Sunday and on public holidays and their eves. Jewel is linked to the Terminal 1 arrival hall, and it is a 5 to 10 minute walk by link bridge from Terminals 2 and 3.

    Tip: Plan a visit on arrival or before a flight, and check Jewel's advisories first, since the waterfall is sometimes switched off for set hours.

    Rain Vortex free to view
    Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: Jewel Changi Airport; Jewel Changi Airport (official)
16. 16Singapore

    Explore the tunnels and guns of Fort Siloso

    Fort Siloso, at Siloso Point on Sentosa, is Singapore's only preserved coastal fort. The British built it in the 1880s to guard the harbor, and it saw action during the Japanese invasion in February 1942. Today you can walk through its tunnels, see original coastal guns, and visit the Surrender Chambers, which recreate the fall of Singapore with wax figures. The Fort Siloso Skywalk, a 181 m elevated walkway, runs through the treetops. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours, plus 20 to 30 minutes for the Skywalk. Take the Sentosa Express from VivoCity to Beach Station, then Sentosa Bus A or the Beach Shuttle to Siloso Point.

    Tip: Pair the fort with an afternoon on nearby Siloso Beach, and note that the exhibits open at 10 AM, with last admission at 5:30 PM.

    S$[fee]Know the fee?
    Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: Sentosa Development Corporation; Sentosa Development Corporation; Sentosa Development Corporation
17. 17Singapore

    Climb Fort Canning Park for history and spices

    Fort Canning Park covers a hill that is central to Singapore's story, and artifacts on display here date back as far as the 1300s. Walk through the Fort Gate, the last remnant of the colonial hilltop fort, past a former Christian cemetery and old British army barracks. The park also has nine historical gardens, including Singapore's most diverse spice garden, with more than 180 kinds of herbs and spices, plus 15 heritage trees. It makes a green break between the museums of the Civic District and the Singapore River, and Fort Canning, Clarke Quay and Dhoby Ghaut MRT stations are all nearby.

    Tip: Follow the park's tree trail to find the cannonball tree, an upside-down tree and a tree whose bark peels off like paper.

    Free to visit
    Search tours on KlookSources: National Parks Board, Singapore
18. 18Singapore

    Reflect at the Changi Chapel and Museum

    During the Japanese Occupation in World War Two, prisoners of war and civilians were held in camps at Changi that together covered about 25 square kilometers. The Changi Chapel and Museum tells their story through artifacts, with a focus on remembrance and on the internees' courage under hardship. As you enter, you pass a replica of St George's Church, one of the chapels built in the camp. It opens from 9:30 AM to 5:30 PM, Tuesday to Sunday, and it is closed on Mondays except public holidays. From Upper Changi MRT station, take bus 2 seven stops to the Opposite Changi Chapel Museum stop.

    Tip: Only cashless payment is accepted, and last admission is at 5 PM, so arrive by mid afternoon.

    Standard adult, tourists; subject to prevailing GST: SGD 9 (about $7) · Cashless tickets; closed Mondays except public holidaysFee changed?

    Last verified Nov 3, 2026

    Search tickets and tours on KlookSources: Changi Chapel and Museum (National Heritage Board); Changi Chapel and Museum (National Heritage Board); National Heritage Board, Singapore

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