Unlike destinations like New York City and Paris, Singapore prefers to rather be low-key. Singapore does not attract as many tourists as those cities. The city is quieter compared to others in the world. But, Singapore is exploding with beauty and stories to tell. On the backdrop of the various things to do in Singapore is a story that captivates any traveler visiting this Asian city.

This Southeast Asian city has a very interesting story. Singapore started as a small fishing village and transformed into a thriving global city-state. Through those times, the city has achieved astonishing economic progress, embracing innovation and developing into a vibrant multicultural society. Did you know that Singapore is also one of the richest countries in the world?

From visiting the iconic Merlion statue that has become a symbol of the city, to exploring newly-built landmarks such as the Marina Bay Sands, the things to do in Singapore are limitless. Be prepared to be amazed. 

11 Best Things To Do In Singapore

Here are 11 of the best things to do in Singapore. Singapore is waiting for you. 

1. Take Creative Selfies With The Merlion 

No trip to Singapore would be complete without paying homage to the Merlion statue at Merlion Park on Marina Bay. This Merlion statue is one of the most revered monuments in Singapore. The Merlion has the head of a lion, and the body and tail of a fish. What’s even more fascinating is that this statue spouts water from its mouth and right into the bay. While you’re here, be sure to be creative when taking selfies with the Merlion. You can open your mouth, and position it with the water spout, as if you are drinking the water from it. 

The Merlion statue tells a lot about Singapore’s history. Its lion head represents Singapura, the city’s first name, which translates to “lion city” in Malay. Meanwhile, its fish tail and body symbolizes the city’s old days when it was still a small fishing town. 

There are more things to do in Singapore here than just admiring the statue. You can enjoy panoramic views of the bay from the Merlion Park, and at night, the views of the Marina Bay Sands from the park wows tourists. 

2. Swim At The World’s Largest Infinity Pool At Marina Bay Sands

You may have seen photos of those three structures below what appears like a ship-shaped deck in Singapore. You are looking at the Marina Bay Sands. 

Marina Bay Sands is probably one of the most luxurious hotels in the world. As of this time of writing, the cheapest price of a room in this five-star hotel is at around $636. But you don’t have to check in to enjoy what it has to offer. For instance, its famous SkyPark located 56 stories up will give you stunning 360-degree views of Singapore’s skyline.

But if you want to splurge and stay in this hotel, there are a lot of attractions and things to do in Singapore here, such as a world-class casino, various nightclubs, performance halls, and shops that sell luxury goods. 

Hotel guests also exclusively get access to the world’s longest elevated pool, the Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool, located 57 stories up. 

3. Celebrate Everything Botanical At Gardens By The Bay 

Gardens by the Bay is one of the newly-built attractions in Singapore.Despite being completed only in 2012, Gardens by the Bay has become an iconic sight in the city, competing with attractions like the Merlion Park. 

This place features an impressive indoor waterfall, a treetop walk, and the Supertrees, a grove of dozen tree-like vertical gardens that harvest solar energy and feature almost 163,000 plants. This is truly a celebration of everything botanical, and one of the things to do in Singapore that you should not dare miss. 

Furthermore, in its largest area, the Bay South, you can find a sizable glass greenhouse known as the Flower Dome, as well as popular exhibits like “Orchid Extravaganza” and “Tulipmania.” As you keep exploring around, you’ll also reach the Cloud Forest, an area that mimics the cool-moist ecology of the tropical highlands. Meanwhile, at the Bay East, you can see fantastic views of Singapore’s skyline. 

We’re pretty sure you are loving this “things to do in Singapore” article. Be sure to read this related story: Best Photography Spots In Singapore 

4. Hit The Beach At Sentosa

Summer is almost here, and if you are looking for some nice beaches where to bask in the sun, you can consider the beach at Singapore’s Sentosa island. An island resort off the southern coast of Singapore, Sentosa is seemingly like a completely new country (but within Singapore).

Sentosa is home to luxurious tourist attractions such as the Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Resorts World Sentosa, and more. But, both locals and travelers also head over here to hang out on its beaches, shop at the massive Luxury Fashion Galleria, zip line at Mega Adventure Park, and play golf at the Sentosa Golf Club, plus more. Sentosa is a whole new experience, appealing to a broad range of travelers, so be sure to allot a day or two if you really want to enjoy everything that it has.

5. Be In The Movies At Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios theme parks are in various locations in the world, specifically in Hollywood and Orlando in the United States, Beijing in China, Osaka in Japan, and in Singapore. 

Universal Studios Singapore is a theme park within the Resorts World Sentosa integrated resort at Sentosa Island, and it is here where you can experience the movies, particularly those created by the studio. Universal Studios Singapore is also the first and the only Universal Studios theme park in Southeast Asia. If you are traveling with the family and kids, be sure not to skip this. 

There are so many things to do in Singapore here. Universal Studios Singapore currently has 28 rides in its seven themed zones. You can experience the thrills of a roller coaster, scream at the top of your lungs through the Mummy Ride, get soaked on water rides and the river rapids of Jurassic Park (the weather can get really warm in Singapore), and immerse yourself in 4D movie experiences. Unlike any other.

6. Ride The Singapore Flyer Ferris Wheel

If London has the London Eye, Singapore has the Singapore Flyer. The Singapore Flyer is a gigantic ferris wheel that has become the center of attention of nearly every tourist visiting the city. It is also one of the largest observation wheels in the world. 

It was opened for the first time in 2008 after two and a half years of construction! So this has to be grand. And yes it is. It has 28 air-conditioned capsules that take tourists to impressive views of the city. 

Can’t get enough of this “things to do in Singapore” guide? You can read this too: Best Photography Spots Around The World 

7. Get A Private Nighttime Sightseeing Tour With A River Cruise

There are so many things to do in Singapore, so if you feel the need to organize everything and see the famous attractions in just one tour, take this private nighttime sightseeing tour with a river cruise from Viator. 

This is perfect for those who want to make the most of their short visit to Singapore, or those just spending overnight layovers in the city. In this tour, you’ll be able to visit top attractions like Little India, and experience sights only seen at night, such as Gardens by the Bay’s synchronized light and music show. The tour also includes the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark and a Singapore River cruise. 

8. Shop And Dine At Orchard Road

Every bustling metropolis in the world must have a commercial street, and Orchard Road is Singapore’s take on this. This vibrant boulevard buzzes with cars, neon lights, and not to mention credit cards. Why? This mile-long street is home to a wide range of eateries and a whopping more than 40 shopping malls that carry high-end brands, international retailers like Zara and local shops. The massive ION Orchard shopping complex is the focal point here, so be sure to check this out. 

Orchard Road got its name from the fruit orchards, nutmeg plantations, and pepper farms native to Singapore, and abundant in the area during the early 1800s. 

9. Experience Singapore’s Indian Heritage At Little India 

A big chunk of Singapore’s population consists of Indians (we got you, you thought Singaporeans are just Chinese, right?), and there is a place dedicated to this community – Little India. 

Little India is a cultural enclave located around two miles northwest of Marina Bay that features dense streets and shops networks where you can find various things that Indians love, from spices to flower garlands and colorful fabrics. 

You can start your things to do in Singapore here by visiting the boutiques located along Serangoon Road, then moving down to the cramped alleys where you can find true treasures. If your feet and credit card starts to tire, you can head over to Little India’s beautiful Srinivasa Perumal Temple, a Hindu place of worship. It really feels like you are in a little version of India here.

Aside from this “things to do in Singapore” piece, you can also read more stories from our blog. 

10. Meet Nocturnal Creatures At Night Safari 

Especially if you are traveling to Singapore with your kids, you can make the most of their things to do in Singapore, and create lasting memories in places like Night Safari. Sure, you can be treated to zoos that feature common animals like the giraffe and the elephant, but this zoo is dedicated for the creatures of the night. 

Regarded as the the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park, Singapore’s Night Safari showcases nocturnal animals such as the Tasmanian devil, Sunda pangolin, clouded leopard, and sloth bear, among many others. So, if your kids only know bats and owls as nocturnal animals, this is the best place to expand their knowledge.

11. Hang Out Literally For Hours At Jewel Changi Airport

An airport is no mall, and if you count the things you can do at an airport, the list will be limited. But take Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport differently. This airport is one of the most beautiful in the world, and is also named as 2023’s best airport in the world by United Kingdom-based consultancy SKYTRAX. You can literally hang out at Jewel Changi Airport without feeling bored.

Aside from things that airports serve travelers, Jewel Changi Airport is also a nature-themed shopping, dining, and entertainment haven. If you are here, don’t forget to visit the Rain Vortex, a massive seven-story-tall indoor waterfall, as well as the airport’s indoor forest with suspended walkways, and its nearly 300 stores. If you’re here, you won’t want to leave the airport sooner.

Did you love our “things to do in Singapore” guide? There are more stories to read from our website.  

Things To Do In Singapore: Upcoming Events

No pandemic is ever going to stop Singapore travelers from enjoying the many things to do in Singapore. So, as a bonus section in this guide, we are going to present the upcoming events you might want to attend in Singapore.

• South Korean singer Lee Seung-gi’s Asia tour, June 2023
• BTS’s Suga’s Singapore tour, June 2023
• Zumba at Chinatown Street, June 2023
• K-Pop group TWICE’s World Tour, September 2023
• Another K-Pop group ATEEZ’s World Tour, September 2023

Singapore Wants You

A small city with a land area of just 734.3 square kilometers, Singapore is easier to navigate around unlike other cities in the world. But, it is also one of the most expensive destinations across the globe. Plus, it is also the cleanest, best planned, and possibly, the most entertaining city in the world. 

The Lion City is home to the world’s largest infinity pool, the world’s first safari park dedicated to nocturnal animals, centuries-old temples, and, of course, some of the best food on Earth. Singapore’s bustling attractions also intertwine with its offerings that seem to bring nature into this metropolis. There are so many things to do in Singapore. This city offers a fascinating marriage between tradition and modern. Visiting Singapore is an experience of a lifetime. 

Tours we recommend: