10 Best Places to Visit in Singapore

Having the second highest GDP per capita in the world and ranked 9th on the UN Human Development Index, Singapore is one of the Four Asian Tigers. The sovereign island city-state comprises one main island, 63 satellite islands/islets, and one outlying islet but where are the best places in Singapore?

Singapore is a cultural melting pot with four official languages, namely Chinese, English, Malay, and Tamil, with multiculturalism enshrined in the constitution. While ranked as an expensive place to live, it has been identified as a tax haven and ranks highly in numerous social indicators.

Due to its outstanding quality of life and stupendous attractions, traveling and tourism are major contributors and industries to Singapore’s economy. According to a recent study by Budget Direct, over 18.5 million international visitors came to Singapore in 2018, spending well over $27.1 billion.

Furthermore, in 2019, over 7.8 million international tourists arrived in Singapore from January to May, spending over 61.6 visitor days. Moreover, Singapore has the 20th busiest port by passenger numbers along with the Changi Airport consistently ranked as the world’s best airport. 

Let’s jump right into looking at some of the best places to visit in Singapore.

Botanic Gardens

Starting off with the list, I simply couldn’t help myself but pick out this glorious 162-year-old tropical garden located near the Orchard Road shopping district. It is also the only tropical garden to be honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Winning numerous awards over several years and aided by the equatorial climate, it also houses the most extensive orchid collection of 2,000 hybrids and 1,200 species. 

But enough of that, a mere sight of this place and its natural raw beauty are more than enough to experience paradise on earth. The Botanic Gardens is open to the public every day from 5 am to 12 midnight.

However, the icing on the cake is that there is no admission fee but only for the National Orchid Green section visitors might have to pay to enter.   

With more than 10,000 species of flora spread over 82 hectares, the Botanic Gardens plays host to about 4.5 million visitors annually. The National Parks Board operates the Botanic Gardens under the Government of Singapore. Some of the best spots include:

• Ethnobotany Garden
• Evolution Garden
• Ginger Falls
• Fish Ponds at the Green Pavilion
• Frangipani Collection
• Healing Garden
• Learning Forest
• National Orchid Garden – $5 for adults, $1 for students and 60+-year-olds, and free for kids less than 12 years of age.
• Palm Valley and the Shaw Symphony Stage
• Swan Lake and Lawn E
• Sundial Garden
• The Bandstand and Vanda’ Miss Joaquim’ Grove

Clarke Quay

Claudia of wordcountjet says it is one of the most happening places in Singapore where you would really get to know the locals and spend some energetic time creating cherished memories. The Clarke Quay is simply a quay within the Singapore River Planning Area; however, what it has to offer is what makes it a delight to visit this place. 

The quay is populated with various restaurants and nightclubs, so as you can imagine, the nighttime at the quay is for those where the party never ends. What is more, you also get refurbished Chinese sailing ships known as tongkangs.

These moored junks serve as floating pubs and eateries. But things are only heating up as we have not even begun to unravel this place.

Some of the best things to do at the Clarke Quay include:

• Asian Civilizations Museum – just a walking distance from Clarke Quay or the Raffles Place MRT stations. Here you can see some of the finest exhibitions and collections showcasing the region’s diverse and long history. With 14,000 square meters of floor space, there are over 1,300 artifacts along with a plethora of galleries and displays for you to enjoy. 
• Boat Tours – Gently sail the entire length of the Singapore River that takes you to other places like Boat Quay and Marina Bay. The boat also takes you under historically important bridges, including the Anderson Bridge as well as the Clemenceau Bridge. You would also pass through various landmarks, including Esplanade and Merlion along the way.
• Fort Canning Park – just a minute walk away; this place offers lush vegetation and trees while offering you a break from the sprawling metropolis. Many dog walkers and joggers frequently visit the place. You can also easily reach here from City Hall MRT stations, and the park is located just behind the main complex of bars and restaurants.
• G-Max Reverse Bungee – for all of you adrenaline junkies out there, this is where you get your thrills. It is a landmark in its own right when it becomes illuminated at night. You simply cannot miss it. Expect a short queue in the evening because this is a favorite for many. 
• Raffles Palace – enjoy spectacular views from the 28th floor of the UOB Plaza One, which is open to the public. Raffles Place is located right outside Raffles Place MRT entrance, which is now occupied by skyscrapers. 
• The Arts House Screening Room – a 75-seat cinema that you can reach with a quick walk over North Bridge Road. It offers daily screenings of both independent local and international films. There is also a café-bookstore called Earshot that offers excellent locally written works of fiction.

Chinatown

Singapore’s Chinatown and Keong Saik Road is a cool corners that you shouldn’t miss. This place is a maze of narrow roads and houses Chinatown Food Street, where you have all types of restaurants serving traditional dishes, including Hainanese chicken rice, noodles, and satay.

There are also various souvenir shops, pawnshops, and indie boutiques that pop out at every nook. You can also shop for various items, including antiques, clothes, and handmade crafted items. 

Walking along the road, you will soon hit Club Street, which is full of trendy wine bars. You can also visit several cultural institutions, including the likes of 1872 Sri Mariamman Temple and the ornate Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. Other attractions include:

• Pinnacle@Duxton Skybridge – the world’s tallest residential building that you can visit for $5 to admire the vista; however, only 200 daily visitors are allowed. Admire the views of the entire city and feel like an eagle soaring in the wind.
• NUS Baba House – built in the 1890s, the National University of Singapore Baba House is an ancestral home of the Wee family. Visitors can explore the early 20th century culture, featuring Peranakan antiques, porcelain art, and furniture.
• Singapore City Gallery – displays a huge 3D plan of the entire city that you can walk around and look up at a touching distance. It also houses over 50 interactive exhibits where you can discover the city’s past and its future upcoming projects from city planners.  

Gardens by the Bay

If you saw the blockbuster Avatar film by James Cameron back in 2009, then wait till you see the Gardens by the Bay in real life. This urban nature park that spans well over 270 acres is located within the Marina Bay district of Singapore’s Central Region.

Mesmerizing to look at throughout the day, the garden, however, does come alive at night. This is when it reflects an out-of-the-world venue as if some high-tech futuristic aliens landed and terraformed the place.  

Gardens by the Bay was built with the intention of transforming its “Garden City” into a “City in a Garden” concept. Since its inception in 2005, the place has become a national icon and Singapore’s premier urban outdoor recreation venue. Things to do here include:

• Art Sculptures – more than 40 sculptures from artists around the world displaying unique and intriguing crafts adding new dimensions to the landscape.
• Floral Fantasy – delightfully vibrant range of cut flowers, live plants, foliage, and preserved flowers that come together, creating a majestic masterpiece of hues and fantasy.
• Heritage Gardens – discover Singapore’s fascinating story through the viewpoint of plant history and its influence on culture. 
• Sun Pavilion – an amazing walkthrough experience that lets you marvel at the preserved desert-like landscape with over 1,000 different species and varieties of desert plants.
• Supertree Grove – take a stroll along the 22-meter high OCBC Skyway and enjoy panoramic vistas while moving between 20-50 meters tall Supertrees with large canopies.
• World of Plants – visit the Serene Garden which offers a unique outdoor lawn that offers a calming horticulture experience. 

Marina Bay Sands

One of the major attractions in Singapore is the 5-star studded hotel Marina Bay Sands. This magnificent wonder of modern architecture was designed by Moshe Safdie and was billed as the world’s most expensive casino property at $8 billion back in 2010.

The Marina Bay Sands is an icon and owned by the Singaporean affiliate of the Las Vegas Sands Corporation.

Operating as a world-renowned resort, it includes a 2,561-room hotel with a 120,000 square meter convention exhibition center.

The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands mall occupies 74,000 square meters, and other attractions include a large theatre, a museum, celebrity-chef restaurants, art-science exhibits, and two floating crystal pavilions.

The hotel also houses the world’s largest atrium casino with over 1,600 slot machines and 500 tables. However, the icing on the cake is the three complex towers that are topped by a connected 340-meter long SkyPark that has the capacity for 3,902 people along with a 150-meter infinity swimming pool. There are various other attractions as well, including:

• Digital Light Canvas – a magnificent and gigantic digital floor display created by the Japanese collective behind Future World: Where Art Meets Science. The best time to visit is from Sunday to Thursday. And for a bird’s eye view of the entire show, simply visit Level 2. 
• Sampan Rides – a leisure boat ride along the Canal located within The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands while circling the Rain Oculus. Over 22,000 liters of water are released every minute from a skylight that is two stories overhead, which delivers a dreamy sight.
• Spectra: A Light & Water Show – a free nightly outdoor extravaganza displayed over the water at the Event Plaza. A 15-minute outdoor show unfolds right in front of your eyes with dancing fountain jets and colorful visual projections with orchestral soundtracks playing in the background. 

Orchard Road

Welcome to the retail heart of Singapore. The Orchard Road is where you want to be when it comes to discount outlets, departmental stores, luxury hotels, and upscale boutiques. Alongside, you would also run into a variety of alfresco bars, casual pubs, and eateries, especially near the Cuppage Terrace. 

You can also visit the Newton Food Center, a popular foodie hub for barbecued seafood, roasted meats, and traditional dessert lovers. Students looking for a cheap dissertation writing service would love to visit this area and cash in some great offers. Other attractions include:

• Cinema at the Cathay – an art-house cinema that brings alternative movies to the center of Singapore. It now offers daily screenings of the latest Hollywood blockbusters. The cinema is also known for hosting festivals and special events.
• Emerald Hill Road – located just behind Orchard Road, this is a place that stands frozen in time with buildings constructed during 1900-1920. A complete contrast to the modernistic appeal, however, there are some great bars hidden here that offer happy hours.
• National Museum of Singapore – a national monument as well that stretches over 18,400 square meters with numerous exhibitions and collections spread throughout the museum. For studying the rich history of Singapore and Asia, this is the place to be.  
• The Istana – formerly known as the Government House, is a regal landmark where the Singaporean’s President Office is located. The Istana grounds are open to the public on annual celebration days. 

Raffles Hotel Singapore

A colonial-style luxury hotel located in the Downtown Core district of Singapore was established by the Armenian hoteliers known as the Sarkies Brothers in 1887. It is a flagship property that is managed by AccorHotels and owned by Qatar-based Katara Hospitality. At the same time, it started out as a privately owned beach house; however, it soon became a high-end hotel that became popular with wealthy clients. 

Over the years, the hotel has continued to expand, adding other buildings, rooms, additional wings, a bar and billiards room, and a veranda. In 2019 the hotel won the award for renovation and restoration from the AHEAD Asia awards. Major attractions include:

• Restaurants Bonanza – The Raffles Singapore offers you a range of restaurants and bars to experience fine dining at its best. Popular choices include BBR by Alain Ducasse, Butcher’s Block, La Dame de Pic, The Grand Lobby, and the Tiffin Room, to name a few.
• Singapore Art Museum – a contemporary art museum that emphasizes art-making and artistic cognition involving Singapore, and Asia and encompasses a worldwide perspective on various art practices. Stimulating exhibitions and public programs for enchanting visitor experiences.    
• Spas Galore – You can find the new Raffles Spa located within the Raffles Arcade, offering a holistic sanctuary for hotel guests and public members. Here you will discover separate lounge areas for both ladies and gentlemen along with a range of restorative treatments. 

Sentosa Island

You might have been wondering about a place where you and your family can go and become lost in the indulgence of never-ending fun-filled activities.

Well, if that is the case, then Sentosa Island is the dream place and Wonderland that awaits you in Singapore. Located on the southern coast of Singapore’s main island, this popular tourist destination receives over 20 million visitors every year.

Major attractions include over a 2 km long sheltered beach, an extensive Cable Car network, Madame Tussauds Singapore, Fort Siloso, two golf courses, the Resorts World, and 14 hotels.

Sentosa Island is also home to the Universal Studios Singapore theme park and a grand casino. The island also houses the Capella Hotel, where Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump met for the first time back in 2018. 

Many young learners seeking the best dissertation writing services UK also visit the place to rejuvenate their spirits and freshen themselves up. Some of the best things to do at Sentosa Island include:

• Adventure Cove Waterpark – has various fund rides and slides to satisfy even the most adamant thrill-seekers. The place also offers a wide range of water-based activities. Unique attractions include Ray Bay and Rainbow Reef, with over 20,000 fish.
• Butterfly & Insect Kingdom – get close and personal with nature by meeting more than 3,000 different species of insects from across the world. Built with a sense of authentic and realistic environment, there is plenty of vegetation and blooming flowers.
• Nature Discovery – a great place for nature lovers and families with young kids. The jungle trail takes you through 8 different types of controlled and maintained habitats that are inhabited by birds, wildlife, and reptilian creatures. Best of all, the entrance is absolutely free!
• SEA Aquarium – the Southeast Asia Aquarium is phenomenal to behold. This is one of Singapore’s finest all-weather attractions. Over 100,000 aquatic animals to discover with exhibits that are specifically designed to mimic their natural habitats.  
• Sentosa Beaches – spectacular man-made beaches with pristine white sands that are imported directly from nearby Malaysia. There are various beach bars where you can just get lazy all day long and lounge while children splash in the shallow warm sea. 

Singapore Flyer

A colossal observation wheel at Downtown Core, Singapore opened in 2008. The Singapore Flyer took nearly two and a half years to build.

It features 28 air-conditioned capsules that can each accommodate 28 passengers as well as incorporate a three-story terminal building. It held the record for the world’s tallest Ferris wheel for six years until High Roller broke it in 2014.

The Flyers has an overall height of 165 meters or 541 feet. Jones Lang LaSalle was appointed as the real estate advisor with Takenaka and Mitsubishi selected as main contractors, and Arup as the structural engineer.

The gross building area is approximately 16,000 square meters built on a 33,700 square meter site along the Marina Promenade. Today the wheel rotates in a clockwise direction according to the advice of Feng Shui masters. 

The ticket prices for adults are $33, while for seniors above 60 years old, the ticket price is $24. However, for a child from 3-12 years of age, the ticket price is $21.

The total seating capacity is 784 people, and a complete ride can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour. Apart from offering panoramic views, there are various other things you can enjoy.

There are special themed capsules also available where you can indulge in a flute of champagne or savor the iconic Singapore Sling. There is also Premium Sky Dining Flight, where a couple can book the capsule for a romantic dinner with a four-course meal and an in-flight host.  

Singapore Zoo

Another absolutely fantastic family-oriented venue for morning outings (one of the best places to visit in Singapore), the Singapore Zoo is a must-visit. Formerly the Singapore Zoo was known as Singapore Zoological Gardens, and it currently occupies 69 acres of land near the Upper Seletar Reservoir within the country’s heavily forested central catchment area. 

The zoo was built at the cost of $9 million granted by Singapore’s government. It has been functioning since the 27th of June 1973. The zoo attracts over 2 million visitors every year, and there are around 315 species of animals in the zoo, of which 16% are considered threatened species. Wildlife Reserves Singapore operates it.

Major attractions include:

• Primate Kingdom – where each species of primates is allocated its own designated island. There is a horde of trees landscaping the surroundings, and then there are castles where furry dwellers rule. The primates certainly get to be kings, each ruling their own kingdom. 
• Hamadryas Baboons – here you can get a sense of the vast Africa where the Hamadryas baboons rule rugged rock landscape. Other animals include black-backed jackals, meerkats, nimble Nubian ibexes, and rock hyraxes.
• Open Exhibits – displaying animals in naturalistic environments with hidden barriers, glass, and moats separating them from the visitors. The place also houses the largest captive colony of orangutans in the world. 
• Rainforest Kidzworld – where you can meet Falabella, the smallest breed of horses, and also get really close to the animal collection. Friendly keepers will provide you with safety while you interact with animals. There is also a chit-chat Buddy Barn where kids can play with rabbits and other cute animals.
• Reptile Garden – numerous exhibits housing a variety of reptilian creatures, including the likes of amphibians and over 60 species of reptiles from four geographical zones. There are also some great ‘snake-tactular’ zones for kids to enjoy.

Conclusion 

As an ending note, I would like to mention that this is neither a complete nor an exhaustive list of places to visit in Singapore. There is simply so much more in Singapore that it would require an encyclopedic volume of work to cover it all. 

Even for the venues, I mentioned there is so much more that is happening than what I shared. So make sure that if you visit Singapore, spend quality time exploring all that is there to offer now that you know the best places to visit in Singapore. For now, this is it, cheers, and Bon Voyage!

Author Bio 

Claudia Jeffrey currently works as a devoted Lifestyle Counselor at crowdwriter and Assignment Assistance UK. She is extremely fond of pop culture, including movies, music, anime, TV series, and video games. During her free time, she loves to go on road trips with family, friends, and loved ones.