Things to Do in Singapore

Singapore sightseeing guide: how to plan your days

This Singapore sightseeing guide page helps you decide what to see and in what order. Singapore is small, and most sights are close together by MRT, the city's metro, or by taxi. The heat is the main thing to plan around. Do outdoor sights in the early morning or late afternoon. Save museums and malls for the hottest hours or a rainy spell.

Group sights by area to cut travel time. Marina Bay, the Civic District around City Hall, Chinatown and Sentosa each fill a half-day or more. For a ready-made plan, see The Perfect 3-Day Singapore Itinerary.

Top attractions and how long they take

• Gardens by the Bay. Allow half a day. The outdoor gardens and Supertree Grove are free to walk around. The cooled glass conservatories need a ticket.
• Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck. Allow an hour or so. Sunset slots are popular, so book ahead.
• Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. Both are in the Mandai area in the north of the island. Allow half a day for each.
• Universal Studios Singapore. This theme park on Sentosa needs a full day.
• Sentosa Island Day Out. Beaches, attractions and walks on the resort island just south of the city.

For more ideas, see the Top Attractions and Theme Parks & Zoos topics.

Free sights, museums and heritage

Many good sights cost nothing. Merlion Park faces Marina Bay, with the city's half-lion, half-fish statue. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The evening light shows around the bay are free too. Browse Free Things to Do for more.

Museums and galleries

The Civic District has several major museums within walking distance of each other. National Gallery Singapore shows art from Singapore and Southeast Asia. The Asian Civilisations Museum sits by the Singapore River. Museums are a good choice on a wet day. See Museums & Galleries and Rainy Day Activities.

Heritage areas and places of worship

Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam show some of the city's Chinese, Indian and Malay heritage. Each has temples or mosques that welcome respectful visitors. Cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes where asked. The Chinatown Heritage Walk is a good place to start. The Heritage & Architecture topic covers walks across the city.

Nature, parks and islands

Singapore has more green space than many visitors expect.

• Hiking. The MacRitchie TreeTop Walk is a suspension bridge at treetop height. Southern Ridges and Henderson Waves links hilltop parks with walkways and bridges. Bring water and start early. See Hiking & Nature Trails.
• Islands. Pulau Ubin is a quiet, rural island reached by bumboat, a small motorboat, from Changi. Many people explore it by bicycle. See Islands & Beaches.
• Parks and the coast. East Coast Park has a long seaside path for cycling and walking. See Parks & Gardens and Outdoor & Water Activities.

Tickets, timing and day trips

• Book online. Many attractions sell tickets online, sometimes for less than at the gate. Popular time slots can sell out at weekends and in school holidays.
• Compare bundles. Some attractions sell combined tickets, such as the Mandai wildlife parks. Check what each bundle includes before you buy.
• Check before you go. Ticket prices and opening days change, so check the official site on the day.
• Take photos at the right time. Soft morning light and blue hour after sunset suit skyline shots. See Photo Spots.
• Day trips. Johor Bahru in Malaysia is across the Causeway. The Indonesian islands of Batam and Bintan are a ferry ride away. Bring your passport and check entry rules first. See Day Trips.

FAQs about Singapore sightseeing

How many days do I need to see Singapore?

Three to four days suit most first trips. That covers Marina Bay, a heritage area or two, one big attraction and a day on Sentosa.

What can I see in Singapore for free?

Merlion Park, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, the outdoor areas of Gardens by the Bay and the evening light shows are all free. Heritage areas cost nothing to walk around.

What is the best time of day for sightseeing in Singapore?

Early morning and late afternoon are cooler and more comfortable. Use the middle of the day for museums, malls and other indoor sights.

What can I do in Singapore when it rains?

Visit a museum, Jewel Changi Airport or a big mall. Tropical showers often pass quickly, so you can head back outside soon after.