The best things to do in Marina Bay are close together and easy to reach on foot. You can see the Merlion, cross the Helix Bridge, walk through Gardens by the Bay and watch a free light show in one visit. Many of them cost nothing.
This guide gives a quick overview of each one, with links to our detailed guides. For everything else about the area, browse our Marina Bay guides.
See the Merlion and walk the waterfront
Start at Merlion Park. The Merlion is a statue with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. It spouts water into the bay and faces Marina Bay Sands across the water. Go early in the morning if you want fewer people in your photos.
From the park, a flat promenade runs right around the bay. You can walk the whole loop in about an hour without stops. Near the start you pass the Fullerton Hotel Singapore, a grand heritage building that was once the General Post Office.
Esplanade and the Helix Bridge
Cross the Jubilee Bridge from Merlion Park to reach Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay. Its two spiky domes hold a concert hall and a theatre. Many people say they look like durians, a spiky tropical fruit. The Esplanade often has free performances, and its roof terrace has good views over the bay.
Keep walking along the water to the Helix Bridge. This footbridge twists like a strand of DNA. It links the Marina Centre side of the bay to Marina Bay Sands, and it lights up after dark.
Marina Bay Sands, the SkyPark and the ArtScience Museum
Marina Bay Sands is the hotel with three towers joined by a long platform on top. The rooftop pool is for hotel guests only. Anyone can buy a ticket for the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck, which has wide views over the city and the sea.
At the base of the towers is The Shoppes, a large air-conditioned mall. Next to it on the water is the ArtScience Museum. Its white, lotus-shaped building holds changing exhibitions on art, science and technology. It is a good indoor stop on a hot or rainy afternoon.
Gardens by the Bay and Marina Barrage
Gardens by the Bay sits just behind Marina Bay Sands. The outdoor gardens and the Supertree Grove are free to walk around. The Supertrees are tall, tree-shaped steel structures covered in plants. Paid tickets cover the two cool glass domes, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. There is also the OCBC Skyway, a paid walkway high up between the Supertrees.
If you have time, walk on to Marina Barrage. This dam turns the bay into a freshwater reservoir. Its grassy roof is free and popular for kite flying, picnics and sunset views. Travelling with children? See our guide to family hotels near Gardens by the Bay.
Things to do in Marina Bay at night
The bay looks its best after dark. Two free shows run on most evenings:
- Spectra: a light, laser and water show on the waterfront in front of Marina Bay Sands.
- Garden Rhapsody: the Supertrees light up in time to music at Gardens by the Bay.
Our guide to free light shows in Singapore explains where to stand for each one. You can also ride the Singapore Flyer, a giant observation wheel. Another option is a Singapore River Cruise on a boat that passes into the bay. For an easy self-guided route, try the Marina Bay Night Walk.
Where to eat around Marina Bay
Food here ranges from hawker stalls to fine dining. For a cheaper meal, try one of these:
- Makansutra Gluttons Bay: open-air hawker stalls by the Esplanade, best in the evening.
- Satay by the Bay: a food centre inside Gardens by the Bay. Try satay, grilled meat skewers with peanut sauce.
- Lau Pa Sat: a hawker centre in a Victorian iron building in the financial district.
For more choice, browse all restaurants in Marina Bay & CBD. Our guide to Marina Bay on a budget has more ways to save.
FAQs about things to do in Marina Bay
Is Marina Bay worth visiting?
Yes, especially on a first trip. Many of Singapore's best-known sights are here, close together and easy to reach by MRT. A lot of it is free.
How much time do I need for Marina Bay?
Half a day covers the waterfront and Gardens by the Bay. A full day that ends with the evening light shows lets you go at an easy pace.
What can I do for free in Marina Bay?
Merlion Park, the Helix Bridge, the waterfront promenade, the outdoor gardens, Supertree Grove, Marina Barrage and the evening light shows are all free.
When is the best time to visit Marina Bay?
Late afternoon works well. You can see the gardens in daylight, watch the sunset over the skyline and stay for the free shows after dark.
