Top things to do in Singapore

How to plan the top things to do in Singapore

The top things to do in Singapore fit into a small island. You can see a garden, a temple and a hawker centre in one afternoon. The trick is to group sights by area and to plan around the heat. Mornings and evenings are cooler, so save museums and malls for the middle of the day.

Marina Bay and the Singapore River

Most first trips start here. Gardens by the Bay has free outdoor gardens and the tall Supertree structures, plus two paid indoor conservatories. Next door, the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck looks out over the bay. Merlion Park is home to the half-lion, half-fish statue that stands for the city.

After dark, follow our Marina Bay Night Walk around the waterfront. Then head upriver to Clarke Quay, where old riverside warehouses now hold places to eat and nightspots. A Singapore River Cruise on a bumboat, a small wooden river boat, links the two areas.

Museums, heritage and places of worship

The Civic District around City Hall holds the main museums. National Gallery Singapore shows art from Singapore and Southeast Asia in two former government buildings. The National Museum of Singapore tells the country's story. The Asian Civilisations Museum sits by the river and covers cultures across Asia. For a free option, Singapore City Gallery in Chinatown explains how the city is planned.

The older neighbourhoods are just as rewarding. Walk through Little India, Chinatown and Kampong Glam & Haji Lane. Along the way you can visit temples, mosques and churches, such as the Cathedral of the Good Shepherd and Sultan Mosque. These are active places of worship, so please be respectful:

• Cover your shoulders and knees.
• Remove your shoes where asked.
• Keep your voice low and avoid visiting during prayers or services.
• Ask before you take photos of people.

Nature, wildlife and green spaces

Singapore is very green for a big city. In the north, the Mandai wildlife parks sit side by side. Bird Paradise has large walk-through aviaries, while River Wonders is a river-themed animal park. The Singapore Zoo and the Night Safari are next door, so you can pair two parks in one day.

For free nature, try the MacRitchie TreeTop Walk, a suspension bridge above the forest. It is reached by a long trail, so allow a few hours and bring water. Singapore Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and free to enter. West Coast Park is a good pick for families, with play areas and sea views.

Shopping, markets and Jewel

Orchard Road is the main shopping street, with malls for every budget. Bugis Street is a busy market for cheap clothes, souvenirs and snacks. Mustafa Centre in Little India is a huge department store that sells almost everything, from electronics to spices. Before you fly home, visit Jewel Changi Airport. Its indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex, is free to see.

Tips for sightseeing in Singapore

• Beat the heat. Go outdoors early or late. Carry water, sunscreen and a small umbrella for sudden showers.
• Have a rainy-day backup. Museums, Jewel and the big malls are all indoors.
• Book paid attractions ahead. Buying tickets online for places like Universal Studios Singapore can save time at the gate. Ticket prices change, so check official sites.
• Use the MRT. Many visitors tap in and out with a contactless bank card. See How to Use the MRT in Singapore: A Tourist Guide.
• Mix free and paid. 20 Free Things to Do in Singapore helps keep costs down.
• Evenings out. Clarke Quay and CHIJMES, a former convent, are lively at night. The legal drinking age is 18, so please drink responsibly.

For official event listings and visitor information, see Visit Singapore.

FAQs about things to do in Singapore

What are the best free things to do in Singapore?

The outdoor gardens at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Merlion Park and heritage areas like Little India are all free. So is the Rain Vortex at Jewel.

How many days do I need to see Singapore?

Three to four days cover the main sights at an easy pace. Add a day for Sentosa or the Mandai wildlife parks.

What can I do in Singapore when it rains?

Head indoors to the museums near City Hall, the malls on Orchard Road or Jewel Changi Airport. Showers are often short, so outdoor plans may only need a short delay.

Is Sentosa worth a visit?

Yes, especially for families. Sentosa has beaches, Universal Studios Singapore and other attractions. See our Sentosa Island Day Out and plan a full day.

What should I wear to temples and mosques?

Cover your shoulders and knees, and remove your shoes where asked. Some mosques lend robes to visitors who need them.