Welcome to Singapore, a city that combines world-class attractions, rich heritage, and amazing cuisine. From stunning skylines to beautiful gardens, this guide explores Singapore’s top 20 must-visit spots, with insights into each attraction’s history, visiting tips, and dining recommendations nearby. Perfect for planning your Singapore adventure!
1. Marina Bay Sands
Description: Marina Bay Sands is an iconic hotel complex featuring an infinity pool, a casino, shopping, and the SkyPark Observation Deck with panoramic city views.
History: Completed in 2010, it’s an architectural marvel designed by Moshe Safdie, symbolizing Singapore’s modern skyline.
Google Maps Link: Marina Bay Sands Location
Tickets: SkyPark access around 26 SGD.
Nearby Restaurants: *CE LA VI* (offers Asian fusion with skyline views).
Additional Tips: Visit at sunset to enjoy views of the city lights coming on.
2. Gardens by the Bay
Description: This futuristic garden includes the Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome, blending nature and technology.
History: Opened in 2012 as part of Singapore’s vision to be a “City in a Garden.”
Google Maps Link: Gardens by the Bay Location
Tickets: Entry to outdoor gardens is free; tickets for domes are 28 SGD.
Nearby Restaurants: *Satay by the Bay* (for authentic satay and local dishes).
Additional Tips: Evening visits are recommended to catch the Garden Rhapsody light show.
3. Merlion Park
Description: Home to Singapore’s iconic Merlion statue, symbolizing the city’s history as a fishing village.
History: Built in 1972, the statue combines a lion’s head with a fish’s body, representing Singapore’s origins.
Google Maps Link: Merlion Park Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Lau Pa Sat* (for chili crab and satay).
Additional Tips: Best visited in the early morning or evening for fewer crowds.
4. Sentosa Island
Description: Sentosa is a resort island featuring sandy beaches, adventure activities, and Universal Studios Singapore.
History: Originally a military fortress, it was transformed into a tourist resort in the 1970s.
Google Maps Link: Sentosa Island Location
Tickets: Entry prices vary by attraction; some activities start at 30 SGD.
Nearby Restaurants: *Malaysian Food Street* (for popular Malaysian street foods).
Additional Tips: Consider purchasing a Sentosa Fun Pass for access to multiple attractions.
5. Chinatown
Description: A bustling district with temples, food markets, and heritage buildings.
History: Established in 1821, it’s one of Singapore’s oldest cultural districts.
Google Maps Link: Chinatown Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Maxwell Food Centre* (for famous Hainanese chicken rice).
Additional Tips: Evenings are best for street food and nightlife.
6. Singapore Zoo
Description: Known for its open-concept habitats, the zoo houses over 2,800 animals.
History: Opened in 1973, the zoo has become globally renowned for its commitment to conservation.
Google Maps Link: Singapore Zoo Location
Tickets: Adult tickets start at 39 SGD.
Nearby Restaurants: *Ah Meng Restaurant* (offers local favorites and views of the animal enclosures).
Additional Tips: Arrive early to catch feeding times and animal shows.
7. Orchard Road
Description: Singapore’s premier shopping destination, known for luxury malls and designer boutiques.
History: Developed in the 1830s as an orchard and turned into a shopping district in the 20th century.
Google Maps Link: Orchard Road Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Wild Honey* (for brunch options in a chic setting).
Additional Tips: The area lights up beautifully during the holiday season.
8. Clarke Quay
Description: A lively riverside quay with bars, restaurants, and nightlife.
History: Named after Singapore’s second governor, it was once a center of trade and shipping.
Google Maps Link: Clarke Quay Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Jumbo Seafood* (famous for chili crab).
Additional Tips: Visit in the evening to enjoy the lively ambiance.
9. Little India
Description: Known for colorful temples, traditional shops, and vibrant street art.
History: Established by Indian immigrants in the 19th century, it remains culturally rich.
Google Maps Link: Little India Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Komala Vilas* (for authentic South Indian vegetarian dishes).
Additional Tips: Best visited during Deepavali, the Festival of Lights.
10. Singapore Flyer
Description: One of the world’s tallest Ferris wheels, offering panoramic views of the city and beyond.
History: Opened in 2008, it’s an engineering marvel and popular attraction.
Google Maps Link: Singapore Flyer Location
Tickets: Around 33 SGD for a standard ride.
Nearby Restaurants: *Marina Square Food Court* (for local dishes).
Additional Tips: Visit around sunset for the best views.
11. Singapore Botanic Gardens
Description: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Singapore Botanic Gardens features stunning landscapes, sculptures, and the popular National Orchid Garden.
History: Founded in 1859, the gardens played a key role in Singapore’s rubber industry boom in the 19th century.
Google Maps Link: Singapore Botanic Gardens Location
Tickets: Entry is free, though the National Orchid Garden has a 5 SGD fee.
Nearby Restaurants: *Corner House* (a Michelin-starred restaurant in a heritage bungalow offering modern Asian cuisine).
Additional Tips: Mornings are best for a peaceful stroll; bring a picnic to enjoy by the Swan Lake.
12. Haji Lane
Description: A colorful street known for its vibrant murals, unique shops, and trendy cafes, Haji Lane is a favorite among tourists and locals.
History: Originally part of Singapore’s Muslim quarter, it has transformed into a popular hangout spot for artists and shoppers.
Google Maps Link: Haji Lane Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Zam Zam* (famous for murtabak and nasi biryani).
Additional Tips: Visit in the afternoon to avoid crowds and take photos of the beautiful street art.
13. Fort Canning Park
Description: This hilltop park is a historical site with nature trails, ancient relics, and landmarks like Fort Gate and Battle Box.
History: Once the residence of Malay royalty, Fort Canning later served as a British military base.
Google Maps Link: Fort Canning Park Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Lewin Terrace* (Japanese-French fusion in a colonial bungalow).
Additional Tips: Free entry; ideal for history lovers and a beautiful spot for a scenic walk.
14. Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Description: A performing arts center located by Marina Bay, Esplanade is known for its “durian”-like architectural design and hosts concerts, plays, and art exhibits.
History: Opened in 2002, Esplanade has become Singapore’s hub for cultural events.
Google Maps Link: Esplanade Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Gluttons Bay* (offers local favorites like satay, laksa, and hokkien mee).
Additional Tips: Check their website for free outdoor performances and art exhibits.
15. Jewel Changi Airport
Description: A shopping and entertainment complex located at Changi Airport, famous for its Rain Vortex – the tallest indoor waterfall in the world.
History: Opened in 2019, Jewel has become an iconic part of Changi Airport’s globally renowned facilities.
Google Maps Link: Jewel Changi Airport Location
Tickets: Entry is free, but some attractions inside have fees.
Nearby Restaurants: *Violet Oon Singapore* (specializes in Peranakan cuisine).
Additional Tips: Visit after dark to see the light show around the Rain Vortex.
16. Kampong Glam
Description: A vibrant heritage district with colorful shophouses, the Sultan Mosque, and trendy spots on Arab Street.
History: Established in the early 1800s as a Malay-Muslim settlement, it remains rich in Malay culture.
Google Maps Link: Kampong Glam Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Hjh Maimunah* (known for Malay dishes like beef rendang and tahu telor).
Additional Tips: Visit during Ramadan for festive lights, decorations, and night bazaars.
17. Night Safari
Description: The world’s first nocturnal zoo, featuring over 1,000 animals in their natural nighttime habitats.
History: Opened in 1994, Night Safari pioneered the concept of a wildlife park for nocturnal creatures.
Google Maps Link: Night Safari Location
Tickets: Tickets start at 55 SGD; booking online is recommended.
Nearby Restaurants: *Ulu Ulu Safari Restaurant* (offering local and international dishes in a safari-style setting).
Additional Tips: The tram ride provides a convenient way to explore the park without missing any exhibits.
18. Raffles Hotel
Description: A luxury colonial-style hotel known as the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail, with a rich heritage dating back to 1887.
History: A landmark in Singapore, Raffles Hotel has hosted numerous dignitaries and celebrities.
Google Maps Link: Raffles Hotel Location
Nearby Restaurants: *Long Bar* (for the iconic Singapore Sling).
Additional Tips: Visit the hotel’s colonial arcade, which houses boutique shops and dining options.
19. ArtScience Museum
Description: A unique lotus-shaped museum at Marina Bay Sands featuring interactive exhibits blending art, science, and technology.
History: Opened in 2011, it has become a popular spot for rotating exhibitions and the permanent “Future World” digital art installation.
Google Maps Link: ArtScience Museum Location
Tickets: Entry starts at 19 SGD.
Nearby Restaurants: *Adrift by David Myers* (for modern fusion cuisine).
Additional Tips: Book tickets in advance, as special exhibits often sell out quickly.
20. Pulau Ubin
Description: A rustic island offering a glimpse of traditional kampong (village) life, with bike trails and natural landscapes.
History: Pulau Ubin is one of the last rural areas in Singapore, offering a preserved slice of island life.
Google Maps Link: Pulau Ubin Location
Tickets: Ferry rides to Pulau Ubin cost around 4 SGD from Changi Point Ferry Terminal.
Nearby Restaurants: *Local seafood stalls* near the jetty (for fresh seafood like chili crab and prawns).
Additional Tips: Rent a bike to explore the island’s scenic trails and wetlands.
Conclusion
From the bustling streets of Chinatown to the serene nature of Pulau Ubin, Singapore is full of exciting experiences for travelers. This guide provides everything you need to explore Singapore’s top attractions, from historical insights and dining recommendations to visiting tips and ticket details. Make the most of your time in this vibrant city-state, and enjoy every moment!
