Top 30 Attractions in Singapore (2024)
Singapore is a city-state island and dubbed as one of the safest countries in the world. One of the easiest countries to move-around in South East Asia, Singapore, has proven to be an excellent holiday destination. There are plenty of places to explore in Singapore, ranging from shopping, dining, entertainment, or just a laid-back time in the natural parks. Here we prepare the best 30 attractions you should visit in Singapore.
1. ArtScience Museum
Situated in Marina Bay Sands, ArtScience Museum first opened its doors to the public in 2011. It is the first museum of its kind that integrates science with arts, and culture. There are many things you can see here from permanent to touring exhibitions from all over the world. The displays are always integrated with technology, presenting you with an immersive experience like no other. One exhibit that you should check out is the Future World specially created by the famous teamLab.
2. Asian Civilisations Museum
Asian Civilisations Museum is the only museum of its kind in this region that devoted to Asia’s rich culture, arts and civilisation. The institution is one part of the four museums in Singapore. The other three museums are the National Museum of Singapore, the Peranakan Museum at Old Tao Nan School, and the Singapore Art Museum. Here you will be able to see Asian cultures comes alive through a series of chambers showcasing multiple artefacts, ancient sculptures and stories about the Asian ancestral lineage.
3. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Located in Chinatown, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a magnificent five-storey Chinese temple. Upon entering the gates, you will be greeted with a high ceiling and a stunning main hall for prayers. This temple complex is intricately designed and is influenced by the Tang dynasty architecture. This place is not just a prayer ground, but on the 3rd floor, you will find a Buddhist Culture Museum where you will be able to explore the many stupas and artefacts of Buddha. You can even catch a cultural show if you want to learn more about this religion.
4. Bugis Street
Bugis Street is a shopping paradise that is located conveniently near to the Bugis MRT station. You must add this in your travelling itinerary while visiting Singapore as there are plenty of things to see and buy here such as Singapore souvenir merchandises, clothes, bags and many more, at an affordable price. Popular among tourist and locals, this shopping hub is home to some of the trendiest cafes and renowned restaurants, so why not try them out and explore the Singaporean flavours.
5. Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay is a heritage site that resides upstream from the opening of the Singapore River. Famous for its waterfront restaurants, it is perfect for people to wind down after a long day at work. It is also a pretty place to have an Instagram picture, especially when the site is light up at night. If you are looking for nightlife entertainment, this is the place to be as it has one of the hottest collections of clubs and bars in town.
6. Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, or how the locals call it the ‘durian’ is located along Marina Bay by the mouth of the Singapore rivers. One of the liveliest art centres in the world, the Esplanade consist of many theatres, concerts halls and an outdoor performance site. This is a charming place for an evening stroll as this place will indulge all your senses. You will get to listen to music and watch outdoor performances for free.
7. Fort Canning Park
Located in Singapore’s central business area, Fort Canning Park is perch on a small hill at 48 metres above the ground. Fort Canning Park is a popular heritage site that is surrounded by lush greeneries. People will flock to this place to see the remnants of the fortress building that was built back in the 19th century and to catch a glimpse of the spiral staircase.
8. Fort Siloso
Fort Siloso is located in an island southward of Singapore, and this Fort served as a wall of defence in the World War II. Now, this Fort has been converted into a military museum that is home to many war artefacts, weapons and other memorabilia of the past. The tour in Fort Canning also provides an on-site journey, allowing you to experience this defence Fort as it is, with statues and information board to let you know how this place operates in the past.
9. Gardens by the Bay
Spanning across 101 acres of land, Gardens by the Bay is an iconic Singapore landmark. This park is a natural paradise, home to many unique trees and flowers, which made its movie debut in Crazy Rich Asians. The Garden is divided into three sections, with each providing visitors experience different from one another. The other gardens are the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and Flower Fantasy. You must include this Garden of Eden into your itinerary the next time you visit here.
10. Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa is an unusual theme park which will transport you to Hell. A concept that is first of its kind in the world, the park is inspired by Buddhist culture and folklore where you will get to see 1,000 statutes here. Within this vicinity, 150 giant dioramas will enable you a realistic experience to all the zones that are displayed here. It can be quite a spooky place to visit at night, but it will definitely enhance the experience much more.
11. Helix Bridge
Helix Bridge is an iconic bridge in Singapore that links Marina South to Marine Centre. The structure of this pedestrian bridge is likened to a human DNA strand and its fascinating to be able to see it up close. The architecture of this double covering symbolises life and continuity, renewal and growth. So the next time you are here at Marina Bay, why not take a stroll at this bridge and admire the architecture of this structure.
12. Jewel Changi Airport
In recent years Jewel Changi Airport has become a favourite spot among tourists and locals. This Jewel is located in between the airport Terminal 2 and 3, so it is a beautiful first or last place to visit during your trip to Singapore. Spanning across 10 retail floors, this new lifestyle hub allows visitors an immersive experience where nature meets technology. Here you not only see a huge Canopy Park that encompass the whole of Level 10 but you will also get to see the world’s tallest indoor waterfall here.
13. Jurong Bird Park
Jurong Bird Park is situated on the slopes of west Jurong Hill, encompassing 0.2 square km of land. Jurong Bird Park was said to be one of Asia’s largest and most complete bird park with 3,500 birds across 400 species. The park was built with a large enclosure are to allow birds a larger area to roam. While you are here, do check out the Pelican Cove and Penguin Coast for some interesting bird-actions.
14. Marine Life Park
Marine Life Park was the largest oceanarium in the world up till 2014. Located in Sentosa, this Marina Life Park consists of two parts: The Adventure Cove and the SEA Aquarium. Spanning across 20 acres of land, this is a perfect place for families and friends as there is aplenty you can do and see here. Here you will be able to have a rare sighting of 20 bronze fish-hammer and bottlenose dolphins, something you will not be able to see in other aquariums. Explore and discover all the marine lives that live in this area and do take note of the aquarium feeding times, as the feeding can be quite a frenzy.
15. Masjid Sultan (Sultan Mosque)
Sultan Mosque is Singapore’s designated national monument and is an iconic landmark in the Kampong Glam Malay Heritage District. Featuring two large golden domes with four minarets, this place of worship can house 5,000 worshippers at every one time. If you would like, there are guided tours available to bring you around the mosque. The tour can be conducted in English, Malay, Chinese and Japanese language; so why not pay this place a visit.
16. Merlion
Merlion is Singapore’s official mascot that sports a head of a lion and body of a fish. You can spot this iconic landmark near One Fullerton, just by the bay. This Merlion statue stands at 8.6 metres and spouts water from its mouth. This is something you will need to see if you want to say that you have visited Singapore.
17. National Gallery Singapore
National Gallery Singapore opened its door to the public in 2015 and is situated in the heart of Downtown Singapore. This National Gallery is a unity of two historical building and is home to one of the most extensive modern art collection from Singapore and in South East Asia. There are many permanent and touring international exhibits that you can go through that will easily take up three to four hours of your time. It is an ideal place to be in touch with your artistic side and to be inspired.
18. National Museum of Singapore
National Museum of Singapore dates back to 1849 and is one of the oldest museums in Singapore. Designed in Renaissance and Neo-Palladian style, this is a beautiful heritage landmark that one will flock to take pictures with its exterior. Within the museum wall, you will be able to learn more about Singapore’s history and culture through the many ancient articles, galleries and artefacts that are put up for display. Within the exhibitions, you will even get to see a life-sized army tank and a wooden ship as well.
19. 1-Altitude
You must visit this attraction not because it is one of the highest rooftops in the world, but it boasts a gorgeous 360 panoramic view of the city. Split across three floors, 1-Altitude offers visitors a different experience be it at the gallery, cafe or the bar. It is a wonderful idea to spend one of your nights here, sipping cocktails, listening to music while absorbing the view of Singapore.
20. Night Safari
Night Safari is one of the most popular attractions in Singapore that only operates when night falls. This Singapore Safari is the first nocturnal zoo in the world and is home to almost 900 creatures over 100 species. The zoo is divided into seven zones where you will be able to see all the animals and their habits in their enclosure that is similar to their natural habitat. You can explore all the zones either by foot, or you can hop on to one of the trams that are available here.
21. Orchard Road
Orchard Road is a famous place with its stretch of shopping malls and luxurious hotels. This is an absolute must-visit when you come to Singapore if you want to have a taste of the country’s retail experience in this 2.2 km road. With 30 malls to choose from, you will need a day or two to conquer this place entirely. Embedded within these buildings are some of the best and most unique dining experiences in Singapore, where you can fill your tummy after a long day of shopping.
22. River Safari
Nestled between the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, River Safari is a river-themed zoo that centres on riverboat rides. This is a unique experience especially for families to enable children a different way to explore the zoo and animal-watching. Within the area, you will also find an aquarium that is home to freshwater animals and fishes. If you have never seen a manatee, this is the place where you will get to see one.
23. Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is located south coast of Singapore and is home to some of the most exciting attractions. You can enter into the island via land, monorail or even the cable car. Home to the world-class Universal Studios attraction, you will have to make your way here and experience all the fun that is housed in this place. If you would like to extend your stay here, you can book yourself to a wonderful experience at the Resorts World Sentosa.
24. Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore Botanic Gardens is an urban garden located near Orchard Road, allowing people a place to relax and escape for the hustle and bustle of the city. Spanning across 6 hectares of land, Singapore Botanic Gardens is the first UNESCO World Heritage site in Singapore. Come and discover the beautiful and rare flowers that are grown in this 161 years old garden for a change of pace after your shopping spree in Orchard.
25. Singapore Flyer
Standing tall at 165 metres, Singapore Flyer is is colossal observation wheel situated in Marina Bay. This is another famous landmark that allows all to see the gorgeous panoramic view of the city of Singapore and the surrounding areas. The flyer is make up by 28 capsules and it takes approximately 30 minutes to go one round, allowing you sufficient time to appreciate all that Singapore has to offer slowly.
26. Singapore Zoo
Singapore Zoo is a wild-life park that spans across 26 hectares of land. Home to over 300 species of animal, there is just so much to discover here. Perfect for families and friends, this zoo that is designed to resemble the animals’ natural habitat, spreading across 11 zones. For the children, there is an exclusive zone where they have a chance to get up close and personal with cute animals. They can get a ride on ponies, feed goats, chicks, falabellas and many more.
27. Smith Street Hawker Centre
Located in Chinatown, Smith Street Hawker Centre is one of Singapore’s largest hawker centres. This is a foodie’s haven with over 260 food stalls. Here you will get to try out the best of Singaporean flavours varying from crabs, chicken wings, satay, dim sum and many more at an affordable price. This is an open-air hawker store, so we will recommend you to wear light when you come here.
28. Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore
Sri Mariamman Temple is built in Dravidian style, is one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu Temples. It is also a Singapore’s national monument that is dedicated to the goddess Mariamman. The detailing of the temple is stunning with a majestic gopuram and its six tiers of deities sculptures that are colourfully decorated; something you will have to see for yourself.
29. Universal Studios Singapore
If you love theme parks and adrenaline-rush rides, this is the place for you. Universal Studios Singapore is a movies theme park that is located in Sentosa. Spanning across 49 acres, there are seven themed zones that will keep you busy throughout the whole day. The theme park features 28 rides, and the best has to be the Transformers: The Ride. It is an exciting 3D ride that will leave your heart racing from the beginning to the end.
30. Old Hill Street Police Station
Located in the Hill Street within the Central Area, Old Hill Street Police Station is a heritage building that was formerly a Police Station. Many tourist flocks to this place not because of the police station but because of it’s stunning 927 colourful rainbow-hued windows that is also light up during the night. It is one of the most popular Instagram places in Singapore, so make sure you add this into your traveling itinerary.
Singapore is a place that creates new possibilities, thus providing us with new experiences every time we visit this place. Singapore is an ideal tourist destination with ample of things to do and see to keep us occupied up till our departure at the Changi Airport. Come and discover Singapore and the many attractions that it offers.