Singapore is an island nation and a city-state with a rich cultural heritage. The collision and coexistence of diverse ethnic groups are reflected not only in food but also in cultural areas such as Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam, while the Marina Bay architecture has become a world-famous landmark.
The world-renowned Merlion, the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum, and the glamorous Marina Bay Sands hotel are just a few of the must-visit attractions for first-time free and easy travelers to Singapore. What are the other must-visit attractions? Here are some special recommendations for tourists, along with detailed ticket and basic information for each attraction.
1. Merlion Park
The Merlion is located in Merlion Park by the river and is the most famous landmark in Singapore.
You can take some interactive photos with the Merlion or walk around the iconic buildings surrounding the park.
The restaurants and bars along the waterfront boardwalk are also great places to relax and unwind.
Detailed Information
- Address: 1 Fullerton Road, Marina Bay, Singapore (Coordinates: 1.286773, 103.854536)
- Transportation: Take the MRT to Raffles Place EW14 station and exit at H. (Singapore MRT SMRT Line)
- Phone: +65 6736 6622
- Official Website: Merlion Park
2. Singapore Flyer
Singapore Flyer is the world’s largest Ferris wheel, standing at 42 stories tall. Taking a ride in one of the 28-person capsules will take you on a half-hour journey to enjoy the city’s landscapes such as Merlion Park and the Singapore River.
Detailed Information
- Address: 30 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039803 (Coordinates: 1.289296, 103.863138)
- Transportation: Take the MRT to Promennance CC4 station and exit at A.
- Phone: +65 6333 3311
- Open Hours: 8:30 AM – 10:30 PM
- Ticket Prices: Adult SGD 29.5 / Child (3-12 years old) SGD 20.65 or check here for better deals.
- Official Website: Singapore Flyer
3. Sands SkyPark
The Marina Bay Sands hotel is well-known for its infinity swimming pool on the rooftop, but you must be a guest at the hotel to be able to swim there. If you don’t plan on staying at the hotel, the SkyPark Observation Deck on the other half of the top floor is a good alternative option.
It offers a great view of the scenery from the southern pier to the Singapore Strait, and it’s particularly fascinating during sunset or at night.
Detailed Information
- Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956 (coordinates: 1.284125, 103.859590)
- Transportation: Take the CE line or downtown line of the subway to Bayfront station CE1.
- Phone: +65 6688 8868
- Open Hours: 10:30 am – 11:00 pm (Fri, Sat) / 10:30 am – 11:30 pm
- Ticket Prices: Adults 23 SGD / Children (2-12 years old) 17 SGD / Seniors (65 years old and above) 20 SGD
- Website: Marina Bay Sands
4. Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay, completed in 2012, is a park built on reclaimed land, aiming to realize Singapore’s vision of a “city in a garden.” When you visit, you will surely be captivated by the many Supertrees, which are actually 16-story vertical gardens!
In addition to the Supertree light show at night, it is also an unforgettable experience to walk along the aerial walkway and enjoy the garden scenery.
Detailed Information
- Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953 (Coordinates: 1.281718, 103.863645)
- Transportation: Take the MRT to Bayfront Station (CE1) on the Circle Line or Downtown Line.
- Phone: +65 6420 6848
- Open Hours 5:00-2:00
- Ticket Prices: Adults SGD 28 / Children (under 12) SGD 15
- Official Website: Gardens by the Bay
5. Chinatown
Chinatown, also known as Singapore’s Chinese quarter, was named after the early immigrants who transported water with ox carts. Many century-old shops and unique vendors are gathered here, such as “Lim Chee Guan” for barbecued meat and “Hock Lam Beef Noodle” for beef noodles.
Besides the Chinese cultural flavor, several mosques and Hindu temples can also be found in this area, showcasing Singapore’s diverse culture of multi-ethnicity and religion.
Detailed Information
- Recommended Dining: Maxwell Food Centre (Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice), Jin Hua Fish Head Bee Hoon, Lim Chee Guan BBQ Meat, Hock Lam Beef Noodle
- Recommended Attractions: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, Chinatown Heritage Centre, Sri Mariamman Temple, Jamae Mosque, Nagore Durgha Shrine
- Address: Outram, Singapore, including Pagoda Street, Smith Street, Ann Siang Road, and Tanjong Pagar Road (Coordinates: 1.282332, 103.844212)
- Transportation: Take the MRT to Chinatown MRT Station and exit at Pagoda Street.
6. Little India
Passing by shops displaying spices, flowers, silver ornaments, copperware, and silk sarees, you will have the illusion that you have left Singapore and come to India. The buildings here are mostly painted in bright colors.
You can also see specialty shops and graffiti when walking in the alleys. You can’t miss the taste of Indian food at the Zhujiao Market, or visit the Adukaf Mosque and Vilamakalila. Man Temple.
Detailed Information
- Recommended place and food: Tekka Center
- Suggestion: You can try Indian temporary tattoo painting Henna
- Address: Serangoon Rd and Campbell Lane are the main streets (coordinates: 1.306613, 103.851824)
- Transportation: Take the subway to “Little India” Little India Station, Exit E.
7. Arab Area & Haji Lane
Located next to Little India, the main streets of the Arab Quarter include Sultan Gate, Arab Street, Bussorah Street, and Muscat Street, which are full of strong Arabic style. The famous Sultan Mosque is located on Muscat Street, with onion-shaped golden domes and a huge prayer hall, which is the largest mosque in Singapore.
Haji Lane is a small alley decorated with many exquisite graffiti, where local designers and young entrepreneurs gather. There are many original design shops here, from vintage home decor to cafes and bars, all worth exploring.
Detailed Information
- Address: Kampong Glam, Singapore (coordinates: 1.302274, 103.858979)
- Transportation: Take the subway to “Bugis” station.
8. Clarke Quay
When you come to Singapore, you can’t miss out on its rich nightlife! Clarke Quay, located along the Singapore River, is a place where unique bars stand in a row, and it is a gathering spot for shopping and dining.
In the afternoon, many people go for a slow jog along the harbor, and at night it transforms into a relaxing place where you can have a drink and enjoy the sea breeze while admiring the bustling night scenery of Singapore.
Detailed Information
- Address: 3 River Valley Rd, Singapore 179024 (Coordinates: 1.290592, 103.846496)
- Transportation: Take the NE5 Clarke Quay MRT station and exit at Exit C. ▶︎ Phone: +65 6337 3292
- Business hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
- Website: Clarke Quay
9. Sentosa
Sentosa Island is the closest island to Singapore, with its white sandy beaches and coconut trees adding to the tropical rainforest charm of the place.
In addition to engaging in water activities, visitors can also choose to take a cable car to enjoy the scenery. The popular S.E.A. Aquarium, Universal Studios, and Asia’s largest candy store, Candylicious, make it a top entertainment destination for families.
Detailed Information
- Address: Sentosa, Singapore (Coordinates: 1.254082, 103.823817)
- Transportation: Take the MRT to “Harbourfront” station, connect to VivoCity on the third floor, then transfer to the Sentosa Express light rail to the “Waterfront” station.
- Popular attractions in Sentosa: S.E.A. Aquarium, Universal Studios Singapore, Candylicious.
10. Night Safari
Opened in 1994, the Night Safari is the world’s first safari park for “nocturnal animals”. When you come here in the evening, you can listen to the explanation of the garden train, visit the geographical ecology of the seven continents of the world, and at the same time have a glimpse of the active state of animals that are lazy during the day and active at night.
In addition, the fire-breathing performance of the soldiers, the animal performance show, or walking the original trail in person are all special experiences that you should not miss!
Detailed Information
- Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826 (Coordinates: 1.402237, 103.788473)
- Transportation: Take the subway to “Ang Mo Kio” Ang Mo Kio Station NS16, then go to the bus transfer station and take bus No. 138, and arrive at the Night Safari in about 40-50 minutes.
- Tel: +65 6269 3411
- Business hours: 19:30～00:00 (last admission is 23:15)
- Tickets: Adults 45 SGD/Children (3~12 years old) 30 SGD/Seniors 18 SGD
- Official website: Night Safari