What to do in Singapore

A futuristic garden that shows off imaginative architecture and horticulture.

"A futuristic garden that shows off imaginative architecture and horticulture."

A district that packs the colours, scents and gods of the Indian subcontinent into a few city blocks.

"A district that packs the colours, scents and gods of the Indian subcontinent into a few city blocks"

A former district of trading houses and opium dens whose historic shophouses now hold restaurants, boutique hotels and gift shops.

"A former district of trading houses and opium dens whose historic shophouses now hold restaurants, b"

A waterfront district of futuristic architecture that looks like something from a science-fiction blockbuster.

"A waterfront district of futuristic architecture that looks like something from a science-fiction bl"

A free light and sound show on the Supertrees, held daily at 7:45 and 8:45 pm. It can also be viewed from the OCBC Skyway for a fee.

"A free light and sound show on the Supertrees, held daily at 7:45 and 8:45 pm. It can also be viewed"

A cooled conservatory with a breathtaking indoor waterfall and rare plants.

"A cooled conservatory with a breathtaking indoor waterfall and rare plants."

A large conservatory in Bay South Garden displaying flowers from five continents.

"A large conservatory in Bay South Garden displaying flowers from five continents."

Singapore's historic Malay and Muslim quarter, with streets full of handicrafts from the Arab world.

"Singapore's historic Malay and Muslim quarter, with streets full of handicrafts from the Arab world."

Singapore's famous shopping street, with miles of retail.

"Singapore's famous shopping street, with miles of retail."

A Chinatown Buddhist temple that offers a quiet place for reflection away from the busy streets.

"A Chinatown Buddhist temple that offers a quiet place for reflection away from the busy streets."

A lively riverside quay known for upscale restaurants and nightlife.

"A lively riverside quay known for upscale restaurants and nightlife."

Lush gardens where visitors can escape the heat and enjoy a world of colour.

"Lush gardens where visitors can escape the heat and enjoy a world of colour."

An island playground reached by cable car, filled with resorts, theme parks, beaches and bars.

"An island playground reached by cable car, filled with resorts, theme parks, beaches and bars."

A waterfront park with the Merlion statue, Singapore's mythical creature with a fish's body and a lion's head.

"A waterfront park with the Merlion statue, Singapore's mythical creature with a fish's body and a li"

A 128-metre aerial walkway strung between two Supertrees, giving bird's-eye views of the gardens.

"A 128-metre aerial walkway strung between two Supertrees, giving bird's-eye views of the gardens."

A grove of giant vertical-garden Supertrees, with an observatory 50 metres up on the tallest one.

"A grove of giant vertical-garden Supertrees, with an observatory 50 metres up on the tallest one."

An orchid garden within the Botanic Gardens that showcases Singapore's colourful flora.

"An orchid garden within the Botanic Gardens that showcases Singapore's colourful flora."

An observation deck atop the famous Marina Bay Sands. It looks over the city on one side and Gardens by the Bay and the sea on the other.

"An observation deck atop the famous Marina Bay Sands. It looks over the city on one side and Gardens"

A lotus-shaped museum that fuses art, science, culture and technology. The video calls it the first museum of its kind in the world.

"A lotus-shaped museum that fuses art, science, culture and technology. The video calls it the first "

The landmark mosque that Kampong Glam is best known for.

"The landmark mosque that Kampong Glam is best known for."

A riverside quay recommended for upscale dining among bright lights.

"A riverside quay recommended for upscale dining among bright lights."

A zoo famed for its forest setting, home to over 300 species and the world's largest captive colony of orangutans.

"A zoo famed for its forest setting, home to over 300 species and the world's largest captive colony "

Bustling markets where you can rub shoulders with bargain-hunting locals.

"Bustling markets where you can rub shoulders with bargain-hunting locals."

A pedestrian bridge across Marina Bay with views of the Singapore skyline.

"A pedestrian bridge across Marina Bay with views of the Singapore skyline."

A famous lane in Kampong Glam packed with boutiques and cafes.

"A famous lane in Kampong Glam packed with boutiques and cafes."

A luxury mall featuring the latest fashion, high-end brands, technology and souvenirs.

"A luxury mall featuring the latest fashion, high-end brands, technology and souvenirs."

An attraction at award-winning Changi Airport with shops, the Forest Valley and the Rain Vortex, the tallest indoor waterfall, which hosts a nightly light show. It also has Canopy Park.

"An attraction at award-winning Changi Airport with shops, the Forest Valley and the Rain Vortex, the"

One of Singapore's most famous hawker centres, popular with tourists and featured in Crazy Rich Asians.

"One of Singapore's most famous hawker centres, popular with tourists and featured in Crazy Rich Asia"

A rooftop bar atop Marina Bay Sands with sweeping views of the city and beyond. Entry was 30–35 SGD, fully redeemable for food and drinks.

"A rooftop bar atop Marina Bay Sands with sweeping views of the city and beyond. Entry was 30–35 SGD,"

A ticketed observatory offering close-up views of the Supertrees.

"A ticketed observatory offering close-up views of the Supertrees."

A Chinatown street market where visitors can pick up good-luck charms and souvenirs.

"A Chinatown street market where visitors can pick up good-luck charms and souvenirs."

A nature reserve with jungle paths for a wilder experience of Singapore.

"A nature reserve with jungle paths for a wilder experience of Singapore."

A fort on Sentosa's western tip that is a vivid reminder of Singapore's darkest days during World War II.

"A fort on Sentosa's western tip that is a vivid reminder of Singapore's darkest days during World Wa"

A street known for Malay and Indonesian fabrics and handmade perfumes.

"A street known for Malay and Indonesian fabrics and handmade perfumes."

Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, located in Chinatown.

"Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, located in Chinatown."

The colonial heart of Singapore along the Singapore River. Many of the city's museums and government buildings are here.

"The colonial heart of Singapore along the Singapore River. Many of the city's museums and government"

A hawker centre in the central business district with around 100 stalls. In the evenings its Satay Street grills meat skewers over charcoal outside.

"A hawker centre in the central business district with around 100 stalls. In the evenings its Satay S"

A free nighttime light show over the bay at Marina Bay Sands, held a couple of times nightly.

"A free nighttime light show over the bay at Marina Bay Sands, held a couple of times nightly."

A performing arts centre whose building resembles a giant durian fruit.

"A performing arts centre whose building resembles a giant durian fruit."

The video features Jurong Bird Park, which spent over 40 years bringing people closer to bird life. It closed in 2023 and its birds moved to Bird Paradise in Mandai.

"The video features Jurong Bird Park, which spent over 40 years bringing people closer to bird life. "

A 10-mile recreational park lined with bike paths and beaches, where locals go to relax.

"A 10-mile recreational park lined with bike paths and beaches, where locals go to relax."

An east-coast beach and the departure point for bumboats to Pulau Ubin.

"An east-coast beach and the departure point for bumboats to Pulau Ubin."

An island reached by bumboat that preserves kampong village life, with quiet beaches, mangroves and wetlands.

"An island reached by bumboat that preserves kampong village life, with quiet beaches, mangroves and "

The legendary bar at Raffles Hotel, birthplace of the Singapore Sling, where many famous adventurers and writers have cooled off.

"The legendary bar at Raffles Hotel, birthplace of the Singapore Sling, where many famous adventurers"

The oldest Chinese temple in Singapore.

"The oldest Chinese temple in Singapore."

A historic hilltop park, once home to Malay kings and later the British Far East Command Centre. It has the 19th-century Fort Gate and nine themed gardens.

"A historic hilltop park, once home to Malay kings and later the British Far East Command Centre. It "

One of the host's favourite hikes, starting at Mount Faber and following the ridges with city views. It's a good half-day walk.

"One of the host's favourite hikes, starting at Mount Faber and following the ridges with city views."

The world's tallest indoor waterfall. It cascades through a lush forest setting at the centre of Jewel Changi Airport.

"The world's tallest indoor waterfall. It cascades through a lush forest setting at the centre of Jew"

The heart of Little India, lined with shophouses selling fabrics, jewellery and fragrant spices.

"The heart of Little India, lined with shophouses selling fabrics, jewellery and fragrant spices."

50th-floor sky bridge on Singapore's most expensive public housing. At about $6 it is the cheapest high viewpoint in the city, with views over heritage shophouses.

"50th-floor sky bridge on Singapore's most expensive public housing. At about $6 it is the cheapest h"

Historic bridge crossed on the walking route from the Merlion to the Padang.

"Historic bridge crossed on the walking route from the Merlion to the Padang."

Art museum housed in the old City Hall, beside the Padang.

"Art museum housed in the old City Hall, beside the Padang."

A floral attraction at Gardens by the Bay costing around 20 SGD. The video calls it the easiest one to skip unless you love flowers or photo ops.

"A floral attraction at Gardens by the Bay costing around 20 SGD. The video calls it the easiest one "

A well-located area to stay, within walking distance of Kampong Glam and a single train ride from the airport, Orchard Road and Chinatown.

"A well-located area to stay, within walking distance of Kampong Glam and a single train ride from th"

A food centre a short stroll from the ArtScience Museum serving grilled satay with peanut sauce and chilli crab for around $10-15 USD.

"A food centre a short stroll from the ArtScience Museum serving grilled satay with peanut sauce and "

A bustling hawker centre near Sri Mariamman Temple serving Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow and laksa for about $5-7 USD a dish. Go outside peak hours to avoid crowds.

"A bustling hawker centre near Sri Mariamman Temple serving Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow an"

A theme park on Sentosa Island with roller coasters, highlighted by a visiting family as a favourite.

"A theme park on Sentosa Island with roller coasters, highlighted by a visiting family as a favourite"

A colourful villa in Little India that has stood since the 1900s.

"A colourful villa in Little India that has stood since the 1900s."

One of Singapore's biggest hawker centres, a maze of alleys and stalls described as a food paradise.

"One of Singapore's biggest hawker centres, a maze of alleys and stalls described as a food paradise."

A mall on Orchard Road whose basement food court is one of the host's favourites.

"A mall on Orchard Road whose basement food court is one of the host's favourites."

Giant observation wheel with an unblocked view of the city. The video calls it a worse deal than the SkyPark at $40, with only about 10 minutes at the top.

"Giant observation wheel with an unblocked view of the city. The video calls it a worse deal than the"

A heritage centre on Pagoda Street that tells the history of Singapore's Chinatown.

"A heritage centre on Pagoda Street that tells the history of Singapore's Chinatown."

A historic mosque on Mosque Street in Chinatown.

"A historic mosque on Mosque Street in Chinatown."

A free nightly multi-sensory light and sound show on Sentosa, running between 7:30 and 10:30 pm.

"A free nightly multi-sensory light and sound show on Sentosa, running between 7:30 and 10:30 pm."

A cultural park with over 1,000 statues and dioramas depicting Chinese mythology, folklore and legends. It also hosts events, markets and yoga.

"A cultural park with over 1,000 statues and dioramas depicting Chinese mythology, folklore and legen"

A museum within the Singapore Botanic Gardens covering the gardens' history.

"A museum within the Singapore Botanic Gardens covering the gardens' history."

A soya sauce chicken rice stall famed as the world's cheapest Michelin-starred meal, costing just a couple of dollars.

"A soya sauce chicken rice stall famed as the world's cheapest Michelin-starred meal, costing just a "

Michelin Bib Gourmand hawker stall known for very juicy, silky Hainanese chicken and fragrant chicken-stock rice. Ginger and chili-vinegar sauces are self-service, and there is almost always a line.

"Michelin Bib Gourmand hawker stall known for very juicy, silky Hainanese chicken and fragrant chicke"

A very local, L-shaped hawker centre surrounded by apartment blocks. Its popular old-school char kway teow stall fries noodles in a big wok with dark soy sauce, fresh cockles, egg and lap cheong sausage.

"A very local, L-shaped hawker centre surrounded by apartment blocks. Its popular old-school char kwa"

Hawker centre in Little India with a famous roti prata stall serving onion-egg prata and a 'flooded' prata drenched in mutton curry and sambal.

"Hawker centre in Little India with a famous roti prata stall serving onion-egg prata and a 'flooded'"

Extremely popular nasi lemak stall famous for a giant, crispy fried half chicken coated in spiced rempah, served with coconut rice, sambal, anchovies, peanuts and egg. It was crowned the best dish of the ranking.

"Extremely popular nasi lemak stall famous for a giant, crispy fried half chicken coated in spiced re"

Busy heritage hawker centre with one of Singapore's best street food atmospheres, packed at lunchtime with shared tables. It is known for a top-recommended laksa stall whose deluxe bowl includes slipper lobster, shrimp and cockles.

"Busy heritage hawker centre with one of Singapore's best street food atmospheres, packed at lunchtim"

Michelin-listed stall in Chinatown Complex serving Hainanese-style pork, chicken and mutton satay grilled over charcoal. It comes with compressed rice cakes and a crunchy peanut sauce.

"Michelin-listed stall in Chinatown Complex serving Hainanese-style pork, chicken and mutton satay gr"

Institution at Newton Food Centre where the auntie slow-fries a starch-and-egg mixture until crispy, then tops it with flash-fried plump oysters and a tangy chili sauce. It has long queues and uses buzzers to call orders.

"Institution at Newton Food Centre where the auntie slow-fries a starch-and-egg mixture until crispy,"

One of Singapore's oldest Malay settlements, listed among the city's ethnic neighbourhoods worth visiting.

"One of Singapore's oldest Malay settlements, listed among the city's ethnic neighbourhoods worth vis"

An open-air hawker spot right on Marina Bay, best at night. You can eat chili crab with views of Marina Bay Sands.

"An open-air hawker spot right on Marina Bay, best at night. You can eat chili crab with views of Mar"

A hawker centre by Bugis Street Market where the host stopped on impulse for a cheap plate of noodles.

"A hawker centre by Bugis Street Market where the host stopped on impulse for a cheap plate of noodle"

A shopping mall with an air-conditioned food court. It's convenient for Sentosa because the cable car and Sentosa Express both leave from here.

"A shopping mall with an air-conditioned food court. It's convenient for Sentosa because the cable ca"

A shopping mall by Esplanade MRT with one of the host's favourite air-conditioned food courts.

"A shopping mall by Esplanade MRT with one of the host's favourite air-conditioned food courts."

A resort complex on Sentosa with one of Singapore's two casinos. Foreigners get in free with a passport and their arrival card email.

"A resort complex on Sentosa with one of Singapore's two casinos. Foreigners get in free with a passp"

A cable car from the top of Mount Faber to Sentosa Island with amazing views. The host calls it the best way to reach Sentosa.

"A cable car from the top of Mount Faber to Sentosa Island with amazing views. The host calls it the "

A peaceful man-made white-sand beach at the end of the Sentosa train line. It looks out over cargo ships waiting offshore.

"A peaceful man-made white-sand beach at the end of the Sentosa train line. It looks out over cargo s"

A museum in an 1800s building tracing Singapore's story from British colonial rule and union with Malaysia to independence. It's worth a couple of hours.

"A museum in an 1800s building tracing Singapore's story from British colonial rule and union with Ma"

A paid attraction inside Jewel Changi Airport that includes bridges and walkways above the indoor garden.

"A paid attraction inside Jewel Changi Airport that includes bridges and walkways above the indoor ga"

An underground World War II bunker in Fort Canning Park. Inside, you learn about its role in the war and the fall of Singapore to the Japanese.

"An underground World War II bunker in Fort Canning Park. Inside, you learn about its role in the war"

A hill park at one end of the Southern Ridges trail.

"A hill park at one end of the Southern Ridges trail."

A park connected to the Southern Ridges trail network.

"A park connected to the Southern Ridges trail network."

A coastal nature reserve linked to the Southern Ridges trail.

"A coastal nature reserve linked to the Southern Ridges trail."

A pedestrian bridge on the Southern Ridges designed to look like a natural wave rising out of the treetops. It is one of the most impressive features of the hike.

"A pedestrian bridge on the Southern Ridges designed to look like a natural wave rising out of the tr"

The best viewpoint on the Southern Ridges hike, with open views of the city.

"The best viewpoint on the Southern Ridges hike, with open views of the city."

A more refined riverside area focused on fine dining and cozy cafes.

"A more refined riverside area focused on fine dining and cozy cafes."

A rooftop bar atop One Raffles Place with stunning views over Marina Bay, the Civic District and towards Malaysia and Indonesia. Weekday evenings were less busy, even without a reservation.

"A rooftop bar atop One Raffles Place with stunning views over Marina Bay, the Civic District and tow"

Rooftop bar on level 57 of Marina Bay Sands Tower 1. A $30 minimum spend gets you the SkyPark-level view with food and drinks, and you can take your time.

"Rooftop bar on level 57 of Marina Bay Sands Tower 1. A $30 minimum spend gets you the SkyPark-level "

Tall tower and elevated walkway on Sentosa that gives a free high viewpoint. The lift runs 9am–10pm, and you can also take the stairs in about 10 minutes.

"Tall tower and elevated walkway on Sentosa that gives a free high viewpoint. The lift runs 9am–10pm,"

Former military fort reached by a jungle hike. It is harder to get to but closest to its original form, with remnants of gun emplacements.

"Former military fort reached by a jungle hike. It is harder to get to but closest to its original fo"

Another historic Sentosa fort. It is closed to the public and can only be visited on a guided tour.

"Another historic Sentosa fort. It is closed to the public and can only be visited on a guided tour."

Free scenic walkway from HarbourFront to Sentosa, taking about 15 minutes. It is beautiful at sunset and popular for picnics.

"Free scenic walkway from HarbourFront to Sentosa, taking about 15 minutes. It is beautiful at sunset"

Large free light installation on Sentosa that can be enjoyed over 1–2 hours in the evening. Children especially love it.

"Large free light installation on Sentosa that can be enjoyed over 1–2 hours in the evening. Children"

New mall that carries only Singapore homegrown brands, for a uniquely local shopping experience. The host's favourite there is a pricey burger spot.

"New mall that carries only Singapore homegrown brands, for a uniquely local shopping experience. The"

Boat ride from Clarke Quay around Marina Bay past the Merlion, Esplanade and Marina Bay Sands for $28. The video suggests walking the same route for free.

"Boat ride from Clarke Quay around Marina Bay past the Merlion, Esplanade and Marina Bay Sands for $2"

Amphibious tour on land and water for $45 per adult. The video says it follows a route similar to the river cruise and isn't worth the price.

"Amphibious tour on land and water for $45 per adult. The video says it follows a route similar to th"

Dam that turns the river into a freshwater reservoir. Crossing it gives a new perspective of Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay.

"Dam that turns the river into a freshwater reservoir. Crossing it gives a new perspective of Marina "

Large open field where major national events like the National Day Parade are held. It is surrounded by historic buildings.

"Large open field where major national events like the National Day Parade are held. It is surrounded"

Historic cathedral seen on a walk around the Padang.

"Historic cathedral seen on a walk around the Padang."

World War II memorial near the Padang, nicknamed the Chopstick Monument.

"World War II memorial near the Padang, nicknamed the Chopstick Monument."

A popular nocturnal wildlife park with a 40-minute tram ride, four walking trails and a live show. You can avoid the tram queue by doing the walking trails first.

"A popular nocturnal wildlife park with a 40-minute tram ride, four walking trails and a live show. Y"

A river-themed zoo and aquarium in Mandai that includes a boat ride.

"A river-themed zoo and aquarium in Mandai that includes a boat ride."

A bridge on the walking route from the Civic District towards the Merlion and Marina Bay.

"A bridge on the walking route from the Civic District towards the Merlion and Marina Bay."

A historic street reached from Tanjong Pagar station, home to Thian Hock Keng Temple.

"A historic street reached from Tanjong Pagar station, home to Thian Hock Keng Temple."

A small hillside park where a stroll down Ann Siang Road towards South Bridge Road's temples begins.

"A small hillside park where a stroll down Ann Siang Road towards South Bridge Road's temples begins."

A charming cafe and bookstore on Bukit Pasoh Road for a cosy coffee break.

"A charming cafe and bookstore on Bukit Pasoh Road for a cosy coffee break."

A stylish Chinatown street lined with bars offering happy hour deals.

"A stylish Chinatown street lined with bars offering happy hour deals."

A renowned bar on Keong Saik with fantastic rooftop views and happy hour deals.

"A renowned bar on Keong Saik with fantastic rooftop views and happy hour deals."

A laid-back rooftop spot near Chinatown serving burgers, pastas and local fusion dishes with city views, at around $20-30 USD per person.

"A laid-back rooftop spot near Chinatown serving burgers, pastas and local fusion dishes with city vi"

A heritage neighbourhood known for its colourful Peranakan shophouses with intricate tiles and floral motifs.

"A heritage neighbourhood known for its colourful Peranakan shophouses with intricate tiles and flora"

Joo Chiat's most famous stretch, with a row of rainbow-coloured Peranakan houses decorated with tiles and floral motifs.

"Joo Chiat's most famous stretch, with a row of rainbow-coloured Peranakan houses decorated with tile"

A temple on Ceylon Road dedicated to Ganesha, with a gold and pink tower and vibrant wall paintings of Hindu teachings inside.

"A temple on Ceylon Road dedicated to Ganesha, with a gold and pink tower and vibrant wall paintings "

The area's main shopping street, lined with old shophouses and restaurants and cafes serving Singaporean and Peranakan food. It is ideal for a late breakfast.

"The area's main shopping street, lined with old shophouses and restaurants and cafes serving Singapo"

A museum in a former palace opposite Sultan Mosque that explores Malay influence on Kampong Glam and Singapore.

"A museum in a former palace opposite Sultan Mosque that explores Malay influence on Kampong Glam and"

A famous Malay and Indian eatery known for murtabak, biryani and roti prata, at around $5-10 USD per person.

"A famous Malay and Indian eatery known for murtabak, biryani and roti prata, at around $5-10 USD per"

A historic temple from 1881 dedicated to the goddess Kali, with a spectacular entrance tower and altars, paintings and statues inside.

"A historic temple from 1881 dedicated to the goddess Kali, with a spectacular entrance tower and alt"

A quieter temple near Farrer Park station with a beautiful blue tower of deities and a ceiling decorated with mandalas. Entry is free.

"A quieter temple near Farrer Park station with a beautiful blue tower of deities and a ceiling decor"

Singapore's famous 24-hour department store, selling everything from fashion and cosmetics to electronics across several floors.

"Singapore's famous 24-hour department store, selling everything from fashion and cosmetics to electr"

A modern four-storey museum on the history and contributions of the Indian community in Singapore and South Asia. Entry costs about $4 USD.

"A modern four-storey museum on the history and contributions of the Indian community in Singapore an"

A street beside the Sultan Mosque known for historical street art murals that give a glimpse of what Singapore looked like in the past.

"A street beside the Sultan Mosque known for historical street art murals that give a glimpse of what"

An air-conditioned gallery across the street from Maxwell Food Centre that shows how Singapore grew from a small village into a modern city. Highlights include a large scale model of the island.

"An air-conditioned gallery across the street from Maxwell Food Centre that shows how Singapore grew "

A pedestrian bridge crossed on the walk from the Esplanade to the Merlion.

"A pedestrian bridge crossed on the walk from the Esplanade to the Merlion."