Oh man, I’ve always had Singapore on my bucket list. You see, Singapore is a modern metropolis with high-end malls, hotels, and skyscrapers. Its thriving economy has blessed the country with significant growth over the past decades, and as a result, the island nation attracted 18.5 million tourists in 2018. So what places should you visit once you get to Singapore?
Well, let’s start with the fact that Singapore is famous for its ethnic quarters, public spaces, fascinating history, and diverse culture. We’ll use this as a jumping-off point to make a list that’s sure to please all, from the casual visitor to the travel addict. Let’s go!
Amazing Places to Visit in Singapore
Gardens by the Bay
A well-known fact about Singapore is that the city is modern with a beautiful skyline graced by skyscrapers. But within the urban space, tourists can also engage with nature. Gardens by the Bay houses 1,500,000 plants. The gardens have attracted over 50 million visitors to find a place in the global top 20 most checked-in places on Facebook.
Gardens by the Bay is among the best places to visit in Singapore because of its diverse collection of local and exotic plants. The tours take you through some of the most beautiful gardens in the world. But Gardens by the Bay also offers some lessons on sustainability.
Do not confuse Gardens by the Bay with the famous Botanic Gardens of Singapore. The Botanic Gardens were the place in Singapore to receive the UNESCO World Heritage Site status. So, you might want to stroll through these, too!
Universal Studios Singapore
Are you a fan of Hollywood-themed parks? Then Universal Studios Singapore might be one of the best places to visit in Singapore for you.
Universal Studios has a lot to offer to visitors. The attractions include real-world places such as New York and Hollywood. Yes, they’re actually modeled after the real cities. But there are also fictional locations such as Shrek’s Far Far Away and Sci-Fi City. The park also has intense dueling rollercoasters themed after Battlestar Galactica. If you wanted to visit Ancient Egypt or Jurrasic Park, then Universal Studios Singapore is the place to go.
Chinatown
Going to Singapore but not visiting Chinatown is a mistake that you should not make. Chinatown is authentic in its display of the Chinese culture and way of life. Visiting Chinatown in Singapore makes one feel that they are in mainland China.
Red and other bright colors welcome tourists into Chinatown. Street hawkers still occupy the traditional five-foot-ways. Red lanterns light up the streets. But elements of traditional Chinese culture coexist with hip bars and chic restaurants.
You can spend time in bars such as Potato Head and restaurants like Taikoo Lane, but the area has several important landmarks. The Chinatown Heritage Center is a popular attraction. The museum visually records the lives of early Chinese settlers in Singapore. Even the interior is authentic.
Chinatown also hosts the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, the Sri Mariamman Temple. The drum ceremony held every morning at the Buddha Tooth Relic temple is another experience you should not miss.
Merlion Park
A Merlion is a mythical creature in Singaporean culture. It has the head of a lion, but its body and tail are that of a fish. It is a creature that signifies Singapore’s ancient origins as a fishing village. But it also refers to the Malay name for the Island, Singapura, which translates to Lion City.
The park hosts a magnificent white statue of a Merlion. The Merlion Park statue is 8.6 meters tall and weighs 70 tonnes. It is iconic and continues to attract tourists to Singapore, all while guarding the bay. Merlion Park is a gorgeous spot for taking pictures and enjoying the view. The statue overlooks the Mariana Bay, creating scenery that can only be understood by experience.
Marina Bay Sands
There are facts about Singapore that all visitors should know. You should know that you have not been to Singapore if you have not visited the Marina Bay Sands. The resort offers many attractions to visitors. At the resort, you stay at a luxury hotel. You can start your day visiting the ArtScience museum, theatre, or the exhibition center.
Plus, browse the 170 luxury shops and 200 outlets at the high-end mall; the Shoppes will keep shoppers occupied. Guests can dine at celebrity chef restaurants, but there are other nice food spots and bars. The resort often hosts major events and entertainment.
To complete your day, you can spend time at the largest atrium casino in the world. Or you may enjoy the cocktails at the largest elevated pool in the world at the top of the resort. From the Sky Park, you can see the entire city, a sight that you should not miss.
Singapore Zoo
The Zoo is among the best places to visit in Singapore as a tourist. Spanning 26 hectares, the Singapore Zoo hosts a diverse collection of exotic animals. It also draws in around 1.9 million visitors annually.
The Singapore Zoo operates as a rescued wildlife center. Nearly 300 species reside on the premises. 34% of the animal species are at risk of extinction. But the Zoo is about more than just its 2,400 animal species, including orangutans, komodo dragons, and white tigers.
Tourists also enjoy spending time in the neighboring parks and safaris. These include the Night Safari, Jurong Bird Park, and River Safari, including a giant panda reserve. If you visit the Singapore Zoo, try to spend several hours there!
Orchards Road
Tourists spend $27.1 billion in Singapore annually. The lion’s share of this sum is spent on shopping. Like most people, if you plan to shop during your visit to Singapore, you should visit Orchards Road.
Orchards Road was built in the 1830s. The road got its name from the fruit orchards that grow in it. But by the 1850s, the House of Tangs, the first store, opened in the area. Since then, Orchards Road has grown to become Singapore’s best shopping district. So if you want to shop in Singapore, Orchards Road is a must-visit.
Singapore Flyer
If the view from the Sky Park at the Marina Bay Sands resort is not enough, you can look at the city from the top of Asia’s largest giant observation wheel. The Singapore Flyer measures 150 meters in diameter and 165 meters in height. From the top of the flyer, you can see up to 45 kilometers away.
If you are trying to make a list of the best places to visit in Singapore, the flyer should be on it. The Singapore Flyer can house around 784 visitors. Each rotation also lasts for half an hour. It is a marvel of architecture and engineering, a sight worth experiencing.
Raffles Hotel Singapore
Located in the colonial district, the Raffles Hotel Singapore is a symbol of the diverse history and culture of Singapore. The luxury hotel was built in 1887. Since then, Raffles Hotel Singapore has become a vital landmark.
There is a lot to appreciate about the classical building. Its colonial-style architecture inspires awe in visitors. But recently, the hotel has also been renovated to maintain its beauty for tourists. The tropical gardens draw in guests, and the service keeps them satisfied. And in Rudyard Kipling’s words, there’s “a place called Raffles Hotel, where the food is excellent.”
Asian Civilizations Museum
Housed in the Empress Place Building, the Asian Civilizations Museum is a must-see. The place isn’t just fun for history buffs and nerds. People looking to explore the Singaporean culture and way of life will find themselves marveling at the museum’s aesthetic art galleries. Next to the Singapore River, the museum is devoted to Singapore and Asia’s cultural and artistic heritage.
The Trade and Exchange of Ideas Gallery is located on the ground floor. It shows artifacts and works of art expressing Singapore’s history as a global trading post. Also, be sure to check out the Khoo Teck Puat gallery. It displays the popular Tang shipwreck collection from 9th century China.
The Kwek Hong Png Wing is devoted entirely to contemporary art. Visitors can also explore ancient Singaporean culture and the major religions of Asia at the Ancient Religions Gallery. The Scholar in Chinese Culture gallery informs visitors about the culture of knowledge and learning in Asia.
The Asian Civilizations museum also has over 300 beautiful Chinese ceramics.
Credit: Wolfgang Holzem
Fort Canning Park
If you are interested in colonial-era buildings and architecture, Fort Canning Park stands out. It was built as a fort by the British empire to defend the island. It was then overrun by the Japanese during World War II. Since independence, the fort has developed a renewed place in Singaporean life and culture.
Today, the park is home to performance arts, theatre, concerts, and festivals. Locals and tourists alike enjoy picnics and fresh air. If you visit Fort Canning Park, make sure that you have a few hours to spend.
The park also hosts the original home of Sir Stamford Raffles, the founder of Singapore. As well, there is a beautiful replica of the spice market Sir Stamford Raffles built in 1822. Exploring the place will expose you to the local culture, history, and other facts about Singapore.
Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay was the center of commercial activity in 18th century Singapore. After a shopping spree on the magnificent Orchard Road, you can relax at Clarke Quay. Visitors can enjoy dining by the waterfront of the gorgeous Singapore River. Other than pictures, visitors can also take boat rides and cruises along the river. Many also partake in bungee jumping at Clarke Quay.
Clarke Quay is situated near other vital landmarks. The Asian Civilizations Museum and Fort Canning Park are nearby. If you are traveling to Singapore, you should try and stop by Clarke Quay.
The Maritime Experiential Museum
Singapore has a fascinating maritime history linked to trade and culture. From ancient times to colonial rule, Singapore remained a trading and commercial post. For those enchanted by Singapore’s rich history of sea trade, the Maritime Experiential Museum will be a great draw. Indeed, it’s so interesting that even a landlubber is likely to enjoy a trip to this interactive museum.
As you enter the museum, you see the many ships that are docked there. The indoor-outdoor museum offers 15 galleries to visitors. But the experience is nothing like other museums. You do not merely read and listen. The museum offers an immersive experience.
The museum tour also makes visitors feel like an explorer present on the maritime silk road. Holographic figures of explorers like Marco Polo lead guests through exhibits of ports, markets, and ships. As you walk through, a live performance of pirates also plays in the background. If this is not interactive enough, then a sinking ship’s simulation in the Typhoon Theatre will surely make you feel like an explorer.
Raffles Quay, Lau Pa Sat Festive Market, Singapore
Sentosa Island
Singapore might not be renowned as a beach destination. But its beautiful beaches have become popular in recent years. One fact about Singapore is that most of its best beaches are on Sentosa Island. The manmade island also hosts many resorts such as Resorts World, and features free bus and rail transport.
The best place to visit on Sentosa Island is the Siloso Beach. Not only is it one of the best beaches in Singapore, but there is a lot to do. Tourists can bask in the sun, plus play sports and games. They can also dine and enjoy the waves. Ta Jong and Palawan are other spots for some fun in the sand. Visitors can also find other cool places on the island, such as waterparks and museums.
Videos on Places to Visit in Singapore
So that wraps up the list. But before we book those tickets, let’s see it live and in color! Here are two cool videos on travel to Singapore. The first:
And here’s the second:
Summing Up the Places to Visit in Singapore
Wow, what a place! As we’ve seen, Singapore is an amazing destination with a huge variety of things to do and places to see. Plus, it’s well-known that Singapore Airlines is one of the best airlines in the world. I can’t wait to go!
What are your favorite places to visit in Singapore?
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