Singapore, a vibrant city-state in Southeast Asia, is renowned for its blend of modernity and rich cultural heritage. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, Singapore has something for everyone. Here are the 20 best things to do in Singapore, complete with tips and affiliate links to make your trip planning seamless and enjoyable.

1. Explore Singapore’s Vibrant Food Scene

Singapore is famous for its incredible food scene and no trip is complete without eating as much as possible! I recommend sampling everything from fine dining to street food! You can find the best fine-dining restaurants in Singapore here (note: Cloudstreet is my personal favourite). When it comes to exploring Singapore Hawker Centres (local food courts) I recommend a guided tour as you’ll get to try more, learn from a passionate guide and be expertly navigated to the very best spots.

2. Visit Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is an iconic resort complex featuring a rooftop infinity pool with breathtaking views of the city skyline. Don’t miss the chance to stay at this luxury hotel or simply visit for the views and the world-class SkyPark Observation Deck. Book your stay at Marina Bay Sands here.

3. Experience Gardens by the Bay

This futuristic garden is home to the towering Supertree Grove, the Cloud Forest, and the Flower Dome. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. If you can only do one thing, I recommend the Cloud Forest as an absolute must-do but you can easily buy a combined ticket for the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome (+ it’s air-conditioned in there so it’s nice and cool on those hot Singapore days). I recommend timing your visit for the afternoon so you can stay and catch the free light show, Garden Rhapsody, at the Supertree Grove which happens at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm.

4. Visit Universal Studios Singapore

If you love a theme park or just fancy a fun day out, head over to Universal Studios Singapore, located on Sentosa Island. I recommend catching the cable car across for some extra sightseeing on the way. Read my full guide on how to have the BEST day at Universal Studios Singapore (with insider tips) here.

5. Discover Sentosa Island

Sentosa is Singapore’s playground for adventure and relaxation. Visit Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, Madame Tussaud’s, Singapore’s Skypark by AJ Hackett or simply relax on the pristine beaches. There are loads of great places to explore here and it’s truly an underrated destination for travellers as many won’t make the effort to get across but, when you do, you’ll uncover a hidden side of Singapore reminiscent of the beach clubs and beachfront restaurants of Bali.

6. Experience Chinatown

I wouldn’t normally recommend a visit to Chinatown but this one is an exception! Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Singapore’s Chinatown, a culturally and historically significant part of the country and home to some of the best food on the island. Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, explore street markets, and savor authentic Chinese cuisine. I highly recommend doing a guided tour here to combine history with great food!

7. Walk Through Little India

Little India offers a vibrant and colorful experience. Discover intricate temples, bustling markets, and aromatic Indian food. A guided tour is a great way to get deeper into the experience!

8. Visit the Singapore Zoo

Known for its open-concept exhibits and nocturnal safari, Singapore Zoo is one of the best wildlife parks in the world! You could easily spend an entire day exploring the beautiful grounds and getting up close and personal with incredible wildlife.

9. Enjoy Night Safari

Adjacent to the Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari offers a unique wildlife experience, allowing visitors to see nocturnal animals in their natural habitat. This is truly a must-do experience in Singapore! As someone who lived in Singapore for many years, I’ve done this multiple times – it’s just that good.

10. Cruise on the Singapore River

A river cruise is a relaxing way to see the city’s landmarks, including Clarke Quay, Marina Bay Sands, and Merlion Park. This activity is perfect for those days when it’s just too hot to explore on foot and is actually a really cool way to see Singapore from a unique angle.

11. Marvel at the Merlion

The Merlion, a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, is a symbol of Singapore. A photo with this iconic statue is a must.

12. Explore the ArtScience Museum

The ArtScience Museum is known for its futuristic architecture and innovative exhibitions. It’s a perfect spot for art and science enthusiasts and another great option for incredibly hot weather or things to do in Singapore when it’s raining!

13. Relax at East Coast Park

East Coast Park offers a serene beachside experience with cycling paths, barbecue pits, and seafood restaurants. Ideal for a day of relaxation and fun, this is a unique thing to do in Singapore that not many tourists would experience! I highly recommend getting a bite to eat at the East Coast Lagoon Food Village.

14. Singapore Cooking Class

If you love to get hands-on with local food and culture, a cooking class is perfect for you! It’s a great way to connect with locals and other travellers, while taking your tastebuds on a journey through Singapore. Not to mention, you can impress your friends and family with your culinary skills when you return home. A great option for hot or wet weather too!

15. Dine at Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay is a bustling riverside quay with a vibrant nightlife scene, offering a variety of dining and entertainment options. In fact, Singapore comes ALIVE after dark and it can be a better time to explore anyway, to avoid those scorching midday temperatures. I recommend visiting a guided nightlife and street food tour.

16. Discover Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam, Singapore’s Malay-Arab quarter, is known for its rich history, vibrant street art, and the iconic Sultan Mosque. This is another great spot to explore vibrant laneways and cool boutiques and try some of the BEST food on the island!

17. Explore Singapore Botanic Gardens

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a lush oasis featuring diverse plant species and the stunning National Orchid Garden. I recommend doing a guided tour combined with a visit to the stunning Tiong Bahru area, combined with a traditional Singapore breakfast!

18. Visit the National Gallery Singapore

Housing the largest public collection of modern art in Southeast Asia, the National Gallery is a must-visit for art aficionados.

19. Singapore Flyer

Soak in the very best views of Singapore’s iconic skyline with a visit to the Singapore Flyer.

20. Jewel at Changi Airport

Be sure to make time to visit Jewel at Changi Airport, prior to catching your departing flight from Singapore! The stunning Rain Vortex waterfall is incredible to behold and is surrounded by an abundance of shops and restaurants sure to keep you entertained pre-departure. Just remember, Jewel is a mall attached to the airport and is not located inside it so you must be ‘in’ Singapore to see it (i.e. you cannot see it when running between flights).

Final Tips for Your Singapore Adventure

• Accommodation: Consider staying in central locations like Marina Bay or Orchard Road for easy access to attractions.
• Transport: The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system is efficient and convenient for getting around the city.
• Weather: Singapore has a tropical climate, so pack light, breathable clothing and stay hydrated.
• Local SIM: Get yourself a local SIM or eSIM to stay connected, navigate and more

With this guide, your Singapore adventure will be nothing short of spectacular. Happy travels!