Singapore is well-known as a business hub, a mixture of many different cultures and the perfect place for a layover. The city is perfect for anyone who loves skylines, culture, nature and good food and totally worth a visit for everyone, since no matter whether you like to shop or want to learn more about the history of the country, Singapore has everyone covered. I have been to the city and recommend the following things to see and to do in this beautiful city.
Outdoor Activities
1. Botanical Garden
Located in the North-West of the city, the botanical garden is one of the main attractions. The garden is quite big, so I recommend staying at least one morning or afternoon if you want to explore the different sites. It was even honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is home to different themed gardens such as the Orchid Garden or a Children’s Garden. If you are lucky enough, you can also find some wildlife such as otters living in the park.
Info: Since Singapore can be rainy depending on the season, be sure to bring an umbrella. There is also a cute café in the middle of the garden, where you can have lunch or coffee if you need a break.
2. Fort Canning Park
Another park located right in the middle of the city is the Fort Canning Park. This park is generally open to the public; however, there are some museums around and inside the park with an entry fee. I only walked around and visited the tunnels and cannons that are exhibited in the park. Right next to Fort Canning is also the Old Hill Street Police Station which has beautifully coloured windows and is also totally worth visiting.
3. Merlion Park
After visiting Fort Canning Park, you can walk along the river to the Merlion Park to see the famous statue and Marina Bay Sands in the background. This is only a 20 min walk, which I can highly recommend. Arriving at the statue, you will find many tourists but also the chance to get a picture with the iconic landmark.
4. Gardens by the Bay
Another world-famous attraction in Singapore is the Gardens by the Bay. Especially famous is the light show in the evening, which I can only highly recommend. For that, just arrive at the garden a few minutes before (depending on the travel season) and enjoy the show. Afterward, you can easily walk around and enjoy the nice gardens.
TIP: There is also a Skywalk, which gives you a nice view across the garden and the city – but be sure to book your tickets beforehand.
5. Marina Barrage
Right before or after the Gardens by the Bay, you can walk to Marina Barrage, a nice picnic space with incredible views across the city. If you enjoy skylines like me, this is the perfect place to have a relaxing walk and some snacks. From this place, you are able to see all the major attractions of the city.
6. Walk around Chinatown
One of my favorite neighborhoods in Singapore is Chinatown. Especially since I traveled during Chinese New Year, the streets were nicely decorated, and there are many cute restaurants, cafes and shops to explore. I highly recommend just walking around in this area.
7. Skyscraper Gardens
Another aspect of Singapore that is amazing is the gardens on skyscrapers. There are many to choose from, and I visited the Pinnacle @ Duxton. For a small fee, you are able to go to the rooftop, from which you have an amazing view across the city. In my case, there were even no other visitors, which was also nice to escape the busy city.
8. Haji Lane
Haji Lane is a well-known street in the east of the city, and the location for many shops and photo studios – so perfect to get some souvenirs or get some vintage clothes. Furthermore, the street is extremely colorful with art on the walls as well as many decorations. Even if you are hungry, this street is totally worth a visit due to the many restaurants and cafes which are located on the street as well.
Indoor Activities
9. Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands is the iconic skyscraper of Singapore. The building is home to a hotel; however, the rooftop bar is also accessible to the public if an entrance fee is paid. I would highly recommend this since you will have one of the nicest views across the city, and the drinks were decent as well. If you do not want to have a drink, there is also an observation deck, which is a little bit cheaper; however, of course, no drink is included. Unfortunately, the pool on top of the building is only accessible for hotel guests. Furthermore, next to the hotel, there is also the mall, which is home to many luxury brands, one of the most iconic Apple stores worldwide, a club and even a casino. Therefore, this area and building are also worth a visit without going to the rooftop.
10. Cloud Forest and Flower Dome
The Cloud Forest and Flower Dome are gardens in the Gardens by the Bay area and are also among the main sights of Singapore. Being home to many different plants, both indoor gardens are totally worth a visit, and all exhibitions are well thought through. For tourists, there is a combination ticket which allows you to visit both gardens. Even though this is one of the main attractions, the amount of people was still not too much, so walking through the gardens is really enjoyable. This is for sure a must-do for everyone who enjoys nature and plants, but I am certain everyone else will love these gardens.
11. Art Science Museum
Right next to the Marina Bay Sands is also the Art Science Museum. This museum hosts up to 4 different exhibitions, which are also constantly changing, so make sure to check out the exhibitions you want to see beforehand. When I visited, there were only three exhibitions open; however, they were still extremely enjoyable. First of all, in 2026, there is an exhibition by Teamlab which was interactive and amazing, and I would highly recommend seeing this one if it is still available. The other two exhibitions were about AI and autonomous driving as well as about insects.
12. National Gallery
The National Gallery of Singapore is home to many different exhibitions, temporary as well as permanent. One highlight of this museum is, of course, the focus on Asian artists and artworks throughout history, which resembles the struggles but also the highlights of each decade in the region. Furthermore, you also have some of the exhibitions in the Supreme Court building, so you get a chance to see this as well.
TIP: Make sure to visit the rooftop to have a nice view across the city!
13. Asian Civilisations Museum
Another highlight of the city is the Asian Civilizations Museum. This museum hosts different exhibitions concerning Southeast Asian culture, such as clothes, religion, maritime artifacts and musical instruments. This is a great opportunity for people who want to learn more about the history of Southeast Asia and its culture. While I was visiting, there was also a special exhibition about games, which was amazing – you could even play chess against a robot.
14. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Located in Chinatown, there is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. This temple is 5 stories high, with different prayer halls and also exhibitions about Buddhism. The interior of this temple is as beautiful as the exterior and totally worth the visit, especially if you want to learn more about the religion.
15. Rooftop Bar
Another great thing to do in Singapore is to visit a rooftop bar. Previously, I already mentioned the bar on top of Marina Bay Sands; however, there are many more within the city. During my stay, I went to High House, which is a bar/club near Merlion Park, and the views were outstanding.
TIP: With the app Aentry you can get free entry to some of the clubs and bars, including welcome drinks – make sure to check that out.
Food and Cafes
16. Hawker Centres
Singapore has amazing food, and the best places to eat it (and also the cheapest) are in Hawker centers. This also gives you the option to try many different cuisines and dishes while not changing the “restaurant”. I have been to the Maxwell Center, Lau Pa Sat and also the Chinatown Complex and can highly recommend all of them since the food I ate was amazing.
Info: For those concerned about eating at food stalls, in Singapore, every hawker has to get a certification for hygiene, and there are also many stalls included in the Michelin Guide, so there is nothing to worry about.
17. September Coffee
On to great cafes I have visited: the first one was September, right next to the Buddha’s Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown. This one is a really cute café, and they had amazing drinks, which I can highly recommend.
18. Coffee Code
Another café I love is the Coffee Code, which is also located in Chinatown. This café has a really calm environment and is great to relax and enjoy one of their nice drinks. I drank one of their special teas, and it was amazing.
19. Echo
Right next to the Maxwell Center is Kada, which is a shopping mall with many restaurants and cafes – one of them being Echo. They had really great espresso, and my personal highlight was a Matcha affogato, which was perfect to cool down from the city.
20. Tiong Bahru Bakery
Last but not least, I also visited the Tiong Bahru Bakery. This chain has multiple spots all over the city, and I can only recommend them, since their food was quite amazing. I ate a croissant, and it was one of the best ones I’ve ever had.