20 Best Things to Do in Singapore (2026 Guide): Iconic Sights & Local Secrets

Singapore holds tons of surprises for its tourists, including scenic landscapes, iconic attractions, luxurious shopping malls, and the most delicious local eats & specialty dishes from varied cuisines. As a traveller coming to Singapore, it can be quite overwhelming, since there are plenty of things that you can explore in Singapore. Let’s find out some of the best things that you must do while visiting Singapore.

If the dream of visiting Singapore has been sitting on your bucket list for too long, make it come true with our Singapore Tour Packages and indulge in the most memorable holiday experience of your life. Read along as in this blog, we’ve shared 20 wonderful things to try that will turn your Singapore vacation into a remarkable one.

The "Must-Visit" Icons

A few iconic quintessential Singapore locations that you must visit, especially for first-time travellers.

1. Gardens by the Bay

One of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore is this iconic park called Gardens by the Bay. What’s so special?

Gardens by the Bay features multiple wonders that offer an interesting and awe-inspiring display of flora and fauna. You can delight in photography and explore this wonderful garden in a few hours (usually taking 3 to 6 hours). And you will find yourself completely amazed by the futuristic designs & the mind-blowing beauty of this modern park.

Wonders that you must not miss at the Garden by the Bay:

• Flower Dome: A huge glass dome that includes several exotic flowers & plants.
• Supertree Grove: Tall vertical gardens that are metal structures covered with thousands of plants, which host a light show called Garden Rhapsody at night, a free, everyday light & sound show at the Supertree Grove.
• Heritage Gardens: Which showcase the cultural history of Singapore through its themed outdoor gardens. Also, located at the free-entry premises of the Gardens by the Way.
• Cloud Forest: A terrific 35-metre-tall waterfall within the complex of the Gardens by the Bay, surrounded by various exotic plants, giving you a spectacular sight.
• Floral Fantasy: An indoor attraction in the Gardens by the Bay, showcasing dreamy floral displays that will leave you completely speechless with its magnificent beauty.

Best time & day to visit this place: The ideal time to visit this park is around 4-5 PM, when you can enjoy exploring all the futuristic wonders while avoiding the peak daytime heat, and also catch the stunning lightshow in the evening. The ideal time to visit this attraction is during the weekdays to avoid severe weekend crowds, allowing you a fun & relaxed visit without the usual chaotic atmosphere.

2. Sentosa Island

Located on Singapore’s southern coast, Sentosa Island is an island resort destination that offers you a combination of beaches, entertainment, relaxation, and unlimited fun. Sentosa Island is home to the iconic Universal Studios, the thrilling Skyline Luge, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and several other popular and exciting Singapore attractions.

Things to explore on Sentosa Island:

• Visiting the S.E.A Aquarium to watch the diverse marine life.
• While travelling to Singapore, you cannot afford to miss the iconic Universal Studios, where you can get on adventurous rides and watch exciting performances and shows.
• You can also explore the popular Madame Tussauds Museum, where you can witness mind-blowing wax statues of multiple celebrities.
• Adventure Cove Waterpark is another must-see on Sentosa Island, where you can enjoy water slides that will not let the fun wear out.

3. Singapore Botanic Gardens

For nature lovers, visiting the Botanic Gardens provides an unforgettable experience. Also considered a UNESCO World Heritage site and a popular picnic spot among tourists. Witness varied exotic plants and get completely awestruck by their beauty at this natural wonder.

Things you can experience in the Botanic Gardens:

• You can delight in a lovely picnic with your loved ones at the Botanic Gardens, surrounded by refreshing and scenic views.
• If you love flowers, then you must visit the National Orchid Garden inside the Botanic Gardens.
• Visiting the Healing Garden, where you will find the plants that were traditionally used as medicines.
• Spend a relaxed evening sitting by the ethereal Swan Lake.

4. Jewel Changi Airport

Singapore’s charm begins before you even step outside the airport. Singapore’s Jewel Changi Airport is not just an airport; it features several options for entertainment and leisure, including gaming stations and 24-hour movie theatres, a rooftop pool, and various dining & shopping options, along with free wi-fi. There’s so much to experience within the airport premises, like taking a shower, indulging in a spa session, walking around beautiful gardens full of stunning natural beauty, and so much more.

5. Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

An outstanding rooftop attraction, located on top of three giant towers standing together, offering striking views of the city and the sea. A unique thing about this place is that you will be inspired to explore it even if you are just walking around its premises. The Skyline Observation Deck is an ideal location to spend a relaxed evening, as it features luxurious restaurants, bars, and mesmerizing sunset views.

Best time to visit: The perfect time to visit the Marina Bay Sands Skywalk would be early in the evening, as it allows you to enjoy the daytime as well as the nighttime views, including the phenomenal golden hour, which will make you completely speechless.

Cultural Enclaves & Heritage

6. Little India

A vibrant neighbourhood displaying the rich Indian culture in Singapore. You will see several traditional spice shops and stalls & Indian restaurants where you can relish authentic Indian food, a complete treat for your taste buds. For a temporary spiritual escape, visit the revered Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. And the lively local markets, buzzing with art, music, and culture, for shopping and to experience the local culture.

7. China Town

Another popular World Heritage site in Singapore, showcasing its rich Chinese culture, is Chinatown, where you can try out authentic Chinese dishes. It is a literal haven for the foodies, especially for the Chinese food lovers. This district has shopping stalls, multiple dining options, modern cafes, multiple revered temples, and a chance to get an insight into the history and heritage of the Chinese people in Singapore.

Things you must do in Chinatown:

• Experiencing the nightlife at Club Street.
• Strolling through the Pagoda Street, Smith Street area, and the Chinatown Street Market, where you can shop for souvenirs and bargain with the vendors.
• Visiting the Chinatown complex to try out the most affordable and delicious authentic Chinese dishes.

Best time to visit: The best time to visit Chinatown would be in the late evening, so you can comfortably explore this area as well as experience its nightlife.

8. Kampong Glam

Another historic district in Singapore is the Kampong Glam, showcasing the Malay and Islamic culture in Singapore. This vibrant area has lively streets, traditional shops, and several restaurants for trying the mouth-watering Middle-Eastern cuisine, as well as the iconic Sultan Mosque, which is a significant religious landmark.

Things to do at Kampong Glam:

• Strolling through Haji Lane to marvel at its colourful street art.
• Visiting the iconic Arab Street.
• Enjoying the delicious delicacies of the Malay, Middle Eastern, and Lebanese cuisines in restaurants at Bussorah Street, Haji Lane, and Arab Street.
• Exploring the Gelam Gallery, which is an outdoor gallery displaying several local & international artworks.

9. National Museum of Singapore

The National Museum of Singapore narrates the story of Singapore through its iconic displays of exhibits, artifacts, workshops, performances, and programmes. It is housed in a 19th-century building, portraying Singapore’s journey from wartime to independence and modern nationhood—a must-visit place for those who are interested in learning about Singapore’s history & culture.

Some key experiences in the National Museum of Singapore:

• Viewing the historic artifacts, such as the Singapore Stone.
• Attending events, workshops, and performances that helps you understand the history of Singapore better.
• Marveling at the stunning architecture of the museum, before you even enter the building, you will be stunned by its wonderful architecture.

Family-Friendly Adventures

10. Night Safari

The Night Safari in Singapore is an incredible wildlife park that gives you the chance to encounter wild animals, such as tigers, hyenas, lions, and leopards, in the middle of the jungle, in their nighttime environment, as they are more active at night. You can also watch several cultural performances and educational shows. This safari lets you indulge in an unforgettable safari experience after dark, with the help of their guided trams and walking trails.

11. River Wonders

Another fun and thrilling experience in Singapore that is worth experiencing is going to River Wonders, which is the one and only river-themed water park in Singapore. A one of its own kind fun park, that is perfect to visit with your family, especially with the kids. It is a combination of a zoo and an aquarium; there are multiple exciting experiences for you to enjoy at River Wonders.

Some key experiences at River Wonders:

• Embarking on an Amazon River quest, which is a boat ride through the Amazonian jungle, where you can encounter animals, such as monkeys and jaguars.
• Visiting the Giant Panda Forest, where you can see Singapore’s famous pandas in a climate-controlled environment.
• In this park, there are specially designed zones inspired by seven major rivers, including the Nile and Missisipi, you can explore the different exhibits in these zones that showcase the unique wildlife that resides in these rivers.

12. Wild Wild Wet

Wild Wild Wet is a massive water theme park in Singapore. It features diverse age-appropriate water slides that will give you thrills. It is one of the most popular water parks in Asia, the perfect place for a fun family adventure. Spend a day full of fun & adventure with your family at the Wet Wild Wet water park, to cool off from Singapore’s scorching heat.

Best time to visit: The ideal time to visit this thrilling theme park would be during the weekdays, as the crowds are fewer during this time. Plan your visit during the dry season from February to September, which is the ideal season for exploring this park. And arrive early in the morning to spend a full day at this adventurous water park.

13. Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is not just another zoo where you see animals, but it is a complete experience in itself, which combines adventure, fun & curiosity. If you’ve included a visit to the Singapore Zoo in your itinerary, then you are in for an exciting adventure. You will leave with a bucket full of lasting memories that will stay with you for a long time.

Best time to visit: Aim to arrive as early as the Zoo opens, which is 8:30 in the morning, to witness active animals, fewer crowds, & a cool weather. Avoid coming in the afternoon to not deal with the daytime heat.

The Singapore Nightlife

14. Clarke Quay & Boat Quay

Clarke Quay & Boat Quay are two popular & wonderful riverside areas that are known for their charming nightlife. Clarke Quay was earlier a port, which has now turned into an entertainment centre, attracting numerous tourists. You can have the time of your life while spending an evening at this place. You can indulge in a riverside dining experience surrounded by colourful buildings and accompanied by great music. The nightlife of this place is surreal and worth experiencing.

Boat Quay is slightly more relaxing and probably a better place for dining, especially for those who enjoy drinking, as you can find some of the best pubs & bars in the country at this place. This area is lined with shophouses that were earlier warehouses and trading offices, which have now turned into cafes, bars, and restaurants where you can spend a lovely evening while enjoying the stunning views of the Singapore River.

15. Lau Pa Sat Satay Street

Singapore’s largest open-air Satay Street, popularly known for serving the most delicious satay, which are skewers of marinated meat grilled over open flames. You can delight in an open-air dining experience, savouring scrumptious local skewers under the starlight. This street opens at 7 PM, and it might just be the perfect spot to spend an enjoyable evening in Singapore.

Discovering the Hidden Gems

16. Pulau Ubin

Singapore is much more than just shopping malls & riverside dining, and a true example of this is Pulau Ubin, which is a magnificent island in the northeastern part of Singapore. Although a tiny island, it is nevertheless a wonderful place to get some peace and tranquility. But this place is not talked about enough on the internet; with less hype and tourists, it can be called a hidden gem, displaying the true wonders of nature’s beauty. You can also choose to stay overnight on the island, as there are multiple accommodation options, including hotels and camping.

17. The Southern Ridges

A 10 KM long trail that offers the perfect blend of peace and nature’s breathtaking beauty. Walking down this trail will make you feel as if you are in a totally different world. It connects four different parks by smooth trails and bridges into one continuous corridor, so that you can seamlessly transfer from one area to the other one.

It will take you anywhere between 2.5 and 4 hours to finish walking down the entire trail, depending on your pace. You can stroll through this relaxing park for some peace while indulging in photography and looking at various wildlife animals and birds.

18. Haw Par Villa

A cultural park situated on a hilltop, renowned for its statues that depict Chinese folk culture through sculptures and dioramas. This park narrates stories that are passed down from generation to generation and teach lessons of morality and principles. This iconic landmark will give you a never-before-seen kind of experience that will leave you with memories and learnings that will stay with you forever. A must-visit place for those who are interested in learning about Chinese culture and mythology.

Best time to visit: If you are planning to visit this landmark, try to plan around the weekdays to avoid intense crowds. This park is open daily from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Visiting after 5:00 PM is ideal, as the weather cools down in the evening.

19. Tiong Bahru

Take a break from exploring the popular landmarks and visit this residential area that is no less than an attraction, for a change. Tiong Bahru is one of the oldest and most majestic neighbourhoods in Singapore, where you can find several cozy cafes, colourful buildings, and zero crowd hustle. You will surely fall in love with this lovely place. Make sure to include a visit to this marvellous location in your Singapore tour itinerary.

20. Katong & Joo Chiat

Katong & Joo Chiat are two of the most vibrant and historic neighbourhoods in Singapore. Especially popular for their Peranakan heritage & known for serving the most delicious Peranakan food and other local cuisines. This residential area gives you a glimpse of the culturally diverse past of Singapore. The buildings of the shophouses and cozy cafes that line up this vibrant neighbourhood are inspired by the Peranakan designs. This place offers you a quiet & one-of-a-kind experience, different from the usual exploration that includes the famous and crowded tourist attractions.

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About the Author Anushka

Anushka is an SEO writer and with her in-depth research, she follows a strategic approach to content creation and specializes in travel content. At Media Upshift, she shares insights from her experience developing high-performing, search-optimized content that reaches audiences and drives organic growth for businesses.

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