15 Best Things To Do In Singapore—Attractions, Restaurants & More

What to do in the Lion City?
By: Aqilah Najwa Jamaluddin
June 9, 2022

Singapore may be marked as one of the high class cities in the world, but it boasts a slew of other accolades like owning the best designed monuments and collected some of the best adrenaline-rush activities. Not to mention, The Lion City hosts an infinity of rooftop pools, the world’s premier nocturnal animal safari park, cathedrals, and of course, some of the world’s greatest dining. There are also beautiful parks with stunning scenery, world-class entertainment venues, and retail districts that welcome both locals and tourists alike. 

The metropolitan is a remarkable blend of ancient and modern that suits people of all generations. And thankfully, most of the attractions have reopened safely since the COVID-endmic took place early in the year, complying with Singapore’s safe management standards and SG Clean certification criteria. Of course, Glitz urges you to always keep yourself and your loved ones safe—no matter what health crisis we’re dealing in right now it is best to follow the guidelines given by the ministry. 

If you’re planning to pay a visit to the Red and White region, here are some of the best, fun, and family-friendly outings you can do. Even if you’re a true Singaporeans, let’s re-explore the city! 

1. National Gallery Singapore

The National Gallery Singapore is the biggest public collection of modern art in Southeast Asia, taking up to more than 9,000 pieces of works. It’s split over two stunning national monuments: City Hall and the old Supreme Court of the United States. Some tourists spend an entire day exploring around  the museum’s numerous galleries. If you want to avoid long lineups, go on a weekday and book your tickets in advance beforehand.

Address: 1 St Andrew’s Rd, #01 – 01, Singapore 178957

2. Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam used to be a notable Muslim neighbourhood in the 1800s, home to the Sultan of Johore and a community of Arabs, Javanese, Bugis, and Boyanese. Presently, those traditions have mingled with an inflow of chic stores and cafés, transforming the neighbourhood, which is made up of multiple interconnecting streets, into a hip rendezvous where you can do almost anything. Along with shops and restaurants, Kampong Glam is home to a number of cultural attractions, including Singapore’s largest mosque, the Malay Heritage Centre, and the country’s only Vintage Camera Museum.

3. Merlion Park

The famed 28-foot Merlion monument, a half-fish, half-lion stone sculpture that sprays water into Marina Bay, can be seen on this boulevard overlooking Marina Bay. The fish represents Singapore’s origins as a fishing community, whereas the lion head refers to Singapura, which translates to “Lion City” in Malay. It was built in 1972 and is now one of the most major attractions in the country.

Address: 1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049213

4. Haw Par Villa

This eight-acre recreational art landscape is strange but visually appealing. Tiger Balm entrepreneur and benefactor Aw Boon Haw founded it in the 1930s, commissioning over 1,000 elaborate sculptures and backdrops to promote traditional Chinese beliefs. It was famous and bustling at the time, but has since grown less so. And, while it has lost some of its shine, this adds to its uniqueness. Best believe what you see here is an unadulterated, in-your-face lesson in Chinese principles and culture that isn’t hidden behind velvet ropes or shutters, and isn’t swarming with visitors.

Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Rd, Singapore 118628

5. Thian Hock Keng Temple

Tianfu Temple, also known as Thian Hock Keng Temple, is Singapore’s oldest Buddhist temple. The intricate construction was erected without the use of a single nail in the traditional southern Chinese style. With its dragon and phoenix sculptures and Fujian-style shattered porcelain roof ridges, it’s now entirely restored and a visual feast. Cameras are not permitted in most areas of the temple, and you will very certainly be caught if you attempt to take them.  Don’t go if you can’t keep your camera in your handbag. This is not your usual #ootd spot!

Address: 158 Telok Ayer St, Singapore 068613

6. The Southern Ridges

The Southern Ridges path combines five parklands along Singapore’s southern ridge: Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park, and Labrador Nature Reserve. It’s well-built and groomed, much like everything else in Singapore. The scenery alternates between jungle-like tree canopies, exotic vegetation and animals, and geometrically stunning pathways. If you don’t feel like walking the entire five miles, at least make it to Henderson Waves, a 256-foot-high wood deck. It is Singapore’s tallest road bridge and is popular among photographers due to its wavy arcs.

7. Singapore Botanic Garden 

This UNESCO World Heritage project is divided into three major sections.  The Tanglin core is the first structure tourists encounter after passing through the famous Tanglin Gate. The Tyersall-Gallop core blends into the park’s natural woodland, while the Bukit Timah core has a family’s garden replete with wooden shacks, an arch bridge, and a farm. Visit the National Orchid Garden to witness over 1,000 orchid varieties and 2,000 cultivars.

Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569

8. Esplanade – Theatres On The Bay

The Esplanade, Singapore’s flagship cultural venue, has a spectacular state-of-the-art concert hall, a horseshoe-shaped theatre with an orchestra pit, a more compact cabaret studio for chamber music and jazz events, an outdoor theatre, and an open-air event area. The structure is an architectural masterpiece.  The thorny exterior of the atrium has given it the moniker “durian,” after the frequently divisive Southeast Asian fruit. AnyoneIf you’re the type who likes buildings, you should stop by for a picture opportunity.

Address: 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981

9. Mint of Museum 

The primary reason visitors attend the MINT is to see the gallery of toys, which comprises over 50,000 objects (about 8,000 of which are on exhibit) from 40 nations going back to the 1840s. Aside from the toys, there are two halls dedicated to historic enamel signs in the permanent collection. Unless there is a special event, the museum is rarely packed. The collection is amazing in and of itself, but several of the displays are too dimly lit and opaque, making this a better destination for people with specialised expertise.

Address: 26 Seah St, Singapore 188382

10. Night Safari

World’s first and most popular safari park for midnight wildlife. It’s administered by the same people that run the enormously entertaining Singapore Zoo. The 86-acre sanctuary is home to 2,500 creatures from 130 different species, with more than a 1/3 of them being endangered. The trip lasts roughly 40 minutes and includes seven geographical locations with different themes. On weekends and with previous reservations, you may see live tiger feedings. If you have the capacity to walk some of the pathways, go ahead and do so. It will take you away from the busy crowds and increase your chances of seeing reserved creatures.

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826

11. Pulau Ubin

This island used to be famous for its limestone mining. When they fell in the 1970s and employment dried up, locals began to leave. Presently, the island lies to less than 50 individuals who have decided to stay because they like the ancient culture. That is exactly why people enjoy visiting it. Getting into Pulau Ubin is like travelling back in time to how Singapore was generations ago. You will need a 10-minute voyage on a thumping bumboat via Changi Point Ferry Terminal to get to this gem. This is a rich experience and it is the ideal day excursion for those who want to explore a new era in Singapore’s history. 

12. Sky Park Sentosa

Skypark Sentosa, located on Siloso Beach, is a one-stop solution for adrenaline addicts. Every activity, whether bungy jumping or whizzing it through clouds on the Giant Swing, is accompanied by breathtaking vistas. On Singapore’s one and only bungee jump, leap 47m above the earth and free fall to an unforgettable experience. Try out different jump methods such as forward fall, backwards, and other insane stunts. If you’re searching for a fascinating sport for you and your companions, the Giant Swing can carry you up to 120km/h! You’ll feel like you’re soaring at 40 metres above earth.

Address: 30 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa Island, Singapore 099011

13. Old Airport Road Food Centre

Old Airport Road Food Centre, which has been open for almost 40 years, is one of Singapore’s most popular food stalls, with 150 booths neatly arranged on a single level. It may appear intimidating, but a big wait outside a vendor usually guarantees delicious cuisine. While there may be a queue, food-obsessed Singaporeans would guarantee you that it is well worth it. Hokkien mee from Nam Sing Hokkien Mee and silky beancurd pudding from Lao Ban Soya Beancurd are two dishes that will test your fortitude due to its waiting game. 

Address: 51 Old Airport Rd, Singapore 390051

14. Mr Stork Rooftop Bar 

Mr Stork, located on level 39 of the Andaz Singapore, offers teepee cottages concealed among lush foliage for you and your date to nest in while taking in panoramic views of the city skyline. Order a drink from the beautiful bronze pavilion bar and take a stroll around the level’s cobblestone paths, which provide a 360-degree perspective of the city.

Address: 5 Fraser St, Level 39, Andaz 189354

15. Les Amis

The three-Michelin-star Les Amis was the first independent fine dining restaurant in Singapore. However, today, it serves the best fine dining in Singapore, with an outstanding history among Singaporeans. The restaurant’s unwavering commitment to giving guests a memorable dining experience has won it many awards and praise from both guests and the media. When dining at Les Amis, you can be assured that the food will not disappoint. 

Address: 1 Scotts Rd, #01 – 16 Shaw Centre, Singapore 228208 

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