Top Places to Visit in Singapore | DIY Holiday Tours & Activities

Singapore is classed as an island city-state and is packed full of attractions and landmarks that are fantastic places to visit in Singapore. The city is probably best known for high-end shopping and fine dining, but has plenty of other attractions to visit and things to do including religious, historic, and cultural sites as well as beaches and water parks.

Historical Sites in Singapore

While Singapore may seem very modern and even a bit futuristic, it has a long history. There are many places to visit in Singapore that have historical significance in the city. Check out a few of these places to get a sense of where Singapore has come from and the people who built it.

Sri Mariamman Temple

The historic Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore and is very colorful and ornate. Built in the 1800s, it is a national monument and is very significant to the Indian community in Singapore.

Located at 244 South Bridge Road, it is near to Hotel 1887, a 3-star hotel that is located close to public transit and has free wi-fi in all guest rooms.

Istana Kampong Glam

The Istana Kampong Glam is a Malay palace which has been built and rebuilt several times. It was once the home of the Sultan and his family but has been incorporated into the Malay Cultural Center and is property of the state.

Stay nearby in Hotel G Singapore which is located at 200 Middle Road, Bugis, and has air conditioning and free wi-fi in all rooms.

Asian Civilisations Museum

Stop in to the Asian Civilisations Museum for a look at the diverse histories of China, Asia, and all the regions from which people have come from to Singapore. Exhibits include collections of porcelain, calligraphy, and decorative art. There is a gallery with artifacts salvaged from a 9th-century shipwreck, and one that hosts traveling exhibits.

Stay in the area at Peninsula Excelsior Hotel, a 4-star hotel located at 5 Coleman Street, Marina Bay, which is very close to public transit. The hotel has a sauna as well as free wi-fi in the guest rooms.

Fort Canning Park

Make a visit to Fort Canning Park to be at the place of several historic events. This green space on a hill is where the British surrendered in WWII and from where Malay royalty once ruled. The park features 18th-century gazebos and historical artifacts. Large-scale concerts often take place on the grass.

Stay nearby at Hotel Bencoolen, located at 47 Hongkong Street. The 4-star hotel features a hot tub and is very close to public transit.

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Family Attractions in Singapore

Singapore is a fantastic destination for families. It is clean, safe, and packed full of fun things to see and do. Check out some of these fun family places to visit in Singapore.

Universal Studios Singapore

Spend a day or two at Universal Studios Singapore and explore the rides and revel in the movie magic. Visit Sci-Fi City and the Hollywood walk of fame while walking around the seven different themed areas.

Stay close by in The Outpost Hotel, a 5-star hotel very near both Siloso and Palawan beaches with free wi-fi in the rooms.

Singapore Zoo

Have a roaring good time at the Singapore Zoo and experience the unique Night Safari. Walk around the zoo to see exotic animal species, and take a trip through the Night Safari to see these incredible animals and contribute to the conservation and preservation of them and their habitat.

Stay nearby at Puteri Pacific Johor Bahru. The 4-star rated hotel has a hot tub and is very close to public transportation.

Wild Wild Wet Singapore

Cool off from the heat of the day with a visit to Wild Wild Wet Singapore. This large water park has adrenaline-pumping water slides and slower ones for different tastes as well as relaxing pools for all ages.

Stay in the area at Raintr33 Hotel, a 4-star rated hotel located at 33 Hendon Road, Changi. The hotel offers air conditioning and daily housekeeping services.

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Natural Places in Singapore

In such an urban environment like Singapore, it can be difficult to feel connected to the natural world. The city-state does have some lovely gardens and island green spaces to catch a breath of fresh air and greenery. Visitors will enjoy these gardens and green places to visit in Singapore.

Gardens by the Bay

Stop in and visit Gardens by the Bay, located at 18 Marina Gardens Drive. The award-winning architecture has greenhouse environments and includes Supertree structures that provide an exhilerating skywalk over the gardens.

Stay nearby in Marina Bay Sands. Located at 10 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay, the hotel has a hot tub and free wi-fi in all guest rooms.

Pulau Ubin

The wild green island of Pulau Ubin is a short bumboat ride away from the busy city but a world away in quiet. The rural island is a popular spot for the outdoor pursuits of hiking and mountain biking.

Overnight just minutes from Pulau Ubin at ZEN Rooms Changi Village, a 4-star accommodation also near Singapore Changi Airport.

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Shopping in Singapore

Many people visit Singapore to go shopping, and the city-state is well known for abundant luxury shopping opportunities and fantastic shopping malls.

Orchard Road

The Orchard Road shopping district is one of Singapore’s most visited shopping areas. The road is home to large international chains and one-of-a-kind boutiques, restaurants, and cafés. Orchard Road shopping malls frequently play host to festivals and special events, so there is always something going on.

Stay close to the action in Goodwood Park Hotel, a 5-star hotel with an airport transfer and free wi-fi in all rooms.

Great World City

Stop in and visit Great World City shopping mall. The 6-story shopping mall is connected to an office tower and a serviced apartment building. Retail shopping opportunities include fashion, food, accessories, kids’ stuff, and entertainment.

Get comfortable by staying in the area at M Social Singapore, a 4-star hotel with air conditioning and a currency exchange. Located at 90 Robertson Quay, Clarke Quay, it is conveniently located near Great World City shopping mall.

Paragon Shopping Centre

Pay a visit to Paragon Shopping Centre and check out the high-end fashions. This modern glass building holds 20 floors of shopping and dining. Retailers include big names as well as jewelry and fashion accessories.

Stay close by at Yotel Singapore Orchard Road, a 4-star hotel with air conditioning and wi-fi. Located at 366 Orchard Road, Orchard, it is conveniently located near public transit.

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Beaches in Singapore

There’s nothing quite like a trip to the beach on a holiday, and Singapore has beaches aplenty. Enjoy visiting these beaches with soft white sands and blue-green waters.

Palawan Beach

Palawan Beach is often described as Singapore’s ideal beach. With soft white sand, blue water, and palm trees, it certainly looks the part. The beach is peppered with beach bars, and the water is great for swimming. Palawan Beach is a beautiful and fun place to spend the whole day.

Stay close by at Amara Sanctuary Resort Sentosa, a 5-star hotel that features air conditioning, free wi-fi, and close proximity to the beach.

Siloso Beach

Singapore’s Siloso Beach is one of the busiest and most popular beaches around. It is known for its party atmosphere and relaxed beach cafés. It is a busy beach for sports including beach volleyball, canoeing, and horseback riding.

Keep the party going and stay at Siloso Beach Resort Sentosa. The resort has a 4-star rating, free wi-fi and breakfast, and is situated right by the beach.

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Chinatown

When in Singapore, be sure to visit Chinatown. This neighborhood is full of authentic Chinese flavors and classic bright red lanterns. There are markers throughout the area describing the cultural heritage and historic significance in English, Japanese, and simplified Chinese. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple has a drum ceremony at both the opening and closing times of the temple and is definitely one of the best places to visit in Singapore.

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Getting Around in Singapore

Singapore has an excellent public transit system, and visitors can easily get around by using the metro system. The Singapore Mass Rapid Transit system is extensive and efficient, transporting millions of passengers every day.

Check In, Step Out

Check in to RELC International Hotel, located at 30 Orange Grove Road, Orchard. The hotel has air conditioning and free wi-fi in all guest rooms as well as daily housekeeping services.

Step out to Singapore Botanic Gardens. The 160-year old tropical gardens are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and operate free of charge. The large garden contains over 10,000 plant species.

Check In, Step Out

Check in to Lloyds Inn, located at 2 Lloyd Road, Orchard. The hotel features air conditioning and free wi-fi as well as a garden for guests to enjoy.

Step out to Church of the Sacred Heart, a Roman Catholic church which has been celebrating Catholic masses since 1910.

Check In, Step Out

Check in to Conrad Centennial Singapore, a luxurious 5-star hotel with air conditioning and an airport transfer.

Step out to Suntec Fountain of Wealth. The fountain was once labeled the world’s largest and is located in Suntec City shopping mall. The fountain hosts laser light shows at night and is switched off occasionally during the day so visitors can walk three times around a smaller central fountain for good luck.

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