Top Singapore Tourist Spots: Guide to 12 Iconic Places to Visit

Singapore is a truly thrilling travel destination for tourists of all ages. This island city-state is filled with natural wonders, historical landmarks, luxury shopping centers, and many other photo-worthy Singapore tourist spots. Add these 12 beautiful destinations and tourist attractions in Singapore to any trip itinerary and enjoy a Singapore vacation that will excite and inspire.

1. Ride the SINGAPORE FLYER for a stunning view of the city

View the entire Singapore skyline from above from the Singapore Flyer, the island’s tallest Ferris wheel. The tallest point is 165 meters from the ground. Tickets can be purchased on site and cost $33 SGD for an adult fare. Each rotation takes about 30 minutes. Within the capsule, there are also interactive televisions that display information about all of the Singapore tourist spots seen from above, like Merlion Park, the Singapore River, and Helix Bridge. The Singapore Flyer is conveniently located in the downtown core near plenty of shopping and dining spots.

Check In to Marina Bay Sands, Step Out to the Singapore Flyer

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2. Experience the history of Singapore at the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE

Open since 1887, the National Museum of Singapore is Singapore’s oldest museum and an important Singapore landmark. The exhibits at this museum focus on telling the story of Singapore’s history using music, photographs, and creative storytelling. The museum also hosts different events throughout the year like concerts, film screenings, art installations, and theater performances. Admission is between $10-15 SGD for tourists and guided tours of the main gallery are available in English, Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, and French. (Note: some languages are only available on certain days of the week.)

3 more can’t-miss Singapore museums

• National Gallery Singapore – an art museum in the downtown core
• ArtScience Museum – a kid-friendly modern art and science museum
• Asian Civilisations Museum – a history museum with a focus on Asian civilizations

Check In to Mandarin Orchard Singapore, Step Out to National Museum of Singapore

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3. Marvel at the beauty of Singapore’s GARDENS BY THE BAY

For guests who only have time to visit one garden in Singapore, Gardens by the Bay is a great choice. This 101-hectare nature park is beautiful, creative, and conveniently located in the central region of Singapore. Gardens by the Bay features three waterfront parks: Bay South Garden (the largest garden), Bay East Garden, and Bay Central Garden. Bay South Garden has two important conservatories called Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, both of which grow dozens of lush and colorful plant species. There is also a Children’s Garden complete with a treehouse and a kid-friendly adventure trail.

3 more Singapore parks and gardens to explore

• Singapore Botanic Gardens – an expansive tropical garden founded in 1859
• Fort Canning Park – a historic park near Orchard Road
• Chinese and Japanese Gardens – a beautiful park with Chinese and Japanese influences

Check In to Carlton Hotel Singapore, Step Out to Flower Dome

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4. Shop for luxury souvenirs on ORCHARD ROAD

The best shopping in Singapore is found along Orchard Road, a true retail paradise. The road is lined with hundreds of retail outlets, department stores, and luxury boutiques. During the visit, stop by ION Orchard to shop for luxury brands like Prada and Dior. ION also features an art gallery and an observation deck. Singapore’s oldest department store, TANGS, is also worth a visit. For tourists willing to spend some time searching through their hundreds of clothing and electronics stores, Far East Plaza is where guests will find the most unique items and the best bargains. Orchard Road is also home to many bars, restaurants, and fast food outlets where weary tourists can stop to refuel.

Check In to Grand Park Orchard, Step Out to Far East Plaza

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5. Get an up-close look at exotic animals at SINGAPORE ZOO

Home to over 300 animal species, a visit to Singapore Zoo is a can’t-miss activity for tourists of all ages. Unlike traditional zoos, the animals are not kept in cages. The zoo does use hidden glass barriers to keep tourists safe but the animals are free to roam around in spacious landscaped enclosures. Included with the $40 SGD admission, guests may also enjoy daily animal shows featuring orangutans, elephants, seals, and dolphins. Plan to spend between half a day to a full day exploring everything there is to see in the park.

4 more Singapore tourist spots to see wildlife

• Night Safari – a nocturnal zoo with tigers, hippos, and more
• Singapore River Safari – a zoo and aquarium featuring a riverboat ride
• SEA Aquarium at Resorts World Sentosa – a giant aquarium with hundreds of marine species
• Jurong Bird Park – an aviary and bird park with ducks, penguins, and thousands of colorful birds

Check In to YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road, Step Out to Singapore Zoo

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6. Explore the temples and market stalls in CHINATOWN SINGAPORE

While much of the city-state is filled with skyscrapers and modern buildings, Singapore’s Chinatown is a traditional paradise of Chinese culture. Be sure to take photographs of the stunning architecture of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a Buddhist temple, and Sri Mariamman Temple, a Hindu temple. Both temples are open daily for tourists to see the gorgeous interiors up close and learn more about their religious and cultural significance. Another key spot is Chinatown Street Market, home to hundreds of stalls selling handcrafted souvenirs, delicious street food, clothing, and much more. Visit the market at night to see the vibrant streets all lit up.

2 more multicultural tourist spots in Singapore

• Little India Singapore – a district with traditional Indian shops and restaurants
• Kampong Glam – a beautiful neighborhood with Malay and Muslim influences

Check In to Sofitel Singapore City Centre, Step Out to Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

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7. Visit the iconic MERLION STATUE in MERLION PARK

One of the most well-known landmarks in Singapore lies within Merlion Park, a waterfront park located at the edge of Marina Bay. The Merlion Statue features the head of a lion and the body of a fish with a mouth that spits water into the bay. The original statue was constructed in 1972 and a smaller “Merlion Cub” was added later. The statues are must-visit Singapore tourist spots as they are said to truly represent Singapore: the fish body reflects the city’s history as a fishing town and the lion’s body reflect’s Singapore’s original name, Singapura (“Lion City” in Sanskrit).

Check In to Peninsula Excelsior Hotel, Step Out to Merlion Statue

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8. See a show at ESPLANADE – THEATRES ON THE BAY

Watch a theater performance, concert, or dance presentation at Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, a performing arts center with thousands of shows per year. The theater is located near the beautiful Singapore River so guests can stroll by the water before or after watching a show. Another tourism feature is the theater’s overall design. Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is made up of two rounded glass domes with triangular aluminum cladding which gives it a spiky outer appearance. It is known affectionately as the “durian” after the spiky, tropical fruit it resembles.

Check In to Marina Mandarin Singapore Hotel, Step Out to Esplanade- Theatres on the Bay

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9. Make a wish at FOUNTAIN OF WEALTH

One of the largest fountains in the world is Fountain of Wealth, located in Singapore’s Suntec City. The fountain was constructed in 1955 and consists of a large bronze ring with streams of water flowing downwards, representing wealth and life. When the main fountain is turned off, a smaller fountain is accessible which tourists can walk around three times for good luck and to make a wish. At night, the fountain is lit with beautiful colored lights. Suntec City, one of the largest malls in Singapore, is also worth a visit after seeing the fountain.

Check In to Grand Park City Hall Hotel, Step Out to Suntec City

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10. Take a day trip from Singapore to PULAU UBIN

After exploring some of the more modern and busy Singapore tourist spots, spend a relaxing day visiting Pulau Ubin. Pulau Ubin is a calm and beautiful island located northeast of Singapore, about 10 to 15 minutes away from Changi Village Ferry Terminal by bumboat (a small tourist boat). Pick up a free map from the information center and explore the beauty of nature. Some key sights to see are Butterfly Hill (a butterfly sanctuary), Pekan Quarry (a gorgeous lake) and Jejawi Tower (a tall viewing tower).

6 more islands and beautiful day trips from Singapore

• Sentosa Island, Singapore
• Bintan Island, Indonesia
• Desaru, Malaysia
• Batam, Indonesia
• Malacca, Malaysia
• Johor Bahru, Malaysia

Check In to Celestial Ubin Beach Resort, Step Out to Butterfly Hill

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11. Cruise the SINGAPORE RIVER and experience the nightlife at CLARKE QUAY

Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Singapore River by boarding a bumboat near Clarke Quay Station. From the river, tourists can glimpse many of the best Singapore tourist spots like Hong San See Temple and Raffles Place. A boat ride on the river makes a relaxing afternoon activity or the perfect end to a long day of sightseeing. Clarke Quay is also a hotspot for Singapore nightlife, with dozens of restaurants, nightclubs, rooftop patio bars, and live music venues to choose from.

5 Singapore nightlife spots near Clarke Quay

• Attica – a fun nightclub with a wide selection of drinks
• Crazy Elephant – a casual bar with live music
• F. Club – a fashion-themed nightclub
• Harry’s Clarke Quay – a classic bar with comfort food
• Zouk – a popular dance club

Check In to Furama RiverFront Hotel, Step Out to Crazy Elephant

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12. Spend a wild day at theme parks like ADVENTURE COVE WATERPARK or UNIVERSAL STUDIOS SINGAPORE

Tourist couples or families will have a wild time riding the water rides at Adventure Cove Waterpark on Sentosa Island. For adventure seekers, the park has twisting, high-speed water slides, and water roller coasters. Relaxing lazy river rides, wave pools, and children’s pool areas make it fun for the whole family. There is also a special section of the park where guests can go snorkeling amongst thousands of colorful fish and sea creatures.

Universal Studios Singapore on Sentosa Island is another popular Singapore tourist spot for family adventuring. The park features two dozen fun attractions based on different TV and movie franchises. Themed restaurants and themed characters who walk through the park make the experience feel more real. After riding the rides, move indoors to watch an interactive show or head to higher ground to watch a late-night fireworks show on select days.

Check In to Capella Singapore Hotel, Step Out to Adventure Cove Waterpark

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