Singapore attractions

Flowing through the city’s dense Central Business District, the Singapore River is closely tied to Singapore’s history and modern day-to-day life. It was on the north bank of the river where Stamford Raffles first landed to found his colony, and many government buildings still line its shores. Many of the city’s top nightlife hot spots are also situated along the river, including Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay.

All the major world cities seem to have a big wheel these days, and Singapore is no exception. Lifting you 540 feet (165 meters) into the air, the Singapore Flyer is Asia’s largest observation wheel, providing amazing panoramic views of the city, the sea, and the surrounds from one of 28 capsules.

Housed in the former Tao Nan School, the Peranakan Museum contains one of the world’s finest collections of Peranakan artifacts. Spanning three stories, its 800-plus items across nine galleries showcase different aspects of the unique Peranakan culture found in the former Straits Settlements of Singapore, Malacca, and Penang.

Learn about the culture, heritage, and history of the Indian diaspora in Singapore and Southeast Asia at the Indian Heritage Centre. Located within an architecturally unique building in the heart of Little India, the museum and cultural center features permanent and temporary galleries, interactive exhibits, and hundreds of artifacts.

Dating back to 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens displays a collection of some 10,000 types of plants—mostly tropical flora—across 183 landscaped acres (84 hectares). The expansive grounds are home to the National Orchid Garden, with its impressive collection of 60,000 colorful orchids representing 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids.

Formerly known as Telok Ayer Market, Lau Pa Sat (or “old market” in Hokkien) has a long and rich history. The cast-iron, Victorian-era, octagonal structure that houses Lau Pa Sat is one of Singapore’s oldest buildings, and features high ceilings, a main hallway, and eight radial passageways spanning 59,202 square feet (5,500 square meters). Located in the heart of the central business district, it’s one of the most popular food markets, or hawker centers, in Singapore.

The flamboyant entryway to the Sri Mariamman Temple—a six-story ‘gopuram’ tower adorned with colorful sculptures of deities and mythological beings—is one of Singapore’s most unmistakable landmarks. Dating back to 1827, it’s Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple and one of the most visited monuments of Chinatown.

For some of Singapore’s most eclectic shopping, seek out the tiny Haji Lane tucked away in the Muslim Quarter. The narrow lane is lined with independent designer boutiques and vintage clothing shops catering to the young and hip. You’ll also find shops selling hard-to-find records and DVDs, quirky kitchenware, and even a yoga studio.

Garlanded in an angular metal framework that mimics the double helix shape of DNA, Singapore’s pedestrian Helix Bridge spans Marina Bay, linking the Bayfront and Esplanade areas. The letters A, C, G, and T, which represent the four basic building blocks of DNA, are set into the bridge, while viewing platforms offer photo opportunities.

Located in Singapore’s super-sleek business district, Fort Canning Park is a hilltop oasis that encompasses nine smaller historic parks. In addition to a fragrant spice garden, an art gallery, and some grandiose Gothic gates, Fort Canning Park is also home to a World War II bunker and command center.

Topped by two gleaming golden domes, Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan) is Singapore's oldest—and arguably most aesthetically pleasing—mosque. Located in the historic district of Kampong Glam, the mosque was declared a national monument in 1975 and has since been a focal point of the Muslim community in Singapore—it can more than 5,000 worshippers at once.

As Singapore’s oldest museum, the National Museum of Singapore serves as the country’s definitive historical record. Built in 1887, the national treasure contains precious artifacts and fine art, including a selection of watercolors from William Farquhar.

Singapore’s premier retail street, Orchard Road is a one-stop destination for everything from giant shopping malls, upmarket hotels and fine-dining establishments to basement food halls and entertainment complexes. There’s something for everyone in the famous district, which is named after the nutmeg plantations that once occupied the area during the 19th century.

Completed in 2008, and stretching across the mouth of Marina Channel in central Singapore, Marina Barrage created the 15th reservoir in the island nation and its largest catchment. Besides providing a water source, it also acts as flood control in low-lying areas and is a popular leisure and recreation area.

Singapore’s largest Anglican place of worship, the pristine Victorian Gothic and dreamy spire of St. Andrew’s Cathedral nestles amid skyscrapers in the heart of the Civic District like a colonial wedding cake. Originally built in 1838, but rebuilt in 1856 after lightning struck not once but twice, it’s a Singapore landmark.

Formerly a convent school, this century-old catholic monument now serves as a commercialized hub that combines history with modern amenities such as shops, fine-dining restaurants, and an entertainment center.

Singapore’s diverse cultural heritage is celebrated at the Asian Civilisations Museum. Trace Singapore’s ancestry over more than 5,000 years; dive into Chinese, Indian, and Southeast Asian arts and traditions; and discover Asia's cultural and spiritual influence on the rest of the world.

The Cavenagh Bridge, Singapore’s only suspension bridge, was built in 1869 to provide a quicker way of crossing the Singapore River. The bridge was actually built, tested, and disassembled in Glasgow before being shipped to Singapore in pieces and reassembled. It remains one of the city’s top architectural achievements.

The legendary Night Safari at Singapore Zoo goes above and beyond the typical zoo experience. Enhanced by the subtle glow of moonlight, the jungle comes to life each night for visitors to see animals exploring their free-roaming environments, designed to replicate the Himalayan foothills, Southeast Asian rain forest, and Indian subcontinent.

The Singapore Cable Car provides a 360-degree panoramic view of city’s best attractions, including the Singapore harbor, Sentosa Island, and the city skyline. More than 100 cabins carry passengers along 3 miles (5 kilometers) of cableway. Tickets grant access to a museum detailing the history of the cable car system.

A historic street in Singapore’s Chinatown, Telok Ayer Street pairs a lively food and drink scene with heritage attractions, including shophouses, clan houses, and places of worship. Highlights include Telok Ayer Green, the Al-Abrar Mosque, the Thian Hock Keng Temple, and the Nagore Durgah Shrine and heritage center.

Singapore Zoo isn’t your typical menagerie; inside, more than 300 species of birds, reptiles, and mammals roam in close approximations of their natural habitats. Visitors to the lush jungle park can observe an abundance of wildlife, including lions, white tigers, giraffes, flying foxes, sea lions, and Komodo dragons.

Reigned over by the grand Masjid Sultan Mosque, Arab Street brims with Middle Eastern restaurants and shops selling textured linens and sari materials. Here, the ornately-tiled seating areas of Middle Eastern restaurants spill out onto the sidewalk and serve delights such as falafel and hummus.

Veiled in mist and home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, the Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay is a must for first-time visitors to Singapore. Marvel at orchids, pitcher plants, and ferns from the tropical highlands, and stroll along the vertiginous Cloud Walk and Treetop Walk.

Located on the banks of the Singapore River, Robertson Quay is one of Singapore’s three largest wharfs. The 120-acre (50-hectare) district offers a diverse mix of restaurants, wine bars, and art galleries, in addition to warehouses built in European and Chinese styles.

Part of Singapore’s heritage-rich Civic District, the sleek Esplanade Park boasts some of the nation’s most interesting historical landmarks. Top sights include the Lim Bo Seng Memorial, a fine example of Chinese architecture; the Cenotaph war memorial; and the Victorian-styled Ta King Seng Fountain.

Step inside the world’s largest glass greenhouse and into perpetual spring at the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. Containing more than 130,000 plants from five continents, and flower displays that change on a seasonal basis, the 2.9-acre (1.2-hectare) conservatory emulates the cool and dry climate of the Mediterranean.

Located near downtown Singapore, Bugis Street is one of the largest and most famous shopping areas in the city. Formerly a red light district and gathering spot for the transgender community, today this covered market is home to hundreds of stalls and shops selling everything from clothing and accessories to electronics and souvenirs.

The multicultural Katong district of Singapore displays architectural influences from Britain, Portugal, China, France, and Malaysia. There are many beautiful villas and mansions here that once belonged to the wealthy elite. Nowadays, this residential district is worth visiting for its food and Peranakan (Straits Chinese) culture.

Explore the charming neighborhood of Tiong Bahru, where old-world charm blends seamlessly with modern vibes. This historic district is famed for its mix of art deco architecture, indie boutiques, authentic cuisine, and vibrant street art. Located just outside the city center, it captures the essence of Singapore's cultural evolution.