Things to Do in Singapore

Singapore packs a remarkable range into a small island. Within a 30-minute MRT ride from any central hotel, you can move between a UNESCO-listed botanic garden, a nineteenth-century Chinese temple, a hawker centre serving some of the world’s most affordable good food, and a waterfront where a free light show runs nightly. The city is compact, the public transport is excellent, and the major attractions are well-spaced rather than concentrated in a single tourist strip.

This guide covers what Singapore offers, organized by type of experience. Each section includes what things cost, what time of day works best, and where the free version of something exists alongside the paid one.

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay occupies 101 hectares on reclaimed land beside Marina Bay. The outdoor park is free to enter and worth seeing at any time of day. The paid conservatories require a separate ticket and are where most visitors spend the majority of their time.

• Cloud Forest. A 35-metre mountain covered in tropical vegetation inside a cooled glass dome. Around S$28 (~USD 21) per adult. The mist and scale make it one of the more genuinely impressive things in the city.
• Flower Dome. The world’s largest glass greenhouse by volume, with rotating seasonal displays throughout the year. Around S$28 (~USD 21) per adult. A combo ticket covering both domes costs around S$53 (~USD 39).
• Supertree Grove. The outdoor grove of towering steel trees, up to 50 metres tall, is free to walk through. The OCBC Skyway, a 128-metre aerial walkway connecting two of the Supertrees at 22 metres above the ground, charges around S$14 (~USD 10.50).
• Garden Rhapsody. A free nightly light and sound show projected onto the Supertrees. Runs at 7:45pm and 8:45pm daily. Arrive 10 minutes early and position yourself in the central area of the grove facing the tallest cluster.

Plan a minimum of half a day if visiting both conservatories. The Cloud Forest can sell out during school holiday periods — book online before arriving. The outdoor grove and Garden Rhapsody can be combined with the Spectra show at Marina Bay in a single evening without any tickets required.

Marina Bay at Night: The Free Spectacles

The Marina Bay waterfront is one of the few places in Singapore where the best option is also the free one. Most of what makes the area worth seeing costs nothing.

• Spectra. A water, light, and laser show projected over Marina Bay from the Event Plaza in front of Marina Bay Sands. Free to watch from the waterfront promenade. Runs at 8pm and 9pm Sunday to Thursday, with an additional 10pm show on Friday and Saturday. The best viewing position is along the promenade opposite the hotel, near the Merlion statue.
• Merlion Park. Singapore’s most recognizable landmark — an 8-metre lion-head statue on the waterfront. Worth a 10-minute stop for the photograph and the view across the bay. Free and open around the clock. The view from here is largely the same as from the broader waterfront promenade, so treat it as a waypoint rather than a destination.
• Helix Bridge. The pedestrian bridge connecting Marina Centre to Marina Bay Sands has a double-helix steel structure and makes for a pleasant evening walk between the two sides of the bay. Free, open 24 hours.
• Marina Bay Sands SkyPark observation deck. The rooftop observation deck offers unobstructed views of the skyline and Gardens by the Bay. Non-hotel guests pay around S$26 (~USD 19) for adults and S$20 (~USD 15) for children. Tickets are purchased at the SkyPark counter in Tower 3. Hotel guests access the deck with their room key.

Sentosa Island: Beaches, Shows, and Resort Attractions

Sentosa is a resort island connected to the southern tip of Singapore by cable car, monorail, and a free pedestrian boardwalk. It holds the bulk of Singapore’s large paid attractions. Budget a full day if combining more than two activities.

• Getting there. The Sentosa Boardwalk is a covered pedestrian walkway from VivoCity mall — free and takes around 10 to 15 minutes on foot. The Sentosa Express monorail departs from VivoCity Level 3 for around S$4 (~USD 3) using an EZ-Link card; travel within Sentosa and the return journey to VivoCity are free. The cable car from Mount Faber costs around S$35 (~USD 26) return — scenic rather than efficient.
• Beaches. Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong beaches run along the southern side of the island. Entry is free. Sun lounger and umbrella rental runs around S$3 to S$5 (~USD 2.25 to 3.75) per item. The beaches are clean and accessible. The setting is not comparable to beaches in Thailand or Bali; the appeal is proximity to the city rather than scenery.
• Wings of Time. An outdoor water and pyrotechnics show at Siloso Beach. Around S$18 (~USD 13.50) standard, S$27 (~USD 20) premium. Runs twice nightly. Book online to secure seats in the upper tiers.
• S.E.A. Aquarium. One of the world’s largest aquariums by number of species, with a 36-metre panoramic viewing panel. Around S$48 (~USD 36) adults, S$35 (~USD 26) children. Takes around 2 hours. Pre-booking recommended during school holidays.
• Universal Studios Singapore. The theme park at Resorts World Sentosa has its own full guide: Universal Studios Singapore.

Hawker Centres: Where Singaporeans Eat

Singapore’s hawker centres are covered open-air food courts with individual licensed stall operators. UNESCO added hawker culture to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list in 2020. A full meal of one main dish, a vegetable side, and a drink typically costs between S$5 and S$12 (~USD 3.75 to 9). Several centres stand out for different reasons.

• Maxwell Food Centre (Chinatown, Chinatown MRT). The most visitor-friendly of the central hawker centres. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice has been operating here for decades and draws a consistent queue. Arrive before noon or after 2pm to avoid the longest waits.
• Lau Pa Sat (Raffles Place area, Raffles Place MRT). A Victorian cast-iron market building now operating as a hawker centre. The main reason to come after 7pm is Satay Street: a row of satay stalls that sets up along Boon Tat Street outside the building, operating until midnight. Pork, chicken, mutton, and prawn satay grilled over charcoal, around S$0.70 to S$0.90 (~USD 0.50 to 0.70) per skewer.
• Old Airport Road Food Centre (Dakota MRT, EW4). The largest of the major centres and the least tourist-heavy. Strong local reputation across multiple stalls for Hokkien mee, carrot cake, rojak, and laksa.
• Newton Food Centre (Newton MRT, NS21). Late-night opening and a convenient location near Orchard Road. Popular with tourists; prices run higher than other centres at some stalls. A reasonable late-night option but not the best introduction to hawker culture.

Claiming a table by leaving a packet of tissue paper on a seat before joining a queue is standard practice in Singapore and widely understood. Cash is preferred at most stalls; PayNow and card terminals are increasingly common but not universal. For Michelin-starred hawker stalls and more hawker centres beyond these four, see where to eat in Singapore.

Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam

Three of Singapore’s most distinct heritage districts sit within a few kilometres of each other in the central area. All three are walkable, free to explore, and best visited in the late afternoon and early evening when light and street activity are at their peak.

• Chinatown (Chinatown MRT, NE4/DT19). Sri Mariamman Temple on South Bridge Road is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple; free entry, remove footwear at the gate. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple on South Bridge Road is a five-storey Buddhist complex with a rooftop garden; free to enter, the fourth floor has views over the street. The Chinatown Street Market along Pagoda and Trengganu Streets sells souvenirs, dried foods, and tourist goods.
• Little India (Little India MRT, NE7/DT12). Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple on Serangoon Road is a working Hindu temple with an intricate gopuram tower; free to enter, remove footwear. Mustafa Centre at Syed Alwi Road is a 24-hour department store selling electronics, groceries, textiles, and a wide range of everyday goods. It is open every day including public holidays and is particularly useful for late-night shopping (more on Mustafa and the rest of Singapore’s shopping scene).
• Kampong Glam (Bugis MRT, EW12/DT14). Sultan Mosque on North Bridge Road is the largest mosque in Singapore; non-Muslims may enter outside prayer times with shoulders and knees covered. Haji Lane behind the mosque is a narrow street with street art murals, vintage clothing shops, and independent cafes. Arab Street runs parallel with textile and carpet shops that reflect the district’s trading heritage.

Walking the full circuit from Chinatown to Kampong Glam takes around 3 to 4 hours at a comfortable pace. A single MRT ride connects Chinatown to Little India via the North East Line; Kampong Glam is a short walk or Grab ride from Bugis station.

Tiong Bahru: Local Singapore Off the Tourist Map

Tiong Bahru is a residential estate built from the 1930s as Singapore’s first public housing project. The curved art deco apartment blocks still stand, and the neighborhood has developed a distinct character around independent bookshops, specialty coffee, and a weekend market following. It sees far fewer tourists than the central heritage districts.

• Tiong Bahru Market (30 Seng Poh Road). The wet market on Level 1 operates from early morning. The hawker centre on Level 2 is particularly good for breakfast: chai tow kway (carrot cake), soon kueh, and kaya toast. On weekends, arrive by 9am before it fills.
• BooksActually (9 Yong Siak Street). An independent bookshop known for its Southeast Asian literature section and a small publishing imprint. One of the more unusual retail institutions in Singapore.
• Yong Siak Street and Kim Pong Road. The main cluster of cafes and small restaurants. Less commercial than the Duxton Hill area; better for a slow morning than a late-night outing.

Tiong Bahru MRT (EW17) is one stop from Outram Park interchange. The estate is compact — the main streets worth walking take about 30 minutes to cover end to end.

Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

The Mandai Wildlife Reserve in northwest Singapore holds three separate parks on the same site. They share an entrance area but require individual tickets. Most visitors choose one or two rather than all three in a single visit.

• Singapore Zoo. Around S$46 (~USD 34) adults, S$31 (~USD 23) children. Open approximately 8:30am to 6pm daily. Known for open-concept enclosures with water barriers and hidden fences rather than bars. The free-ranging orangutan habitat is the most photographed section.
• Night Safari. Around S$55 (~USD 41) adults, S$36 (~USD 27) children. Gates open at 7:15pm. A separate park from the zoo — the ticket covers a 40-minute tram ride through eight habitats and four walking trails. Arrive before 7:30pm to board the first tram departure. Pre-book online: the park sells out on Friday and Saturday evenings. Animals include Malayan tapirs, fishing cats, sunda colugos, and spotted hyenas.
• River Wonders. Around S$42 (~USD 31) adults, S$28 (~USD 21) children. Open approximately 10am to 7pm. River-themed exhibits drawing on habitats from the Amazon, Yangtze, Mekong, and Congo. The giant panda enclosure is here. Combination tickets for Zoo and Night Safari, or Zoo and River Wonders, are available at a modest saving.

Getting there: take the MRT to Khatib (NS14, North-South Line) and board the Mandai Khatib Shuttle, which runs daily for S$1 (~USD 0.75) each way. The timetable is on the Mandai Wildlife Reserve website. Grab from the city center takes around 25 to 30 minutes.

Clarke Quay and the Singapore River

The Singapore River between Clarke Quay and Boat Quay is lined with restored colonial shophouses — the commercial center of nineteenth-century Singapore, now restaurants, bars, and offices. An evening walk along the river is free and takes about 45 minutes at a slow pace from Clarke Quay to Boat Quay and back.

• Singapore River cruise (bumboat). Flat-bottomed boats run a 40-minute loop along the river between Clarke Quay and Marina Bay, passing Boat Quay, Cavenagh Bridge, and the Merlion. Around S$25 to S$30 (~USD 18 to 22) per adult. Operates daily from approximately 9am to 11pm. The post-7pm departure, when the quay lights are on, gives the better atmosphere.
• Clarke Quay (Clarke Quay MRT, NE5). The main bar and nightlife cluster on the river. Restaurants open from early evening; bar trade picks up after 10pm on weekends. Air-conditioned restaurants along the upper floors are quieter than the open-air riverside options below.
• Boat Quay (Raffles Place MRT, EW14/NS26). The stretch of shophouses on the south bank closer to the bay. Slightly quieter than Clarke Quay and less club-oriented — better for a dinner walk on weekend evenings when Clarke Quay is at its loudest.

Jewel Changi Airport

Jewel is a mixed-use complex attached to Terminal 1 at Changi Airport, holding retail, restaurants, and a set of indoor nature attractions. It is worth visiting without a flight, particularly for families or anyone with time between connections.

• Rain Vortex. A 40-metre indoor waterfall cascading through the center of the dome from Level 10 to the basement — the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Free to view from the surrounding terraces on Levels 5 and above. A light and sound show runs nightly on the Rain Vortex at 7:30pm, 8:30pm, and 9:30pm; free from the same vantage points.
• Canopy Park (Level 5). Paid indoor attractions including a walking net, a bouncing net, a hedge maze, and a mirror maze. Hedge and mirror mazes alone cost around S$20 (~USD 15) per person. A full Canopy Park package covering all attractions runs around S$45 (~USD 34). Height restrictions apply to the net attractions — check the Jewel website for current thresholds before purchasing tickets for children.
• Getting there. MRT to Changi Airport (CG1, East-West Line). A free pedestrian link connects the station and Terminals 1, 2, and 3 directly to Jewel. Terminal 4 passengers take the free T4 Shuttle bus to Terminal 2 and walk from there.

Free Singapore: What Costs Nothing

A meaningful part of what makes Singapore worth visiting costs nothing. Several of the best outdoor experiences in the city have no admission fee.

• Singapore Botanic Gardens (Botanic Gardens MRT, CC19). A UNESCO World Heritage Site covering 74 hectares of formal garden, heritage trees, and a symphony stage. Open approximately 5am to midnight daily; free to enter. The National Orchid Garden within the grounds — 60,000 plants from 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids — charges around S$15 (~USD 11) per adult. Everything outside the orchid garden is free, including the Lake Garden, ginger garden, and evolution garden.
• Southern Ridges. A 4.5km elevated walk connecting Mount Faber to HortPark and Kent Ridge Park through forest canopy. The Henderson Waves Bridge, a wave-form pedestrian structure 36 metres above the forest floor, is the centerpiece. Free, open 24 hours. The walk takes approximately 2 hours end to end. Starting from HarbourFront MRT (NE1/CC29) and walking toward Mount Faber gives the better elevation sequence.
• Fort Canning Park. A hilltop park with colonial-era fortifications and gardens. Free to enter, open 24 hours. Walking distance from Dhoby Ghaut MRT (NS24/NE6/CC1) and Clarke Quay. The Battle Box museum within the park charges separately for its underground bunker tour.
• Esplanade outdoor performances. The Esplanade — Theatres on the Bay runs free outdoor concerts and performances most evenings at the Outdoor Theatre and rooftop terrace. Performance schedules are posted at the concierge desks inside the building. Professional-quality events including orchestra, jazz, and traditional music at no cost.
• East Coast Park. A 15km coastal park running along the southeastern shoreline. Flat cycling path with bicycle hire from around S$8 (~USD 6) per hour at several rental points. Popular on weekend mornings. Accessible from Bedok MRT (EW5) or Kembangan MRT (EW6) with a short taxi or Grab ride to the park entrance.

Day Trips from Singapore

Two destinations sit within an hour of central Singapore and offer a sharp contrast to the city.

• Pulau Ubin. A small island off the northeast coast reached by bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The bumboat departs when 12 passengers have assembled and costs around S$3 (~USD 2.25) per person each way. Bicycle hire on the island runs around S$5 to S$10 (~USD 3.75 to 7.50) per day. Pulau Ubin retains the kampong (village) character that has largely disappeared from mainland Singapore: unpaved paths, free-roaming wildlife, and a pace that feels distant from the city 10 minutes away. To get there: MRT to Tanah Merah (EW4), then Bus 2 to Changi Village, then walk 5 minutes to the bumboat jetty.
• Johor Bahru, Malaysia. The city directly across the Johor-Singapore Causeway. Causeway Link buses depart from the Queen Street Bus Terminal and from Kranji MRT (NS7) for around S$3 to S$5 (~USD 2.25 to 3.75); the journey across the Causeway takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour depending on traffic. A passport is required. JB is popular among Singapore residents for food, shopping, and prices that run noticeably lower than Singapore across restaurants and retail.