Singapore goes by many names – the Garden City and the Lion City just to name a few – but no name can truly describe the experience of traveling and staying in this larger-than-life city. As one of the most popular tourist destinations in Southeast Asia, Singapore isn’t exactly an “off the beaten path” destination, but it’s a cultural melting pot rich with delicious food, art and wonderful people.
Top Things to See and Do in Singapore
Whether you’re staying for a long weekend or two weeks, there’s plenty to see and do in this futuristic city-state.
No stay in Singapore is complete without a stop in Chinatown. Known as the cultural heart of Singapore, this district is home to several beautiful mosques, pagodas, shops and more.
For luxury shopping, head over to Orchard Road, the city’s premier shopping district. Here, you’ll find high-end shopping, coffee shops, cafes, hotels and nightclubs.
If you’re hungry, head over to Kreta Ayer’s Food Street for a bite to eat.
For a unique nightspot experience, take a tour through the Night Safari, the first wildlife park in the world to offer night tours. The park’s tram will take you on a guided tour of the safari’s 40 hectares of forests. Where else can you catch a glimpse of wild animals in their natural habitats at night?
Merlion Park is another must-see for anyone visiting Singapore, with the park’s iconic lion offering a great photo opportunity. Don’t forget to stop by the Gardens by the Bay, a 101-hectare nature park that offers stunning views of the Marina Bay.
Sentosa Island is home to an artificial, sheltered beach, and offers attractions for visitors of all ages. From a 4D movie theater to a dolphin lagoon and insect conservatory, the resort is a vacation all its own.
If you’re traveling with the kids, Universal Studios is a must-do. The park is the only one in Asia with a Hollywood theme, and takes you on a journey through some of the most popular films, including Battlestar Galactica, Jurassic Park, Madagascar, Shrek and Transformers. Take a stroll down the Walk of Fame, and dine at one of the many restaurants in the park.
For truly stunning views, head up to the Tiger Sky Tower, the tallest viewing tower in Singapore. The Tiger Sky Tower offers panoramic views of the city at 131m up in the sky.
Head over to the Singapore Botanic Gardens to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. The 156-year-old tropical garden is found just on the outskirts of Singapore’s main shopping belt. Designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this stunning garden has been ranked a top attraction since 2013. Top sites at the gardens include the Orchid Garden, Rainforest, Botany Centre, Ginger Garden and the Children’s Garden.
We managed to squeeze in all of these attractions during our week-long stay in this uniquely beautiful city, but there’s plenty more to see and do if you’re staying longer. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful getaway or something more adventurous, Singapore has something for every traveler.