25 Best Things to Do in Singapore for First-Time Visitors

There are a variety of things to do in Singapore, from romantic to adventurous and luxurious. Places like Marina Bay or Merlion Park offer something unique for all types of travelers.
In this blog, we will further discuss the best things to do in Singapore in detail. Read ahead and have a memorable Singapore trip.

The Best Things to Do in Singapore - A Quick Snapshot

There are cultural experiences, world-class iconic attractions, family-friendly entertainment options, and plenty of adventure activities to enjoy in Singapore. Whether you are going alone, with family, with friends, with corporate folks, or with your spouse, here is a simplified table suggesting things to do in Singapore.

Category	Recommendation
Families	Universal Studios, Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, and S.E.A. Aquarium
Couples	Marina Bay Sands Skypark, Singapore River Cruise, Gardens by the Bay, and Sentosa Beaches
Nature Lovers	Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Botanic Gardens, MacRitchie Reservoir, and Southern Ridges
Adventure Seekers	Skyline Luge Sentosa, AJ Hackett Sentosa, Mega Adventure Park, and Indoor Skydiving
Foodies	Maxwell Food Center, Lau Pa Sat, Chinatown Food Street, and Little India
Shopping	Orchard Road, VivoCity, Bugis Street, and Jewel Changi Airport
Culture & Heritage	Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam, and National Museum of Singapore
Nightlife	Clarke Quay, Marina Bay, Spectra Light & Water Show, and Rooftop Bars
Instagram-worthy	Changi Airport, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and Hai Lane

12 Best Things to Do in Singapore

Singapore is small, but its amusement options are huge. Once you are there, you literally have to juggle between activities, as there are too many things to do in Singapore. In this segment, we will take you through various locations and the special things they offer.

Gardens by the Bay

In the heart of Marina Bay lies this futuristic nature park spread across 101 hectares. From Supertrees, conservatories, and light shows, there are attractive things to grab anyone’s attention here. Thus, visiting this place is one of the top things to do in Singapore.

Key Highlights

• Supertree Grove - The iconic vertical garden comes alive with the light and sound show, Garden Rhapsody.
• Cloud Forest - Find the world’s tallest indoor waterfall here.
• Flower Dome - Discover colorful blooms from across the world that are carefully displayed in the world’s largest glass greenhouse.
• OCBC Skyway - Enjoy breathtaking views of Marina Bay and the Supertrees from here.

Best Time	November to February. Visit after 5 P.M.
Entry Fees	Cloud Forest & Flower Dome - SGD 20 to 32 (may vary)
Time Required	3 - 5 hours
Pro Tip	Arrive in the late afternoon

Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

One of the best things to do in Singapore is exploring the SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands. With 57 floors, you will get the best panoramic view of the city. The observation deck is one of the top places to visit in Singapore because you get to see the iconic landmarks when the city is lit up, and that’s a view never to forget.

Key Highlights

• A 360-degree view of the city.
• You can enjoy magical sunrises, sunsets, and night skies from here.
• Explore the luxury shopping mall, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
• Witness the Spectra Light & Water Show from above.
• Fine dining with a dazzling panoramic cityscape view is an unforgettable experience.

Best Time	Late afternoon hours - 4:30 P.M. to 7:00 P.M.
Entry Fees	SGD 35 - 45 (may change)
Time Required	1 - 2 hours
Pro Tip	Enter just before sunset, so that you get to witness Singapore in daylight as well as in dark.

Sentosa Island

A visit to Singapore is incomplete without exploring Sentosa Island. You can go there for a half day excursion or spend a day or two, depending on your Singapore itinerary. Sentosa is renowned for entertainment, relaxation, and adventure and is well-connected with the mainland via roadways, monorail, and cable car.

Key Highlights

• The Hollywood movie-themed adventure rides are the most fascinating things to experience at Universal Studios.
• There are peaceful beaches for you to relax on, like Tanjong Beach, Siloso Beach, and Palawan Beach.
• S.E.A. Aquarium is another intriguing place to go in Singapore for discovering a large variety of marine species.
• Enjoy the cable car ride for the aerial view of the island, and for an adrenaline rush, choose Skyline Luge, Mega Adventure Park, and AJ Hackett Sentosa.
• Don’t miss Madame Tussauds for an interactive celebrity exhibit.

Best Time	Weekdays in February to April
Entry Fees	SGD 4 - 8 (depending on mode of entry); individual attractions have separate prices
Time Required	Half day to full day
Pro Tip	Start you day early and use combo tickets or passes.

Universal Studios Singapore

One of the most exciting things to do in Singapore is visit the Universal Studios that’s jam-packed with adrenaline-rushing activities. World-class rides, live entertainment, and themed attractions make this place attractive to families with kids, teenagers, groups of friends, and any adventure enthusiast.

Key Highlights

• Transformers: The Ride, Battlestar Galactica, or Revenge of the Mummy are some of the most famous and thrilling rides here.
• There are 7 themed zones—Hollywood, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, Jurassic Park, New York, Far Far Away, and The Lost World.
• Get the golden opportunity to meet famous movie characters like the Minions, Shrek, Sesame Street friends, etc.
• Seasonal events, live shows, and street performances.

Best Time	Weekdays (Tuesdays to Thursdays) in February to April or July to September
Entry Fees	SGD 76 - 85/adult and 59 - 65/child (may vary depending on ticket type or promotions
Time Required	6 - 8 hours or full day
Pro Tip	Purchase tickets online to avoid standing in queues.

Singapore Zoo & Night Safari Adventure

People love this place for an exclusive interaction with the wildlife in a thoughtfully designed habitat. Guided tram rides and walking trails take you through the diverse nocturnal world, and that`s an unforgettable experience. Ensure you have this in your Singapore tour package.

Key Highlights

• Explore more than 4200 animals representing almost 300 species here.
• Enjoy the tram ride for the night safari gliding through various geographical zones.
• You can get to watch animal feeding.
• Spot rare wildlife like Asian elephants, white tigers, Malayan tapirs, and clouded leopards.
• Dine at wildlife-themed restaurants overlooking the rainforest.

Best Time	After 7:15 P.M. or sunset but for zoo daytime is the best
Entry Fees	SGD 49/adult and SGD 34/child - Singapore Zoo SGD 58/adult and SGD 41/child - Night Safari
Time Required	4 - 5 hours
Pro Tip	Purchase combo tickets. Book tickets well in advance.

Explore Chinatown

One of the most famous Singapore tourist activities is exploring Chinatown. People love the vibe of this place with charming cafés, boutique stores, and busy markets. Rich in culture and culinary presentations, you get to see the vibrant culture of the city here. Thus, exploring Chinatown remains one of the best things to do in Singapore.

Key Highlights

• Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
• Explore the heritage shophouses lining the streets of Singapore.
• Find souvenirs, handicrafts, clothing, and local snacks here easily.
• Enjoy lip-smacking Chinese, Singaporean, and Peranakan delicacies at the Maxwell Food Center.
• Discover hidden murals and colorful streets that narrate Chinatown’s history.

Best Time	Evenings in February to April and July to September
Entry Fees	Free
Time Required	2 - 4 hours
Pro Tip	Late afternoon is best for cultural attractions and lively market.

Little India

As the name suggests, this place is actually India outside of India. The Indian traditions, heritage, and flavors of the community here make this place fascinating. The streets, temples, spice shops, and authentic restaurants line the area. Indians who cannot stay without Indian food must come here. Visiting Little India is one of the best things to do in Singapore for shopping and eating.

Key Highlights

• Seek divine blessings at Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, which is one of the oldest Hindu temples in the city.
• Then, walk around the vibrant streets filled with various shops and buy souvenirs, textiles, spices, etc.
• You will find delicious North Indian and South Indian dishes here.
• The heritage buildings here add an old-world charm in this busy city.

Best Time	Morning - 9A.M. to 11 A.M. for sightseeing Evening - 5 P.M. onwards for shopping
Entry Fees	Free
Time Required	2 - 3 hours
Pro Tip	Compare prices at the market before buying.

National Gallery of Singapore

The National Gallery of Singapore is located in the restored Supreme Court and City Hall buildings. It boasts an extensive collection of artworks by renowned artists from Singapore as well as other Southeast Asian regions. You will gauge the cultural, artistic, and historic evolution of this country here. So, for art, history, and culture enthusiasts, exploring this gallery is the best thing to do in Singapore.

Key Highlights

• Check out 8000+ artworks here that make this gallery one of the largest public collections of art in Southeast Asia.
• Discover the colonial architecture of the place.
• From the rooftop, view the stunning skyline.
• Take guided tours and attend workshops and art talks.

Best Time	Weekday Mornings - 10 A.M. to 12 P.M.
Entry Fees	SGD 20 - 25/adult; some areas are free
Time Required	2 - 4 hours
Pro Tip	Check the exhibition calendar before visiting the gallery and wear comfortable walking shoes as this place is quite extensive.

Orchard Road Shopping

You cannot end your Singapore tour without visiting the premier shopping destination of the city. The iconic boulevard lined by shops is almost 2 km long, where you will find varieties of regional and international brands alongside eateries. Spending time here is thus one of the best things to do in Singapore.

Key Highlights

• ION Orchard, Paragon, Ngee Ann City, and Orchard Central are the world-renowned places where you can shop your heart out.
• From local designer boutiques to the best electronic items, luxury stores to high-street fashion houses—you will find everything here.
• For massive discounts, attend the Great Singapore Sale.
• Enjoy dining at charming cafés, restaurants, and food courts known for global cuisine.

Best Time	Year round but June to August is the best for the shopping festival
Entry Fees	Free
Time Required	3 - 5 hours
Pro Tip	Carry your passport to claim GST.

Clarke Quay Nightlife Experience

For the party animals, visiting Clarke Quay and exploring the nightlife is perhaps the best thing to do in Singapore. This waterfront precinct is filled with beautiful options of nightclubs, rooftop lounges, live-music venues, and riverside restaurants for wholesome entertainment.

Key Highlights

• The riverside clubs and bars are wonderful.
• Enjoy live music performances or DJ nights and themed parties.
• Get handcrafted cocktails at the stylish rooftop bars.
• The colorful lights at night make Clarke Quay way more beautiful, and you must capture pictures of that.

Best Time	Weekends are the best Evenings - 7 P.M. onwards till midnight
Entry Fees	Generally, between SGD 20 - 40/person depending on venue and event
Time Required	2 - 4 hours
Pro Tip	Arrive in the early evening for happy hour meals.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Stretching over 82 hectares, this UNESCO World Heritage Site exploration is one of the best things to do in Singapore. With themed gardens, tropical trees, vibrant flowers, and rich biodiversity, this peaceful oasis in the midst of the bustling city offers the perfect escape you need.

Key Highlights

• With 100 orchid species and 2000 hybrid varieties, the National Orchid Garden is the key highlight.
• Enjoy walking around scenic trails, swan lakes, tropical flora, and centuries-old rain trees.
• Visit the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden—an interactive nature park that your kids would love.
• The themed gardens like Ginger Garden, Fragrant Garden, Healing Garden, and Evolution Garden are fascinating.
• The gorgeous landscaped gardens, serene lakes, and flowers everywhere make this garden a stunning photography spot.

Best Time	February to April Early Mornings - 7 A.M. to 10 A.M. Late Afternoons - 4 P.M. to 6:30 P.M.
Entry Fees	Free except Orchid Garden that charges SGD 15/adults (discounts for students and children)
Time Required	2 - 4 hours
Pro Tip	Arrive early in the morning for cooler temperatures and wear comfortable walking shoes.

Spectra Light & Water Show

One of the major things to do in Singapore is the light and water show at the Marina Bay. This show highlights the pinnacle of technology, visual artistry, and creativity, providing wholesome entertainment for all. People of all age groups from kids to seniors would enjoy watching this spectacular show.

Key Highlights

• Water jets, laser lights, orchestra music, and visual projections create a spectacular show that you will never forget.
• The Marina Bay reflections on the waterfront make the ambiance even more beautiful.
• With multimedia technology, the storytelling gets more fascinating.
• Capture multiple pictures.

Best Time	Evenings around 8 - 9 P.M.
Entry Fees	Free
Time Required	30 - 45 minutes
Pro Tip	Arrive half an hour early to get the best spots.

Best Free Things to Do in Singapore

Singapore proves that even in an expensive country also, you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy it. There are many free things to do in Singapore that will equally fill your hearts with happiness. Check the simplified table below to know the free things to do in Singapore.

Free Attractions	Reasons	Duration	Best For
Merlion Park	Check the national mascot of Singapore - half lion and half fish	30 - 60 minutes	First-time visitors and photographers
Outdoor Gardens of Gardens by the Bay	Landscaped gardens with exotic plants and waterfront views	1 - 2 hours	Nature lovers, budget travelers, and families
Singapore Botanic Gardens	UNESCO Site, lakes, tropical trees and flowers, and scenic trails	2 - 3 hours	Families, nature lovers, and photographers
Haji Lane	Colorful street art, cafés, and Instagram-worthy corners	1 - 2 hours	Couples, Photographers, and Youngsters
East Coastal Park	Relax by the beach	2 - 4 hours	Families and solo travelers
Marina Bay Waterfront	Leisure walk soaking the city skyline	1 - 2 hours	Couples and photographers
Fort Canning Park	Spiral staircase, historic landmarks, and gardens	1 - 2 hours	Photographers, History lovers, and nature lovers
Henderson Waves	Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge	1 - 2 hours	Hikers and nature lovers

Things to Do at Singapore Airport

Many people praise Singapore Changi Airport for its beauty, cleanliness, and decoration, making it one of the most beautiful airports in the world. You can easily spend an entire day inside the airport without ever stepping out into the city and still find it captivating. Modernity meets creativity at this airport, and there are many things to do here. When you are in a long layover, here is a simplified table showing the best things to do in Singapore airport.

Experience	What to Expect
Rain Vortex	World’s tallest indoor waterfall; light and sound show in the evening
Canopy Park	Walking trails; hedge mazes; interactive play areas; landscaped gardens
Butterfly Garden	1000 butterflies amidst greenery
Sunflower Garden	Rooftop garden with bright sunflowers and breathtaking city views
Movie Theatre	Catch the latest releases
Shopping	Luxury boutique shops; international fashion brands; electronics; cosmetics; souvenirs; duty-free shops
Food court	Asian food, Singaporean street food delights, and international cuisine
Indoor Forest	Multi-level indoor rainforest with tropical plants, waterfalls, and scenic trails
Skytrain Ride	The free Skytrain connects the terminals and you can enjoy views of the Rain Vortex, Jewel, and airport gardens along the way.

Singapore Trip Cost - An Overview

Singapore offers a diverse experience to travelers of all types. In this segment, you will learn the Singapore trip cost so that you can plan for your future international travel. We have provided a daily expense to help you budget for your trip.

Category	Expenses (INR) per person/day
Hotel	7800 - 19,500 (per night)
Food	650 - 1950
Metro	195 - 250
Local Attractions	1950 - 6000
Shopping	3250 - 13,000
Average Daily Budget	11,000 - 28,500 per person

P.S. The rates mentioned in the table are subject to change depending on the travel season, hotel category, dining preferences, shopping nature, personal expenditure, and exchange rates.

Best Time to Enjoy These Activities in Singapore

The best time to visit Singapore is between February and April. In this segment, we will let you know which would be the best season or time to enjoy certain activities. Refer to the table mentioned below.

Season	Months	Things to do in Singapore
Spring	March - May	Gardens by the Bay, Sentosa Island, Marina Bay, Nature Parks, and Sightseeing tours
Summer	June - August	Great Singapore Sale, Universal Studios, Water Parks, Beaches, and Family vacations
Autumn	September - November	Night Safari, Singapore Grand Prix, cultural tours, river cruises, and food trails
Winter	December - February	Orchard Road Christmas, Marina Bay Countdown, Holiday Shopping, and Spectra Light & Water Show

Travel Tips for First-Time Visitors

Singapore is a tourist-friendly nation, and that’s why even first-time visitors won’t face any problem. The natives are warm and hospitable, but still, you should know some travel tips for Singapore to enjoy your stay here.

• Please remember that MRT, or Mass Rapid Transit, in Singapore is the fastest, most effective, most affordable, and cleanest mode of transport.
• If you have made up your mind for MRT trains and buses, it`s suggested you buy an EZ-Link card for contactless payments. The card is also a cost-effective measure.
• It’s a humid place, and you will be thirsty while sightseeing. The public drinking water at refill stations is safe, and you should carry reusable bottles for that.
• If you visit between October and January, the time when it rains here, you can get the best hotels in Singapore at a discounted rate.
• Book tickets for major attractions like Universal Studios or Singapore Flyer online and in advance.
• Sudden rainfall is common here. So, remember to carry your umbrella and rain jacket.
• Wear comfortable walking or running shoes, as you have to walk a lot.
• There are plenty of things to do in Singapore, and you will perspire a lot in the hot and humid weather here. Therefore, it is advised to carry lightweight clothes with breathable fabrics.
• Any kind of littering, vandalism, and smoking in public areas is strictly prohibited. You must respect the local rules.

Conclusion

The cultural diaspora of Singapore is familiar with India, and that’s another reason why it’s so famous among Indians. Every year the percentage of Indians visiting Singapore is increasing. A romantic honeymoon, a solo trip, a family vacation, a group tour with friends or colleagues, a luxury holiday, or budget travel—Singapore is ready to offer all of you something special. There are some exciting things to do in Singapore that will be loved by everyone from kids to adults. This is a stunning country with futuristic skyscrapers, iconic landmarks, and a lot of history. So, if you are planning a trip to Singapore, this blog will be beneficial.

For more details on this country, you may read our blog on the Singapore travel guide.

FAQs:

What are the top five things to do in Singapore?

The top five things to do in Singapore generally include Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, exploring Sentosa Island, visiting Universal Studios, riding the Singapore flyer, and exploring Little India and Chinatown.

What should you not miss in Singapore?

Don’t miss the Garden Rhapsody Light Show at Gardens by the Bay, a stroll along Marina Bay, visiting the Merlion Park, the Night Safari, and shopping & dining on Orchard Road.

What are the must-try foods in Singapore?

Chili crab, Hainanese chicken rice, satay, laksa, kaya toast, and many such varieties of lip-smacking food are there to try in Singapore, especially at the hawker centers.

What is the best time to visit Singapore?

February to April is generally considered the best time to visit Singapore. These months have pleasant weather and low rainfall, providing excellent conditions for sightseeing and city exploration.

Is Singapore expensive for Indian citizens?

Yes, Singapore is considered moderately expensive for Indian citizens.

What are the free things to do in Singapore?

There are a few things that are free in Singapore, like Merlion Park, the Gardens by the Bay outdoor garden, the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, Singapore Botanic Gardens, Fort Canning Park, and the vibrant streets of Chinatown and Little India.

How many days are ideal for Singapore?

4-5 days are enough for exploring Singapore.

Is Singapore good for honeymoon couples?

Yes, Singapore is an excellent option for a honeymoon, as it has plenty of options, such as luxury resorts, romantic cruises, rooftop dining, and scenic gardens.

How safe is Singapore for solo travelers?

Singapore is extremely safe for solo travelers. In fact, Singapore is considered one of the safest travel destinations in the world with efficient public transport, a low crime rate, and a tourist-friendly, hospitable environment.

Do Indian travelers require a visa for Singapore?

Yes, Indians would require a visa for visiting Singapore.