Things to do in Singapore

Singapore packs an astonishing range of experiences into a small island—hawker centres, world-class museums, futuristic gardens, and family-friendly pa…

Singapore packs an astonishing range of experiences into a small island—hawker centres, world-class museums, futuristic gardens, and family-friendly parks all sit within easy reach. The food, the shopping, and the outdoor spaces each draw their own crowds, and there is always something to do.

Start with the food. Lau Pa Sat and Maxwell Food Centre are iconic hawker centres where you can eat your way through local classics like chicken rice and satay. For a different vibe, Tiong Bahru Market mixes a lively food court with a traditional wet market. When you need a break from eating, the city's green spaces deliver: Supertree Grove and Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay are unlike anything else, while East Coast Park offers a sandy beach, cycling paths, and water sports. Families will find plenty of indoor options too, from KidZania Singapore's role-playing city to the Singapore Zoo's rainforest habitats.

Frequently asked questions about Singapore

What are the must-try local dishes in Singapore?

You'll want to try chicken rice, satay, and chili crab. Hawker centres like Maxwell Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat are great places to start—Maxwell is especially famous for its chicken rice. Don't skip the dessert stalls either; try ice kacang or chendol.

What are the best free things to do in Singapore?

Many of Singapore's top attractions are free. Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay is free to walk through, and the nightly Spectra - A Light & Water Show at Marina Bay is free to watch. You can also stroll across The Helix Bridge or explore the historic streets of Chinatown without spending a cent.

Is Singapore a good destination for families with kids?

Absolutely. Singapore Zoo is a rainforest zoo with tram rides and trails that kids love. Indoor playgrounds like KidZania Singapore and Kiztopia @ Marina Square offer hours of role-play and soft play. For outdoor fun, East Coast Park has a skate park and water sports, and Wild Wild Wet is a full water park with slides and a lazy river.

Where can I find the best shopping in Singapore?

For high-end brands, head to ION Orchard or Marina Bay Sands. If you prefer street shopping, Bugis Street is a lively stretch with dozens of apparel shops and souvenirs. VivoCity is one of the largest malls and also has restaurants and a cinema, making it a good all-round option.

What are some unique outdoor experiences in Singapore?

Gardens by the Bay is a must—Supertree Grove's towering vertical gardens light up at night, and Cloud Forest has a stunning indoor waterfall. For a more active outing, East Coast Park offers cycling and water sports, while Fort Canning Park is a historic hilltop green space that hosts concerts and plays.

Things to do in Singapore

RestaurantPhoto of Lau Pa Sat — Restaurant

Lau Pa Sat

Rebuilt Victorian covered hawker centre in CBD with local delicacies & international food stalls.

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Western RestaurantPhoto of Citrus By The Pool — Western Restaurant

Citrus By The Pool

Casual restaurant with a trendy vibe offering an eclectic menu of international comfort food.

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ParkPhoto of Merlion Park — Park

Merlion Park

The 70-ton merlion statue is one of the city's most iconic sights & is located in this park.

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Shopping MallPhoto of Jurong Point — Shopping Mall

Jurong Point

Vibrant mall offering a variety of shops, a Pan-Asian food court & health/fitness/beauty services.

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Shopping MallPhoto of ION Orchard — Shopping Mall

ION Orchard

Modern, multi-level mall featuring designer clothing & accessory stores, along with dining options.

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GardenPhoto of Supertree Grove — GardenOur original photo

Supertree Grove

Unique vertical gardens resembling towering trees, with large canopies & colorful lights at night.

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Shopping MallPhoto of VivoCity — Shopping Mall

VivoCity

Expansive, modern shopping center hosting a wide range of retailers, restaurants & theaters.

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Ferris wheelPhoto of Singapore Flyer — Ferris wheel

Singapore Flyer

Huge observation wheel opened in 2008 for views of the city plus high tea & butler-serviced flights.

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ZooPhoto of Singapore Zoo — Zoo

Singapore Zoo

Rainforest zoo with tram rides, trails & viewing platforms to see wildlife habitats & exhibits.

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Botanical GardenPhoto of Cloud Forest — Botanical Garden

Cloud Forest

Lush vegetation of the tropical highlands & a tall waterfall in a soaring, contemporary greenhouse.

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AquariumPhoto of Singapore Oceanarium — Aquarium

Singapore Oceanarium

Large aquarium & resort featuring 800 species of marine life in a variety of habitats.

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RestaurantPhoto of Maxwell Food Centre — Restaurant

Maxwell Food Centre

Chinatown hawker center with stands selling street food including famous chicken rice & dim sum.

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GardenPhoto of Flower Dome — Garden

Flower Dome

Gigantic air-conditioned glass greenhouse offering themed gardens with many exotic plants.

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Western RestaurantPhoto of Josh's Grill — Western Restaurant

Josh's Grill

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GardenPhoto of Gardens by the Bay — Garden

Gardens by the Bay

A network of modern greenhouses & waterfront parks containing super trees lined with solar cells.

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FountainPhoto of Merlion — Fountain

Merlion

Iconic, 8.5m-tall statue with the body of a fish & head of a lion, shooting water from its mouth.

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Amusement CenterPhoto of Universal Studios Singapore — Amusement Center

Universal Studios Singapore

Movie amusement park with sets & rides on themes from Hollywood to sci-fi, plus live entertainment.

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ParkPhoto of East Coast Park — Park

East Coast Park

White, sandy beach with a skate park, water sports & sports facilities, plus local food sellers.

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Botanical GardenPhoto of Singapore Botanic Gardens — Botanical Garden

Singapore Botanic Gardens

82-hectare botanical garden with sculptures, a swan lake & significant collection of tropical trees.

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Photo of Night Safari

Night Safari

Night zoo with tram rides and walking trails through rainforest past elephants, tigers & leopards.

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