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

Tourist AttractionPhoto of Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony — Tourist Attractionvia Google Maps

Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony

Modern venue featuring a nightly show with colorful lights, lasers, water fountains & 3D effects.

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Art museumPhoto of National Gallery Singapore — Art museumOur original photo

National Gallery Singapore

Museum of Singapore & Southeast Asian arts housed in a restored municipal building dating to 1929.

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Shopping MallPhoto of Plaza Singapura — Shopping Mallvia Google Maps

Plaza Singapura

Contemporary, multi-level mall with many popular stores, plus a movie theater & eateries.

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Shopping MallPhoto of AMK Hub — Shopping Mall

AMK Hub

Sizable, transportation-adjacent mall with many shops & eateries plus a supermarket & cineplex.

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Shopping MallPhoto of Marina Square — Shopping Mallvia Google Maps

Marina Square

Stalwart mall featuring retail shops for fashion & lifestyle goods, restaurants & a kids' play area.

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CafePhoto of Good Bites — Cafe

Good Bites

Homestyle mains & nibbles served in an understated restaurant inside a sports complex.

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Shopping MallPhoto of NEX — Shopping Mall

NEX

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Shopping MallPhoto of 313@somerset — Shopping Mallvia Google Maps

313@somerset

Modern, multi-floor mall offering a range of familiar international retailers, with dining options.

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Shopping MallPhoto of Chinatown Point — Shopping Mall

Chinatown Point

Lively, multi-story mall featuring diverse retailers, pan-Asian eateries & a Chinese-themed library.

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Shopping MallPhoto of Bugis Junction — Shopping Mall

Bugis Junction

Shopping mall with trendy stores for women's clothes & accessories, plus a food court & restaurants.

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Shopping MallPhoto of IMM Building — Shopping Mall

IMM Building

Busy shopping center with stores offering discount merchandise from upmarket international labels.

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Shopping MallPhoto of Northpoint City — Shopping Mall

Northpoint City

Sizable indoor mall with many specialty retailers & casual eateries, plus supermarkets & a cinema.

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MuseumPhoto of National Museum of Singapore — MuseumOur original photo

National Museum of Singapore

Classical & modern architecture converge in this large, vibrant museum of Singaporean artifacts.

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Shopping MallPhoto of Bedok Mall — Shopping Mall

Bedok Mall

Shopping standby with 200 stores & eateries on 3 floors, plus Wi-Fi & on-site bus/train access.

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Shopping MallPhoto of City Square Mall — Shopping Mall

City Square Mall

Spacious mall with a wide variety of shops & services, casual restaurants, a play area & a cinema.

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Shopping MallPhoto of Bugis Street — Shopping Mall

Bugis Street

Lively shopping street with dozens of apparel shops, food markets, souvenir stores & eateries.

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RestaurantPhoto of Tekka Centre — Restaurant

Tekka Centre

Mixed-use market building established in 1915 and located in this building since 1982.

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Shopping MallPhoto of Jem — Shopping Mall

Jem

Hundreds of stores & restaurants in a contemporary, multilevel indoor building with stylish decor.

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Performing Arts TheaterPhoto of Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, Singapore — Performing Arts Theater

Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, Singapore

Futuristic waterfront arts venue with 1,600-seat concert hall, 2,000-person theatre, studios & mall.

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MuseumPhoto of ArtScience Museum — Museum

ArtScience Museum

Design, science & technology exhibits in a distinctive, modern, flower-shaped building.

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