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

Sports Activity LocationPhoto of NTUC Downtown East — Sports Activity Location

NTUC Downtown East

Expansive complex featuring shops, restaurants, a water park & bowling alley, plus accommodations.

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Tourist AttractionPhoto of Skyline Luge Singapore — Tourist Attractionvia Google Maps

Skyline Luge Singapore

Thrill ride with an aerial lift to 4 luge tracks featuring tunnels & hairpin turns amid lush forest.

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Shopping MallPhoto of Clarke Quay Central — Shopping Mallvia Google Maps

Clarke Quay Central

Contemporary, light-filled mall offering a sizable selection of shops & eateries on multiple levels.

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Shopping MallPhoto of Tampines 1 — Shopping Mall

Tampines 1

Vibrant mall with brand-name retail stores, boutiques, a variety of casual eateries & a supermarket.

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Wildlife ParkPhoto of Bird Paradise — Wildlife Park

Bird Paradise

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RestaurantPhoto of Tiong Bahru Market — Restaurant

Tiong Bahru Market

Lively food court with Singaporean hawker stalls & a "wet market" selling produce, meat & fish.

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RestaurantPhoto of Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre — Restaurantvia Google Maps

Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre

2-story shopping center featuring a food court with traditional dishes, plus clothing & rug vendors.

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Adventure Sports CenterPhoto of Adventure HQ — Adventure Sports Centervia Google Maps

Adventure HQ

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Electronics StorePhoto of COURTS Toa Payoh — Electronics Storevia Google Maps

COURTS Toa Payoh

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Tourist AttractionPhoto of Skyline Luge Singapore — Tourist Attractionvia Google Maps

Skyline Luge Singapore

High-altitude views from chairlifts & luge rides on twisting routes like the Dragon Trail.

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BarPhoto of CÉ LA VI Singapore — Bar

CÉ LA VI Singapore

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French RestaurantPhoto of Poulet - Causeway Point — French Restaurant

Poulet - Causeway Point

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Shopping MallPhoto of Kallang Wave Mall — Shopping Mallvia Google Maps

Kallang Wave Mall

Popular mall offering retail stores, restaurants & a sports hub with a water park & climbing wall.

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RestaurantPhoto of Arbora @ Mount Faber Peak — Restaurantvia Google Maps

Arbora @ Mount Faber Peak

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Convention CenterPhoto of Singapore EXPO — Convention Center

Singapore EXPO

Contemporary convention center with exhibition halls & a meeting room wing over 328,000 square feet.

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MuseumPhoto of Science Centre Singapore — Museum

Science Centre Singapore

Interactive science museum offering kids indoor & outdoor exhibits on Earth, biology & space.

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Western RestaurantPhoto of XW Western Grill - JEM — Western Restaurant

XW Western Grill - JEM

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Seafood RestaurantPhoto of JUMBO Seafood - Riverside Point — Seafood Restaurantvia Google Maps

JUMBO Seafood - Riverside Point

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Video ArcadePhoto of Timezone SC VivoCity - Bowling, Arcades and Parties — Video Arcade

Timezone SC VivoCity - Bowling, Arcades and Parties

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Shopping MallPhoto of Compass One — Shopping Mall

Compass One

Large mall with retail stores for fashion & home goods, dining, a supermarket & a public library.

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