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 Chong Pang Food Centre — Restaurant

Chong Pang Food Centre

Vibrant market for produce, meat & fish, plus a hawker centre with tens of street-food stalls.

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Asian Fusion RestaurantPhoto of SHAO 燒 @ Holland Village | Modern Teochew Tapas 潮汕小馆 — Asian Fusion Restaurantvia Google Maps

SHAO 燒 @ Holland Village | Modern Teochew Tapas 潮汕小馆

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Thai RestaurantPhoto of Galangal — Thai Restaurant

Galangal

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Shopping MallPhoto of Great World — Shopping Mall

Great World

A movie theater & supermarket are among the draws at this spacious, 3-story enclosed mall.

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Tour AgencyPhoto of Free Singapore Tour — Tour Agencyvia Google Maps

Free Singapore Tour

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ParkPhoto of Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park — Park

Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park

Lush 62-hectare city park along the banks of a former canal with lawns, walking tracks & playground.

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Shopping MallPhoto of Tiong Bahru Plaza — Shopping Mallvia Google Maps

Tiong Bahru Plaza

Neighborhood retail center with trendy design features offering a mix of shops, services & eateries.

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HypermarketPhoto of Giant Hypermarket - Tampines — Hypermarket

Giant Hypermarket - Tampines

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Shopping MallPhoto of The Star Vista — Shopping Mallvia Google Maps

The Star Vista

Contemporary shopping center featuring a variety of stores, eateries, services & exercise classes.

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Seafood RestaurantPhoto of G7 Frog Porridge & Live Seafood — Seafood Restaurantvia Google Maps

G7 Frog Porridge & Live Seafood

Known for frog porridge, this seafood specialist also offers fare such as chili crab & shark's head.

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Sporting Goods StorePhoto of Decathlon Orchard — Sporting Goods Storevia Google Maps

Decathlon Orchard

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South Indian RestaurantPhoto of Erode Amman Mess — South Indian Restaurantvia Google Maps

Erode Amman Mess

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Shopping MallPhoto of Lot One Shoppers' Mall — Shopping Mall

Lot One Shoppers' Mall

Dynamic shopping center featuring multiple levels of specialty stores, eateries & a movie theater.

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Shopping MallPhoto of Wisma Atria — Shopping Mallvia Google Maps

Wisma Atria

Large, modern shopping hub offering a global food court & a variety of apparel & lifestyle stores.

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Korean RestaurantPhoto of MODU Samgyetang Specialty Korean Restaurant | Orchard — Korean Restaurant

MODU Samgyetang Specialty Korean Restaurant | Orchard

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Hindu TemplePhoto of Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple — Hindu Templevia Google Maps

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

This landmark Hindu temple displays elaborate architecture & colorful statues of deities.

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MuseumPhoto of Singapore Discovery Centre — Museum

Singapore Discovery Centre

Popular entertainment center featuring interactive exhibits on the history & future of Singapore.

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MarketPhoto of Chinatown Singapore — Market

Chinatown Singapore

Historic destination with 5 neighborhoods featuring old temples, eateries, street shopping & more.

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Picnic GroundPhoto of Marina Barrage — Picnic Groundvia Google Maps

Marina Barrage

Reservoir & kayaking destination featuring a gallery with interactive exhibits on sustainability.

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Nature PreservePhoto of Bukit Timah Nature Reserve — Nature Preserve

Bukit Timah Nature Reserve

Leafy, tropical nature reserve surrounding a hilltop with walking trails & a visitor centre.

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