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

Indoor PlaygroundPhoto of Kiztopia @ Marina Square — Indoor Playground

Kiztopia @ Marina Square

Soft play areas, a mini train & games like a model food market, in a children's center with a cafe.

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Seafood RestaurantPhoto of The BOILER @ Buona Vista | Best Seafood Boil | Crabs & Lobsters | — Seafood Restaurantvia Google Maps

The BOILER @ Buona Vista | Best Seafood Boil | Crabs & Lobsters |

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Tourist AttractionPhoto of MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM SINGAPORE — Tourist Attraction

MUSEUM OF ICE CREAM SINGAPORE

Pink-painted museum with photo-friendly exhibits based around ice cream, plus a retro diner/parlor.

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Shopping MallPhoto of Hougang Mall — Shopping Mall

Hougang Mall

Modest atrium-topped mall featuring a large food court & a robust variety of retail stores.

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Turkish RestaurantPhoto of Cappadocia Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant — Turkish Restaurant

Cappadocia Turkish & Mediterranean Restaurant

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Sushi RestaurantPhoto of Genki Sushi (Waterway Point) — Sushi Restaurant

Genki Sushi (Waterway Point)

Diners pluck sushi & maki rolls from a moving conveyor belt at this Japan-based chain outpost.

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Shopping MallPhoto of West Mall — Shopping Mall

West Mall

Large mall with retail shops for fashion & home goods, a food court, grocery store & movie theater.

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Shopping MallPhoto of White Sands — Shopping Mall

White Sands

6 stories of diverse shops attract visitors to this indoor hangout with varied dining options.

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Korean Barbecue RestaurantPhoto of I'm Kim Korean BBQ — Korean Barbecue Restaurantvia Google Maps

I'm Kim Korean BBQ

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ZooPhoto of Rainforest Wild Adventure WEST — Zoo

Rainforest Wild Adventure WEST

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RestaurantPhoto of Suhang Xiangban 苏杭湘伴 新加坡 — Restaurant

Suhang Xiangban 苏杭湘伴 新加坡

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SpaPhoto of Aramsa - The Garden Spa — Spa

Aramsa - The Garden Spa

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Bowling AlleyPhoto of Timezone Westgate - Bowling, Party Venue, Virtual Reality — Bowling Alley

Timezone Westgate - Bowling, Party Venue, Virtual Reality

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Shopping MallPhoto of Eastpoint Mall — Shopping Mall

Eastpoint Mall

Busy, 6-story shopping mall with more than 100 retailers, a supermarket & 30+ eateries.

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RestaurantPhoto of Ajumma's Westgate — Restaurant

Ajumma's Westgate

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Italian RestaurantPhoto of Mamma Mia Trattoria E Caffè (Waterway Point) — Italian Restaurant

Mamma Mia Trattoria E Caffè (Waterway Point)

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RestaurantPhoto of Golden Mile Food Centre — Restaurantvia Google Maps

Golden Mile Food Centre

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RestaurantPhoto of Yishun Park Hawker Centre — Restaurant

Yishun Park Hawker Centre

International cuisine is served from more than 40 stands at this informal open-air food court.

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