10 Best Places You Must See in Singapore - Singapore

1. Marina Bay Sands SkyPark – Singapore’s Sky-High Observation Deck

Opened in 2010, the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark is perched atop one of the world’s most iconic hotel structures. Suspended 200 meters above ground, the SkyPark stretches across the top of all three Marina Bay Sands hotel towers and offers sweeping panoramic views of Singapore’s dazzling skyline. The observation deck is a must-visit for first-time travelers and seasoned explorers alike, delivering unforgettable perspectives of Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, and the distant sea.
A symbol of modern Singapore, it’s not just about the height—it’s about the horizon.

Hidden Gems:
• The lesser-known SkyPark Infinity Pool is exclusive to hotel guests, but visitors can glimpse it from the edge of the observation deck.
• Time your visit with the Spectra Light & Water Show below—visible nightly from your sky-high perch.

Historical Fact:
• When completed, Marina Bay Sands was the world’s most expensive standalone casino property, and the SkyPark was designed by visionary architect Moshe Safdie to symbolize unity and innovation.

Visit Info
• Duration: 45–60 minutes
• Best Time: Sunset or evening for golden hour photography and skyline views
• Entrance Fee: ~S$26 (adults), ~S$20 (seniors), ~S$20 (children)
• Clothing Restrictions: Casual attire is fine, but dress for wind at the top

Booking Tips
• Book tickets online in advance to skip queues
• Best combined with a stay at Marina Bay Sands or an evening stroll through Marina Bay
• SkyPark may close during inclement weather—check updates online

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Facing Gardens by the Bay with Supertrees and domes in view
• Looking west at the CBD skyline, especially after sunset
• Along the glass railing with the open sky behind you—prime for Instagram shots

Hidden Gems Nearby
• ArtScience Museum: Futuristic lotus-shaped museum below the SkyPark
• The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands: Luxury mall with canal rides and fine dining
• Helix Bridge: A short walk offering unique steel design and views of the SkyPark above

Nearest MRT
• Bayfront Station (Downtown & Circle Lines) – directly connected via underground mall
• Google Maps: Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Map Link

2. Gardens by the Bay – Singapore’s Futuristic Garden Wonderland

Opened in 2012, Gardens by the Bay is Singapore’s signature urban oasis—a blend of nature, technology, and sustainability. Spanning over 100 hectares along Marina Bay, this award-winning attraction features the iconic Supertree Grove, cooled conservatories, and lush themed gardens. It’s a place where botany meets artistry, drawing millions of visitors annually to experience a garden like no other. The towering Supertrees, some standing as tall as 50 meters, come alive at night with dazzling light shows set to music, making Gardens by the Bay not just a destination, but an experience.

Hidden Gems:
• The Sun Pavilion, often overlooked, showcases desert flora from around the world, including rare cacti and succulents.
• The Serene Garden, inspired by Japanese design, offers a tranquil retreat from the crowds and selfie sticks.

Historical Fact:
• Gardens by the Bay was part of Singapore’s vision to become a “City in a Garden.” Since its opening, it has won multiple international awards for innovation and sustainability.

Visit Info
• Duration: 2–3 hours minimum (more if visiting both domes andthe light show)
• Best Time: Late afternoon into evening for both conservatory access and the light display

Entrance Fee:
• Outdoor gardens: Free
• Flower Dome & Cloud Forest: ~S$28 (adults), ~S$15 (children)
• Clothing Restrictions: Comfortable walking shoes and light attire are recommended

Booking Tips
• Tickets available online and on-site; combo tickets offer savings
• Light shows (Garden Rhapsody) take place nightly at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM
• Arrive early to grab a good spot for the Supertree light show

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Underneath the Supertrees, especially during the evening light show
• The spiral walkway inside the Cloud Forest mist dome
• Skyway bridge, offering panoramic views of the Marina Bay skyline

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Marina Barrage: Great for kite flying and skyline views
• ArtScience Museum: Futuristic design and family-friendly exhibitions
• Satay by the Bay: Local hawker food set in a lush garden setting

Nearest MRT
• Bayfront Station (Downtown & Circle Lines) – direct access via underground link
• Google Maps: Gardens by the Bay Map Link

3. Merlion Park – Singapore’s Legendary Waterfront Landmark

Established in 1972, Merlion Park is home to Singapore’s most recognised symbol: the Merlion. This half-lion, half-fish mythical creature represents Singapore’s origins as a fishing village (the fish tail) and its original name, “Singapura,” meaning “Lion City” (the lion head). Located at the mouth of the Singapore River, the park offers sweeping views of Marina Bay and is a favourite photo spot for both tourists and locals. The 8.6-meter-tall Merlion statue spouts water into the bay, standing as a national emblem and a celebration of Singapore’s blend of myth and modernity.

Hidden Gems:
• A smaller, lesser-known “Merlion cub” stands just behind the main statue — perfect for quirky photos.
• The nearby Esplanade Bridge offers panoramic views of the bay, perfect for sunset shots.

Historical Fact:
• The Merlion was originally located at the mouth of the Singapore River but was moved to its current location in 2002 due to the construction of the Esplanade Bridge.

Visit Info
• Duration: 30–60 minutes
• Best Time: Early morning or evening for cooler weather and better lighting
• Entrance Fee: Free
• Clothing Restrictions: None; open-air public space

Booking Tips
• No ticket required – open 24/7
• Visit at night to enjoy the beautifully lit skyline and Marina Bay Sands light shows
• Combine with a river cruise or walk along the Marina Bay promenade

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Classic shot of the Merlion with Marina Bay Sands in the background
• Night photos with illuminated cityscape and reflections on the water
• Selfies with both Merlion statues from different angles

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay: Cultural performances and iconic architecture (the “durian” domes)
• Fullerton Hotel: Historic colonial-era hotel with rich heritage and high tea
• One Fullerton dining strip: Waterfront restaurants with views of the skyline

Nearest MRT
• Raffles Place (East-West & North-South Lines) – 5-minute walk
• Google Maps: Merlion Park Map Link

4. Masjid Sultan – Singapore’s Crown Jewel of Islamic Heritage

Built in 1928, Masjid Sultan is one of Singapore’s most important and visually striking mosques. Located in the vibrant Kampong Glam district, this national monument is an iconic symbol of Singapore’s rich multicultural and religious tapestry. Its golden dome, visible from blocks away, and its Indo-Saracenic architecture make it a standout landmark and a centre of spiritual and cultural life for the Muslim community. The mosque was named after Sultan Hussein Shah, the first sultan of Singapore, and continues to draw both worshippers and curious visitors from around the world.

Hidden Gems:
• The black ring below the main dome is made from glass bottle ends, donated by poorer Muslims during construction — a touching symbol of community solidarity.
• The adjacent Bussorah Street, filled with shophouses, cafés, and local artisan stalls, offers a lively cultural complement to the serenity of the mosque.

Historical Fact:
• Masjid Sultan replaced an earlier mosque built in 1824, funded by the East India Company and Sultan Hussein. The current structure was declared a national monument in 1975.

Visit Info
• Duration: 30–60 minutes
• Best Time: Late morning or early afternoon (non-prayer times)
• Entrance Fee: Free (donations welcome)
• Clothing Restrictions: Modest attire required; robes and headscarves provided at entrance

Booking Tips
• No pre-booking required for individuals; group tours should arrange in advance
• Closed to tourists during Friday prayers and special religious events
• Free guided tours available with volunteer docents (English-speaking)

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• The mosque’s majestic golden dome and minarets from Bussorah Street
• Interior prayer hall with its rich carpets and grand chandelier
• Street view of colourful Kampong Glam with the mosque in the background

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Malay Heritage Centre: A short walk away, offering insights into Singapore’s Malay-Muslim culture
• Haji Lane: Famous for its bold street art, indie boutiques, and quirky cafés
• Gelam Gallery: Singapore’s first open-air art gallery featuring works by local artists

Nearest MRT
• Bugis Station (Downtown Line & East-West Line) – 5-minute walk
• Google Maps: Masjid Sultan Map Link

5. Wall Murals in Kampong Gelam – Singapore’s Street Art Haven

Bursting with colour, creativity, and culture, the murals of Kampong Gelam have transformed this historic neighbourhood into Singapore’s most Instagrammable open-air gallery. Once the seat of Malay royalty, Kampong Gelam is now a vibrant mix of heritage and modernity. The murals—bold, expressive, and deeply rooted in the area’s cultural identity—line alleyways, backstreets, and shophouse walls, telling stories of tradition, identity, and global influences.

Many of the works are curated or commissioned by local initiatives and artists like Ceno2 and Yip Yew Chong, making this a living, evolving artistic neighborhood unlike anywhere else in the city.

Hidden Gems:
• Haji Lane features some of the most iconic murals—look out for the “Kampong Glam Royalty” and “Singapore Shophouse” artworks.
• Head to Aliwal Street for larger-than-life portraits and abstract street art, best explored early morning before shops open.

Historical Fact:
• Once a centre of Islamic scholarship and Malay culture, Kampong Gelam is now a UNESCO-recognised heritage district, and the street art helps bridge the past with present-day urban expression.

Visit Info
• Duration: 60–90 minutes (walking and photo stops)
• Best Time: Morning or late afternoon for soft lighting and fewer crowds
• Entrance Fee: Free – it’s a public, open-air art space
• Clothing Restrictions: None – wear comfy shoes for walking

Booking Tips
• No ticket or guide needed, but street art tours are available and offer deeper insights
• Visit on weekdays to avoid weekend crowds
• Many cafés open late morning, so plan for brunch after exploring

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Haji Lane’s vibrant alley with colorful murals and boutique facades
• The giant mural on Aliwal Arts Centre’s outer wall
• Side lanes of Bali Lane and Arab Street featuring stencil art and graffiti culture

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Gelam Gallery: Singapore’s first outdoor gallery of framed art in alleyways
• Masjid Sultan: Just around the corner—a stunning historical mosque with golden domes
• Kampong Gelam Café Scene: Enjoy iced lattes and Middle Eastern dishes in mural-lined courtyards

Nearest MRT
• Bugis Station (Downtown Line / East-West Line) – 5–7 minute walk
• Google Maps: Kampong Gelam Street Art Map Link

6. Old Hill Street Police Station – Singapore’s Rainbow-Colored Heritage Landmark

Completed in 1934, the Old Hill Street Police Station is one of Singapore’s most vibrant architectural icons. Known for its striking façade of 927 multi-colored windows, this six-story neo-classical building once housed Singapore’s first jail and served as the headquarters for the Singapore Police Force. Today, it is home to the Ministry of Communications and Information and several art-related agencies, while remaining a favorite among photographers and architecture lovers.
Its blend of colonial grandeur and contemporary flair makes it a symbol of how Singapore blends history with modern identity.

Hidden Gems:
• The central courtyard inside the building—often missed—is a tranquil space showcasing heritage elements and public art displays.
• Nearby Armenian Street leads to smaller colonial-era structures and galleries, perfect for an extended cultural walk.

Historical Fact:
• This building was Singapore’s largest government building during the pre-war era and was officially renamed in 1999 after being restored. The rainbow shutters were inspired by the original window colours on the top two floors.

Visit Info
• Duration: 30–60 minutes (exterior viewing + optional walking tour)
• Best Time: Morning or golden hour for soft lighting on the colourful windows
• Entrance Fee: Free (exterior viewing); some art spaces inside may have limited access
• Clothing Restrictions: None

Booking Tips
• No tickets needed to view or photograph from outside
• Combine with a heritage walking tour for more context
• Bring a wide-angle lens for best photo results across the full building facade

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Direct front view capturing the full rainbow array of windows
• Side angles along Hill Street with palm trees and colonial columns
• Close-up shots of the window shutters from the corner of River Valley Road

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Fort Canning Park: A peaceful, historical hilltop park behind the building
• The Substation: An Independent contemporary arts centre nearby
• Peranakan Museum: Housed in another historic colonial building just a short walk away

Nearest MRT
• Clarke Quay Station (North East Line) – 3-minute walk
• Bras Basah Station (Circle Line) – 8-minute walk
• Google Maps: Old Hill Street Police Station Map Link

7. Little India – Singapore’s Vibrant Cultural Enclave

Steeped in tradition, colour, and fragrance, Little India is one of Singapore’s most immersive cultural neighbourhoods. Originally a settlement for Indian migrant workers in the 19th century, this district has blossomed into a lively hub of Hindu temples, colorful shophouses, aromatic spice stalls, and bustling markets. It's a feast for the senses and a celebration of Indian heritage in the heart of Southeast Asia.

With every corner decorated in bright murals and golden garlands, Little India offers both spiritual calm and energetic street life, making it a must-visit destination for first-time travelers and returning locals alike.

Hidden Gems:
• Tan Teng Niah House – a rainbow-hued Chinese villa tucked amid Indian architecture, often dubbed the most colourful house in Singapore.
• Campbell Lane – a narrow lane where you’ll find flower garland vendors, sari shops, and delicious Indian street snacks.

Historical Fact:
• Once home to cattle trading and brick kilns, Little India’s central location near Serangoon Road made it a hub for Tamil merchants, who brought South Indian culture to colonial Singapore.

Visit Info
• Duration: 60–90 minutes
• Best Time: Morning to midday for open markets; evenings for temple lightings
• Entrance Fee: Free to explore; fees may apply for temple tours or cultural centres
• Clothing Restrictions: Modest attire is recommended for visiting temples

Booking Tips
• Join a cultural walking tour for deeper insights into temples and heritage shops
• Wear comfortable shoes for walking—there’s plenty to explore on foot
• Visit during Deepavali (Festival of Lights) for festive decorations and light-up displays

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Tan Teng Niah’s multi-colored exterior
• Inside Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, with its detailed carvings and painted ceilings
• Flower garland stalls and spice markets along Serangoon Road and Campbell Lane

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Indian Heritage Centre – a modern museum telling the story of Singapore’s Indian community
• Tekka Centre – famous for its hawker food, fresh produce, and vibrant wet market
• Mustafa Centre – a 24-hour shopping mall packed with everything from electronics to gold jewellery

Nearest MRT
• Little India Station (Downtown Line / North East Line) – direct access to the heart of the district
• Google Maps: Little India Map Link

8. TeamLab: Resonating Microcosms – Singapore’s Living Light Experience

Blurring the line between art and nature, teamLab: Resonating Microcosms is an immersive digital art installation that transforms Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay into a luminous playground of colour, sound, and motion. Created by the internationally renowned art collective teamLab, this seasonal experience is a spellbinding fusion of light technology and interactivity, inviting visitors to touch, walk among, and become part of the art.

Surrounded by glowing ovoids that respond to movement and sound, guests find themselves in a dreamlike world where light breathes, shifts, and dances with human presence.

Hidden Gems:
• As the sky darkens, the ovoids begin to “resonate” with your movement, changing hues and emitting soft melodies in waves across the space.
• The Reflection Pool doubles the magic, mirroring the glowing sculptures and creating incredible photo symmetry.

Historical Fact:
• teamLab is a Tokyo-based interdisciplinary group known globally for pushing the boundaries of art, design, and technology. The Singapore installation is part of their mission to connect people to nature through interactive light art.

Visit Info
• Duration: 60–90 minutes
• Best Time: After sunset (7:30 PM onward) for full light activation
• Entrance Fee: ~S$12–S$15 (may vary by season or special exhibitions)
• Clothing Restrictions: Comfortable evening attire; be prepared for outdoor conditions

Booking Tips
• Tickets can sell out on weekends—book online in advance
• Bring a portable charger for your phone or camera—this is a photo-heavy experience
• Best visited after exploring other Gardens by the Bay attractions for a magical end to your day

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• Among the glowing ovoids at night, with the Marina Bay skyline in the background
• Standing still in the centre as colour waves ripple around you
• Reflection shots using the pool surface for symmetry and light mirroring

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Floral Fantasy: A floral artistry exhibit with motion sensor butterflies and magical themes
• Satay by the Bay: Local food stalls just minutes away for a post-light-show supper
• Marina Barrage: Great for night skyline views and cooling breezes

Nearest MRT
• Bayfront Station (Circle Line / Downtown Line) – 5-minute walk via underground link
• Google Maps: teamLab Illumination Map Link

9. Clarke Quay – Singapore’s Riverside Entertainment District

Originally a bustling 19th-century commercial hub along the Singapore River, Clarke Quay has transformed into one of the city's most vibrant nightlife and dining districts. Named after Sir Andrew Clarke, Singapore’s second Governor, this colourful waterfront area is now famous for its lively atmosphere, neon-lit walkways, and a curated mix of historic architecture and modern entertainment. Whether you're looking for riverside dining, live music, boutique bars, or adrenaline-pumping river activities, Clarke Quay offers something for every kind of traveller, day or night.

Hidden Gems:
• The Read Bridge offers a romantic, less crowded spot to enjoy the lights reflecting off the river.
• Take a bumboat ride for a scenic water tour past Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Marina Bay.

Historical Fact:
• Clarke Quay was once a hub for warehouses and trade along the Singapore River. After extensive urban renewal in the 1990s, it emerged as a heritage-rich, nightlife-forward destination while preserving its original façade.

Visit Info
• Duration: 60–90 minutes (longer if dining or bar-hopping)
• Best Time: Evening for vibrant lights, cool weather, and a full experience
• Entrance Fee: Free to enter; restaurants and attractions priced individually
• Clothing Restrictions: Casual-chic attire for bars and restaurants; dress code may apply at upscale venues

Booking Tips
• Dinner reservations recommended for riverside seating at popular eateries
• Many clubs and bars offer happy hour promotions before 8 PM
• River cruises can be booked on-site or online for sunset timings

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• The riverside promenade is lit up at night
• Clarke Quay’s colourful shophouses under the iconic glass canopy
• Shots from the G-MAX Reverse Bungy if you dare try it!

Hidden Gems Nearby
• Fort Canning Park – a historic hilltop green space just steps away
• Asian Civilisations Museum – showcasing regional heritage in a stunning colonial building
• Boat Quay – another scenic riverside strip with a quieter vibe

Nearest MRT
• Clarke Quay Station (North East Line) – 2-minute walk to the quay
• Google Maps: Clarke Quay Map Link

10. Jewel Changi Airport

Jewel Changi Airport is far more than a travel hub—it's a world-class lifestyle destination. At its heart lies the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, cascading through a lush indoor forest known as the Shiseido Forest Valley. Visitors can explore multiple attractions, including canopy bridges, walking nets, themed gardens, and a wide array of dining and shopping options. Whether you're transiting or visiting specifically, Jewel offers a uniquely Singaporean blend of nature, technology, and leisure.

Visit Info
• Duration: 1–3 hours
• Best Time: Evening to see the Rain Vortex light and sound show

Booking Tips
• Entry: Free for general areas; some attractions require separate tickets
• Where to Book: Jewel Changi official website or on-site
• Tip: Visit before your flight—most attractions have baggage storage options

Top Photo/Reel Spots
• In front of the Rain Vortex from Level 1
• The Canopy Bridge for aerial views of the forest and waterfall

Address: 78 Airport Blvd, Singapore 819666
MRT: Changi Airport Station (direct access to Jewel)