Top Things to Do in the Singapore | Must-See Attractions & Experiences

Plan Your Travel To Singapore

Places To Visit In Singapore

Chinese Garden

Based on the concept of Chinese gardening art, the Chinese Garden in Singapore a 13.5 hectare landscaped garden. It houses a seven-storey pagoda, Chinese-style pavilions and stone bridges, a stunning Bonsai garden and a lantern-studded Japanese Garden. The major highlights of Singapore's Chinese Garden are the Bonsai Garden (housing a collection of over a hundred stunning bonsais from China), and the Live Turtle and Tortoise Museum (home to around 200 turtles and 60 tortoise species). Epitozming the imperial palaces of China, two stone lions stand at the entrance of the garden, believed to have a magical ability to protect. These statues lead to a 13-arch white bridge that resembles and replicates the 17-arch bridge in Beijing. The white bridge leads to the main arch building of the garden that contains a pond filled with Koi fish, another homage to China, and two splendid courtyards ahead of which lies all that the garden has to offer from museums and statues to unique natural displays. The Chinese Garden is especially visited during the Mid Autumn Festival as well as the Chinese New Year (January/February). Read More

The Chinese Heritage Centre is an autonomous institute of the prestigious Nanyang Technological University (NTU), Singapore, located in the historic Administration Building of the same. The centre includes a library, research centre and a museum with the building being a landmark reputed to be the only university created by the Chinese people living outside China. The tourists find it pleasant to stroll in the Yunnan Garden and stop by the beautiful Nantah Lake apart from looking at the unique architecture of this university building. The Chinese Heritage Centre, or the CHC, is home to two permanent exhibitions, namely the 'Chinese More or Less' and the 'Nantah Pictorial'. While the former explores the theme of what being Chinese is, the latter displays several archival photographs and other memorabilia of the Nanyang University. The pictorial exhibition upholds and preserves the glorious history of the University, and is quite enthralling. The main objective of the Chinese Heritage Centre is to advance knowledge and get a grip on the Chinese culture and traditions in the various parts of the world. It is the first Chinese medium University outside China that has been recognized as a National Monument. Read More

Bright lanterns, colourful garlands, delicious food and exuberant gatherings- the Mooncake Festival adorns Singapore with the most vibrant colours and fills the air with an appetizing scent. The Chinese Mid-Autumn Festival is a traditional east-Asian celebration honouring the Moon Goddess Chang’e, held on the fifteenth day of the eighth month of the Chinese lunar calendar. This event is a harvest and thanksgiving carnival that celebrates the values of family, prayer, and love. Twinkling lanterns, bright garlands, rich mooncakes, mouth-watering Chinese snacks, and festivities are part of the celebrations, making this festival a must-experience for tourists. Typically falling between the months of September and October, the Mid-Autumn Festival commemorates the love of the Moon Goddess and her beau, and thanks her for bountiful harvests. With the Chinese community comprising three-quarters of Singapore’s population, the Lion City is a great destination to witness the festivities. The Mooncake Festiva is a beautiful way to combine 3,000-year-old traditions with modern revelries – join in the fun party games and worship the celestial goddess while learning about the intricacies of Chinese culture. The delicious mooncakes are an added bonus! Read More

Synonymous with bright colours, celebration, revelry, sheer joy, and love; the Chinese New Year is undoubtedly one of the most important festivals celebrated in Singapore. Also referred to as the Spring Festival or the Lunar New Year, it falls on the first day of the first month of the traditional lunisolar Chinese calendar and is a time of merrymaking. Being the only festival which calls for a public holiday for two consecutive days, Chinese New Year is one of the favourites among the Singaporeans. Celebrations for the Chinese New Year begin weeks before the New Year even starts, and visitors flock to places like Chinatown, City Hall and Marina Bay Floating Platform in large numbers, to witness the traditions and cultural practices taking place there - the exchanging of mandarin oranges, preparations for the reunion dinners, flea markets, seasonal markets and so on. The Spring Festival in Singapore is imbued with a lot of chatter and excitement, and it is a great opportunity for people to closely witness the Singaporean way of celebrating this festival, and of taking part in the festivities. Read More

The Chingay Parade is an annual celebration of the Lunar New Year in Singapore. Named Asia’s largest street parade, this electrifying fiesta features extravagant and intricately decorated floats, cultural dance shows, dancing dragons, martial arts displays, stilt walkers, and aerial performances that span different cultures, ethnicities, and traditions. Derived from the Mandarin word for ‘costume,’ this iconic extravaganza by the People’s Association showcases the best of the Lion City’s diverse and unique culture, with captivating lights, huge floats, costumed characters, street performances, and props. A brilliant expression of Singapore’s welcoming hospitality that embraces diversity and people from all nationalities – Chinese, Malay, Eurasian, Indian, and many more - the Chingay Parade is a riot of colors, music, and celebrations that hosts a different theme every year. The show-stopping grand finale features a dazzling firework show and a spectacular light display against the stunning Singapore skyline. A whopping eleven thousand performers participated in this parade in 2015, and the festival has only grown since then. First started in 1973, this remarkable gala brings together the varied population of the country and celebrates unity in all its colorful glory – even international artists and troupes are invited every year to participate in the festivities! Read More

Located at the junction of East Coast Road and Chapel Road in Katong Singapore, the Church of the Holy Family is a four-storeyed roman catholic church with a brilliant white and grey facade. The highlight of the edifice is its multicoloured 16-panelled stained glass right above the altar which depicts the Holy Family and snippets of Jesus Christ's life during his last days. The stained glass was imported from Italy, especially for the church itself. A statue of Mother Mary also stands inside a grotto of the church. Also known as Holy Family Church and Katong Catholic Church, it is a well-known landmark and an important place of worship in Katong area. The Church of the Holy Family in Singapore was founded by four Eurasian families living in Tanjong Katong in 1902. Back then, the home of De La Salle Brothers was used as the makeshift chapel, where prayers and gatherings took place. However, in 1932, by the donation of a plot of land by Mr James Scheerder, a chapel was built, dedicated to the Holy Family of Nazareth. As the number of worshippers kept increasing, the church failed to accommodate everyone under the same roof, and so the chapel was demolished, and a larger church was established in its place. The current building was constructed in 1997. Read More

The Civilian War Memorial is a monument dedicated to the civilians that lost their lives during World War II. Located within War Memorial Park at Beach Road in Singapore’s Central Area, this memorial is a sombre reminder of the perils of the Japanese Occupation in the country and is a symbol of hope for post-war Singapore. The monument is an iconic heritage landmark in the Lion City today, frequented by locals and tourists alike. Gazetted as a national monument in 2013, Singapore's Civilian War Memorial comprises of four identical 70-metre tall white pillars, signifying the shared grief and unity of the country’s four major ethnic groups – Chinese, Indian, Eurasian, and Malay. Affectionately known as the ‘Four Chopsticks Memorial,’ this architectural marvel has an imposing façade that is set atop a burial chamber holding the victims’ remains in 606 urns. Each column also has an empty urn placed inside, with inscriptions commemorating the sacrifices of civilians. Housed inside a calm, verdant park with fountains, pools, and landscaped gardens, the Civilian War Memorial offers a serene location to contemplate and pay tribute to the spirit of Singapore. An inter-religious memorial service is held every year on the 15th of February in remembrance of these brave souls. Read More

Famous as a party hub of Singapore, Clark Quay comes to life during the night. Once a hub of commerce during 19th century, today it lives up to its legacy of being a busy center, just with more polish and sheen. Situated at the mouth of Singapore River, the Clarke Quay is a major tourist attraction flanked by stylish restaurants, high-end boutiques, pushcart vendors with a fusion of Asian and European culture. Also lined up along the river are buzzing nightclubs, river cruise bumboats and floating cafes that make the place SingaporeÍs major wining and dining area. Different eating joints serve various cuisines including fine French and Italian to brew houses and outdoor bars with riverfront view. Bamboo Bar at the Forbidden City, Bar Opiume at the Empress Place, Lunar Asian Fusion Bar and Attica or Canvas are some of the most happening places for after-hour party lovers. Source History of Clarke Quay The dynamic and vibrant Clarke Quay that you know of today wasn't always like this. There's a whole history behind the transformation. In 1819, when Singapore was under the British colonial rule, it was a centre of the high amount of sea trading between Europe and Asia. The Singapore river played a major role in the trading between the two continents. The riverfront was then called boat Quay, where the European ships could dock for trades. By the 20th century, the amount of trade carried in Singapore had made enormous damage to the river. That's when government interrupted and banned the trade on the riverfront. Cleansing of the Singapore River was one of the major projects undertaken by the government of Singapore. That's how the Clarke Quay was built into one of the most popular tourist destinations of Singapore. Attractions at Clarke Quay Singapore River Singapore River is undoubtedly the lifeline of Singapore and Clarke Quay's has given new meaning to the river. The river not only holds an economic importance in the country but the recent developments have turned this river into country's most popular tourist destination. The riverside is always filled with the lively locals and vibrant tourists. Located on the Singapore riverfront is Clarke Quay which injects life to the river and to the city with its number of bars and nightclubs, bizarre nightlife, shopping destinations and cruises. Take a stroll along the river in Singapore while gazing at the breathtaking skyline. You can also go for a cruise in the river. Source G Max reverse bungy jumping Surely, the thrilling sport of the bungy jumping excites you a lot. Wait, till you see the G max reverse bungy jumping. Instead of jumping from a platform or cliff, you are thrown up in the air until you are brought back by the bungee cords. It no less than a human catapult and gives the pump to the adrenalin like no other extreme sports. The length of the bungee cord is 50 M and you it is operated at a speed of 120 KMPH. This extreme sport has been built on the technology based in New Zealand and works on complete safety measures. Singapore has one of the seven reverse bungy jumping sites in the world, it gives you another reason not to miss this thrill while you are here. There is also a trampoline bungee which is yet another thrilling sports in the vicinity. Cost:Extreme Swing: SGD 45/person,Student rate: SGD 35/ personTimings: 11:00 AM - till late at night Asian Civilisations Museum The once magnificent British edifice has now been converted into an Asian civilisations museum which gives insights into the history of Asian civilisations of Singapore through its preserved art and artefacts. The museum has 11 different galleries and houses more than 1000 well-preserved ancient artefacts and sculptors. It has galleries dedicated to Asian trade, maritime trade, shipwrecks, religion, faith and belief of ancient Asia. If you are a history enthusiast, then you would be keen to know about the beautiful artefacts and their stories. Plan your visit and dedicate good time to explore the ins and outs of the history. Also, look out for the events and programmes in the museums, if lucky, you might get to learn something new in an interesting way. Source Boat Quay Boat Quay is a vibrant space stuffed between Clarke Quay in north and Marina Bay in South. It is a short walk away from both the locations and is brimming with people due to its imminent position. There is nothing that you won't find in Boat Quay. From the serene riverside, to the dazzling Clarke Quay. It has the beautiful skyline of the Lion city and it has in numerous bars, nightclubs, restaurants and eating joints. Boat Quay which was once the most important trading port in the 19th and 20th century has now become Singapore's favourite spot attracting thousands of tourists every day. This is the place where you can party on the riverside or simply enjoy a romantic dinner by the river. Source Clarke Quay Nightlife Clarke Quay's nightlife is one of a kind and should definitely be on your bucket list if you are a party person. Source Located on the banks of Singapore River, Clarke Quay is one of the most happening places in the country to make the best of your night. The riverside is filled with the lively places from nightclubs to bars and upscale cafes and fine-dine restaurants. With the twinkling Singapore river by its side, the night at the Clarke Quay's wears a new look altogether. The streets are brightened by the array of nightclubs and bars, the river shining to its brightest by the reflection of the millions of city lights, the cruises making their way into the river and the party going till wee hours. You can go bar hopping all night getting tipsy on the beauty of the city. If that's not your plan for the night, a peaceful dinner with the skyline of the city is the next best thing to do here. Explore the riverside strolling through the vivid streets of the Quay before you finally hit a place to party. The best five nightclubs for the nightlife experience of Singapore are listed below. 1. Trace Club The nightclub is a new addition to the big name of Singapore. The laser lights and uber interiors are a hit among the crowd. Source Known for: EDM and Hip hop music, laser lighting system and plush interiors. Timings: Wednesday, Friday: 10:00 PM - 3:00 AM,Saturday: 10:00 PM - 4:00 AMLadies night with free drinks on Wednesdays. 2. Attica A nightclub located on Clarke Quay's waterfront which has hosted the famous DJs from all around the world. Source Known for: Hip-hop, R&B, techno, young crowd, cocktails and spirits, VIP lounge, performances by international DJ's.Timings: Wednesday - Saturday: 10:30 PM - 4:00 AM, Sunday - Tuesday: 5:30 PM - 11:00 PM,Ladies night with free drinks on Wednesdays. 3. The Chupito Bar A Spanish bar that will surely get you drunk with its unique drinks and cocktails. Source Known for: Spanish cuisine, a wide range of alcoholic drinks, affordable prices.Timings: Sunday - Tuesday, Thursday: 6:30 PM - 1:30 AM, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 6:30 PM - 3:30 AM 4. Zouk One of Singapore's oldest and most famous nightclubs with great DJs, music and cream crowd. Source Known for: Local and international DJs, dance music, three different sections for the dance floor (Phuture), underground music (Velvet underground), resto-bar (Wine bar), state of the art interiors. Timings: Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 9:00 PM - 4:00 AM 5. The Crazy Elephant A casual bar with an affordable food and menu drink with live rock sessions. Source Known for: Live rock music, casual outing, affordable pricesTimings: 5:00 PM - 03:00 AM Clarke Quay Restaurants Clarke Quay doesn't fail to surprise the foodies when it comes to a fine-dine experience. The riverside is lined up with some of the best restaurants in the country which serves international cuisines, has spectacular interiors and if you can get a place at the terrace, thank your stars because you are up for a night show. The riverside looks extremely amazing with the dazzling lights, city's skyline and the buzz of the night by the people. If you are not looking for a party in Clarke Quay, you can enjoy a romantic dinner or a casual outing with your companions. Here are some of the best restaurants you'd find in Clarke Quay. Source 1. Coriander Leaf Bistro A multi-cuisine restaurant with sophisticated open restaurant and bar with plush seating. Source Known for: Asian cuisines from different parts of the continent, Middle-eastern delicacies, a variety of food, open seating, formal interiors. Timings: Monday - Friday: 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM, 6:30 PM - 10:00 PM, Saturday: 6:30 PM- 10:30 PMBest suited for: Formal meetings, Lunch dates, brunch and if you are looking for great food varieties and dining experience. 2. Ramen Santouka Chain of ramen noodles outlets which are famous worldwide. Also, Singapore's only outlet. Source Known for: varieties of noodle delicacies and affordable food. Timings: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PMBest suited for: Affordable food and ramen noodles. 3. Little Saigon Vietnam-inspired restaurant serving the country's best dishes and cocktails. Source Known for: Vietnamese food and drinks and traditional country interiors.Timings: Monday - Thursday: 3:00 PM - 1:00 AM, Friday: 3:00 PM - 3:00 AM, Saturday: 12:00 PM - 3:00 AM,Sunday: 12:00 PM - 1:00 AMBest suited for: Vietnamese cuisine and fine dining. 4. Peony Jade Source Known for: Chinese cuisine, state of the art interiors, impeccable serviceTimings: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 6:00 PM - 10:30 PMBest suited for: A splendid dining experience and Cantonese food. 5. Red House Seafood Restaurant A riverside seafood restaurant with the spectacular open dining experience. Source Known for: Chinese cuisine, state of the art interiors, impeccable serviceTimings: 11:00 AM - 2:00 PM,6:00 PM - 10:30 PMBest suited for: A splendid dining experience and Cantonese food. 6. Boomarang Bistro and Bar An Australian restaurant and bar famous for the country's meat dishes and country's culture all over the place. Source Known for: Australian non-vegetarian delicacies and drinks.Timings: 7:00 PM - 3:00 AM Clarke Quay Shopping Bringing together all the expensive stores, high street boutiques and affordable flea market, shopping experience in Clarke Quay in unbeatable. No matter what you want to shop, there is something for everyone here. With the Central Mall located in its heart, it remains the most sought-after shopping destinations for the tourists and locals alike. But, that's just the beginning of it. As you walk through the streets of Clarke Quay's you will be surprised by the other big malls and independent stores, local craft stores, the boutiques and handicrafts of the country. Have a look at the best places to shop in Clarke Quay: Source 1. Central Clarke Mall A great place to shop for the most famous international brands and enjoy multi-cuisine restaurants under one roof.Known for: Famous branded outlets, very convenient and accessible, adventure games for kids and family. Timings: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM 2. Liang Court A small mall located on the riverside from the Novotel chain of hotels. It has 20 different restaurants and multiple fashion stores and boutiques.Known for: Riverside location and choices of restaurants.Timings: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM 3. Great World City A hub of shops, offices, restaurants, and offices.Known for: High-end fashion stores, outlets of world famous brand, six-screen cinema, kids arena and variety of restaurants.Timings: 10:00 AM- 10:00 PM. 4. UE Square Shopping Mall Located at a short walk from Riverside, UE Square Shopping Mall is a three-level building where you can find fashion stores, an entertainment section, and dine-in places.Known for: A shopping hub for locals and tourists.Timings: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM 5. Clarke Quay street stalls A hub of bars, nightclubs, and restaurants along with local street shops for handicrafts, souvenirs and fashion.Known for: Flea market shopping experienceTimings: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM 6. Riverside point Riverside point is home to a number of independent fashion stores, boutiques and shops located on the riverfront. You can enjoy various street performances while you buy souvenirs. Known for: A variety of shops and dining experience and street performers.Timings: 11:00 AM - 10:00 PM Source Tips for Visiting Clarke Quay Places in Clarke Quay get very crowded on weekends. Make sure you have a reservation before you go. Wednesday is a ladies night at some of the nightclubs. Go grab free alcohol girls! Book your tickets in advance for adventure activities to avoid the rush and save time. Instead of going to one place, go bar hopping to get the best of nightlife experience. Read More

The Cloud Forest Dome, housed in Gardens by the Bay is a greenhouse-like structure, re-creating the tropical montane climate found between 1500m and 3000m. The centrepiece attraction of this conservatory is a 35m high mountain with the world's tallest indoor waterfall. Cloud forest welcomes its visitors to take a tour through the forest and explore its mind-blowing beauty through 9 different mist-filled levels: Lost World, Cloud Walk, The Cavern, Waterfall View, Crystal Mountain, Tree Top Walk, Secret Garden, Cloud Forest Gallery, and Cloud Forest Theatre. All these levels abound in beauty and magnificence alike and have their awe-inspiring charm. Once here, take a walk and relish the escapade into a tropical rainforest in the middle of skyscrapers and grey buildings of a metro city. The temperature inside the Cloud Forest is regulated to vary between 23 to 25 degrees Celsius to allow the tropical plants from Montane (orchids, pitcher plants and ferns) to thrive and flourish. Read More

Located in the heart of Chinatown within the Outram Planning Area, is the very popular Club Street. An L-shaped enclave between the historic Chinatown and the modern Telok Ayer, it links Cross Street with Ann Siang Hill, leading to South Bridge Road. Formerly a sleepy little place, Club Street now draws extensive crowds as it is lined with numerous bars and restaurants. It is also famous for its beautiful shop houses, which have been conserved and turned into charming galleries and cafes. These magnificent shop houses lend the bars and restaurants an exquisite old world charm, which makes Club Street a perfect place to enjoy a relaxing drink with friends. The area of Club Street is not very big and is therefore, often deemed perfect for those who want to try bar-hopping. Along with offering visitors a range of exciting drinks and palatable cuisines, the bars and restaurants of Club Street include a striking experience of live music and superbly decorated interiors amidst its central location in Singapore, promising an unforgettable visit. Along with the trendy hangouts here, one can find speciality bars like O'Batignolles and Los Primos, surrounding a central theme that enhances one's visit to these places. The ambience of each of the bars and restaurants is unique, and tourists are spoilt for choice when they choose to visit this exciting locale. Club Street is hence, a remarkable place for all foodies and bar hoppers. Read More