Singapore – the city of superlatives in Asia. It’s not only one of the most expensive cities in the world (source: Deutsche Welle), but also one of the most modern and cleanest. Numerous sights and highlights, unique architecture, and all sorts of trends await you in Singapore. If you’re planning a trip to Asia, be sure to stop in Singapore.
It’s worth it! Compared to other Asian countries, however, Singapore is expensive – really expensive. So, before your visit, you should raid your savings account or scrounge a little pocket money from your mom (*grin*). In the following article, we’ll take you through the metropolis and show you the Singapore sights that we really liked.
- Singapore Sights | Map
- Gardens by the Bay
- Botanical Gardens
- Singapore Flyer Ferris Wheel
- Marina Bay Sands + Show
- Crazy Helix Bridge
- Clarke Quay
- The Colonial Quarter
- Chinatown
- Little India
- Little Arabia
- Haw Par Villa Theme Park
- The best views of the city
- Beaches & Islands in Singapore
- Stopover Sightseeing from the Airport
- Book Tours
- Travel Reading
Singapore Sightseeing | Map
There are truly many sights waiting for you in Singapore. So be sure to plan a full day to explore at least a few of these highlights. We’ll now tell you what you absolutely cannot miss in Singapore. You’ll find the top highlights in Singapore on the map. Just click through the city virtually. During our stopover, we saw and experienced a lot in the city; it was simply a lot of fun.
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Gardens by the Bay
If you visit Singapore, you should definitely check out the city park Gardens by the Bay. This park is nice and large and consists of two main parts (Bay South Garden and Bay East Garden). You may already know this park from videos and photos. The famous “Super Trees” are also located there, which are between 9 and 16 stories high.
No expense was spared here, and there’s even a suspension bridge that runs between the Supertrees, offering a fantastic view. The popular Sky Show also takes place there every evening. It’s a kind of choreography of light and music. It’s definitely worth checking out.
At Gardens by the Bay, you can also have a picnic among the palm trees, chill on the waterfront promenade, or visit the Cloud Forest. A 35-meter-high mountain with tropical vegetation awaits you in this greenhouse. It looks totally crazy and a little mystical. Gardens by the Bay is open every day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Admission is partially free. For the Skywalk and the two greenhouses, you need an entrance ticket for around €20. You can book your ticket in advance at Getyourguide*.
Botanical Garden
The Botanical Garden in Singapore is said to be one of the most beautiful and least visited gardens in the world (4 million visitors a year). It is not without reason that it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List. The garden is located right next to Gardens by the Bay and is, so to speak, the city’s green lung. Here you will find 74 hectares of green space and around 60,000 plant species.
In the National Orchid Garden you can see the largest orchid exhibition in the world (3-4€ entrance fee: Book here at Getyourguide*). We don’t have green thumbs, but we always find such facilities cool. Entry to the Botanical Garden is even free, so you can save a little money in this expensive metropolis. The garden is open every day from 5 a.m. to midnight.
Singapore Flyer Ferris Wheel
You’re probably familiar with the London Eye Ferris wheel, right? And there’s something just like it in Singapore. The Singapore Flyer*, however, is even more spectacular. At 165 meters high, it’s the second tallest Ferris wheel in the world. There are a total of 28 gondolas, which can carry almost 800 people at a time. That’s quite a lot, isn’t it?
The view is simply gigantic! Especially in the evening, you can admire the city and its beautiful lights from above. It’s worth it! The Ferris wheel is open every day from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. The ride takes about 30 minutes and costs €22. Avoid rush hour, as you can expect waits of between 30 and 60 minutes.
Marina Bay Sands + Show
Actually everyone told us we shouldn’t miss the famous light show in front of the Marina Bay Sands. Of course, we didn’t miss the show. It takes place every day at 8 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. This show is one of the most popular attractions in Singapore. Understandably, and there’s no admission fee.
And the hotel? The legendary Marina Bay Sands opened in 2010 and is arguably one of the city’s most famous landmarks. This includes not only the hotel with its Instagrammable infinity pool, but also the casino, shopping center, art and science museum, bars, nightclubs, and the observation deck with its magnificent view*.
If you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary, then spend a night at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The world’s highest infinity pool is located on the roof. How cool is that? But a night in this hotel also comes at a price: rooms start at around €350*. But hey, we also found the view from the visitor platform really impressive.
Crazy Helix Bridge
We just went with the flow and explored the city on foot. Eventually, we reached the harbor promenade, where we spent a few relaxing hours. There are several highlights along the promenade. Among them is the Helix Bridge, which opened in 2010 and connects the Marina Bay Sands with the pedestrian path around Marina Bay. This bridge looks somewhat like a futuristic spiral (DNA). There are four observation decks on the bridge, offering fantastic views of the Singapore skyline.
Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay is located directly on the banks of the Singapore River, with countless restaurants, bars, and a diverse nightlife. In the evenings, this area really comes alive, while it’s rather quiet during the day. But beware: It’s not exactly cheap. You can easily pay 10 to 15 SGD (7€ and more) for a beer. In front of Clarke Quay is Boat Quay, with many museums and charming hotels on both sides of the river. After Clarke Quay comes Robertson Quay, which also has many bars and restaurants.
The Colonial Quarter
If you cross the Cavenagh Bridge, you’ll reach the Colonial Quarter in Singapore. This is one of the most beautiful corners of the city. It’s also the beginning of the leap into superlatives. After all the modern and futuristic buildings, you’ll now also find the historic buildings from the colonial era. The best thing to do is take a stroll and just let yourself go. Particularly worth seeing are the Empires Place Museum, City Hall, the Old Supreme Court, the Old Parliament House, and the Victoria Theatre.
Many visitors also come to this district because it is home to the famous Raffles Hotel. It was named after Singapore’s founder, Thomas Stamford Raffles, and opened in 1887. This district is also home to Singapore’s largest cathedral, St. Andrew’s Cathedral. At the National Gallery, you can admire more than 8,000 works and experience the world’s largest collection of Southeast Asian art.
Chinatown
Like every Asian city, Singapore also has a district called Chinatown. Here you will find traditional Chinese buildings, Chinese temples, colorful lanterns, and traditional restaurants and bars. Be sure to check out the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. According to TripAdvisor, it’s one of the most famous sights in Singapore, or rather, in Chinatown. The building is very magnificent and houses a tooth supposedly from Buddha. Yes, you heard right, there’s a tooth to see *laughs*.
Admission is free, so go for it! Also worth seeing is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, the Sri Mariamman Temple, which is located in Chinatown. The colorful temple is elaborately decorated and is also free to visit. If you get hungry between meals, there’s no shortage of food. You can feast to your heart’s content at the Chinatown Complex Food Centre. You can book a night tour here*.
Little India
We already thought the Little India district was incredibly cool in Kuala Lumpur. Singapore also has a similar district. Everything here is colorful; you immediately feel like you’re in the middle of India. As you stroll through the streets, you’ll notice many smells and aromas. Be sure to feast on the Indian delicacies. The Indian cuisine is truly amazing! The heart of Little India runs along Serangoon Road, where you’ll find many Indian restaurants and shops.
Most people have Sundays off, so it’s always really busy in this area. At the Mustafa Centre you’ll find everything: textiles, cosmetics, electronics, groceries, souvenirs, and much more. The centre is open 24 hours a day and is one of the absolute highlights of Little India. The Tekka Centre has a fantastic food centre with authentic Indian dishes. Little India is also home to an important Hindu temple, the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.
Little Arabia
And there aren’t just the aforementioned districts of Chinatown and Little India. There’s also Little Arabia. And we especially love this oriental world. In this district you’ll find numerous beautifully decorated and colorful colonial buildings. Be sure to stop in front of the Sultan Mosque with its large golden dome. Around Arab Street you’ll also find numerous Arabian shops where you can buy various types of tea or Persian carpets. In the many restaurants, you can, of course, sample delicious dishes from Turkey, Morocco, or Lebanon.
Haji Lane, adorned with cool street art, is also popular. On this street, you’ll find not only street art but also many fashion boutiques, restaurants, and bars. And did you know that Asia’s most famous shopping street is also located here? Stroll down Orchard Road and see for yourself. We’re not really interested in the expensive luxury brands that are located so close together here. But in Singapore, you can afford it; the world’s most millionaires live here.
The Haw Par Villa Theme Park
Singapore even has a theme park. The Haw Par Villa Theme Park is home to many figures and depictions from Chinese mythology. More than 1,000 statues and paintings are said to be on display here. Unfortunately, we weren’t there, but we heard the park is pretty cool. Take the CC Line to Haw Par Villa station. From there, it’s only 170 meters to the park.
Interesting fact: The park was built by the Burmese Aw Boon Haw. He and his brother developed the globally available Tiger Balm liniment. Who hasn’t heard of it? So it’s no surprise that, according to online information, the park was called “Tiger Palm Gardens” until 1985.
The top views of the city
There are several ways to view the city from above. Level 33 is home to the world’s highest microbrewery, offering exceptional beers. Add to that the unique view of the illuminated marina. Level 33 is located in the high-rise building of the Marina Bay Financial Center. Marvel at the evening light show from here.
The Lantern Rooftop Bar at the Fullerton Hotel is also popular. While not quite as high up, it also offers a fantastic front-row view. Or stroll through Gardens by the Bay at night. The atmosphere is simply magical and will surely blow you away. Singapore is always full of surprises.
For a great view, most visitors use the Marina Bay Observation Deck. Enjoy the sensational view from the Marina Bay Sands. You don’t have to book an expensive hotel room; you can also use the observation deck on the 57th floor of the famous hotel for just €15. Unfortunately, use of the legendary pool is reserved for hotel guests only. We marveled at the sunset from the deck and enjoyed the view to the fullest. Highly recommended!
Beaches & Islands in Singapore
In Singapore, you can not only see the top sights, but beach lovers will also find plenty to enjoy. Fine sandy beaches and turquoise blue water await you on the islands of Lazarus, Kusu, Pulau, and Sentosa. How do you get there? It’s easy! By ferry. Kusu Island has secluded beaches and beautiful lagoons. Grab a blanket and have a relaxing picnic on the beach.
Sentosa Island is probably one of the most popular destinations in Singapore. The sandy beach is very fine and clean. More than 5 million visitors come to this recreational area every year. However, if you’re looking for absolute tranquility and peace, this island is not the best place to be. This island is actually a giant amusement park with water parks, roller coasters, zip lines, and much more.
What you can also do on Sentosa Island is take the cable car from Mount Faber to Sentosa. You’ll have a beautiful view of the city and the many sights. The Sentosa Cable Car Skypass* is valid for two rides on the cable car to Sentosa Island. Cost: €17. Alternatively, you can take bus number 123 to Sentosa or the Sentosa MRT line.
Stopover Sightseeing from the Airport
Do you only have a short stopover with Singapore Airlines in Singapore and still have some time for sightseeing? The airline offers two different, free sightseeing tours. If your layover is longer than 5.5 hours, you can take this 2-hour tour. You can choose between the Heritage Tour and the City Sights Tour. Find out more here: Free Sightseeing Tour of Singapore*.
Book Tours
There are a variety of excursions and tours in Singapore. We have selected the most popular offers for you; perhaps there is something there for you. If you have a recommendation, let us know.
- Singapore River Cruise*
- Hop-On & Hop-Off Bus*
- Half-Day Tour of Singapore*
- Trip to Universal Studios*
- Nighttime Tour of Chinatown*
- A Night Out in Marina Bay*
- Local Food Tour of the City*
- 4-Hour Tour of the Famous Highlights*
Travel Reading
Want to learn more about the country and its people? Then take a look at the Dumont travel guide*. Here you’ll find all the information you need about Singapore on 120 pages.