Known as one of the world's most expensive, bustling, and vibrant cities, Singapore is technically an island, a city, and a country. It is famous for various attractions, amazing cuisine, and cultural offerings.

It doesn’t matter what kind of holiday you are interested in, whether you want to try lots of excellent food, learn more about Singaporean culture, visit the various museums and art galleries, or marvel at the wealth the country brings into its borders every year, there is something for everyone here.

So, if you are planning a trip to the island country city in the coming year or sometime soon and are looking for the best things to do in Singapore, you’ve come to the right place. This post will highlight 16 suggestions for spending your time there to get the best experience.

1. Gardens by the Bay

Regarding things to do in Singapore, we wanted to get our guide off to the best start possible by discussing the incredible Gardens by the Bay. This nature park and reserve is spread across 101 hectares of reclaimed land and features three stunning gardens, all with waterfront views, at Bay Central, Bay East, and Bay West. It has various nature trails, super trees, plants, and impressive artificial structures.

While visiting this popular tourist attraction, you can explore the fascinating Cloud Forest Conservatory, take in the sensory delights of the Supertree Grove, or, if heights do not bother you, head up 22 meters/72 feet into the sky on the OCBC Skyway for breathtaking views of the park and Singapore in general.

2. Sentosa Island

For all Formula 1 and racing fans, the Singapore Grand Prix is a must if you are heading to the country in September. However, it is difficult to pinpoint the best place for the best views, as there are several locations its fans like. So Sentosa Island is a safe bet. Situated along the southern coast of the country, this island has many fun and exciting activities to take part in when you are not watching the racing, like spas, snorkeling, sky-dining, and cable car rides, to name just a few.

There is also the exhilarating Universal Studios Singapore and the Tiger Sky Tower. For the Formula 1 race, we suggest you head to Singapore Flyer.

3. Chinatown

Are you interested in learning more about the Chinese influence on Singapore? If that’s the case, Chinatown, close to the downtown district, is one of the best things to see in Singapore. You will find traditional Chinese restaurants, temples, and shops here. You can walk through the weaving alleyways and appreciate the multi-colored decorations and architecture that hark back to the colonial days.

While in Chinatown, visit the superb Sri Mariamman Temple and the old Chinatown Complex Market, which has been there for centuries. Here, you can sample some tasty local dishes like dim sum.

4. Orchard Road

Another critical point of interest close to the downtown area of Singapore is Orchard Road. A walk along this impressive road is one of the top things to do in Singapore, thanks to the large selection of entertainment venues, activities, eateries, and shopping malls you will find as you make your way. The street comes to life when the lights go down at night, with many bars and clubs open very late.

That’s not to say it’s all about the hustle-bustle and noise, because there is a selection of gardens and parks where you can stop for peace, quiet, and rest.

5. Little India

We’ve already discussed Singapore's Chinese heritage, but what about its intriguing Indian heritage? One of the best things to do in Singapore if you want to experience and learn more about this fantastic place's Indian heritage and influence is to visit Little India.

There, you will find various food stalls, unique and independent shops, and many vibrantly colored and intricately designed temples. You should explore the renowned Mustafa Center for great deals on many different types of items and products. Be sure to stop at the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, which offers some insight into the Hindu culture that thrives in Singapore and the Goddess Kali for whom the temple was built.

6. Kampong Glam

History fans among our readers interested in exploring the oldest cultural attractions and heritage buildings around the city should add Kampong Glam to their itinerary. This is one of the most exciting things to explore in Singapore and offers a great insight into its past. Around this part of the city-country-island, you will find the Sultan Mosque, several art galleries, the Malay Heritage Center, and Arab Street. Like most of Singapore, you are always close to cafes, restaurants, and shops when you are done with the history lesson for the day.

At night, this part of the city brightens up thanks to the bright, illuminating streetlights that line the streets and buildings.

7. Singapore Night Safari

For many people, a trip to Singapore would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. So, why not go all out? One of the most exciting and fun things to do in Singapore is the Singapore Night Safari. This is truly a one-of-a-kind open-air zoo, the first in the world. There are 35 hectares of natural habitat for more than 1,000 nocturnal animals representing an impressive 120+ species worldwide, including big cats like leopards, lions, and tigers, among many other fantastic creatures.

Various guided tram rides take you into the heart of the wildlife park after dark, where interactive animal exhibits may give you a chance to stroke, touch, or even hold certain species.  There are also shows put on by the animals and their handlers.

8. Marina Bay Sands

There is no shortage of great things for couples to do in Singapore, so if you are heading to the country city for a romantic break for two, you’re in for a good time. Aside from the hedonistic and fun nightlife, we would suggest Marina Bay Sands. This large and iconic development complex is home to many internationally renowned entertainment venues, restaurants, retail outlets, and hotels.

Luxurious activities include the truly indulgent Infinity Pool, where you can relax and drink, and the Grand Theater, where you can take in a live show. When you are done with all that, you can head up to the top of the Sky Park Observation Deck for dramatic views of the city from high above it.

9. Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park

Need more ideas for things to do in Singapore with kids? Don’t worry, we have you covered. In our opinion, if you are not interested in spending a fortune at Universal Studios Singapore, we recommend you visit Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park to breathe fresh air. Found on Singapore’s eastern coast, this city park is a beautiful place to spend a day, and it is a place to enjoy some R and R around nature. Along with the many green spaces and lush grass around this park, you can stroll along various paved paths and hike to the top of the MacRitchie Nature Trail.

You can also participate in many sporting and physical activities here, including cycling, fishing, and kayaking. The best time of the year to visit is during Singapore’s dry season, which conveniently runs between March and October.

10. Tanjong Pagar

Among the must do things in Singapore is the vibrant Tanjong Pagar area. Like many parts of the city, it has various art galleries, bars, and restaurants. All these attractions and sites make it the best place to spend the night in Singapore. There are plenty of dainty little streets with hip cafes and Chinese shophouses.

Ideally, you should go to Tanjong Pagar in the evenings and on weekends. Remember to visit the incredible Tanjong Pagar Railway Station, one of the city's oldest buildings. You should also visit the local dish-tasting and hawker centers in Chinatown.

11. Bugis Street

Bugis Street is a great place to visit when looking for things to buy in Singapore, either to take gifts home to family and friends or to remember your trip. There are various entertainment venues, eateries, and shopping. The atmosphere is exciting, and you can find a lot of great bargains.

You can find everything from clothing and accessories to items for the house. There are also various food choices, from fancy restaurants to street snacks.

12. Haji Lane

A fascinating part of Kampong Glam, at its heart, is the art-filled cultural street known as Haji Lane, decorated with various colorful walls and stunning murals. Although small, it is one of the best things to do in Singapore for tourists looking for curious eateries, trendy cafes and independent boutique stores.

One of the biggest draws to this part of the city is the various fashion stores that showcase independent designers.

13. Pulau Ubin

When you want to find interesting things around Singapore but want to leave the mainland, Pulau Ubin, just off its coast, is known for its many outdoor activities and rural atmosphere. You can learn about the country’s past, explore the lush green landscape, kayak, and cycle.

Here, just off the coast of Singapore, traditional seafood restaurants offer delicious local dishes to sample.

14. Johor Bahru

Although not technically within the city limits, one of the most unusual things to do in Singapore is Johor Bahru, located within the Malaysian border. This destination is less well-developed than modern Singapore but has its unique charm. There are plenty of food stalls and local markets to explore alongside lush and beautiful gardens and interesting architecture.

Some popular attractions include the Sultan Ibrahim Building, Kota Iskandar, Sultan Abu Bakar State Mosque, and the interesting Istana Bukit Serene. 

15. Singapore Botanic Gardens

There are various free things to do in Singapore, but one of the best is the first UNESCO Heritage Site in the city, the Botanic Gardens. Established in 2015, its gardens are close to the beautiful and already mentioned Orchard Road stretch of shops and are ideal if you want to escape some of the city's noise.

Although most of the Botanic Gardens are free to enter, you must pay to visit the National Orchid Garden. While it may seem like there are many more interesting and exciting things to do around this sprawling and loud city, the National Orchid Garden is often a great escape from the technology-driven parts of the city, getting back to the root of everything. 

16. Singapore’s Amazing Free Museums

What if you want to escape the heat and are looking for indoor things to do in Singapore? It’s worth noting that most museums around the city and country are free to enter. NUS Museum offers over 800 artifacts and local artwork highlighting Singapore's intriguing development over the years. At the same time, the Singapore City Gallery, established by the Urban Redevelopment Authority, allows you to enjoy a bird' s-eye view and scaled-down model of the illustrious city.

Final Thoughts

With its religious, historical, and cultural developments over the centuries, Singapore is a fascinating place to visit, regardless of whether you are heading there as a family, couple, or solo traveler. For a busy metropolitan cityscape, there are plenty of green spaces and escapes into nature alongside the various coastal resorts and attractions that draw millions of tourists annually.

As we have shown, there are loads of excellent, cost-effective, frugal, and even free things to do during your trip, even on a strict budget. Even if you don’t intend to follow our guide to the letter, we hope you will check out the many places, sites, and attractions we have suggested.

While trying to put together the best and most informative blog post, we know there are probably places and sites we still need to look into. If you think we have included or need to include your recommendation for the best things to do in Singapore, please let us know in the comments section.