Singapore is a city packed with world-class attractions and unforgettable experiences. It is a place where futuristic gardens meet historic neighborhoods and a vibrant culinary scene thrives. For a first-time visitor, deciding what to see and do can be a delightful challenge. This guide provides a curated list of the top 10 unmissable experiences to help you build your perfect itinerary.
This list is your perfect starting point. You can see how to fit these activities into your schedule with our complete guide for planning your Singapore trip. With this checklist, you are ready to see the very best the city has to offer.
The Complete Singapore Bucket List
This is your essential checklist for an amazing Singapore adventure. These ten experiences offer a fantastic mix of culture, nature, food, and fun.
1. Eat at a Hawker Centre
You cannot say you have truly experienced Singapore until you have eaten at a hawker centre. This is not just about grabbing a meal; it is a cultural “must-do” activity. These bustling food courts are where Singaporeans from all walks of life come to eat. They offer an incredible variety of delicious and affordable food from Chinese, Malay, and Indian cuisines. The lively atmosphere and the sheer number of choices make it a fun and authentic dining experience.
2. Admire the Jewel Changi Airport
Even the airport is a world-class attraction in Singapore. The Jewel is a stunning nature-themed entertainment and retail complex connected to the airport’s terminals. Its centerpiece is the HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. It is a destination in its own right, and you can learn more in our full guide to navigating Changi Airport. Remember that the Jewel is in the public area, so it is best to visit when you arrive or before you check in for your flight.
3. See the Sights at Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a breathtaking, futuristic park that has become a symbol of modern Singapore. Its most famous feature is the Supertree Grove, a collection of massive, tree-like vertical gardens. You can take a walk along the OCBC Skyway, a suspended walkway that connects two of the Supertrees, for a stunning view of the gardens.
The park also features two massive cooled conservatories. The Flower Dome showcases plants from Mediterranean climates, while the Cloud Forest is home to a towering indoor waterfall and a lush, misty mountain landscape. In the evening, the Supertree Grove comes alive with the Garden Rhapsody, a spectacular free light and sound show.
4. Get the View from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
For the most iconic view of the Singapore skyline, head to the SkyPark Observation Deck. It sits atop the three towers of the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel. This massive cantilevered platform offers an incredible 360-degree panoramic view of the city. From here, you can see Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Strait, and the impressive cityscape of the Central Business District. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon. This allows you to see the city in daylight, watch the sunset, and then witness the skyline light up after dark.
5. Visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens
A short trip from the city bustle lies a tranquil, green oasis. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a 160-year-old tropical garden and the country’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a beautiful place to take a peaceful stroll, have a picnic, or simply escape the heat under the shade of ancient trees. The highlight of the gardens is the National Orchid Garden, which houses the world’s largest display of orchids, with thousands of spectacular species and hybrids on show.
6. Spend a Day on Sentosa Island
No trip to Singapore is complete without a visit to its famous island playground. Sentosa is the city’s “State of Fun,” a dedicated resort island with something for everyone. You can relax on its golden sand beaches, visit world-class attractions like Universal Studios Singapore, or seek thrills at the adventure parks. There is so much to do on the island, and our map of Sentosa’s best attractions is a great place to start planning your visit.
7. Wander Through Chinatown’s Heritage Streets
Step into a vibrant mix of old and new in Singapore’s historic Chinatown. The area is filled with a fascinating blend of temples, traditional shophouses, and bustling markets. You can visit the magnificent Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, see the colourful Sri Mariamman Temple, and browse for souvenirs at the Chinatown Street Market. The neighborhood is also a food lover’s paradise, with countless eateries and one of the city’s most famous hawker centres.
8. Get Lost in the Colours of Little India
A walk through Little India is a feast for the senses. The streets are alive with the vibrant colours of flower garland stalls, the sounds of Bollywood music, and the aromatic scent of spices and incense. You can visit ornate Hindu temples, shop for beautiful silk saris, and explore the sprawling, 24-hour Mustafa Centre. It is a wonderfully immersive district that showcases the heart of Singapore’s Indian community.
9. Shop on Orchard Road
Orchard Road is Asia’s most famous shopping street. This 2.2-kilometre-long boulevard is a paradise for shoppers, lined with massive, futuristic malls, luxury brand flagships, and international department stores. You can find everything here, from high fashion to the latest electronics. Even if you are not a big shopper, a stroll down Orchard Road is a great way to experience the modern, energetic pulse of the city.
10. Take a Bumboat Ride on the Singapore River
For a classic and relaxing way to see the city skyline, take a ride on a traditional bumboat. These historic wooden boats now serve as river cruises that travel along the Singapore River. The journey takes you past the historic shophouses of Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, the grand colonial buildings of the Civic District, and offers a fantastic view of the modern Marina Bay skyline. It is a wonderful photo opportunity and a peaceful way to see the city’s past and present.
Planning Your Visits
A little bit of planning can make your sightseeing much smoother. For many of the popular attractions, it is a good idea to buy your tickets online in advance. This often allows you to skip the long queues at the ticket counter, saving you valuable time.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is the first and only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO World Heritage List, a testament to its cultural and historical significance. Its inclusion on this prestigious list highlights its importance not just to Singapore, but to the world.
A City of Wonderful Contrasts
This list offers a fantastic mix of experiences that truly define Singapore. You can see futuristic architecture standing alongside lush nature, and vibrant cultural heritage thriving in a modern city. These wonderful contrasts are what make Singapore such a unique and exciting place to visit.
