Singapore—I don’t even know where to start with this incredible city. I’ve visited three times, and it’s still one of my favorite places in the world. But when I first traveled here in 2019, I had no idea what to see or do. That’s why I’ve put together this Singapore travel guide—to help you explore the best landmarks and attractions this amazing destination has to offer !
- Changi Airport – Jewel
- Gardens by the Bay
- Marina Bay Sands
- Merlion & Esplanade
- National Museum of Singapore
- Clarke Quay
- Chinatown
- Little India
- Haji Lane
Jewel at Changi Airport
First stop after arriving in Singapore: Changi Airport. This world-famous airport is known for its impressive architecture and numerous activities. Its highlight is Jewel, a massive shopping mall featuring a stunning indoor waterfall that cascades from the roof across multiple floors. Surrounding the waterfall is a recreated tropical ecosystem, with a small train connecting the terminals passing through. At night, the waterfall comes alive with hourly light shows, and I highly recommend attending one—it’s truly magical.
I love this place—it takes my breath away every time and has become a meaningful symbol of my trips to Singapore !
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is the most famous place to visit in Singapore—and I assure you, it lives up to expectations. This large park near the Marina Bay Sands hotel features different themed gardens like the Malay Garden, Silver Garden, and Golden Garden. The Gardens are best known for their Supertrees—vibrant, metallic structures covered in tropical plants. Here are the three places I recommend :
OCBC Skyway
To me, this is the most beautiful part of the Gardens. This pathway weaves between the Supertrees, offering a panoramic view of the Gardens, Domes, and other Supertrees. The view is breathtaking and makes for an incredible photo spot ! Time on the Skyway is limited, but it’s plenty to enjoy the walk.
At night, the Garden Rhapsody light show illuminates the Supertrees in a magical display—I highly recommend experiencing it!
Cloud Forest
Cloud Forest is one of the two domes in Gardens by the Bay, and to me, it’s the most impressive. Inside, a large vertical structure covered in plants and waterfalls rises up to the glass ceiling. The first look is breathtaking, but as you walk through, you can take in the intricate details of the structure and the many plant species. As you continue your visit, you’ll make your way up the Cloud Forest, discovering more at each level. The view from every platform is unique, revealing a new perspective of this stunning space.
Flower Dome
The second dome of Gardens by the Bay, Flower Dome, is described as a place “where flowers never stop blooming,” and I couldn’t agree more! This dome recreates some of the world’s most famous flower gardens, allowing you to travel from one continent to another just by walking through. You can explore Australian species in the Australian Garden and discover plants from South America as well. I found it fascinating to see such a wide variety of flowers and plants! The dome also hosts temporary exhibits, so be sure to check them out too!
Marina Bay Sands
One must-see destination in this Singapore travel guide is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Shopping Mall. The hotel’s three 57-story towers are an iconic part of the city’s skyline, with striking architecture that stands out from its surroundings. The highlight of the hotel is its rooftop, offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the city. However, access is only available for a fee. While there isn’t much to see inside unless you’re staying there, it’s still worth a visit to admire its unique design.
Adjacent to the hotel is the Marina Bay Sands Shopping Mall. With three levels and a wide range of stores, it’s an impressive spot for shopping while enjoying the air conditioning. However, most stores feature luxury brands, making it a pricier shopping destination compared to downtown. That said, the mall has a food court with reasonably priced options, making it a convenient place to grab a bite if you’re in the area !
Merlion & Esplanade
The Merlion is a key symbol of Singapore and a must-see attraction. This mythical creature, with a lion’s head and a fish’s body, became an emblem of the city in the 1960s at the request of the Tourism Board. The lion represents Singapore’s name, meaning “Lion City” in Sanskrit, while the fish symbolizes its origins as a fishing village.
A Merlion statue stands at the Esplanade, spouting water into the bay. It’s a popular spot for fun photos and offers stunning views of Marina Bay Sands, especially at night when the skyline lights up.
The Esplanade around Marina Bay is perfect for an evening stroll and Instagram-worthy shots. Along the way, you’ll pass landmarks like the Red Dot Design Museum, the Fullerton Hotel, and the Theatres on the Bay. So take your time and enjoy the view !
National Museum of Singapore
Another step in this Singapore Travel guide is the National Museum of Singapore – my favorite museum ever ! The main exhibit takes you on a journey through Singapore’s history, from its early settlements to its emergence on the global stage. It’s the perfect way to understand the key events and influences that shaped the city into what it is today.
Unlike many other museums I’ve visited, I found the explanations here to be exceptionally detailed, and the setup incredibly immersive. As you walk through the exhibit, you move seamlessly through different time periods, each scene bringing to life a new chapter of Singapore’s rich history.
Museums in Singapore can be quite expensive, but if there’s one you shouldn’t miss, it’s this one!
Clarke Quay
Located along Singapore’s river, Clarke Quay is well known for its shopping mall and vibrant nightlife. It’s a lovely, peaceful walk by the water, where beautifully restored, colorful houses line one side of the river, while restaurants and bars illuminate the other.
Nearby, Fort Canning Park offers a quiet escape from Singapore’s busy streets. This historic site holds a rich past, which you can uncover as you climb and explore its scenic trails.
Chinatown
You can’t visit Singapore without exploring Chinatown! This neighborhood feels completely different from the towering skyscrapers near Marina Bay, with its charming two-story shophouses and unique architecture that create a village-like atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Chinatown is full of must-visit spots, so be sure to check out these highlights:
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple – A stunning Buddhist temple with intricate decorations and exhibits on Buddha’s history.
- Lau Pa Sat – A bustling hawker center where you can sample a variety of local dishes.
- Sri Mariamman Temple – Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, adorned with beautiful sculptures.
Little India
You can’t visit Singapore without exploring Little India! This neighborhood offers a striking contrast to the city’s modern architecture, with its colorful low-rise buildings, vibrant streets, and rich cultural heritage, making it one of the most unique areas in Singapore.
Little India is full of must-visit spots, so be sure to check out these ones out :
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple – One of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore, dedicated to the goddess Kali and adorned with intricate carvings.
- Tekka Centre – A lively market where you can find fresh produce, fragrant spices, and traditional textiles.
- Mustafa Centre – A massive 24-hour shopping complex offering everything from souvenirs to electronics at affordable prices.
It’s also the perfect place to enjoy authentic Indian cuisine, so don’t miss the chance to try some delicious local dishes !
Haji Lane
Haji Lane is another popular tourist spot in the city. This narrow street is known for its many shops selling souvenirs, with facades painted in bright colors, some featuring intricate artwork. The lane is also famous for its vibrant street art and murals, making it a great spot for photography. In addition to souvenirs, you’ll find independent boutiques selling unique, locally designed fashion, accessories, and home decor. It’s a truly beautiful place! You’ll also find charming cafés and restaurants nearby, perfect for soaking in the neighborhood’s atmosphere.
Now that you have my Singapore travel guide, have a look at my other travel recommendations :
