Things to Do in Singapore: 10 Best Attractions, Experiences & Places to Visit

1. Marina Bay Sands: See Singapore's Skyline from Above

Marina Bay Sands dominates Singapore's skyline, combining multiple attractions in one iconic venue. The SkyPark Observation Deck offers panoramic city views with an entry fee of ₹1,800, while the famous infinity pool remains exclusive to hotel guests. The resort features luxury shopping, world-class restaurants, and the ArtScience Museum with regular international exhibitions. One of the best free things to do in Singapore is the walk from Merlion Park to Helix Bridge and the ArtScience Museum, taking just 20–25 minutes. Visit around 7 PM for stunning sunset views and some of the city's best photo opportunities with Marina Bay Sands in the background.

Afterwards, head to the Event Plaza for the free Spectra Light & Water Show, held nightly at 8 PM and 9 PM. The show lasts about 15 minutes, and it's best to arrive 10 minutes early for a good viewing spot.

Money-saving tip: Skip the expensive observation deck and head to the nearby Helix Bridge for equally stunning views of Marina Bay Sands and the city skyline.

2. Gardens by the Bay: See the Supertrees and Indoor Waterfall

Gardens by the Bay brings Singapore’s “City in a Garden” vision to life with its fusion of nature and tech. Don’t miss the Supertree Grove’s free light show (7:45 & 8:45 PM). For ₹2,000, explore the Cloud Forest’s indoor waterfall and the Flower Dome’s global plant displays. It’s a great escape from the city’s heat and a must-visit place in Singapore for nature lovers and photographers. The views, especially at night, are nothing short of magical.

Step inside the Cloud Forest to experience its spectacular 35-metre indoor waterfall, where the cool mist offers a refreshing break from Singapore's midday heat. The elevated walkway winds through lush highland plants and around the mist-covered mountain, and you'll need about 45–60 minutes to explore it at a comfortable pace. 

Practical tip: Visit during late afternoon to enjoy the conservatories in daylight and stay for the evening Supertree light show.

3. Chinatown: Explore Singapore's Chinese Heritage

Chinatown remains one of Singapore’s most authentic cultural experiences, where historic shophouses sit alongside temples and modern cafés. At its heart is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a spiritual landmark with free entry.

Wander through its narrow streets filled with tea houses, souvenir shops, and traditional medicine stores, giving you a glimpse into old Singapore. Don’t miss the Chinatown Heritage Centre for a dose of history, or simply take in the vibrant street art and architecture along Pagoda and Temple Streets.

• Attractions: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Chinatown Heritage Centre, Chinatown Street Market and Heritage Murals
• Best Time to Visit Chinatown: Late afternoon (4:00 PM to 8:00 PM) 

Budget tip: Most temples in Chinatown offer free entry, making it an excellent budget-friendly cultural experience.

4. Little India: Explore Temples, Food and Indian Culture

Little India offers Indian travellers a comforting taste of home while highlighting Singapore’s Indian roots. At its centre is the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dedicated to Goddess Kali, and it is open daily to visitors. Eating in Little India is both affordable and authentic. Tekka Centre on Serangoon Road is one of Singapore's best hawker centres for Indian food, serving South Indian thalis from around ₹250, banana leaf meals, and freshly made dosas. Just a short walk away, Mustafa Centre is open 24 hours and features an Indian food court, familiar grocery brands, and some of Singapore's best currency exchange rates.

Serangoon Road buzzes with activity, lined with Indian restaurants, spice shops, silk stores, and gold jewellery outlets. The area comes alive during festivals like Deepavali, when the entire district is decorated with colourful lights and decorations.

• Attractions: Mustafa Centre, House of Tan Teng Niah, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple and Abdul Gafoor Mosque
• Best time to visit Little India: Weekday mornings (10 AM to 12 PM) 

Pro tip: Visit during weekday afternoons to avoid weekend crowds and enjoy a more relaxed exploration of the temples and markets.

5. Kampong Glam: Discover Singapore's Malay and Islamic Heritage

Kampong Glam highlights Singapore’s Malay and Islamic heritage. Nearby, Haji Lane blends tradition with trend, offering indie boutiques, street art, and stylish cafes. This vibrant mix of culture and creativity makes the district one of Singapore’s most unique and fascinating areas to explore. The Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan) on North Bridge Road is the heart of Kampong Glam, and its stunning golden dome alone is worth the visit. Entry is free for non-Muslim visitors outside prayer times. Dress modestly, and sarongs are available at the entrance.

Just a two-minute walk away is the Malay Heritage Centre, housed in the former Istana Kampong Glam. Entry costs around ₹250 for adults and includes access to nine galleries showcasing the history of Singapore's Malay community. It's one of the most underrated cultural attractions in Singapore.

• Attractions: Sultan Mosque, Haji Lane, Arab Street, Bussorah Street and Malay Heritage Centre
• Best time to visit Kampong Glam: Weekday late afternoons (between 4:00 PM and 7:00 PM) 

Tips: The halal food options around Arab Street are excellent. Try Zam Zam Restaurant on North Bridge Road for murtabak.

6. Hawker Centres: Eat Singapore's Best Local Food on a Budget

Singapore has over 120 hawker centres with around 6,000 food stalls spread across the island. They started in the 1960s when the government moved street vendors off the roads into organised open-air centres. Today, they're a UNESCO-recognised part of Singapore's cultural heritage and the primary way most Singaporeans eat daily. A full meal at a hawker centre costs SGD 3–8 (~ ₹190–500).

Top Picks:

• Maxwell Food Centre (Chinatown): Try the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice (~ ₹250–350).
• Lau Pa Sat (CBD): A Victorian-era food court that turns into a lively satay street every evening, perfect for grilled skewers and vibrant vibes.
• Chinatown Complex Food Centre: Singapore's largest hawker hub, housing more than 700 stalls across its multi-storey complex with over 220 food stalls offering a wide range of local Chinese favourites and regional specialities. 

Must-try dishes: Hainanese Chicken Rice, Char Kway Teow, Laksa, Chilli Crab, and Kaya Toast represent Singapore's diverse culinary heritage.

Michelin-Starred Hawker Food: Where to Eat in Singapore

Hawker Chan gained fame for serving the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal—Soy Sauce Chicken Rice for just ₹120 at Chinatown Complex. It’s proof that great food doesn’t have to be pricey. Other budget-friendly Michelin spots include Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle, offering top-quality dishes at hawker centre prices.
 

7. Sentosa Island: Beaches, Theme Parks and Ocean Adventures

Sentosa Island is Singapore’s go-to entertainment hub, reachable via the Sentosa Express monorail (₹300 round trip). It is undoubtedly one of the top tourist places in Singapore. Highlights at Sentosa Island include Universal Studios (₹4,500 entry pp), S.E.A. Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and the iconic Merlion. With lively spots like Siloso Beach offering bars and water sports, it’s the perfect tropical escape just minutes from the city. For families, Universal Studios Singapore is the top attraction. Arrive when the gates open at 10 AM and book your tickets online in advance, as same-day gate prices are usually higher.

Couples can skip the theme parks and opt for a cable car ride from HarbourFront (~ ₹1,200 round trip), followed by a sunset walk along the coast and dinner at Siloso Beach—all for under ₹2,500 per person. Budget travellers can enjoy Palawan Beach for free and walk across its suspension bridge to the tiny island marked as the southernmost point of continental Asia.

Budget alternative: Skip the paid attractions and enjoy Sentosa's free beaches, walking trails, and sunset views from the southern coastline.

Orchard Road: Shop for Luxury and International Brands 

The 2 km-long Orchard Road is the best shopping street in Singapore and includes the famous shopping malls like ION Orchard, Paragon and Takashimaya. It is a paradise of luxury and foreign brands. The best time to visit here is the Great Singapore Sale (June-July), when big discounts are offered. This suits Indian travellers, especially those interested in getting international labels at a low cost.

• What to buy: Luxury fashion, designer handbags, watches, cosmetics, jewellery, sneakers, and electronics.
• Average price range: ₹5,000–₹2,00,000+, depending on the brand and product. 

Bugis Street: Find Affordable Shopping and Souvenirs 

Bugis Street Market is the opposite of Orchard Road, as it has a low-cost atmosphere where you can get T-shirts costing just ₹50 or even something unusual to take home. It is fantastic, with discounts, and it is available every day. Bugis Junction Mall (next door) is the same, except that it is air-conditioned with a mix of medium-priced shopping.

• What to buy: Budget clothing, accessories, souvenirs, phone cases, bags, sunglasses, and gifts.
• Average price range: ₹50–₹3,000.

Arab Street and Haji Lane: Discover Boutiques and Unique Finds

Arab Street is your one-stop for textiles, carpets and other traditional Middle Eastern products, and Haji Lane is where to go for vintage clothing, custom-made accessories and novelty items as souvenirs. Both streets provide a different kind of shopping that you cannot get in ordinary malls.

• What to buy: Handmade jewellery, vintage clothing, boutique fashion, perfumes, textiles, home décor, and souvenirs.
• Average price range: ₹300–₹10,000. 

Bargaining tip: In the street markets, the sales are negotiable, and friendly bargaining will grant you 20-30% discounts in most cases.

Marina Bay: Enjoy Skyline Views and Free Light Shows

When the sun goes down, Marina Bay lights up, and Merlion Park offers fantastic views of Marina Bay Sands and the city skyline. The area also has upscale bars and restaurants, though dining here can be expensive. For a panoramic view of the city, visit the Singapore Flyer at sunset (S$46 / approx. ₹3,400). Alternatively, enjoy a free view of the skyline from the Helix Bridge.

Clarke Quay: Explore Singapore's Riverside Nightlife

The nightlife hotspot in the city of Singapore, Clarke Quay, comes to life after 8 PM, where the bars, clubs, live music, and riverside restaurants can be found. Here you can find budget pubs and posh bars, something that suits every traveller, along with the view of the beautiful Singapore River.

Safety note: Singapore's strict laws make it one of the world's safest nightlife destinations, but drinks can be expensive (~ ₹800-1,500 per cocktail).

Night Safari is the world's first nocturnal wildlife park, where you can spot more than 900 animals in habitats designed to resemble their natural environments. Instead of viewing animals behind brightly lit enclosures, you explore the park under the moonlit sky on walking trails and a safari tram.

The Safari Adventure Tram is the easiest way to see more of the park, with complimentary rides running from 7 PM to 11:20 PM. For Indian travellers, Night Safari is a particularly good choice for a family evening in Singapore. Children get to see animals in a completely different setting, while adults can enjoy the cooler evening atmosphere after a busy day of sightseeing.

• Opening hours: Daily, 6 PM–12 AM; last entry at 11:15 PM
• Tram and walking trails: From 7 PM
• Best for: Families, wildlife lovers and first-time visitors to Singapore

Best way to plan your visit: Arrive around 6:30–7 PM, explore the walking trails, take the complimentary tram, and catch a wildlife presentation if available. Seat bookings for the Creatures of the Night presentation open two hours before each show, so check the latest timings on the day of your visit.

Singapore is easy to explore by MRT, bus, taxi, or on foot. The MRT is the best choice for most travellers because it is fast, clean, affordable, and connects major areas across the city.

• MRT trains: Most Singapore MRT rides cost about SGD 1–2.50 (₹75–190). The MRT is usually the fastest way to travel between popular areas and attractions. 
• Contactless cards and EZ-Link: You can tap a Visa, Mastercard, American Express or NETS contactless bank card at MRT gates and on buses. A SimplyGo EZ-Link card is another option if you prefer a separate travel card. It works on Singapore's MRT, LRT and buses. 
• Singapore Tourist Pass: This pass offers unlimited travel on MRT, LRT and basic public buses for a set number of days. Prices are SGD 17 for 1day (~ ₹1,300),SGD 24 for 2 days (~ ₹1,800), and SGD 29 for 3 days (~ ₹2,200). It does not include the Sentosa Express. 
• Grab: Grab is useful for late-night travel, airport transfers, or when you have heavy luggage. Fares depend on the distance, time, and demand.
• Walking: Areas such as Marina Bay and Chinatown are easy to explore on foot. Walking is also a good way to see nearby attractions without paying for short rides.

Singapore is easy to explore, but a few local rules are important to know before you arrive. Keep these tips in mind while visiting attractions, temples, mosques and public places.

• Carry a Type G plug adapter: Singapore uses three-square-pin plugs, similar to the UK. The standard voltage is 220–240V.
• Dress respectfully at religious places: Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and knees when visiting temples and mosques. You may also need to remove your shoes before entering. Some places provide cover-ups for visitors.
• Do not carry or use vapes: E-cigarettes and e-vaporisers are illegal to purchase, possess or use in Singapore. Do not bring them into the country.
• Avoid bringing chewing gum: Chewing gum is a prohibited import in Singapore, except for specific approved medical and dental products.
• Follow smoking rules: Smoking is banned in many public places, including public transport, covered walkways, bus stops and several parks and recreational areas. Always check for signs before lighting a cigarette.
• Do not eat or drink on public transport: Keep food and drinks off MRT trains and buses to avoid breaking local rules.
• Carry a little cash: Cards are widely accepted, but some smaller food stalls and local businesses may still prefer cash.
• Plan for sudden rain: Singapore is hot and humid, with rain that can be heavy but brief. Keep a small umbrella in your day bag.
• Keep the city clean: Singapore has strict public cleanliness rules. Use bins and follow signs in public areas.

Singapore is the kind of place where a single day can take you from a quiet temple in Little India to a sizzling hawker stall, a futuristic Supertree Grove and a glowing Marina Bay skyline. The best things to do in Singapore are not all expensive. Watch Garden Rhapsody under the Supertrees, stroll around Marina Bay at sunset, taste local dishes at a hawker centre, explore Chinatown and Kampong Glam, then spend a full day on Sentosa. You can also add the Night Safari or Universal Studios if you have more time on your itinerary.