Choose from 92 Fun Things to Do in Singapore
ShowingFilter 21-40 of 92 listings.
Masjid Sultan Mosque
The oldest mosque in Singapore, the Masjid Sultan, is located in the Malay-Muslim quarter of town. The sheen of the two distinguished golden domes that top it, as well as its colorful yet tasteful façade, has made it one of the premiere destinations for visitors of any faith.
Standing on a site totaling 44,228 square feet (4,109 square meters), the massive interior two-stories high can hold about 5,000 faithful Muslims, with separate conference rooms and auditoriums to seat many more. It is also decorated with handcrafted motifs, golden floral patterns and calligraphy to top it all with intricate design.
Having long been a hub for local commerce and art, the mosque is also known to have been the place of several historic events, including where several racial riots took place in the 1950s.
These days, planners organize frequent seminars here for prominent theologians and scholars. There are also occasional art showings, charity events and blood drives as well as opportunities to have an in-depth look into the Quran with novice level classes. Check the Masjid Sultan website ahead of time to see what might be happening when you are in town.
Located within walking distance from Victoria Street and Ophir Road, the mosque is accessible by the 7, 32, 51, 61, 63, 80, 145 buses, or a short walk from the MRT station Bugis (EW12).
Standing on a site totaling 44,228 square feet (4,109 square meters), the massive interior two-stories high can hold about 5,000 faithful Muslims, with separate conference rooms and auditoriums to seat many more. It is also decorated with handcrafted motifs, golden floral patterns and calligraphy to top it all with intricate design.
Having long been a hub for local commerce and art, the mosque is also known to have been the place of several historic events, including where several racial riots took place in the 1950s.
These days, planners organize frequent seminars here for prominent theologians and scholars. There are also occasional art showings, charity events and blood drives as well as opportunities to have an in-depth look into the Quran with novice level classes. Check the Masjid Sultan website ahead of time to see what might be happening when you are in town.
Located within walking distance from Victoria Street and Ophir Road, the mosque is accessible by the 7, 32, 51, 61, 63, 80, 145 buses, or a short walk from the MRT station Bugis (EW12).
Address: 3 Muscat St, 198833, Singapore
Hours: Open daily 9:30am-12pm & 2pm-4pm
From $ 29
Raffles Landing Site
A 20-foot (6-meter) white marble statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, backed by the skyscrapers of modern Singapore, marks the spot where the British statesman was believed to have landed in 1819 in the area today known as Boat Quay. The founder of Singapore would go on to sign a treaty establishing the sovereign city-state.
The Basics
The Raffles Landing Site, located on the banks of the Singapore River, ranks among the country’s most historically significant attractions; it’s included in just about every Singapore highlights tour, along with other popular points of interest like the Marina Bay Sands, Orchard Road, Chinatown, Clarke Quay, and Little India. History aside, the statue sits an open outdoor space that provides a great view of the buildings across the river, as well as an opportunity to take a quiet walk and relax along the waterfront.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The landing site is a must-see for history buffs and first-time visitors to Singapore.
- Don’t forget to bring sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat, as the area offers little in the way of shade.
- City tours that stop at the landing site last anywhere from three hours to a full day.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Raffles Landing Site is to take the metro to Raffles Place station and leave through Exit H.
When to Get There
The Raffles Landing Site is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Since the site lacks much in the way of shade or shelter, it’s best to visit in the morning or late afternoon when it’s not too hot.
Where to See the Original Statue
The current statue at the Raffles Landing Site is actually a copy; it was erected in 1969 to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Singapore’s founding. The original bronze statue, sculpted by Thomas Woolner, is now on display outside the Victoria Concert Hall at Empress Place.
Address: Singapore
From $ 83
Esplanade Theatres on the Bay
Opened in 2002, the giant Esplanade–Theatres on the Bay performing arts center is set on the Marina Bay waterfront. The striking complex is Singapore’s premier performance venue, boasting a 1,600-seat concert hall and a 2,000-seat theater. There is also a recording studio and a recital studio, plus open-air and waterfront theater venues.
Esplanade is one of the busiest performing arts venues in the world, with about 3,000 performances annually. The program is eclectic and comprehensive, with everything from Asian plays to New York Philharmonic Orchestra performances. The center also hosts festivals, such as the Singapore Arts Festival, along with a number of touring productions and free music, dance, and theater programs.
Those looking to learn more about the architecture and history of the venue can take the Esplanade Walk, a 45-minute guided tour through the main concert hall, theater, and other facilities. Visitors can also enjoy a pre-show dinner or a spot of shopping within the various restaurants and retail outlets in the complex’s three-story mall.
Practical Info
Tickets for events and performances at Esplanade can be bought from the official website or from the Esplanade Box Office. The venue can be reached via the NorthSouth Line or the East-West line on the MRT by alighting at City Hall. Alternatively, visitors should take the Circle line and alight at the Esplanade stop. Various buses also serve the venue, stopping outside the Esplanade Mall entrance along Raffles Avenue.
Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, 038981, Singapore
Hours: Box office: 12pm-8:30pm
Admission: Various
From $ 26
MINT Museum of Toys
The MINT, short for Moment of Imagination and Nostalgia with Toys, Museum of Toys opened in 2006 as the world’s first museum dedicated entirely to toys and children’s memorabilia. The private museum is owned by Mr. Chang Yang Fa, a citizen of Singapore and passionate collector of toys.
Today, the museum houses the largest collection of vintage, rare and one-of-a kind toys in the world -- a collection that includes some 50,000 specimens collected from 40 different countries. Toys on display run the gamut from the familiar (Batman and Popeye) to more obscure pieces from Europe and Japan. If you’re looking for something specific, you’ll find a collection of China-made toys on the second floor, the Childhood Favourites collection on the third and exhibit space dedicated to characters on the fourth.
If you get hungry, the museum houses three eateries. Mr. Punch Restaurant serves up 1920s-inspired dishes, the Rooftop Bar specializes in cocktails and snacks, and the Sidewalk Bar makes for excellent people watching over a cold drink and a casual bite to eat.
Today, the museum houses the largest collection of vintage, rare and one-of-a kind toys in the world -- a collection that includes some 50,000 specimens collected from 40 different countries. Toys on display run the gamut from the familiar (Batman and Popeye) to more obscure pieces from Europe and Japan. If you’re looking for something specific, you’ll find a collection of China-made toys on the second floor, the Childhood Favourites collection on the third and exhibit space dedicated to characters on the fourth.
If you get hungry, the museum houses three eateries. Mr. Punch Restaurant serves up 1920s-inspired dishes, the Rooftop Bar specializes in cocktails and snacks, and the Sidewalk Bar makes for excellent people watching over a cold drink and a casual bite to eat.
Practical Info:
Routes to take by transit: within walking distance of Subways: EW, NS (at City Hall Station) and CC (at Esplanade Station).
Address: 26 Seah St, 188382, Singapore
Hours: Daily: 9:30am - 6:30pm
Admission: Adult: $15; Child/Senior: $7.50
From $ 22
Kranji War Memorial
The Kranji War Memorial, located in northern Singapore, is an impressive structure built in 1946 immediately following the Second World War to commemorate the soldiers from the allied and regional countries who fought and died protecting Malaysia and Singapore from the invading Japanese forces.
Made up of a cemetery of nearly 5,000 servicemen and a separate memorial bearing the names of more than 24,000 others, the war memorial is divided in three segments to represent the different branches of the military, the Air Force, Army and Navy. Of the tombstones, about 850 remain without names.
Upon entering the memorial, there is a large bronze door nearby a reference book for each of the names within. On Remembrance Day, which is typically held in November, there is a rather large service at the memorial to pay tribute to those who lost their lives.
Made up of a cemetery of nearly 5,000 servicemen and a separate memorial bearing the names of more than 24,000 others, the war memorial is divided in three segments to represent the different branches of the military, the Air Force, Army and Navy. Of the tombstones, about 850 remain without names.
Upon entering the memorial, there is a large bronze door nearby a reference book for each of the names within. On Remembrance Day, which is typically held in November, there is a rather large service at the memorial to pay tribute to those who lost their lives.
Address: Singapore
From $ 32
Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa is undoubtedly one of the most unique attractions in Singapore. Located along the Pasir Panjang Road, this mythological theme park contains more than 1,000 statues and 150 dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology and various religions. Built in 1937 by the Aw family, the inventors of Tiger Balm (the park was originally called Tiger Balm Garden), it was intended to serve as a place to teach traditional Chinese values. As Singapore became more modern over the years, however, Haw Par Villa gradually became more of an attraction for curious tourists.
The Basics
Haw Par Villa is divided into various themed sections, the most popular of which is the 10 Courts of Hell. Reached via an enclosed, dimly-lit tunnel, it presents, in gruesome detail, a tableau of the tortures and punishments issued for various sins and crimes committed. While it’s possible to visit the park on your own for free, it’s a stop on many Singapore round-island sightseeing tours that also include visits to other area attractions such as Henderson Waves, Bright Hill Temple, Kranji War Memorial, and the Changi War Museum.
Things to Know Before You Go
- The park is a must-see for visitors looking to get off the beaten path.
- Some of the sculptures within the park are rather graphic in nature and may not be suitable for kids.
- Admission to the park is free.
- Don’t forget your camera, as the park is filled with interesting photo ops.
- Bring along some water and snacks, as not much is available inside the park.
How to Get There
The easiest way to reach Haw Par Villa is to take the green line to Haw Par Villa MRT station.
When to Get There
Haw Par Villa is open daily from 9am to 6pm. Since the park offers limited shade, it’s best to visit in the morning or late afternoon when Singapore’s heat isn’t quite so intense.
Chinese Folklore at Haw Par Villa
If the gruesome dioramas of the 10 Courts of Hell aren’t your cup of tea, there’s still plenty to see in this Chinese mythological park. Many of China’s great folktales are depicted, including Journey to the West and Madame White Snake.
Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road, 118628, Singapore
Hours: 9am-7pm
Admission: Free
From $ 69
Helix Bridge
From New York to San Francisco, big cities are known for their beautiful bridges. But perhaps none are as impressive as Singapore’s Helix Bridge. Originally known at the Double Helix Bridge, this scenic footbridge is encased with twisting metal tubes and shimmering lights reminiscent of DNA strands. Helix was opened in April 2010, but the popular walkway was not accessible to travelers until July of that year. Today, visitors can wander the steel encased path linking Marina South and Marina Centre, while staring out over a pristine bay bathed in brilliant lights. Travelers love to walk the path in the early daylight hours, or late at night, when the area proves most picturesque.
Practical Info
The Helix Bridge is located in the Marina Bay. It links Marina Centre with Marina South.
Address: Marina Bay, Singapore
From $ 30
Raffles Hotel
Founded in 1887 as a 10-room bungalow on the shores of the Singapore River, the resplendent Raffles Hotel has grown to icon status throughout the Far East, attracting celebrity guests from Charlie Chaplin to Queen Elizabeth II. In 1915 another legend was born when hotel bartender Ngiam Tong Boon introduced guests—and subsequently the world—to the Singapore Sling cocktail. A multiphased restoration program is returning the Raffles to its original 19th-century glory.
The Basics
The Raffles Hotel Singapore’s landmark status makes it a must-visit for any Singapore visitor, guests and nonguests alike. Join a walking tour through Singapore’s colonial days: Sip afternoon tea in the Tiffin Room, order a classic Singapore Sling in the Long Bar, or simply marvel at the spectacular colonial architecture, then visit other points of interest like the Raffles Landing Site and buzzy Clarke Quay.
Things to Know Before You Go
- A stop at the Raffles Hotel is a must for history buffs, architecture fans, and first-time visitors to Singapore.
- Visit the hotel on your own or as part of a historic sightseeing tour.
- Be sure to check the dress code for the experience you’re planning. The hotel’s bars and restaurants range from casual to somewhat formal.
How to Get There
The Raffles Hotel is located just a couple minutes from Singapore’s famous Orchard Road shopping street, 20 minutes from Changi International Airport. It’s easy to reach by rapid transit: take the metro to the Raffles Place MRT stop.
When to Get There
What type of experience you’re looking to have will determine the best time to visit the hotel. Many travelers come for a Singapore Sling at the historic Long Bar or Billiard Room, both open throughout the day and into the night. Another popular option is an afternoon visit for high tea.
The Man Behind the Name
Like many buildings, roads, and monuments in Singapore, the Raffles Hotel gets its name from Sir Stamford Raffles, the British statesman who founded modern Singapore in February 1819. Interestingly Raffles also founded the London Zoo—one of the world’s oldest—as well as Singapore’s first botanical garden on Fort Canning Hill. Mt. Sophia was named after Sophia Hull, Raffles’ second wife.
Address: 1 Beach Road, 189673, Singapore
Admission: Free
From $ 29
Madame Tussauds Singapore
This entertaining wax museum is fun for the whole family and filled to the brim with figures made in the likeness of pop culture and historical stars. Visitors can snap photos with Beyonce and Madonna, or strike a pose with Venus and Serena Williams. The exciting “Spirit of Singapore” boat ride transports travelers through a tropical garden where native plants come to life in what’s sure to be a memorable part of any visit to the museum. Once the ship as sailed through the mystical foliage, travelers will head through a grand prix race and into a magical downtown Singapore cityscape before floating to Pai fang and taking in celebratory fireworks before leaving the boat.
This one-of-a-kind museum is the perfect stop for families looking for a bit of fun on a rainy afternoon or for travelers looking to check out a different kind of Madame Tussauds experience. Whether it’s a couple of hours or an entire afternoon, time spent in the halls of this wax figure museum is sure to entertain.
Practical Info
Madame Tussauds is located at 40 Imbiah Road in Singapore. It is accessible by public bus to Harbourfront Interchange or MRT via the purple or yellow lines. Tickets are $39 for adults 13-59, $29 for children 3-12 and $30 for seniors 60 and over.
Address: 40 Imbiah Road, 099700, Singapore
Hours: Mon-Fri: 10am-6pm; Sat-Sun & public holidays: 10am-7:30pm
Admission: $39 for adults 13-59, $29 for children 3-12 & $30 for seniors 60 & over
From $ 32
Mega Adventure Park
Mega Adventure Park on Singapore’s Sentosa Island is an adrenaline junkie’s playground. The crowning jewel of the park is a 1,476-foot (450-m) zipline called the MegaZip, which lets guests fly over the jungle canopy some 236 feet (72 m) above the ground. There is also a treetop aerial obstacle course, complete with tightropes, cargo nets, and wobbly bridges.
Recreate the sensation of skydiving on the ParaJump, or test your strength on NorthFace, a 52-foot (16-m) climbing wall with three different routes to the top. The smaller-scale MegaBounce attraction lets little ones in on the fun.
Practical Info
Mega Adventure Park is located on Sentosa Island in Singapore. It is open daily from 11am to 7pm. Tickets can be purchased a la carte by attraction or as a combo of two or more adventures.
Catching the cable car from Mount Faber is arguably the best way to get to Sentosa Island from the mainland, as it offers spectacular views that all ages can enjoy. Alternatively, you can also take the North-East Line of the MRT to HarbourFront and make your way to Level 3 of Vivocity, where it's possible to catch the Sentosa Express monorail to the island. Once on the island, you can get around by a series of bus routes, the beach tram, and the Sentosa Express.
Address: Imbiah Hill Road, Sentosa Island 98829, Singapore
Hours: 11am–7pm daily
Admission: Varies
From $ 38
Jurong Bird Park
Ranked among the world’s largest bird sanctuaries, the Jurong Bird Park is home to an astounding 5,000 birds representing 400 avian species. Each habitat is designed to mirror a naturalistic environment. Walk through the Waterfall Aviary—the world’s largest walk-in aviary—or meet colorful Australian lories in the 9-story Lory Loft. You can observe toucans and parrots from the South American tropics inside Jungle Jewels; watch penguins glide through the water at Penguin Coast; or see the world’s most comprehensive collection of pelican species at Pelican Cove. Guests can witness birds’ behaviors during a live show, and kids can cool off at the Birdz of Play splash zone.
The Basics
Spread across 50 acres (20 hectares), there’s a lot to see inside Jurong Bird Park. The in-park tram is a popular way for visitors to see the highlight attractions. For a hassle-free experience, opt for a private guided Jurong Bird Park tour that includes hotel pickup and drop-off. Those who prefer to visit the park independently, can stop here via the Singapore Flyer hop-on hop-off bus. Admission is also included on the Singapore City Pass, along with other attractions like the Singapore Zoo, Universal Studios Singapore, and S.E.A. Aquarium at Marine Life Park.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Jurong Bird Park is a must-see for families and animal lovers.
- Don’t forget to bring sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat.
- You may want to also bring along insect repellant and rain gear.
- While it’s possible to see the park with minimal walking, it’s best to wear comfortable shoes and enjoy the flexibility of strolling the park.
- Strollers are available for rent, and wheelchairs are available free of charge.
How to Get There
While Jurong Bird Park is situated about 30 minutes outside of the city, it’s well served by public transportation. The easiest way to get there is by riding the green line to Boon Lay MRT station and then taking Bus 194 to the entrance.
When to Get There
The bird park is open daily from 8:30am to 6pm. Since Singapore’s climate can be hot and humid, it’s best to visit in the morning or late afternoon.
Visiting the Wildlife Reserves Singapore
Jurong Bird Park is one of four attractions that comprise the Wildlife Reserves Singapore, along with the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari, and River Safari. While individual admission tickets are available for each park, those planning to visit more than one can save by purchasing two-park admission, four-park admission, or a ParkHopper pass that includes tram and boat rides at all four parks.
Address: 2 Jurong Hill, 628925, Singapore
Hours: Daily: 8:30am - 6pm
Admission: Adult: $29; Child: $19
From $ 26
Pulau Ubin (Ubin Island)
Pulau Ubin is a small island located to the north east of Singapore and is one of the last undeveloped areas of the country. Legend says that the island was formed when three animals—an elephant, frog and pig—challenged each other to a race; the losers would be turned to stone. As none of the animals could finish the race, the elephant and pig were turned to stone and became Pulau Ubin and the frog became Pulau Sekadu (Frog Island). Whether the legend is true or not is up for debate, but the truth is that the island is made of granite, a fact that thrilled the English when they were settling the area.
Nowadays, the island is an oasis of green with old wooden homes and jetties and abandoned plantations and quarries illustrating the traditional kampong village, a side of Singapore that is mostly absent on the mainland. Many Singaporeans visit the island during the summer months for recreation—there are plenty of hiking and biking paths—and tourists have taken note and followed suit. One of the most popular aspects of the island is Chek Jawa, a former coral reef that allows visitors to get an up-close glimpse at a variety of marine wildlife. There are several restaurants that specialize in seafood and have amazing views, so don’t worry about going hungry during your day of exploring.
Practical Info
To get to Pulau Ubin from the main island of Singapore, it’s just a 10- or 15-minute bumboat ride from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The bumboats run from about 6 a.m. to about 8 p.m. and each boat can fit 12 people. The fare is $2.50 Singapore dollars (SGD) each way, $2 SGD for a bicycle. The boat operators will wait until the boat is full before departing, but if you want to get there more quickly, you can rent out the whole boat for $30 SGD.
Address: Pulau Ubin, Singapore
From $ 64
Joo Chiat
Joo Chiat is an eastern Singapore residential neighborhood noted for its Peranakan culture. Peranakans are descendants of 15th- through 17th-century Chinese and Indian immigrants who ultimately married non-Muslim natives from the Malay Archipelago. The neighborhood is named after Chew Joo Chiat, a wealthy landowner who once owned most of the land in the area.
Today, Joo Chiat is best known for its rows of traditional Peranakan structures—colorful two-story shops and terrace homes with ceramic tiles, ornate facades and Chinese motifs. These shop-houses dominated the area back in the 1920s and 1930s. The Katong Antique House is a fully restored Peranakan family home with antiques and artifacts on display, and Rumah Bebe is a shop and restaurant noted for its well-preserved façade. This is an ideal place to purchase handicrafts and gifts to bring back home with you.
Joo Chiat is also one of the Singapore’s best food destinations. Be sure to sample local specialties like Katong Laska, white rice noodles in a spicy coconut milk broth, or Nynona dumplings, glutinous rice dumplings filled with pork cubes fried with coriander powder and wrapped in pandan leaves.
Practical Info
Joo Chiat is primarily located between Geylang Serai and Marine Parade Road. Katong is a neighboring area closely associated with Joo Chiat; you’ll often see it referred to as the Joo Chiat/Katong enclave. The heart of Katong is at the junction of East Coast Road and Joo Chiat Road.
Address: Joo Chiat, Singapore
From $ 60
Malay Heritage Centre
Not just for history and culture buffs, the Malay Heritage Centre is a must-visit attraction for anyone interested in learning about the rich heritage of Singapore’s Malay community. Set in a grand former royal palace, you’ll see galleries focused on the history of Kampong Gelam, along with an interesting collection of artefacts from the National Collection and the wider Malay community.
Built 160 years ago, the former Istana Kampong Glam was once the royal seat of the Malay sultans in Singapore. Beautifully restored to its former glory, the Malay Heritage Centre sits within well-preserved grounds that can be explored as part of a Kampong Glam and Sultan Mosque walking tour.
Did You Know? Entry into the Malay Heritage Centre is included on the Singapore Ultimate Attractions Pass, which allows you to explore more than 25 of the city’s most popular attractions across two, three, or five days while saving money on individual ticket prices.
Practical Info
If not arriving as part of an organized tour, take the MRT to Bugis station; the Malay Heritage Centre is around a 10-minute walk from here. A number of public buses also serve the area.
Address: 85 Sultan Gate, 198501, Singapore
Hours: 10am-6pm (Closed Mondays)
Admission: Adult: S$4 / Senior & student: S$2 / Child (under 6): Free
From $ 3
Merlion Park
With the body of a fish and the head of a lion, a Merlion statue is a national icon of Singapore, representing the country's history, identity, and transformation from a fishing village to the "Lion City." More than a spot of cultural interest with its own statue, though, Merlion Park provides a beautiful backdrop to play and relax on the banks of the Singapore River and stunning photo ops to boot.
The Basics
When to Get There
The Basics
Spread out over 27,000 square feet (2,500 square meters), Merlion Park is most famous for its centerpiece: the seven-foot (two-meter) Merlion cub fountain at its center. The best way to see the park is on a Singapore city tour with a tour guide who will put the statue into context and allow you to easily explore the many surrounding Singapore attractions, such as Little India, Chinatown, the Jurong Bird Park, the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and the National Orchid Garden. For a different perspective on sightseeing around the Singapore River and the bay, opt for a scenic river cruise that passes the waterfront Merlion Park, which extends out to the Marina Bay Sands.
How to Get to Merlion Park
- Merlion Park is kid-friendly with cultural significance.
- Bring your camera; the park offers a great view of the city and fantastic photo opportunities.
- The park is easily accessed independently or on a guided tour of Singapore city.
The park is centrally located on One Fullerton near the busy Central Business District.
When to Get There
The park is a busy destination around the clock, with access available 24 hours a day all year round.
Address: 1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore
From $ 16
Peranakan Museum
Built within an old Chinese School, the Peranakan Museum explores the culture, traditions, artwork and history of the Peranakan communities. Travelers can explore three floors of interactive exhibits that link Singapore’s modern culture to its Chinese, Indian, Malay, Indonesian and European roots. Some of the museum is geared towards the younger set, making it ideal for visitors with small children. Travelers agree the reasonable fee and interesting galleries—like the traditional houses and wedding dresses—are the perfect way to spend an educational afternoon (especially on a rainy day!).
Practical Info
Peranakan Museum is located at 39 Armenian Street in Singapore near Fort Canning Park. The museum is a 10 minute walk from the City Hall and Bras Basah MRT Stations and easily accessible from numerous public bus lines. It is open daily from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m. and on Fridays from 10 a.m. until 9 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $18 for families.
Address: 39 Armenian St, 179941, Singapore
Hours: Sat-Thru 10am-7pm, Fri 10am-9pm
Admission: Adults $6, Families $18
From $ 6
Padang
Located on the left bank of the Singapore River, the Padang (Malay for field or open ground) represents the very essence of colonial Singapore. It was selected by the founder of modern Singapore, Sir Raffles, as a recreation area when he laid out the plans for the city and is surrounded by some striking colonial architecture.
A long stretch of flat green land, the Padang was the hub of colonial life, used primarily for sporting events and recreational activities. In 1834, the Europeans began hosting a New Year Regatta at the Padang, which soon expanded into an annual sports day.
Today the Padang is the site of the Singapore Cricket Club and the Singapore Recreation Club. It’s a place where the locals still gather to walk and socialise together and where sporting and social events take place. It has also become a key attraction for visitors to Singapore, who come to marvel at the grandiose colonial architecture in the area, including St. Andrew's Cathedral, City Hall, and the Supreme Court Building.
Practical Info
The Padang in Singapore is situated between St. Andrew Road and Connaught Drive. The nearest transport link is the City Hall MRT station, which is approximately a 4-minute walk away.
Address: Connaught Dr, Singapore
From $ 27
Orchard Road
Singapore’s premier retail street, Orchard Road is a one-stop destination for everything from giant shopping malls, upmarket hotels and fine-dining establishments to basement food halls and entertainment complexes. There’s something for everyone in the famous district, which is named after the nutmeg plantations that once occupied the area during the 19th century.
The Basics
Stretching between Istana Park and the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Orchard Road offers a lot of ground to cover for those looking to shop, drink, dine, or simply take in the city sights. While the street is often busy with traffic, underground tunnels provide easy access to its shops and restaurants. Highlights include Orchard Tower with its racy performances, the traditional shophouses of Emerald Hill, ION Orchard shopping center, nearby Scotts Road, and Ngee Ann City, known for its Japanese brands. Many Singapore city sightseeing tours stop at Orchard Road, including the hop-on hop-off bus.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Orchard Road is a must-see for shopaholics.
- Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk.
- Beat the Singapore heat by taking advantage of the air-conditioned underground walkways.
How to Get There
While long, Orchard Road is easy to get to, as it’s serviced by the MRT stations Orchard, Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut, and City Hall.
When to Get There
The shops of Orchard Road buzz with activity throughout the year, but some times do offer a bit of extra excitement. Many retailers in the area offer significant discounts during the Great Singapore Sale (usually mid-June through mid-August), while the Christmas season is another popular time to visit, thanks to over-the-top decorations and a festive atmosphere.
Things to Do on Orchard Road (Besides Shopping)
There’s more to Orchard Road than just retail therapy. Check out the collection at the Pop and Contemporary Fine Art gallery, grab a cocktail (a Singapore Sling perhaps) at Emerald Hill, admire the architecture of Itsana, climb Singapore’s tallest indoor wall at BorderX, indulge in a spa treatment, or catch a movie at the Cathay Picturehouse.
Address: Orchard Road, 238879, Singapore
Admission: Free
From $ 14
Chijmes
As one of the most important religious sites in the country, the catholic monument known as Chijmes is a former convent school with more than 130 years of history. Residing in a central area along Victoria Street, the restored complex today serves as a commercialized hub for visitors looking to experience a bit of history while enjoying the modern accommodations inside that includes shops, fine restaurants and even an entertainment center.
The large modern complex is open both day and night, hosting a plethora of celebrations and events such as private cocktail parties and lunches, as well as musical and theatrical performances. To match Singapore’s diverse history and peoples, the restaurants inside offer menus featuring several kinds of cuisines, from French to Italian to Cantonese.
With renovations having been completed in 1996 at a cost of $81.5 million, the complex remains brightly lit at night, while Chijmes itself takes up more than 16,000 square meters, or 172,000 square feet, of total space.
The large modern complex is open both day and night, hosting a plethora of celebrations and events such as private cocktail parties and lunches, as well as musical and theatrical performances. To match Singapore’s diverse history and peoples, the restaurants inside offer menus featuring several kinds of cuisines, from French to Italian to Cantonese.
With renovations having been completed in 1996 at a cost of $81.5 million, the complex remains brightly lit at night, while Chijmes itself takes up more than 16,000 square meters, or 172,000 square feet, of total space.
Address: 30 Victoria Street, 187996, Singapore
From $ 29
Old Supreme Court Building
Though it is no longer the residence of Singapore’s judiciary arm of government, the old Supreme Court Building is an important structure as the last building in Singapore to be constructed using classical architecture.
Located on St. Andrew’s Road, the building housed Singapore’s highest court for more than 60 years until 2005 when the Supreme Court moved into a more modern building. The structure is a spacious structure with an impressive interior featuring murals painted by Italian artists and a façade that has crafted Corinthian columns and is topped by a large green dome and pediment structure.
Today, the building is being refurbished and will be conjoined with the City Hall building next to it. The project has been delayed, but is now expected to open next year, revealing a state-of-the-art cultural center, dubbed the National Art Gallery. The state has poured in more than half a billion dollars to complete the project.
Located on St. Andrew’s Road, the building housed Singapore’s highest court for more than 60 years until 2005 when the Supreme Court moved into a more modern building. The structure is a spacious structure with an impressive interior featuring murals painted by Italian artists and a façade that has crafted Corinthian columns and is topped by a large green dome and pediment structure.
Today, the building is being refurbished and will be conjoined with the City Hall building next to it. The project has been delayed, but is now expected to open next year, revealing a state-of-the-art cultural center, dubbed the National Art Gallery. The state has poured in more than half a billion dollars to complete the project.
Address: Singapore
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