The 20 best things to do in Singapore for first-timers

Last Updated on March 9, 2026 by Ioana

Singapore is an amazing place to visit in Southeast Asia: it is very safe, it has many cultural attractions, the dining options are limitless, there are plenty of activities to do, and the people are very friendly. To make it easy to navigate, the list of things to do in Singapore is grouped into four categories: iconic landmarks, food and dining, entertainment and activities, and cultural experiences,. Each entry includes tips, ticket info, and practical advice, so you’ll know exactly how to enjoy it. This post contains affiliate links. When you make a purchase I may get a small commission at no extra cost to you. Find out more here.

Iconic Landmarks

1. Visit Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

Marina Bay Sands SkyPark is the observation deck at the Marina Bay Sands. You’ll be able to go up on of the towers at Marina Bay Sands and see Singapore from above. 

This is one of the most popular attractions in Singapore and tickets sell out. So I highly recommend you book your ticket for your desired time slot at least the day before you want to visit.

If you want to visit during sunset you must book in advance. These tickets sell fast.

The entrance fee is pretty pricy for an observation deck because Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world, but I think it’s an activity worth doing.

I love panoramic views of a city and this observation deck is one of the best places to enjoy a great one.

If you’re on a budget and you want to get a nice view of Singapore from above but don’t want to pay $30, then go to Funan shopping mall and take the elevator up to the rooftop garden. It’s completely free to visit. And you’ll still get an awesome view.

2. Explore Gardens by the Bay and Supertree Grove

Gardens by the Bay are the iconic green spaces that feature the super tree grove. They are located in the Marina Bay area. 

I loved the gardens! Such a great spot! They are well manicured and so aesthetic. It’s an urban oasis where you can escape the city vibe, but still see the Marina Bay Sands building in the background.

Here you can also visit the Supertree Observatory, which is the tallest tree’s canopy. So you can walk on this suspension bridge and be up in the air very close to the supertrees.

It’s not included in the entrance ticket, so you’ll have to buy a separate ticket to do this. 

3. Explore Cloud Forest and Flower Dome

Another thing to do while you visit the gardens is to explore the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. 

The Cloud Forest has one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls and has many species of plants on display. The Flower Dome is the largest glass greenhouse with many types of exotic plants.

The good news is that both of these attractions are air conditioned, so visiting them is a nice break from the heat and the humidity.

​Entrance to the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome is not included in your entry ticket to Gardens by the Bay. The best option is to buy a ticket for both the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome. But if you just want to see one of them there are individual tickets.

They close these two attractions one day per month for maintenance, so monitor the website ahead of your trip to make sure they are not closed when you plan on visiting.

Unfortunately I didn’t check and the Flower Dome was closed the day I was there.

4. Walk around Marina Bay Promenade

The Marina Bay Promenade stretches along the waterfront, connecting landmarks like the Helix Bridge and Esplanade. It’s ideal for a leisurely stroll, evening skyline views, or photos of the bay at sunset.

5. Take a picture with the Merlion Statue

The Merlion Statue is the official mascot of Singapore. It is a mythical creature with the head of a lion that’s spouting water and the body of a fish.

The Merlion’s fish-like body is a symbol of Singapore’s origins as a fishing village. The lion represents the city’s original name of Singapura, which means lion city in Sanskrit.

This statue and the Merlion park around it were the busiest areas of Singapore I’ve seen. There were tons of tourists, all trying to take the perfect picture with the Merlion statue. 

It’s still very much worth visiting though. You’ll also be able to get a really nice view of Marina Bay Sands, which is across the Singapore River.

Food and dining

6. Eat at Singapore’s Hawker Centers

Singapore’s hawker centers are the heartbeat of local cuisine. Each stall serves dishes that have been perfected over decades.

Try Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, or char kway teow. Popular spots include Maxwell, Lau Pa Sat, and Newton.

Arrive early to beat the crowds and grab a seat. It’s the perfect way to eat like a local while sampling authentic flavors.

Check out my full guide for Singapore’s hawker centers.

If you’d rather explore the hawker centers with a guide, join a tour instead.

7. Join a Singapore food tour

If you’re a foodie, take a guided food tour to discover hidden gems and iconic dishes you might miss on your own.

This tour includes 12 tastings from street food to small specialty eateries. And the guides also share history, cultural context, and insider tips, giving each bite meaning.

8. Try a tea appreciation workshop

Learn the art of tea at a specialized workshop. Experts teach brewing techniques, tasting notes, and cultural history behind different teas.

You’ll taste several varieties, from Chinese classics to regional favorites. The workshops are interactive, calm, and hands-on, perfect for anyone who wants to experience a deeper side of Singapore’s beverage culture.

I attended this tea workshop at Yixing Xuan Teahouse, an authentic Chinese teahouse in Singapore’s Chinatown. I loved every second of it! Read my full review of the experience here.

9. Try a hands‑on cooking class with cultural immersion

Dive into local flavors through a hands‑on cooking class that goes beyond recipes. These classes pair cultural context with practical skills, teaching you how to prepare Singaporean dishes step by step.

Many include market visits, ingredient insight, and explanations of food customs.

Hands‑on classes are great if you want to learn from locals and take a new skill home. Booking in advance is recommended since spots often fill up, especially in small‑group settings.

Entertainment and activities

10. Take a cruise on Singapore River

After the stroll you can take a boat ride on the Singapore River since you board the boat on Clarke Quay. This was one of my favorite things I did in Singapore! I had such a good time!

The cruise lasts for about 40 minutes and it takes you along the Singapore River to see the major attractions from the water.

You’ll be able to see the Merlion Statue, the Singapore Flyer, the Quays, Marina Bay Sands, the financial district and everything else that’s by the water.

I suggest you take the cruise in the late afternoon so it’s not that hot outside.

​You could also opt for a sunset cruise so you can see the views in both daylight and all lit up at night. The cruise leaves every 30 minutes, so just check the sunset time when you visit Singapore and time your boat ride accordingly.

Try to be among the first people to board the boat so you can catch the seats outside at the end of the boat. This way you’ll get the best view since there won’t be any windows around you.

11. Go to Universal Studios Singapore

If you like theme parks, then you have to go here. Universal Studios is located on Sentosa Island. It’s not too far from the city and you can even get there using a cable car. 

Depending on how much of the theme park you want to explore, you can easily spend an entire day here. However, if you’re on a short trip, you can always leave this attraction for your next visit.

12. Go on a night safari

Experience wildlife like nowhere else at the Singapore Night Safari. Board a tram and see nocturnal animals in naturalistic habitats.

This is a unique, educational, and memorable activity. Bring a camera for low-light shots, and consider arriving early to explore walking trails before the tram ride.

Cultural Experiences

13. Visit the Fuk Tak Chi Museum

Fuk Tak Chi used to be Singapore’s first Chinese temple. This area was the landing site of Chinese immigrants and so the forefathers of Singapore built this temple to give thanks for their safe journey there.

They conserved parts of the temple and they added a few exhibits such as the replica of the boats people used to come to Singapore.

Fun fact: this museum is also the entrance to the AMOY Hotel. I actually stayed here when I visited Singapore and I loved it. You can read my full review of this unique hotel here.

14. Explore Thian Hock Keng Temple

Thian Hock Keng is a temple built in the 1800’s by the Hokkien people to give thanks to Mazu (a Chinese sea goddess) for their safe journey to Singapore.

It is one of the oldest temples in Singapore and it has a rich history and cultural significance.

15. Visit the Sri Mariamman Temple

I love how multicultural Singapore is. In Chinatown, down the road from Thian Hock Keng Temple, you can find a Hindu Temple. Sri Mariamman is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore.

It is still an operating temple and a large number of people come here to pray. It is also a major tourist attraction. Tourists can also enter the temple, you just need to take off your shoes and cover your shoulders.

A Hindu temple has a very unique atmosphere compared to a Taoist or Buddhist temple. The music they play is loud and the building is very colorful. It’s interesting to experience this difference in cultures.

If you want to learn more about Singapore’s history, make sure you don’t skip the temples.

16. Take a walk through Chinatown Street Market

After the first part of the cultural immersion it’s time to head to the Chinatown Street Market, which is a short walk away.

Smith Street is a cute street that has colorful houses. Once you reach the end of it you’ll be in the Chinatown Street Market.

Here you can buy food, souvenirs, local art. It’s a fun vibe, but the area does get pretty packed.

17. Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a Buddhist temple. Chinese Buddhism is practiced here and you can see the monks once you go in. 

The temple is free to visit, but you need to cover your shoulders. If you are wearing a tank top, like I was, they have plenty of scarves that you can borrow while you visit.

18. Stroll through Little India

If you go to Little India from the Chinatown area I suggest you get a Grab to go there since the weather is hot.

Once you get there just take some time to walk around and observe the people and the neighborhood. I felt like I landed in India when I got there. The women were wearing saris, people were eating their lunches with their hands, there were a lot of traditional Indian shops.

I thought it was really cool that you have an entirely different neighborhood and culture just a few minutes’ drive from Chinatown.

There is another famous Hindu temple here, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. I visited it, but I found it less impressive than Sri Mariamman in Chinatown. So feel free to skip it.

19. Take a picture at the Tan Teng Niah House

A really cool tourist attraction in Little India is the Tan Teng Niah House. It is the last surviving Chinese villa in Little India. It’s a very colorful building which was restored.

It was built in the businessman Tan Teng Niah in the early 1900s. It’s the perfect place to take some pictures to post on social media.

20. Stroll through Arab Street and Haji Lane

Kampong Glam is Singapore’s Muslim community quarter. I just love how all these cultures are represented in Singapore.

The center of the neighborhood is Arab Street. Arab Street also represents the area around it that includes some other streets.

You can find a granite arch on Muscat Street that has Omani carvings on it. Then you’ll also find some incredible street art murals. It’s a very colorful neighborhood.

The Masjid Sultan Mosque is also here, as well as the Malay Heritage Center.

Haji Lane is a very colorful street with boutiques, cafes, and street art. It’s part of the Kampong Glam neighborhood. Just spend some time strolling through here and take it all in.

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