Young couple taking a selfie on a date in Singapore

Date Night Activities in Singapore

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak

The sheer variety of activities in Singapore makes it an ideal choice for romantics in search of the perfect date night. This diminutive diamond-shaped island is full of heart – and that’s not all. Stunning gardens, world-class spas, hipper-than-thou indie cinemas, swoonsome sunsets and stunning street food are just some of our ideas for date night activities in Singapore (though admittedly you may want to avoid leaning in for a cheeky smooch too soon after that plateful of chili crab). Swipe right for our pick of the most romantic nights out in town, including:

  • A Singapore sightseeing river cruise
  • Cocktails at the iconic Raffles Hotel
  • Couples’ massage at the Banyan Tree Spa
  • Traditional tea for two
  • The best steamboats and hotpots in town
  • Sunsets to make you swoon!

Go on a Singapore River Cruise

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Nothing says romance quite like bobbing gently along the river on a cute Singapore bumboat – stop sniggering at the back please! Take to the water with your boo on a sightseeing cruise that ticks off a number of the city’s bucket-list attractions, including Marina Bay Sands, the Old Parliament House and the legendary Raffles hotel. Cruises run well into the evening, so hopeless romantics can catch the golden hour as the sky turns flamingo pink and burnt orange at sunset and lights twinkle on across town.

Sip a Singapore Sling at Raffles

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A Singapore institution of some 135 years standing, the colonial-style Raffles Hotel has hosted a who’s who of glamorous household names down the years: Elizabeth Taylor, Charlie Chaplin, Christian Louboutin, Rudyard Kipling and even Queen Elizabeth II, to name-drop a few. In other words, you’re in pretty good company. The hotel’s signature Singapore Sling, that punchy tropical cocktail of cherry brandy, gin, grenadine, pineapple lime and bitters, was invented right here in 1915. Toast your date with one (or two) on a romantic date in the hotel’s legendary Long Bar.

Soothe your Soul at the Banyan Tree Spa

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Singapore date night activities don’t come much better than this: a pampering experience par excellence at the top of the Marina Bay Sands Resort. Here, 55 stories up in the Banyan Tree Spa, couples can surrender themselves to complete serenity thanks to an extensive menu of Balinese, Thai and Oriental massage complemented by fresh fruit, soothing pots of jasmine tea and sky-high views of the bay and Singapore skyline.

Get Hot and Steamy over Dinner

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If you’ve been to Singapore and haven’t tried hotpot, have you really been to Singapore? Also known as steamboat, these boiling broths are served with a variety of thinly sliced meats, fish and vegetables for dipping and sharing at your table. You’ll find all sorts of broths out there, from spicy Sichuan to – for the bold gourmand only – stinky tofu. Dip ingredients including marinated wagyu beef, freshly caught shrimp, pickled cabbage and smoky shiitake mushrooms for the win. A steamy evening is guaranteed.

Tea for Two

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That Queen Elizabeth sure got around, didn’t she? Not content with drinking the bar dry at Raffles, here she is again at Tea Chapter, a celebrated Singapore tea house she visited for a spot of Imperial Golden Cassia with hubby Phil back in 1989. Treat your queen (or king) to a date to remember in this lovingly converted three-storey pre-war shophouse, a zen haven of ornate Chinese architecture where you too can indulge in a tea appreciation ceremony. Rest assured that the blends you’ll sample will also be made using tea leaves that are – quite literally – fit for a queen.

Date Night at the Movies

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Singapore isn’t short of great movie theaters, with options for catching all the latest Hollywood blockbusters or – if Scarlet Johansson and The Rock don’t float your boat – cool arthouse cinemas for the in-the-know in-crowd. The huge GVMax screen (once the biggest in Asia, fact fans) at the Golden Village VivoCity multiplex is a good bet for the hottest new releases. Head to Projector X: Riverside for under-the-radar indie flicks paired with cool cocktails or to the futuristic ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands where a curated selection of arthouse films, documentaries and Hollywood classics is screened in its state-of-the-art cinema. Now, pass the popcorn.

Go Wild on a Night Safari

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You may find yourself playing third wheel when your boo falls for the Night Safari’s Sunda pangolin, a super-cute crepuscular critter that seems engineered to steal the heart of anyone who lays eyes on it. Operated by the same group that runs the wildly popular Singapore Zoo, this fun nighttime experience is the first of its kind to be 100% devoted to nocturnal animals. Step inside the 86-acre reserve and wander its zones (or hop on the complimentary tram) to spot Malaysian tapirs, Asian elephants, white African lions and more as they go about their nightly business.

Make a Dinner Date with a Difference

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If dinner with a view doesn’t quite set your date’s heart aflutter, these sky-high dining experiences just might. Soaring to a dizzying 541 feet, the Singapore Flyer is one of the planet’s tallest observation wheels with showstopping views of the bright lights of Singapore and Sentosa. Two rotations of the wheel is just enough time for a private dinner in your pod with a glass of champagne and, who knows, maybe even a proposal of marriage. Equally fun is dinner and drinks on board a private cable car across the bay as you and your partner fall in love all over again on the ride from Singapore to Sentosa. Again, two rotations ensure there’s no need to rush dessert.

Watch the Sunset Together

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Trying to identify the best sunset spot in Singapore is like attempting to find the best chili crab in town, i.e. near impossible – there are just so many great places to choose from! Our pick? Head for Marina Barrage next to the Gardens by the Bay. Here, not only can you watch the extraordinary free nightly light show in Supertree Grove thanks to those panoramic 360-degree views, you can also catch some of the most spectacular technicolor sunset views in town. Take a picnic blanket, a bottle of bubbly and some fresh passion fruit with you and that perfect Singapore date night is all but guaranteed.

Save on date night activities in Singapore

Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram and Facebook for the latest top tips and attraction info.

Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Overhead view of colored warehouses and the river at Clarke Quay in Singapore
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Things to do in Clarke Quay

Despite its central location and world class airport, Singapore is more than just a place to pass through – it’s a buzzing, cosmopolitan city with many contrasting districts to explore. While the Marina may be where most people head first, if you’ve got time then it’s worth detouring off the main tourist trail for the historic and pretty waterfront promenades of Clarke Quay. Named for the 19th century Governor Sir Andrew Clarke, this slice of Singapore forms part of the Singapore River Precinct and was originally lined with warehouses and docks for the moving and unloading of goods up and down the river. It’s since been renovated and revamped, and now serves as a lively open-air entertainment and commercial district popular with locals and tourists alike. While you’re there, take the opportunity for: Retail therapy A historical bicycle tour A river cruise A walk to Merlion Park Nightlife Exploring Fort Canning Park Chinatown Retail therapy Clarke Quay Central is the first place you should head if you’re in the mood for a bit of bargain hunting. It’s an enormous riverside mall with five levels to explore, so whether you’re on the hunt for the latest fashion or need to stock up on ‘I went to Singapore’ shirts for the folks at home, this is the place to come. There are plenty of restaurants with riverside views, and if you haven’t filled your bags by lunch time there’s the Riverside Point Shopping Center and the Clarke Quay Shopping Mall nearby. Historical bicycle tour If you like to combine your history with movement, or find it all easier to take in when someone’s explaining it to you, how about joining a four-hour historical bike tour of the city? You’ll get to know the city from a local’s perspective by visiting a residential area and a local market, as well as learning about the city’s history through its districts, museums and monuments. Your tour will include a stop at Clarke Quay, so be sure to ask your guide for some hot tips on the best shops and restaurants to come back to! River Cruise One of the best ways to explore a riverside district is from the water itself – the same way the bargemen and dock workers would have done in the days of the warehouses. Take a break from shopping and exploring by joining a River Cruise in a wooden bumboat – traditionally used to ferry goods from ship to shore – and relax as you wind up the river from Clarke Quay to the Marina and back again, if you like. Sit back, enjoy the fresh river breezes and discover that there’s more to the Lion City than Supertrees and skyscrapers. If you time it right, you’ll be able to watch the sunset from the water. Walk to Merlion Park If you feel the need to stretch your legs, and want to see a bit of everything, take yourself on a self-guided tour from the Quay to Merlion Park. It’s about a mile, though a couple of diversions and photo stops will stretch it out a bit. Start at Clarke Quay Central and head across Elgin Bridge to cross the river. Stop and admire the painted warehouses on either side, then divert north for a glimpse of the rainbow-colored (and somewhat unmissable) Old Hill Street Police Station. From here you can either cross back and walk along Boat Quay, or take the northern side past the former Parliament House (now the Arts House), the Victoria Concert Hall and the marble statue of the city’s founder Sir Stamford Raffles, believed to mark the spot where he first landed in 1819. You’ll also pass the Asian Civilizations Museum, which has an extensive collection of artifacts showcasing the continent’s major religions. From there, cross over the historic Cavenagh Suspension Bridge to Merlion Park, where you’ll find the half-lion, half-fish emblem of the city presiding over a busy square on Marina Bay. Nightlife Clarke Quay may be a busy retail hub during the day, but it’s in the evening when things really start to come to life. Even overnight the temperature in Singapore barely dips below 75 degrees, and it can be humid, so the riverfront is the perfect place for a refreshing evening stroll. It’s lively here most nights, and alfresco dining choices include Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Thai and Western cuisines. After dinner there are plenty of bars and clubs that will be buzzing with activity – the famous club Zouk, in a converted warehouse, always has an impressive line-up of guest DJ’s, there’s a Holey Moley if you fancy a round of mini-golf, or for a late-night snack try Hai Di Lao, which serves a traditional Hot Pot until the very early hours. Fort Canning Park Cross over to the northern bank of the river and not far away you’ll find the enormous Fort Canning Park, a grassy hilltop which often hosts concerts and plays, but during the day is a history-hunter’s playground. You’ll find Raffles House and Garden, the Fort Canning Lighthouse and the Battlebox, which is an underground bunker and network of tunnels that was used as a hub for coordinating war efforts in the 1930s and 40s. If you find the park a little overwhelming or need a fun activity to do with your friends and family, try a Fort Canning Puzzle Hunt – play as a soldier to solve clues and learn about Singapore's military history as you explore the hidden secrets of this remarkable site. Chinatown Less than ten minutes’ walk from the river is Singapore’s oldest district, Chinatown, which is worth at least half a day of exploring. As well as finding plenty of shops and restaurants – selling everything from lucky cats to the city’s signature Hainanese chicken rice – you’ll find the impressively modern Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. The district is also home to several of the city’s oldest temples, the oldest Chinese Tea House and several museums – though if you’re looking for more family-oriented entertainment you could try a Virtual Reality Experience or perhaps an Outdoor Escape Room puzzle hunt through the narrow, colorful streets. Explore Clarke Quay with Go City Whether you prefer indoors or outdoors, day or night, feet, water or wheels, there’s something for everyone in Singapore’s Clarke Quay district. Save money and see it all with Go City!
Karleen Stevens
The Singaporean national dish of chili crab.
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Where to Eat on a Budget in Singapore

You’ve probably heard Singapore can be a little pricey for the unprepared vacationer. And sure, those luxury hotel stays, Michelin-star dinners, world-class attractions and casino blowouts really can add up quickly. But there are ways to do Singapore on a budget. You can save on visits to multiple attractions with a pass from Go City, for example. Or stick to cheap eats which are anyway (in our humble opinion) some of the very finest you’ll find in Singapore. We’ve put together a whistle-stop guide to where to eat on a budget in Singapore, whether it’s mouth-numbingly spicy local cuisine that floats your boat or, you know, you’re just in the market for a burger or a decent bowl of pasta. Dive in to find out more, but be warned: the following blog is guaranteed to make you feel hungry... ***Note: prices quoted are in Singapore Dollars (SGD)***   Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info. So grab a Singapore attraction pass and make the most of it!
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Things to do in Dempsey Hill Singapore
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Things to do in Dempsey Hill Singapore

Heading to Singapore for your vacation and staying in the Dempsey Hill district of the city? Good choice. There are plenty of things to see and do and places to relax and grab a bite. To save you time, we've researched this list of the best things to do in Dempsey Hill, so you don't have to. Read on, and discover why it's one of the best districts in Singapore! Including: Gardens by the Bay Trimmings Salon & Spa Lowen Dover Street Market Singapore Pearl Hill's Park The Museum of Ice Cream and more! Gardens by the Bay If you're looking for things to do in Dempsey Hill, you cannot miss one of Singapore's most beautiful landmarks. Known across the globe as one of the most extravagant green spaces around, Gardens by the Bay practically demands a visit. With over a million plants housed within over one hundred hectares of floral delight, the green-thumbed of you will be spoilt for choice. Make sure to visit three of the location's biggest selling points. The Flower Dome is the world's largest glass greenhouse, with flowers from five continents on display across nine gardens, including thousand-year-old olive trees and unusual Baobab trees. Cloud Forest featuring Avatar: The Experience is an immersive experience created in conjunction with the hit movie franchise. You'll be transported to the fictional world of Pandora, where you can marvel at its cascading waterfalls, spiraling walkways, and fantastic creatures. And finally, the Sun Pavillion features over 1000 plants that call the sunnier parts of the world home. Desert species like cacti and succulents are beautifully arranged and will earn a spot on your social media. Trimmings Salon & Spa Lowen Got a hankering for a pampering while visiting Singapore? Is your hair a mess, and are your nails in need of a good seeing to? Then check out Trimmings Salon & Spa Lowen, where you can get all that and more at a great price. They also offer full-body massages, facials, and if you're wrangling a group of unruly, unkempt children, they'll even host a spa party just for them. With manis, pedis, and styling all thrown in, they'll certainly come out the other end looking prim and proper. And when all kids want to do is have fun, styling is the perfect remedy to quash their excitable tendencies. Dover Street Market Singapore Deal-seekers, rejoice! The world-famous Dover Street Market has now opened its doors in sometimes-sunny Singapore! And, just like its stores in New York, Tokyo, and London, you'll find tons of deals on brilliant designer attire. Situated in a disused army barracks, the interior's design somewhat resembles an art installation. But you're not here for the interior; you're here for your exterior. And you'll have plenty to choose from, with Comme des Garçons and Céline just some of the many lauded labels on display throughout. So, if you need some new attire, head to Dover Street Market! Pearl Hill's Park The awe-inspiring modern metropolis of Singapore is something else, but that doesn't mean you won't be craving any nature during your vacation. So, if you're looking for things to do in Dempsey Hill and want to get your blood pumping, why not take a brisk hike at Pearl Hill's Park? The Pipeline Trail, at a rather modest six kilometers, isn't necessarily for the faint of heart. Featuring a healthy dose of climbing and even wading through mud, you'll probably want to be a somewhat seasoned hiker if you fancy taking it on. However, if you do choose to do it, it's easily the best hike you'll find around Singapore. Just remember to pack your hiking boots; you don't want to ruin your sneakers and your back simultaneously. The Museum of Ice Cream Do you like ice cream? Do you ever yearn to enter a world where everything is ice cream, or ice cream-adjacent? Well, we're pleased to let you know that Singapore has made your wish come true, all thanks to the Museum of Ice Cream. Pinch yourselves - it's real, folks. Featuring real installations like a giant sprinkle 'ball pit', and plenty of other frozen dairy goodness, it's a must-visit for any ice cream fan. Or, anyone who wants to make their followers incredibly jealous. Plus, every attendee gets a free ice cream cone when they enter, because of course they do. Eat like royalty Speaking of food, you might be feeling peckish after all those things to do. So, let's explore the best restaurants in Dempsey Hill, Singapore! Let's start with the Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar. Created by three-Michelin-starred wonder Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar's menu features a brilliant mix of Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine. So, if you're looking for dim sum, dumplings, and other Chinese treats, you've come to the right place. Or, if you're looking for some authentic Singaporean cuisine, set your sights on Morsels. This Little India mainstay has made its way to Dempsey Hill, where it has tons more space. With a host of sharing plates on offer, you can pick several dishes and try a bit of each. We recommend the Duroc Pulled Pork if you can handle a bit of spice in your life. And drink like one too! And we'll end today's list with a few beverages. If you need to wet your whistle, these are our picks for the best bars in the district! Gin lovers will be well taken care of at The Rabbit Hole. This gin joint has plenty of international labels for you to sip, as well as signature gins brewed specifically for the venue. Who knows, you might find your new favorite gin inside. Amber nectar worshipers can head to the RedDot Brewhouse, where you'll find plenty of national and international beers on tap. They also do bar food and small plates, if you start feeling those session hunger prangs. And finally, for classy cocktails in a minimalist interior, check out COMO Club @ Dempsey. With a menu longer than your arm, you're sure to find your favorite tipple on tap. Or, if you're feeling daring, as the mixologists to whip you up a unique drink. The world, and the cocktails, are your oyster. And that's our list of the best things to do in Dempsey Hill. If you want to make the most of your trip to Singapore, and you're looking for more fun adventures to fill out your vacation, try Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can experience all the best bits of Singapore for one low price!
Dom Bewley

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