Indoor Activities in Singapore

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Published: July 18, 2024
The Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport

First the good news: Singapore is warm year round, with super-hot summers and winters with balmy tropical breezes and average temperatures that rarely dip below the mid-70s. But it also rains rather a lot. Monsoon seasons here run from December to March and June to September; frequent downpours even outside of these seasons have earned Singapore a spot comfortably inside the 20 wettest countries on the planet. And, believe us, when it rains here it really Singa-pours! But don’t let a little thing like that put you off! Simply grab a sturdy umbrella and hop on the excellent MRT subway system for direct access to some of the best indoor activities in Singapore, including:

  • The Gardens by the Bay
  • The National Museum
  • Jewel Changi Airport
  • Snow City
  • The Fragment Room
  • Scentopia
  • Hawker centers for adventurous foodies
  • The coolest libraries in town

Flower Power

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Gardens by the Bay is the kind of attraction that merits multiple visits on any Singapore vacation. See it on a dry day from Marina Bay’s SkyPark observation deck – a dizzying 56 stories up – and don’t miss the free evening light show at its Supertree Grove, a series of deliciously Instagrammable tree-like structures on the waterfront, with a fun elevated walkway. Fun, that is, assuming you’re not caught out unawares up there when the heavens open.

The gardens have plenty of indoor exhibits to keep you entertained (and dry) if the weather does turn against you. Take the soaring Flower Dome, for example. This huge durian-shaped hothouse – a veritable riot of vibrant blooms and nose-tickling perfumes – is only the biggest of its kind on the entire planet. Step inside to discover the baobab forest, an olive grove that features as its highlight a 1,000-year-old tree, and carpets of colorful flowers in gardens that showcase blooms from around the world, including Australia, South America and the Mediterranean.

You might not feel very dry inside the Cloud Forest, where regular misting is in use to keep plants well hydrated and a huge crashing waterfall (the tallest indoor waterfall in the world... maybe) creates its own spray. Find it by following the roaring sound through the forest of ferns, vines and sweet-smelling orchids.

An airport may not be the place you’d naturally think of when planning how to spend a rainy day, but then Jewel Changi Airport is no ordinary airport. This nature-themed entertainment complex contains hundreds of shops and restaurants as well as an indoor garden, the Shiseido Forest Valley, that spans five stories. Cascading recycled rainwater through an oculus in the glass-paneled roof, The Rain Vortex makes for a spectacular centerpiece and – wait for it – also lays claim to the title of the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Heck, go see both and you can make up your own mind!

Cultural Indoor Activities in Singapore

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You don’t have to be an art aficionado to admire the collection at Singapore’s National Gallery, housed inside the monumental City Hall and former Supreme Court in the Civic District. Browse a huge collection of over 9,000 contemporary and modern works from Singapore and southeast Asia and see highlights including Georgette Chen’s series of evocative family portraits and Singaporean Choo Keng Kwang’s woodcuts and oil paintings. The art-inspired shops and two (count em) Michelin-starred restaurants here make it a great destination for filling an entire Singapore rainy day.

The National Museum is no slouch either. This neoclassical icon houses one of the largest collections of historical artifacts in Asia. Check out paintings, drawings, sculptures, objets d'art and archaeological finds from in and around Singapore, including such priceless treasures as the ancient Singapore Stone, with its mysterious indecipherable inscriptions.

Whiz over to the futuristic ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands for ever-changing immersive exhibitions and a gallery filled with virtual reality artworks. For something a little more traditional but no less eye-popping, catch the curated selection of classic movies, documentaries and arthouse films on show at the museum’s cinema. Did somebody say ‘popcorn’?

Indoor Activities in Singapore for Foodies and Funsters

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Looking for the perfect rainy day activity? How does an afternoon spent gorging on chicken smothered in spicy peanut satay sound? Pretty good, right? Sweet-and-savory-sauce-drenched chili crab –so good it’s basically Singapore’s national dish – is another absolute must-try. Oyster omelet? Count us in! And you’ll need an army to keep us away from umami nasi goreng, another south-east Asian staple that’s at its very best in Singapore’s ubiquitous hawker centers, great inexpensive markets where the heady scents of sizzling spices are nothing short of intoxicating. Try the Old Airport Road Food Centre and Ghim Moh Market for some of the best street snacks in town.

Singapore is a treasure trove of quirky indoor activities, meaning you’ll rarely have a dull moment regardless of what the weather decides to do! We’re talking augmented reality experiences, rage rooms, indoor snowboarding and, um, public libraries (bear with us on that one).

If you’ve ever wanted to let off steam – and we mean really let off steam – in a safe, enclosed space, here’s your chance. The Fragment Room is Singapore's original rage room, a place where, clad in overalls, helmet, goggles and gloves, you’re free to smash up bottles, plates, cups and even electronic gadgets to your heart’s content. Irritated by the rain that's forced you indoors? Here’s where you can vent like a pro and achieve instant gratification to the melodic tinkling sounds of breaking glass.

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The clue’s in the names at Scentopia and Trickeye, two of Singapore’s premier augmented reality experiences. Scentopia combines short tours exploring the history and science of Singapore’s perfume industry with an eye-popping augmented reality gallery packed with dinosaurs, huge colorful blooms and other weird and wonderful flora and fauna that appear to leap from the exhibits. Trickeye offers yet more mind-bending illusions and photo opps galore as you and your family dance with mermaids, slay dragons and swim with sharks.

Cool off at Snow City, Singapore’s first indoor snow center, where the emphasis is resolutely on fun. Wrap up warm and hop on an inflatable tube for the unforgettable experience of ‘snowtubing’ down the 60-meter snow slope and test your bumper car-handling skills – on ice.

Last but by no means least are Singapore’s excellent public libraries. Library@Orchard is particularly cool, a beautifully designed space with long wave-shaped bookshelves, sure to melt the heart of any discerning bibliophile. In Library@Waterfront, the Sentosa views may well prove too distracting to concentrate on reading your book, while Tampines Regional Library comes with its own auditorium as well as boasting an indoor running track and a children’s playground.

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Save on indoor 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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Singapore food market
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Unique Dining and Food Experiences in Singapore

If you’re looking for unique culinary experiences, you’ve come to the right place. Singapore is an absolute mecca for foodies. Here’s where spectacular Malay, Chinese, Indian and Indonesian influences collide in a veritable explosion of flavours; where you can gorge on umami hawker center chili crab for just a few dollars, or splash serious cash on tasting-menu odysseys at any number of Michelin star-winning luxury restaurants. There’s plenty to satisfy IG addicts too, with quirky dining options galore sure to light up your socials and set your tastebuds singing. Check out our guide to some of the most unique dining and food experiences in Singapore below, including: Wild dining at Mandai Wildlife Reserve Sky high eats on the Sentosa Cable Car and Singapore Flyer Harry Potter vibes at Platform 1094 Hawker center street food highlights Immersive dining at Absurdities Robot baristas and fortune tellers at Soul Coffee Underwater eats at Ocean Restaurant Mandai Wildlife Reserve If you’ve always dreamed of breakfasting with baboons or picnicking with pandas, Mandai Wildlife Reserve is the place for you! Bird Paradise is where it’s at for peckish punters with a penchant for penguins. No, of course you don’t eat them! But you can watch them glide gracefully through their underwater kelp forests as you munch on your sandwiches. Or take in spectacular views of the wetlands waterfall and tropical birdlife from the Crimson Restaurant. Hit up neighboring Singapore Zoo for breakfast among the lush jungle foliage that surrounds Ah Meng Terrace. You’ll meet park ambassadors such as cute coatimundi, multicolored macaws and curious orangutans and hear from their handlers as you tuck into a wide range of breakfast items including cereals, fruits, eggs and curries. Heck, you can even have a four-course lunch overlooking the giant panda enclosure at River Wonders if you fancy it; a tour of the panda forest guarantees your Insta feed will be the envy of everyone you know. Top tip: you can save money with a Singapore pass from Go City that includes entry to all four of the Mandai wildlife parks. But note that the dining experiences are separate and must be booked direct via the individual attraction websites. Sky High Dining Did someone say dinner with a view? Well, it doesn’t get much better than dining aboard the Singapore Flyer. Rotating all the way up to a knee-knocking 541 feet, this mammoth observation wheel is a great way to take in the city at night, as the sun sets and lights come on all over town. A double rotation of the wheel gives you plenty of time to finish your private dinner (served with champagne, natch). Just as much fun is the dinner and drinks experience aboard the Sentosa cable car, which soars 200 feet over the sea, showcasing Sentosa’s lush foliage and fine sandy beaches en route. Book a private pod for dinner at sundown and fear not: once again a double rotation means there’s no need to rush dessert. Tea for Two No-one could ever accuse the late Queen Elizabeth II of being poorly traveled. Nor of declining a spot of light refreshment when offered. Her various sojourns to Singapore saw her (allegedly) drink the bar dry at the legendary Raffles hotel and, in 1989, bring hubby Phil along for a rather more sedate tea-drinking experience at Tea Chapter, one of the city’s most celebrated (and authentic) tea houses. You too can indulge in a regal tea appreciation ceremony right here in this lovingly converted haven of zen Chinese architecture, sampling the very same leaves – jasmine-scented Imperial Golden Cassia – once deemed fit for Liz’n’Phil. Hawker Centers Rich with the heady scent of sizzling satay pork and deliciously umami chili crab, hawker centers – great sprawling street-food markets that can be stumbled upon on nearly every corner – are the quintessential Singapore foodie experience. If you only visit one, make it Lau Pa Sat, an iconic local landmark that’s as famous for its distinctive octagonal shape, colonial-style architecture and convivial dining crowd as it is for its food. Nab a spot beneath the center’s soaring Victorian arches and get stuck into a gourmand’s smorgasbord of international cuisines, including Filipino, Vietnamese, Indonesian, Korean, Malaysian, Chinese and more. Fancy a day at the beach instead? Hit up the East Coast Lagoon Food Village hawker center, where picture-postcard ocean views accompany your crispy oyster omelet and ice-cold Tiger beer. Perfection. Absurdities If immersive dining experiences and little bottles bearing ‘drink me’ labels are your bag, the aptly named Absurdities restaurant is the one for you. Indeed, the term ‘restaurant’ feels a little prosaic for this wacky gastronomic journey, which promises a multi-course, multi-room culinary extravaganza in which you might find yourself coming over all reflective in a tunnel filled with infinity mirrors one minute, and exploring an enchanted forest or chilling in a Bedouin tent the next. The six-course omakase meal that accompanies this wonderfully disorienting and dreamlike experience is every bit as confounding, and twice as delicious. One way or another, you won’t forget it in a hurry. Platform 1094 You can expect to have an, ahem, wizard time at Platform 1094, Singapore’s first magic-themed café which takes Harry Potter as its theme and, well, flies with it. There’s wizard-themed decor, fun dressing up materials for kids (yes, and adults too) plus more Instagram opportunities than you can shake a wand at. The Enchanted Afternoon Tea, for example, comes with treats including chocolate frogs and golden blood mousse. Owl-shaped cookies, Quidditch-themed desserts and cauldron-shaped plates help keep the kids entertained while smoke effects and flaming cocktails make it a pretty magical experience for grown-ups too. Ocean Restaurant Do you relish the prospect of watching (and being watched by) majestic manta rays and reef sharks while chomping on your tuna? Course you do! Ocean Restaurant is housed within Resorts World Sentosa, where you can accompany your sumptuous seafood dinner with ringside views of the oceanarium’s underwater habitat. Angled mirrors positioned strategically opposite the viewing window mean you’ll get an eyeful of kaleidoscopic tropical critters wherever you happen to be sitting in the restaurant. And there ain't nothing fishy about that. Soul Coffee You’d be forgiven for thinking there are hallucinogens in the beans at Singapore’s Soul Coffee, where the often bewilderingly trippy experience takes in tarot readings, wild wall projections of the natural world, and a robot barista by the name of George Hillary. Ask Mr George for your coffee straight up, or set him to work on one of the signature horoscope blends, such as the super-sweet Capricorn with espresso, salted caramel and vanilla, or the Leo, with festive flavors of cinnamon and gingerbread. Mocktails in a range of bright colors and fruity flavors – yuzu, kiwi, pineapple, agave and more – round out the drinks selection. Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari Last but by no means least in our rundown of unique, quirky and downright wacky dining experiences in Singapore is the relatively wholesome Tiong Bahru Bakery Safari. This safari-themed eatery in the hip Dempsey Hill district is a family favorite, all lush tropical foliage, al fresco dining opportunities and an ace playground to keep the kids entertained. Heck, there’s even an edible garden for intrepid little adventurers to explore. Work up an appetite in the glorious grounds then tuck into sourdough waffles, face-sized wedges of carrot cake and some of the best coffee in the neighborhood. Save on attractions and 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
People running in Jurong
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Things to do in Jurong Singapore

Head a short distance west from the delights of Marina Bay by MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and you’ll find yourself in Jurong. Although its name once only conjured up images of its cargo port and heavy industry, today Jurong is known for a wealth of attractions. So while the area is saying goodbye to Jurong Bird Park after 50 years, there are still plenty of things to do in Jurong Singapore should you find yourself here. The area comprises a loosely defined area encompassing Jurong East and West, alongside Pioneer and Boon Lay. Within them visitors to Singapore will find everything from perfectly laid-out gardens to excellent shopping possibilities. There’s also no shortage of family-friendly activities, including Snow City and Science Centre. Grown-ups might also enjoy the tour of the brewery which has produced Singapore’s prized beer since 1932. Keen to know more about the top attractions in Jurong? You’ve come to the right place! Outdoor things to do in Jurong Singapore Singapore isn’t called the garden city for nothing. Amongst its 330 public parks and green spaces are several peaceful oases located within Jurong. So if you’ve a love of gardens and seeking out things to do in west Singapore, Jurong is the place to head. Since 2019 it has been the home of Jurong Lake Gardens, uniting once separate parks into one 90-hectare site curving around the shoreline of Jurong Lake. Designed to incorporate something for everyone, it is made up of several sections, each given its own name. Head to The Grasslands for a picnic, or head along Rasau Walk for a lakeside stroll. Delve into Forest Ramble for idea of what much of Jurong once looked like before development took hold, or get paddling on a kayak at Passion Wave, a home for a variety of water sports. And if that wasn’t enough, on islands in the lake itself there’s also the Japanese and Chinese gardens. Here a terraced water feature in the Japanese Garden and a bamboo grove and a pagoda in the Chinese garden help create a real sense of calm. Elsewhere in Jurong, check out Bukit Peropok (Jurong Hill Park). As the highest point in the neighborhood, it offers great views of Jurong Island just offshore. It also contains Singapore’s Garden of Fame, where international dignitaries come to plant trees and shrubs. Not to be outdone, Yunnan Garden boasts a viewing platform from where it’s possible to take in not only the entirety of these gardens, but also its incredible waterfall, which reaches a height closing in on six meters. Things to do in Jurong when it rains Spray from the waterfall at Yunnan Garden is not the only reason to explore Singapore with an umbrella in hand. Think of Singapore and you’re probably imagining afternoons under a tropical sun. But the country does experience short – if frequent – rain showers most of the year. It’s well worth having a plan for when it does. Close to Jurong Lake Gardens is Snow City. It’s Singapore’s first indoor snow slope making use of the white stuff. Opened for the new millennium and renovated in 2015, it covers 3,000 square meters over two floors. The main attraction is the 60 meter long and three-story high artificial hill used for snowtubing across a surface maintained at a healthy 40 cm deep. Snow City is part of Science Centre Singapore, another highlight of Jurong’s indoor attractions. Fittingly located on Science Road, the center welcomes visitors to no less than eight individual galleries. Together, they contain a collection of around 850 objects. It also includes an observatory with stargazing sessions every Friday after dark, and an Omnimax theater. Last but not least, there’s the Tiger Brewery Tour. Nearing its centenary, Tiger beer has been quenching the thirst of Singaporeans since long before Singapore was even an independent nation state. This is despite the fact key ingredients – hops and barley – don’t grow in the region. Discover how Tiger beer came to be with a one hour behind the scenes tour. Then you’ve got the chance to sample the final product or a very special Blue Paradise cocktail when visiting with a Go City All-Inclusive or Explorer pass. Snap up the hottest new items for your home and wardrobe Don’t think Jurong is short of shopping opportunities either. Far from it. Right next to Boon Lay MRT station, Jurong Point Shopping Mall probably provides the greatest range, since it’s one of the largest malls anywhere in the country. With 450 different stores to choose between, it’s difficult to see how even the biggest shopaholics would get bored. However, if they do, there’s always IMM outlet mall, Westgate and JCube all close by. What’s there to do at JCube? Beyond its five floors of shops, it contains the first Olympic-sized ice rink in Singapore, and an IMAX movie theater. No wonder some are now comparing Jurong to the much better-known shopping and entertainment area of Orchard Road. The artisans amongst us seeking out bespoke pieces are likely to want to try Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle too. Owned by the same family since the mid-1960s, the pottery uses Singapore’s last dragon kiln. A type of kiln more traditionally found in southern China, it uses wood to fire the clay into hardy ceramics. Visit during your time in Jurong and you can not only purchase handmade locally-produced items, but also try your hand at making your very own at one of their workshops. Save on admission to top Singapore attractions Whether you’re wedded to Jurong like an oyster to its rock, or simply exploring the neighborhood as part of your time in Singapore, it’s well worth considering traveling with Go City. Our passes provide savings on admission prices for many of Singapore’s top attractions, from museums to guided bike tours of Chinatown and beyond. Check out the Go City Facebook and Instagram pages for the latest competitions and special offers. And don’t forget to tag @GoCity or use #GoCityPass on your vacation social media posts for a chance to get featured on our page!
Alex Birungi
Best Neighborhood to Stay in Singapore
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Best Neighborhood to Stay in Singapore

Picking the right accommodation location is one of the most important parts of planning a vacation. What can your budget allow? What kind of vibe are you looking for? What do you want to be near? Whether you're looking for a mix of things, or are more specifically target one parameter, we've got you covered. Below, we've collated the best neighborhoods to stay in when you visit Singapore. So, whether you're looking to be by the city's most famous landmarks, in the thick of Singapore's nightlife, or want something a bit more traditional, we've found districts that will fit you like a glove. So read on, and find the perfect place for you! Including Marina Bay Riverside Downtown Orchard Road and more! Marina Bay Bringing your family to Singapore? Then Marina Bay is arguably the best neighborhood for you and your clan to stay in. Though it may err on the pricier side, if you're bringing the entire family to the city, you probably have the cash to burn. Location-wise, you'll be in the thick of the action. Marina Bay is a stone's throw from Clarke Quay and the Civic District, so you'll find plenty to keep busy. Plus, one of Singapore's top attractions, the Gardens by the Bay, is right on your doorstep. If you can, book a room at the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Not only are the rooms exquisite, but you'll also have easy access to the hotel's wonderous infinity pool. Riverside Leaving the little ones at home and looking to explore the city's after-dark samplings? Look no further than Riverside. Here, you'll find Singapore's hub of nightclubs, bars, and affluent restaurants. The once-busy docks have been transformed into Singapore's hippest evening area. Not only will you find plenty of rooftop bars where you can soak up some rays or see in the sunset, but you'll also don your dancing shoes at one of the area's many discotheques. Boogie woogie, and all that. However, like Marina Bay, Riverside is on the dearer side of Singapore neighborhoods. Many of the city's top restaurants and night haunts are located there, and you'll be paying a premium to sample their delights. It's also the busiest district for tourism, so if you travel during peak season, expect to be rubbing shoulders with plenty of other travelers. Downtown Singapore's financial district is, understandably, the city's most expensive place to stay. Reserved for traveling business people and the many clients they're visiting, accommodation can be on the pricier side. However, if you can afford it or are in town for business, why not splash the cash? Some of the city's best hotels are housed within, so if you've got it, why not flaunt it? Stacked with skyscrapers and futuristic designs seen in shows like Westworld, you'll find plenty of photo ops around Downtown. But don't worry; it isn't all glass, steel, and concrete. In fact, you'll find plenty of shopping opportunities and even parks if you need to take a verdant break. And yes, while most hotels are relatively expensive, hunt about, and you might find cheaper deals on some more reasonable places. Orchard Road Calling all shoppers. Do you have expensive taste? Do you accept nothing but the biggest and best labels adorning your body and accessories? If you answered yes, then Orchard Road is the best neighborhood to stay in while visiting Singapore! Even if you're not in the market for a new coat or bag, there are still plenty of reasons to stay in the area. You'll find classy cafes, wonderful restaurants, and smaller boutique stores where you can pick up unique items you won't find on the high street. And, when you finally hit your overdraft and have too much to bring back with you, you'll find easy connections to other parts of the city. So, if you need to shop but also want a dazzling locale as your base of operations, check out Orchard Road. Chinatown While we've mainly covered the higher end of budgets when it comes to neighborhoods in Singapore, you needn't break the bank to get the best. In fact, if you're looking for a more authentic cultural experience where rents are cheap, and food is affordable, you can't do much better than Chinatown. A little piece of China in the heart of Singapore, Chinatown also offers all the wonderful delicacies you can expect from a little slice of the east. Food stalls selling myriad Chinese dishes and street food; welcoming shops full of cultural items and knickknacks, as well as great connections to some of the more expensive parts of the city. If you're not looking to break the bank and desire a bit of peace with your accommodation, Chinatown is more than worth a look. Plus, you'll even find the city's cheapest Michelin-star restaurant within, so you can dine like a king without flogging the crown jewels. Little India If you like the idea of Chinatown but prefer your cuisine with a little added spice, say hello to Little India. As a location, it shares many of the same benefits as its eastern partner, with cheaper rents, affordable food, and plenty of authentic shops and experiences to discover. Food-wise, however, expect to find plenty of traditional offerings; curries of all shapes and sizes, pakora, vada pav, and many more. And, as it's located close to some of Singapore's best shopping districts, you'll have plenty of reasons to head out and explore, should you wish to. And those are our picks of the best neighborhoods to stay in during your Singapore vacation! Now that you know where to set up your base camp, you'll need to plan the rest of your trip. If you're suffering from choice paralysis, let Go City ease your woes! Thanks to our All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass, you can see all of the city's best bits and make huge savings while you're at it!
Dom Bewley

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