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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Best Markets in Singapore
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Best Markets in Singapore

Nothing invigorates the soul quite like a bargain. Finding something of true value and getting it for a steal is a high many of us chase throughout the year. Discounts and deals are just in our blood. But stumbling upon one yourself gives you a rush like no other. So, if you're visiting Singapore this year and have an itch for bargain hunting, you're in luck. You'll find plenty of markets there. But which are the best? Rather than force yourself to delve into the tomes, documents, and online hearsay, we've done all the legwork for you. Read on, and discover our picks of the best markets in Singapore, and go hunt down some sweet, sweet bargains. Including: Chinatown Street Market Bugis Street Market So Gelam Market Little India Arcade Far East Plaza and more! Chinatown Street Market Let's kick things off in the Far East. Chinatown, to be exact, where you'll find the eponymous Chinatown street market. It's most famous for its delicious food offerings, with plenty of authentic Chinese and Singaporean dishes cooked fresh every day. If you have a taste for satay chicken, dim sum, duck, or laksa, you're bound to be in heaven as you wander the market, surrounded by all the brilliant smells. But that's not the only thing you'll find here. You can also pick up plenty of souvenirs to take back home, interesting nicknacks, and even clothes should you need an item or two. Bugis Street Market Looking to steal a bargain during your market travels? Then Bugis street market is one of the best in Singapore. You'll find plenty of bits and pieces around the place you can pick up for under a buck. Need some keepsakes to remember your trip, or want some presents to bring back for your friends? Bugis has got you covered. But it isn't all bargains - you can even find quality clothing and accessories if you comb the place hard enough. You might be surprised at the labels you'll find in tucked-away corners. And you certainly won't be paying high street prices for them, so what's stopping you? So Gelam Market So Gelam is the king of flea markets, but it's also a fickle beast. It only runs over the final weekend of the month, so if you're in town before that, you may miss out. However, if you're lucky enough to be around when the market's on, you're in for a real treat. Anything goes at So Gelam. You might find beautiful prints in one stall, and the next may be stacked with old electronics. If you're a collector of older, forgotten things, you'll have a field day here. But that's not all, because you'll also find freshly squeezed juice stalls, produce stalls, and even fresh food prepared on-site if you're feeling famished. Little India Arcade If you're in the market for Indian trinkets, spices, and shawls, then Little India Arcade is the perfect market for you. Given Singapore's large Indian contingent, it's hardly surprising there's a market dedicated to South Asian splendor. You'll find everything among its stalls, from traditional herbs and spices to incense, jewelry, and pashminas. Unlike some of the markets on this list, Little India Arcade is an indoor affair, so no matter rain or shine, you'll be more than welcome to brave its streets and find the perfect item! Image courtesy of pac_aleks/Shutterstock Far East Plaza Welcome to one of Singapore's oldest markets! Well, not a market in a traditional sense, at least. This ancient commerce site is now home to a six-story shopping complex replete with over 800 shops, stalls, and sellers. If you're looking for bargains on electronics, clothes, and accessories, then Far East Plaza is the place to be. It's so well known throughout the city that thousands descend on it every weekend to seek out bargains and go home happy. And alongside all those sweet bargains, they also have plenty of beauty shops where you can get a massage, mani/pedi, or facial. After an entire day of bargain hunting, you've earned some R&R. Haji Lane Jonesing for some up-market shopping? Haji Lane's got you covered. Journey through its myriad shops, and you'll find designer labels, unique boutiques, and even high-end homeware. Even visitors of a less permanent disposition will find things to take home with them. Craft jewelry has made a big splash in Haji Lane, with sellers offering exotic pieces you won't find anywhere else on Earth. And, if you need to take a load off, you'll also find cafes and bars to sit down and refuel before you head further into high-street heaven. Image courtesy of ZDL/Shutterstock Holland Village If you're visiting Singapore to escape the high-street bubble back home, head to Holland Village for some truly authentic fresh produce and cooked meals. Discover dozens of stalls filled with fresh fruit, veg, meats, and seafood. Perfect if you're staying in an Airbnb or a place with a kitchen. But, of course, with so much street food on offer, you may end up leaving full to the brim! Noodles, chicken, and rice dishes are the name of the game here, all soaked in authentic sauces and paired with Singapore beers and cocktails. You could even spend an evening exploring all of Holland Village's delights. Arab Street And finally, if you're in the market for Middle-Eastern treats, then Arab Market is one of the best markets in Singapore. Nestled in the Kampong Glam neighborhood, you'll find this bright lane flanked by small shops selling authentic Middle-Eastern food, garments, accessories, and pretty much anything else you could want. And those are our picks of the best markets in Singapore! Whatever your heart desires - and your wallet can afford - is bound to be found somewhere within the above! After all that shopping, you might be wondering what else Singapore has to offer. Don't worry; we've got you covered. Check out Go City and visit some of the best attractions in Singapore! With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can pick and choose the city's best bits for one low price.
Dom Bewley
Birds at Mandai Wildlife Reserve
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Singapore’s Best Free Finds Near Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Looking for adventure near Mandai Wildlife Reserve? Here’s how to explore Singapore’s wild side—without spending a single cent.
Pair of lorikeets at Bird Paradise in Singapore.
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Bird Paradise Guide Singapore – All You Need to Know

Hey, do you like birds? Yes you! Sure, leviathan creatures of the deep are cool, and land-loving critters can be cute, cuddly and ferocious in equal measure. But birds are the connoisseur’s animal of choice; a feathered favorite of poets, painters and romantics down the centuries. After all, what other beast can sing as sweetly, or make potential suitors swoon with their flamboyant displays of technicolor plumage? We know, we know: meerkats are pretty entertaining too. But have you ever seen one fly? No, dear reader, you have not. And, now we’ve reeled you in, here’s all you need to know about Bird Paradise in Singapore, an awesome tropical aviary that's among the very best in Asia. Bird Paradise: the Lowdown Part of Singapore’s epic Mandai Nature Reserve, which also includes the Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and River Wonders attractions, Bird Paradise is the 21st-century successor to the country’s long-running Jurong Bird Park. Indeed, the majority of Bird Paradise’s 3,500 or so inhabitants were painstakingly relocated here from the nearby Jurong site during 2022 and early 2023. Bird Paradise opened its gates in May 2023, welcoming bird enthusiasts and Instagram addicts eager to get up close and personal with its highly photogenic stars, among them vibrant scarlet ibises, pretty pink flamingos, majestic Philippine eagles, infectious laughing kookaburras and almost comically ostentatious Andean cocks-of-the-walk, with their brilliant orange crests. In other words, this is an attraction that more than lives up to its (very literal) name. You can easily spend a whole day exploring Bird Paradise, with a whopping 400 species to discover across 42 acres, and 10 distinct zones that include awesome walk-through aviaries, rainforests, wetlands and even a penguin habitat. Pitch up for feeding times with the pelicans, turacos, lories and lorikeets and don’t miss the daily presentations that let you experience the awe-inspiring sight of some of the world’s most successful winged predators, including white-bellied sea eagles and harris hawks, in full flight! Bird Paradise Guide: the Zones Amazonian Jewels – this authentic South American rainforest setting is where you’ll find the aforementioned Andean cock-of-the-walk hanging out with its colorful toucan, cracid and green oropendola pals. Shaw Foundation Australian Outback – say g’day to giant emus, tawny frogmouths, laughing kookaburras and other feathered critters from Down Under. This cool outback setting features aboriginal cave paintings, termite mounds and eucalyptus trees. Nyungwe Forest Heart Of Africa – Inspired by Rwanda’s dense Nyungwe Forests, this is the park’s largest zone, and fairly teems with African species. Around 80, in fact, including flamingoes, bee-eaters, grey parrots and punky turacos. Get an, ahem, bird’s-eye view from the observation tower. Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands – roseate spoonbills, American flamingoes and scarlet ibises ensure this authentic wetlands zone (complete with gushing waterfall) more than lives up to its colorful name. Kuok Group Wings of Asia – you’ll find some of Bird Paradise’s more prehistoric-looking critters here in these lovingly created Balinese bamboo groves and rice terraces. We’re talking rare black-faced spoonbills, Papuan hornbills, Australian pelicans and more. Lory Loft – hit up the Lory Loft for your kaleidoscopic fix of parrots, lories and lorikeets. Look out for the aptly-named fiesta of colors that is the rainbow parrot and try not to be hypnotized by the ice-cool stare of the blue-eyed cockatoo. Mysterious Papua – replicating the coastal forests of lowland Papua, this zone features viewing pavilions influenced by the traditional homes of the Korowai tribe, from which to view the resident southern cassowaries, palm cockatoos and colorful Nicobar pigeons. Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove – there’s an underwater kelp forest and rocky beach to explore at this, one of the world’s largest sub-Antarctic cold saltwater penguin habitats. Check out king, gentoo and Humboldt penguins, alongside feisty northern rockhoppers, with their ultra-chic punk crests. Songs of the Forest – if bathing in a symphony of birdsong is your bag, then this is the zone for you. Here’s where you can hear endangered species including straw-headed bulbuls, Bali mynahs and laughing thrushes in full throat. Bird Paradise Guide: shops and dining Now you know everything you need to know about the residents of Bird Paradise, you’ll also want to know where you can refuel and snag some souvenirs on your visit. Good news: the park has several dining outlets, including the Bird Bakery for your coffee and pastry fix, and the Egg Splash Café with its eggs-cellent menu and fun activities for kids. Food Central is on the plaza and offers a range of local favorites, like Hainanese chicken rice, in a casual setting. Alternatively peckish punters can take in spectacular views of the wetlands waterfall from the Crimson Restaurant, or join the penguins for lunch in the Cove restaurant or café. No, not literally, but you’ll be able to see them swimming through glass walls that border the underwater kelp forests. The Penguin Cove Café has a shop, too. Penguin plush toys, penguin tees, penguin stationery, penguin mugs... if you like penguins you’re going to be in clover here. It’s joined by chick-inspired merchandise at the Egg Splash Café and a plethora of bird-related souvenirs ready to fly off the shelves in the main Bird Paradise shop. Bird Paradise Tickets and Opening Hours An attraction pass from Go City includes general admission to Bird Paradise and saves you money when visiting multiple attractions in Singapore. Choose an All-Inclusive or Explorer Pass for entry to Bird Paradise plus Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay, Madame Tussauds and many more top Singapore attractions, tours and experiences. The park is open daily from 9AM to 6PM, with latest entry at 5PM. The easiest way to get there is on the Mandai Khatib shuttle bus from Khatib MRT station. The shuttle runs every 10-15 minutes and costs S$1 each way. Check the Bird Paradise website for more ways to get to the park. 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.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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