The iconic Raffles Hotel in Singapore.

The Best Singapore Landmarks and Must Dos

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

Singapore is one enormous playground, with stacks of fun things to do for all ages, from wild theme park rides to formal garden; down’n’dirty street food to Michelin-starred dining. And, while there’s no such thing as an exhaustive list of all the best Singapore landmarks and must dos, we’ve compiled a short guide to some of the city’s absolute must-sees. Dive in to discover what made our list, including:

  • Merlion Park
  • Singapore Zoo
  • The Sentosa cable car
  • Raffles Hotel
  • Kampong Glam
  • Gardens by the Bay
  • The Marina Bay Sands laser show

Merlion Park

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Can you even say you’ve been to Singapore without grabbing a selfie by the island’s massive mythical mascot? With the body of a fish and water-spouting head of a lion, the 8.6-meter, 70-tonne Merlion statue is truly a sight to behold. You’ll find it in Merlion Park with its diminutive two- meter, three-tonne ‘Merlion Cub’ nearby, and fine views out across the bay.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

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To describe this sprawling 200-acre oasis of vibrant tropical flora as ‘mature gardens’ would be something of an understatement. Here since 1859, it's the only tropical garden on the planet to have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To understand why, simply breathe in the heady scents of the Ginger Garden, enjoy a moment of quiet reflection on the shores of Swan Lake or take a stroll to the picture-postcard bandstand. Don’t miss the park’s star attraction: the National Orchid Garden with its thousands of powerfully scented and eye-poppingly gorgeous blooms.

Spectra at Marina Bay Sands

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Marina Bay Sands Resort, one of Singapore’s most recognizable landmarks, is pretty spectacular in its own right, with its trio of soaring skyscrapers topped with a space-age observation deck and vast infinity pool. The Spectra light and water show really puts on the ritz though, with visual projections, mist effects, lasers and a rousing orchestral symphony that dazzle audiences nightly. Experience it from the plaza, or get a stunning bird’s eye view from the resort’s SkyPark observation platform, a knee-knocking 57 floors up.

Lau Pa Sat

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No visit to Singapore would be complete without hitting up a hawker center to sample some of the finest street food in Asia. And Lau Pa Sat in the Central Business District is among the very best. One of the finest historical landmarks in Singapore, this beautifully restored octagonal Victorian market building oozes old-world Singapore charm, with a decorative internal cast-iron frame that’s filled with the heady scents of zingy chili crab, fragrant Hainanese chicken and, of course, the mother of all Singapore street-food snacks: delectable skewers of chargrilled pork smothered in sticky peanut satay sauce. Unmissable.

Singapore Zoo

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Frequently cited as one of the best things to do in Singapore (and certainly one of the most popular), Singapore Zoo is well worth the day trip. Zones here include a rainforest inside a massive biodome, home to thousands of critters including cute golden lion tamarin monkeys, two-toed sloths and all manner of colorful amphibians and birdlife. Head to the plains of Wild Africa where you might spot a shy white rhino or inquisitive giraffe, and meet regal horned lizards, king cobras, panther chameleons and electric blue geckos in the epic RepTopia reptile house.

Sentosa Cable Car

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There are a few ways to reach Sentosa, the tiny tropical island just off Singapore’s south coast, but none quite as fun as the cable car. Soaring 200 feet above sea level, this 15-minute journey is a Singapore must-do, with views of Sentosa’s beaches and lush foliage as you cross. This is a thrill ride with a gentle pace that limbers you up for the somewhat more high octane entertainments – rollercoasters, bungee ropes, sky-high swings – that you’ll encounter on arrival. You can even have dinner and drinks on board a private cable car as you and your partner take in the sunset views over three courses. Fear not: two round-trip rotations of the circuit ensure there’s no need to rush dessert.

Raffles Hotel

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They don’t come much more iconic than this 19th-century grande dame hotel, one of the most historical landmarks in Singapore. Stop by the Raffles Hotel to admire its pristine colonial-style architecture and, perhaps more importantly, to sample a Singapore Sling, the fruity tropical cocktail that was invented right here more than a century ago. You’ll be in good company, too: Raffles has hosted a who’s who of ultra-glam stars down the years: Elizabeth Taylor, Christian Louboutin, Rudyard Kipling and Queen Elizabeth II, to name-drop just a few. Chin chin!

Punggol Waterway Park

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Punggol Waterway Park in the northeast of the island is an Instagram addict’s dream come true, all weird, wonderful and outright wacky bridges, spanning wetlands that teem with native wildlife. Seek out the Sunrise Bridge for its photogenic pillarbox-red railings and long, snaking walkway and grab your perfect sunset selfie on the Jewel Bridge with its distinctive dome. Add to this some incredible waterfront views, a sand-and-water play zone for the kids and a peaceful therapeutic garden and you’ve got everything you need for a divine day out.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

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Discover the tooth, the whole tooth and nothing but the tooth at the pagoda-style Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in downtown Singapore. Whether the main event here – a 7.5cm-long tooth displayed in a huge golden stupa – actually originated from the mouth of the Buddha is a matter we'll leave to your discretion, but there’s plenty to enjoy in the intricate and colorful architecture here, even for non-believers.

Henderson Waves Bridge

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Not to be outdone by the funky bridges in Punggol Park Waterway, the Southern Ridges trail on the island’s south coast features the highest – and quite possibly most extraordinary – pedestrianized bridge in Singapore. We’re talking of course about Henderson Waves, a striking landmark with undulating steel ribs that snake over and under the walkway, creating a quite stunning work of art to connect Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park over the busy Henderson Road 36 meters below. Look out for colorful tropical critters including red-whiskered bulbuls, banded bay cuckoos and orange-bellied flowerpeckers along the way.

Kampong Glam

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Kampong Glam is one of Singapore’s hippest ‘hoods, where the glorious golden dome of the Sultan Mosque rises like a shining beacon over the surrounding labyrinth of streets and alleyways. Arab Street is a must-visit for its seemingly timeless antique stores. These great cavernous treasure troves heave with Turkish handicrafts and goods including intricate textiles, ceramics and mosaic lanterns. Head to Sifr Aromatics’ fabulous Arab Street perfume emporium to design your own unique scents and take them home in delicate colored-glass bottles.

Gardens by the Bay

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Last but certainly not least, Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay are recognized the world over for their magnificent glass hothouses (designed to look but thankfully not smell like overgrown durian fruits), and the futuristic Supertree Grove with its towering structures that are festooned with plantlife. Get up close to these supersized trees on a stroll around the elevated walkway that connects them, and come back after dark to see them lit up in all their glory at the hugely entertaining light and music show.

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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 souvenirs to bring back from Singapore

Fed up of leaving a place with the usual cheaply-made tourist trinkets? Looking for unique Singapore gifts for loved ones back home? Fortunately, Singapore won’t let you down. Yes, you can get a molded plastic Merlion is that’s what you’re after. But with a little bit of local know-how, those looking for something more special can also find exactly that. What are the best souvenirs to bring back from Singapore? We’ve spent some time sifting through endless meters of shelf space to discover just that! Sumptuous textiles Add a Singaporean twist to your home or wardrobe by seeking out the stores and market stalls dedicated to cloth and fabric. Displaying a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional patterns, buying a cut of cloth is a great way of remembering your time in the Lion City. Singapore’s diversity means there’s plenty of choice, with designs originating from the country’s Malay, Peranakan and Indian communities all on offer. From batiks to silks, the range will likely leave you spellbound. There’s a multitude of stores to check out in Chinatown and Arab Street in Kampong Glam. Others are dotted along Little India’s Serangoon Road close to the Indian Heritage Centre. Meanwhile, high-end Holland Village’s Independent Market has a seriously cool selection of tea towels, cushions and tote bags all created by local artists. Each have a very Singapore twist, such as cushion covers honoring the city’s famed chili crab. Tea for two Tea has been at the heart of Singaporean culture since the very beginning. Just a few months after Sir Stamford Raffles claimed the island for the British Empire, it had become one of the key ports in the export of tea. Clipper ships could soon be seen loading in the port before making the months’ long journey to the docks of London. You can stop off at any street side stall to sample the highly-sugared brew that’s the mainstay of everyday life in the city. But for a more laid-back affair, you’ll have to head to Tea Chapter for a tea appreciation experience. Recreating the Chinese tea ceremony in a traditional teahouse located in Chinatown, you’ll get to sample a wide range of teas. These include the very special Imperial Gold Cassia. Made using leaves from Fuijin province in China, the delicate floral brew was even served to Queen Elizabeth II during a visit in 1989. It’s not recorded whether the queen took any back to Buckingham Palace with her, but you certainly can. Alternatively, head to one of TWG’s stores, who are constantly blending and perfecting. Look out for their Singapore Breakfast Tea, which combines green and black teas with a hint of ginger to celebrate the mixed cultural traditions of the island nation. Flower power The must-visit Gardens by the Bay Flower Dome & Cloud Forest demonstrates Singapore’s status as a garden city. But if it needed confirming, this city known for its rampant development has over 300 public parks. And that’s alongside attractions including Singapore Botanic Gardens and Mount Faber. When it comes to gifts made in Singapore, what could be better than taking a piece of this away with you? Although buying live plants can cause you issues at customs, there is still a way to have these memories close at hand long after you’ve said goodbye to Singapore. RISIS, for instance, was founded in the 1970s. Since then, this jewelry and lifestyle store has used the skills of local craftspeople to encapsulate real orchids in gold. The result is an incredible range of necklaces, bracelets, brooches and rings, as well as picture frames, sculpture and even chopsticks. Tomes with a sense of place It’s stating the obvious to say that the best Singapore souvenirs for booklovers are going to be books about Singapore! Thankfully, though small, Singapore has a thriving book industry. This means not only can you find photobooks and histories of the island, but also an abundance of children’s books and novels. Either set in Singapore or written by Singaporeans, SingLit has gone from strength to strength. Look out for the writings of Catherine Lim, Imran Hashim and poet Cyril Wong. Their books can be purchased from all the big bookstore and are sure to add a touch of class to any shelf they rest on. Old and new Meanwhile, all you history buffs out there looking for something extra special from Singapore will delight in the city’s antique stores. With a cluster on the streets running from the northern end of Orchard Road, you won’t be limited in choice either. Displaying items from all around the world, these largely independent stores have stock that ranges from coins to sofas, by way of artworks, ornaments and firearms. There are plenty of retro and vintage goods on show too. But for a gift Singapore is known for, keep an eagle eye out for Peranakan porcelain. This style of brightly-colored ceramics has a distinctly Chinese look. Much of it dates to the nineteenth century, so prices pre-bargaining can be on the steep side. More wallet-friendly modern versions can be found at Thow Kwang Pottery Jungle. Their potters use the last remaining dragon kiln in Singapore to create contemporary examples of the style. Family friendly souvenirs from Singapore Relive your time on the streets of Singapore with the city’s very own version of that family favorite – Monopoly. Replacing some of the original player tokens with a T-Rex, rubber duck and penguin, streets incorporated include Connaught Drive, Orchard Road and Marina Square. Using local currency, the railway stations of the original board game have been replaced with four of Singapore’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) stations. Find it in toy shops and souvenir stores across the island. Save on Singapore attractions, spend on Singapore souvenirs Whether you’re buying for yourself or for friends and family, the best souvenirs to bring back from Singapore go beyond the tacky and cheap. Made by skilled artisans, they let you take a little of the city’s culture home with you. At Go City we’re big on memories. That’s why we work so hard to provide travelers to Singapore with savings on admission to the biggest attractions around. That way, you’ll never say you can’t afford that extra souvenir from Singapore!
Alex Birungi
Panorama of the Singapore skyline as sun rises with green space, the river and Marina Bay Sands
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The best Singapore autumn events

Wedged between the high jinks of summer and the sheer exuberance of the Christmas period, the autumn can get forgotten about. However, the months of September, October and November in Singapore have some incredible things going on. What Singapore autumn events can you expect to see? How about the heady mix of grand prix celebrations, Deepavali (Diwali) and Halloween? And that’s just for starters! Stick with us as we explore all the autumn events you can experience in Singapore. The Singapore Grand Prix Always one of the most anticipated races of the year, Formula One’s Singapore Grand Prix gets gear heads from across the world into a frenzy of motor racing eagerness. Witnessed by around a quarter of a million people trackside, the race is one of the biggest events in Singapore’s autumn calendar. The first night race to make the Formula One season, and one of just a couple of street circuits, it sees the world’s foremost racing drivers battle it out on the same roads that usually see peak time traffic jams. The race may only be for professional drivers, but you can get a sense of what’s required by checking out Let’s Go Bike’s Marina Bay Night Bicycle Tour. But beyond the three days of racing, totaling some 12 hours of action, the Singapore Grand Prix gets its own season. Lasting ten days, it offers up entertainment even to those who haven’t yet caught the racing bug. That’s due to around 90 shows by some of the top names in entertainment. Previous editions have seen the Black Eyed Peas, Westlife and TLC rock the main stage. Singapore’s unmissable autumn cultural festivals What the Singapore Grand Prix is to motor racing, the Mid Autumn Festival is to cultural events in the country. A key celebration for Singaporeans with Chinese heritage, the festival is celebrated across much of Asia. Marking the end of the traditional harvest period, look out for streets strewn with paper lanterns and stalls selling mooncakes. Specific to the celebrations, authentic versions of these delectable pastries are made with a red bean or lotus seed paste filling. However, you can now find everything from chocolate to champagne fillings when in Chinatown. Whilst there, don’t miss the chance to join a tea appreciation experience in a charming tea house. A Hindu festival celebrating the victory of light over darkness, Deepavali is another fantastic Singapore autumn event. Head to Little India to soak up the color, sights and sounds, which include full-sized model elephants and peacocks (symbolizing abundance and wisdom). You’ve also got the chance to catch displays of traditional dancing and the attractive streetside light displays. They begin appearing several weeks before the big day itself at the end of October. This gives visitors plenty of time to shop for flower garlands, admire the glitter of gold at jewelers and drink a mug of teh tarik (pulled milk tea) whilst awaiting a spot at a henna tattooist’s! Things to do in Singapore in October For many, October is unapologetically the month of Halloween. But before this ghoulish festival comes around, Singapore sees the arrival of Oktoberfest. It doesn’t have a grand history in the country like Singapore Mid Autumn Festival or Deepavali. But we can’t think of much better than sipping a cool lager after a busy day of sightseeing. Bars and restaurants participating in the revelry aren’t hard to find. When still in the mood, why not take a tour of the Tiger Brewery and discover what made this local brew a bestseller the world over. Halloween lovers will be dying to explore Singapore towards the end of October. Head over to the pleasure island of Sentosa, off Singapore’s southernmost point, for Universal Studios Singapore’s annual Halloween Horror Nights. As well as haunted houses, expect themed laser tag games, a nightmare of ghostly goings on and plenty of additional surprises. Elsewhere, the luxury tall ship the Royal Albatross turns ghost ship for a seaborn five-course monster-themed dinner, fancy dress competition and special access tours. If its desserts that really interest you, turn your attention instead to the Museum of Ice Cream. Temporarily renaming itself the Museum of I Scream, you can get your fill of fab flavors alongside a myriad of ghoulish festivities. Singapore autumn events in November Starting in October but continuing into November, the Japanese Film Festival (JFF) brings the world of anime and Japanese thrillers to Singaporean screens. Launched way back in 1983, the JFF is one of Singapore’s longest running film events. Its curated selection of movies is designed with a blend of classic and contemporary screenings, meaning there’s almost certainly something for everyone. That said, Francophiles might instead prefer November’s Violah France Singapore Festival. Organized with Gallic flare by Singapore’s French embassy, almost every day of the month has at least one event taking place, from exhibitions and concerts to food markets and sporting feats. Art lovers can also celebrate with the Singapore Biennale, taking place each autumn and winter every second year. Created as an outlet for the country’s contemporary art scene, it features around 50 artists from countries as diverse as Iraq and Indonesia. Their work is displayed at the Singapore Art Museum. What to pack for autumn in Singapore Autumn in Singapore is still warm, with lows averaging 25°C and highs of around 32°C. Humidity levels are also quite high, meaning the bulk of your packing list should consist of summer friendly items such as loose-fitting trousers and tops. At the same time, October and November in particular see heavy showers roll across the island in the afternoons or early evenings. Make sure you’ve got an umbrella to hand (raincoats are simply too hot to bother with) and plan to spend these hours at one of Singapore’s indoor attractions. Singapore’s autumn events and top attractions await! Singapore is packed to bursting with autumn events and has a long list of major attractions. You can keep your vacation budget under control by traveling with Go City. Our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes give holders reduced admission to attractions across the island, from museum entry to the top tours.
Alex Birungi
Traditional boat on the Singapore River near Clarke Quay
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A guide to the Singapore River

Stop for a visit to Singapore and the first thing you’ll notice – after the skyscrapers and warm, humid air – is that there’s a lot of water. Rivers, harbors and canals are the lifeblood of this city, bringing trade, tourism, and tranquility to its many green and quiet spaces. At the heart of it all, snaking its way west to east from the Kim Seng Bridge the Singapore Strait, is the Singapore River. Now lined with vibrant shopping districts and dazzling sky scrapers organized around three main quays, this two-mile stretch of fresh water has been indelibly linked to Singapore’s history and livelihood from its days as a remote fishing village to the internationally recognizable metropolis it is today. Read on to find out more about: Its history Robertson Quay Clarke Quay Boat Quay The Marina Things to do History The history of the Singapore River dates back many centuries to when the ‘Lion City’ was a small fishing village inhabited at various points by traveling (or invading) fisherman from China, Malaysia, India, Java and other neighboring countries. It wasn’t until Sir Stamford Raffles arrived in 1819 that serious development began, and it grew into a large city with a well-connected trading port. The first quay was built in 1823 and large warehouses were built all along the Singapore River to house goods and merchandise being imported and exported by sea. Other industries – such as finance – thrived on this success, but it took its toll on the waterways. Pollution and congestion became so bad that in 1977 the Prime Minister launched an ambitious ten-year clean-up project. Hotels, green spaces and sewerage were installed, and most of the trade was moved out to Keppel Harbor to make way for the tide of tourism now flooding into the city. Nowadays, The Singapore River forms the backbone of social and commercial life in the city, with vibrant districts and glamorous promenades culminating in the spectacular vista of Marina Bay. Things to do Fortunately, the weather and daylight hours are pretty consistent throughout the year in Singapore, so it doesn’t really matter when you go. It’s always going to be humid, so undoubtedly the best way to experience the river is on it, where fresh breezes and water spray will cool you down. River Cruises in traditional bumboats will take you gently around the quays and the Marina for perfect waterfront pictures, or for something more adventurous try a Duck Tour in an amphibious vehicle. If you prefer two wheels, there are some great bike tours that take in all the river’s major attractions, or you could just hire a bike and do your own exploring. If you need some family fun, try a Puzzle Hunt in Fort Canning, or if you need a rest and fancy some ‘high’ life, grab a drink at the Ce La Vi SkyBar in the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, where you can look back and marvel over the entire length of the river and out to the sea. Cruise around Singapore with Go City Whether you prefer your views from rooftop bars, traditional boats or riverside restaurants, there’s always something to see on the Singapore River. Be sure to have your Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass handy, so you’ll save on all your favorite attractions as you go!
Karleen Stevens

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