View of Singapore's downtown skyline from a rooftop pool.

Things to do in Downtown Singapore Business District

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

Singapore’s Central Business District, also known as the CBD, financial district or downtown core, is a gleaming jungle of soaring skyscrapers with sensational waterfront views and more landmark attractions than you can shake a very large stick at. Add to that Michelin-starred restaurants, trendy cocktail bars and some of the best shopping in the city and you have the recipe for a fantastic break. Hera are just a few of our favorite things to do in downtown Singapore’s business district, including:

  • Merlion Park
  • The SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands
  • National Gallery Singapore
  • Singapore Flyer
  • Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
  • Shopping at Orchard Road and Marina Bay
  • Bay cruises
  • Gardens by the Bay
  • Cocktails at Raffles

Mythical Beasts and Dizzy Heights

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A stroll around Marina Bay is a fine way to get your bearings in the downtown area. Here, close-up views of the CBD’s sensational skyscrapers give you a sense of the scale of the place and the iconic Merlion statue, emblem of Singapore’s growth from humble fishing village to mighty all-conquering lion is a must-see. Grab a selfie by this 70-tonne fish/lion hybrid with its arc of spouting water that crashes into the Singapore River below, then head up to the SkyPark atop the Marina Bay Sands resort for a different perspective. Steady your nerves with a cocktail before taking in exception 57th-floor views of the Singapore skyline and out across the bay.

National Gallery Singapore

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Immerse yourself in 200 years of Singaporean art and culture at the National Gallery. Appropriately, this stately collection of of more than 9,000 modern and contemporary pieces from Singapore and southeast Asia is housed within two immense national monuments in the heart of the CBD; namely Singapore’s former City Hall and Supreme Court. Step inside to goggle at works that range from 19th-century oil paintings and woodcuts to 21st-century video installations. Visiting in the middle of monsoon season? There’s plenty here to fill an entire day, with major works by Singaporean artists including Georgette Chen, Liu Kang and Cheong Soo Pieng to admire, plus art-inspired shops for unique souvenirs, and two Michelin-starred restaurants.

The Singapore Flyer

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It should come as no surprise, in a city where the title of tallest building is highly prized, that the observation wheel is one of the biggest on the planet, soaring to a knee-trembling 541 feet at its highest point. Steel your nerves for the 30-minute flight aboard the Singapore Flyer from where you can expect views across the CBD skyline to Sentosa Island and even, on a clear day, as far as Indonesia and Malaysia. That’s assuming you haven’t closed your eyes in absolute terror by the time you reach the top. One rotation lasts 30 minutes and you can book tickets that include cocktails and champagne, should such nerve-settling measures be required.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

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Back on terra firma, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a stunning (and surprisingly recent) example of the Chinese Buddhist architectural style, all decorative flourishes, pagoda-style rooftops and cavernous indoor spaces. Built in 2007, the temple contains what is said to be one of the Buddha’s teeth, though skeptics may question its provenance given the proliferation of Buddha tooth temples in the region and, well, the size of the tooth itself which, at 7.5cm in length, is likely to raise a quizzical eyebrow at the very least. Visit this stunning temple and make up your own mind!

Shop ‘Til You Drop

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There are more malls and brand-name stores along the 2.5-kilometer shopping mecca that is Orchard Road than you could hope to explore in a lifetime, never mind on your two-week vacation. Orchard Central is one of the most interesting, with its digital-art skin, huge indoor climbing wall, public art installations and roof garden. Further opportunities to max your credit card await at Marina Bay Resort’s cavernous Shoppes mall which, in spite of its ye olde name, is an ultra-modern, ultra-luxe shoppers’ paradise that’s guaranteed to give your bank manager serious palpitations. Venetian-style canals and sampan boat rides make for a fun way to get from store to store.

Singapore River Cruise

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Hop aboard a traditional bumboat to get a new perspective on the CBD’s many highlights. Ideal for the lazy sightseer, these scenic cruises tick off a number of the city’s big ticket attractions in one short jaunt along the Singapore River. Expect to see highlights including Marina Bay Sands, with its space-age triple towers topped by what, from way down here, looks for all the world like a giant surfboard, as well as the legendary Raffles hotel, the Gardens by the Bay and the Old Parliament House. Hopeless romantics can catch the golden hour on a sunset cruise as the Singapore skies puts on their colorful daily show and lights twinkle on across the city.

Gardens By The Bay

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With its gargantuan durian-shaped glass hothouses, tranquil East Bay Garden and iconic supertree structures complete with fun elevated walkway, Gardens By The Bay is a treat at any time of day. But it’s arguably at its most enchanting in the evenings, when the Supertree Grove puts on an epic display of colored light accompanied by a rousing symphonic soundtrack, sure to enliven your Instagram feed. Better still, this event is free! Light and music themes change with the seasons but the show generally runs twice per evening, with some variation for holidays and special events.

Sip a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel

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What’s the first thing you think of when someone says the word ‘Singapore’? Skyscrapers? Orchids? No! The answer is of course a Singapore Sling, that delightful gin-based tropical cocktail that’s as iconic a symbol of this island nation as its Merlion mascot. And where better to sample one than in the very place they were invented? We’re talking, of course, about the legendary 19th-century Raffles Hotel, where bartender Ngiam Tong Boon first mixed gin with cherry brandy, grenadine, pineapple, bitters and lime juice back in 1915, and the Singapore Sling was born! Join such illustrious former guests as Hemingway, Kipling and Grahame Greene and try one for yourself in the hotel’s smart Long Bar.

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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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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
The Jewel Bridge at Punggol Waterway park in Singapore.
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Things to do in Punggol Singapore

Nestled on the Tanjong Punggol peninsula in northeast Singapore, Punggol is one of the island’s most family-friendly neighborhoods, chock-full of glorious outdoor spaces, cool cafés and top restaurants. Activities here are wide and varied, from hiking the wetlands to exploring Coney Island by bike and catching and cooking your own prawns! Read on for our guide to the best things to do in Punggol, Singapore. How to Get to Punggol The waterfront district of Punggol is well connected to the rest of Singapore via the MRT, the country’s super-efficient Mass Rapid Transit system, which speeds millions of passengers around the island every day on its automated, driverless trains. Simply hop on the purple North East Line from downtown Singapore to reach Punggol, at the end of the line, in under an hour. From here, the Punggol LRT (Light Rail Transit) runs a loop around the district, allowing you to step out right in front of the attractions you want to visit, including: Punggol Beach Coney Island Punggol Waterway Park Northshore Plaza Mall Pulau Ubin Punggol Beach Forget touristy Sentosa; Punggol is where it’s really at for laid back beach vibes, and don’t the locals just know it! We’re talking bone-white sands, lush tropical foliage and great, sea-smoothed boulders that dot the beach, providing the perfect backdrop for those essential Instagram snaps. Grab your sunscreen, parasol and wide-brimmed straw hat and you could easily spend a lazy day here, just lounging and gazing out at the azure waters. There’s an epic wooden boardwalk for strolls along the waterfront, where fishermen vie with brightly plumed native birds for the catch of the day and cute little sheltered seating areas offer widescreen views of the famous Singapore sunset, all flaming oranges, flamingo pinks and bruised purples. A small heritage sign at the beach commemorates the role Punggol Point played in the 1942 Sook Ching Massacre, which saw around 300–400 Chinese men shot and killed here by occupying Japanese forces. You can pay your respects at the Civilian War Memorial by the Esplanade MRT station on Beach Road. Punggol Waterway Park Further Insta opportunities await in Punggol Waterway park, where you might even be forgiven for believing the series of weird, wonderful and downright wacky bridges were designed specifically to attract the social media generation. The Sunrise Bridge in the east of the park is a case in point, it’s pillarbox-red railings and snakelike shape making it great for those all-important sunrise selfies. At the other end of the day (and park), hit up the Jewel Bridge for its distinctive dome and more of those crazy Singapore sunsets. Keep your eyes peeled too for otters gliding silently through the water and – if you’re very lucky – the distinctive blue flash of a collared kingfisher diving for its dinner. As well as these impressive bridges, there are several different zones to explore, running the gamut from exceptional waterfront views, to sand and water play areas and a therapeutic garden with a fitness zone and aromatic plants including pandan. Coney Island Like its New York namesake, Singapore’s Coney Island is not so much an island as a peninsula, which makes it perfectly possible to visit by bike. And that’s precisely what we’d suggest you do! Hire a bike at Punggol Jetty and whiz into Coney Island via the western entrance. It’s a small park and you can cycle around it in no time at all, but don’t do that! Pack a picnic of sandwiches and ripe mangosteens and take your sweet time exploring the ancient trees, dense mangrove forests and beaches so secluded you might find you have them all to yourself, save for the occasional monitor lizard or mischievous macaque. Prawn Fishing And now for something completely different. Ever wanted to catch and cook your own prawns? Now’s your chance, thanks to Hai Bin Prawning, where – just like hooking a duck at a funfair – you’re all but guaranteed to snare your prize from the crustacean-rich pools, even if it requires you to book yourself into the bumper all-day fishing session. Kids and adults alike can fish the ponds before chargrilling their catch in the BBQ pits. Alternatively, there’s a bar and grill on site to save you the effort. Nearby Riviera Prawn Fishing offers more of the same, but minus the bar and grill. Northshore Plaza Northshore Plaza is Punggol’s brand spanking new waterfront shopping and entertainment complex, the kind of place it would be quite easy to while away a whole day. It’s split into two sections, with Northshore Plaza II right on the waterfront. This is the place for dreamy seafood lunches, sea views and gentle strolls around the dragonfly pond, where the colorful critters flit from lily pad to rock to palm leaf, while the kids let off steam in the quite excellent pirate-themed playground. The dinosaur safari-themed Nomstar food court is also not to be missed; a surefire hit with kids from three to 93. Plaza I is the place for fast food, takeaway coffee and more mega chain stores than you can shake a stick at, some of them very large indeed. Stores like Decathlon, which uses two floors to showcase just about every piece of sporting equipment you can imagine, with enough space to try most of them out, too. Pulau Ubin Located a short way off the coast from Punggol, Pulau Ubin is a boomerang-shaped island (a proper island, that is; not the kind you can cycle to!) with abundant wildlife to be discovered in and around its traditional kampongs and disused granite quarries which, long-since abandoned, now teem with diverse flora and fauna. Rent a bike to explore the well-marked cycle paths or take the looping walkway through the wild Chek Jawa Wetlands where, if you listen carefully, you might even hear the melodious song of a bulbul calling to its mate. 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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Best Museums in Singapore 

Wandering the galleries and halls of a well-curated museum is a wonderful way to while away the hours. Lucky for museum lovers, Singapore is packed with blockbuster art galleries, top-notch museums, and one-of-a-kind cultural institutions. From contemporary art and natural history to thought-provoking science and technology - whatever your interests, there is a museum in Singapore to explore. Here's our list of the best museums in Singapore. National Museum of Singapore The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest and largest museum in the city and should be your first port of call. Opened in 1887, the museum is housed in a stately 19th-century Neo-Palladium-style building with a beautiful glass rotunda. Take a moment to admire the exquisite architecture – it’s a work of art in itself. The museum houses two main galleries - the Singapore History Gallery and the Singapore Living Galleries. Start in the Singapore History Gallery and learn the intriguing history of Singapore from its humble beginnings in the 14th century to the present day. Interactive and immersive exhibitions highlight Singapore’s development into a global powerhouse. Your next stop is the Singapore Living Galleries where you’ll exhibits themed around food, fashion, film, and photography. Don’t miss the museum's permanent exhibition, Story of the Forest, which brings the treasured William Farquhar Collection to life through a fantastic digital presentation. Use your pass to gain access to this fantastic museum. Opening hours: Daily: 10AM – 7PM Singapore Art Museum If you’re a lover of contemporary Asian art, the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) is a treat! The museum exhibits artworks in multiple spaces, including a satellite space at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, and the main building along Bras Basah Road. This is the one you want to visit not only to marvel at the beautiful architecture of the heritage buildings but to see some impressive art, too. The main wing of the museum is housed in the former St Joseph’s Institution – the oldest Catholic boys’ school in Singapore. With a striking design that harkens back to the European Renaissance, you’ll be amazed by its beauty before even seeing any art. The museum’s extraordinary collection of 20th-century Asian art is exhibited in small and unusual gallery spaces. Nooks and crannies hold impressive works across various mediums and around every corner is another delight. While the museum has never presented blockbuster exhibitions due to its size, it does take part in the Singapore Biennale, and if you’re around for that, it’s well worth visiting. Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 10AM – 7PM Fri: 10AM – 9PM Sat - Sun: 10AM – 7PM   National Gallery Singapore Another luminary in Singapore’s art world, the National Gallery Singapore is huge! The largest visual art gallery of its kind in the city, it's packed with the world’s largest collection of Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to the present. And there are interactive installations and exhibits for the kids too, so make a day of exploring this glorious behemoth. Housed in the former Supreme Court and City Hall building, the sprawling museum building is an architectural wonder in itself. Inside, vast galleries display over 8,000 modern Southeast Asian artworks. Wander around the airy exhibition spaces and admire works by pioneer Singaporean artists like Cheong Soo Pieng and Georgette Chen. You’ll need more than a few hours to explore the entire museum. Head to the Keppel Centre for Art Education where the kids can get creative with a range of artful and active learning activities. When you need to re-energize, the museum has several casual cafés and fine dining restaurants. Head up to the rooftop cocktail bar, Smoke and Mirrors, for a quiet drink and spectacular views of the city. Don’t forget to use your pass to get free access to the National Gallery Singapore. Your pass also allows you to join complimentary tours like Highlights of the Gallery and Building Highlights Beyond their exhibitions and programs, National Gallery Singapore houses a range of art-inspired shops and restaurants, including the three MICHELIN-starred Odette, and one MICHELIN-starred Art. Top Tip: Avoid long queues and visit on a weekday and book your tickets in advance. Opening hours: Mon – Thu: 10AM – 7PM Fri: 10AM – 9PM Sat - Sun: 10AM – 7PM   ArtScience Museum No matter what your age, visiting Singapore’s ArtScience Museum is a must! Based in a striking building overlooking Marina Bay, the museum brings together culture and technology in fascinating ways. Wander around internationally acclaimed exhibitions that explore the fusion of art and science with some amazing interactive multimedia. You can’t miss the museum building. Designed by Israeli architect Moshe Safdie, it looks like a gently unfurling lotus flower. Inside, the art continues with a variety of world-class exhibitions. Marvel at works by Eames, Dalí, Warhol, and Van Gogh or travel back in time to the world of dinosaurs and Genghis Khan. You’ll also find film sets and props from blockbuster films like Harry Potter and Titanic. Don’t miss the interactive journey of lights, digital art, and magic show designed by Japanese arts collective teamLab. The ArtScience Museum is part of the luxurious Marina Bay Sands complex. Why not head up to the CÉ LA VI SkyBar on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands for a drink against a backdrop of breathtaking vistas. Use your pass to enjoy a complimentary drink and kick back and enjoy the views. Opening hours: Daily: 10AM – 7PM   Asian Civilisations Museum Singapore is a cultural melting pot and one of the best places to delve into its rich multicultural roots is at the Asian Civilisations Museum. You’ll find the museum at the stunning Empress Place, fittingly located at the mouth of the Singapore River, once the center of global trade. Meander around the galleries boasting thousands of artifacts relating to different cultures from around the continent. Gain an integrated perspective of pan-Asian cultures and civilizations and discover how they have come to define Singapore as it is today. When you are done, relax over a coffee at the museum café and take in the beautiful views of the Singapore River and city skyline. Visit the museum store and pick up a few stylish Singaporean design gifts. Remember to use your pass to gain free access to this museum. Opening hours: Daily: 10AM – 7PM Fri: 10AM – 9PM Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum The Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum is a treasure trove of natural history and museum that needs a few hours of exploration. An impressive collection of more than 2,000 specimens of Southeast Asian fauna and flora is spread across two floors and 15 zones. You’ll find a wealth of fascinating finds from the skeleton of a sperm whale to 150-million-year-old dinosaur fossils. Apollonia, Prince and Twinky - three humungous dinosaur skeletons greet you in the main atrium of the museum and your journey through the history of the natural world begins. Wander through themed galleries of fungi, plants, and mammals; get up close to dinosaur bones, and see the largest species of turtle ever recorded. Take a stroll through the museum’s beautifully themed gardens from mangroves to dryland swamps and marvel at the cliff-like façade and living museum of local plants on the front of the building. Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 10AM – 5PM   The National Design Centre of Singapore A nexus for all things, the National Design Centre of Singapore is a design lover's paradise. Housed in an art décor building in the trendy Bras Basah-Bugis arts and culture district, the center hosts design exhibitions and events that draw Singapore’s coolest crowd. Discover the evolution of Singaporean design at the permanent exhibit, 50 Years of Singapore Design, or attend one of the many art-centric events promoting Singapore’s design scene. Check out Hong Kong-based cult lifestyle and design boutique, kapok NDC for stylish apparel. After all that browsing and shopping, put your feet up and enjoy a cocktail at Tanuki Raw. Opening hours: Daily: 9AM – 9PM   Indian Heritage Centre The Indian Heritage Centre may not be up there with the big guns, but it’s a great little museum that focuses on Indian and South Asian history and is well worth a visit. Located in the heart of the Little India Heritage District, the four-story Heritage Center features chronologically arranged themed galleries that explore the distinctive Indian cultural heritage of Singapore. Activity spaces and interactive displays add an element of fun and special gallery houses touring exhibitions. You can use your pass to visit this fascinating museum, and don’t forget to swing by the museum shop to pick up a souvenir or two after your visit. Opening hours: Tues - Sun: 10AM – 6PM   Madame Tussauds What would a visit to a major international city be without popping into Madame Tussauds? Head to the Singapore outpost at Imbiah Lookout at Sentosa for a few selfies with the stars. Mingle with the usual coterie of international celebrities in the A-List Party section like Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. You’ll also see local superstars like Gurmit Singh, Jack Neo, and Singapore’s Prime Minister, Lee Hsien Loong. Hop on the Spirit of Singapore Boat Ride for a multi-sensory journey through Singapore's rich culture. Sing and dance with some of Bollywood's top celebs and enjoy a 4D experience with your favorite superhero. Bear in mind you can use your pass to gain free entry into the wax museum and enjoy all the extras at no extra cost! Daily: 10AM – 6PM Tues: 10AM – 5:30PM   Of course, there's a lot more to Singapore than just museums. Fancy seeing all the best Singapore attractions without breaking the bank? Pick up a Singapore Pass and save while you sightsee!
Alex Birungi

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