Singapore Zoo

Things to do in Singapore

By Adam Fraiel

When visiting Singapore for the first time it’s easy to feel a little overwhelmed. It may only be a small island, but it’s packed with activities, attractions, and iconic landmarks. Don't worry. Whatever your budget, and no matter how long you’re staying, we’ve got you covered. We’ve put together a list of our favorite attractions so you can get a real feel for the Garden City.

Finding Your Way Around

Spend a few hours getting to know the city with a ride on the Big Bus Singapore. It’s a hop-on-hop-off bus, so if you see something you like, jump off and explore. It’ll take you all over the city, pointing out the key landmarks and must-see attractions. By the end of the ride you’ll have a much better understanding of where to go and what to do.

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You can’t visit Singapore without taking a trip to Sentosa Island. Take the Cable Car Sky Pass and treat yourself to a completely different perspective of the city. It’s only a brief ride, but you won’t want to miss out on this experience.

Once you touchdown on Sentosa, hop on the Sentosa Island Bus Tour. A local guide will fill you in on the island's rich history, top things to see and do, and share some local knowledge you won’t find in any guidebooks.

Singapore on a Budget

Yes, it’s an expensive city, but you don’t need to break the bank to have an amazing time in Singapore.

Gardens by the Bay will blow your mind with the natural beauty, technical constructions, and at night, the free light shows. Whether you’re alone, traveling with a partner, or vacationing with the family, the Gardens are a must-see attraction.

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What’s more budget-friendly than lying at the beach all day, soaking in the rays? Whatever your activity level, there’s a beach for you in Singapore. Tanjong beach is the place to be seen, Siloso beach has incredible watersports, and then you’ve got your pick of picture-perfect islands like Lazarus Island and St John’s.

Along with Gardens by the Bay, you’ll find plenty more free light shows around the city at night. If you find yourself in front of Marina Bay Sands before sunset you’ll witness to an unforgettable show, all without paying a dime.

Explore the Animal Kingdom

Get up close and personal with the local wildlife in the 26-hectare award-winning Singapore Zoo. With over 4,200 animals including white tigers, Malayan tapirs, flying foxes, and many more, it’s a treat for the whole family.

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Alongside the waterpark rides and surfing opportunities, Adventure Cove Waterpark allows you the opportunity to swim with thousands of tropical fish, as you snorkel and explore the magical reefs. If you want to get even closer, hop in a pool with the majestic stingrays. Don’t worry, they’re perfectly harmless.

If you've still got energy left after a busy day exploring, consider taking a night safari. Experience nature like never before in the world’s first nocturnal zoo. Watch cats hunting for fish, plus discover exactly what the animals get up to after dark. With a chance to see leopards, hippos, tigers, hyenas, and bears, a night safari is a perfect end to a wild day.

Take a Cruise

If you want to slow things down and explore Singapore from a unique perspective, hop on a boat and take a river cruise. Drift down the Singapore river and tick off all the iconic landmarks aboard a traditional bumboat.

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If you want something a little less traditional, consider splashing into Marina Bay with a DUCKtours Cruise. Traveling in an amphibious vehicle, you’ll feel like James Bond as you drive from the land straight into the water.

Shop Until you Drop

You’ll need to buy some souvenirs for friends and family and, while you’re at it, why not treat yourself? The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is a day out in itself. A huge, sprawling complex of luxury shops, restaurants, boutiques, and iconic features, you’ll want to dedicate at least a full afternoon to this experience.

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Chinatown is home to stunning temples and restaurants, but there are also lots of shopping opportunities too. Find the perfect gift for a loved one, or splash out on yourself and bring home a unique memento to remember your time in The Garden City.

If you find yourself in Chinatown and want to learn more while having some fun, Puzzle Hunt in Chinatown is the way to go. Run around finding clues and solving puzzles, all while learning more about the local Chinese culture.

Get on your bike

If you want to combine sightseeing with a little exercise, take a bike tour of the city. GoGreen Bicycle Rentals offer a two-hour rental so you can get out and explore the green side of the city. It’s a cycle-friendly island, so you’re free to enjoy the many parks, beaches, and promenades in an eco-friendly manner.

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If you’re still hungry for more peddling, take a two-hour guided Marina Bay Night Bicycle Tour. Not only will you get a good workout, but you’ll gain a truly unique perspective of the city. The city transforms at night, and you’ll be in a unique position to see some of the most captivating secrets of the city.

Save on Admission to Top Singapore Attractions

Explore the best things to do with a pass for Singapore by Go City®. Select from top attractions with our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes, where you’ll enjoy access to galleries, museums, tours much more.

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Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers, and events to help you make the most of your travels.

Adam Fraiel
Go City Travel Expert

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Singapore Street Food and Night Tour
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What to do in Singapore in October

Singapore in October? Really? It’s certainly true that pre-monsoon October sees more rain than the months of June to September. Heavy showers generally break in the afternoon, clearing streets for an hour or two, along with the worst of the city’s humidity. However, the mix of indoor and outdoor attractions means you won’t ever be short of things to do in Singapore in October. Plus, reduced traveler demand promises a great value stay. Add to this a packed program of events, and you’ll soon realize that the off-season is anything but. October in Singapore? Absolutely yes! Here’s why... Fascinating cultural events Thankfully, Singapore’s October rain doesn’t put a stop to any of the city’s cultural events. Foremost among them is the Nine Emperor Gods Festival. Spanning more than a week, it’s celebrated by Taoists. It begins at East Coast Park, where adherents ritually wash religious artefacts housed in Charn Mao Hern Kiu Huang Keng Temple. They are accompanied by the sound of gongs, and flowing movement of lion dancers. Rather different is Singapore’s Fall Fashion Week, an annual celebration of all things couture at the end of October. It’s where Asia’s major fashion houses first show their latest collections to the public. Events take place in malls across the city. The end of October is also marked by Halloween, an event which has taken Singapore by storm. Many top attractions take on a spooky air. Look out for ghost ships sailing the waters around Sentosa. Other scary takes include nightclubs draped in cobwebs and costume balls to die for. Finally, there’s Oktoberfest. It’s a long way from the festival’s traditional home in Munich, but great fun nonetheless. An increasing number of bars, restaurants, and hotels are getting involved with special menus and deals. But you shouldn’t forget about Singapore’s home-grown beer either. A Tiger Brewery Tour takes visitors behind the scenes of a lager available in 60 countries. That’s despite none of the main ingredients being native to the island! Top outdoor attractions Mornings tend to be the best time to head outside in Singapore in October. The risk of a rain shower is minimal, and the humidity is yet to build. Mornings therefore provide the perfect opportunity for exploring Singapore’s multitude of outdoor attractions. Head to tranquil Pulau Ubin island for an activity not usually associated with big cities – kayaking. Known for its traditional way of life, Pulau Ubin is rich in flora and fauna. It even boasts some of Singapore’s last remaining mangrove forest. What better way to explore them but by bobbing in the waves on a kayak? Although true flight is out of reach, SkyHelix Sentosa offers the next best thing. Singapore’s highest open-air panoramic ride, its gondolas reach almost 80 meters above the ground. As you might imagine, the resulting vistas are incredible, stretching from the Southern Islands to Keppel Bay. And if you time it right, the sunsets are amazing. Alternatively, take advantage of the dry weather to head to the open top deck of a Big Bus Singapore. Its two routes connect the Downtown area’s most iconic landmarks. The added commentary helps peel back layer after layer of history. Indoor attractions not to miss They may provide a handy escape from a shower, but Singapore’s best indoor attractions are worth visiting whatever the weather. Take the Asian Civilizations Museum. Its galleries are packed with artifacts. They span themes from Islamic art to the religions of India. It’s the remnants of the Tang shipwreck which form the highlight for many. Dating to AD 830, its hold was packed with 60,000 items, largely beautifully decorated pieces of blue and white porcelain. Staying beneath the waves, S.E.A Aquarium provides a home for 100,000 animals. They belong to around 1,000 species from 50 habitats, from manta rays to clown fish. Meanwhile, the dedicated Shark Seas Habitat has no less than 200 brooding predators, including silvertip, lemon, and hammerhead sharks. If it’s celebrities rather than sharks you’re keen to encounter, head to Madame Tussauds Singapore. The world-famous museum contains waxworks of the great and the good, from Jackie Chan to Taylor Swift. In addition, ticket holders get to enjoy the actor-led Images of Singapore show, Singapore’s only indoor boat ride, and the Marvel 4D Experience. Unforgettable evenings in Singapore in October The Gardens by the Bay complex is incredible at any time of day. Thanks to its two massive glasshouses – the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest – it’s also magical come rain or shine. And its out of this world Supertree Grove has to be seen to be believed. Each evening, the gardens pile joy on joy with the Garden Rhapsody show. This light and sound extravaganza has a different theme each month. It takes place at 7:45 and 8:45PM each night and is free to attend. Singapore’s hawker centers are another evening stop worth adding to your itinerary. Forget any ideas you might have of dodgy watches or third-rate kitchen utensils. Singapore’s hawkers are sublime chefs serving up great value, great tasting dishes. So grab a seat at a communal table and share a meal with some of the people who call Singapore home. Alternatively, find many of Singapore’s more exotic residents at Night Safari. The first nocturnal zoo anywhere in the world, it gives a glimpse into the life of creatures usually not seen. Using state of the art lighting which mimics moonlight, it has four zones. Their diversity means visitors have the chance to admire everything from Asian elephants to highly endangered Sunda pangolins. And we say that’s well worth staying up for! Why you should visit Singapore in October There’s Singapore’s October events. Plus, the city’s amazing pick of indoor and outdoor attractions. And despite what you might hear, the October weather in Singapore is very agreeable for exploring too. Then there’s off-season airfares to look forward to too. For even better value in Singapore in October, be sure to check out Go City’s All-Inclusive and Explorer passes. They’ve been specially designed to give you reduced price entry to many of Singapore’s top attractions. That’s Go City, helping your money go further!
Alex Birungi
Two Sentosa Express monorail trains passing each other on Sentosa island
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Getting Around Singapore

Potential visitors to Singapore, that densely populated megacity at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, could be forgiven by feeling somewhat daunted by the prospect of navigating the bustling streets beneath its gleaming, futuristic skyscrapers. Good news though: getting around the Garden City is actually remarkably straightforward thanks to an efficient mass transit system, dedicated cycling paths and, yes, even cable cars and monorails. Read on for our guide to the best ways to get around Singapore. Getting Around Singapore on Foot Downtown Singapore is made up of several distinct districts, from the atmospheric sights, scents and sounds of Chinatown and Little India to leafy Dempsey Hill and the skyscraping shopper’s paradise that is Orchard Road. These are fairly compact neighborhoods and it’s perfectly possible to explore and even navigate between them on foot. Orchard Road, for example, is just over a mile end to end, and it's a similar distance from Chinatown to the Padang. However, hot and often humid conditions mean many visitors (and locals!) prefer to shuttle to their destinations via air-conditioned public transport which, you’ll be pleased to hear, is plentiful, cheap and easy to use. How to use Public Transport in Singapore Getting Around Singapore by Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) Singapore’s fully automated and driverless MRT subway system comprises several lines and major interchanges that provide good coverage of most of the island, with the exception of the forested Central Catchment Nature Reserve, rural northwest and Sentosa Island. Hop aboard to whiz to major attractions including Marina Bay, the Botanic Gardens, the Singapore Flyer observation wheel and Orchard Road. Note that Singapore is one of the most densely populated islands on the planet, so expect train carriages to be packed much of the time, but especially during commuter rush hour when it’s strictly standing room only. A Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) is the most cost-effective way to travel if you plan to use public transport to get around the island, with passes for 24–72 hours available at selected TransitLink ticket offices and a few other outlets. The pass also covers use of some bus and Light Rail Transit (LRT) services to more rural and residential neighborhoods. You can also pay as you go by tapping in and out of stations and buses with a contactless debit or credit card. Getting Around Singapore by Bus and Taxi Buses in Singapore are every bit as efficient as the MRT, but the sheer proliferation of routes can be a little dizzying, even to locals. It’s certainly a more scenic way to travel though, with routes that cover most of the island, weaving you through the island’s lush greenery and elegant architecture to your destination. Don’t forget to tap on and off using your debit or credit card at the electronic reader on board. Cabs are easy to find and can be picked up by flagging down or queuing at a taxi rank. All are metered and provide a fairly cheap and convenient way to get around in a hurry. Hop On Hop Off Bus Tours The Big Bus tour of Singapore provides a fantastic introduction to the island city and really helps newbies find their bearings. Two main routes cover a wealth of major attractions and allow you to hop on and hop off as many times as you like throughout the day. The red line takes in the iconic Raffles Hotel, Singapore’s National Gallery, Chinatown, Little India and the Gardens by the Bay, while the Yellow Line adds the Singapore Flyer, Botanic Gardens and Orchard Road. The more aquatically inclined may prefer to ride the Singapore River Cruise bumboat past Raffles, the Old Parliament House and Marina Bay Sands. Or take the amphibious DUCKtours vehicle for a spin around Marina Bay harbor and the downtown Civic district. Cycling in Singapore Cycling infrastructure in Singapore is pretty good, with hundreds of miles of dedicated cycle paths across the island, from commuter paths that connect to MRT stations, bus stands and malls to major out-of-town networks. Cyclists should observe the same road rules as motorists and wearing a helmet is a requirement here rather than a recommendation. The speed limit is 15km/h. Novices may wish to dodge the busier downtown areas where motorized traffic can be intimidating. Two-wheeled adventurers can get off the busy city streets and onto major bike-friendly routes including the epic Park Connector Network, which links major parks, gardens and nature reserves across the entire island. Hit the Central Urban Loop for a 36-kilometer round-trip through leafy suburban neighborhoods that include the tranquil waterways of Punggol Park and lush woodlands of Ang Mo Kio Town Garden West. Bikes are available to rent throughout Singapore and there are a number of guided cycling tours included with the Go City Singapore pass. Bonus: the island is pretty flat so you won’t even require all that much pedal power along most routes. Getting to Sentosa Island The island resort of Sentosa is located just off the southern tip of Singapore and is connected to the city by cable car, monorail, road and a pedestrian boardwalk with a cycle lane. Cable car is hands-down the most scenic way to arrive on Sentosa, if not the fastest. The 30-minute ride departs HarbourFront cable car station and cruises across the harbor at around 100 feet above the sea below. Book round-trip tickets online in advance for the best prices. Once on Sentosa, you can walk to Imbiah station for cable car connections to other parts of the island. The quickest way to get to Sentosa is via the Sentosa Express monorail which you can board on level three of the VivoCity shopping mall above HarbourFront MRT station. Tickets are cheap and the journey takes just 3–5 minutes depending on your final destination. Monorail and cable car stations are close to most of Sentosa’s main attractions, while a free beach shuttle operates between the resort’s sandy Palawan, Tanjong and Siloso beaches. Save on attractions in Singapore Save on admission to Las Vegas attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Singapore pumpkin truck
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Halloween in Singapore

If there’s something strange in your neighborhood, who you gonna call? Go City! Explore spooky Singapore’s terrifying tours, creepy cruises, and horrifying haunted houses. We’ll show you all the best sites and attractions to ensure it’s a frighteningly fun Halloween 2022 celebration for all the family. Harrowing Halloween 2022 at Singapore Discovery Center Halloween 2022 at Singapore Discovery Center will be unlike any Halloween celebration you have experienced before. Do you have the nerve to enter the haunted house, traversing the creepy maze filled with jump scares? The Discovery Center is transformed into a creepy hospital ward, where you’ll encounter the Mad Doctor. If it all gets a little too much, take a break in the “Chill Out!” zone. If you want to learn more, check out the After Dark tour; free as part of the Permanent Exhibits Gallery. It’s an exploration of the paranormal rituals practiced by various cultural groups, with local knowledge, dark tales, and spooky goings-on shared by your guide. Halloween @ S.E.A. Aquarium - Deep Boo Sea For a more child-friendly adventure, head to the SEA Aquarium and discover the secrets of the deep boo sea. Transformed for the Halloween season, with trick or treating alongside many other fun activities, SEA Aquarium is a fiendishly fun time for all the family. Spot the skeleton divers as you wander through the underwater world, learning fun facts, eating treats, and taking spellbinding selfies with the creatures from the deep. SuperSpook 2022 @ SuperPark SuperPark Singapore gets a freaky facelift this Halloween, transforming from a skate park into a haunted maze. There are activities and scares, and even Halloween-themed carnival games where you can win attractive prizes! Release some of the nervous tension with a jump on the pumpkin-themed bouncy castle or play in the child gym. This is certainly one for the more energetic ghostbusters. The Halloween Experience at Gardens by the Bay The Gardens by the Bay are a treat year-round, but they too get a facelift for Halloween. They took the normally peaceful gardens and add a good helping of magic, mystery, and excitement. Halloween Kids Blitz Halloween Kids Blitz takes place at The Meadow, and features stilt walkers and otherworldly displays, as well as fun games and delicious treats from across the island. Episode Halloween Music Festival 2022 Episode Halloween Music Festival 2022 is one for the grownups. A Halloween-themed dance party, featuring local DJs pumping out fast-beating EDM music in the stunning surroundings of the Gardens by the Bay. Halloween Cruise onboard the Royal Albatross On this special Halloween cruise, board the Royal Albatross for a voyage into the Sentosa Triangle. Reimagined as a legendary ghost ship, be prepared for moans and groans from below deck. The Royal Albatross is a fantastic attraction on a normal day, but Halloween takes it to another level. Enjoy an atmospheric 5 or 7-course dining experience far out at sea; an experience you’ll never forget. Halloween Horror Nights @ Universal Studios Singapore For the ultimate fright night, head to Universal Studios Singapore. Adrenaline junkies will love the thrill rides but, if that’s too relaxing, we dare you to explore the haunted houses and Sinister Scare Zones! Treat yourself to live shows, a monster meet and greet, plus the Monsters & Manifestations Experience. For those who love this spooky festival, Universal Studios Singapore won’t disappoint. Visit the Museum of I Scream The Ice Cream Museum might not sound like the scariest place to visit, and you’d be right. But, if you’re wearing your finest fancy dress, you can enjoy unlimited desserts while exploring the museum. A frighteningly good deal, right? Imagine a crossover between The Nightmare Before Christmas and Willy Wonka, and you’re halfway there. Graveyard Sundaes topped with spooky sprinkles, spine-chilling activities, and a mad scientist are all to be found during this delicious night of fun. Take a ghost tour If you’ve got nerves of steel, take a ghost tour around Singapore. Believe us, it’s not for the faint-hearted. With a history of scary stories and haunting history, Singapore is full of spooky secrets. With tales of restless spirits rising to roam the island, plus the troubled history from World War II, there are endless ghost stories and paranormal encounters to discover. The ultimate test of nerves is a trip to Old Changi Hospital, the most haunted place in all of Singapore. Want some less-spooky ideas for experiences in Singapore? Check out Go City! With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can work the city’s best attractions around your vacation itinerary! So, what are you waiting for?
Adam Fraiel

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