So, you’ve got Gardens by the Bay on your Singapore bucket list—excellent choice! Those Supertrees, vibrant domes, and blissful gardens are just the start. The area around Marina Bay is packed with fantastic sights, sounds, and flavors. Whether you’re itching for spectacular skyline views, keen on exploring world-renowned museums, or craving Singapore’s legendary food, you’re in exactly the right place. Let’s map out your perfect Marina Bay day with our favorite things to do right nearby.
Our top things to do near Gardens by the Bay include:
- Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck
- Marina Bay Night Bicycle Tour by Let's Go Tour
- Satay by the Bay
- Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus: Discover Tour
- Historic Raffles Hotel
- Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
- Clifford Pier and Marina Bay Waterfront Walk
- Singapore DUCKtours
Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck
Craving panoramic city views? The Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck is just a hop from Gardens by the Bay and it’s the ultimate spot to soak in Singapore’s spectacular skyline. Thirty-seven stories up, you’ll see the city laid out before you—think harbor sunsets, glittering skyscrapers, and the Gardens’ Supertrees from above. The deck feels airy and open, perfect for photo ops or simply marveling at this futuristic city-state.
Evenings have an extra dash of energy when the city lights and laser shows turn Marina Bay into a neon playground. Many visitors pair their visit with dinner at one of the rooftop restaurants for next-level ambiance, but even a quick visit delivers views you won’t forget. Pro tip: time your stop for dusk and you’ll catch the magic hour when sky and city start to glow.
Marina Bay Night Bicycle Tour by Let's Go Tour
Marina Bay Night Bicycle Tour by Let's Go Tour
Cycle fans, this one’s for you! The Marina Bay Night Bicycle Tour is a fresh, fun way to see the city when the temperatures cool and the skyline lights up. Knowledgeable local guides lead the way along quiet riverside paths, breezy parks, and city highlights—all aglow after dark. You’ll get stories about Singapore’s history, secret foodie stops, and tips on the best photo angles.
Tours are lively and sociable with easy-to-ride bikes, making it a hit for first-timers. Expect plenty of stops to snap gorgeous nighttime shots of the Gardens by the Bay light show, Marina Bay Sands, and the futuristic Helix Bridge. It’s the kind of tour where you’ll return feeling full of local lore, new friends, and a camera roll packed with stunning cityscapes.
Satay by the Bay
After working up an appetite exploring the Gardens, stroll to Satay by the Bay—a welcoming open-air food court that’s big on local flavors. Here, hawker stalls grill up skewers of smoky, marinated satay, while the aroma of barbecued seafood and spice-laden laksa fills the air.
The best part? You dine under the trees with bay breezes and a view of the Supertrees lit up in the evening. Don’t let the casual setting fool you—the satay is grilled fresh to order, the house-made peanut sauce is legendary, and there’s plenty for vegetarians too. Grab a cold sugar cane juice or a local beer and enjoy the lively mix of families, tourists, and locals unwinding Singapore-style.
Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus: Discover Tour
Want to explore Marina Bay without breaking a sweat? The Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Discover Tour loops you around Singapore’s most famous corners. Convenient stops whisk you from Gardens by the Bay to Chinatown, Little India, Orchard Road, and more. It’s ideal if you’re short on time, traveling with kids, or just want an easy way to sightsee.
Breezy open tops, live commentary in multiple languages, and flexible ticket options mean you can explore at your own pace. Riders love the freedom—dwell at a stop for shopping or lunch, then simply hop back on for your next adventure. It’s sightseeing made simple!
Historic Raffles Hotel
For a dash of old-school elegance, nothing beats a trip to Raffles Hotel just a short ride from Marina Bay. Stepping inside this gleaming, white colonial landmark is like time-traveling back to Singapore’s glamorous past. Palm-lined courtyards, breezy verandas, and genteel service—no wonder royalty and celebrities have called it home.
We always recommend treating yourself to a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar (where it was invented). The bar’s quirky tradition of peanut shells on the floor adds plenty of charm, while ceiling fans lazily swish overhead. Whether you stop by for drinks, afternoon tea, or a peek at the boutiques, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve brushed shoulders with history.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Art lovers—Esplanade is your hotspot. Its spiky exterior is affectionately nicknamed “the durian” (after the famous fruit), but inside you’ll find one of Asia’s busiest performing arts centers. The schedule runs the gamut: orchestral concerts, ballet, world dance, jazz—to say nothing of free fringe performances in the outdoor spaces overlooking the water.
What really stands out is the buzzing creative vibe. Whether it’s families sprawled on the roof garden, urban sketchers capturing the architecture, or music lovers queuing for tickets, the place bubbles with energy. Check the program for something that catches your eye; you don’t even need tickets to soak up the view and enjoy the lively waterfront.
Clifford Pier and Marina Bay Waterfront
Just across from Gardens by the Bay, the Marina Bay waterfront is tailor-made for an easy stroll. Start at Clifford Pier, where colonial glamour mixes with harbor history. The white-arched interiors of today’s restaurant nod to its past as a landing point for early immigrants. Stop for a meal or cocktail and watch the bumboats putter by.
From here, amble along the promenade past art installations, playful fountains, and skyline reflections dancing on the water. There’s endless people-watching—joggers, couples, families, everyone soaking up Singapore at its liveliest. Sunrise or sunset, it’s pure city magic.
Singapore DUCKtours
Up for a wacky way to see Singapore? Hop on the DUCKtours amphibious bus. This WWII-style craft takes you on a city sightseeing adventure—first rolling past landmarks on land, then splashing straight into Marina Bay for water views of the skyline and Gardens by the Bay.
Guides keep the banter lively, pointing out key sights and sharing quirky stories. The switch from city streets to open water always gets a laugh, and everyone onboard ends up waving at bystanders. It’s a lighthearted tour that families absolutely love—and a truly unique angle on the city.
Remember, Singapore’s charm is in how easy the sights blend together—one minute you’re under neon Supertrees, the next you’re sipping a Singapore Sling, riding a giant wheel, or cycling under glittering lights. Plan to linger a little longer; around Gardens by the Bay, there’s always another adventure waiting just around the corner.
Enjoyed this? Check out Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Singapore Passes or Things to Do Near Universal Studios Singapore
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