Exploring Singapore: Top Things to Do Near Gardens by the Bay

Big day at the Gardens? Here’s where to head next for adventure, views, and fun.

Gardens by the Bay

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 at Night

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

View of Esplanade Theaters and Other Buildings in Singapore City Centre

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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Christmas in Singapore
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Christmas in Singapore

It's the same every year. Horned animals, jolly red fellows, and gifts wrapped in paper start appearing on TV. Those songs clog up your favorite radio stations - you know the ones. And you hear the distant scream of your bank account as it prepares to be drained of all its savings. Yes, that's right. It's Christmas. The most wonderful time of the year. So if you're considering visiting Singapore this winter, you might want to know what Christmas is like in the city. Well, don't worry; we've got all answers down below, as well as suggestions to amplify your merriment! Read on, and discover Christmas in Singapore. Including: How do they celebrate Christmas in Singapore? Is Christmas in Singapore good? Is Christmas a big holiday in Singapore? Christmas cheer at Gardens of the Bay Christmas at Universal Studios and more! How do they celebrate Christmas in Singapore? In such a multicultural city, it's no surprise that Christmas is handled in a rather traditional sense. Shopping malls are wrapped in tinsel and fairy lights, Christmas trees spring up from nowhere, and stockings adorn many a shop window. So, really, it's probably just like your home town. Only in Singapore, so the weather's much better! Is Christmas in Singapore good? It is! You'll find plenty of Christmas activities to enjoy in and around the city, as well as Christmas shopping savings, markets, and plenty more. But we'll get to that. Is Christmas a big holiday in Singapore? Even though there's a relatively small Christian population in Singapore - around 19% identify as Christians - Christmas is still a big holiday in the city. Much like many of the other religious holidays and festivals celebrated in Singapore, Christmas gets a similar treatment. Now that we've got your burning questions out of the way, let's talk about the best things to do over Christmas in Singapore! Christmas cheer at Gardens of the Bay If you're visiting Singapore, you've probably already heard of Gardens of the Bay. Thanks to its beautiful SuperTrees, it's one of the most recognizable green spaces on the planet. With millions of plants, multiple biomes, and even an Avatar movie crossover found within, there's plenty to do and see for every visitor. But what of Christmas? Well, you've got a few choices. First is Christmas Wonderland. Arguably Singapore's biggest Christmas extravaganza, visitors will be treated to the kind of light show one expects at Garden Rhapsody - just extra Christmasy. But that's not all; you can also meet Santa and snap a pic, play carnival games, explore the Mistletoe Alley Christmas market, and even hop on some rides. All-round yuletide fun for one and all, just like Santa always wanted. This one runs throughout December, so if you're visiting Singapore over Christmas, you should be just fine. The other is Poinsetta Wishes, a massive display of delightful Andalucian flora that gets a Christmas glow-up every winter. Every year, a different Christmas theme takes over the Flower Dome. Last year it was Nordic-inspired Christmas treats like gingerbread reindeer and a giant hollowed-out apple adorning Santa's sleigh. 2022/23's display hasn't been announced yet, but keep an eye out online to find out. Typically, the Christmas display at the Flower Dome runs from the end of November to the beginning of January. Joy to the world at Universal Studios Universal Studios is every cinephile's ideal theme park. With tons of rides dedicated to some of the planet's biggest film franchises, it's fun for kids and bigger kids alike. One moment, visitors will be dodging dinos at the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure; the next, they'll be riding alongside Optimus Prime as the Transformers battle the Decepticons. But over Christmas, it transforms into a winter wonderland. The halls are firmly decked with boughs of holly, carols bellow out around the park courtesy of your favorite universal characters, and you can hop on the Universal Rocking Railway to catch a glimpse of trees inspired by Shrek, Minions, and plenty of others. You can also post a letter to Santa and watch as the Postmaster Elf drops it off at the North Pole Postal Service. And when you're overcome with hunger from all the Christmasy activity, head to the Festive Market to pick up some Christmas twists on Singapore favorites. Pick up some cheer at a traditional Christmas market We've already talked about Gardens by the Bay's Mistletoe Market and Universal's Festive Market. But what other markety delights can you find in Singapore? Well, there's the Chinatown Christmas Market, which appears at the end of December, from Dec 19-20th, and then again from Dec 26-27. See Chinatown adorned in decorations, and prepare to pick up some great bargains on food, knickknacks, and decorations if you're behind on your Christmas schedule. Then there's the Christmas Fair at Crane Club. From Dec 4-5, you can pick up some great gift ideas, all made by local businesses. From clothes to homeware and plenty of chocolate to boot, you'll find something for everyone at this brilliant Christmas spot. Or, try I'mable Gift Market, a conscientious Christmas Market that not only offers sustainably-made products, but they're also made by people with disabilities. And no matter what you pick up, you'll know that your purchases help the community and disability services. Does it get much more Christmasy than that? Not in our book. Let loose at a Christmas Village And finally, we'll end our exploration of Christmas in Singapore with a visit to Changi Festive Village. From November 4 - Jan 2, you'll be able to attend one of Singapore's best-kept winter secrets. Located onsite at Changi Airport, this wonderful village provides with a myriad of activities on offer. Hop on a go-kart and race around a circuit, jump into the dino-themed bouncy castle, lay your eyes upon a huge 50+ foot Christmas tree, and top it all off with some Christmas bites. Brilliant. And there ends our guide to Christmas in Singapore! Wherever you choose to spend your winter holiday, have a merry Christmas and a happy New Year! If you're wondering what else to get up to on your Singapore vacation, check out Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can pick and choose the best of Singapore for one low price. That way, you can get your fix of Christmas cheer and make the most of the rest of your stay!
Dom Bewley
Traditional bowl of laksa.
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Best Places for Laksa in Singapore

Ah, laksa, that most versatile of Southeast Asian dishes. So versatile in fact that you’ll find more variants across the region than there are characters in the Pokémon universe. You’ll also discover disagreement from Indonesia to Malaysia over where and by whom this beloved noodle soup was invented. Almost certainly Peranakan in origin, it appears to have evolved along the spice route over several centuries, with the first known use of the term ‘laksa’ to mean ‘noodles’ dating to 1391. But what does it taste like? Well, again, that depends where you eat it. But in its most recognized form laksa is an aromatic noodle soup flavored with a fish or shrimp broth, creamy coconut milk, tamarind and herbs including coriander and mint. Usually topped with beansprouts and fish, shrimps or chicken, it’s rich, spicy and just begs to be slurped noisily, though its vibrant yellow color makes wearing a white shirt while dining an absolute no-no. Best of all it’s deliciously moreish and available in every Singapore restaurant, food court and hawker center worth its salt. It’s also eaten for breakfast, lunch and dinner so no need to limit yourself to just one bowl a day! We took a deep dive to discover some of the best places for laksa in Singapore and you’ll find a small election of our faves below. Sungei Road Laksa This near legendary laksa kitchen is run by a tiny team of crack chefs from its unassuming location along the Sungei Road. But believe us when we say there’s nothing pedestrian about the laksa, with great steaming bowls of noodle broth being served up to long queues of hungry punters most days from morning until late afternoon. The laksa here is both delicate and rich at the same time. Cooked over charcoal, packed with thick bee hoon noodles and topped generously with cockles, crunchy beansprouts and fragrant herbs it’s a satisfying lunch and all for just a few dollars. Afterwards, head south over the Rochor Canal and into Kampong Glam, where alongside the landmark Sultan Mosque, you’ll find trendy boutiques and antique emporia galore, for all your souvenir-shopping needs. Find it: 27 Jalan Berseh, #01-100, Singapore 200027 Depot Road Zhen Shan Mei Claypot Laksa The clue’s in the (rather long) name of this Alexandra Village Food Center stalwart, which has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand every year since 2016 for its impossible-to-resist laksa. The gravy is cooked and served in a claypot, lending it an aromatic, smoky flavor and ensuring your meal retains its heat regardless of how long you spend chatting to friends between each delicious mouthful. This rich, creamy almost curry-like take on laksa is ideal fuel if you’re off for an afternoon’s hiking in the nearby Southern Ridges, where an elevated walkway weaves through the treetops south of the city, colorful native birdlife is in abundance and the Henderson Waves Bridge – a striking landmark with undulating steel ribs that snake over and under the walkway – has to be seen (and walked across) to be believed. Find it: 120 Bukit Merah Lane 1, Alexandra Hawker Centre, #01-75, Singapore 151120 Janggut Laksa Janggut Laksa is one of at least two laksa joints at the Queenstown Shopping Center (and countless more around the city) to claim ownership of the ‘original and best’ Katong laksa in Singapore, Katong being an orange-hued take on the more commonly found yellow lemak variety, cooked with a little less coconut and a little more spice. Whether original or best is probably moot in a place with this much choice, but Janggut’s take on the dish is certainly up there. A refreshing and aromatic broth with notes of coriander, ginger and lemongrass, it comes packed with thick, chewy noodles, shrimp and a great big dollop of sambal sauce to add further heat and depth to your soup, should you be feeling bold enough to stir it through. Like most laksa eateries, the menu is short and to the point, but we’d also recommend trying the curried chicken here if you can find an appetite big enough. Find it: 1 Queensway, #01-59, Singapore 149053 328 Katong Laksa Another claimant to the title of ‘original and best’ is 328 Katong Laksa over the other side of town on the East Coast Road (why one of these joints didn’t just go for ‘Original and Best Katong Laksa’ as their shop name beats us). However, 328’s rivalry with fellow Singapore eateries is as nothing compared to their epic 2013 cook-off with Gordon Ramsay, a battle which saw the East Coast crew triumph, catapulting their already legendary laksa into the the stratosphere (no, not literally). Join the snaking queues to find out what all the fuss is about, but expect to pay a premium for the ‘number one laksa in Singapore’. The white sands and swaying coconut palms at nearby East Coast Park provide the perfect setting for sleeping it off in the afternoon sun. Find it: 51 East Coast Road, Singapore 428770 928 Yishun Laksa There are plenty of reasons to make a day trip out to the northeast region of Singapore. Singapore Zoo, for example, one of the biggest and best on the planet. Then there’s the natural hot spring at Sembawang, a pungent high-sulfide pool said to have healing properties. Woodlands Waterfront Park boasts the longest jetty on the island and a lovely promenade with views across the Straits of Johor to Malaysia. But perhaps the best reason to head north is to pay a visit to 928 Yishun Laksa, a stalwart of Singapore’s noodle soup scene with the long queues to prove it. Expect thick, creamy broth with a kick of spicy sambal at this family-run stall, where the laksa is prepared from scratch using fresh ingredients daily. Be sure to get there early: this ever-popular joint often closes mid-to-late afternoon when their addictive soups sell out. Find it: 928 Yishun Central 1, #01-155, Singapore 760928 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
Marina Bay in the morning
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Things to do in Singapore in the Morning

With the sun rising over the Garden City around 7AM, there’s plenty of time for getting up early and exploring Singapore’s many wonders, from mighty nature reserves and atmospheric local neighborhoods to major attractions like Marina Bay, Singapore Zoo, and the Sentosa cable car. Jump out of bed and into our guide to all the best things to do in Singapore in the morning…
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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