So, you’ve checked into Raffles Hotel, sipped your Singapore Sling, and snapped your photos of those famous white colonnades—what’s next? Here’s the good news: you’ve landed right in the heart of Singapore’s action. Beyond those glamorous doors you’ll find a world of top-class attractions, lush green escapes, culinary gems, and fascinating museums just waiting to be explored. Whether you’re a sightseeing fanatic, a culture vulture, or just in it for the food and drinks, you’re perfectly placed to make the most of your Singapore adventure. Ready to see what this neighborhood has to offer? Here are our top recommendations, all a hop, skip, and jump from Raffles Hotel.
Our favorite things to do near Raffles Hotel include:
- National Gallery Singapore
- Gardens by the Bay
- Singapore DUCKtours
- Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck
- Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus: Discover Tour
- Suntec City Mall
- Bugis Street Market
- Kampong Glam and Haji Lane
- Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
National Gallery Singapore: A Feast for Art Lovers
Just a ten-minute stroll from Raffles Hotel, the National Gallery Singapore is an essential stop for anyone with an eye for creativity or history. Housed in the beautifully restored former Supreme Court and City Hall, the gallery’s architecture is as impressive as the treasures inside—think sweeping staircases, grand columns, and light-filled atriums. The gallery boasts one of the largest public collections of modern art in Southeast Asia, featuring everything from classic ink paintings to contemporary installations that invite you to reconsider what “art” means in this multicultural city.
There’s always something fresh to discover here, thanks to rotating exhibitions, thought-provoking talks, and interactive installations that bring Singapore’s vibrant arts scene to life. When you’re ready for a break, sip a coffee at one of the rooftop cafés and enjoy spectacular views of the Padang and Marina Bay. Art and ambience, all in one stunning spot.
Gardens by the Bay: Nature Gone Wild (in a Good Way)
Less than a 15-minute cab ride from Raffles Hotel, you’ll find Singapore’s favorite fantasy garden. Gardens by the Bay is the kind of future-meets-nature experience that every visitor raves about: the Supertree Grove’s towering vertical gardens light up with a nightly music show, while the cool-domed conservatories, like the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, house plants and blooms from around the globe. If you’re into Instagram moments, this place is basically paradise.
Beyond the dramatic visuals, Gardens by the Bay delivers a refreshing blast of cool air and calm. Stroll leafy walkways, marvel at the indoor waterfall, or get playful on the skyway that weaves between Supertrees and offers sweeping city views. There are always quirky exhibits and food trucks hanging around the central lakes, so you can snack and stroll to your heart’s content.
Singapore DUCKtours: Quack Up Your City Adventure
Singapore DUCKtours: Quack Up Your City Adventure
Tired legs? Hop aboard Singapore DUCKtours—a quirky amphibious vehicle that takes you on a breezy trip around the Civic District before driving straight into Marina Bay for a floating adventure. The DUCKtours launch pad is only a block from Raffles Hotel, so you can roll out of your suite and onto your next adventure with ease.
You’ll cruise past landmarks like the Esplanade, the towering Merlion, and the futuristic skyline, all while learning fun snippets of trivia from cheeky guides. The on-water segment is a blast and delivers killer photo ops of the bay. If you’re traveling with family, the kids will be grinning from start to finish, and even grownups find themselves waving at passing boats.
Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck: See Singapore from Above
For knockout views of Singapore’s skyline, head to the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck. A quick cab ride (or a healthy stroll) will bring you from Raffles Hotel to one of the world’s most talked-about rooftop vantage points. Up here, you’re treated to jaw-dropping panoramas of the bay, the gardens and the iconic ArtScience Museum.
The vibe is buzzy but relaxed, especially around sunset when the sky lights up in pastel shades and the city sparkles below you. Grab a signature cocktail at CÉ LA VI SkyBar or just hang out on the observation deck, soaking in one of the best perspectives in town. It’s the perfect way to tick Singapore’s skyline off your bucket list.
Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus: Discover Tour—Ultimate City Sampler
Want to cover more ground without any hassle? The Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus: Discover Tour is a classic for a reason. The main routes wind past Raffles Hotel, making it super convenient to start your adventure right from the heart of town. With open-top buses and lively commentary, you’ll cruise past attractions like Chinatown, Little India, and the Botanic Gardens without breaking a sweat.
This tour is the ultimate city sampler: hop off at spots that catch your fancy, then blend back into the comfort of the bus when you’re ready to move on. It’s a laid-back, flexible way to see Singapore’s greatest hits without ever feeling rushed. Plus, you get that cool touristy breeze in your hair.
Suntec City Mall: Shop, Snack, and Soak up the Energy
Shopping in Singapore is a sport and Suntec City Mall, just around the corner from Raffles Hotel, is your ideal training ground. This vast, light-filled shopping center bursts with fashion finds, gadget havens, and local designer boutiques—think everything from high-end watches to quirky souvenirs. Suntec’s famous Fountain of Wealth is the world’s largest, and rumor has it that circling it brings fortune, so make sure to give it a try!
When hunger strikes, Suntec’s food options have you covered—sample local classics at Food Republic or try Japanese treats at Monster Curry. Stop by at any hour and you’ll feel the thrum of excitement, whether you’re on a shopping spree or just people-watching over a kopi (local coffee).
Bugis Street Market: Street Eats and Bargain Finds
If you love a good deal and can’t resist local bites, make your way to Bugis Street Market. Just a ten-minute walk from Raffles Hotel, this bustling labyrinth of stalls is where Singapore’s street-shopping spirit shines brightest. Dive in for cheap fashion, souvenirs, vintage tees, and tech accessories—or just wander for the non-stop energy and neon-lit atmosphere.
Of course, no trip to Bugis is complete without sampling the snacks. Grab bubble tea, deep-fried squid, or a sweet martabak pancake from the street vendors. The mix of crowds, smells, and sounds creates an atmosphere worth experiencing, and you’ll walk away (probably with a few new accessories) feeling like you just conquered a Singapore rite of passage.
Kampong Glam and Haji Lane: Culture and Cool Cafés
Kampong Glam and Haji Lane: Culture and Cool Cafés
A short stroll lands you in the colorful world of Kampong Glam—a neighborhood blending Malay heritage, vibrant street art, and a fashionable, fun-loving crowd. Start at the gold-domed Sultan Mosque, then let the winding lanes pull you toward Haji Lane. Here, indie boutiques, quirky art spaces and cute cafés line the narrow street, with pretty murals splashed on every wall.
Take a break at one of the hip hangouts—try a rose latte at Selfie Coffee (yes, you get your photo printed on your drink), or snack on a Turkish-style kebab as you people-watch from a terrace. The area’s creative energy is contagious, and you’ll find pop-up markets or live bands here on weekends. For a real local’s favorite, drop by Sifr Aromatics for handmade perfumes, or simply grab your camera for the endless street art photo ops.
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay: Catch a Show by the Water
If live music, theater, or dance sets your heart racing, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, affectionately called “The Durian” by locals, is where you need to be. Just across the road from Raffles Hotel, this waterfront arts center is a gleaming hub for everything from world-class concerts to thought-provoking plays.
Beyond its spiky exterior, the Esplanade’s vibe is creative and inviting. Pick up tickets for a show or join a free performance or art tour: there’s always something happening in the concourse or outdoor spaces, especially as the sun sets and the skyline begins to shimmer behind the bay. If you’re hungry, the Esplanade offers riverside dining options, too—grab a bowl of laksa at Gluttons Bay, or linger over cocktails with a view. Whether you’re catching a headline musical act or discover a rising local talent, the atmosphere is electric and friendly. You’ll leave feeling completely immersed in Singapore’s creative pulse, with exciting stories to tell.
With so many amazing experiences just a stone’s throw from Raffles Hotel, every day in Singapore can be as adventurous, delicious, or laid-back as you want. Whether you’re sipping tea, catching spectacular skyline views, shopping, or getting lost in world-class art, this chic neighborhood has energy, style, and plenty to explore. Step outside those historic hotel doors—and let your Singapore adventure begin!
Enjoyed this? Check out Everything You Need to Know About Go City’s Singapore Passes or Things to Do Near Gardens by the Bay
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