Spending a Monday in Singapore? Here’s How to Do It Well

From wild animals to sky-high views, Singapore’s Monday options won’t disappoint.

Published: April 30, 2026
Singapore Botanical Gardens

Let’s face it: in most cities, Monday gets a bad rap. Not in Singapore! Here, the start of the week is packed with energy, surprises, and activities for every kind of traveler. Whether you love nature, crave creativity, or prefer high-flying thrills, Singapore turns the “quietest” day into an adventure. Follow along as we share our top picks for how to make your Monday count in the Lion City—trust us, you’ll want to set your alarm early for these. 

Our favorite things to do on a Monday in Singapore include: 

  • Gardens by the Bay 
  • National Gallery Singapore 
  • Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus: Discover Tour 
  • Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve 
  • Art Jamming at Café de Paris 
  • Chinatown Heritage Centre 
  • Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour by Let's Go Tour 
  • Singapore Cable Car 
  • Canopy Park at Changi Airport 
  • Rainforest Wild Asia at Mandai Wildlife Reserve 

Gardens by the Bay: A Surreal Oasis in the City 

Start your Monday surrounded by magical gardens and futuristic domes at Gardens by the Bay. This isn’t your average stroll through the park. The Supertree Grove towers over a lush wonderland, and Cloud Forest pulls you into a mist-shrouded paradise where waterfalls tumble from mountain-sized cliffs. Step inside the Flower Dome for a world tour of blooming plants under air-conditioned glass—always a pleasant retreat from Singapore’s sunshine. 

Why do we love it? There’s an otherworldly vibe as you wander beneath the glowing Supertrees, especially if you time your visit for the morning when the crowds are thin and the air feels fresh. The audio-guided paths spill fun facts without feeling like a lecture, and every turn reveals sculptures, art installations, or quirky garden creatures hiding in the ferns. Don’t forget your camera—you’ll be clicking away at the skyline views and vibrant colors. If you’re traveling with kids, the Children’s Garden is a splash zone playground unlike any other. Gardens by the Bay delivers that pinch-me-I’m-in-Singapore feeling every single visit, and it’s open on Mondays rain or shine. 

National Gallery Singapore: Asia’s Art Powerhouse 

Let your Monday be an artsy one at National Gallery Singapore. This grand former City Hall and Supreme Court building now houses Southeast Asia’s largest visual arts collection. We’re talking vibrant paintings, bold contemporary installations, and mind-bending sculpture spread out under giant domed roofs. 

There’s a special energy to exploring the gallery on a Monday. It’s a bit quieter, so you can really soak in the drama of the exhibits—whether you’re peeking at super-sized murals or losing yourself in thought-provoking photography. The gallery’s architecture alone is worth the visit: wander through sweeping corridors filled with sunlight, spot clever heritage details, and take in the cityscape from its rooftop deck. 

Feeling peckish? Grab lunch at the gallery’s café, where the décor mixes colonial charm with stylish, modern touches, and the menu features local favorites with a creative twist (the pandan chiffon cake comes highly recommended). Immerse yourself in both history and cutting-edge creativity here—and leave inspired with a deeper sense of Singapore’s past and future. 

Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus: Discover Tour 

Kick off your week with a sightseeing bonanza! The Hop-on Hop-off Big Bus Tour is your ticket to Singapore’s highlights—without having to think about directions or the humidity. Climb up to the open-top deck, catch the breeze, and let the city unfold before you. 

This tour is built for flexibility. If something catches your eye—Marina Bay Sands gleaming in the sun, Little India’s rainbow shophouses, or Kampong Glam’s street art—you can hop off and explore, then rejoin the route when you’re ready. The audio commentary serves up quirky stories and trivia, making every landmark way more memorable. 

We love this on a Monday because you’ll spend zero time waiting in queues and maximum time soaking up the sights. With convenient stops at major attractions (like Gardens by the Bay and Chinatown), you’ll stitch together your perfect itinerary—leaving space for spontaneous stops at hawker centres or indie boutiques en route. It’s the ultimate stress-free intro to the city, especially if it’s your first day in town. 

Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Bird Paradise

Birdwatching meets full-on adventure at Bird Paradise, a world-class aviary packed with hundreds of fluttering, singing residents. Let your Monday fly by (pun intended) as you wander through immersive habitats—from African wetlands brimming with flamingos, to lush walk-through aviaries where lorikeets might just land on your shoulder. 

Visiting on a Monday means you can take your time. Start with the exhilarating feeding sessions, which feel like front-row seats to nature’s best show. Each zone brings you closer to the rarest and most colorful birds, and the playful design makes you feel part of the environment—think boardwalks over ponds and pathways shaded by rainforest canopies. 

Don’t miss the Parrot Paradise—these clever, chattering birds are showstoppers—and the penguin cove, where you can watch tuxedoed swimmers zip through the water. Bird Paradise brings out every traveler’s inner explorer, and it’s great for families, couples, or anyone on the hunt for a slice of wild Singapore just steps from the city. 

Art Jamming at Café de Paris 

Wake up your imagination! Take a Monday morning—or afternoon—to unleash your inner artist at Café de Paris, a chic and welcoming space where art supplies and coffee flow in equal measure. Here, art jamming isn’t an intimidating class; it’s a relaxed, judgment-free time to paint, sketch, and create your very own masterpiece, even if you haven’t picked up a paintbrush since school. 

What makes this experience shine is the café’s cozy vibe—think light-filled rooms, comfy seating, and friendly staff happy to top up your latte as you brush away. Choose a canvas size, pick from a rainbow of paints, and let creativity (and caffeine) spark up some fun. There’s zero pressure; you can follow a template or go freestyle. We find there’s something brilliantly therapeutic about making art while the city buzzes outside. 

And yes—the signature strawberry sponge here is as tempting as the palette. Café de Paris is perfect if you want to do something totally different, take home a memento, or enjoy a low-key, happiness-boosting break. Leave your Monday stress at the door and pick up a paintbrush instead! 

Chinatown Heritage Centre: Step Back Through Time 

Dive into Singapore’s vibrant past at the Chinatown Heritage Centre, where carefully recreated interiors and immersive displays bring old Chinatown to life. Located right on bustling Pagoda Street, the center invites you to step into the 1950s—complete with cramped shophouse apartments, tailors at their sewing machines, and the chatter of street hawkers. 

On a Monday, the centre feels especially atmospheric. Stroll through dimly-lit passageways and peek into tiny bedrooms stacked with bunk beds and family photos. Read first-hand accounts from Singapore’s pioneers, listen to the street sounds of decades past, and get a feel for the traditions and struggles that shaped the neighborhood. Make time to check out the photo exhibits—they’re filled with details that turn Singapore’s migration tale into a deeply personal story. 

Afterward, wander right into the streets of modern Chinatown, where you’ll spot temples, street food stalls, and souvenir shops all within a block. The contrast from past to present is both fascinating and humbling, and you’ll see the city with fresh eyes once you’re done. 

Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour by Let's Go Tour 

Move over, walking tours—Singapore’s got pedal power! The Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour is the ultimate way to tick off sights, learn quirky history, and feel the city’s pulse up close. Ride through the Civic District, skirt along the Singapore River, and flash past mural-splashed alleys—all with a friendly local guide leading the way. 

We’re glad this tour runs Mondays, because the city’s a little quieter and you can zip along riverside paths without dodging too many crowds. Along your route, guides share fun stories about British colonial days, secret WWII sites, and how fishing villages transformed into glittering skyscrapers. You’ll even pause for tastings at local eateries—think piping hot kaya toast or refreshing sugarcane juice. 

What makes this experience so memorable is the sense of adventure and discovery. Guides happily snap photos, answer offbeat questions, and tailor the pace. Whether you’re solo, with family, or a group of friends, this tour guarantees city thrills from the saddle—no cycling pro skills required. 

Singapore Cable Car: See the City from Above

Singapore Cable Cars

Level up your Monday with a Singapore Cable Car ride that serves up a fresh perspective on Singapore. Glide high above the city, catching panoramic views that stretch from the skyscrapers of HarbourFront across lush Mount Faber and over to the playful shores of Sentosa Island. You’ll feel a childlike sense of wonder as your comfortable cabin gently sails between city and sea—no hiking, no hassle, just pure wow-factor vistas. 

Why do we recommend this ride? The ambiance is unbeatable. Each cabin offers floor-to-ceiling windows, so you can snap all the photos you want as cruise ships drift by and the city’s tropical greenery unfolds beneath you. It’s an unbeatable midday break, whether you’re heading for Sentosa’s attractions or simply want to chill with a bird’s-eye view. Don’t forget to spot the Merlion, Resorts World, and cable cars gliding in the opposite direction—it’s a moving gallery of Singapore’s best sights. 

If you hop off at Mount Faber, stretch your legs at the park or grab refreshments at Arbora Hilltop Garden & Bistro—with breezy terraces overlooking the skyline. The cable car is part peaceful escape, part adventure, and 100% Monday mood-booster for every kind of explorer. 

Canopy Park at Changi Airport: Play Above the Clouds 

Who says airports are just for boarding passes and baggage claims? Head to Canopy Park—perched in the stunning Jewel Changi Airport dome—and turn your Monday into a garden adventure. This unique playground in the sky is perfect for all ages, filled with flower-draped walking trails, giant slides, whimsical animal topiaries, and even a hedge maze that will make you laugh (or briefly lose your sense of direction). 

The vibe here is playful and fresh. Winding paths open to secret gardens, and you can duck under archways trailing with blooms or dance through a field of mist. Highlights include the bouncing Sky Nets, which let you walk—and bounce—at tree-top level, as well as beautifully landscaped rest areas for scenic selfies. Even on a Monday, Canopy Park buzzes with energy, but never feels rushed. 

Traveling with little ones? There’s an interactive play area just for them. Visiting as adults? You’ll find enough quirky corners to keep your inner child happy, all with access to Jewel’s stellar dining and shopping options just downstairs. It’s a brilliant (and refreshing) way to experience the world’s coolest airport, even if you don’t have a flight to catch. 

Rainforest Wild Asia at Mandai Wildlife Reserve 

Craving a wild start to your week? Plunge into the heart of Rainforest Wild Asia. Tucked away in the lush Mandai Wildlife Reserve, this immersive zone envelopes you in rainforest vibes—complete with swinging primates, sparkling streams, and real jungle sounds. Follow the winding boardwalk as it threads beneath towering trees and dappled sunlight, offering secret views of orangutans, gibbons, tapirs, and rare hornbills. 

Here’s why it’s great for Mondays: The pace is relaxed and the crowds are lighter, so you can truly enjoy quiet moments face to fuzzy face with some of Asia’s most charming creatures. Knowledgeable keepers often share fun facts as you explore, and you’ll spot animals at their most playful during cooler morning hours. The surroundings are so lush, you’ll forget you’re just a cab ride from downtown. 

Families love the engaging animal talks and feeding sessions. Photographers, get ready: the combination of creatures and tropical botanica is unbeatable for that memory-card-filling photo session. Rainforest Wild Asia feels like an adventure inside an adventure—it’s Singapore’s wild side, wrapped in comfort and style. 

 

Monday in Singapore is anything but slow. Whether you’re gazing down from a cable car, creating art with a fresh brew in hand, or wandering through rainbow-hued gardens, the city gives every reason to make the week’s first day one to remember. After all, when the whole city’s your playground, Monday just might become your favorite day to explore. 

Enjoyed this? Check out Things to Do Near Gardens by the Bay or Things to Do Near Mandai Wildlife Reserve 

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Overhead view of colored warehouses and the river at Clarke Quay in Singapore
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Things to do in Clarke Quay

Despite its central location and world class airport, Singapore is more than just a place to pass through – it’s a buzzing, cosmopolitan city with many contrasting districts to explore. While the Marina may be where most people head first, if you’ve got time then it’s worth detouring off the main tourist trail for the historic and pretty waterfront promenades of Clarke Quay. Named for the 19th century Governor Sir Andrew Clarke, this slice of Singapore forms part of the Singapore River Precinct and was originally lined with warehouses and docks for the moving and unloading of goods up and down the river. It’s since been renovated and revamped, and now serves as a lively open-air entertainment and commercial district popular with locals and tourists alike. While you’re there, take the opportunity for: Retail therapy A historical bicycle tour A river cruise A walk to Merlion Park Nightlife Exploring Fort Canning Park Chinatown Retail therapy Clarke Quay Central is the first place you should head if you’re in the mood for a bit of bargain hunting. It’s an enormous riverside mall with five levels to explore, so whether you’re on the hunt for the latest fashion or need to stock up on ‘I went to Singapore’ shirts for the folks at home, this is the place to come. There are plenty of restaurants with riverside views, and if you haven’t filled your bags by lunch time there’s the Riverside Point Shopping Center and the Clarke Quay Shopping Mall nearby. Historical bicycle tour If you like to combine your history with movement, or find it all easier to take in when someone’s explaining it to you, how about joining a four-hour historical bike tour of the city? You’ll get to know the city from a local’s perspective by visiting a residential area and a local market, as well as learning about the city’s history through its districts, museums and monuments. Your tour will include a stop at Clarke Quay, so be sure to ask your guide for some hot tips on the best shops and restaurants to come back to! River Cruise One of the best ways to explore a riverside district is from the water itself – the same way the bargemen and dock workers would have done in the days of the warehouses. Take a break from shopping and exploring by joining a River Cruise in a wooden bumboat – traditionally used to ferry goods from ship to shore – and relax as you wind up the river from Clarke Quay to the Marina and back again, if you like. Sit back, enjoy the fresh river breezes and discover that there’s more to the Lion City than Supertrees and skyscrapers. If you time it right, you’ll be able to watch the sunset from the water. Walk to Merlion Park If you feel the need to stretch your legs, and want to see a bit of everything, take yourself on a self-guided tour from the Quay to Merlion Park. It’s about a mile, though a couple of diversions and photo stops will stretch it out a bit. Start at Clarke Quay Central and head across Elgin Bridge to cross the river. Stop and admire the painted warehouses on either side, then divert north for a glimpse of the rainbow-colored (and somewhat unmissable) Old Hill Street Police Station. From here you can either cross back and walk along Boat Quay, or take the northern side past the former Parliament House (now the Arts House), the Victoria Concert Hall and the marble statue of the city’s founder Sir Stamford Raffles, believed to mark the spot where he first landed in 1819. You’ll also pass the Asian Civilizations Museum, which has an extensive collection of artifacts showcasing the continent’s major religions. From there, cross over the historic Cavenagh Suspension Bridge to Merlion Park, where you’ll find the half-lion, half-fish emblem of the city presiding over a busy square on Marina Bay. Nightlife Clarke Quay may be a busy retail hub during the day, but it’s in the evening when things really start to come to life. Even overnight the temperature in Singapore barely dips below 75 degrees, and it can be humid, so the riverfront is the perfect place for a refreshing evening stroll. It’s lively here most nights, and alfresco dining choices include Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Thai and Western cuisines. After dinner there are plenty of bars and clubs that will be buzzing with activity – the famous club Zouk, in a converted warehouse, always has an impressive line-up of guest DJ’s, there’s a Holey Moley if you fancy a round of mini-golf, or for a late-night snack try Hai Di Lao, which serves a traditional Hot Pot until the very early hours. Fort Canning Park Cross over to the northern bank of the river and not far away you’ll find the enormous Fort Canning Park, a grassy hilltop which often hosts concerts and plays, but during the day is a history-hunter’s playground. You’ll find Raffles House and Garden, the Fort Canning Lighthouse and the Battlebox, which is an underground bunker and network of tunnels that was used as a hub for coordinating war efforts in the 1930s and 40s. If you find the park a little overwhelming or need a fun activity to do with your friends and family, try a Fort Canning Puzzle Hunt – play as a soldier to solve clues and learn about Singapore's military history as you explore the hidden secrets of this remarkable site. Chinatown Less than ten minutes’ walk from the river is Singapore’s oldest district, Chinatown, which is worth at least half a day of exploring. As well as finding plenty of shops and restaurants – selling everything from lucky cats to the city’s signature Hainanese chicken rice – you’ll find the impressively modern Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. The district is also home to several of the city’s oldest temples, the oldest Chinese Tea House and several museums – though if you’re looking for more family-oriented entertainment you could try a Virtual Reality Experience or perhaps an Outdoor Escape Room puzzle hunt through the narrow, colorful streets. Explore Clarke Quay with Go City Whether you prefer indoors or outdoors, day or night, feet, water or wheels, there’s something for everyone in Singapore’s Clarke Quay district. Save money and see it all with Go City!
Karleen Stevens
National Museum of Singapore
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10 historical places in Singapore

Hey there, history buffs! If you haven’t been to Singapore, now is the perfect time to consider a trip to this unique and elegant city. It’s clean, bright and modern, with reminders of its past everywhere and grand architecture dating to the European settlement in the early 19th century. Since then, the Lion City has become home to many major religions, as well a hub of world events from the Chinese Revolution to occupations to several important military campaigns. Singapore is fairly compact, and much of it can be seen in a single visit. To get a good overall picture of the history of this intriguing city state, take in: The Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hall Raffles Hotel Tea Chapter Chinatown Old Parliament House The Civilian War Memorial Kranji War Memorial and Military Cemetery The Battle Box Fort Siloso Museums 1. Sun Yat-Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall Sun Yat-Sen was a Chinese revolutionary who led the resistance against the Qing dynasty in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. He would go on to become the first president of the People’s Republic and became known as the Father of the Nation. Yat-Sen used this colonial-style villa as a base for many of the rebellion’s activities, and it’s now been refurbished as a museum featuring artifacts and stories from the revolution and the mastermind behind it. 2. Raffles Hotel Possibly the most famous building in Singapore – from the Colonial era at least – Raffles Hotel is a must for any visitor to this city and is on the yellow line of the Big Bus Tour. This immense neo-renaissance-style villa, which started as a quaint beach hotel set amidst tropical palms, was converted into a luxury hotel in 1887 and named after the city’s founder, Sir Stamford Raffles. Stroll the long corridors, following in the footsteps of famous guests like Sir Rudyard Kipling, Charlie Chaplin and Queen Elizabeth II, and try a cocktail in the famous Long Bar - birthplace of the Singapore Sling. 3. Chinese tea drinking at Tea Chapter Tea drinking has been an important ritual in Chinese culture for at least 2,000 years, and possibly more. What better way to experience it than in the oldest tea house in Singapore? Escape from the bustle of Chinatown and enjoy a moment of calm as you kick off your shoes (literally) and enter the tranquil space of the tea room. Relax in zen-like surroundings, sip on a cup of Tea Chapter’s signature Imperial Golden Cassia tea, and know that you’re helping to keep an ancient tradition alive. 4. Chinatown In 1843 Sir Stamford Raffles officially allocated the area west of the Singapore River as the Chinese Campong. It’s now the largest historic district in the city and is a hub for many major religions – keep an eye out for the city’s oldest Hindu temple, Sri Mariamman, the oldest Hokkien temple, Thian Hock Keng, the Masjid Jamae Mosque and the aptly named Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. Spend a few hours wandering the district and soaking it all up (it’s on the Red Line of the Big Bus Tour), but if you need a little guidance, or want to dive a little deeper into the history of the area, try a guided bike tour or even an open world outdoor escape room. 5. Old Parliament House Explore the history of Singapore’s government and legal system at the oldest building in the city. Originally built as a residence in 1827, it became a courthouse soon afterwards and remained so until 1865, even after being purchased by the East India Company in 1841. Throughout the twentieth century it served as the Supreme Court, the Legislative Assembly House and then Parliament House, until the new parliament building was opened in 1999. It’s now an arts center, and visitors are welcome to stroll the old corridors where permanent exhibitions detail the story of the building and the lives of famous Singaporeans throughout history. 6. Civilian War Memorial The former burial chambers of victims of the Japanese occupation of Singapore in World War Two now form part of the foundations of the Civilian War Memorial, standing tall in War Memorial Park. It was opened on February 15th, 1967, 25 years after the fall of the city, and a memorial service is held here every year on that date. The monument is made up of four pillars (affectionately called ‘The Chopsticks’ by locals) representing the Chinese, Malayan, Indian and Eurasian populations of the city. Nearby is the Indian National Army Monument, which stands on the site of an earlier memorial to an unknown Indian soldier. 7. Kranji War Memorial and Military Cemetery A poignant and eerie place, the Kranji War Memorial is a stark and upright monument honoring lives lost in the two world wars. Originally a military camp, the Kranji area was used as a prison by the occupying Japanese forces, and it was the inmates who first established a small cemetery here for their deceased compatriots. The memorial is now the final resting place of more than 4,000 commonwealth and Chinese soldiers and is the site of a significant remembrance ceremony on November 11 every year. 8. The Battle Box True to its name, the Battle Box is a small underground bunker which was used as a bomb shelter during World War Two. Visitors can explore 26 rooms below Fort Canning Hill, reconstructed with wax statues, moving figures and historical artifacts. Learn how Lieutenant-General Percival and his senior officers directed the Battle of Singapore, watch battle campaigns unfold on land, sea and air and get lost in the labyrinth of rooms and corridors. Your ticket includes a 30-minute guided tour, but after that you’re free to wander and explore on your own. 9. Fort Siloso Another World War Two site, though this one has history dating back to the nineteenth century when it was one of three forts built to defend the city from potential sea invasion. Sitting at the north-west corner of the island of Sentosa, Fort Silosa was brought back into service in the twentieth century and now houses a military museum, underground tunnels and interactive video displays. Get there via a pretty coastal walk or ride the gondola from Faber Peak. 10. The Museum District Okay, so not strictly a historical site in itself, but Singapore’s museums together offer an interesting and comprehensive guide to the history of the area, pre- and post-colonialization. The National Museum of Singapore, dating to 1887, captures the history of the city through its cultures, traditions and stories. The Indian Heritage Center reaches a little further, exploring the history of India and southern Asia, while the Asian Civilizations Museum takes a religious perspective, covering Hindu, Buddhist, Muslim, Christian and Jain heritage in the city. Be a history buff with Go City Singapore has a rich heritage of cultural, military and religious history. See it all and save money with a Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive Pass today!
Karleen Stevens

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