Time to have fun and leave the tourist trail: here are 23 fun things to do in Singapore.
Singapore is one of the most visited countries (and city) in Asia. Though it is infamous for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, you don’t have to break the bank to have a good time.
We have visited Singapore for 5 full days. Good times!
We visited a few hostels as well to bring you the best hostels in Singapore (and how to avoid the bad ones!).
Your Shortcut:
- #1 COO Boutique Hostel (for female solo travellers)
- #2 Dream Lodge (couples heaven)
- #3 Adler Hostel (now closed)
Back to the coolest things we did here and you can do.
There are certainly things that suits every kind of traveler here! Even things to do for families!
A Map for you: At the end of this article you will find a map with all the mentioned places.
List of Fun Things to Do in Singapore
While we were visiting, we had the chance to try out all different kind of activities.
This is our list of things to do in Singapore we enjoyed most.
All budget friendly and extremely fun to do!
1. Visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens
A good day spent on getting in touch with numerous and rare species of plants and flowers.
That is a day spent at the Singapore Botanic Gardens!
Though the entrance is free, you have to pay a little amount to get in the National Orchid Garden.
We know what you are wondering… Yes!
That’s the same garden that welcomes dignitaries and monarchs from all over the world when visiting Singapore.
While we were there, there was an open air concert.
It was really great – and you won’t find many tourists here!
2. Ride the Singapore Flyer
The counterpart of London Eye. And yes, this one you will find on many bucket lists for Singapore.
Singapore flyer lets you experience a vast and magnificent view of the city.
Particularly stunning at night.
The view gives you a wonderful experience soaking up Singapore’s skyline.
With a 30-minute ride, you can experience one of the world’s largest observation wheel.
So, is the Singapore flyer worth it? Yes, it really is!
Price is 33$ Singapore Dollars. Please check the website for up to date rates and opening times.
3. Luxury Time at Marina Bay Sands
Oh, that one is juicy. Marina Bay Sands is certainly one of the best luxury things to do in Singapore:
The most spectacular hotel in Singapore, Marina Bay Sands, is basically its own city.
With rooms and suites, boutiques, restaurants and entertainment places, you will never get bored.
Book a room to swim in their infinity pool overlooking the entire city. Or dine at their many world-class restaurants.
Or shop until you drop at the hundreds of stores!
Good to know: You can only enjoy the infinity pool at Marina Bay if you are staying here.
4. Appreciate Art, then party hard (at Clarke Quay)
Unarguably one of the most visited areas in the city, Clarke Quay offers a lot to tourists.
Here you can see Western style buildings:
- The Asian Civilisations Museum,
- Fort Canning Park,
- art gallery,
- temples…
You will never be bored!
Did we mentioned they have cool party venues too?
There is a bunch of nightclubs, bars and even floating pubs. If you want to have a drink somewhere special in Singapoure, come to Clarke Quay.
5. Gardens by the Bay – Lightshow
This might sound a touristy thing to do in Singapore, but really, the Gardens by the Bay are stunning and 100% worth it to visit.
The best moment is, of course, to see the light show.
But in case you cannot make it, go at least for a stroll in the area.
Good to know: You can see the changing of the lights from far. However, you can only listen to the music when you are beneath the “flower”.
Gardens By The Bay is very close to Marina Sands Bay. After the light show you can have a stroll along the Clarke Quay, mentioned before.
6. Cloud Forest
The Garden By The Bay is more than the colorful “trees” you see above in the photo.
Visit the Cloud Forest in Gardens by the bay and discover a whole natural world: with a waterfall, the mist. thousand of plants, and all the way up.
The complex itself is already a majestic building.
It is very impressive how they managed to recreate an actual forest.
You go up by the elevators to start on the top of the forest, you have a forest walk that slowly takes you down through the layers of the forest, and you end up downstairs at the feet of the waterfall.
Good to know: The Cloud forest is very popular in Singapore, so be prepared for the crowds.
7. Eat out at Makansutra (Food!)
Makansutra is definitely a foodie heaven!
With its fun and vibrant environment, vast food selections can be found.
The beer is cheap, it has a fantastic vies of the Marina Bay Sands and most of all…
the food superb!
Visit this place if you want to sample all the gastronomic delights that the city has to offer.
8. … and eat a lot of Hainanese Chicken Rice
Foodies say you have never experienced the real Singapore without having a taste of the popular dish Hainanese Chicken Rice.
The rice is sometimes cooked with coconut milk or chicken broth.
And the chicken is boiled to classic perfection.
What makes this more delicious?
The dynamics of the dipping sauces – garlic, chilli and something like oyster.
If you are a meat lover, you just HAVE to try it!
For the vegetarians amongst us, skip this part; obviously.
9. Enjoy a Cable Car Ride to Sentosa Island
For those looking for a chill time, take the cable car ride to Sentosa Island.
It will give you scenic views of the city.
For those visiting Singapore on a budget, it is also possible to arrive to Sentosa via public transport or even by foot.
Sentosa island is the most southern point of “continental” Asia. Might be worth it to tick off your bucket list.
We were quite curious. Sentosa Island was dotted by school classes, enjoying the beach in Sinagpore Sentosa Island. They had a great time.
We crossed the hanging bridge and enjoyed the views from the coconut palm trees on the other side of the tiny island.
10. …and swim on the beach
Sentosa is the nearest beach in Singapore. Even locals go there on the weekends.
If you are visiting Sentosa island on a hot day, make sure you bring your swim suit with you and take a dip!
I cannot promise it will be refreshing, as the water is normally warm. Anyways, the sand and the palms around makes it a lovely environment to enjoy.
11. Unleash the inner kid in you at Universal Studios
Of course we thought about fun things to do in Singapore for families.
Universal Studios is an out-of-this-world theme park. One of the biggest and most popular Singapore attractions to visit.
No wonder it is the top rated place to visit on Sentosa Island!
The rides can accommodate thrill seekers to small kids.
Also you can see characters from Shrek, Sesame Street and even Minions… makeing the visit more fun!
12. Shop ‘Till You Drop at Orchard Road
A mecca for luxury goods, orchard Road is Asia’s famous shopping paradise.
It houses luxury products from all over the world.
The first Apple shop in South East Asia opened here in 2017.
Make sure to visit during sale time (June) to score good bargains!
Good to know: When shopping in Singapore you can get a tax refund when leaving the country. Ask in the shop you are doing your shopping! Might be worth it!
13. Shop on a budget at Bugis Street
Popular among teens and twenty-somethings, Bugis Street is famous for thrift shopping.
You can find cheap clothes, accessories and footwear. That is one of the hipster things to do in Singapore.
Not surprising at all for Singapore’s largest flea market.
14. Go local and take IG-worthy pics at Haji Lane
Looking for unique, local-designed items?
Head on to Haji lane, another famous shopping spot.
You will never get tired of looking around their cute and vibrant street art.
The streets are the narrowest in the area to wander.
15. Hipster time at Tiong Bahru
Considered one of the hippest neighborhoods in town, Tiong Bahru is a mixture of all everything good.
Here you can visit art-deco boutiques, lifestyle shops, food establishments, bars and cafes.
It happens to be one of the oldest residential places in Singapore.
So it is a past meets present fusion. Unique in Singapore!
16. Aquarium
Immerse yourself in the largest aquarium in the world!
At the S.E.A. Aquarium in Singapore you will see over 100.000 marine creatures.
You can:
- get up close to sea life at the Touch Pool or visit the Maritime Xperiential Museum.
- experience a 360-degree 4D multi-sensory shipwreck simulation with special efects at the Typhoon Theatre
17. Take a cool Instagram Shot: Staircases
Whilst you are in Bugis Street, make sure you stop by the swirling staircases near Bugis Street.
Take cool photos here! Or the very least have a look.
They look really cool, in all their pastel colors and forms.
18. National Museum of Singapore
It is time for some education. The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest museum in Singapore. It focuses mainly in showcasing the history of the island nation.
Doesn’t sound like one of the fun thing to do in Singapore?
Actually, if you are not into museums I do not recommend you to go inside. The building itself, which underwent extensive restoration and renovation, is a sight to behold.
How much more the treasures it contain?
19. Eat More Food at Chinatown
One of the unique spots in Singapore to visit is Chinatown.
Chinatown showcases its cultural heritage from its displays.
Here you can visit temples upon temples, a sky bridge, a museum and finally a market, which by the way sells really affordable merchandise.
I cannot really recommend any specific place. We always went food-hopping. You cannot really go wrong here. Just make sure you actually understand what you’re about to order…to avoid any surpise!
20. Jurong Bird Park
Colours everywhere!
Bird Paradise at Mandai Wildlife reserve
not only offers many unique species of birds that will leave you impressed, but also other wildlife as well.
You can take part in the feeding sessions, exhibits, tours and even camps for kids!
Note that this used to be Jurong Bird Park but they closed down and re-opened at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
21. Little India
Have you become the ultimate shopaholic? Not yet?
Then go straight to Little India!
Experience a 24-hour shopping mall but with lower and better prices.
Fresh food, clothes, electronics, and even traditional Indian products.
This is the place to go when buying souvenirs without being a big blow to the wallet.
For me, it felt like a subculture, really. Little India in Singapore has nothing to do with the rest. It’s literally a “Little India”.
22. OMG! Chili Crabs!
One of Singapore’s most famous dish is the Chili Grab.
Considered by many as the city’s unofficial national dish, Chili Crabs are honestly an experience in itself.
You have to tray the semi sweet and spicy thick sauce that lathers up fresh and delicious crabs.
Just watering by writing this…
Have a look on the photo below.
23. More food trip opportunities Lau Pa Sat
Lau Pa Sat, one of the finest food markets in Singapore, not only offers culinary experience.
But visual treats as well.
Aside from the prominent architecture of the building itself, Lau Pa Sat offers locals and tourists alike with variety of irresistible dishes.
24. Kopi Tiams
These are traditional coffee shops popularly located along residential areas and hawker centres.
It is one of the best things to do in Singapore on a budget as it is tremendously cheap.
Although the menus are relatively simple, you are in for a treat.
Try the city’s popular breakfast of eggs, toast and kaya.
Or treat yourself to a hot cup of tea, kopi, kopi and a lot more!
25. Attend Film and Music Film Festivals!
The Laneway Music Festival is one of the biggest in Asia with a strong line-up every year.
It is a good venue to discover new bands and performers from Asia.
And at the same time, unleash the inner party animal in you!
For movie buffs, the Singapore International Film Festival is for you.
Learn more about Singapore’s local filmmakers.
Appreciate the different films from various international independent movie outfits, which we rarely see in mainstream cinema.
Oh yes…. celebrities pop in here and there!
Things to do in Singapore at night
From here on we have a bunch of ideas for the nightlife in Singapore.
26. Try the Singapore Sling!
The Singapore Sling is probably the most popular must-try drink in Singapore, lah!
Originating in Raffles Hotel, this gin-based cocktail is shocking everyone who tries it.
Why? Well, you have to try it yourself…
27. Chill at the highest rooftop bar of Singapore!
Singapore is becoming the top choice of party-goers in Asia.
Some people even book flights just to chill in one of the rooftop bars of the country!
It is safe to say that the 1-Altitude at Raffles Place is the hottest one right now.
Being the highest rooftop terrace in Singapore, (63 store high).
It showcases the good day and night aerial view of this striving metropolis.
Good reviews from loyal customers made them #1!
28. Night Safari
The best night activity to do in Singapore, according to travellers, is to visit the Night Safari.
The line to the tram may be long but once you are in, the ride will be worth it. You will experience the animals in their natural habitat as you can see them in open enclosure.
It is certainly a unique things to do in Singapore.
29. A Pub Crawl
A Pub Crawl is the easiest way to find new friends to go out, and we found a cool one in Singapore.
The pub crawl includes:
- free shot at each bar
- exclusive drink deals
- a VIP nightclub entry
Ready for partying?
What to do in Singapore in 2 days?
Visiting Singapore if you are traveling around south East Asia will be more expensive, that is why many people just stay 1 or 2 nights in Singapore.
Here is a list of things to do in Singapore we enjoyed and must be in your must do if yo only visit Singapore 2 days:
- The mall Marina bay sands (with a Super heroes cafe and Little Venice)
- Visit the famous Mermaid lion
- Gardens by the bay and the the light show
- Botanical garden with its National Orchid Garden (sound boring but I do really recommended!)
- Dive into the world of Little India
- Art science museum (inside a giant lotus)
- Light show Marina Bay Sands
- Wander the Hipster area of Tiong Bahru
- Visit the most Southern point of continental Asia
Where to stay in Singapore
Singapore is quite a big city. You wanna stay near the touristic attractions – but in a quiet area.
The most popular areas to stay are:
- Clark Quay
- Downtown
- China town
There are a number of accommodation options to suit all types of travellers. Choose between:
Read: how to us Airbnb
Bear in mind that Singapore isn’t the cheapest destination when traveling around Asia, so we suggest booking your stay at a hostel if you’re a bit more money conscious.
We have a guide about best hostels in Singapore. In a nutshell, the best hostels are:
- COO Boutique Hostel (for female solo travellers)
- Dream Lodge (couples heaven)
- Check full guide for a 3rd option
Map of things to do in Singapore
As promised, here you have a map with all the things to do in Singapore.
It makes things so much easier for planning.
You can activate and deactivate the different layers in the left sidebar. Open the map in a new tab here.
Summary: Fun things to do in Singapore
Singapore is certainly an interesting destination.
You can tell, it is something really special.
Wander under the skyscrapers, visit the beautiful botanical garden or take a boat trip.
The opportunities on things to do is endless, especially considering the size of this country.
If you are looking to stay on a budget, have a look at our best hostels in Singapore.
Clean and well design accommodations for solo backpackers and couples willing to visit Singapore on a budget.
Enjoy Singapore,
The Hostelgeeks
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