Singapore is a tiny country that is chock-full of things to do. So you’re probably wondering, with your limited time in the country, what attractions are worth spending your hard earned money on? Look no further as I will go into detail on what I think are the top 10 Singapore tourist attractions. For more Singapore content, checkout my Travel Guide, my 7-Day Itinerary, and my Weekend Itinerary, as well as my other posts dedicated to the country which I will link below this paragraph:
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And without further ado, here are my top 10 Singapore tourist attractions.
10: Jewel Changi Airport
The countdown of Singapore tourist attractions kicks off with what, to people who don’t know Singapore, might be an odd choice. Why is an airport considered a tourist attraction? Well this is no ordinary airport. Changi Airport, specifically the Jewel section of it, is a stunning feat of modern engineering. With the cascading Rain Vortex at its center, the Jewel is a must-do when in Singapore.
After marveling at the Rain Vortex, climb to the top of the Jewel for a host of fun activities (some of which need a fee). Exploring the different levels of the Jewel is free though, and you can climb the layered terraces surrounding the Rain Vortex to get to the different levels, although escalators are also there for your convenience. But don’t forget to explore the actual airport too, which has cinemas, a butterfly garden, and many other amenities. It’s the perfect introduction or send-off for any Singapore vacation.
Klook.com9: Kampong Glam
The countdown of Singapore tourist attractions continues with the first neighborhood to grace the list. Consisting of the Sultan Mosque, an avenue of restaurants adjacent to the Mosque, and the famed Haji Lane, Kampong Glam, also known as the Muslim quarter, is a quintessentially Singaporean experience. Haji Lane is named after the Hajj or the Holy Pilgrimage Muslims take to go to Mecca, and it’s the centerpiece of this simple neighborhood that is packed to the brim with shops and restaurants to experience.
The highlights for me are the Sultan Mosque and Haji Lane. The Sultan Mosque was built in 1824 and rebuilt in 1932 and while non-Muslims only have access to the lobby, that’s more than enough to admire the beautifully decorated interior of the mosque. It’s not as beautiful as other mosques in the Middle East but it was still pretty enchanting. And of course the undisputed number one thing to do here is to peruse Haji Lane. Featuring hipster shops and cafes, you could easily spend hours going through every boutique offering in the alleyway. Enrich your cultural experience of Singapore by making a stop here.
8: Sentosa
Singapore’s biggest playground, this island has so many things to do you could easily spend a couple of days here and still not see or do it all. I’m going to run through some of the unique things you can do here, starting with the cable car that you can take from Mount Faber to the island. You get amazing views of Singapore from up there, and it’s the perfect way to begin your adventures on the island.
Once you get to the island, a plethora of experiences await. You can ride the rides at Universal Studios Singapore, or see aquatic friends at the S.E.A. aquarium. Ride down the side of a hill on the Luge, or learn about Singapore history in Fort Siloso. Other activities include iFly Singapore, HyperDrive (a go-kart place), KidZania, Madame Tussauds, Mega Adventure Park, Netopia, or a visit to the various beaches on the island. Whatever you choose, Sentosa promises to be a good time.
Klook.com7: Little India
The second Singaporean district in our countdown is probably the most vibrant and colorful of them all. Little India, in all its colors, feels so alive. The kinetic energy of this area makes this district distinctly different from the rest of them. And it has its fair share of tourist attractions as well.
From its two temples, Sri Veeramakaliamman and Sri Srinivasa Perumal, which are always bustling with people praying and ceremonies being performed, to its myriad of shops that line the streets of the district (along with the towering Mustafa Center). We also can’t forget about one of Singapore’s most famous houses: Tan Tieng Nah. A visit to Singapore needs to include a visit to Little India. It’s the closest you’ll get to being in India in the entire Southeast Asia, so its definitely worth a visit.
6: Singapore Museums
Singapore’s Museums are amazing, to say the least. Varied in subject matter, they cover everything from the Peranakan culture of Singapore to Singapore’s History and Southeast Asian art. Singapore is a museum-lovers paradise, and there are a couple that I would recommend you visit if you’re a museum buff.
The Singapore National Gallery is the largest repository of Southeast Asian art anywhere in the world. It’s a sprawling museum and will take you hours to peruse the different artworks on display. Another great museum is the National Museum, a history museum dedicated to telling the interesting and turbulent history of the island-nation. Finally, the ArtScience museum is an interactive wonderland featuring different exhibits dedicated to the intersection of Art and Technology. And that only scratches the surface in terms of what museums you can find on this island.
Klook.com5: Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore’s one and only UNESCO World Heritage Site, are a sight to behold. Composed of numerous pockets filled with different plants, the Gardens were established in 1822 by Sir Stamford Raffles and were originally located in Fort Canning Park. They have since grown and become a place where people, locals and non-locals alike, can relax and become one with nature.
The Gardens take up a huge area measuring around 82-hectares. They were also named Asia’s top garden attraction. Its areas include the National Orchid Garden, the Children’s Garden, Swan Lake, Symphony Lake, the Ginger Garden, and the Rainforest. You could easily spend an entire day getting lost in the Gardens, and when I was there I spent about 4-5 hours exploring. You cannot go to Singapore and miss out on these Gardens. They’re a must add to your Singapore tourist attractions lineup.
4: Chinatown
The greatest and most interesting Singaporean district, Chinatown is big, bold, and filled with character. From its myriad of temples to its markets and shops, Chinatown is oozing with culture just waiting to be discovered. It’s the largest of Singapore’s cultural districts and is steeped in history. On my visit to Singapore, I stayed at a hostel in Chinatown, which to me was perfect because it was central to everything we needed like subway stops and good restaurants.
Highlights of Chinatown include its two Buddhist temples: Thian Hock Keng and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Both temples are Buddhist temples, each with its own distinct features. Make sure to climb to the top of the Buddha Tooth Relic temple to see an amazing garden with a peculiar rotating centerpiece. Chinatown also has two famous Hawker Centers, the Chinatown Complex and Maxwell Food Center. The area is also noted for its murals and shopping streets, both of which are always alive with activity. Make sure to visit this iconic part of the city!
3: Singapore Zoos
The Singapore Zoos that make up the Mandai Wildlife Reserve are some of the best in the world. Composed of the Singapore Zoo, the River Wonders, and the Night Safari, the Singapore Zoos are world renowned for their conservation efforts. The zoos are huge as well, with the Singapore Zoo containing more than 4000 animals spread across almost 70 acres.
The Singapore Zoo is the flagship zoo of the complex, supplemented by the excellent River Safari and Night Safari. On my last trip to Singapore I only experienced the Night Safari, and it was amazing. Walking around in the dark and seeing different kinds of animals, including seeing a rhinoceros being fed, was one of the highlights of my trip. Bring your energy when you go and don’t forget to drink plenty of water when you’re there. It’s an experience unlike any other, and you should dedicate a day to see everything.
Klook.com2: Gardens by the Bay
The second best Singapore tourist attraction is the Gardens by the Bay. This technological, engineering, and horticultural marvel opened in 2012 as part of Singapore’s efforts to transform itself into a “City in a Garden”. It consists of the Supertree Grove, the Cloud Forest, and the Flower Dome, all of which seamlessly combine various flora and fauna with jaw-dropping man-made structures.
My favorite part of this whole complex has to be the Cloud Forest. Featuring the second tallest indoor waterfall in the world, it features plants from places with high elevations. Furthermore, it’s beautifully designed and the whole thing takes about an hour and a half to two hours to experience. The Flower Dome is also incredible, with its expansive footprint and plants from around the world. And of course, the Supertree Grove towers above you as you walk through the area, and there’s even a light show that happens twice nightly. Put this at the top of your Singapore bucket list.
1: Hawker Centers
If you’ve been to Singapore you’ll know that this slot is well deserved. Singapore’s street food cornucopias are the undisputed best thing about visiting Singapore. Every neighborhood probably has one, and each offers different food options for you to savor. Some of the stalls even have Michelin stars, or are recognized the world over for their delectable tastes.
On my last visit I think I visited over 7 different hawker centers, with my favorites being the Maxwell Food Centre, the Chinatown Complex, and Lau Pa Sat. From Chinese to Indian cuisine, a trip to any hawker center is sure to be a good time and a gastronomical adventure. Be sure to bring something you can place on a table to reserve it, and line up in those stalls whose lines are exceptionally long (they’re long for a reason). As for what food you should try, I have a whole article dedicated to just that, which you can find here.
And that is my countdown of the best Singapore tourist attractions. Do you agree with my ranking? If not, what would you change? Comment down below!
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