12 Must-Visit Places in Singapore for Unforgettable Experiences

Singapore Essentials: 12 Must-Visit Places

Are you heading to Singapore and wondering where to go and what to do?

Singapore is an unrivalled destination, home to art galleries and historic temples, hawker centres, and cocktail bars.

Travellers flock to the city-state for its chic shopping, thriving food scene, and popular tourist attractions.

This buzzing island nation is also one of the greenest cities globally, with several parks for tourists who want to soak in the region's natural beauty.

Whatever your style of travel—be it an off-the-beaten-path explorer or a five-star gourmand - here are the top 12 must-visit places in Singapore.

Enjoy a Thrilling Day Out at Universal Studios Singapore (USS)

Looking for must-visit places in Singapore? USS should be at the top of your list. It’s Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park, offering unforgettable experiences you won’t find anywhere else.

Thrill-seekers can’t miss Battlestar Galactica: Human vs. Cylon, the world's tallest duelling roller coasters that’ll have your heart racing with every twist and turn.

Beyond the adrenaline, USS has something for everyone, from family-friendly zones to live shows and meet-and-greets with iconic characters.

Whether you're exploring with friends, family, or flying solo, this park is a guaranteed day of fun. So, purchase your USS ticket and get ready for an adventure.

Opening hours: Open daily, 10 am to 7 pm

Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, 098269 (map)

Sip on the iconic Singapore Sling 165 metres up in the air

Picture this: you're soaring 165 meters above ground on the Singapore Flyer – it's a must-visit spot in Singapore and one of the world's largest observation wheels!

Feel the excitement as you immerse yourself in stunning skyline views from one of the Flyer's 28 fully air-conditioned glass capsules.

Take in panoramic vistas of Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay, and beyond.

And dive into an immersive adventure at the Time Capsule, where a thrilling journey awaits through Singapore's past, present, and future.

Trust us, it's an experience you won't want to miss!

Opening hours: Open daily, 10am to 10pm

Address: 30 Raffles Ave., Singapore 039803 (map)

Splash to your heart's content at Adventure Cove Waterpark

If you're looking to beat the tropical heat in Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark is a must-visit destination.

With all sorts of adrenaline-pumping rides, from the Whirlpool Washout, a spinning ride that will send you into a tizzy, to the madcap rush of the Riptide Rocket, Southeast Asia's first hydro-magnetic coaster, saying you'll have a splashing good time here is no exaggeration.

Experience the wildly popular Night Safari

Here's another must-visit gem in Singapore - the world's first nocturnal wildlife park, the renowned Night Safari!

It's a popular hotspot that lets you experience over 100 wildlife species by nightfall.

The reserve is home to over 2500 animals, many of them rare or endangered.

You can either hop on the complimentary guided tram or take a leisurely stroll on foot to get up close and personal with the animals in their habitat.

It's a unique adventure perfect for families!

Opening hours: Open daily, 7:15 pm to 12 am

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Rd, Singapore 729826 (map)

Try a gin cocktail at Atlas Bar

Indulging in opulence, cocktail enthusiasts mustn't overlook Atlas Bar, renowned for boasting the world's largest gin collection - over 1300 different gins, some dating back to 1910.

Stepping into an Art Deco masterpiece inspired by the decadence of the 1920s, visitors find themselves immersed in an atmosphere like no other.

The cocktail menu, a true reflection of the bar's dedication, revolves around gin and champagne, featuring unique concoctions that set Atlas Bar apart as a must-visit for lovers of fine libations.

Opening hours: Tues to Sat: 12 pm to 2 am. Closed on Sun & Mon

Address: Ground floor, 600 North Bridge Rd, Parkview Square, 188778 (map)

Head to Sentosa Island in a cable car

Soar above the Lion City and take in its breathtaking skyline with a cable car journey to Sentosa Island - an absolute must-visit spot in Singapore.

Revel in 360-degree panoramic views, with return journey tickets available between Mount Faber and Sentosa Island.

And once on Sentosa, explorers can immerse themselves in the vibrant tourist hub, visiting attractions like the S.E.A. Aquarium, Madame Tussauds, and more.

For a day by the ocean, bask in the sun and indulge in watersports at one of Sentosa Island's serene beaches - here's a guide for things to do on the island if it's your first time there.

Try local cuisine at a Hawker Centre

Here's a pro-tip for your Singapore trip – dive into the local food scene at a hawker centre!

There are so many great places that we can't narrow it down to just one spot. Instead, we'd like to reiterate that any hawker centre is a must-visit for anyone craving authentic Singaporean cuisine.

Think bustling food courts with stalls dishing out local delights like popiah (fresh spring roll), char kway teow (stir-fried rice noodles), and laksa (spicy noodle soup) – you can't miss these!

And here's a little secret for you – spice up your foodie adventure with a not-so-secret-anymore food tour.

Walk through the awe-inspiring Gardens by the Bay

If you only have one day to explore Singapore, you must go to Gardens by the Bay, a futuristic horticultural paradise that definitely counts as a must-visit attraction.

Whether it's the gorgeous flora, ultra-modern architecture, or kaleidoscopic light displays, you won’t be disappointed here.

Don't miss the Cloud Forest, where you can stand in awe of one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls.

And be sure to check out the iconic SuperTree structures, towering between 25 and 50 metres tall, clustered beautifully around the garden, with aerial walkways offering breathtaking views of the Marina Bay district.

Pro tip: catch the free light show at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm—it’s the one experience you have to see.

Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953 (map)

Opening Hours: Check the official website for the various attractions' opening hours.

Spend the day at the National Gallery Singapore

If you're looking for a must-visit spot in Singapore, you can’t go wrong with the National Gallery Singapore.

It’s a fantastic place for anyone who loves visual arts. Here, you’ll find an amazing collection of modern art from Singapore and Southeast Asia, including the world’s largest collection of Southeast Asian art—over 8,000 works!

Don’t forget to check out the gallery’s rooftop garden. It’s the perfect spot to unwind and soak in stunning views of Singapore’s skyline and historic landmarks.

Want to learn more about the nearby landmarks? Join a Singapore colonial district walking tour to learn more about the history and culture behind the Civic District's architecture.

Whether you're an art lover or just looking for something fun to do, the National Gallery is a must-see. Plus, it’s one of the best free museums to visit if you're a Singaporean or PR, too.

Opening hours: Open daily, 10am to 7pm

Address: 1 St Andrew's Rd, Singapore 178957 (map)

Go Shopping on Orchard Road

Located in the city's heart, Orchard Road is a bustling shopping district filled with malls, eateries, movie theatres and nightclubs.

The bright lights and bustling walkways make it hard not to get drawn in.

Notable shopping complexes include ION Orchard, Takashimaya, Ngee Ann City and Plaza Singapura, although there's a whole lot of things you can do in Orchard besides shopping.

A shopaholic's mecca, these malls feature everything from high-end designer brands to electronics; home goods to make-up and accessories - making it a shoe-in for one of the must-visit places in Singapore.

Check out the ArtScience Museum

Located in an impressive lotus-shaped building at Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum is a space where art meets science and technology.

The museum offers an exciting day for the whole family, featuring interactive installations and multi-sensory artworks.

It has played host to a range of international traveling exhibitions, from Salvador Dali to Andy Warhol.

Opening hours: Open daily, 10am to 7pm

Address: 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974 (map)

Soak in the Luxe Side of Life at Marina Bay Sands

If you're willing to spend top dollar, treat yourself at the iconic Marina Bay Sands.

Hotel guests can take a dip in the world's largest infinity pool and enjoy free, exclusive access to the Skypark Observation Deck on the 57th floor.

Even if you're not staying at the hotel, you can purchase tickets to the Observation Deck.

Take in the magnificent panoramic views of the city from the deck or one of the hotel's rooftop bars with a cocktail in hand.

For an exquisite fine dining experience, make a reservation at Waku Ghin by Tetsuya Wakuda, the hotel's Japanese restaurant that boasts two Michelin stars.

Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956 (map)

Wrapping Up: Must Visit Places in Singapore

A city of skyscrapers and lush pockets of green, high-end shopping complexes and old-world temples, Singapore is many cities in one.

You can join a city highlights tour or hop on the Big Bus Singapore tour, which offers travellers a complete overview of Singapore’s top attractions, covering all the must-see sights in one go.

However, if you're looking to get away from the hustle and bustle of this mini-metropolis, off-grid experiences like Forest Bathing in Tamarind Hill or the private yacht sunset sail through the Southern Islands allow you to do just that.

From popular attractions to off-grid excursions, Singapore offers fun activities to cater to your every whim and fancy.