Best Attractions in Singapore Every Traveller Should Experience at Least Once

Singapore may be a small island, but it’s filled with extraordinary experiences. These range from futuristic icons to century-old cultural districts rich with stories.

While many travellers gravitate towards well-known landmarks, there is just as much to discover beyond the usual highlights. 

This guide brings together both Singapore’s must-see classics and lesser-known attractions that offer a deeper look at the city’s character and history.

Chinatown Heritage Centre - The Perfect Starting Point

The Chinatown Heritage Centre (CHC) is an ideal place to begin one’s journey. In it, you can expect an immersive journey through the rich history and cultural heritage of Singapore’s Chinatown.

This is a different kind of museum, where immersive and story-led experiences are brought to life in restored shophouses.

The CHC is a meaningful place to begin for a Singaporean sightseeing trip as it provides historical context on how early migrants came to Singapore. In it, you can forge an emotional connection and cultural understanding of the country’s past that deepens appreciation of the present.

From here, the best attractions in Singapore reveal themselves, each offering a different lens into the city’s history, identity, and spirit.

Gardens by the Bay - A Wonderland Rooted in Nature

Gardens by the Bay is one of the best attractions in Singapore, offering a breathtaking blend of technology, sustainability, and lush greenery.

Visitors are greeted by the iconic Supertree Grove, with its towering vertical gardens that light up the night sky with the Garden Rhapsody show.

11 of the Supertrees actually collect solar energy, act as air exhausts, and support living plant panels. They go past decoration and into functional value!

After that, step inside the Cloud Forest. This is where Singapore’s famous indoor waterfall cascades down a mist-covered mountain.

Visitors can move through cool climate zones designed to mirror the tropical highlands, learning about biodiversity and climate change.

Then there’s The Flower Dome: the world’s largest glass greenhouse, with blooms from the Mediterranean and semi-arid regions. It changes displays throughout the year, so no two visits are the same!

Marina Bay Sands & Sky Park - The Icon of Modern Singapore

A visit to Marina Bay Sands (MBS) is a glimpse into Singapore’s most recognisable skyline scene! 

To start, travellers can head up to the SkyPark Observation Deck, where panoramic views stretch across the sea, reservoir, and nearby landmarks. It’s one of the best ways to see how the city transformed from a trading hub into a global metropolis.

Right below the SkyPark sits the striking lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum, known for exhibitions that blend art and innovation. The museum offers something new every season, so it may be worth a visit. 

If you go in the evening, watch the Spectra Light & Water show. This colourful display of music, fountains, and laser lights lights up the entire area.

Singapore Botanic Gardens - A UNESCO World Heritage

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a peaceful escape from the city and the first and only tropical garden in the world as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Established in 1859, it has been central to the region’s agricultural history in the development and cultivation of rubber.

Travellers can enjoy the serene Swan Lake and admire centuries-old heritage trees. They can also explore the National Orchid Garden, which holds over 1000 species and 2000 hybrid orchids – including the famous Vanda Miss Joaquim.

It’s a living classroom of botany, history, and culture. It’s the perfect calming addition to your list of best attractions in Singapore.

Sentosa Island, Singapore — Image from CNTraveler

Sentosa Island - Beaches, Adventure and Family Fun

For sun lovers, thrill seekers, and families, Sentosa is amongst the most popular tourist attractions. You get underwater wonders in the Singapore Oceanarium and high-speed thrills at the Skyline Luge.

Those looking for water adventures can also enjoy Adventure Cove Waterpark, while history lovers can explore Fort Siloso, one of Singapore’s most important World War II sites.

Essentially, you get beaches, attractions, and heritage. This makes it ideal for those seeking relaxed adventure.

Little India & Kampong Glam, Singapore — Image from Chinatown.sg

Little India & Kampong Glam - Living Cultural Districts

These two vibrant neighbourhoods showcase Singapore’s multicultural identity in full colour.

In Little India, visitors can wander through bustling flower markets, spice shops, and goldsmith stores. Landmarks such as Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple reveal preserved traditions and rituals, while Tekka market shows the flavours that define Indian cuisine here.

For travellers who want deeper storytelling and context in the area, the Little India Free Walking Tour by Monster Day Tours offers a guided journey through the district’s heritage and hidden gems. 

Learn more at www.monsterdaytours.com/tours/little-india-free-walking-tour 

A short distance away lies Kampong Glam, the historic Malay Arab quarter. Here, the Grand Sultan Mosque stands at the heart of the district.

Within the vicinity, Haji Lane offers creative boutiques and cafes, while Arab Street showcases traditional textiles and crafts. Both districts are ideal for travellers wanting authentic cultural immersion in Singapore.

Visitors looking to understand the neighbourhood’s cultural layers may also join the Kampong Gelam Free Walking Tour by Monster Day Tours, which sheds light on its rich history and evolving identity. 

Learn more at www.monsterdaytours.com/tours/kampong-gelam-free-walking-tour 

Singapore River Cruise - A Ride Through Time  

A Singapore river cruise is one of the most atmospheric ways to experience the city. The boat glides along the river that once served as the centre of early trade, lined with restored godowns and shophouses.

Travellers can spot historic areas like Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, as well as iconic modern landmarks such as the Esplanade and Marina Bay Sands.

The ride reveals how the river evolved from a busy working waterway filled with bumboats to a picturesque lifestyle district. It’s a scenic, story-filled journey.

Clarke Quay & Fort Canning, Singapore — Image from Dreamstime

Clarke Quay & Fort Canning - Heritage, Nature and Nightlife

Clarke Quay blends heritage charm with vibrant riverside energy. Once home to 19th-century warehouses, the area now houses colourful shophouses, dining spots, live music venues, and riverfront walkways – a favourite spot for travellers who enjoy nightlife by the riverside. 

Fort Canning is also within walking distance of Clarke Quay and offers a historical attraction worth visiting. It holds ancient artefacts from the 14th-century Malay kingdom, colonial military structures, and wartime command bunkers. Visitors can explore the Battlebox, the Fort Gate, spice garden trails, and archaeological remnants of Singapore’s pre-colonial past.

Jewel Changi Airport - World’s Most Beautiful Airport Attraction

More than an airport mall, Jewel Changi Airport is a destination in itself. 

Travellers here are immediately drawn to the HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. It cascades through a lush, climate-controlled forest known as the Shiseido Forest Valley.

Located on the top floor, Canopy Park holds bouncing nets, sky mazes, mist gardens, and glass-bottomed bridges. This is where play and nature intersect.

With global brands and themed zones, it’s no surprise even locals make regular trips here. Jewel feels like stepping into a futuristic green sanctuary, reinforcing Singapore’s reputation for pushing the boundaries of experiential architecture.

Haw Par Villa, Singapore — Image from Airial Travel

Haw Par Villa - A Surreal Journey into Chinese Mythology

Haw Par Villa is one of Singapore’s most unusual attractions, making it far more distinctive than the typical tourist stop.

Built in 1937 by the founders of Tiger Balm, this open-air park is filled with hundreds of statues and colourful dioramas depicting Chinese folklore, Confucian teachings, and mythical legends.

One highlight to check out is Hell’s Museum, where visitors can explore exhibits on afterlife beliefs across different cultures and religions. This includes the famous 10 Courts of Hell, which illustrate how souls are judged based on their actions in life.

Rather than just being a dramatic walkthrough, the experience offers insight into traditional Chinese ideas of karma, justice, and morality, revealing how storytelling was once used to teach values across generations.

Peranakan Museum - A Colourful Exploration of Blended Cultures 

The Peranakan Museum offers one of the most engaging introductions to Peranakan heritage, where Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian influences come together.

Visitors can explore traditional kebaya and beaded slippers, classic porcelain sets used during celebrations, and common family heirlooms and domestic rituals.

In the process, they can also discover personal stories of Peranakan families who contributed to Singapore’s early communities. It’s an immersive, beautifully curated look at the heritage that shaped Singapore into what it is today.

Gillman Barracks, Singapore — Image from Ocula

Gillman Barracks - Contemporary Art in a Colonial Military Base

Gillman Barracks offers travellers an unexpected combination: colonial history fused with cutting-edge contemporary art.

The former British military camp now houses international galleries, studio spaces, and rotating exhibitions featuring artists from Asia and around the world.

Visitors can wander through colonial blocks repurposed into vibrant art spaces, see outdoor installations, or join guided gallery walks.

It offers a refreshing contrast to Singapore’s traditional museums and is ideal for travellers who want to experience the city’s creative, modern identity.

Southern Ridges - 10km of Scenic Walks and Elevated Heritage Trails

The Southern Ridges is one of Singapore’s most beautiful walking routes, connecting Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill, and Kent Ridge Park.

Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of the harbour and lush greenery via iconic bridges like the Henderson Waves.

Along the route are wartime relics, old military lookouts, and secondary forest ecosystems. It's a chance to witness Singapore’s biodiversity in a peaceful alternative to the city’s busier parks.

The Intan, Singapore — Image from CNTraveler

The Intan - A Private Home Museum Filled with Peranakan Treasures

The Intan is a charming, award-winning private museum located in a residential home. Its owner, Alvin Yapp, opens his house to visitors and leads intimate tours.

The tours showcase his personal collection of Peranakan antiques, jewellery, porcelain, and textiles. As such, the tour feels like stepping into a living home filled with stories rather than a formal museum.

It offers a warm, personal look into Peranakan culture – one of the most memorable experiences for visitors seeking cultural depth.

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore — Image from Timeout

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve - A Wildlife Sanctuary

Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park and a haven for migratory birds, monitor lizards, otters, and mudskippers.

The mangrove boardwalks offer scenic views and a peaceful escape that feels miles away from the city. Travellers can spot wildlife up close and learn about the mangrove ecosystems that have shaped Singapore’s natural history.

It's one of the best attractions in Singapore for nature photographers and eco travellers. There are so many striking images to capture!

Experience Singapore’s Attractions for Yourself

This list of stops shows you that Singapore’s most beloved attractions go beyond impressive visuals. They also tell stories about the country’s identity and spirit.

From futuristic landmarks to heritage districts and immersive museums, every destination offers travellers a meaningful glimpse into what makes the city so unique.

Whether you’re visiting for the first time or rediscovering familiar places, follow our guide. Start by stepping into the CHC and exploring Singapore through its stories – book a visit today!