Planning a trip to Singapore? Check out our comprehensive list of the 20 tourist attractions you need to see while you’re in the Lion City. From the great outdoors to island life, there are so many things to see and do.
Educational Activities
ArtScience Museum
Part of Singapore’s iconic Marina Bay Sands Integrated Resort, the ArtScience Museum blends the worlds of art and science. Visit the recently updated permanent exhibition Future World, or check the website to see what the current exhibitions are.6 Bayfront Ave, +65 6688 8888
National Gallery Singapore
The National Gallery Singapore presents modern art by South-East Asian artists. Featuring a diverse mix of up-and-coming and established artists from the region, be sure to check out the rooftop sculpture garden featuring works by Vietnamese-born Danish artist Danh Vo.1 Saint Andrew’s Road, #01–01, +65 6271 7000
National Museum of Singapore
Singapore’s largest museum, the National Museum of Singapore houses two main galleries: the Singapore Living Galleries with exhibitions on food, photography, film, and fashion, and the History Gallery, which traces the island’s history from the 14th century.93 Stamford Road, +65 6332 3659
Go to the Park
Haw Par Villa
Built by the brothers who invented Tiger Balm, Haw Par Villa was built as a way for parents to teach their children about morality through Chinese mythology. Although some of the statues are looking worse for wear these days, it’s well worth a trip to see these bizarre and nightmarish life-sized dioramas. Note that the 10 Courts of Hell are quite graphic and may be frightening to small children.262 Pasir Panjang Road, +65 6736 6622
Singapore Botanical Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens are one of Singapore’s oldest parks and the birthplace of the Singapore orchid. Covering a huge area of central Singapore, the park is home to over 10,000 species of plants and animals — including some terrifying monitor lizards. The park is open daily from 5am to 12am, and admission is free.1 Cluny Rd, +65 6471 7138
Chinese and Japanese Gardens
Get out of the city and head west to the Chinese and Japanese Gardens. During the weekend, people play cricket in one of the park’s open spaces. Tucked into one area of the Chinese Gardens is the Live Turtle & Tortoise Museum, which showcases the world’s largest collection of turtle and tortoise items.1 Chinese Garden Rd, +65 6261 3632
Fort Canning
Fort Canning is located right in the centre of the island. The place has played a significant role in the history of Singapore: Sir Stamford Raffles built his first home on Fort Canning hill, and during World War II it served as the headquarters of the British Army and later as the Japanese Army during their occupation of Singapore.River Valley Rd, +65 1800 471 7300
Gardens by the Bay
Singapore’s most recognisable garden, Gardens by the Bay is known for its extraordinary landscape, namely the SuperTree Grove featuring 18 vertical gardens that reach a height of 16 stories! Other attractions include the two conservatory domes, the OCBC Skywalk and Marina Barrage.18 Marina Gardens Dr, +65 6420 6848
For Animal Lovers
Singapore Zoo
Famous for its ‘open’ captivity models, the Singapore Zoo is designed so that many of the animals are kept in large enclosures that are surrounded by moats and other relatively noninvasive barriers. The zoo is home to over 300 animal species, 15% of which are classified as threatened.80 Mandai Lake Rd, +65 6269 3411
River Safari
At the River Safari, visitors ride a boat through Singapore’s tropical forests. Freshwater animals live on either side of the river, including American beavers, anacondas and adorable giant pandas.80 Mandai Lake Road, +65 6269 3411
