The must-tries, hidden gems, and everything in between.
*Due to COVID19, opening hours at these attractions may change anytime. We’ve updated the items in this list, but do check again before heading down!
When exploring a new country, deciding on things to do is always a challenge. On one hand, it’d be a sin to miss the famous spots — imagine a first time to Sydney without seeing the Opera House. But what really excites us are the lesser-known places that even hardened locals still rave about.
An old-school bumboat tour along the Singapore River
We’ve already written about countries all over the world, so here’s a guide for the one place we’re actually experts of — Singapore!
In fact, Singapore is one of the most exciting holiday destinations. Since it’s both an island and a tropical city, you can explore world-class mega malls, beaches, rainforest trails and more!
Read also: First Timer’s Guide to Singapore — Insider Tips & Everything You Need To Know (Lah!)
Here are 54 must-dos ranging from the most iconic attractions to the most happening night spots and uniquely Singaporean experiences.
Singapore’s Colourful Cultural Sights (Perfect for the Gram)
1) Kampong Glam
Traditionally the district of Singaporean Malays, Kampong Glam‘s highlight is the massive Sultan Mosque. The gold dome bases are made of a unique material — donated glass bottles!
Fun fact: You can no longer find segregated single-raced communities in Singapore. Government housing is now allocated based on a proportional mix of ethnicities, so you’ll never find a full block occupied by one ethnic group.
Sultan Mosque
*Update: Closed for tour visits until further notice
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 10AM – 12PM, 2PM – 4PM (Sat – Thu); 2:30PM – 4PM (Fri)
How to get there: 10min walk from Bugis MRT Station or Jalan Besar MRT Station
Close by, visit the Malay Heritage Centre Museum for thoughtfully-curated exhibits with interesting insight on Singapore’s first settlers.
Malay Heritage Centre Museum
*Update: All galleries are open, but there will be no onsite programmes
Entrance fee: ~S$5 (~AU$5.44) for tourists and foreign citizens. Free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents; admission charges applicable for certain programmes
Opening hours: 10AM – 6PM (Tue – Sun; Last admission at 5:30PM). Closed on Mon
How to get there: 10min walk from Bugis MRT Station or Jalan Besar MRT Station
2) Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa. Photo credit: bandwagon
Whether you’re into cultural exposure or entertainment, you’ll find both at Har Par Villa. Here, you’ll find bizarre life-sized statues from Chinese mythology. If you’re feeling brave, add on an after-dark walking tour (~S$18, ~AU$19.60) for spine-tingling tales of Buddhist hell!
*Update: Closed for upgrading until 31 Mar 2021
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 10PM (Last entry at 9:30PM)
How to get there: 1min walk from Haw Par Villa MRT Station
3) Chinatown
In Chinatown, admire the intricate Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, eat at the famous Maxwell Food Centre, and go on a quirky tour (~S$23, ~AU$25.04) along the five-foot walking paths.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
*Update: Revised hours from 8AM – 5PM (Mon – Sun), for worship at the Hundred Dragons Hall, Ancestral Hall, and Sacred Light Hall (4th Storey) Outer Chamber. All other areas of the temple remain closed till further notice.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is open from 7AM – 7PM (Mon – Sun), and its Museum and Stupa Chamber is open from 9AM – 6PM
How to get there: 3min walk from Chinatown MRT Station or 7min walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station
Maxwell Food Centre
*Update: Most stalls now open from 11AM – 8PM
Cost: ~S$4 (~AU$4.36) per dish
Opening hours: 8AM – 2AM
How to get there: 6min walk from Chinatown MRT Station or Tanjong Pagar MRT Station
Read also: Ultimate Singapore Food Guide — 54 Local-Approved Things To Eat in Singapore
4) Asian Civilisations Museum
Photo credit: Asian Civilisations Museum
Even from afar, the Asian Civilisations Museum makes quite an impression. This majestic building along the river displays art from all over Asia, including artefacts from Singapore’s ancestral cultures.
Entrance fee: S$20 (~AU$21.78) for tourists and foreign citizens. Free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents; S$12 (~AU$13.07) admission applicable to certain programmes
Opening hours: 10AM – 7PM (Sat – Thu); 10AM – 9PM (Fri). Last entry 15min before closing time
How to get there: 5min walk from Raffles Place MRT Station (Exit H)
5) The Intan
The Intan. Photo credit: Tan Geng Hui
At The Intan, immerse in the unique Chinese-Malay culture of the Peranakans, descendants of Straits-born Chinese. The intimate tours are strictly by-appointment-only and include a sampling of traditional kueh.
Entrance fee: from S$60 (~AU$65.33) for The Intan Tea Tour
Opening hours: 7AM – 10PM; Book your visit here
How to get there: 15min walk from Eunos MRT Station
6) Shophouses along Koon Seng Road
These heritage shophouses are a gorgeous pop of colour, with intricate Peranakan architecture dating back to the 1920s.
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 24hrs. Best photographed between sunrise (around 7AM) and sunset (around 7PM)
How to get there: Koon Seng Road is located around the Joo Chiat and Katong districts
7) National Museum of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore might be the nation’s oldest (over 130-years-old!), but its exhibits are fun and futuristic, with digital installations that bring Singapore’s past and present to life.
Entrance fee: ~S$14 (~AU$15.24) for tourists and foreign citizens. Free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents
Opening hours: 10AM – 7PM (Last entry at 6:30PM)
How to get there: 5 – 10min walk from Bencoolen, Bras Basah, Dhoby Ghaut, or City Hall MRT Station
8) River Cruise On A Bumboat
Hop on the iconic bumboat river cruise along the Singapore River. The 40-minute ride includes stories behind Singapore’s famous sights, including The Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, and The Esplanade.
*Update: Closed until further notice
Cost: ~S$22.50 (~AU$24.50)
Activity timings: Departs every 30min from 9AM – 11PM. The last boat departs at 10:30PM
How to get there: Redeem your voucher and board at the Clarke Quay Jetty River Cruise ticketing counter (next to G-MAX Reverse Bungy Jump), a 5min walk from Clarke Quay MRT Station
*Pro-tip: Board around 7:30PM for a front-row seat to the 8PM Marina Bay light-show!
9) Little India
Little India is a real feast for the senses, from the bustling spice shops at the Little India Arcade, to the deities lining the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.
Little India Arcade
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 9AM – 10PM
How to get there: 3min walk from Little India MRT Station or Rochor MRT Station, or a 10min walk from Farrer Park MRT Station
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 5:30AM – 12:15PM and 4PM – 9PM
How to get there: 3min walk from Little India MRT Station or Rochor MRT Station, or a 10min walk from Farrer Park MRT Station
Singapore’s Most Iconic Attractions
10) Marina Bay Sands
We may not be as rich and good-looking as Nick Young, but we can’t help feeling like a million bucks at the glittering Marina Bay Sands resort. Wander through the fancy Shoppes, try your luck at the casino, and enjoy a luxurious skyline view while soaking in the world’s longest elevated pool.
The Shoppes
*Update: Revised opening hours from 11AM – 9PM daily. Check the opening hours of specific retail shops here
Entrance fee: Free
Opening hours: 10:30AM – 11PM (Sun – Thu) and 10:30AM – 11:30PM (Fri – Sat)
How to get there: 1min walk from Bayfront MRT Station
The Marina Bay Sands Casino
Entrance fee: Free for tourists; S$150 (~AU$163.32) per 24hr entry for Singapore citizens and Permanent Residents
Opening hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 1min walk from Bayfront MRT Station
Infinity Pool
*Update: Access is now limited to a maximum of one hour per room, per day. Guests should book their pool session via SMS upon confirmation of room reservation
Entrance fee: Exclusive to hotel guests from ~S$500(~AU$544.39) per night
Opening hours: 6AM – 9PM
How to get there: 1min walk from Bayfront MRT Station
11) Gardens By The Bay
Experience next-level nature at Gardens By The Bay, with futuristic Supertrees and formations of orchids and other exotic flowers. Stay for the free Garden Rhapsody light-and-sound show, held nightly at 7:45PM and 8:45PM amid the Supertrees!
Entrance fee: Free for Supertree Grove and surrounding garden. S$28 (~AU$30.49) for the two conservatories (enjoy ~S$5, ~AU$5.44 off by booking your tickets online); S$20 (~AU$21.78) for Singapore Residents
Opening hours: 5AM – 2AM
How to get there: 4min walk from Bayfront MRT Station
12) The Singapore Zoo and River Safari
Singapore Zoo. Photo credit: Wildlife Reserves Singapore
The Singapore Zoo is famous for spacious exhibits that replicate the natural habitats of the animals like orang-utans, crocodiles, and white tigers. Its newer edition, the River Safari, features exotic species like giant pandas and toucans, as well as an exciting Amazon River Quest boat ride.
If you really want, you can visit both in a day — they’re just a two-minute walk apart!
Singapore Zoo
Entrance Fee: ~S$38 (~AU$41.37)
Opening Hours: 8:30AM – 6PM; Last entry at 5:30PM
How to get there: Travel options to get to the Singapore Zoo
River Safari
Entrance Fee: ~S$32.90 (~AU$35.82)
Opening Hours: 10AM – 7PM; Last entry at 6:30PM
How to get there: Travel options to get to River Safari
13) Jewel Changi Airport
Jewel Changi Airport
You’ve probably heard about the stunning waterfall, state-of-the-art design, and unique concept stores — and having experienced it ourselves, we can confirm that Jewel Changi Airport lives up to the hype.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24hrs. Most shops open between 10AM – 10PM
How to get there: From the Changi Airport MRT Station, walk to Jewel via the link bridges on Level 2 of Terminals 2 and 3
14) Universal Studios Singapore
It’s always fun at Universal Studios Singapore, with world-class shows and rides including the world’s tallest duelling rollercoasters.
Entrance Fee: ~S$75 (~AU$81.66)
Opening Hours: 10AM – 8PM (Sun – Thu); 10AM – 10PM (Fri – Sat on selected dates). Check latest timings here
How to get there: From Harbourfront MRT, take Exit E to VivoCity. You will find the Sentosa Express on level 3 of the mall. Alight one stop later at Resorts World Station. Walk straight till you see Twelve Cupcakes on your right, then turn right and head towards the Universal Studios Globe
15) Merlion Park
Merlion Park. Photo credit: Little Day Out
Admire Singapore’s half-fish, half-lion mascot while dining at the riverside restaurants, or on a guided tour of the sights (~S$22).
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24hrs. Most restaurants open from 9AM – 9:30PM
How to get there: 10min walk from Raffles Place MRT Station (Exit B)
16) Night Safari
The Singapore Night Safari — the first of its kind in the world! — is a unique and slightly spooky experience. See nocturnal animals like babirusas, Malayan tigers, and giant flying squirrels, some of which get really close during the safari tram ride.
Entrance Fee: ~S$32.25 (~AU$35.22)
Opening Timings: 7PM – 12AM; Admission is hourly from 7:15PM – 11:15PM
How to get there: Travel options to get to Singapore Night Safari
17) Jurong Bird Park
Admire over 400 species of colourful birds in the Jurong Bird Park’s exploratory environments and action-packed daily shows.
Entrance Fee: ~S$29.75 (~AU$32.39)
Opening Hours: 8:30AM – 6PM
How to get there: Travel options to get to Jurong Bird Park
18) Adventure Cove
Adventure Cove Waterpark. Photo credit: Resorts World Sentosa
Escape the tropical heat with Adventure Cove‘s super-cool activities — relax along the lazy river, snorkel with tropical fish, and whoosh down a water rollercoaster!
Entrance Fee: S$38, ~AU$41.37 (save ~S$4, ~AU$4.36 by booking online)
Opening Hours: 10AM – 6PM
How to get there: From Harbourfront MRT Station, take Exit E to VivoCity and proceed to level 3 to board the Sentosa Express. Alight 1 stop later at Resorts World Station and walk 15min to Adventure Cove
19) S.E.A. Aquarium
Step into S.E.A. Aquarium‘s giant viewing tunnel with over 100,000 manta rays, jellyfish, sharks, and other marine creatures.
Entrance Fee: ~S$36 (~AU$39.20)
Opening Hours: 10AM – 7PM
How to get there: From Harbourfront MRT Station, take Exit E to VivoCity and proceed to level 3 to board the Sentosa Express. Alight 1 stop later at Resorts World Station and walk 12min to S.E.A. Aquarium
Live Music, Art, and Interesting Museums in Singapore
20) National Gallery Singapore
Browse the world’s largest public collection of Southeast Asian art at the iconic National Gallery Singapore.
Entrance Fee: S$20 (~AU$21.78) for tourists and foreign citizens. Free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents
Opening Hours: 10AM – 7PM (Sat – Thu); 10AM – 9PM (Fri)
How to get there: 6min walk from City Hall MRT Station (Exit B)
21) Haji Lane
The hipster Haji Lane is perfect for boutique shopping, cafe-hopping, and live performances by buskers.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: Shops generally open from 11AM – 9PM; restaurants generally open from 11AM – 1AM
How to get there: 5min walk from Bugis MRT Station (Exit B)
22) Esplanade
This spiky durian-shaped arts centre caused a ruckus when it first opened, but locals have grown to love the now-iconic Esplanade. Watch one of their world-class performances — some are even free!
Entrance Fee: Varies by performance
Opening Hours: Box office open from 12PM – 8:30PM
How to get there: 5min walk from Esplanade MRT Station, or 7min walk from City Hall MRT Station
23) ArtScience Museum
ArtScience Museum. Photo credit: Marina Bay Sands
The quirky ArtScience Museum holds fascinating exhibitions that combine technology with storytelling.
Entrance Fee: ~S$15 for admission to one installation; ~S$25 for admission to two
Opening Hours: 10AM – 7PM; Last admission at 5:30PM
How to get there: 10min walk from Bayfront MRT Station; 15min walk from Promenade MRT Station
24) The Projector
The Projector. Photo credit: The Honeycombers
Film buffs will love The Projector‘s old-school, beanbag-filled theatre and its selection of lovingly-curated indie flicks.
Entrance Fee: Varies by event
Opening Hours: Varies by event; Box office open from 6PM – 8:30PM (Mon – Fri) and 1PM – 8:30PM (Sat – Sun)
How to get there: The Projector is located in Golden Mile Tower (not the same as Golden Mile Complex), a 5min walk from Nicoll Highway MRT Station. At the front entrance of Golden Mile Tower, take the lifts next to the taxi drop-off directly to the cinema.
25) Art Jamming at ARTEASTIQ
Let your creative juices flow at ARTEASTIQ, armed with an array of art tools and a speciality drink by your side.
Entrance Fee: ~S$43 (~AU$46.82) for three-hour Art Jam session
Opening Hours: 11AM – 9PM
How to get there: ARTEASTIQ outlets at Mandarin Gallery (5min walk from Somerset MRT Station) and Plaza Singapura (1min walk from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station)
Shop Til You Drop In The City
26) Orchard Road Malls
Orchard Road. Photo credit: Singapore Tourism Board
The famous Orchard Road is home to over 5,000 exciting shopping and dining options, including Ion Orchard, Tangs @ Orchard, and Pedder on Scotts.
Opening Hours: Malls generally open from 10AM – 10PM
How to get there: 1min walk from Orchard MRT Station
27) Made-In-Singapore Novelty Gifts
Naiise. Fluffy cushions designed in our favourite childhood snacks
From home accessories to T-shirts and little trinkets, Naiise has it all in stylish and tongue-in-cheek local themes.
For a little more sophistication, head to Design Orchard for fashion-forward pieces by local designers.
Naiise
Opening Hours: See Naiise outlet opening hours here
How to get there: Naiise outlet locations here
Design Orchard
Opening Hours: 10:30AM – 9:30PM
How to get there: 6min walk from Somerset MRT
28) Mustafa Centre
Singapore’s famous 24-hour budget megastore, Mustafa, has anything and everything — food, skincare and even the latest home theatre systems.
Opening Hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 5min walk from Farrer Park MRT Station, or a 10min walk from Little India MRT Station or Rochor MRT Station
29) Bugis Street
Don’t let the crowds put you off this indoor market, packed with cheap, trendy fashion, like dresses for under S$20 (~AU$21.78)! In fact, after-school shopping at Bugis Street is almost a rite of passage for Singaporean teenagers.
Opening Hours: 11AM – 10PM
How to get there: 1min walk from Bugis MRT Station
30) Funan
The newly-reopened Funan mall is a techie’s paradise, with over 180 stores including DJI, Lenovo, and GamePro. There’s also digital and lifestyle facilities like an indoor cycling lane and a 24-hour drive-through item collection service with a robotic arm!
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM
How to get there: 5min walk from City Hall MRT Station
Soak Up The Sun With Singapore’s Outdoor Activities
31) Picnic at Singapore Botanic Gardens
Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at Singapore Botanic Gardens amongst 60,000 plants and colonial architecture. Also, don’t miss the free performances by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, with a mix of classical and modern tunes.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 5AM – 12AM
How to get there: 3min walk from Botanic Gardens MRT Station (Exit A)
32) Enjoy the Beaches at Sentosa
Soak up the sun at the laid-back Tanjong Beach Club, before catching Sentosa’s symphonic light show, the Wings Of Time.
Tanjong Beach Club
Entrance Fee: Free; from ~S$70 (~AU$76.21) minimum spend for day bed
Opening Hours: 11AM – 10PM (Mon – Fri); 9AM – 10PM (Sat – Sun)
How to get there: From Harbourfront MRT Station, take Exit E to VivoCity and proceed to level 3 to board the Sentosa Express. Alight 3 stops later at Beach Station. Head down to the bus station and take the tram to Tanjong Beach Club
Wings Of Time
Entrance Fee: ~S$14 (~AU$15.24)
Show Timings: 7:40PM and 8:40PM
How to get there: 5-min walk from Beach Station to Siloso Beach
33) MacRitchie Reservoir
Hike MacRitchie Reservoir Park‘s TreeTop Walk for a fantastic rainforest view 250-metres above ground.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 9AM – 5PM (Tue – Fri); 8:30AM – 5PM (Sat, Sun, Public Holidays). The TreeTop Walk, Peirce Track, and part of Petaling Boardwalk are closed for renovation until May 2021.
How to get there: 13min walk from Caldecott MRT Station or Marymount MRT Station
34) Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Explore the mangroves of Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve to spot monitor lizards, mudskippers, and exotic migratory birds!
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 7AM – 7PM; all visitors must leave by 7PM
How to get there: Board Bus 925 from Kranji MRT Station and alight at Kranji Reservoir Carpark B, then cross the road to the Visitor Centre. If travelling on Sunday, take the bus from Woodlands Interchange at Woodlands MRT Station
35) Pulau Ubin
Pulau Ubin. Photo credit: Around The Borders
Just a 15-minute boat ride away, Pulau Ubin transports you to Singapore’s last kampong (‘village’ in Malay) community, with rich marine wildlife, traditional houses and seafood restaurants. If you’re feeling adventurous, try activities like mangrove kayaking (~S$80, ~AU$87.10) and a guided biking adventure (~S$80, ~AU$87.10).
Entrance Fee: Cash payment of S$2.50 (~AU$2.72) per bumboat ride, with a surcharge of S$2 (~AU$2.18) if you’re bringing your own bike.
Opening Hours: The first bumboats depart Changi at 6AM, and the last bumboats leave Pulau Ubin at 6PM. No fixed departure timings
How to get there: From Tanah Merah MRT Station, take Bus 2 to Changi Bus Interchange. Walk 3min to the bumboats at Changi Point Ferry Terminal
36) Island-hopping
Island-hopping. Photo credit: The Finder
Take a break from the bustling city to explore the nearby St. Johns and Kusu islands — with quiet beaches for swimming, fishing, and sunbathing!
Cost: ~S$17 (~AU$18.51)
Activity Timings: First ferry departs Marina South Pier at 10AM (Mon – Fri); 9AM (Sat – Sun, PH). Last ferry departs Kusu Island at 4PM (Mon – Fri); 4:30PM (Sat); 6:15PM (Sun, PH).
How to get there: From Marina South Pier MRT Station, take Exit A and approach the Singapore Island Cruise & Ferry Services ticketing booth to redeem your ticket
*Pro-tip: Pack your own picnic supplies as there are no shops or restaurants on these untouched islands!
37) Marina Barrage
Fly kites, kayak, or have a picnic in the heart of the city along the scenic Marina Barrage freshwater reservoir.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 24hrs
How to get there: 20min walk from Bayfront MRT Station
38) Wavehouse Sentosa
Wavehouse Sentosa. Photo credit: Wavehouse Sentosa
Get gnarly at Wavehouse, perfect for both beginner and seasoned surfers — with none of that tiring paddling!
Cost: from S$12 (~AU$13.07) for one attempt, and from S$35 (~AU$38.11) per hour
Activity Timings: 12PM – 9PM; Last session at 8PM (Mon – Fri). 11AM – 9PM; Last session at 8PM (Sat – Sun)
How to get there: From Harbourfront MRT Station, take Exit E to VivoCity and proceed to level 3 to board the Sentosa Express. Alight 3 stops later at Beach Station. Head down to the bus station and board the Wavehouse buggy
39) AJ Hackett Sentosa
The beaches aren’t just for lounging — get your heart pumping with a bungee jump or on the giant swing!
Cost: ~S$143.10 (~AU$155.80) for bungee jump and ~S$62.10 (~AU$67.61) for giant swing
Activity Timings: 11:30AM – 6:30PM (Sun – Thu); 11:30AM – 8:30PM (Fri – Sat, Eve of PH)
How to get there: From Harbourfront MRT Station, take Exit E to VivoCity and proceed to level 3 to board the Sentosa Express. Alight 3 stops later at Beach Station and walk 15min to AJ Hackett
40) Stand-Up Paddling
Try one of the world’s most ancient (and fun) tropical sports with a stand-up paddling session at Sentosa!
Cost: from S$40 (~AU$43.55) per hour for board rental
Activity Timings: 11:30AM – 6:30PM (Sun – Thu); 11:30AM – 8:30PM (Fri – Sat, Eve of PH)
Meeting Point: From Sentosa’s Beach Station, head in the direction of Tanjong Beach Club and meet at the old sheds
Party Til Sunrise With Singapore’s Nightlife
41) Zouk at Clarke Quay
Zouk. Photo credit: Zouk
The most beloved of all party spots in Singapore, Zouk is constantly buzzing with trendy clubbers and performances by celebrity deejays.
Entrance Fee: From S$30 (~AU$32.66) for men and S$25 (~AU$27.22) for ladies (free entrance on Wed); includes two house drinks
Opening Hours: 10PM – 3AM (Wed), 10PM – 2AM (Thu), 10PM – 4AM (Fri), 10PM – 3:45AM (Sat); Closed Sun – Tue
How to get there: 5min walk from Clarke Quay MRT Station
42) MARQUEE Nightclub
MARQUEE. Photo credit: Marina Bay Sands
Singapore’s newest nightclub, MARQUEE, is the coolest place to see and be seen, boasting a massive Ferris Wheel and cutting-edge sound and design.
Entrance Fee: Varies by event
Opening Hours: 10PM till late (Fri – Sat, Eve of PH)
How to get there: 10min walk from Bayfront MRT Station through Marina Bay Sands
43) CHIJMES
CHIJMES. Photo credit: Yellow Pages
Formerly a convent school dating back to the 19th century, CHIJMES is now a sprawling nightlife venue with alfresco drinking and dining.
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 8AM – 3AM (Mon – Fri); 8:30AM – 4AM (Sat – Sun)
How to get there: 3min walk from City Hall MRT Station, Bras Basah MRT Station, or Esplanade MRT Station
44) Best Bars in Singapore
NINETEEN80. Photo credit: Shout
If you’d rather a chill night with drinks, there’s no shortage of options. Go retro at arcade-themed bars Level Up or Nineteen80, or get classy at the Great Gatsby-esque ATLAS.
Get more booze for your buck with a liquid buffet at Idle Bar or even on a wild pub crawl through the city!
Level Up
Cost: ~S$16 (~AU$17.42) per cocktail
Opening Hours: 5PM – 2AM (Mon – Thu); 5PM – 3AM (Fri – Sat); 4PM – 1AM (Sun)
How to get there: 10min walk from Clarke Quay MRT Station
Nineteen80
Cost: ~S$18 (~AU$19.60) per cocktail
Opening Hours: 5:30PM – 1AM (Tue, Thu); 5:30PM – 3AM (Wed, Fri, Sat)
How to get there: 6min walk from Tanjong Pagar MRT Station
ATLAS
Cost: ~S$28 (~AU$30.49) per cocktail
Opening Hours: 10AM – 1AM (Mon – Thu); 10AM – 2AM (Fri); 3PM – 2AM (Sat). Closed on Sun
How to get there: 3min walk from Bugis MRT Station
Idle Bar
Cost: Unlimited liquid buffet from ~S$16.80 (~AU$18.29) for ladies, ~S$21 (~AU$22.86) for men
Opening Hours: 11AM – 12AM (Mon – Fri); 5PM – 12AM (Sat – Sun). Last order at 11PM
How to get there: 6min walk from Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station
Pub Crawl
Cost: ~S$29.90 (~AU$32.55)
Activity Timings: 7:30PM – 11:30PM (Wed – Sat)
Meeting Place: 2min walk from Raffles Place MRT Station to 80 Raffles Place, UOB Plaza (Fat Pigeon Statue near the river)
45) Drag Shows
The Aquaholic Pool Party drag show. Photo credit: Aquaholics
RuPaul’s Drag Race-lovers will have a sassy time at LuLu’s Lounge and Aquaholic. Be warned: it gets wild.
LuLu’s Lounge
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 8PM – 3AM (Wed), 9PM – 3AM (Thu), 9PM – 5AM (Fri – Sat). Closed Sun – Tue
How to get there: 7min walk from Promenade MRT Station
Aquaholic
Entrance Fee: Free
Activity Timings: Monthly, dates announced here
How to get there: From Beach Station on Sentosa Island, take the Beach Tram to FOC Sentosa
46) Local Stand-Up Comedy Shows
Singaporeans may be famous for complaining, but we’re a pretty humorous bunch too. See for yourself on gut-busting Tuesday nights at Comedy Masala!
Entrance Fee: from S$25 (~AU$27.22)
Activity Timings: 8PM – 10PM (Tue)
How to get there: 5min walk from Clarke Quay MRT Station to HERO’S
Go Local With Uniquely Singaporean Activities
47) Farm-Hopping
Farm-visiting in Singapore. Photo credit: honeykids
You wouldn’t guess it from the shining skyscrapers, but Singapore’s got a lively farm scene away from the city bustle! Enjoy the simple life by meeting furry friends at Hay Dairies, and picking greens at Bollywood Veggies.
Hay Dairies
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 9AM – 4PM (Mon, Wed – Sun). Closed Tue
How to get there: Take the Kranji Countryside Bus from Kranji MRT Station
Bollywood Veggies
Entrance Fee: Free
Opening Hours: 7AM – 5:30PM (Wed – Fri), 7AM – 6:30PM (Sat – Sun, PH)
How to get there: Take the Kranji Countryside Bus from Kranji MRT Station
48) Dine In The Dark
What’s better than the usual makan (‘food’)? Dining in complete darkness — I swear it makes the food taste better!
Dine In The Dark
Cost: ~S$103 (~AU$112.14)
Activity Timings: 6PM, 6:30PM, 8PM, and 8:30PM daily
How to get there: 7min walk from Bugis MRT Station (Exit B)
49) Hawker Food Adventure
There’s a ton of fantastic (and cheap!) food options in Singapore — feast on only the best with the Food Adventure Starter Pack (S$1, ~AU$1.09) which even has discounts on Singapore’s iconic eateries!
Singapore Foodie Adventure Starter Pack
Cost: S$1, ~AU$1.09
Collection Point: Delivered by email
Read also: 54 Local Approved Things to Eat in Singapore
50) Prawning
Prawning at ORTO. Photo credit: ORTO
Forget your worries with a leisurely prawning session at ATC Fishing Village, before enjoying a sumptuous BBQ feast from your catch!
Cost: from S$17 (~AU$18.51) for a 1hr session
Opening Hours: 24hrs
How to get there: From Boon Lay MRT Station, walk 2 mins to Boon Lay Bus Interchange. Take Bus 194 and alight at Jurong Bird Pk Bus Stop, then walk 2 mins to ATC Fishing Village
51) BOUNCE Trampoline Park
Photo credit: BOUNCE Singapore
Get active on the trampolines or tackle a Ninja Warrior-esque obstacle course at trampoline park, BOUNCE.
BOUNCE
Entrance Fee: from S$21 (~AU$22.86)
Opening Hours: 10AM – 10PM (Mon – Fri), 9AM – 10PM (Sat – Sun)
How to get there: 4min walk from Somerset MRT Station
52) Escape Rooms
Murder-mystery escape room at XScape. Photo credit: Mothership
Find out if you and your friends would survive a horror movie by testing your wits at an escape room!
Trapped Escape Room
Entrance Fee: from ~S$19.90 (~AU$21.67)
Activity Timings: hourly from 11AM – 10PM (Mon – Sun)
How to get there: 6min walk from Somerset MRT Station
53) Cooking Classes
Pick up skills on holiday by learning to cook iconic Singaporean dishes like laksa, chicken rice, and satay, or traditional snacks like ondeh ondeh!
Cultural Dishes Cooking Class
Cost: ~S$113 (~AU$123.03)
Activity Timings: 9:30AM – 12:30PM (Mon – Fri)
Address: 24A Sago Street, Singapore 059020
Traditional Snacks Cooking Class
Cost: ~S$35 (~AU$38.11) for traditional snacks
Activity Timings: 3:30PM – 5PM (Tue), 7:45PM – 9:15PM (Mon, Thu – Sun)
Meeting Point: Control Station at Khatib MRT Station
54) Guided Local Tour
There’s no better way to understand how Singapore ticks than by hearing stories straight from the locals themselves. Go on the famous Original Singapore Walks through Singapore’s most notorious neighbourhoods, or take an off-the-beaten-path journey on a Little India tour.
The Original Singapore Walks Half Day Tour
Cost: ~S$34.20 (~AU$37.24)
Activity Timings: Varies by tour
Meeting Point: Varies by tour
Little India Walking Tour
Cost: ~S$23 (~AU$25.04)
Activity Timings: 10:15AM – 12:30PM (Tue, Thu, Sat)
Meeting Point: 5 Campbell Lane, Outside Indian Heritage Centre
Tourists in our own country
We may have compiled a whopping 54 things we love to do, but we promise there’s a ton more to explore. Every time we return home from our latest destination, it seems like a brand new futuristic mall, tropical hiking trail, or concept cafe has sprung up overnight. So take it from a local herself — and have your own adventure through our crazy, colourful city!
Read also: Ultimate Singapore Travel Guide — Insider Tips & Everything You Need To Know (Lah!)
Know of any awesome local activities we should include? Let us know in the comments!
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