Things to do in Singapore

Singapore is a world-class travel destination filled with remarkable sights and unforgettable experiences. From iconic landmarks to vibrant neighborhoods and mouthwatering cuisine, there’s no shortage of things to see and do in the Lion City.

Wondering what you absolutely shouldn’t miss on your Singapore adventure? Let Style Travel be your guide with this curated list of must-try activities and top attractions – so you can explore the very best that Singapore has to offer.

Watch the sunset from a rooftop bar

There’s no better way to soak in Singapore’s glittering skyline than from high above – drink in hand, breeze in your hair, and golden light all around. Rooftop bars like Ce La Vi, 1-Altitude, and Level33 don’t just offer great views – they deliver a front-row seat to the city’s magical transformation from day to night.

Whether you’re savoring a signature cocktail atop Marina Bay Sands, sipping craft beer at the world’s highest urban brewery, or watching the skyline ignite from 282 meters above sea level, this is one sunset you’ll never forget.

Tips:

• Arrive by 5:30 PM for the best seats and golden hour glow
• Most rooftop bars have a smart casual dress code – collared shirts, dresses, or long pants are recommended.
• Book ahead, especially on weekends and holidays
• Check for minimum spend if you want those premium views

Enjoy a hawker food tour like a local

You haven’t truly tasted Singapore until you’ve eaten like a local – at a hawker centre. These bustling open-air food courts are the heartbeat of the city’s culinary culture, where generations of flavors come together in one place. Cheap, cheerful, and absolutely delicious, hawker food is where five-dollar meals earn Michelin stars.

Start your feast at Maxwell Food Centre with a plate of silky Hainanese chicken rice, then head to Lau Pa Sat for smoky satay grilled over open flames under fairy-lit arches. For old-school vibes and variety: Old Airport Road Food Centre is a crowd favorite – beloved by locals for decades.

This is where Singaporeans gather, gossip, and bond over food. Join them – your taste buds (and wallet) will thank you.

Tips:

• Bring small cash (SGD 2–10 per dish), and carry tissues – locals use them to “chope” seats.
• Avoid peak lunch hours (12–1:30 PM) if you prefer shorter queues and cooler temperatures.
• Don’t be shy – ask locals for recommendations. Food is a national passion here!
• Many hawker centres are open-air – dress light and stay hydrated.

Take a bumboat ride along the Singapore river

For a different view of the city, hop aboard a charming bumboat – the traditional wooden vessels once used for cargo transport, now repurposed for scenic river cruises. Gliding along the Singapore River, you’ll travel through time as you pass iconic landmarks that trace the island’s transformation from sleepy trading port to global metropolis.

Start your ride at Clarke Quay, where vibrant nightlife meets colonial-era charm. Cruise past Boat Quay, the bustling riverside lined with colorful shophouses and al fresco dining, then marvel at the grandeur of The Fullerton Hotel, once the city’s General Post Office. As you approach Marina Bay, you’ll catch breathtaking views of the Merlion, Esplanade, and Marina Bay Sands – all from the gentle sway of the river.

Tips:

• Best time to ride: 6:30–8 PM – catch the sunset and watch the skyline light up.
• Bumboats depart regularly from Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Merlion Park.
• Purchase tickets on-site or via apps like Klook/GetYourGuide for discounts.
• Bring a light jacket – it can get breezy on the water after dark.

Read More: Things to do in Malaysia

Catch the garden rhapsody light show at supertree grove

When night falls in Singapore, one of the city’s most unforgettable spectacles begins – the Garden Rhapsody. Held at the Supertree Grove in Gardens by the Bay, this free nightly light and sound show turns futuristic tree-like structures into a glowing symphony of color and music.

The Supertrees, towering up to 50 meters high, are already impressive by day. But when lit up at night and synchronized to dramatic soundtracks – from classical orchestras to pop hits and festive themes – they become absolutely magical. You’ll find both tourists and locals lying on the grass, eyes to the sky, completely enchanted by the performance.

Tips:

• Showtimes: 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM daily – arrive 15–20 minutes early to secure a good viewing spot (bring a mat or sit on the lawn).
• The Supertree Grove is free to enter and located outdoors, near Bayfront MRT (Exit B).
• Come after exploring the Flower Dome or Cloud Forest to end your evening on a high note.
• Don’t forget your camera – wide-angle shots from ground level look amazing.
• Check Gardens by the Bay’s website for special themed shows during holidays and festivals.

Explore hidden streets & Street art in Tiong Bahru

If you’re craving a slower, more soulful side of Singapore, head to Tiong Bahru — one of the city’s oldest housing estates, now transformed into a stylish neighborhood where the old and new coexist beautifully. This charming enclave blends pre-war Art Deco architecture, quirky street art, and hipster cafés in a way that’s irresistibly photogenic and quietly cool.

Wander down quiet lanes like Eng Hoon Street or Yong Siak Street, where you’ll spot murals peeking out from whitewashed walls, vintage barber shops next to specialty bookstores, and cafés serving everything from cold brew to kaya toast with a modern twist. Don’t miss BooksActually, an indie bookstore beloved by local writers, or Tiong Bahru Bakery, famous for its flaky croissants and relaxed vibe.

Tips:

• Best time to visit: early morning (8 – 10 AM) for soft lighting, cool weather, and peaceful streets.
• Bring your camera – colorful shophouses, hidden murals, and leafy alleys make for great photos.
• Pair your walk with a local-style breakfast at Tiong Bahru Market – don’t miss the chwee kueh or lor mee.
• Explore on foot – the neighborhood is compact and best enjoyed at a gentle pace.
• Some murals are tucked away in back alleys or side streets – look around every corner for hidden gems!

Relax with a morning walk at East Coast park

Need a break from the city’s buzz? Start your day with a gentle stroll along East Coast Park, where the rhythm of the waves and rustling palm trees offer a refreshing change of pace. Stretching over 15 kilometers along Singapore’s southeastern coast, this beloved seaside park is where locals come to jog, cycle, picnic, and simply breathe.

As you walk along the waterfront, you’ll pass sunrise cyclists, fishermen casting their lines, and families setting up picnic mats. The cool morning breeze, wide open skies, and the calming sound of the sea create a tranquil atmosphere that’s hard to find elsewhere in the city.

There are plenty of scenic pitstops too – from Bedok Jetty (perfect for sunrise photos) to the Marine Cove playground, to breezy beachfront cafés serving kopi and kaya toast. If you’re up for more than just a walk, you can rent a bike, join a tai chi group, or even take a quiet moment under the casuarina trees to meditate.

East Coast Park offers a slower kind of magic – one that invites you to unplug, reset, and reconnect with nature.

Tips:

• Best time to go: 6:30–9:00 AM for cooler weather and peaceful vibes.
• Getting there: Easily accessible by bus, or use the underpass from Marine Parade or East Coast MRT (coming soon).
• Bike rental stations are available at various points – look for GoCycling or SG Bike.
• Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat – even mornings can get sunny.
• For a post-walk treat, grab breakfast at East Coast Lagoon Food Village – try roti prata, nasi lemak, or a cold sugarcane juice.

Go on a night safari adventure

When the sun sets in Singapore, the wild truly comes alive. Night Safari – the world’s first nocturnal zoo – offers a one-of-a-kind journey into the mysterious world of nighttime wildlife. Instead of traditional zoo enclosures, animals roam in open, naturalistic habitats dimly lit to mimic moonlight, allowing you to observe them in their most active state.

Hop on the guided tram ride that winds through six geographic zones – from the Himalayan foothills to the Southeast Asian rainforest – where you’ll spot tigers, elephants, hyenas, and even elusive leopards. Prefer to explore on foot? Take one of the walking trails, like the Leopard Trail or Fishing Cat Trail for a quieter, more up-close experience.

The Night Safari isn’t just about seeing animals – it’s about immersing yourself in the rhythms of the wild. The “Creatures of the Night” presentation is a crowd favorite, showcasing the unique skills and behaviors of nocturnal animals in an entertaining live show. Add the sounds of the jungle and the glow of lanterns, and you’ve got an adventure that’s thrilling, immersive, and unlike anything else in Singapore.

Tips:

• Arrive by 6:45 PM to catch the Creatures of the Night show (seats fill up quickly).
• Book tickets online in advance – Night Safari is extremely popular, especially on weekends and holidays.
• Wear comfy shoes – if you plan to explore the walking trails, expect a fair bit of walking.
• Bring insect repellent, and a light jacket – it can get a little breezy at night.
• Consider a multi-park ticket (with Singapore Zoo or River Wonders) for better value if you plan to visit more than one attraction.

Try your hand at craft or cooking workshops

Want to take a piece of Singapore home with you — something more meaningful than souvenirs? Dive into the heart of local culture by joining a craft or cooking workshop, where tradition meets creativity and every moment becomes a story worth sharing.

Learn the intricate art of Peranakan beadwork, where patience and precision turn tiny beads into heirloom masterpieces. Prefer something hands-on with flavor? Roll up your sleeves for a local cooking class, where you’ll master the secrets behind iconic dishes like laksa, chili crab, or roti prata. You won’t just eat well — you’ll gain a whole new appreciation for Singaporean food heritage.

Workshops are available all over the city, often hosted by passionate locals in cozy studios, heritage homes, or even family-run restaurants. It’s an intimate, engaging way to connect with Singapore’s multicultural identity — and leave with skills (and stories) that last long after your trip ends.

Popular picks:

• Food Playground – fun, hands-on cooking classes with cultural storytelling
• Create Your Own Art at a Batik Painting Class
• Hands On Klay – craft unique Singaporean-themed ceramic pieces

Tips:

• Book early – weekend slots and popular classes often fill up quickly.
• Most workshops are conducted in English and are beginner-friendly.
• Check platforms like Airbnb Experiences, Klook, or Cookly for authentic, small-group classes.
• These experiences are great for rainy days, solo travelers, or those seeking deeper cultural insight.

Join a nightlife crawl in Clarke Quay or Haji Lane

When the sun goes down, Singapore turns up the energy – and its nightlife scene is not to be missed. From glitzy rooftop lounges to quirky indie bars, the city offers a spectrum of experiences for every kind of night owl.

For a lively night by the river, head to Clarke Quay – Singapore’s iconic nightlife district. Neon lights reflect on the water as music spills out from vibrant bars and clubs. Whether you’re sipping cocktails at Cuba Libre, enjoying live bands at Crazy Elephant, or dancing the night away at Zouk, there’s never a dull moment here.

Prefer something a little more eclectic? Haji Lane in Kampong Glam delivers a cooler, artsy vibe. This narrow alleyway is packed with speakeasies, microbars, and boho-chic hangouts. Try Bar Stories for bespoke cocktails crafted to your taste or sip something strong and creative at Going Om, where shisha meets street art and soulful tunes.

From riverfront glamour to indie alley charm, Singapore’s nightlife offers something for everyone – whether you’re up for a wild night or a laid-back drink with friends.

Tips:

• Happy hours usually run until 8 or 9 PM – come early for deals.
• Clarke Quay is busier and more mainstream, while Haji Lane is low-key, artsy, and best for bar hopping.
• Most venues require ID for age verification, so bring your passport if you’re a tourist.
• Friday and Saturday nights are peak – book tables in advance if traveling in groups.

Singapore is a city that never fails to impress – offering a blend of cultures, modern wonders, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re exploring vibrant cultural neighborhoods, enjoying world-class attractions, or indulging in street food delights, there’s something here for every traveler.

If you’re planning a Trip to Singapore, don’t hesitate to reach out to Style Travel – a trusted travel company with a team of experienced consultants ready to help you create a journey that is safe, exciting, and truly memorable.