Fun stuff to do on a friday night

Fun things to do this weekend

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Singapore this weekend or need some ideas for the school holidays, here’s a big list. The Expat Living team has had years of playing tour guide to friends and family! We’ve included fun activities to do with kids, free activities (like walks and picnics) and top places to visit in Singapore for all ages. For couples, there are still heaps of fun things to do in Singapore at night – with or without kids. And don’t forget to watch our short video on things to do in Singapore this weekend at the end of the article.

Cool activities with kids!

Speed thrills for kids of all ages

The Skyline Luge on Sentosa is definitely one of the top places to visit in Singapore, being a safe yet fun way of introducing track racing to kids. It’s an outdoor activity where a wheeled cart moves purely with the pull of gravity. Hop into the Luge at the top of Mount Imbiah, then ride your way down to Siloso Beach. It’s a great thing to do in Singapore for all ages and experience, though some age and height restrictions apply to ride alone.

Riders have full control over the speed of their descent as they navigate on purpose-built tracks. There are four tracks – Dragon Trail, Jungle Trail, Kupu Kupu Trail and Expedition Trail; each has specially designed features including hairpin corners, downhill slopes and tunnels to add to the fun. Luge ride packages also include a Skyride that transports you to the top of the tracks. This fun ski lift provides a sweeping view of the Singapore skyline and the South China Sea as well as the flora and fauna of Sentosa.

Special offer!

There’s an exclusive offer available on the Skyline Luge website: 2 Luge Rides for only $22! It’s a great way for two friends to enjoy two Luge and two Skyrides each. It’s available on weekdays except for school and public holidays.

skylineluge.sg

Spooky Fun at S.E.A. Aquarium

The S.E.A. Aquarium is one of the world’s largest aquariums; it’s home to more than 100,000 marine animals, representing 1,000 species across 45 habitats, easily one of the top places to visit in Singapore. Now, there’s yet another reason to visit: their Deep Boo Sea! If you’re a fan of Halloween-themed activities, there’s all kinds of fun activities for kids lined up from 2 September to 8 November.

If, like us, you’ve never seen Skeleton Divers or marine life trick or treat, head to the Open Ocean Habitat at 4.15pm on Tuesdays, Saturdays and Sundays for this interaction. Then, you can explore the Trick or Treat Trail, and discover the Spooky Secrets of the undersea neighbourhoods with Count Mobula. Be sure to approach the candy ambassadors for Halloween candies, too! On weekends, you can also meet and greet the Manta Mascots in their best Halloween outfits. This is easily one of the best things to do in Singapore on weekends for families.

8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island | rwsentosa.com/deep-boo-sea

Get some high ropes thrills!

Forest Adventure at Bedok Reservoir Park is one of the top places to visit in Singapore, abounding with fun activities for kids. The family-friendly treetop obstacle course has three courses catering to different ages and heights. You’ll also find options allowing tweens and teens greater independence to navigate most of the course on their own. Adrenaline junkies will love the Big Zip, an exhilarating 300-metre zip-line that takes riders flying over the reservoir.

With a total of 69 crossings featuring wobbly bridges, nets, balancing beams, and leap of faith, as well as 6 wind-in-your-face exhilarating zip lines across 3 separate age-appropriate rope courses, we promise it to be an unforgettable thrilling experience for both parents and children!

forestadventure.com.sg

Learn a trampoline trick or two

Take the school holidays to the next level with a BOUNCE Freestyle Party. At the popular indoor trampoline park, a Freestyle host will ensure that your children and their buddies experience an awesome two hours of non-stop excitement while enjoying various fun activities for kids on offer.

There are some great curated programmes lined up to suit any kind of party people, regardless of whether they’re at the beginner, intermediate or advanced stage in trampolining. Kids love learning tricks or having a go at something new, and a BOUNCE Freestyle Party is the ultimate active way to celebrate!

bounceinc.com.sg

Get into gaming

There are plenty of gaming options for children and adults, including the Sandbox VR experience just off Orchard Road. The immersive experience will see you go on exciting missions using the latest in VR tech. There’s also the huge family entertainment Timezone centre at Westgate (pictured); it has more than 200 arcade games and attractions in three zones, with plenty of fun activities for kids in Singapore.

sandboxvr.com | timezonegames.com/en-sg

Enjoy indoor play

Kiztopia at Marina Square is an indoor playground in Singapore where kids can burn off extra energy while also having a great time and learning new skills. Suitable for ages one to 12 years, it’s perfect for a family day out. This ‘edutainment’ centre has all sorts of interactive fun activities for children to play and learn.

kiztopia.com

Walk with the dinosaurs

There are 20 life-sized dinosaurs hanging out at Jurassic Mile. This is the perfect thing to do in Singapore with kids that love dinosaurs. The outdoor display boasts a huge Tyrannosaurus Rex, gigantic dinosaur eggs and more, across more than 1km of cycling and jogging paths. Need respite from the weather but still want some fun things to do with kids? Head to nearby Jewel Changi Airport and explore the maze, canopy park and plenty of other attractions.

Travel to Jurassic Mile on foot or by cycling from Hub & Spoke Café or from East Coast Park via the Changi Coastal Park Connector.

Family Activities to Do in Singapore

Skate the time away

Unleash your inner roller disco diva at Hi Roller indoor skating rink in Pasir Ris. Offering both inline and roller skates, the rink is home to certified instructors who can provide lessons for all ages. Fancy something a bit cooler? Singapore is home to a handful of ice-skating rinks, including family-friendly Kallang Ice World with fun activities for kids. Suitable for beginners or those looking to improve their skating skills, the rink at Kallang also has a handy gallery if you just fancy enjoying a hot drink and watching the skating action.

hirollersingapore.com | leisurepark.com.sg/ice-skating

Give kayak fishing a shot

Kayak fishing is a great outdoor thing to do in Singapore on the weekend. It combines the fun of paddling a kayak with the thrill and skill of trying to catch fish. Kayak Fishing Fever offers three itineraries, covering different distances; there’s The Playground with fun activities for kids (2-4 kilometres), Big Boat Small Boat (3-5 kilometres) and also Island Hopper (7-10 kilometres). Fish caught during the tours are returned to the sea as part of the company’s catch-and-release practice.

8850 8501 | fever.sg

Have a splashing good time!

Get your swimmers at the ready and book a ticket to Singapore’s first floating aqua park, HydroDash, one of the top places to visit in Singapore for adventurous spirits. Found at Palawan Beach on Sentosa, the floating obstacle course will get you, your friends and your family sliding, jumping and bouncing across inflatables. Put your balance skills to the test on the wiggle bridge; or show off your sliding prowess and monkey bar technique! This aqua playground is one of the top places to visit in Singapore this weekend.

Take the Sentosa beach shuttle to Palawan Beach for more fun activities for kids, or the closest parking is Sentosa Beach Car Park; tickets can be bought from hydrodash.com.sg

What to Do in Singapore This Weekend?

Soak up sun on Lazarus Island

For one of the best things to do in Singapore that involves sand and sea, jump on the ferry from Marina South Pier to Lazarus Island, next to St John’s island. A morning visit is your best bet; the powdery stretch of sand is usually empty, save for a few other day-trippers. Pack along some food and drinks for a sandy picnic, and enjoy splashing in turquoise waters. Although there’s zero infrastructure here, internet access is still decent (for folks who’d like to upload envy-invoking shots onto Insta…).

Board a ferry at Marina South Pier, 31 Marina Coastal Drive

Explore Sembawang’s hot spring park

Relax at Singapore’s only natural hot spring park in Sembawang, one of the best places to visit for nature lovers. With a cascading pool and flora walk, visitors can explore the rustic environment that’s reminiscent of old kampongs. Soak your feet in the footbath pool, explore the education zone or even cook an egg in the hot spring water at the designated egg cooking station. If you are searching for relaxing things to do in Singapore, look no further than Sembawang. It’s located off Gambas Avenue; for getting there and other information, visit the NParks website.

Join a hash house run

Hash House Horrors is a hash for kids – a fun-run with a difference. Participants are grouped in appropriate-sized pods and follow a trail of chalk, flour or paper through varied terrain, from the flattest pavements to the deepest jungle. The hash can take between 30 to 60 minutes, can often be a mudfest, and there’s plenty of Singapore wildlife to spot on the way for good measure. ‘Chalk’ it up as one of the fun activities for kids this weekend!

Go to hashhousehorrors.com/new-hashers for more information

Fun things to do this weekend

Ride the wake

Singapore Wake Park is the country’s only cable-ski park built in a lagoon at Singapore East Coast Park. It ensures a safe environment for both beginners and experienced riders looking for an adrenaline fix and unique things to do in Singapore. Promising all levels of fun and challenges, the park features three cable-systems catering for experienced, intermediate and novice riders.

More information on pricing and bookings can be found at singaporewakepark.com/home

Snow in Singapore

Yes, you can experience snow in the tropics – Snow City is one of the top places to visit in Singapore. Aside from fun activities for kids like tubing and snow play, you can also try skiing and snowboarding in this winter wonderland. Lessons for all abilities can be taken privately or in a group. So why not add this to your list of cool things to do in Singapore with friends. More good news: you won’t need to lug along your winter wear as jackets, pants and gloves are provided. So, suit up and take to the slopes!

snowcity.com.sg/SnowCity

Enjoy a leisurely cruise

The Royal Albatross is a traditionally-rigged ship. The only one of its kind in Asia, it sailed for 15,000 kilometres from Chicago to get to Singapore. With elegant carvings and interiors made from 100-year-old Kempas hardwood, the tall ship is the masterpiece of Hollywood rigger Jim Barry; he designed the ships on Pirates of the Caribbean! The signature Sunset Sail is a lovely way to cruise the southern coast, and enjoy drinks and dinner, making it one of the most romantic things to do in Singapore for couples. The luxury ship also offers fun experiences such as a thrilling mast climb and the chance to get behind the helm.

tallship.com.sg

Best Places to Visit in Singapore

Singapore Zoo and River Safari

Animal enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Singapore’s award-winning zoo. This is one of the top places to visit in Singapore, as it’s home to over 300 different species. There’s heaps to see in each zone – from baboons in the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia to komodo dragons in the Reptile Garden – as well as lively animal shows. Head to the Kidzworld area for fun activities for kids; there’s a water playground, obstacle course, farmyard animals and more. If their little legs get tired of walking, tour the zoo by guided trams.

While you’re here, the River Wonders next door is worth a visit too – it’s definitely one of the fun things to do with visitors to Singapore. The park houses over 6,000 animals that live in or along the world’s most famous rivers. Highlights include Giant Pandas and a cruise along an Amazon-like river.

… And stay on for the Night Safari! Stirring to life after dusk, the Night Safari is another one of the best places to visit here, offering an elusive look at beasts and critters that are soundly snoozing during regular zoo hours. While visitors are free to trek through the dimly lit park on foot, the guided tram is a wildly popular option for its unique insight into the nocturnal habits of the animals; you might even spot some friendly ones roaming freely as you trundle past. Mammals seen along the trails include spotted ‘laughing’ hyenas and also Malayan tapirs.

80 Mandai Lake Road

Explore one of Singapore’s parks

We’re spoilt for choice in Singapore for beautiful walks and hikes – and yes, they can be challenging too! If you are looking for free things to do in Singapore, head out into nature and see why Singapore earned the title of garden city. Take the Southern Ridges trail that weaves through the treetops of Mount Faber all the way to Labrador Nature Reserve, one of the top places to visit in Singapore. Or MacRitchie Reservoir, which, aside from being a great place for a jog, has five scenic hiking trails through the forest, ranging from 3km to 11km. Then there’s the Botanic Gardens (pictured); this must-see place to visit is a national treasure and also a top picnic spot. (See our picnic round-up for more!)

If you fancy something a little wilder for things to do in Singapore this weekend, try the Sungei Buloh Wetlands. Get acquainted here with Singapore’s unique wildlife or visit the recently opened extension that boasts a coastal boardwalk and a mid-canopy walk.

Check out our in-depth list of hikes and walks in Singapore here; for more information on specific parks, you can also visit the NParks website.

Stroll through Gardens by the Bay

The gigantic waterfront garden has a cool, futuristic feel and plenty of exotic plants, making it a wonderful spot for a leisurely walk. It’s definitely one of the top places to visit in Singapore at night. Must-see things include the Flower Dome, which focuses on Mediterranean flora, and the Cloud Forest, a misty tropical wonderland with a roaring indoor waterfall. (Until the opening of Jewel at Changi, it was the tallest in the world.) Want to get closer to the space-age Supertrees? Hit the Skyway trail after dusk for a surreal 22-metre high stroll amidst the glowing structures. If you have kids to keep amused, toddle off to the huge Children’s Garden. There are sprawling tree houses, a water play area and a toddler zone (free) with fun activities for kids. (But be sure to check for COVID-related updates on opening hours.)

18 Marina Gardens Drive | gardensbythebay.com.sg

Discover the backstreets of Chinatown

With its busy alleys and shophouses, Chinatown is ripe with Chinese heritage, making it one of the top places to visit in Singapore. It’s a great place to load up on souvenirs too! There are many things to do with visitors here – duck into shops for antique wares, Chinese tea leaves, traditional remedies, clothing and more, before stopping by the hawker stalls and eateries along Smith Street for a local meal. (Better to go in the evening when it’s a lot cooler!) Prominent places of worship in the area include the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple. Aside from historical sights, Chinatown is teeming with cool bars and restaurants to try; check out Ann Siang Hill and Club Street for some of the best spots.

Various streets, including Sago Street and Temple Street

Wander around Little India

The cultural enclave of Little India has lots of interesting lanes to explore. Savour Indian desserts from the famous Moghul Sweet Shop in Little India Arcade, visit temples or find out your fortune from a street-side parrot astrologer. Ladies will also love Little India for beautiful saris, cheap eyebrow threading and intricate henna tattoos. If it’s a unique late-night experience you’re after, try shopping at Mustafa Centre; the 24-hour shopping mall sells everything you could possibly want, and then some! No wonder it’s one of the top places to visit in Singapore for cultural richness.

Get up to your ears in art at the National Gallery

The National Gallery is home to the biggest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art in the world. There’s a whopping 8,000 artworks on display! If that sounds daunting for a family visit, visit the Kids & Families section of the website for ideas on fun activities for kids. The Gallery opened in 2015; it occupies the former City Hall and Supreme Court heritage buildings, making it the largest visual arts venue in Singapore and the region – matching the likes of Musée d’Orsay (France) and the Tate Modern (UK) in size. If you’re more “foodie” than “arty”, check out the plethora of restaurants and bars at the venue. These include modern French at Odette, and spectacular skyline views from Aura Sky Lounge & Bar.

1 St Andrew’s Road

Head up to Dempsey Hill

The former nutmeg plantation turned army barracks and now lifestyle enclave is a hugely popular haunt both day and night, and commonly regarded as one of the top places to visit in Singapore. There are tons of places to eat and drink, for any taste and budget; plenty of shops, too – particularly if you’re on the lookout for antiques of carpets! Grab a coffee from one of the many cafés and explore the area on foot. Not only will you find bars, restaurants, shops and art, but hairdressers, a spa, a women’s fitness studio and even a luxury pet hotel.

Find a list of Dempsey Hill tenants here

Chill out at Kampong Glam

A short walk from Bugis MRT, the Kampong Glam district has rows and rows of vibrant shophouses hiding quaint cafes, trendy boutiques, laidback bars, Middle Eastern restaurants and more. For a more traditional taste of Malay culture, one of the top places to see in Singapore is the stately Masjid Sultan Mosque, with its striking gold domes. You can also browse the old fabric and trinket shops nearby. In addition, families should make a pit-stop at the Children Little Museum on Kandahar Street for fun activities for kids, an archive of olden day toys, antiques and curios from the 50s to the 80s. You can’t miss the giant robot out front.

Boat across to Pulau Ubin

For just a few bucks, you can catch a 10-minute bum-boat from Changi Village to one of Singapore’s biggest offshore islands. Pulau Ubin is among the top places to visit in Singapore because it’s like taking a step back in time. Local villagers still live on the island; they offer an insight into what life was like before Singapore became a busy city. For around $10, you can hire bikes near the ferry point on the other side and cruise around the rural island for a good few hours. There are also some harder mountain bike trails, if that’s your thing. Keep an eye out for monkeys and wild boars; and don’t forget to head to the Chek Jawa wetlands trail.

Brave the fabled oddities in Haw Par Villa

One of the most unique places in the actual world (or so we think), Haw Par Villa has over 1,000 statues, not to mention the 150 dioramas, that dramatise Chinese legends and folklore. Have a laugh as you witness characters like Fu Lu Shou, Confucius and the Laughing Buddha doing some very odd things indeed! Ten Courts of Hell, Journey into the West and numerous other exhibits aim to take you on an experience through ancient times, complete with blood, gore and, erm, human crabs. The level of weird here is so famous amongst locals that it’s even inspired a homegrown music video.

262 Pasir Panjang Road; open daily from 9am to 7pm (free)

Tour Changi Chapel & Museum

For a poignant look back at Singapore’s wartime past, visit Changi Chapel & Museum. The museum reopened in May 2021 after a major revamp in 2018. Check out a never-before-seen 400-page diary, a dinner menu and a toothbrush fashioned from scratch. These artefacts shed light on personal stories of POWs and civilians interned here during the Japanese Occupation. Follow nhb.gov.sg/changichapelmuseum for news and updates.

1000 Upper Changi Road North; open daily from 9.30am-5pm (free)

Step into the past at Kampong Buangkok

Believe it or not, Singapore still has one surviving kampong (traditional village) amid the high-rise apartments. Home to less than 30 families, the cluster of zinc-roofed houses near Hougang has stood since 1956. It feels like a portal to the past! It’s common to see cats, dogs and chickens roaming about, as well as more exotic wildlife in the surrounding foliage. If you want to delve deep into kampong life, take a tour with Let’s Go Tour. Your guide will take you into the Kampong houses and really help you explore Singapore’s past.

5 Lorong Buangkok | letsgotoursingapore.com

Visit the National Museum of Singapore

The National Museum of Singapore is Singapore’s biggest museum, regularly featuring exhibitions of the island’s historical and cultural artefacts. Keep tabs on their website for their latest interactive workshops, outdoor movie screenings and fun activities for kids.

93 Stamford Road; open daily from 10am-6pm (free for citizens and PRs, $15 (adults), $10 (students) for others)

Cycle through Punggol Waterway Park

With its cycling and jogging paths along calm waters, Punggol Waterway Park is lovely for an afternoon jaunt. Bring along your bicycle or skates, or rent them from stalls along the stretch. You’ll breeze past a peaceful backdrop of nature as you ride. Bird-watchers have plenty to keep an eye out for too, such as rose-ringed parakeets and collared kingfishers. Also, kids can have fun running amok in the watery playground.

Sentul Crescent Road

Catch music and art at the Esplanade

The Esplanade’s intimate Outdoor Theatre often plays host to live music gigs spanning all kinds of genres; whether it’s jazz or pop rock, this is a decent chill-out spot by the bay. Look out for scheduled shows on their website. If your guests prefer visual candy, stop by Jendela (Visual Arts Space) at Level 2 for ever-changing exhibits, often spotlighting local artists.

1 Esplanade Drive; open daily from 11am-9pm

Visit the junkyard for knick-knacks

If shabby chic is your thing, you’ll love the junk shops that sit behind the Turf Club in Bukit Timah. They are piled – and we mean piled – high with everything and anything you might want in a home. Whether you’re looking for dining chairs, tables, desks, mirrors or storage, these shops have everything by the dozen and for insane prices. Simply dig (on your hands and knees through cobwebs sometimes!) through the pieces to find the item you love. Then take a photo and show it to the staff. They’ll come up with a price – and you can haggle a little too. On our last visit, we saw a huge vintage carousel, a life-size statue of Jesus and a wooden hot tub.

2 Turf Club Road

Try a durian!

This is one of the more adventurous things to do with visitors! The spiky, pungent ‘King of Fruits’ usually gets lots of extreme reactions and flak from foreigners. Whether you end up loving it or swearing off another bite completely, you have to try it once! Geylang is famous for durian stalls. For a wide selection, try Ah Hung Company. The latest updates can be found at durianhomies.sg.

204 Geylang Road

Visit Gillman Barracks

Taking roost in former colonial barracks, this art hub’s cluster of galleries always has cool contemporary shows going on. If you are looking for new things to do in Singapore, start in this happening district. After spending an afternoon gazing at the intriguing artworks here, retreat to one of the hip neighbourhood restaurants for a hearty dinner.

9 Lock Road | gillmanbarracks.com

Chill at a cat café

Close the doors to the hectic life outside and find a relaxing spot in one of Singapore’s cat cafés, one of the best indoor things to do in Singapore. Pay a small entry fee to enjoy a drink, relax in a comfy chair and enjoy interacting with the felines. Niko no Niwa (pictured) has over ten adopted cats in its premises; the minimum age limit for visitors is seven years. The Cat Café also houses only re-homed or adopted strays.

Take the plunge at iFly

The indoor skydiving complex lets guests float and flip in a state-of-the-art wind tunnel. At 16.5 feet wide, it’s the largest in the world. Since this does away with the daunting task of leaping out of a plane, it’s perfect for folks who get a bit jittery about heights – and kids! Aimed at ages seven and above, each ‘flight’ is supervised by fully-qualified instructors; they’ll train you before ‘take off’ and also keep you on the right track during the dive.

43 Siloso Beach Walk, #01-01, Sentosa

Get your thrills at Universal Studios

Get your hands on a queue-jump pass for a few extra bucks, or head down on a weekday for the best experience at Universal Studios Singapore. It’s not as huge as the ones in the US; however, a day in this wacky theme park definitely makes for a fun day out – with or without kids. Expect rollercoasters, 3D experiences, water rides and movie-set towns and eateries.

Scratch your head at the Trick Eye Museum

Snap-happy tourists will love the Trick Eye Museum for its bevy of interactive 2D and 3D scenes that make for fun, outrageous illusions. Just be sure to pose in the right spots (pointed out with markers)! You could find yourself balancing on a circus elephant’s trunk or flying on a broomstick. It’s a hilarious, lighthearted way to spend a few hours; plus, you’ll leave with lots of photos to baffle friends and family with.

80 Siloso Rd, Sentosa | 6592 0607

Visit a rooftop bar

With towering high-rise buildings at every turn, it’s no shock that Singapore is home to some of the best rooftop bars in the world. Not only are the views amazing, the drinks are top-notch too. Definitely one of the best things to do with friends in Singapore and visitors. Head here for our pick of the best bars to feel on top of the world.

Here’s some more interesting things to do in Singapore with friends

If you’ve got family, friends, overseas work colleagues or other guests coming to town and you’d love to show them the best of Singapore, here’s a potted list of things to do and see.

Go shopping

Let’s start with an obvious one! From international brands and neighbourhood malls to flea markets and bazaars, Singapore is a shopper’s paradise. Start on Orchard Road, of course, but don’t miss other retail centres such as Bugis Street and IMM. Orchard offers both high-end and wallet-friendly boutiques; Bugis is great for budget shopping (some stores will allow you to negotiate for a better deal); and IMM is the island’s biggest outlet mall, with an array of brand stores, such as Nine West, Club 21 and Nike, selling products at a lower or discounted price.

Orchard Road
Bugis Street
IMM

Eat at hawker centres

Food is crucial in Singaporean culture, and eating at a hawker centre – for the uninitiated, an area with a cluster of stalls that sells cheap food across a range of cuisines – is one good way to have your guests experience authentic local culture. Notable hawker centres include Maxwell Road, Old Airport Road, Lau Pa Sat, Tiong Bahru Market and Chomp Chomp in Serangoon Gardens.

Maxwell Road Hawker Centre
Old Airport Road Food Centre
Lau Pa Sat
Tiong Bahru Market and Food Centre
Chomp Chomp Food Centre

Travel offshore

Singapore’s offshore islands are vastly different from the mainland, and each is unique. Pulau Ubin has wildlife galore, from wild boars to monkeys, and outdoor activities including cycling, hiking and kayaking – take a bum-boat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. St. John’s Island, reached from Marina South Pier, offers bungalow chalets and bunks for short, rustic getaways, and outdoor activities such as fishing and swimming. (Rumours say it’s haunted at night!) Lazarus Island is within walking distance from St. John’s, and offers a beautiful, quiet beach.

Pulau Ubin
St. John’s Island
Lazarus Island

Ride the cable car from Mount Faber to Sentosa

Sentosa should definitely be on your list of places to go, and we recommend that you ride the cable car from Mount Faber across to the island. The trip will treat you to stunning bird’s-eye views of the harbour, various neighbourhoods of Singapore, distant islands, and Sentosa itself.

Singapore Cable Car Sky Network

Experience Singapore’s nightlife

Singapore’s nightlife scene is always changing and growing, but there are plenty of reliable areas for club and pub fun; these include Clarke Quay, Holland Village and Orchard Road. And don’t miss a tipple on one of the rooftop bars, such as CÉ LA VI at Marina Bay Sands, and 1-Altitude Rooftop Gallery & Bar; take in the stunning views of the city while you sip on your drink.

Clarke Quay
Holland Village
Orchard Road

Visit Singapore’s ethnic neighbourhoods

Singapore’s multicultural mix comprises a wide range of ethnic groups. Of these, the Chinese, Malay and Indian groups are the largest, and you can discover much more about each of them, and their history, culture and religion, in Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India respectively. Visiting these areas are some of the top things to do in Singapore.

Chinatown
Kampong Glam
Little India

Explore the past at the Asian Civilisations Museum

One of the region’s pioneering museums, the ACM tells the stories of Asian civilisations throughout its collections. You’ll learn about the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans and the history behind the island’s current multi-ethnic society. Recommended for anyone and as one of the best things to do alone in Singapore.

Asian Civilisations Museum

Get cultural at the Peranakan Museum

The Peranakan Museum exposes visitors to different aspects of Peranakan culture in Singapore and Southeast Asia, from the origins, fashion and food, to collections of Peranakan artefacts, such as furniture and jewellery.

Peranakan Museum

Gaze at art at the National Gallery Singapore

Singapore’s largest art gallery is housed in two iconic buildings that have played an important role in Singapore’s history – the former Supreme Court Building and City Hall. The gallery oversees the largest public collection of modern art in the country and Southeast Asia, comprising over 8,000 artworks.

National Gallery Singapore

Step back in time at the National Museum of Singapore

This is the nation’s oldest museum, and it focuses on exhibits related to the history of Singapore. A must-visit if you’re in any way interested in the history of the Little Red Dot.

National Museum of Singapore

Drop by the Merlion Park

Granted, it’s a little cheesy, but Merlion Park is still worth a look – if only for that one iconic photo with the statue of Singapore’s quirky half-fish, half-lion emblem. You’ll also get great views of the Central Business District (CBD) and the bay, with excellent restaurants and bars just nearby.

Merlion Park

Admire the Esplanade

Known for its unique architectural design – it resembles the durian, which we’ve discussed already (item #3) – the Esplanade is Singapore’s premier performing arts centre, with frequent shows held in its impressive concert hall.

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

Ride the Singapore Flyer

This giant wheel offers stunning panoramic views of Singapore’s iconic landmarks (Marina Bay Sands, the CBD, Merlion Park and more), and even neighbouring Indonesian islands and the Straits of Johor across to Malaysia. To add a special touch to the experience, book in for a dining flight by night.

Singapore Flyer

Be at one with nature

For a small island with a big population, Singapore has a generous swathe of greenery great for picnics, with highlights close to the centre including the Botanic Gardens and Fort Canning Park. These places are great for exploring and unwinding in –  though you’ll definitely need some shade! Further afield, Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and MacRitchie Reservoir are both great for hiking, and Coney Island is an ideal cycling spot.

Singapore Botanic Gardens
Fort Canning Park
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Coney Island Park

Moving to Singapore? Find more helpful tips in our Living in Singapore section.

Finally, if you’re planning to live in Singapore or if you’re new to our sunny island, read the digital edition of our latest City Guide!  

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