7 Best Things to Do in Singapore For First-Time Visitors

When you think of Southeast Asia, you might think of pristine jungles, white sand beaches in a hot and humid country. Then, there is the other side of Southeast Asia, which happens to be one of the most expensive cities in the world. Welcome to Singapore! The cost may be high here, but it is after all, home to the largest infinity pool, and some of the best food in the world. You’ll also find impressive architecture, extraordinary gardens, world-class shopping streets. Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, a beautiful blending of the old and new. One thing for sure is that you’ll never be bored here! Read on for our picks of the best things to do in Singapore!

1. Gardens by the Bay

No ‘best things to do in Singapore’ list would be complete without Gardens by the Bay. The beautiful nature park is known for its supertrees which stand between 25 metres and 50 metres tall. There is an elevated walkway between two of the larger supertrees where visitors can enjoy a panoramic aerial view of the Gardens. In the evening, the supertrees come alive with two spectacular light and sound shows at 7.45pm and 8.45pm! 

And don’t miss the two conservatories – Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. The Cloud Forest mimics the cool-moist conditions of the tropical mountain regions. Apart from being completely clad in plants, it also features a treetop walk and an oft-photographed indoor waterfall. The Flower Dome is the largest greenhouse in the world with a flower field and eight other gardens. The display changes frequently, with exhibitions of exotic flowers and plants from different continents. All in all, Gardens by the Bay truly defines Singapore as a garden city and it’s one place you shouldn’t miss!

2. Marina Bay Sands

Another iconic Singaporean landmark, Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort for the ballers. If you have the cash to spend, you can do everything from bunking in one of the luxurious hotel rooms here, visiting a Michelin-star restaurant, trying your luck at the casino, and swimming at one of the highest infinity pools in the world. If you’re on a smaller budget you can still catch a glimpse of the pool along with some stunning city views. Simply go to one of the rooftop bars here for a drink or buy a ticket for the Skypark Observation Deck. The views are worth it!

3. Sentosa

Sentosa is an island resort off the southern coast of Singapore. Here you’ll find major tourist attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and the SEA Aquarium. Locals, expats and tourists also come here to hang out on the beaches, zipline at Mega Adventure Park, bungee jump at AJ Hackett, indoor skydive at iFly Singapore and many, many more. In short, the island is a mega attraction with different things to do for different types of people! If you’re travelling as a family, your kids will definitely love it here.

4. Pulau Ubin

An island northeast of mainland Singapore, Pulau Ubin was once known for its numerous granite quarries. But in the 1970s as the granite quarries closed down and jobs dwindled, residents began leaving. Today, the island is home to less than 50 people. Pulau Ubin is one of the last rural areas in Singapore, and stepping onto the island is like stepping into a time portal. The best way to explore the island is to rent a bicycle and just go where the road takes you! Pulau Ubin is one of the best things to do in Singapore, even for budget travelers, but especially for those who want to experience a different side of Singapore.

5. Haw Par Villa

We’ve shared about the ultra modern to the rural, now let’s talk about the bizarre. Haw Par Villa is an outdoor art park that is a feast for the eyes. It contains over 1,000 statues and 150 giant dioramas depicting scenes from Chinese mythology, folklore, legends, history, and illustrations of various aspects of Confucianism. The park recently reopened after nine months of renovation works, with Hell’s Museum reopening in October. The attraction offers perspectives of the afterlife across various religions. The infamous 10 Courts of Hell will show you what it’s like to be dismembered and drowned in a pool of blood. And learn how Singaporeans communicate with the afterlife! We promise you’ll never see dying – and living – in the same way again.

6. Newton Food Centre

Eating is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Singapore. There are so many great places to eat in Singapore, but Newton Food Centre is a must for every first-time visitor. It made an appearance on Crazy Rich Asians, and it was also Gordon Ramsay’s battleground when he competed in a cook-off with top hawkers in Singapore. There are close to 100 stalls here, so we hope you have a big appetite! Check out this article here for some of the best stalls to order from and dishes you must try.

7. Southern Ridges

To work off all that calories, go on a hike in the great outdoors and enjoy the serenity at the Southern Ridges. Comprising 10 kilometres of green, open spaces that connect five parks, these ridges are great for hiking enthusiasts, history buffs, shutterbugs, nature lovers, bird watchers and families. Henderson Waves is a structure not to be missed, connecting Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park. Standing 36 metres above Henderson Road, it is the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. Many visit for its artistic, distinctive wave-like structure consisting of a series of undulating curves.