by Chensiyuan / CC BY-SA 3.0
Asia’s Gateway to the Future
Table of Contents
A. About Singapore
Nickname: The Lion CitySingapore, one of the few city-states in the world with a population of around three million, is easily one of the world's most modern cities.
You will find stunning contemporary architecture like the iconic three-towered Marina Bay Sands Hotel with its rooftop infinity pool, the Gardens by the Bay with its futuristic "supertrees" or the showpiece arts center Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay.
If you like to observe animals Singapore has marvelous propositions from Singapore Zoo, regularly considered the best in the world, to the nearby unique Night Safari or the recently opened S.E.A. Aquarium — one of the largest and best aquariums in the world.
➕ The Good
Singapore is scoring extremely high for its safety and cleanliness, location, transport, and — of course — shopping, which is almost considered a national sport.
Furthermore, it offers a very solid lineup of interesting sights.
➖ Negative Aspects
The humid tropical climate with a lot of rain can be difficult to bear. In addition, Singapore is one of the most expensive cities in the world.
B. Best Things to Do in Singapore in 2024 (Detailed List with Photos and Information)
In total, we count more than thirty-five sights in Singapore. The following sights contribute to an impressive score of 6.9/10 in this most important category:
# Marina Bay Sands 7
This instantly recognizable highlight of modern architecture includes three gracefully sloping towers of 194 meters crowned with a 340-meter-long sky terrace that resembles an elongated yacht.
Finished in 2010 and costing $5.5 billion, Marina Bay Sands is one of the most expensive buildings ever constructed. While the world-famous 150-meter outdoor infinity pool on the roof is reserved exclusively for hotel guests, the SkyPark Observation Deck is open to everyone, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Singapore and beyond.
Skyscraper Total Height: 194 m | Observation Deck Height: 194 m | View Type: Outside Terraces | Completed: 2010
# Singapore Zoo 7
Deservedly ranking among the absolute best in the world, Singapore Zoo is renowned for its naturalistic enclosures, displaying animals in vast 'open' exhibits with hidden barriers, moats, and glass between the animals and visitors.
About eight hundred animals live in the zoo representing more than 315 species. Highlights include an impressive colony of orangutans, white Bengal tigers, and a Komodo dragon.
Zoo Opened: 1973 | Land area: 28 hectares / 69 acres | Species: 315 | Animals: 2,530 | Annual Visitors [2019]: 2,132,270 million
by Chensiyuan / CC BY-SA 4.0
# S.E.A. Aquarium 7
The S.E.A. Aquarium (South East Asia Aquarium) on Sentosa Island contains the world's largest collection of manta rays, including the unique giant oceanic manta ray in captivity.
It was the world's largest aquarium by total water volume until 2014 when it was surpassed by the Chimelong Ocean Kingdom. The centerpiece of the Aquarium is the Open Ocean tank with more than 18,000,000 l (4,000,000 imp gal; 4,800,000 US gal) and 50,000 animals. It is ranked the third-best aquarium in the world on our specialized list.
Aquarium Biggest Tank: 18.2 million liters | Total Water Volume: 45.2 million liters | Viewing Panel: ca. 36 m wide, ca. 8.3 m high | Tunnel: short one | Species: 800+ | Established: 2012 | Rank in The World: #3
# BOTANIC GARDENS 6
Open from dawn till midnight, with no entry fee (except for the exquisite National Orchid Garden) these beautiful UNESCO-listed gardens feature over 2,000 varieties of trees, plants, and flowers across seventy-four hectares (183 acres).
Botanical Garden 🌏 World Heritage Site: since 2015 | Land Area: 183 acres / 74 hectares | Opened: 1859
# Night Safari 6
Opened in 1994, Night Safari is the world's first open-concept zoo for nocturnal animals (including Malayan tigers, Indian rhinoceros, lions, pumas, and giraffes).
Inside this award-winning zoo, seven geographical zones can be explored either on foot via walking trails or by tram.
Zoo Land Area: 40 ha / 99 acres | No. of Animals: 1,040 | No. of Species: 120
by Allie Caulfield / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Gardens by the Bay 6
This futuristic nature park features 165 ft (50 m)-high "supertrees", a 419-ft (127 m)-long aerial walkway, and an impressive man-made mountain (115 ft, 35 m) with the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and breathtaking waterfront views.
Don't miss the fascinating show of choreographed multi-colored lights (daily at 7.45 pm and 8.45 pm).
Futuristic Park Land Area: 101 hectares / 250 acres
# Singapore River 6
Leisurely walk along the boardwalk or take a river cruise to explore the attractive banks of the Singapore River lined old-style bridges, old shophouses along Boat Quay, beautiful historical buildings next to the stylish modern skyscrapers of the Central Business District and Marina Bay.
by William Cho. / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Orchard Road 5
Singapore's world-famous shopping street is lined with not less than 24 shopping malls, six department stores, numerous brand-name stores, and giant advertising screens.
by William Cho / CC BY-SA 2.0
# Merlion Statue 5
With the head of a lion and the body of a fish, this 8.6-meters-tall white statue is the symbol of modern Singapore and has a fountain of water spurting out into the picturesque Marina Bay.
Statue Total Height: 8.6 m | Created: 1972
by Terence Ong / CC BY-SA 3.0
# Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple 5
Dedicated to the goddess Mariamman – the deity of disease and protection –, this Hindu temple from 1827 features an impressive gopuram (tower) over the main entrance.
Hindu Temple Erected: 1827
by Cenyic / CC BY-SA 3.0
C. Other Notable Sights and Attractions in Singapor
#11 | Thian Hock Keng Temple 5
Thian Hock Keng Temple, established in 1842, is a significant cultural and religious site in Singapore known for its traditional Chinese architecture.
by Bjoertvedt / CC BY-SA 4.0
#12 | Sultan Mosque 5
Sultan Mosque, also known as Masjid Sultan, is located in the Kampong Glam district of Singapore. The mosque is renowned for its stunning golden dome and impressive architecture.
by Chainwit / CC BY-SA 4.0
#13 | Clarke Quay 5
Clarke Quay, a historical riverside quay in Singapore, has been transformed into a vibrant nightlife and dining hub. It's a popular tourist destination known for its stunning river views and lively atmosphere, especially during the evenings.
by ScribblingGeek / CC BY-SA 4.0
#14 | Singapore Flyer 5
The Singapore Flyer, a 165-meter tall observation wheel in Marina Bay, offers panoramic views of Singapore in a 30-minute ride since its opening in 2008.
by Dikaiosp / CC BY-SA 4.0
E. Top 10 List of the Best Things to Do in Singapore (including close-by excursions)
To sum things up, these are the ten best sights we recommend you when visiting Singapore for at least three entire days: