16 Things To Do In Singapore

When I travelled Singapore, I learnt very quickly that it is perfectly acceptable to siesta during the day and explore at dusk and dawn.

I visited this this tiny, equator-hugging country in February, and while it's renowned for being hot and humid year-round, I found it particularly difficult to explore during the day (and this is coming from a Queenslander, where it's humid for 11 months of the year).

Singapore won't make you feel guilty about staying indoors all day. Remaining inside in the air conditioning is expected, and foot traffic in the middle of the day is rare.

Once the sun sets, Singapore is spectacular as it unfurls like a night-blooming flower. Shops and restaurants are open late, and the city comes alive with people and lights and music.

I stayed in Singapore for five days, which was perfect, if not bordering on just slightly too long. In five days, you'll get to know the city well, see the hot spots, and also wander through areas that you might not expect.

Here are 16 things to do in Singapore.

1. Gardens By The Bay

When you drive into Singapore from the airport, you'll catch glimpses of these famous Super Trees. However, it isn't until you are standing directly beneath them, or walking along the 'tree-tops' that you fully appreciate the size and wonder of the gardens.

Beyond the Super Tree Grove are various unique gardens that are beautifully kept and all offer a different persona or heritage, such as the Chinese Garden or the Fern Garden.

Arrive at the Gardens in the afternoon so that you can complete the tree-top walk, but stick around the Super Tree Grove until night-time as there are daily light shows that commence at 7:45pm and 8:45pm that run for 15 minutes. One of the best spots to view the light snow is nearby the Dragonfly Bridge - you'll be able to see the Super Tree's changing colour display as well as the accompanied colourful dragonfly eggs that float on the lake.

2. Cloud Forest and Flower Dome

These giant greenhouses sit against Marina Bay and are so much more than your typical greenhouse. A sheer hill covered in thriving plants and a gushing waterfall sits centre in the Cloud Forest greenhouse, and you can journey from the peak to the base thanks to the bridges and floating platforms they've built throughout the space. You'll capture so many incredible views, which again, isn't a typical greenhouse venture!

The Flower Dome is filled with various types of gardens, including a native Australian garden, that showcases the world's various flora and biospheres. It is an incredibly fragrant and colourful greenhouse that is large enough to easily explore for over an hour.

If you're looking for a daytime excursion, these greenhouses are a top choice as both are heavily air conditioned.

3. Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck

Capture an unrivalled view of Singapore from the architectural genius of the Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck. It's open to the public - you just need to buy tickets for the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck. Choose the ticket that gets you a "free" frozen Singapore Sling for a delicious drink and a boost of sophistication.

4. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

As one of the largest shopping centres I have ever seen, The Shoppes would not only be my go-to for trendy and big-brand shopping, but it is also fun to explore from an architectural perspective. It has multiple levels, a rain waterfall, and indoor canals that you can take a boat ride down. I guess because why not?

This is one of the main reasons I fell in love with Singapore - they are intentional and successful at blending nature into a heavily urbanised landscape.

5. Helix Bridge

Walk along this bridge to capture fantastic photos of Marina Bay, as well as of the kaleidascopic spindles of the bridge itself. The famous Singapore ice-cream sandwich carts can be found here as well, which I am super disappointed to say I didn't get to try due to my extremely filling lunch. They are said to be one of the best things about Singapore though!

6. Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade

Say I had collected an ice-cream sandwich, the best spot to enjoy it would have to be the waterfront promenade. You'll be gifted with stunning views of the business centre from the water. There are heaps of sun chairs that line the promenade, so it's a great spot to soak in the surrounds. We were lucky enough to watch a water light show and fireworks at night from the promenade as it was Chinese New year. Keep an eye out for events (Singapore likes to celebrate).

7. The Promontory

I have mentioned a lot of places that allow you to capture picturesque spots of Marina Bay, and here is another one that is worth the effort. It is a grassy meadow on the inner side of the Bay, and it gives you another great angle of the city. Think bright green trees that are towered by glinting blue skyscrapers. Trust me when I say, Singapore does not have a skyline you get sick of.

8. Merlion Park

The iconic half-fish, half-lion statue stands proudly in Merlion Park, and it was great to see the huge spouts of water that pour from the statues mouth night and day. It's quite the tourist-attractor, and you can either people-watch or join the crowds of people who stand below it, mouths gaping open, as though drinking the water in a fun optical illusion.

Merlion Park is on the opposite side of the bay to the Gardens, so it's a lot closer to town and easy to stop at for a quick photo.

9. Long Bar, Raffles Hotel

Although Singapore has endless eateries, architectural awe, and vibrant green spaces that all sing to the same tune (luxe, crisp, diverse), the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel is the perfect demonstration of exactly how fancy Singapore can be. This bar paints a classic plantation-era exploration scene, having retained its original architecture from when it first opened doors in 1887. Rattan ceiling fans, a spiral staircase, and a peanut shell covered floor teleport you back in time. All you need is a cigar and a pith helmet.

It is the supposed birthplace of the Singapore Sling - you'll pay a small fortune for it, but it is delicious.

10. Singapore Botanic Gardens

To enjoy a peaceful walk, the Singapore Botanic Gardens aren't far from the city centre and are filled with flourishing flora and lush meadows. In the centre of the gardens you'll find a variety of cafes and small boutique stores. You can take a seat after getting your steps in to watch the locals practice yoga or dog-spot.

11. Boat Quay

You can find a stretched hub along the Singapore River spilling with neat rows of restaurants. Boat Quay is the perfect spot to try as many different cuisines as you can think of. We didn't have an ordinary meal there, everything was wonderful, and no reservations are necessary. Simply wander down, browse the menus, and walk-in to whichever tickles your fancy. You'll eat with a broad view of the river and Marina Bay Sands as you dine outdoors.

12. Chinatown

Filled with brightly lit lanterns that dangle in the streets like red and pastel stars, Chinatown is as vibrant as it is loud. Brimming with markets and restuarants, I'd recommend visiting at night so you can enjoy the lights and the atmosphere of the late-night markets.

13. Burger Bar New York, Amoy Street

I thought I'd include this restaurant recommendation, as Burger Bar is super hip, hard to find, and has hella good burgers and loaded fries. Find it on Amoy Street, a quirky strip with British colonial buildings complete with the old-school window shutters. Amoy Street is filled with restaurants and bars, so take your pick if Burger Bar isn't your thing.

14. Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is an easy bus ride or cable car ride from the mainland, and it's the perfect place for families to spend the day. While we only visited the S.E.A Aquarium and Siloso Beach, there are a million things to do on Sentosa, and all are relatively accessible by cable car. The aquarium is a great place to start, be sure to check out the Open Ocean Habitat and the Shark Tunnel. Siloso Beach was lovely, and we found plenty of people swimming in the calm blue waters, but I would not recommend visiting at noon. We came away with a touch of heat exhaustion.

15. Little India

The name speaks for itself - this neighbourhood is abundant with Indian restaurants, markets, and gold jewellery stores. Vibrant street art fills the walls, wafts of fragrant flowers adorn doorways, and there are tonnes of people chattering in and roaming the laneways. Little India is a cool place to have a walk-through and to grab a bite of authentic Indian cuisine.

16. Orchard Road

Orchard Road is famous for its fantastic shopping scene. With malls lining the streets, you can find anything you'd need, and if you don't need anything, it's perfect for sophisticated window browsing. Definitely worth a visit, even if it's just to say you've been to Orchard Road.

That's all folks! I was able to jam pack this itinerary into five days, all while managing to siesta for a good few hours in the middle of the day to avoid burning out. Leave the outdoor activities for the evening and night time, and spend the daylight hours in the air-conditioning.