Flying to SG for the first time? You're in for a treat! Here's a list of the best things to do in this garden city.
Singapore is a tiny but mighty country in Southeast Asia. Know for its orderliness, cleanliness and efficiency, it’s no wonder visitors from all over the world flock here. From the moment you step off the plane to getting on the public transport, you’ll notice how the Little Red Dot stands apart from other Asian countries.
If it’s your first time travelling to Singapore, you’re in for a treat. Having lived there for a decade, I’ve put together 10 must-do experiences in this garden city — a mix of iconic sights and local gems that even frequent visitors will enjoy.
Singapore Overview
Country: Singapore
Country Code: +65
Continent: Asia (Southeast)
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Airport: Changi Airport (SIN)
Language: English, Bahasa Malaysia (Malay), Mandarin Chinese, Tamil
10 Best Things To Do in Singapore for first-timers
1. Fall in love with Jewel Changi Airport’s indoor water fall
Skytrain passing by at the Jewel Changi Airport. Photo: Lord Acuña
Landing at Singapore Changi Airport — consistently ranked the world’s best — is already an experience in itself. But what many first-time visitors don’t realise is that it’s directly connected to Jewel Changi Airport, a unique mall with shops, dining, and attractions.
At its centre is the Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, cascading seven storeys at the heart of Jewel. If you time it right, you might even spot the Skytrain gliding past mid-fall, which adds another layer of wow-factor. Additionally, Jewel offers attractions on the upper levels for both adults and kids. You could easily spend half a day here, although I recommend saving a deeper exploration for later in your trip.
Mall opening hours: 10:00 – 22:00
Cost: Free
2. Visit the Merlion, Singapore’s iconic symbol
At the Merlion Park with my parents.
Half mermaid and half lion, the Merlion is Singapore’s most recognisable landmark. Located at Merlion Park, it sits right along Marina Bay and offers one of the classic city views. The area is accessible at all hours. Do note, however, that the water-spitting statue occasionally undergoes cleaning or maintenance, during which it may be covered. So be sure to check ahead if this is high on your list.
Nearest MRT stations: Raffles Place, Promenade, Esplanade
Cost: Free
3. Be mesmerised by Marina Bay Sands
Few buildings define Singapore’s skyline like Marina Bay Sands. This five-star hotel consists of three towers topped by the SkyPark — a ship-like platform home to gardens, dining spots, and the world-famous infinity pool. A fourth, separate tower is also under construction. You don’t need to be a guest to explore the hotel. But if you plan to stay here, expect prices to start at around SGD 800 per night.
Average Cost: SGD 800++ per night
Nearest MRT station: Bayfront
Nearby attractions
The humongous luxury mall of Marina Bay Sands. Photo: Lord Acuña
Connected to the hotel is The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, a high-end mall featuring Southeast Asia’s largest selection of luxury fashion, watch and jewellery brands. In the middle runs an indoor canal, where you can hop on a short sampan ride that circles the Rain Oculus — a 22-metre-wide acrylic bowl that collects rainwater and fills the canal. There are also over 45 dining options here, plus the world’s first floating Apple store.
Nearest MRT station: Bayfront
Opening hours: 10:00 – 23:00
Also, just a stone’s throw away is the ArtScience Museum, Singapore’s most visually striking museum. Here, you’ll find a permanent exhibition, Future World, alongside rotating, limited-time installations. Expect immersive, interactive displays where art, science, and technology converge.
Nearest MRT station: Bayfront
Cost: From SGD 20
Opening hours: 10:00 – 19:00
4. Get lost in Gardens By The Bay
The entrance of Cloud Forest in Gardens By The Bay, Singapore. Photo: Lord Acuña
Across from Marina Bay Sands sits Gardens By The Bay. This futuristic nature park is home to more than 1.5 million plants from across the globe (minus Antarctica), blending lush greenery with bold, modern design. There are two main paid attractions: First is Cloud Forest which features a dramatic indoor waterfall and misty walkways. And the second is Flower Dome which showcases rotating floral displays from different regions of the world.
On the OCBC Skyway with my friend Augustin.
For elevated views, head to the OCBC Skyway, a suspended walkway linking two Supertrees 22 metres above ground. Or make your way up to the Supertree Observatory, perched atop the tallest Supertree for sweeping views over the gardens and Marina Bay.
Ticket Prices
Cloud Forest: SGD 23
Flower Dome: SGD 23
OCBC Skyway: SGD 14
Supertree Observatory: SGD 14
Opening hours: 09:00 – 21:00
(L) The Supertree during Garden Rhapsody. (R) The Planet aka Floating Baby sculpture by Marc Quinn. Photo: Lord Acuña
The rest of the gardens are free to wander around and just as worth your time. Stick around for Garden Rhapsody, the park’s signature light and sound show that brings the Supertrees to life every evening at 19:45 and 20:45. Best spot to watch? Right in the middle of the Supertrees. Once the show wraps up, head over to the left side of the gardens and keep an eye out for the Sleeping Baby sculpture — a large bronze artwork that appears to float mid-air.
5. More shopping on Orchard Road
Luxury brands at ION Orchard. Photo: Lord Acuña
Can’t get enough retail therapy? Orchard Road is the place to go. From luxury malls like ION Orchard, Takashimaya, Mandarin Gallery, and Paragon to more budget-friendly options like 313@somerset and Plaza Singapura, there’s something for every shopper. Bargain hunters should also check out Lucky Plaza, home to plenty of Filipino stores.
Pro tip: Spent at least SGD 100 in a single day? Don’t forget to claim your tax refund at the airport.
Nearest MRT stations: Orchard, Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut
6. Feel like a kid again at Universal Studios Singapore
The rotating globe at the entrance of Universal Studios Singapore. Photo: Dennis Acuña
Located on Sentosa Island, USS is Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park. With 24 rides, shows, and attractions spread across seven themed zones, it’s fun for all ages. Arrive early and grab an Express Pass to skip the lines and make the most of your visit.
Nearest MRT station: HarbourFront
Opening hours: 10:00 – 20:00
Cost: From SGD 83
7. Buy souvenirs and visit temples in Chinatown
The façade of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum in Singapore. Photo: Lord Acuña
Chinatown is buzzing with energy and colourful shops – perfect for picking up affordable souvenirs. While exploring, indulge in authentic Chinese dishes and don’t miss the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, a beautiful temple that’s free to enter. Interestingly, Chinatown is also home to places of worship from other religions, including the Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple and the Muslim Masjid Jamae – both of which are free to visit as well.
Nearest MRT stations: Chinatown, Maxwell, Telok Ayer
8. Explore the Singapore Botanic Gardens
My first ever visit to Singapore Botanic Gardens in 2015. Photo: Elvie Mones
The Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to tranquil lakes, lush greenery, exotic plants, and even one of the region’s first rubber tree orchards. Open daily, it’s also home to resident wildlife you might spot as you wander through the grounds. Fun fact: the Tembusu tree featured on Singapore’s $5 banknote can be found here!
Nearest MRT stations: Botanic Gardens, Napier, Orchard
Cost: Free
9. Taste local flavours at hawker centres
Smoky situation at Satay Street, Lau Pa Sat. Photo: Lord Acuña
Hawker centres are the heart of Singapore’s food culture, offering a chance to dig into local flavours. Don’t miss spots like Lau Pa Sat, the only hawker centre housed in a national monument, Maxwell Food Centre, where Dua Lipa and Lady Gaga once dropped by, and Newton Food Centre, famously featured in the movie Crazy Rich Asians. Grab a plate of satay, chilli crab, or Hainanese chicken rice, and experience Singapore one bite at a time.
10. Cross over to Johor Bahru, Malaysia
A day trip to Legoland Malaysia in Johor Bahru with friends.
Have some extra time? Take a short bus or train ride and step into another country for more fun (and passport stamps). Johor Bahru, or JB, in Malaysia is great for quirky cafés and cheaper shopping – sometimes 1/3 the price compared to Singapore! And of course, there’s Legoland, where you can spend the day at the theme park or even stay overnight at the Lego-themed hotel for the full experience.
Legoland Theme Park
Opening hours: 10:00 – 18:00
Cost: From SGD 65
And that’s a wrap! These are some must-do experiences you can fit into a 4–5 day Singapore itinerary. Which ones are you most excited to try?
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