Quick answer: In Singapore, don’t miss Gardens by the Bay (the free Supertree Grove and its light show at 7:45pm and 8:45pm, with both domes at S$46), the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, the hawker centres, Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam, Sentosa with Universal Studios, the Night Safari and Jewel Changi. Plenty is free, from the light shows and the Merlion to the temples and the Botanic Gardens.
Singapore rewards both big-ticket attractions and simple wandering between neighbourhoods. Here are the 20 best things to do, grouped by area, with 2026 prices where they apply.
Marina Bay and the Civic District
- Gardens by the Bay: the Supertree Grove is free, and the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest cost S$46 together for adults. See tickets and tips.
- Garden Rhapsody: the free Supertree light-and-music show runs nightly at 7:45pm and 8:45pm.
- The Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck: a 56th-floor view for about S$35 by day and S$39 at night. See SkyPark tickets.
- The Merlion and the Marina Bay waterfront loop: walk the Helix Bridge and the promenade at dusk.
- Spectra: the free light and water show at the Event Plaza in front of Marina Bay Sands each evening.
- The National Gallery Singapore: Southeast Asian art in the former Supreme Court and City Hall.
- A Singapore River cruise: a bumboat ride from Clarke Quay to Marina Bay.
Neighbourhoods and food
- Chinatown: the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, the Sri Mariamman Temple and street markets.
- Hawker centres: Maxwell, Chinatown Complex, Lau Pa Sat and Newton for chicken rice, laksa and satay.
- Little India: the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Tekka Centre and colourful streets.
- Kampong Glam: the Sultan Mosque, Haji Lane boutiques and Arab Street cafés.
- Joo Chiat and Katong: pastel Peranakan shophouses and Katong laksa.
- Tiong Bahru: Art Deco flats, cafés and the wet market.
Nature and wildlife
- The Singapore Botanic Gardens: a UNESCO site that is free to enter, with the National Orchid Garden ticketed separately.
- The Singapore Zoo and Night Safari at Mandai: open-concept enclosures, and a nocturnal tram ride.
- Bird Paradise: huge walk-through aviaries, also at Mandai.
- The Southern Ridges and Henderson Waves: a free elevated walk through the treetops.
Sentosa and the airport
- Universal Studios Singapore: from S$83 for adults. See tickets and tips.
- Sentosa beaches and the cable car: Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong beaches, plus the SEA Aquarium.
- Jewel Changi: the Rain Vortex waterfall is free to see and well worth a stop before your flight.
Compare Singapore attraction tickets and combo passes.
Tips
- Do the outdoor sights in the morning or evening, and hide in the museums and malls at midday.
- Carry an umbrella, because tropical downpours are short but heavy.
- Book big attractions online, which is usually cheaper and skips the queues.
More Singapore guides
- Singapore travel guide
- Singapore itinerary: 2, 3 or 4 days
- Where to stay in Singapore
- Gardens by the Bay tickets and light show
- Marina Bay Sands SkyPark tickets
- Universal Studios Singapore tickets
- Changi Airport to the city
- Best time to visit Singapore
FAQ: Things to do in Singapore
What can you do in Singapore for free?
You can see the Supertree Grove and Garden Rhapsody, Spectra, the Merlion, the Botanic Gardens, the temples in Chinatown and Little India, the Southern Ridges and Jewel’s Rain Vortex.
What is Singapore’s most famous attraction?
Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands, which sit next to each other on Marina Bay.
Is 3 days enough in Singapore?
Yes, for the highlights. See our Singapore itinerary.
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