Things to Do in Singapore
Singapore is one of the most efficient and rewarding cities on Earth for first-time visitors: impeccably safe, immaculately clean, with world-class public transport, food from every culture, and a density of extraordinary attractions that makes every hour count. It's not cheap — but the quality-to-price ratio is excellent.
Daily Budget Guide
Budget
$60–90
Hostel + street food
Mid-range
$130–200
3-star + restaurants
Luxury
$300–600+
5-star + fine dining
Top Activities & Experiences
Gardens by the Bay — Supertrees & Domes
natureMid-range — $28 for Flower + Cloud Domes; Supertrees freeThe Flower Dome (world's largest glass greenhouse) and Cloud Forest (35m indoor waterfall in a mountain of plants) are Singapore's finest paid attractions. The Supertree Grove is free to walk around.
Hawker Centre Food Marathon
foodBudget — $8–15 for a full meal spreadSingapore's hawker centres are UNESCO-listed cultural heritage and the world's best cheap eats: Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow, laksa, satay, chilli crab bun — all from $2–8 per dish.
Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
cultureMid-range — $32 observation deck entryThe iconic three-tower hotel with a ship-shaped pool on the 57th floor. Non-hotel guests can access the observation deck but not the infinity pool. Views of the entire Marina Bay at sunset are extraordinary.
Sentosa Island Day Trip
familyMid-range — $10–50+ depending on activitiesUniversal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark, S.E.A. Aquarium, cable car, and beaches all on one resort island. Universal Studios is worth at least half a day; Sentosa itself a full day for families.
Chinatown & Little India Walking Tour
cultureFree — Free self-guided, $25–40 guidedSingapore's ethnic enclaves are walkable and fascinating: Sri Mariamman Temple (oldest Hindu temple), Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Little India's Tekka Market, and colourful Kampong Glam (Arab Quarter) with Sultan Mosque.
Singapore Night Safari
natureMid-range — $47 adultsThe world's first nocturnal zoo: 35 hectares of rainforest where you tram and walk past 1,000+ animals active in the dark. Leopards, tapirs, fishing cats, and giant flying squirrels in near-natural habitat.
Pulau Ubin Cycling Day Trip
natureBudget — $5 bumboat + $5 bike hireAn island of Singapore frozen in the 1960s: kampung houses, dirt trails, mangrove forests, and wild boar. Cycle to Chek Jawa Wetlands for migratory birds and coastal views. One of Singapore's best-kept secrets.
Singapore Food Tour: Peranakan Heritage
foodMid-range — $65–85 guidedPeranakan (Straits Chinese) cuisine is Singapore's most complex food tradition: nyonya laksa, kueh, ayam buah keluak, and pineapple tarts with a cultural narrative. Katong neighbourhood is the heartland.
ArtScience Museum — Exhibition
cultureMid-range — $25–35 depending on exhibitionThe lotus-flower museum at Marina Bay runs world-class travelling exhibitions alongside its permanent collection. Housed in one of Singapore's most distinctive buildings by Moshe Safdie.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
natureFree — Free (National Orchid Garden: $15)A UNESCO World Heritage Site and 160 years old — one of Asia's greatest urban green spaces. The National Orchid Garden has 60,000 orchid plants including hybrids named after world leaders.
Free Things to Do in Singapore
- ✓Walk along Marina Bay waterfront at night
- ✓Supertree Grove evening (Garden Rhapsody free from ground)
- ✓Singapore Botanic Gardens (except Orchid Garden)
- ✓Pulau Ubin exploration ($5 bumboat only)
- ✓Haw Par Villa (bizarre free mythology theme park)
Best Areas to Explore
Marina Bay / CBD
MBS, Gardens by the Bay, ArtScience Museum, iconic views
Orchard Road
Luxury shopping, international hotels, convenience
Chinatown / Tanjong Pagar
Hawker food, temples, local atmosphere, boutique hotels
Kampong Glam / Little India
Ethnic enclaves, street art, affordable dining
Sentosa
Families, theme parks, beach resorts, Universal Studios
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Singapore worth visiting for just 2–3 days?
Yes — Singapore is compact and efficient. 3 days covers Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, hawker centres, Chinatown/Little India, and Sentosa. It's also an excellent stopover hub thanks to Changi Airport.
How expensive is Singapore?
Meals at hawker centres cost $3–8; restaurants $15–30/person; luxury dining $80–200+. Hotels run $80–120 (budget), $150–250 (mid), $300-600+ (luxury). It's expensive by Southeast Asian standards but competitive with European cities.
Is Singapore good for families?
Excellent. Universal Studios, Night Safari, Adventure Cove Waterpark, the aquarium, and Sentosa beaches are all top-tier family destinations. The city is very safe and easy to navigate.
What should I not miss in Singapore?
Gardens by the Bay (Flower + Cloud Domes), hawker centre meal (Maxwell or Lau Pa Sat), MBS SkyPark at sunset, Chinatown temples, and either Night Safari or Sentosa depending on your group.