Things to Do in Singapore
Prices, opening hours, best times to visit and the stuff nobody tells you, everything you need for a first trip to Singapore, plus one pigeon's opinions on all of it.
Right, Singapore. Strict rules, spotless streets, don't even think about littering, a tiny country that's become one of the busiest ports and financial hubs anywhere in Southeast Asia, home to a boat-shaped hotel balanced across three towers and a garden full of enormous artificial trees covered in real plants. This is the proper, no-nonsense guide to things to do in Singapore: what things actually cost, when to go, what to skip, and which bits deserve the queue. Three main stops below, plus a quiz elsewhere on this site to see if you were paying attention.
Singapore's Financial & Trade Hub Status
Singapore is a major financial and trade hub for Southeast Asia, one of the busiest ports in the world, despite being a very small country, a remarkable feat given the city-state's size, Singapore punches enormously above its physical size in global trade and finance.
The Marina Bay financial district, with its dense cluster of gleaming skyscrapers, reflects this economic significance directly, take a walk through the area in the evening when the district is fully illuminated.
Best time Evening
Address Marina Bay financial district, Singapore
Marina Bay Sands
An iconic Singapore hotel is famous for its rooftop infinity pool suspended between three towers, Marina Bay Sands, a boat-shaped platform balanced across three skyscrapers, one of the most recognisable pieces of modern architecture anywhere, the infinity pool itself is reserved for hotel guests, but the observation deck offers similar sweeping views to anyone with a ticket.
The wider Marina Bay Sands complex, including a casino, shopping mall, and museum, rewards exploring beyond just the pool and observation deck, time an evening visit to see the light and water show held on the bay each night.
Hours Daily, roughly 9.30am–10pm
Address Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Gardens by the Bay's Supertrees
Singapore's Gardens by the Bay features enormous artificial trees covered in real plants, called Supertrees, I have never seen a more elaborate perch, a striking piece of vertical garden engineering, some towering nearly 50 metres, the elevated skywalk connecting several of the Supertrees gives a closer look at the structures and the plant life covering them.
The nightly light show, synchronised music and lighting across the Supertree grove, is a great one to time a visit around, and it combines nicely with the indoor Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories nearby if you have extra time.
Hours Daily, roughly 9am–9pm; light shows in the evening
Address Gardens by the Bay, Singapore
Best time to visit Singapore
Singapore's equatorial climate stays hot and humid essentially year-round, there isn't a truly cooler season, plan around rainfall rather than temperature.
February and July tend to be slightly drier, good months to target if avoiding rain is a priority, though even wetter months typically bring short, heavy afternoon showers rather than all-day rain.
Getting around Singapore
Singapore's MRT (metro) is extensive, efficient, and covers the city well. Central areas around Marina Bay are also walkable, though the heat and humidity make the metro the more comfortable option for longer distances.
Frequently asked questions
- Is Singapore worth visiting?
- Yes, easily, Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay together represent some of the most striking modern architecture and urban design anywhere in the world.
- How many days do you need in Singapore?
- Three days covers Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and the wider city comfortably.
- Is Singapore expensive?
- Yes, one of the pricier Southeast Asian destinations, particularly for accommodation and dining, though hawker centres offer excellent, affordable food throughout the city.
- What is Singapore famous for?
- Being a major financial and trade hub for Southeast Asia, Marina Bay Sands and its rooftop infinity pool, and Gardens by the Bay's towering artificial Supertrees.
That's everything I've got.
A note before you plan around this: prices, opening hours, booking requirements and admission details in this guide were correct at the time of writing, but venues change these often and sometimes without notice. Always check directly with the attraction or its official website before you travel or build a schedule around a specific time or price.
Before travelling to any destination featured on this site, please also check your government's latest travel advice, as safety situations, entry requirements and travel warnings can change.
