The Ultimate Singapore Bucket List: 25 Experiences Worth Your Time

Singapore is one of those destinations that completely surprises you — a mix of futuristic skylines, lush gardens, world-class food, and hidden gems you don’t expect.

Whether it’s your first visit or you’re coming back for more, this Singapore bucket list covers the absolute must-do experiences, plus a few unique spots most people miss.

From iconic landmarks to local favourites, here are the best things to do in Singapore.

Is Singapore worth visiting?

Yes — Singapore is one of the best destinations in Asia, known for its futuristic skyline, world-class food, and unique mix of cultures. Whether you’re into luxury, street food, or nature, there are endless things to do in Singapore for every type of traveller.

Iconic Singapore Bucket List Experiences

1. Visit Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

No Singapore bucket list is complete without visiting Marina Bay Sands.

While the famous infinity pool is reserved for hotel guests only, you can still experience the views from the SkyPark Observation Deck — and honestly, it’s just as impressive.

Best time to visit: sunset → watch the city transition from day to night
Tip: book your ticket in advance to skip queues

2. Shop at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

The Shoppes are grand and utmost luxurious! In fact this is Southeast Asia’s largest collection of luxury fashion, watch and jewellery brands, as well as exclusive emerging labels and children’s collections. From Chanel to Gucci, you will find any designer brand you’re looking for so do expect to pay a pretty penny here.

3. Watch the Marina Bay Light Show

One of the easiest (and best) free things to do in Singapore is the Marina Bay Sands light show.

Set against the skyline, this 15-minute show combines water, lasers and music — and it’s genuinely worth planning your evening around.

When:

• Sun–Thurs: 8pm & 9pm
• Fri–Sat: 8pm, 9pm & 10pm

Best viewing spot: in front of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands

If you’re planning a bigger trip beyond Singapore:

4. Swim in the Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool

Not only do you get to dip your toes into the world’s largest infinity pool, but there are epic city views that await! Alas, you can only tick this one off your Singapore Bucket List if you are staying at the hotel as a guest, but at least you will also get to say you have stayed at one of the world’s most iconic hotels!

Travel Tip: Not staying at the Marina Bay Sands hotel but still want an epic view? You can purchase tickets to the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck up to one month in advance.

Bonus- There is also a Casino inside Marina Bay Sands with free entry for tourists as long as you have your passport!

5. See the Merlion at Merlion Park

It might be touristy, but seeing the Merlion Park is still one of the most iconic things to do in Singapore.

It’s a quick stop — but the views across Marina Bay (especially with Marina Bay Sands in the background) make it worth it.

Best time to go: early morning or late evening to avoid crowds

Planning to visit Australia?

6. Ride the Singapore Flyer

For a different perspective of the city, hop on the Singapore Flyer — one of the largest observation wheels in the world.

You’ll get panoramic views across the entire city (and even into Malaysia on a clear day).

Best time: sunset or after dark
Duration: ~30 minutes per rotation

7. Scope out Chinatown

Chinatown is one of the most vibrant areas in Singapore, blending culture, food, and history all in one place.

You’ll find:

• street food
• temples
• boutique shops
• buzzing nightlife

Don’t miss:

• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
• Sri Mariamman Temple

8. Eat Delicious Food at a Hawker Centre

If there’s one thing you have to do in Singapore — it’s eat at a hawker centre.

This is where you’ll find some of the best food in the city at ridiculously cheap prices.

Must-try dishes:

• Hainanese chicken rice
• Laksa
• Satay
• Chilli crab

Where to go:

• Maxwell Food Centre
• Lau Pa Sat (especially for satay at night 🔥)
• Chinatown Complex Food Centre

👉 Don’t miss Tian Tian Chicken Rice — it’s one of the most famous stalls in Singapore for a reason.

9. Try Michelin-Star Hawker Food

Yes — Singapore is home to some of the cheapest Michelin-starred meals in the world.

You can literally eat award-winning food for under $10 SGD.

👉 This is something most people don’t realise — and it’s 100% worth adding to your Singapore bucket list.

10. Visit Kampong Glam & Haji Lane

Centred around Sultan Mosque, Kampong Glam is known for its mix of heritage and trendy city vibes.

Just around the corner, Haji Lane is packed with:

• colourful street art
• boutique shops
• aesthetic cafés

👉 One of the best spots in Singapore for content.

11. Wander Through Little India

Little India is a complete contrast to the rest of the city — loud, colourful, and full of energy.

Expect:

• vibrant temples
• spice markets
• incredible Indian food

👉 It’s one of the most unique areas to explore in Singapore.

12. Visit Gardens by the Bay

Singapore is well-known for its love of nature and its efforts to maintain a beautiful, clean city. Gardens By the Bay is a must on your Singapore Bucket List.

If you’re looking for things to do in Singapore on a budget then this is definitely the one for you. The best part? Entry to the gardens is completely free.

13. The Supertree Grove

Come at sunset and stay for the light show (7:45pm & 8:45pm).

👉 You can also walk the OCBC Skyway for a higher view for a small fee.

14. Flower Dome

Step inside the Flower Dome and you’ll instantly feel like you’ve escaped Singapore’s humidity.

This massive glass greenhouse recreates cool, dry climates from around the world — think Mediterranean landscapes, South African plants, and seasonal floral displays that change throughout the year.

👉 Depending on when you visit, you might catch:

• tulip displays
• cherry blossoms
• themed seasonal exhibits

It’s also home to ancient olive trees and giant baobabs, which make it feel completely different from anything else in Singapore.

Good to know:

• Less “wow” than Cloud Forest — but still worth seeing
• Fully air-conditioned (a nice break from the heat)
• Flat and easy to walk through

👉Want more tips for visiting Gardens by the Bay?

15. Cloud Forest

If you only visit one conservatory — make it the Cloud Forest.

As soon as you walk in, you’re hit with a blast of cool air and the sight of a 35-metre indoor waterfall cascading down a lush, mist-covered mountain.

You’ll then take a lift to the top and slowly work your way down via elevated walkways, passing through:

• misty rainforest zones
• unique high-altitude plants
• panoramic viewing platforms

👉 It genuinely feels like stepping into another world.

Good to know:

• Can get busy — go early or later in the day
• Cooler and more immersive than the Flower Dome
• Slightly darker / moodier atmosphere (great for photos)

👉 Get your Gardens by the Bay tickets

Skip the lines and secure your entry in advance:

16. Sip on a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar (Raffles Hotel)

I can’t help but get a little bit excited when I talk about my experience at Raffles Hotel.

If you’re looking for a classic Singapore experience, head to Raffles Hotel Singapore and grab a Singapore Sling at the iconic Long Bar.

Yes — it’s expensive (~$27 SGD), but you’re paying for the experience.

👉 Think:

• a cocktail with over 100 years of history
• colonial architecture
• peanut shells on the floor

17. Visit Singapore Zoo & Night Safari

The Singapore Zoo is one of the best wildlife experiences in Asia.

You can choose from:

• Singapore Zoo → over 2,800 animals
• Night Safari → see animals in their natural night habitat
• River Wonders → home to giant pandas
• Bird Paradise → massive aviaries

👉 If you have time, combining Zoo + Night Safari in one day is 100% worth it.

💡 Tip: The combo ticket for both conservatories is the best value — and you’ll get to experience both the lush rainforest of the Cloud Forest and the seasonal displays inside the Flower Dome.

18. Visit Jewel Changi Airport (Rain Vortex)

Even if you’re not flying, Jewel Changi Airport is worth visiting just to see the Rain Vortex — the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.

👉 It’s one of the most impressive (and unexpected) things to do in Singapore.

19. Walk the MacRitchie Treetop Walk

For something completely different, head to MacRitchie Treetop Walk.

This suspension bridge sits high above the rainforest canopy and gives you a rare chance to see Singapore’s wild side.

👉 Go early — it gets hot quickly.

20. Explore Pulau Ubin

Pulau Ubin feels like stepping back in time.

Think:

• rustic villages
• nature trails
• bike riding

👉 It’s one of the last places to experience old-school Singapore.

21. Visit Singapore Botanic Gardens

A peaceful escape from the city, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is perfect for a slower morning.

👉 Don’t miss the National Orchid Garden — it’s the highlight.

22. Visit Universal Studios Singapore

Located on Sentosa Island, Universal Studios Singapore is perfect if you want a fun, high-energy day.

Expect:

• movie-themed rides
• roller coasters
• live shows

👉 It’s especially worth it if you’re travelling with friends or just want a break from sightseeing.

🎟️ Get your Universal Studios tickets

Skip the queues and secure your entry:

23. Spend a day on Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is basically Singapore’s playground.

You’ll find:

• beaches
• beach clubs
• resorts
• attractions all in one place

👉 You can easily spend an entire day here.

Planning Your Next Trip?

24. Ride the Skyline Luge

One of the most underrated things to do in Singapore — and way more fun than expected.

You control your own cart as you ride down winding tracks through Sentosa.

👉 It’s fast, chaotic (in a good way), and addictive.

🎟️ Book Skyline Luge tickets

25. Take the Singapore Cable Car

For one of the best views in Singapore, hop on the Singapore Cable Car.

It connects Mount Faber to Sentosa and gives you:

• a really unique perspective of the city
• panoramic harbour views
• skyline views

What was your favourite part about visiting Singapore? Comment below!

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As always, all thoughts and opinions are my own.
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