6 Things to Do in Singapore for First-Timers

First time visiting Singapore? We’ve got you covered.

With its year-round sunny weather and melting pot of culture, glitz, nature, and food, there’s always something to do in Singapore.

Here are 6 attractions you won't want to miss, especially if it’s your first time in the Lion City.

Jewel Changi Airport

If you’re travelling to Singapore by flight, chances are you’ll bump into this gem. Jewel Changi is a nature-themed shopping, dining, and entertainment extravaganza that’s designed by architect Moshe Safdie. The iconic Rain Vortex, a seven-story-tall indoor waterfall with suspended walkways is an epic sight to behold.

📍 78 Airport Blvd., Singapore 819666

Gardens by the Bay

No first-time visit to Singapore is complete without a visit to the iconic Gardens by the Bay. The award-winning park is known for its Supertrees which rise up to 50 metres above ground (that’s 18 stories high!).

These beautiful giants are sustainable vertical gardens that house over 162,900 plants of over 200 species. At night, they come alive with twinkling lights and a musical show.

📍18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953

Marina Bay Sands

There’s no mistaking the triple-tower Marina Bay Sands topped with a surfboard-like sky garden. The iconic hotel also made an appearance in Kevin Kwan’s cinematic Crazy Rich Asians.

Located 56 storeys up from the heart of the Marina Bay Area, the SkyPark Observation Deck boasts panoramic views of Marina Bay and Singapore’s world-class cityscape.

While you’re at it, check out the ArtScience Museum, which houses immersive and interactive installations.

📍 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956

Merlion Statue

Half-lion and half-fish, the mythical Merlion is Singapore’s national icon. The Merlion’s fish body symbolises Singapore’s origins as a fishing village, known as Temasek, and the lion head represents the city’s original name, Singapura (which means lion city in Sanskrit).

The legendary symbol stands at 8.6 metres tall and weighs 70 tonnes. Catch a glimpse of it at Merlion Park, in front of Fullerton Hotel and overlooking Marina Bay.

📍 1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049213

Culture Trip

Singapore is a melting pot of culture with historical sites that look like scenes straight from a movie.

Chinatown: One of Singapore’s most colourful districts, Chinatown is packed with bargain finds, delicious street food, fascinating markets, traditional shops, and modern boutiques. If you’re daring, try the legendary Durian fruit!

Kampung Glam: Named after the native Gelam tree, Kampung Glam was Singapore’s original Malay and Muslim district. Today, it’s home to some of the country’s oldest buildings, like the Masjid Sultan built in 1826. Swing by Haji Lane and Arab Street, which are must-sees for art lovers.

Little India: Just like its name suggests, Little India is home to Singapore’s Indian community. It’s home to colourful and exotic spices, charming shops selling fragrances, oils, and flowers, and some of the tastiest Indian food in the city.

Sentosa Island

You’ll need a whole day (or more!) just to explore the sights Sentosa Island has to offer. The island features numerous elegant hotels, sandy white beaches, and is also home to The Adventure Cove Waterpark which offers thrilling water slides and snorkelling adventures.

Universal Studios Singapore is also located in the Resorts World mecca of Sentosa Island, with seven epic zones for you to explore.

You won’t want to miss the aquatic beauty of the S.E.A Aquarium, one of the world’s largest aquariums with over 100,000 ocean creatures of 1000 species.

📍 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269

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