Top Things to Do in Singapore: 15 Unmissable Experiences

Singapore packs more world-class experiences into 700 square kilometres than most countries manage in a million. Here are the things we'd genuinely insist you don't miss — from the obvious icons to the local secrets.

The icons

1. Gardens by the Bay

The Supertrees, the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome — futuristic, beautiful and free to wander at the base. The night light show is unmissable.

2. Marina Bay Sands skyline

Even if you don't stay there, the waterfront promenade, Helix Bridge and the nightly light show make this the city's beating visual heart.

3. Sentosa & the cable car

Island playground, beaches, Universal Studios and the cable-car ride in — a full day of fun.

The culture

4. Eat at a hawker centre

Chicken rice, chilli crab, laksa, satay — the hawker centres are the soul of Singaporean food, and the best of them hold Michelin stars at hawker prices.

5. Wander Chinatown & Little India

Two totally different worlds a few MRT stops apart — temples, markets, colour and food.

6. Visit the National Gallery

Southeast Asian art in a beautifully restored courthouse — a calm, cultured afternoon.

The wildlife

7. Singapore Zoo & Night Safari

Arguably the world's best zoo, plus the only night safari of its kind. Not just for kids.

The ones people skip (but shouldn't)

• Kampong Glam & Haji Lane — street art, boutiques and the best coffee in the city.
• Chilli crab at a local spot — messy, glorious, essential.
• A Singapore Sling at Raffles — touristy, historic and worth doing once.
• The Southern Ridges walk — a green canopy walk with city views.
• Marina Barrage at sunset — where locals fly kites over the skyline.

Quick questions, answered

What's the one thing I shouldn't miss?

Gardens by the Bay at dusk, when the Supertrees light up — it's free, and it's the city at its most magical.

How long do I need to see the highlights?

Three days covers the icons; a week lets you add the zoo, Sentosa and the lesser-known corners at a relaxed pace.

Do I need to book attractions in advance?

The big ones (Universal Studios, some museum exhibitions) are worth pre-booking, which our packages handle for you. Call 020 7946 0958 to build your Singapore shortlist.