Things to Do in Singapore

The iconic Merlion statue spouting water into Marina Bay. Compact spot with classic photo op against the CBD skyline and Esplanade.

🕐 24 hours

💡 Go at 7am for fewer tourists and better light. The view is free—skip the paid river cruises.

The outdoor waterfront gardens and Supertree Grove are free to access. Skip the paid conservatories—the outdoor area is vast, with themed gardens and a good view of Marina Bay.

🕐 Outdoor gardens open 5am-2am daily

💡 Visit just before sunset to see the Supertrees light up gradually. The Garden Rhapsody light show is free at 7.45pm and 8.45pm daily.

A UNESCO World Heritage site with 82 hectares of tropical greenery, a rainforest zone and a swan lake. The National Orchid Garden costs a few dollars, but the rest is free.

🕐 5am-midnight daily; visitor centre 8am-6pm

💡 Go early weekday mornings to avoid the humidity and crowds. The free guided walking tour at 9am (Sat) is worth joining.

A 15km waterfront park with cycling paths, barbecue pits and a beach. Public access is free—bring a picnic, rent a bike from one of the kiosks for S$8-12 per hour.

🕐 24 hours; bike rental shops roughly 9am-6pm

💡 Cycle east from the Marine Parade area—you’ll hit the quieter end. The hawker centre at the Bedok Jetty end has cheap seafood.

Not the paid museum—the self-guided walking trail through Chinatown’s shophouses, temples (Buddha Tooth Relic Temple free entry) and wet markets. Pick up a free map from the visitor centre.

🕐 Trail accessible 24h; visitor centre 10am-6pm

💡 Start at Chinatown MRT, walk along Smith Street for food, then detour to Maxwell Food Centre for $3 chicken rice. The trail takes about 1.5 hours.