Things to do in Singapore for the first time visitor
If you are planning to visit the island nation of Singapore, know that you are about to embark on one of the greatest adventures in the world. One of the many attractions of this beautiful place is the fact that there are many things to do in Singapore!
With the most incredible tropical climate, fantastic weather all year round (with just a little more rain than usual in February) and a bunch of fun things to do in town – especially for those First-time visitors to Singapore – Singapore is the ultimate destination.
What makes this island nation so charming is that it’s perfect for all types of travelers including couples, families, solo travelers, foodies and party lovers. There is a rich list of restaurants and bars to try and numerous family-friendly attractions to explore that will both shock and delight you.
With so many things to see and do in Singapore, it can be overwhelming for a newcomer to the city. So if you’re planning your first trip to Singapore, below is a list of top things to do in the city for a first-time visitor to Singapore.
related reading: Exploring Singapore for the first time
Activities for the first time visitor in Singapore
1. City tour
A great way to get a quick overview of a new city is on a walking tour. You always seem to experience so much more when exploring a city on foot than by bus. It also gives you a better sense of the area when you can see, taste and smell your way through the streets. Luckily there are numerous Hiking tours in Singaporeincluding some free ones to watch out for.
The people around are very helpful and friendly, so feel free to ask the locals about these free walking tours. It is recommended that you do some walking tours on your first day in the city as this will give you a better idea of which areas you would like to explore further over the next few days. Keep some sort of notebook or open your Notes app on your phone to help you remember all the places you want to visit.
2. Gardens by the Bay
No beginner’s guide to Singapore would be complete without mentioning the well-loved ones Gardens by the Bay. It is without a doubt one of the best examples of responsible tourism Singapore has to offer. This beautiful natural park is known for its Super trees that are 16 stories talland will definitely keep you entertained for hours, so give yourself plenty of time to visit these Gardens by the Bay Singapore.
Also remember that some of the Supertrees are connected by a skywalk from which you can get a glimpse of the gardens. It’s recommended to stay until evening when the lights come on and the trees perform a ‘Garden Rhapsody’ light and music show. Trust us when we say you have to experience this before you go.
Buy your tickets below:
3. Marina Bay Sands
This is another epic Singapore landmark. This luxury hotel complex consists of three high-rise buildings connected by the most unreal infinity pool overlooking the city. If you can’t afford to swim in it one of the tallest infinity pools in the world (reserved for hotel guests only), you can still catch a glimpse of it, along with some stunning views of the city, if you head to one of the rooftop bars for a drink – the view is worth it! Bring a camera, you will want to take pictures.
4. Orchard Street
If you consider yourself to be quite the shopaholic then you most likely already know all about them infamous 1.4-mile Orchard Road. It’s packed with shops of all kinds, from discounters to high-end boutiques. Even if you’re not a keen shopper, Orchard Road is a lovely stroll through town, with the giant angsana trees shading the streets.
Starting on Orchard Road you can literally walk through three of the city’s main shopping districts (including Somerset and Dhoby Ghaut) to Town Hall. It’s also a great place to pick up some souvenirs for friends back home!
5. Museum hopping
If you’re looking for a more cultural experience, you’ll be pleased to know that Singapore has some really good museums that offer a mix of cultural and futuristic exhibitions. That National Gallery Singapore is the city’s arts center with a gallery of unique art that showcases the region’s heritage and history. The Singapore Art Museum showcases contemporary art from Singapore and Southeast Asia, including sculpture, painting, moving media and installation art. Better yet, it also has free entry on Friday nights!
6. Sentosa Island
You will find the Universal Studios Theme Park Singapore at Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island. For families this is a must. But even if you’re not traveling with kids, this theme park is great fun and a great way to enjoy a day in the glorious sun. There are seven movie themed zones and each is uniquely designed with breathtaking and exciting rides and attractions.
If you don’t want to spend all day in one theme park, you can go to the nearby ones artificial beach of Sentosa, with many restaurants and bars nearby. When it comes to beaches in Singapore, this is definitely one of the favourites.
Purchase your Universal Studios Singapore admission ticket below:
7. Chinatown
If you are a die-hard foodie, you will absolutely fall in love with China Town! Singapore’s China Town is known for its delicious street food and fascinating markets. Here you can taste the “most fragrant fruit in the world”, the durian fruit, as well as various other Asian cuisines. Be prepared to be inundated with numerous different smells and a hustle and bustle everywhere. It’s best to go at night to fully experience the hustle and bustle of the area while indulging in a delicious dinner.
8. Little India
Like China Town, Singapore’s Little India will take your senses on a whirlwind journey. you will find it some of the tastiest Indian food in town here including many vegetarian options. There are also lovely little shops selling fragrances, oils, flowers and spices. It’s a great taste of Indian culture. It is truly an experience not to be missed.
9. Clarke Quay
Located on Singapore’s riverfront, Clarke Quay is a bustling center full of restaurants, bars and nightclubs. It’s busy every day of the week and makes for a fun (and slightly glamorous) night out on the town. There is also a boat trip you can take from here to explore the riverbanks and take in the scenery. If you are looking for things to do in Singapore make sure this is one of the best things to experience.
10. Sundowners on the roof
With so many rooftop bars spread across the city, it would be a shame not to check out at least one during your visit. Sip on a delicious Singapore Slinger while watching the sunset while the city’s night lights come alive.
If there’s one thing to take away from this blog, it’s that there’s plenty to do in Singapore, whether you’re a foodie, adventure seeker or shopaholic, if it’s your first time in Singapore you just know it Numerous adventures are waiting for you.