Top places to visit in Singapore: all the highlights

Singapore offers world-class attractions including the National Gallery (9,000+ Southeast Asian artworks), Singapore Botanic Gardens (UNESCO World Heritage site), Night Safari (2,500+ nocturnal animals), and vibrant hawker centers with authentic cuisine. One of the best things about moving to Singapore is discovering its many facets, incredible restaurants, kid-friendly attractions, historical sites, and intriguing neighborhoods packed into tiny geographic space.

National Gallery of Singapore

Singapore's former City Hall and Supreme Court buildings create the architecturally arresting National Gallery. With over 9,000 artworks, this is Southeast Asia's largest public modern art collection covering the region's art from the 19th century to today. Expect works by Cheong Soo Pieng, Chua Mia Tee, and S. Sudjojono.

The Intan: Peranakan Culture

Nestled in Joo Chiat neighborhood, The Intan is a private museum showcasing vibrant Peranakan culture. The museum houses over 1,500 objects including furniture, ceramics, textiles, and jewelry. Look for stunning kasut manek (ornate beaded slippers) and handpainted enamel tiffin carriers.

Chinatown Heritage

Chinatown offers history, great food, and cultural attractions. Explore award-winning restaurants like Nouri, Burnt Ends, and Esquina. Visit hawker food at Chinatown Food Street and Maxwell Food Center. See nostalgic street murals, handicraft stores, and the Buddha's Tooth Relic Temple.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Created in 1859, Singapore Botanic Gardens is the country's first UNESCO World Heritage site spreading across 60 acres. Visit the Ethnobotany Garden, National Orchid Garden with 1,000+ species, and Jacob Ballas Children's Garden. Dine at Pangium or Botanico restaurants.

Night Safari

The world's first nocturnal safari park offers chances to see over 2,500 animals in nighttime activities. Explore 86 acres of regions inspired by the world's different areas by tram or on foot. See lions, rhinos, leopards, Asian elephants, and Malayan tigers.

Kampong Glam

Originally given to Sultan Hussein Mohamed Shah in 1824, Kampong Glam became popular with Muslim immigrants. Enjoy the Malay Heritage Center, Sultan Mosque, and plentiful restaurants. Arab street sells Persian carpets, Ottoman-style lamps, and textiles.

Offshore Islands

Pulau Ubin is a 1,020-hectare sprawl of verdant greenery and wildlife. Walk nature trails, kayak, cycle, birdwatch, or see carpet anemones in Chek Jawa Wetlands. St John's Island offers turquoise lagoons, beaches, and hiking routes. Lazarus Island offers white sand beaches without convenience stores.

Sentosa Resort Island

Sentosa features theme parks, water parks, luxury hotels, shops, and restaurants. Visit the S.E.A. Aquarium, Universal Studios, Mega Adventure Park, Sentosa Golf Club, and Fort Siloso. Resorts World Sentosa includes Equarius Ocean Suites, Hard Rock Hotel, signature restaurants, and Adventure Cove Waterpark.

Fort Canning Park

Fort Canning Park is an iconic green space in Singapore's heart housing many historic moments. It features nine distinct gardens including Singapore's first Botanic Garden. The park hosts events like "Shakespeare in the Park" and "Ballet Under the Stars." Visit Fort Canning Heritage Gallery and Battlebox underground command center.

Hawker Centers

Dining out is a national sport with hawker centers as scene champions. Old Airport Road Food Center has 150+ stalls. Lau Pa Sat sits under a Victorian-era structure. Newton Food Center appeared in "Crazy Rich Asians." Tiong Bahru Market offers Art Deco structure. Enjoy satay, nasi lemak, and char kuay teow spanning Singapore's culinary heritage.

Next Steps

Plan your Singapore exploration. Book tickets for popular attractions in advance. Try different hawker centers. Take your time discovering each neighborhood's unique character.

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