Singapore, a majestic futuristic city, is just as unique as you can imagine. Nicknamed a ‘lion city’, which actually it never was (because lions don’t live here and a prince was probably mistaken), it celebrates its complex heritage and never stops evolving even if it’s located on a tiny plot of land.
Come here to admire the architecture, eat creamy kaya spread toast in the morning, explore the natural wonders, and experience the creativity of the human mind. Scroll to see some of the best landmarks and activities to do in Singapore – this is part 2 of my guide!
16. Arab district and Sultan mosque
There are a few very distinct areas in Singapore you might want to visit! One of the most interesting of them is Arab district.
Masjid Sultan, or Sultan Mosque, on Muscat Street, is an operating mosque with beautiful golden domes in the heart of the district. You can visit it as a tourist as well (we went there before 2 p.m. and entered from gate 5; however, check the details before your visit as well).
Haji Lane, Arab Street and other streets around it are buzzing with halal restaurants and tourist attractions. I can’t say they have a very authentic vibe (looks more like an imaginary country with hipster cafes Korean Photo Booths), but they are fun to stroll around. The colourful murals are another feature to take advantage of.
17. Chinatown of Singapore
Chinatown is one of the most historically significant parts of Singapore. We visited during the Five Foot Way Festival 2024 (Five Foot Ways are the walkways alongside the old shops here).
This area is the best for exploring modern and ancient goods, trying Chinese food, and buying souvenirs.
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum is a Tang-style Chinese Buddhist Temple right in the heart of Singapore Chinatown, and it got its name from the left canine tooth of Buddha that is kept here.
Exploring the areas of Chinatown – Tanjong Pagar, Bukit Pasoh, Kreta Ayer and Telok Aye – is a must when you’re in Singapore. Whether you’d like to see it by day or by night. Some shops are open till very late selling souvenirs, amulets, fruits including fresh durians, and you can eat something or buy good late at night.
Besides that, take advantage of another famous attraction here – Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, which dates back to 1827. It is dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, believed to possess healing powers. The interior is awe-inspiring, not to mention its central tower.
Good morning from a 2D cafe in Chinatown! It’s my first 2D cafe, and I wanted to visit one since it was cool on Instagram about 6 years ago.
18. Little India
Have you heard of Little India? It’s a colourful and busy area that is very different from other parts of Singapore.
The Serangoon Road, formerly known as Soonambu Kamban (Village of Lime in Tamil), is its main artery. Lotuses are sold on the streets here alongside other flowers in shops, gold jewellery, and, of course, Indian restaurants.
Visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in the city. It’s dedicated to Kali or Sri Veeramakaliamman. The temple dates to the 19th century, and the entrance tower, gopuram, was added in the 1980s.
If you ask me, the former house of Tan Teng Niah is the prettiest house in Little India. It’s the last surviving Chinese villa in this area, built-in 1900.
19. National Gallery Singapore
National Gallery Singapore occupies two iconic historical buildings: City Hall and Supreme Court. Both buildings were modernised, keeping their historical outlay.
The gallery houses a large collection of Southeastern Art and some temporary exhibitions all housed within a historical settings and also has a kids zone.
The gallery is widely recognised internationally and collaborates with Centre Pompidou, Musée d’Orsay, Tate Britain, National Museum of Modern Art, Tokyo (MOMAT), and National Museum of Modern and Contemporary Art, Korea (MMCA).
20. Old Hill Street Police Station and Clarke Quay
This building with 927 rainbow windows is Old Hill Street Police Station. It dates back to 1934 and served as a prison and police station.
Old Hill Street Police Station is located near Clarke Quay, a historical area in front of Boat Quay and just off the mouth of the Singapore River. It’s a modern and vibrant part of the city with many restaurants.
21. Thian Hock Keng
Thian Hock Keng temple in the city Business district by Telok Ayer area (it was designated for Chinese immigrants since 1819 when British come here) was erected in 1840, and its is translated as Palace of Heavenly Happiness.
It is dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu and is the oldest temple of the Hokkien community in Singapore. Unfortunately, we couldn’t enter it as it’s open only to those who share the temple’s beliefs. However, it’s still worth seeing it from the outside.
22. Saint Andrew’s Cathedral
The famous whitewashed Saint Andrew’s Cathedral is the largest cathedral in Singapore! It was built for the Anglican community in the very heart of Singapore, near the City Hall, the National Gallery, and the Old Parliament building.
23. Orchard Road
Orchard Road is an avenue stretching for over 2km, and it’s heaven for those who love to shop!
A shopping mall follows, with all the Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton signs and displays glittering to the right and left of you. You can also find lots of places to eat here, in cafes and food courts.
24. VivoCity
If you need more shopping options, head to VivoCity, the largest shopping mall in Singapore. It’s located in Bukit Merah, very close to Sentosa island, so you can go there after visiting the S.E.A. aquarium and the Universal studio.
The building itself was designed by the Japanese architect Toyo Ito and named after the word ‘vivacity’, reflecting the lifestyle it promotes. VivoCity has lots of restaurants and international and local shops, and the terrace on top of it looks very nice. From it, you can observe the Bay and the cable cars running not far from it.
We visited VivoCity during the promotion of Kung Fu Panda 4, so it’s no surprise that there were panda stands everywhere!
25. Red Dot Design Museum
The Red Dot Design Museum, located in the Marina Bay district, showcases the objects that won the Red Dot Design Award.
The Award was launched in 2005 in Singapore, and it is now one of the most prestigious design awards in the world. Come here to get amazed by the creativity of human mind and to have a look at their shop with many jaw-dropping items.
26. Bacha coffee cafes
Treat yourself to a quick visit to Bacha coffee cafes — there are many of them in Singapore! Bacha Coffee was founded in Marrakech in 1910 as Dar el Bacha. Its location in Marrakesh reopened in 2017, and in two years, Bacha Coffee followed.
Now, it’s an international brand that is extremely popular here in Singapore. Come here to choose from an impressive list of coffees!
27. Fort Canning Hill
Fort Canning Hill is one of the most historical parts of Singapore. In the past, around the 14th century, a king’s palace once stood here on the highest port of Singapore, and the local kings were buried there.
Later, after the Westerners arrived, this Singapore hill was named after Earl Canning, the first Viceroy of India who of India one of the most prominent persons in colonial Britain during Queen Victoria’s rule. The government buildings were located here as well.
As the title suggests, a military fort was built in the mid-19th century (completed in 1861) here; however, it was decided to remove it in 1907 as it wasn’t very useful. Now it’s a beautiful park with many planes divided into various zones and some historical remnants as well, such as sally ports, Spice Garden, cannons, Raffles house (not the original one), Sang Nila Utama Garden named after Singapore founder and more. Come here to enjoy the tranquillity of tropical forest and some shadow walks!
28. S.E.A. Aquarium
Don’t skip visiting the S.E.A. Aquarium located on Sentosa Island. It’s one of the largest aquariums in the world – we spend over 2 hours there – and there are over 1000 species (with over 100000 individual animals) living here!
The ocean dome is simply spectacular, but there are also many other areas representing dozens of various habitats.
Think of jellyfish areas, learn about the bioluminescence and kelp forests, see a shipwreck with precious porcelain, and learn about biodiversity and climate change! Animal encounters are also available.
We also tried the cutest ice cream I’ve ever had: it’s lychee jellyfish!
29. Universal Studios Singapore
You can find Universal Studios Singapore next door to the Aquarium, still within Resorts World Sentosa!
The construction of this theme park started in 2007, and the park opened in 2011, which made it the first – and still the only such park in Southeast Asia. I’ve already been to Universal Studios Osaka, and this park is much smaller compared to it. However, it’s still fun to visit.
There are six zones: Hollywood, New York, Jurassic World, Far Far Away (aka Shrek-inspired part), Lost World, Sci-Fi and Ancient Egypt, and the Minion area is under construction right now. Lots of shops, cafes, and rides are available here.
30. Raffles statue(s)
Sir Stamford Raffles is often called the founder of modern Singapore. When he first arrived in 1819, he recognised the potential of a small fishing village. There are actually two statues dedicated to him. The first is a white marble statue dating to 1972, located precisely where he is believed to have set foot.
The wording of the plague here is as follows:
On this historic site, Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles first landed in Singapore on 28th January 1819 and, with genius and perception, changed the destiny of Singapore from an obscure fishing village to a great seaport and modern metropolis.
This monument on the river’s bank is one of the most photographed spots in Singapore today. You can also see the original bronze statue, dating back to 1887, in front of Victoria Memorial Hall, Empress Place. Just walk around the area too: it’s simply beautiful!
Where to stay in Singapore:
We stayed in different hotels of Singapore including Marina Bay Sands, and this time I’d like to show you our stay at JW Marriott. The location of it is pretty convenient, and you can reach by foot many attractions including the Merlion park, The Shoppers of Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore flyer and others.
The hotel had a decent breakfast, however I must say that the room was a bit disappointing: there was not much space, and the interior was so minimal that it was close to bare. However, the elevators with fish print were totally intertaining for a baby.
You might also like my other blogs about Asia!
Hope you liked my new blog,
Yours,
Anna xxx
