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Planning a trip to Singapore? Lucky you!
This futuristic city-state is known for world-class attractions, diverse culture, and a buzzing street food scene.
Singapore is a very common layover destination, so we travel through here a lot, and we turn our stopovers into city breaks whenever we can. We know the city well by now and have ticked off all of its iconic landmarks as well as some hidden gems.
So if you’re looking for the best way to see the city, then stay tuned, because we’ve got you covered with our top 10 things to do!
Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
The tour we loved the most and suggest booking ASAP is this one!
Our FAVORITE thing we did in Singapore was this small-group bike tour. It was a great intro to the city as we hit so many highlights in just a few hours. We had a fantastic guide and made so many great photo stops!
Check out the 6,200+ glowing reviews and book this tour here!
- Don’t Miss Out On Our Top Choice!
- Things to do in Singapore
- 1. Taste your way through Singapore
- 2. Pedal your way around the city
- 3. Learn to cook like a local in an authentic cooking class
- 4. Make your own perfume with Singapore’s famous orchids
- 5. See Singapore light up on a river cruise
- 6. See Singapore’s top city sights on a private customizable walking tour
- 7. Take a catamaran cruise to Pulau Ubin
- 8. Escape the city and go kayaking through mangroves
- 9. Take a day trip to Kuala Lumpur
- 10. Zip around Marina Bay and the Gardens by the Bay on a Segway
- Where to Stay in Singapore
- Thanks for reading!
- Why We Book Tours with Viator
- AIRALO e-SIM Up To 15% Off With Code "DTRAVEL15"
- What’s an eSIM?
Things to do in Singapore
1. Taste your way through Singapore
- Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Time: 9:30 am
- Highlights: Small group Chinatown hawker tour with 9 to 10 tastings, including Michelin Guide and Bib Gourmand stalls, plus local food culture stories along the way
- Inclusions: English-speaking guide, guided hawker food and cultural tour, and 9 to 10 local hawker food tastings and drinks
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 1,900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Hawker centers can be a little overwhelming at first, so this gourmet food tour is a brilliant way to dive in with someone who knows exactly where to go. You explore Chinatown with an English-speaking guide and eat as you go, with 9 to 10 tastings (food and drinks), including stops at Michelin Guide and Bib Gourmand hawkers. Come hungry, seriously!
The route weaves through classic Chinatown streets and into big hitters like Maxwell Food Centre and the Chinatown Complex, where hawker culture really comes to life. Between bites, your guide shares the stories behind the dishes and why hawker food is such a big deal in Singapore.
You’ll also pass some of the area’s landmarks, like Sri Mariamman Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, so don’t forget to snap a photo or two!
Because it is a small group, it’s really relaxed and easy to follow, and you can actually ask questions or get recommendations based on what you like. By the end, you will have tried a ton, learned a lot, and will have a shortlist of stalls you will want to come back to later!
Read all the raving reviews and book your food tour here!
2. Pedal your way around the city
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 9 am
- Highlights: Marina Bay, the Colonial District, Chinatown, Little India, Haji Lane street art
- Inclusions: Use of bicycle, helmet, local guide, light refreshments, disposable poncho if necessary
- Rating: 5 stars (check 6,200+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Of all of the sightseeing tours we have done of Singapore, this small group bike tour was hands down the best! It’s a fun and engaging introduction to Singapore, and it’s ideal for those who are short on time.
We covered so much ground and it’s a half-day experience, so we had the afternoon free.
We kicked off the tour by cruising through Marina Bay, enjoying the views and snapping photos of iconic landmarks, like the famous Marina Bay Sands, the Merlions, and the Flyer observation wheel. And I must say, riding along the Formula 1 race track was a real highlight!
We combined these must-see highlights with some vibrant cultural stops. Our guide, Fred, took us through Chinatown and Little India and we also loved exploring Kampong Glam, the Arab Quarter, admiring the colorful Moorish architecture, and seeing the street art along Haji Lane.
This tour did an amazing job of showcasing the best of Singapore in just a few hours, and the small group format made it feel super special. In our opinion, it’s the best way to sightsee! And we aren’t alone, just check out the 5,000+ reviews from other travelers!
Book this highly-rated bike tour here before it sells out!
3. Learn to cook like a local in an authentic cooking class
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 9:30 am
- Highlights: Cook three classic Singapore dishes in a small group class with local instructors, learn the cultural stories and techniques behind favorites, then sit down to enjoy your meal together
- Inclusions: All equipment and ingredients, local English speaking instructors, and lunch plus water, coffee, and tea
- Rating: 5 stars (check 1500+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Singapore is world-famous for its incredible food, and this 3-hour cooking class is such a fun way to experience it! You still get all the flavors, but you also learn how the dishes actually come together, plus the little tips that make them taste like the real deal back home.
You’ll meet your local instructors, throw on an apron, and get cooking straight away. The class is step by step and beginner friendly, but still interesting if you already love being in the kitchen. You make three dishes during the session, and the menu changes depending on the day. One day it might be laksa with fried spring rolls, another it could be char kway teow with nyonya popiah, or nasi lemak with sambal prawns. Basically, come hungry!
What we really like is the cultural angle. Singapore food is a mashup of Malay, Chinese, Indian, and British influences, and the instructors explain what you are doing and why, so it actually sticks. Then you sit down and eat everything you made with the group in a relaxed setting. All ingredients and equipment are included, along with water, coffee, and tea, so you can just show up and enjoy it.
Book your spot on this cooking tour here and don’t pay a cent until just before you go!
4. Make your own perfume with Singapore’s famous orchids
- Duration: 1 hour
- Time: 11 am
- Highlights: Taking a perfume personality test, discovering your scent profile, learn about different orchids and their scents, creating your very own signature scent
- Inclusions: All ingredients and equipment, professional instructor, 50 ml or 100 ml bottle of perfume
- Rating: 5 stars (check 900+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Whether you’re looking for a special souvenir from Singapore, or just a fun new experience, you can’t go wrong with this perfume making workshop! We had so much fun discovering our scent profiles and making our own unique fragrances.
But it’s not just the fragrances that are one-of-a-kind; since the class uses Singapore’s native orchids, you really can only do this right here in the city!
When we arrived at the workshop, we took a fun quiz to reveal our individual scent profiles. It was actually super interesting to learn about how different fragrances connect to different emotions and personality traits! Then, armed with our results, we got to explore over 120 fragrance oils infused with Singapore’s national flower, the Vanda Miss Joaquim.
Once we had figured out our likes and dislikes, we got to work making our own perfumes. The class was super hands-on, and our guides were very patient. They took us through the process step-by-step, and I must admit, it felt a little bit like mixing potions as a kid!
We opted to make 100 mls of fragrance each, since we figured we might as well while we were here! The bottles we were given were beautiful, too, and we will definitely be returning here to fill them up again once they run out.
If you want a unique and fun experience, make sure to book this class here!
5. See Singapore light up on a river cruise
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 5:30 pm
- Highlights: Evening tour with Merlion Park, Clarke Quay, a 30 minute Singapore River cruise, plus Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay and the Spectra show at Marina Bay Sands
- Inclusions: Local licensed guide, air conditioned transport, bottled water, parking and fuel fees, Singapore River cruise ticket (hotel pickup and drop off included for the “with pickup” option)
- Rating: 4.9 stars (check 300+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
On this 4-hour evening tour, you get the skyline, the river, and both of the big light shows, all stitched together into one easy, well-paced adventure. No stressing over timings, no bouncing between apps, just show up and enjoy.
You kick off at Merlion Park right as the city starts to glow, so you can grab those Marina Bay photos while the light is still soft. Then it is a quick stop at Clarke Quay, where the riverside shophouses light up and the whole area feels lively and fun.
Next up is the 30-minute Singapore River cruise, and this is where the night really gets going. You’ll glide under illuminated bridges, pass the mix of old waterfront buildings and modern towers, and cruise out toward Marina Bay with the skyline shining ahead. Safe to say you’ll have tons of photos after this!
After the cruise, you head to Gardens by the Bay for Garden Rhapsody at the Supertree Grove. The Supertrees are already cool in the daytime, but at night they go to a whole new level. Then you finish with Spectra at Marina Bay Sands, fountains, lasers, music, the full show. Cap it off with hotel drop-off, or choose Lau Pa Sat for a late night bite!
Lock in your spot on this night tour here with FREE cancellation!
6. See Singapore’s top city sights on a private customizable walking tour
- Duration: 3 – 8 hours
- Time: 8 am – 5 pm
- Highlights: Exploring Singapore on foot with a guide, the ability to customize your itinerary, seeing famous places such as Chinatown and the Marina Bay Sands
- Inclusions: Private guide, hotel meet-up, customizable itinerary
- Rating: 5 stars (check 470+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
This private city tour is the Singapore tour to book when you want total flexibility and a local to help you make the most of it. It’s private, it’s customisable, and you get to build the day around what you actually care about. Street food? Temples? Skyline views? Cool neighbourhoods and cafés? You can pick your priorities and your host will help shape a route that fits.
Before you even meet up, you fill in a quick questionnaire and can message your host directly to plan. That’s the bit we really like, because it means you’re not spending the first part of the tour figuring things out. You show up, you start exploring, done!
Because it’s a walking experience, it works best in areas where Singapore shines up close. Chinatown is an easy win for heritage streets, temples, and hawker centre energy. Marina Bay is the go-to for those big skyline moments and classic photos. Gardens by the Bay is the futuristic option, especially if you want the Supertrees and the cooled conservatories. And for local vibes, Fort Canning and Tiong Bahru are great picks, with parks, history, Art Deco buildings, indie shops, and plenty of spots to pause for a drink or snack.
You can also choose the tour length that fits your schedule and budget, which makes it a handy option if you only have a half day free. If you want Singapore to feel personal, not generic, this is the one to book!
Book this tour in advance here and you’ll get FREE cancellation!
7. Take a catamaran cruise to Pulau Ubin
- Duration: 3 hours
- Time: 8:30 am or 4 pm
- Highlights: Cruising along the length of Pulau Ubin, seeing a mangrove swamp, checking out the abandoned resort, learning about sustainable fish farming, stopping at a floating restaurant
- Inclusions: Boat ride, English-speaking guide
- Rating: 5 stars (check 700+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
If you like discovering hidden gems, this catamaran tour of Pulau Ubin is a must! This little island is known for its birds, mangroves, and kelongs – aka floating fish farms. And on this cruise, we got to see it all.
Our catamaran was sleek and comfortable, and our captain, Robin, was both knowledgeable and kind. He made everyone feel welcome, and gave insightful commentary as we glided past mangrove swamps, pointing out birds as we went.
We were also intrigued to see the island’s abandoned resort. Between that and the traditional kelong farms, this tour really felt as though we were stepping back in time – or should that be cruising back?
We really enjoyed seeing the kelongs, whose rustic nature was a real contrast to Singapore’s gleaming inner city area. We even got to step on board one of the kelongs for a closer look at how they operate, before we stopped for lunch at a floating restaurant. This was on our own account, but it was worth it because we got to enjoy the freshest seafood ever!
This tour is both informative and relaxing, and enjoying a boat cruise is an ideal way to beat the heat. We got to see a whole different side to Singapore on this tour!
Book your spot on this catamaran cruise easily here!
8. Escape the city and go kayaking through mangroves
- Duration: 4 hours
- Time: 9 am or 1 pm
- Highlights: Kayaking around Pulau Ubin island, paddling through the mangrove forest, learning about the local ecosystem, spotting birds
- Inclusions: Kayaking equipment, English-speaking guide, storage lockers, drinking water
- Rating: 5 stars (check 130+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
As adventure lovers, we couldn’t turn down the chance to get out of the city and kayak around the mangroves of Pulau Ubin Island. And we’re so glad we booked this kayaking tour because we had a blast!
It was easily one of the best things we did in Singapore, but I have to tell you upfront, it sells out pretty fast, so don’t wait too long to book!
This tour was beginner-friendly, but although we have kayaked before, it was still exciting! We started by crossing a short stretch of open sea, and then we felt like we were gliding into another world as we entered the mangroves. It was peaceful, green, and so different from the urban buzz of the main city.
The water was calm which made paddling easy, but the payoff was huge. The views of Pulau Ubin were beautiful, and we loved kayaking through the mangroves. They were teeming with birds, and our guides, Calvin and Emily, taught us about the ecosystem as we explored. We spotted hornbills, herons, and kingfishers, as well as a black forest cobra – from a safe distance, I might add!
We loved every second of this kayaking tour, and we will 100% do it again the next time we’re in Singapore! It was so much fun, a great workout, and an awesome escape from the city.
Make sure to grab your spot before it sells out!
Related Read: If you want help planning, check out our 3 to 5-day Singapore itinerary for an easy-to-follow guide!
Why We Book Tours with Viator
Viator is a trusted online booking system for tours around the world! We almost always book our tours using Viator for a couple of reasons:
- Free cancellation on most tours – Most of the tours on Viator allow you to cancel and get a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. This is handy in case plans change, or if booking an outdoor activity, the weather forecast is looking grim.
- Reserve now and pay later – You can secure your spot on some of the most popular tours well in advance and not pay until closer to the day of the tour.
- Lowest price guarantee – If you happen to find the same tour at a lower price elsewhere, Viator will refund you the price difference.
- Pay in your chosen currency – Avoid costly international transaction fees by choosing to pay in your home currency.
- Peace of mind – When booking with tour operators you find in person on the street or in small booking offices, you are often promised one thing and given another. This online platform holds tour operators accountable with a written description of inclusions as well as the opportunity for customers to leave reviews.
Check out the Viator website here! Or, for more info, read our detailed review about Viator here.
9. Take a day trip to Kuala Lumpur
- Duration: 17 hours
- Time: 5 am
- Highlights: Batu Caves, National Palace, National Monument, Independence Square, Central Market, KL Tower Observation Deck, Thean Hou Temple, Putra Mosque, sky dining experience with panoramic city views, Malacca tour (if option selected)
- Inclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, private driver, private guide, border paperwork, breakfast, sky dining buffet dinner, all admission fees
- Rating: 5 stars (check 110+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
Singapore is (relatively) close to the Malaysian capital of Kuala Lumpur, so don’t miss the chance to visit! We booked this tour to save us the hassle of planning, which proved to be an amazing decision because we truly felt that we saw the whole city in just one day.
The day started early with prompt hotel pickup, and then we snoozed on the way to Kuala Lumpur, except for when we stopped at a 5-star hotel for breakfast! Then, the first stop of the day was the world-famous Batu Caves, which was the perfect introduction to Malaysia’s rich culture. We walked up the colorful steps and got to check out the cave temple, before moving on to other highlights like the National Palace and Independence Square.
We also got to visit the Putra Mosque and the Central Market, where we had some free time to shop for souvenirs. At every stop, our guide, Amir, shared stories and insights about Malaysian history and culture, so we really felt as though we were getting to know the city.
Around 4 pm, we headed up to the revolving restaurant inside the iconic Petronas Twin Towers for a buffet meal and panoramic views. It’s not so easy to get a table here, so this was a real treat, and a great note to end on!
If you’re looking for a memorable day trip from Singapore, be sure to book this tour!
10. Zip around Marina Bay and the Gardens by the Bay on a Segway
- Duration: 2 hours
- Time: 10 am – 8 pm
- Highlights: Cruising around Singapore on a segway, Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore National Stadium, Marina Barrage
- Inclusions: Mini segway, helmet, safety gear, English-speaking guide
- Rating: 4.5 stars (check 90+ reviews here)
- Free cancellation: Yes
- Price: Check price here!
It’s no secret that it gets super hot in Singapore, so exploring can be a sweaty business. However, we found that this segway tour was the perfect way to beat the heat!
Plus, we covered a ton of ground in just 2 hours, so it’s also ideal for those who are short on time.
Before we started exploring, we had a quick segway lesson. They were actually mini segways, so they were lighter and easier to maneuver than the traditional kind. Within minutes, our entire group was gliding confidently around the Marina Bay area with our fantastic guide, Lewis.
As we zipped around, we saw highlights including the iconic Marina Bay Sands complex, and the supertrees at the stunning Gardens by the Bay. We also enjoyed waterfront views as we cruised past the Marina Barrage reservoir, and rode through the Bay East Gardens. From there, we got awesome views of Singapore’s skyline from across the water, so this was a real highlight of the tour for us.
We loved the pace of this tour, and the segway ride itself was so much fun! So if you’re looking for an efficient and entertaining, sightseeing tour, then be sure to book this one!
Easily book this segway tour in advance here!
Related Read: Confused about where you want to stay? Our Singapore hotel guide shares our picks for the best areas and hotels for all budgets!
Where to Stay in Singapore
With so many amazing things to do in Singapore, having the perfect place to stay will make your trip even more unforgettable. The right accommodation can be the difference between a good trip and a great one!
To help you find the best fit, I’ve rounded up top picks for every budget. Whether you’re looking for affordable comfort, stylish mid-range stays, or pure luxury, you’ll find a spot that suits your travel style below.
Luxury – $$$
For a truly iconic and luxurious stay in Singapore, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel is unbeatable. This landmark hotel is as much an experience as it is a place to stay!
The rooftop infinity pool offers jaw-dropping views of the skyline, while guests also get access to the SkyPark observation deck, exclusive shopping, and world-class dining at celebrity-chef restaurants. Rooms feature floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the city, bay, or gardens. Plus, with a prime location in Marina Bay, you’re steps from the City’s top attractions.
Prices vary by season and room selection but usually start around $700 USD per night. Check availability and learn more about this hotel on Booking.com.
Mid-range – $$
During our last visit to Singapore, we stayed at The Clan Hotel and can’t recommend it enough! This sleek, modern hotel blends heritage-inspired design with contemporary luxury for a truly unique experience. The spacious rooms feature plush beds, large windows, and dark wood finishes. One of the highlights is the rooftop infinity pool with sweeping city views. There’s also a fitness center and an on-site restaurant serving delicious Asian cuisine!
Located near Chinatown and Telok Ayer, The Clan Hotel’s prime location makes it easy to explore Singapore’s best spots. Prices start around $300 USD per night and rooms can be reserved on Booking.com.
Budget – $
For a modern, budget-friendly stay in Singapore, CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel at Boat Quay is a smart pick. Each capsule features a comfortable bed, personal lighting, and charging ports, plus privacy curtains and lockers for personal space.
The hotel’s prime location in Boat Quay puts you steps from the riverfront’s best restaurants, bars, and views. And with a shared lounge and social bar area, this hotel is perfect for anyone wanting a stylish, affordable stay in the heart of Singapore.
The rooms are well priced and range from around $40 to $200 USD per night depending on if you choose an individual capsule or a private room. Check dates and book your stay on Booking.com.
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Thanks for reading!
I hope you enjoy exploring Singapore as much as we did! It’s a fun place to visit whether you’re here on a layover or have a bit more time. There are so many unique and fun activities to keep you busy!
If this guide was helpful, have a look at all our blogs about Southeast Asia. We’ve been traveling and living abroad for a long time, so we have tons of helpful tips and travel guides to share!
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