Exploring the Lion City: Top Things to Do in Singapore

gardens by the bay, singapore — Image by Canva

Travelers who are lucky enough to visit Southeast Asia never leave the same.
There are cultural delights here that cannot be found anywhere else in the world, including sandy shorelines, clean streets, and dedicated neighborhoods with Asian, Turkish, and Arabian delicacies.
Dining under the stars in Singapore is something that no other city can replicate, especially with some food from a local street vendor in hand.
When you need to take a break from the hustle and bustle, an esplanade along the bay or a beach across the way away can dampen the noise.
This city is safe enough for solo travelers but also packed to the brim with family activities for the whole crew to enjoy.

The Jewel of Southeast Asia

an indoor waterfall in the middle of a tropical forest — Image by Canva

Singapore is a jewel of an island nation in Southeast Asia, handily accessed by Jewel Changi Airport. Renowned as one of the cleanest cities in the world, it makes everything you’re about to experience twice as enjoyable.

With so many pockets to explore in this great city, you might like to have at least five days to drink it all in. And, if you’re lucky enough, you can island hop to other beauties on this side of the world, including Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, or Thailand.

Aptly nicknamed the Lion City, Singapore roars with activity, especially if your mind is set on full cultural immersion, something every new travel blog should be speckled with. Together, let’s create an itinerary with all the best things to do in Singapore, whether you’re traveling alone, with your partner, or the whole family crew.

Start With the Marina Bay Esplanade

time lapse of Marina Bay Sands at night - Singapore stock videos & royalty-free footage — Image by Canva

The Marina Bay Esplanade is one of the most enthralling free things to do in Singapore and an anchoring point for the city.

As you research your trip, popular sights on the esplanade will continue to pop up like the Helix Pedestrian Bridge, Singapore Flyer, the ArtScience museum, and the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

The Singapore Flyer is a great way to overlook everything you’re about to experience in this majestic city; it’s a large observation wheel overlooking the Gardens by the Bay (another must-see we’ll devote more time to in just a moment).

The ArtScience museum lives in a lotus-shaped building right beside the Marina Bay Sands hotel. This beauty often lands on lists of things to do in Singapore with kids because of all its interactive exhibits. No matter how many people are in your party, though, this will be a well-spent morning or afternoon.

You can easily walk around the bay in a full circle. With restaurants, coffee shops, the museum, the Flyer, and stunning views, this is a fantastic starting point for what’s about to be a most spectacular week.

Get Lost In One of Two Botanical Gardens

gardens of eden by the bay lit up — Image by Canva

There are two destinations in Singapore that are sure to rival the Garden of Eden: Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Botanic Gardens.

Whether you’re a garden enthusiast or not, these two greenscapes will live on your list of the best things to do in Singapore forever. They’re fun for the whole family or a long, reflective walk by yourself.

Gardens by the Bay are an easy escape right from the Marina. But, the Singapore Botanic Gardens are only a hop and a skip, as well, via a short train ride.

Gardens by the Bay will reframe the way you view nature. It features an unimaginable indoor waterfall. There are also towering Supertrees that will make it seem like you’re lost in a grove meant for giants. If you’re here in the dead of summer, their iconic cooled conservatories will bring your temperatures back down while still tantalizing your mind.

One thing to note is that it can get quite crowded in there on the weekend. See if you can work this into your schedule on one of your weekdays in the city.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens take sumptuous to a new level. Small paved paths line endless lakes that will transport you from one oasis to another. Filled with unique flora and fauna, you may be inspired to take up watercoloring to make the memories last forever.

There are grassy meadows if you feel like preparing a little charcuterie board and a few refreshments. In fact, it’s helpful to note that there aren’t water fountains strewn throughout the gardens, so you might want to pack a nice, cool bottle of water for the stroll.