Top 7 Tourist Attractions In Singapore That Even Locals Love

Singapore is one of the smallest countries in the world. Despite that, there’s an incredible number of wonders to see in it!

 The country’s combination of tropical lushness, world-class modern architecture, and multicultural streets has fascinated many tourists over the decades. Indeed, even longtime residents keep exploring it to rediscover its beauty alongside visiting friends.

 If you’re looking for an itinerary that both locals and first-time visitors will love, start with the landmarks we’ve recommended below. These are Singapore’s tourist attractions that regularly top social media polls and visitor charts.

Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

There are so many reasons to love this one. Set 56 stories above the bay, the SkyPark Observation Deck is the perfect place to get a sunset panorama. 

Entry’s timed too, so you never have to worry about crowds being too dense. Try to get there after 8pm – you’ll love the free Spectra light-and-water show.

If you want to save, you can also get adult tickets for non-peak times. A morning slot isn’t bad either, even if you’ll miss the light show.

Gardens by the Bay

14.5 million people checked out the marvellous supertrees of this spot last year. If that doesn’t give you an idea of how popular it is, nothing will.

This is a place where locals often go to unwind or jog on the free outdoor loops. The cooled conservatories also have resident-rate days. 

This year, there are at least nine planned flower shows in the Gardens too, so try checking out the place each time one of these is on for a bit of freshness.

Chinatown Heritage Centre

Set in three restored shophouses at 48 Pagoda Street, this is an attraction with a more intimate feel than most of the other top choices. It’s all about the personal and human, which may explain its appeal. 

The centre recreates the old 1950s Chinatown quarters in a highly convincing fashion. Older locals often spot furniture identical to pieces their families once owned. Old and traditional tools from Chinatown’s first immigrants also offer a clear view of the past.

You can buy tickets to the place online. We recommend aiming for the 10am opening time for cooler galleries.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Free entry to Southeast Asia’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site? Yes, please! You can get it here, where you’ll also find locals practising tai chi almost daily under century-old rain trees.

Note that there are also free sunset concerts twice a month at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage. Some people bring mats and picnic baskets.

Jewel Changi Airport

One of the few airports in the world worth visiting as a standalone tourist attraction. There’s so much to see here, from the 40-metre rain vortex to the Canopy Park!

We also recommend trying the Changi Experience Studio if you have children with you. They’ll adore the interactive and engaging exhibits.

Haji Lane and Kampong Glam

This is a 200-metre catwalk of colourful murals, fascinating thrift shops, and cosy cafes. It’s also the place most locals recommend to first-time visitors looking for uniquely Singaporean souvenirs.

If you want to experience it at its best, try coming around 5 PM onwards. That should let you skip the midday heat – and even if it’s still warm, there’s always the gelato along Arab street.

Mandai Wildlife Reserve

 Here you get four parks with so much to see. The Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari – all of it pulls in up to 5 million visitors a year, and yet locals still keep annual passes for weekday walks through the place.

 This is a marvellous place to relax and bask in the beauty of nature. Check out the new Bird Paradise aviary in particular for a peek at gorgeously colourful creatures.