Top 10 Things To Do in Singapore

by Christopher O'Keeffe May 27, 2026 2 Comments

Updated September 2026

Having lived in Singapore for seven years in my early twenties, and having returned almost every year since, I can honestly say that I love this extraordinary island. There is a vibrancy and pace to life that I still find intoxicating. Singapore seems to awaken languidly in the late morning, grows steadily more frenetic as the day progresses and finally falls back to sleep, exhausted, sometime in the early hours.

This is not intended to be an exhaustive list assembled from a tourist brochure. It is a personal selection of the places and experiences that have stayed with me: a long Sunday lunch by the river, chilli crab eaten with your hands, the darkness of the Night Safari and the view from the top of Marina Bay Sands.

Several things have changed since I first wrote this article. The S.E.A. Aquarium has been transformed into the much larger Singapore Oceanarium, The White Rabbit has closed but its wonderful chapel is now home to Claudine, and Long Beach Seafood is moving from its old East Coast Seafood Centre premises. I have updated those details, along with current opening hours, prices and booking links, for 2026.

A note before you go: Singapore's attractions and restaurants do change their hours for maintenance, public holidays and special events. The prices below were checked in September 2026, but it is always worth confirming on the linked official website before setting out. In Singapore, “++” after a price means that service charge and prevailing taxes are added to the bill.

1.Sunday Champagne Brunch at the Fullerton

This remains my personal favourite. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore occupies one of the city's great neoclassical landmarks. Completed in 1928, the Fullerton Building was once home to Singapore's General Post Office, the Exchange, the Chamber of Commerce and the Singapore Club. It became a hotel in 2001 and was gazetted as a National Monument in 2015.

On Sundays, Town Restaurant hosts an international brunch from 12 noon until 3 pm. The restaurant faces the Singapore River and offers both indoor seating and an outdoor waterfront terrace. I always choose the terrace. It is generally quieter than the dining room, the fans make the heat quite manageable and you can watch the river traffic moving between Boat Quay and Marina Bay.

The spread still covers an enormous range of food, from seafood on ice, sashimi and European cheeses to curries, noodles, roasts and an impressive dessert selection. My priorities, however, have never really changed: lobster, prawns and Champagne. The service has always been impeccable, and it is one of those rare lunches where there is absolutely no reason to hurry.

As of September 2026, the Sunday brunch is listed at S$98++ per adult with free-flowing selected non-alcoholic drinks, S$188++ per adult with selected alcoholic drinks, and S$49++ for children aged six to eleven. Menus and prices can change, particularly around festive periods, so check the current Town Restaurant menu and booking details.

My two pieces of advice are the same as ever: do not eat breakfast, and do not make any serious plans for the afternoon.

Address: 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178
Brunch: Sunday, 12 noon–3 pm
Reservations: +65 6877 8128

2. Singapore Oceanarium

If you want to escape the heat of the day for somewhere cool, calm and genuinely spectacular, the Singapore Oceanarium is very difficult to beat.

The former S.E.A. Aquarium closed in 2025 and reopened as Singapore Oceanarium after a major expansion. The new attraction has 22 zones and more than 40,000 marine animals, with a much greater emphasis on marine science, conservation and the relationship between the oceans and life on Earth.

The great Open Ocean habitat remains the emotional centrepiece. There is something almost hypnotic about sitting in the darkened gallery and watching rays, sharks and huge schools of fish glide past the panoramic viewing window. On our first visit, my wife and I were extraordinarily lucky to be invited topside to help feed the rays. On a later visit, my daughter loved the Halloween activities dotted through the aquarium. It is one of those attractions that works equally well for adults and children.

Allow at least two to three hours, and longer if you like to stop and watch the presentations. Time-entry tickets are used during peak periods, while opening hours vary on selected dates, so book ahead and check the official operating calendar. Children under four enter free; other ticket prices vary by date and residency.

Address: 24 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098137
Typical hours: Around 10 am–7 pm, with early closures on selected dates
Best for: Families, hot afternoons and anyone fascinated by the ocean

3. Chilli Crab and Black Pepper Crab at Long Beach Seafood

Singapore is famous for seafood, and especially for chilli crab: mud crab cooked in a sweet, savoury and spicy tomato-and-chilli sauce. The best way to eat it is with plenty of fried mantou buns to soak up the sauce. It is not a tidy meal, but that is very much part of the pleasure.

My long-standing favourite has always been Long Beach Seafood. Its chilli crab has more heat than many versions, but Long Beach is perhaps even better known for black pepper crab, a dish it claims to have created. The dark, aromatic pepper sauce has a drier, more intense flavour than chilli crab. If there are enough of you at the table, order one of each and settle the argument for yourself.

Drunken prawns are another excellent choice, as is a whole fish. Crab is normally priced by weight, so ask for the approximate price before confirming the order. Bookings are strongly recommended, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings.

There is an important 2026 location change. The old East Coast Seafood Centre is being redeveloped, and Long Beach announced that its UDMC operation would relocate to Coastal PlayGrove in East Coast Park in early September 2026. During the transition, its official booking page may still display the old #01-04 East Coast Seafood Centre address. Confirm the exact East Coast location when reserving. Long Beach also has established restaurants at Dempsey and Robertson Quay.

Use the official Long Beach reservation page for the current outlet, address and opening hours.

4. Claudine at Dempsey Hill

This recommendation has changed in name, but not in the feature that made it special.

The White Rabbit, where I celebrated my wife's birthday and ate one of the best steaks I can remember, closed in 2021. Its beautiful 1930s chapel at Dempsey Hill is now home to Claudine, a French neo-brasserie created by chef-patron Julien Royer and The Lo & Behold Group.

Much of the chapel's character survives: the stained glass, old mosaic tiles, timber beams and soaring central dining room. Claudine's food is inspired by French home cooking rather than stiff formality, and the restaurant now offers two experiences—the main Dining Room and La Terrace, a lighter glasshouse space in the garden.

I still think this is a wonderful choice when you want a memorable setting for a birthday, anniversary or long lunch. Dempsey Hill itself is leafy and pleasantly removed from the intensity of the city, despite being only a short taxi ride from Orchard Road.

Address: 39C Harding Road, Singapore 249541
Hours: Weekdays 11:45 am–3 pm and 6–10 pm; weekends 11:30 am–3 pm and 6–10 pm
Telephone: +65 8031 9935
Bookings: Essential for popular dinner and weekend sessions

5. Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay opened in 2012 and has become one of the defining sights of modern Singapore. It is much more than a single attraction, so allow at least three hours if you want to visit both cooled conservatories, walk among the Supertrees and see the waterfront gardens properly.

The Flower Dome recreates cool, dry climates and displays plants from the Mediterranean, southern Africa, Australia, California and other regions. Its broad, gently sloping paths are easy to navigate with children or a pram, and the changing floral exhibitions mean it never feels exactly the same on two visits.

The Cloud Forest is the more dramatic of the two. A 35-metre indoor waterfall plunges from the side of a mist-covered mountain, while elevated walkways spiral down through vegetation associated with tropical highlands. In 2026 it is also hosting Jurassic World: The Experience, so families should allow extra time.

Outside, the Supertree Grove is free to enter. The OCBC Skyway runs between two Supertrees, and the free Garden Rhapsody light-and-sound show is scheduled nightly at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm. If you can, visit the conservatories in the late afternoon and emerge in time to see the Supertrees after dark.

As of September 2026, the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest combination for non-residents is listed at S$46 for adults and S$32 for children aged three to twelve. Singapore-resident and promotional prices differ. The conservatories close on selected maintenance days.

Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
Outdoor gardens: Daily, 5 am–2 am; free admission
Flower Dome and Cloud Forest: Daily, 9 am–9 pm, subject to maintenance closures

6. Boat Quay and the Singapore River

No trip to Singapore is complete without a walk along Boat Quay and the Singapore River. Boat Quay curves along the south bank of the river, its conserved shophouses facing the towers of the Central Business District. In one view, you have old Singapore and new Singapore staring directly at one another.

I normally start near Elgin Bridge and walk downstream towards the Fullerton. Late afternoon is ideal: you see the river in daylight, stop for a drink as the heat eases and then watch the lights come on around Marina Bay.

The waterfront is still lined with restaurants, bars and pubs, although individual venues change often and prices reflect the location. Look at the menu before sitting down and be prepared for enthusiastic invitations from restaurant staff as you walk past. A polite “no, thank you” is quite sufficient.

A Singapore River cruise is also worthwhile, particularly for a first visit. It gives you a different perspective on Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, the Fullerton, the Merlion and Marina Bay Sands. If you only have time for the walk, however, Boat Quay is at its best without an itinerary—wander, stop when somewhere appeals and enjoy the river.

Best time: From about 5 pm into the evening
Nearest MRT stations: Raffles Place and Clarke Quay
Allow: One to three hours, depending on drinks, dinner or a river cruise

7. Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

I have visited many zoos and wildlife parks over the years, but I have yet to find one that I enjoy more than Singapore Zoo. Its open-concept design uses landscaping, glass and concealed wet or dry moats to create excellent views without making the animals feel boxed in.

The zoo is now part of the much larger Mandai Wildlife Reserve and is home to more than 4,200 animals. The paths are easy to negotiate with a pram, there are plenty of places to stop for food and water, and the presentation schedule makes it possible to plan a full day without feeling rushed.

Next door, Night Safari remains one of Singapore's most distinctive experiences. It was the world's first nocturnal wildlife park and now has more than 900 animals. The Safari Adventure Tram takes you through habitats that cannot all be seen from the walking routes, while four trails let you slow down and explore on foot.

If time permits, it is possible to visit the zoo during the day and move directly into Night Safari after dinner. It makes for a very long day, particularly with young children. If I could choose only one, I would still take Night Safari because it is so unlike a conventional zoo visit.

All Night Safari visitors must select an admission time. Book online in advance, and reserve seats for the Creatures of the Night presentation through the Mandai booking portal when they become available.

Singapore Zoo: Daily, 8:30 am–6 pm; last entry 5 pm
Night Safari: Daily, 6 pm–midnight; last entry 11:15 pm; tram and trails begin at 7 pm
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road, Singapore 729826

8. Chinatown

Singapore's Chinatown is an excellent way to spend a morning or afternoon. It is compact enough to explore on foot, yet dense with temples, shophouses, markets and food.

Start around Pagoda Street and South Bridge Road. The district is busy and undeniably polished for visitors, but its layers of Chinese, Hindu and Muslim history are real. Within a short walk you can visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, Sri Mariamman Temple—Singapore's oldest Hindu temple—and Masjid Jamae.

When you are ready to eat, Maxwell Food Centre remains a classic choice and now has its own MRT station immediately nearby. Chinatown Complex Food Centre is even larger. Do not become too fixated on one famous stall—the queues can be substantial, and there is excellent chicken rice, laksa, noodles, satay and fresh juice throughout the neighbourhood.

Afterwards, walk through Ann Siang Hill and Club Street, where restored shophouses hold bars, restaurants and small businesses. Individual venues have changed considerably since my earliest visits, but the streets remain worth exploring, particularly in the cooler part of the afternoon.

Best time: Morning for temples and markets; late afternoon into evening for food and drinks
Nearest MRT stations: Chinatown and Maxwell
Allow: Three to four hours

9. Golf at Sentosa Golf Club

There are several world-class golf courses in Singapore, and playing them can feel rather like being invited onto somebody's meticulously manicured private garden. If I had to choose only one, it would still be The Serapong at Sentosa Golf Club.

I was fortunate enough to be a member of Sentosa Golf Club, Tanah Merah Country Club and Singapore Island Country Club. Of all those championship courses, The Serapong remains the most distinctive to me. It uses Sentosa's coastline, lagoons and elevation to open up superb views across the port, the Singapore skyline and the surrounding water.

The course has hosted the Singapore Open since 2005, underwent a major renovation in 2020 and continues to be recognised among the world's leading courses. It is demanding, beautifully maintained and quite unlike most resort golf.

This is not a cheap round. In September 2026, visitor green fees are listed at S$420 on weekdays and S$550 on weekends and public holidays, with a further S$40 buggy fee per person, all before prevailing GST. Visitor numbers are restricted, especially at weekends, and club rules and handicap requirements apply.

The old fax application is long gone: use the online booking enquiry well in advance.

Address: 27 Bukit Manis Road, Singapore 099892
Telephone: +65 6275 0022

10. Marina Bay Sands - Cé La Vi

Singapore's skyline changed forever with the construction of Marina Bay Sands: three towers supporting the great, ship-like Sands SkyPark. On Level 57, CÉ LA VI combines a restaurant, rooftop bar and club lounge with one of the best views in the city.

The view is the real reason to go. From roughly 200 metres above ground, you can look across Marina Bay, the Central Business District, Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore Strait. My wife and I once visited during the Singapore Grand Prix and could see the illuminated street circuit below us, with the cars threading their way between the buildings.

The restaurant now serves contemporary Asian food and opens for dinner daily, with a Saturday brunch. The Club Lounge and Rooftop Bar open from noon until late, with DJs and event programming after dark.

The old S$20 redeemable entry arrangement is no longer current. Hotel guests receive complimentary Club Lounge entry subject to capacity, except on blackout dates and during some special events; other cover charges vary by time and event. A restaurant or lounge reservation is the safest approach. Smart dress is expected, and rules become stricter later in the evening.

For a first visit, book around sunset. You will see Singapore in daylight, watch the city lights appear and understand exactly why this remains on my list.

Location: Hotel Tower 3, Level 57, Sands SkyPark, 1 Bayfront Avenue
Restaurant: Dinner daily, 5:30 pm–midnight; Saturday brunch, 11:30 am–3 pm
Club Lounge and Rooftop Bar: Daily, 12 noon until late
Telephone: +65 6508 2188

Wrapping Up

Singapore has changed enormously since I first lived there, but what draws me back has remained remarkably constant. It is the combination of order and energy, food and architecture, tropical heat and aggressive air-conditioning, deep history and an almost impatient appetite for the future.

These are still my ten favourite Singapore experiences, updated for 2026. They range from the very expensive to completely free, from a Champagne lunch to a simple walk along the river. Together, they capture something of the Singapore I know and love.

If you prefer to understand a city on paper before you arrive, the Singapore Borch folded laminated map is a practical overview of the city, including the central districts, Sentosa and public transport. You can also explore Mapworld's wider collection of maps and travel guides for Asia.

If you think I have missed something essential, please leave a suggestion in the comments. Singapore never stands still, and that is one of the reasons it is always worth returning.

 

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