Singapore attractions

The Old Supreme Court Building housed Singapore’s highest court for more than 60 years, until the judiciary arm moved to a more modern building in 2005. Today, the architectural icon—which was the last classical building to be completed in Singapore—houses the National Gallery Singapore.

Dramatically transformed by urban redevelopment, Marina Bay is home to a plethora of entertainment options as well as some of Singapore’s most iconic attractions. Popular with locals and travelers alike, the vibrant waterfront region is an exciting place to spend the day (or night).

Once inhabited by the Malay and Muslim elite of Singapore, the Kampong Glam neighborhood is one of the city’s most attractive. Former shop houses have been restored to their former beauty and now house modern shops and restaurants. The area is also home to the Sultan Mosque and Malay Heritage Centre.

An unusual museum 30 feet (nine meters) beneath Fort Canning Hill, the secretive British military fort known as Battlebox once played an important role in Singapore’s history. Used by the Malaya Command to defend Singapore during World War II, the bunker was where Lieutenant-General Arthur Percival ultimately surrendered Singapore to the Japanese, marking the decline of the British Empire. Today, the cavernous space is filled with lifelike wax mannequins and antique photos and video clips that depict what it was like to live and strategize within the gray, 29-room labyrinth during the final days of the war.

Singapore’s River Safari park takes you on a water-themed wildlife safari from the banks of the Amazon to the fish-filled waters of the Mekong. More than 7,500 animals and 240 different species call this park home, including rare marine life, exotic fish, and even a pair of Giant Pandas.

The Singapore Cable Car provides a 360-degree panoramic view of city’s best attractions, including the Singapore harbor, Sentosa Island, and the city skyline. More than 100 cabins carry passengers along 3 miles (5 kilometers) of cableway. Tickets grant access to a museum detailing the history of the cable car system.

Flowing through the city’s dense Central Business District, the Singapore River is closely tied to Singapore’s history and modern day-to-day life. It was on the north bank of the river where Stamford Raffles first landed to found his colony, and many government buildings still line its shores. Many of the city’s top nightlife hot spots are also situated along the river, including Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay.

Founded in 1887 as a 10-room bungalow on the shores of the Singapore River, the resplendent Raffles Hotel grew to attract famous faces such as Charlie Chaplin and Queen Elizabeth II. Known for its colonial architecture and luxury amenities, it’s also the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail and a popular spot for high tea.

Located in Singapore’s super-sleek business district, Fort Canning Park is a hilltop oasis that encompasses nine smaller historic parks. In addition to a fragrant spice garden, an art gallery, and some grandiose Gothic gates, Fort Canning Park is also home to a World War II bunker and command center.

As Southeast Asia’s first movie-themed park, Universal Studios Singapore offers a slew of exciting attractions, including 24 movie-themed rides, a festive walk, water park, marine life park and maritime experiential museum and aquarium. Opened in 2011 with director Steven Spielberg as a creative consultant, the kid-friendly park takes inspiration from some of Hollywood’s biggest hits, including Transformers, The Lost World, and Madagascar.