If you’re looking for fun places to go in Singapore with friends, or need some ideas for the school holidays, here’s a big list! We’ve included fun activities to do with kids, free activities (like walks and picnics) and top places to visit in Singapore for all ages. For couples, there are also heaps of cool things to do in Singapore at night – with or without kids. And don’t forget to watch our short video on things to do in Singapore this weekend at the end of the article. Here we go!
Fun activities for kids and things to do in Singapore this weekend
Ride the Luge
The Skyline Luge on Sentosa is a safe yet fun way of introducing track racing to children. Hop into the driver’s seat of a luge cart at the top of Mount Imbiah, then ride your way down to Siloso Beach. It’s great for all ages and experience levels, though note that some age and height restrictions apply to ride alone.
So how does it work? This fun outdoor activity for kids and adults involves a three-wheeled cart moving purely with the pull of gravity. Riders have full control over the speed of their descent as they navigate on purpose-built tracks. There are four tracks – Dragon Trail, Jungle Trail, Kupu Kupu Trail and Expedition Trail – each with specially designed features including hairpin corners, downhill slopes and tunnels to add to the fun. Luge ride packages also include a Skyride that transports you to the top of the tracks. This chairlift provides a sweeping view of the Singapore skyline and the South China Sea as well as the lush forests of Sentosa.
You can also groove to your favourite tunes under the stars with “Night Luge: Ride the Beat”. The tracks will be illuminated, the music will be pumping and a curated playlist of chart-topping hits and timeless classics will fill the air.
45 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa
6274 0472 | skylineluge.sg
Aqua Adventure – Singapore’s first all-weather indoor water adventure park and playground
Rain or shine, the thrills don’t stop at Aqua Adventure, Singapore’s first integrated indoor water adventure park. Spanning three storeys, this action-packed venue offers a mix of wet and dry activities for the whole family – whatever the weather!
For thrill-seekers, there’s the 114-metre Double Trouble Slide, which is the longest indoor water slide in Singapore. Or brave the pitch-black twists of the 85-metre Black Hole Slide!
Beyond the slides, try the high ropes Aqua Course, suspended above the Laze Pool, or tackle the Scramble Net, an obstacle arena where you’ll crawl, climb and swing your way through obstacles. Aspiring climbers can test their skills at Clockwork Towers, five interactive climbing walls designed for both kids and adults.
For a break between zones, the Laze Pool hosts games and mini challenges led by the parkʼs “Aquatic Specialists”.
900 Bedok North Road, Level 2, HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir
aquaadv@hometeamns.sg | bit.ly/3Ovl156
Action Motion – Singapore’s First Gamifier Arena
Action Motion at HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir takes the indoor activity scene to the next level as Singapore’s first digital active arena. Powered by a real-time Gamifier system, this indoor playground turns movement into a game, with live leaderboards tracking your scores and timings as you leap, climb and race your way through the space.
Designed for all ages, the arena is split into high energy zones that blend tech and adrenaline. Valo Jump, for example, is a trampoline zone where augmented reality turns your body into a game controller. Over at Valo Climb, the bouldering wall becomes an interactive screen, throwing up agility-based challenges perfect for solo or team play.
Fans of obstacle courses can test their speed and stamina on Rapid Action, a two-level course built for speed and stamina, or test their balance on Motion Mesh, a multi-level net maze. Meanwhile, climbers can head to Ascend Lab, where climbing walls of different difficulty levels and auto-belay systems allow for safe solo climbs.
Bonus: There are two event rooms for birthday parties or group bookings – perfect for mixing celebrations with some friendly competition.
900 Bedok North Road, Level 2, HomeTeamNS Bedok Reservoir
action_motion@hometeamns.sg | shorturl.at/oJyiz
Unique things to do in Singapore with Little Artists
Little Artists Art Studio’s year round Artrageous camps are perfect for creative kids aged four to 17. Budding artists can explore a wide range of fun activities for kids and adults – from sketching, painting and sculpture to digital art, manga, architecture and even fashion design.
Each child will take home three to seven completed artworks, a certificate and a creative goodie bag!
For older students (P4 and up) looking to sharpen their art skills, there’s the Portfolio Workshop Camp, which offers personalised guidance for students preparing for SOTA, DSA or international art college applications.
All classes are led by qualified educators from around the world, trained in fine arts and design – so you know they’re in great hands.
Studios in The Mandarin Gardens and Siglap Centre
8879 2097 | little-artists.com
Fun activities for kids involving a trampoline trick or two
BOUNCE is a trampoline park in Orchard where kids can slam dunk, play dodgeball, launch into giant airbags and burn off all their energy on wall-to-wall trampolines.
Planning a birthday party? This venue specialises in hosting group activities for kids of all ages. BOUNCE has you covered with its Freestyle Party (think private room, goodie bags, dedicated host) or the new Unhosted Party for a more relaxed celebration.
Little ones can jump, climb and explore safely across various trampoline zones, while older kids (125cm and up) can test their ninja skills on the X Park obstacle course. Whether your child’s a total beginner or a trickster, the friendly Freestyle Hosts are on hand to keep things safe and fun.
Holiday programmes include the Junior Holiday Camp (ages three to six) and Freestyle Holiday Camp (seven and up), both run by expert coaches.
#09-01 Cineleisure, 8 Grange Road
6816 2879 | bounceinc.com.sg
Places to visit in Singapore for high ropes thrills!
Forest Adventure is a family-friendly treetop obstacle course with three rope courses catering to different ages and heights, so even little adventurers can join the fun – while tweens and teens get the chance to navigate most of the course solo for that extra boost of independence.
Adrenaline junkies will love tackling the Grand Course’s 44 different obstacles and Tarzan swing. Not to mention the 300-metre zip-line that takes participants flying over the reservoir!
In total, there are 69 crossings – including wobbly bridges, balancing beams, nets and a leap of faith – plus six zip-lines spread across the courses.
Bedok Reservoir Park
6206 9744 | forestadventure.com.sg
Thrilling adventures and indoor activities for kids
Adventure HQ offers a whole range of fun activities in Singapore for thrill-seekers keen to experience the outdoors, indoors! Think adrenaline-fuelled climbing, caving and exploring. Spanning four storeys, it has something to suit everyone’s level of adventure.
Practice balancing on the bouldering wall or level up through eight different climbing lanes. Test your agility and strength on the Ninja Course and take on the Adventure Trail to traverse tunnels, nets and obstacles. You can also descend into the realistic artificial cave and navigate a 165-metre labyrinth of dark tunnels!
Those that are brave enough can ride Singapore’s longest indoor slide, which is a stomach dropping four-and-half-storeys high! Plus, take to the skies and try hang-gliding with the first indoor aerial coaster experience in Singapore called the Roll Glider. There are plenty more cool things to do in Singapore at Adventure HQ’s multi-installation indoor adventure centre.
hometeamns.sg/khatib/adventurehq
Fun activities for kids and adults that test your shooting skills
TactSim’s airsoft games are one of the most unique things to do in Singapore. If you’ve never played before, airsoft is a competitive shooting sport where teams engage in skirmishes or scenario games against each other. You can find other similar shooting games such as paintball and laser tag in Singapore, but airsoft is currently only available at TactSim. In addition, TactSim is the first player versus player (PVP) airsoft arena in Singapore.
So how does it work? Participants use airsoft replicas launching 6mm plastic pellets at safe velocities and declare when they have been hit. The projectiles will only leave a mark like a tiny mosquito bite if you are hit from a close proximity. So the real test is about how well you can work as a team, communicate and play honestly.
Unlike other shooting game centres, the airsoft arena at TactSim features advanced moving wall panels to add plenty of variety each season. They’ve also designed their arena to maximise the gameplay experience for all levels of enthusiasts. That’s what makes this such a fun thing to do in Singapore with friends. From competitive shooting and scenario games to casual challenges, there’s a place and style for every class of airsoft player.
More things to do in Singapore this weekend
A new spin on golf
Grab your friends and take a swing at the Clubhouse SG golf bar! One of the more unique things to do in Singapore’s CBD, the bar and cafe includes a plethora of stunning golf courses from around the world to choose from. Using one of the three state-of-the-art GC Hawk simulators, you can play a round (or several) of golf and earn a well-deserved tipple from the fully-stocked bar, and a yummy signature pizza.
Find yourself on famous golfing greens including St Andrew’s Old Course, Abu Dhabi and Pebble Beach – all while still in Capital Tower! And don’t worry if you’re not a golfer, there are several carnival-style games, such as Putt Skee, Darts and Bowling for more fun activities for kids and adults in Singapore.
S.E.A. Aquarium is one of the top places to visit in Singapore
Located on Sentosa, this is one of the world’s largest aquariums. It’s home to more than 100,000 marine animals, representing 1,000 species across 45 habitats, making it easily one of the top places to visit in Singapore, whether you’re a tourist, a new arrival or an ‘old hand’!
There are all kinds of fun activities for kids here, including up-close animal encounters, immersive learning journeys as well as interactive programmes as they discover a vast array of aquatic life.
rwsentosa.com/en/attractions/sea-aquarium
Perfume-making workshop at Scentopia, Sentosa
Singapore is known for its stunning displays of rainforest orchids. From the National Orchid Garden in the Singapore Botanic Gardens to Gardens by the Bay, this national flower is central to the island’s floral heritage. And now there’s another way to pay homage to the enchanting orchid by joining a perfume-making workshop at Scentopia on Sentosa.
Set in the heart of the rainforest at Siloso Beach, the perfumery has created a range of orchid-infused fragrance oils that you can customise to create your own signature scent. From perfumes and room scents, to bath oils, reed diffusers and candles, crafting your own unique and exclusive botanical fragrance at the perfume bar is the ultimate olfactory experience.
Perfect for bridal showers, birthday parties, farewells and corporate events, the journey starts with a perfume personality assessment to determine whether you prefer citrus, fresh, floral, woody or oriental profiles (or a combination). You’ll then choose scent wands based on your preferences to tailor a fragrance that’s entirely bespoke. For an added touch, there’s also the option to engrave one’s name or details on the bottle at the end of the experience. It’s the ideal outing to add to your diary if you’re looking for fun things do in Singapore this weekend!
Beyond the perfume bar, visitors can browse the retail store for a stunning range of aromatic and orchid-infused fragrances, and experience the augmented reality-enabled scent library (it’s free!).
36 Siloso Beach Walk, Sentosa
8031 7081 | scentopia-singapore.com
Still looking for things to do in Singapore this weekend?
Kayak fishing
Kayak fishing is a great outdoor thing to do in Singapore on the weekend. It combines the fun of paddling a kayak with the thrill and skill of trying to catch fish. Kayak Fishing Fever offers three itineraries, covering different distances; there’s The Playground with fun activities for kids (2-4 kilometres), Big Boat Small Boat (3-5 kilometres) and also Island Hopper (7-10 kilometres). Fish caught during the tours are returned to the sea as part of the company’s catch-and-release practice.
A splashing good time at HydroDash
Looking for fun activities for kids? Get your swimmers at the ready and book a ticket to Singapore’s first floating aqua park, HydroDash, one of the top places to visit in Singapore for anyone with an adventurous spirit! Located at Palawan Beach on Sentosa, the floating obstacle course will get you, your friends and your family sliding, jumping and bouncing across inflatables. Put your balance skills to the test on the wiggle bridge; or show off your sliding prowess and monkey bar technique!
The Southern Islands for things to do in Singapore this weekend
For one of the best things to do in Singapore that involves sand and sea, jump on the ferry from Marina South Pier to Lazarus Island, next to St John’s island. A morning visit is your best bet; the powdery stretch of sand is usually empty, save for a few other day-trippers. Pack along some food and drinks for a sandy picnic, and enjoy splashing in turquoise waters. Although there’s zero infrastructure here, internet access is still decent (for folks who’d like to upload envy-invoking shots onto Insta…).
Explore Sembawang’s hot spring park
Relax at Singapore’s only natural hot spring park in Sembawang, one of the best places to visit for nature lovers. With a cascading pool and flora walk, visitors can explore the rustic environment that’s reminiscent of old kampongs. Soak your feet in the footbath pool, explore the education zone or even cook an egg in the hot spring water at the designated egg cooking station. If you are searching for relaxing things to do in Singapore this weekend, look no further than Sembawang. It’s located off Gambas Avenue; for getting there and other information, visit the NParks website.
More fun activities for kids (and grown-ups) in Singapore!
Where to go in Singapore to ride the wake
Singapore Wake Park is the country’s only cable-ski park built in a lagoon at Singapore East Coast Park. It ensures a safe environment for both beginners and experienced riders looking for an adrenaline fix and unique things to do in Singapore. Promising all levels of fun and challenges, the park features three cable-systems catering for experienced, intermediate and novice riders.
Fun snow activities for things to do in Singapore this weekend
Yes, you can experience snow in the tropics – at Snow City! Aside from fun activities for kids like tubing and snow play, you can also try skiing and snowboarding in this winter wonderland. Lessons for all abilities can be taken privately or in a group. So why not add this to your list of cool things to do in Singapore with friends. More good news: you won’t need to lug along your winter wear as jackets, pants and gloves are provided. So, suit up and take to the slopes!
Go cycling
Soak in the Singapore sunshine by renting a bike to ride along the beach at East Coast Park! GoCycling bike rentals have outlets all around the country, so if you’re feeling adventurous, you can take a one-way route to explore up to Marina Bay and Punggol. There are heaps of things to do in Singapore for kids and teenagers in the area, including nature lovers, those after a good workout, or anyone who’s just keen for a fun activity with family and friends.
Best places to visit in Singapore
Get your thrills at Universal Studios
Get your hands on a queue-jump pass for a few extra bucks, or head down on a weekday for the best experience at Universal Studios Singapore. It’s not as huge as the ones in the US; however, a day in this wacky theme park definitely makes for a fun day out – with or without kids. There are plenty of things to do from rollercoasters, 3D experiences, water rides and movie-set towns and eateries.
Singapore Zoo and River Wonders
Animal enthusiasts shouldn’t miss Singapore’s award-winning zoo. This is one of the top places to visit in Singapore, as it’s home to over 300 different species. There’s heaps to see in each zone, too – from baboons in the Great Rift Valley of Ethiopia to Komodo dragons in the Reptile Garden – as well as lively animal shows. Head to the Kidzworld area for fun activities for kids. It has a water playground, obstacle course, farmyard animals and more. And, if their little legs get tired of walking, tour the zoo by guided tram!
While you’re here, the River Wonders next door is worth a visit too – it’s definitely one of the top activities for kids and visitors to Singapore. The park houses over 6,000 animals that live in or along the world’s most famous rivers. Highlights include Giant Pandas and a cruise along an Amazon-like river.
… And stay on for the Night Safari! Stirring to life after dusk, the Night Safari is another one of the top places to visit in Singapore, offering an elusive look at beasts and critters that are soundly snoozing during regular zoo hours. While visitors are free to trek through the dimly lit park on foot, the guided tram is a wildly popular option for its unique insight into the nocturnal habits of the animals; you might even spot some friendly ones roaming freely as you trundle past. There are so many things to do in Singapore’s zoo at night and mammals seen along the trails include spotted ‘laughing’ hyenas and also Malayan tapirs.
Things to do in Singapore this weekend – explore the national parks
We’re spoilt for choice here for beautiful walks and hikes – and yes, they can be challenging too! If you’re looking for free things to do in Singapore, head out into nature and see why Singapore has earned the title of ‘Garden City’. Take the Southern Ridges trail that weaves through the treetops of Mount Faber all the way to Labrador Nature Reserve; the latter is one of the top places to visit in Singapore for its mix of coastal views and military history. Or head to MacRitchie Reservoir, which, aside from being a great place for a jog, has five scenic hiking trails through the forest, ranging from 3km to 11km. Then there’s the Botanic Gardens (pictured, below); this must-see place to visit is a national treasure and also a top picnic spot. (See our picnic round-up for more!)
If you’re after things to do in Singapore this weekend that have a slightly wilder streak, try the Sungei Buloh Wetlands. There’s plenty of fun activities for kids involving spotting crocs! Get acquainted here with Singapore’s unique wildlife or visit the recently opened extension that boasts a coastal boardwalk and a mid-canopy walk.
Check out our in-depth list of hikes and walks in Singapore here. For more information on specific parks, you can also visit the NParks website.
Stroll through Gardens by the Bay for free places to go in Singapore
The gigantic waterfront garden has a cool, futuristic feel and plenty of exotic plants, making it a wonderful spot for a leisurely walk. Must-see things include the Flower Dome, which focuses on Mediterranean flora, and the Cloud Forest, a misty tropical wonderland with a roaring indoor waterfall. (Until the opening of Jewel at Changi, it was the tallest in the world.)
Want to get closer to the space-age Supertrees? This is definitely one of the top things to do in Singapore at night, as the Skyway trail after dusk allows for a surreal 22-metre high stroll amidst the glowing structures. If you have kids to keep amused, toddle off to the huge Children’s Garden. There are sprawling tree houses, a water play area and a free toddler zone, with fun activities for kids.
Discover the backstreets of Chinatown
With its busy alleys and shophouses, Chinatown is ripe with Chinese heritage, making it another of the top places to visit in Singapore. It’s a great place to load up on souvenirs too! There are plenty of things to do with visitors here – duck into shops for antique wares, Chinese tea leaves, traditional remedies, clothing and more, before stopping by the hawker stalls and eateries along Smith Street for a local meal. (Better to go in the evening when it’s a lot cooler!) Prominent places of worship in the area include the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple. Aside from historical sights, Chinatown is teeming with cool bars and restaurants to try. In particular, check out Ann Siang Hill and Club Street for some of the best spots.
Little India is one the places to visit in Singapore
The cultural enclave of Little India has lots of interesting lanes to explore. Savour Indian desserts from the famous Moghul Sweet Shop in Little India Arcade, visit temples or find out your fortune from a street-side parrot astrologer. Ladies will also love Little India for beautiful saris, cheap eyebrow threading and intricate henna tattoos. If it’s a unique late-night experience you’re after, try shopping at Mustafa Centre. If you’re after any kind of knick-knack, this 24-hour shopping mall is definitely among the top places to visit in Singapore.
Get up to your ears in art at the National Gallery Singapore
The National Gallery Singapore is home to the biggest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art in the world. There’s a whopping 8,000 artworks on display! If that sounds daunting for a family visit, visit the Kids & Families section of the website for ideas on fun activities for kids. The Gallery opened in 2015; it occupies the former City Hall and Supreme Court heritage buildings, making it the largest visual arts venue in Singapore and the region – matching the likes of Musée d’Orsay (France) and the Tate Modern (UK) in size. Escape the heat and add this to your list of things to do this weekend!
Historic Dempsey Hill is one of the key places to visit in Singapore
The former nutmeg plantation turned army barracks and now lifestyle enclave is a hugely popular haunt both day and night, and commonly regarded as one of the top places to visit in Singapore. There are tons of places to eat and drink, for any taste and budget; plenty of shops, too – particularly if you’re on the lookout for antiques of carpets! Grab a coffee from one of the many cafés and explore the area on foot. Not only will you find bars, restaurants, shops and art, but hairdressers, a spa, a women’s fitness studio and even a luxury pet hotel.
Chill out at Kampong Glam and see what to do in Arab Street
A short walk from Bugis MRT, the Kampong Glam district has rows and rows of vibrant shophouses hiding quaint cafes, trendy boutiques, laid-back bars, Middle Eastern restaurants and more. For a more traditional taste of Malay culture, one of the top places to see in Singapore is the stately Masjid Sultan Mosque, with its striking gold domes. You can also browse the old fabric and trinket shops nearby.
Places to visit by boat – Pulau Ubin
For just a few bucks, you can catch a 10-minute bum-boat from Changi Village to one of Singapore’s biggest offshore islands. Pulau Ubin is among the top places to visit in Singapore because it’s like taking a step back in time. Local villagers still live on the island; they offer an insight into what life was like before Singapore became a busy city. For around $10, you can hire bikes near the ferry point on the other side and cruise around the rural island for a good few hours. There are also some harder mountain bike trails, if that’s your thing. Keep an eye out for monkeys and wild boars; and don’t forget to head to the Chek Jawa wetlands trail.
Where to go in Singapore to brave the fabled oddities in Haw Par Villa
One of the most unique places to visit in Singapore and the actual world (or so we think), Haw Par Villa has over 1,000 statues, not to mention the 150 dioramas, that dramatise Chinese legends and folklore. Have a laugh as you witness characters like Fu Lu Shou, Confucius and the Laughing Buddha doing some very odd things indeed! Ten Courts of Hell, Journey into the West and numerous other exhibits aim to take you on an experience through ancient times, complete with blood, gore and, erm, human crabs. The level of weird here is so famous amongst locals that it’s even inspired a homegrown music video. Haw Par Villa is free to visit and weaving between the dioramas makes this place one of the most spooky and fun activities for kids with an interest in myths.
Tour Changi Chapel & Museum
For a poignant look back at Singapore’s wartime past, visit Changi Chapel & Museum. The museum reopened in May 2021 after a major revamp in 2018. Check out a never-before-seen 400-page diary, a dinner menu and a toothbrush fashioned from scratch. These artefacts shed light on personal stories of POWs and civilians interned here during the Japanese Occupation.
1000 Upper Changi Road North | Open daily from 9.30am-5pm
Step into the past at Kampong Buangkok
Believe it or not, Singapore still has one surviving kampong (traditional village) amid the high-rise apartments. Home to less than 30 families, the cluster of zinc-roofed houses near Hougang has stood since 1956 is a fascinating place to visit in Singapore. It feels like a portal to the past! It’s common to see cats, dogs and chickens roaming about, as well as more exotic wildlife in the surrounding foliage.
Cycle through Punggol Waterway Park
With its cycling and jogging paths along calm waters, Punggol Waterway Park is lovely for an afternoon jaunt. Bring along your bicycle or skates, or rent them from stalls along the stretch. You’ll breeze past a peaceful backdrop of nature as you ride. Bird-watchers have plenty to keep an eye out for too, such as rose-ringed parakeets and collared kingfishers. As fun activities for kids go, this one gets a big thumbs up, with plenty of opportunities to run amok in the watery playground.
Catch music and art at the Esplanade
Known for its unique architectural design – the spikes on the outside look a bit like those on a durian – the Esplanade is Singapore’s premier performing arts centre. Frequent shows are held in the impressive concert hall of this iconic place to go in Singapore. Once the sun sets, walking along the harbour to see this unique building light up is also one of the best free things to do in Singapore at night.
The Esplanade’s intimate Outdoor Theatre often plays host to live music gigs spanning all kinds of genres; whether it’s jazz or pop rock, this is a decent chill-out spot by the bay. Look out for scheduled shows on their website.
Try a durian!
This is one of the more adventurous things to do with visitors! The spiky, pungent ‘King of Fruits’ usually gets lots of extreme reactions and flak from foreigners. Whether you end up loving it or swearing off another bite completely, you have to try it once! Geylang is famous for durian stalls. For a wide selection, try Ah Hung Company.
Chill at a cat café
Close the doors to the hectic life outside and find a relaxing spot in one of Singapore’s cat cafés, one of the best indoor things to do in Singapore. Pay a small entry fee to enjoy a drink, relax in a comfy chair and enjoy interacting with the felines. Niko no Niwa (pictured) has over ten adopted cats in its premises; the minimum age limit for visitors is seven years. The Cat Café houses only re-homed or adopted strays.
Scratch your head at the Trick Eye Museum
Snap-happy tourists will love the Trick Eye Museum for its bevy of interactive 2D and 3D scenes that make for fun, outrageous illusions. Just be sure to pose in the right spots (pointed out with markers)! You could find yourself balancing on a circus elephant’s trunk or flying on a broomstick. The museum is filled with fun activities for kids! It’s a hilarious, lighthearted way to spend a few hours; plus, you’ll leave with lots of photos to baffle friends and family with.
Visit a rooftop bar
With towering high-rise buildings at every turn, it’s no shock that Singapore is home to some of the best rooftop bars in the world. Not only are the views amazing, the drinks are top-notch too. Definitely one of the best things to do in Singapore with friends and visitors. If you are planning your next date night, or running low on things to do in Singapore for couples, a rooftop bar is the ultimate romantic urban escape. Head here for our pick of the best bars to feel on top of the world.
More interesting things to do in Singapore this weekend!
If you’ve got family, friends, overseas work colleagues or other guests coming to town and you’d love to show them some quirkier bits of Singapore, here’s a cracking list of things to do and see.
Go shopping
Let’s start with an obvious one! From international brands and neighbourhood malls to flea markets and bazaars, Singapore is a shopper’s paradise. Start on Orchard Road, of course, but don’t miss other retail centres such as Bugis Street and IMM. Orchard offers both high-end and wallet-friendly boutiques; Bugis is filled with places to go in Singapore for budget shopping (some stores will allow you to negotiate for a better deal); and IMM is the island’s biggest outlet mall, with an array of brand stores, such as Nine West, Club 21 and Nike, selling products at a lower or discounted price.
Eat at hawker centres
Food is crucial in Singaporean culture, and eating at a hawker centre – for the uninitiated, an area with a cluster of stalls that sells cheap food across a range of cuisines – is one good way to have your guests experience authentic local culture. You may be wondering where to go in Singapore for good hawker food. You won’t be disappointed if you head to some of the most notable hawker centres, we suggest Maxwell Road, Old Airport Road, Lau Pa Sat, Tiong Bahru Market and Chomp Chomp in Serangoon Gardens.
Hop on a bum boat and travel offshore for things to do in Singapore this weekend
Singapore’s offshore islands are vastly different from the mainland. Each is unique and offers a different assortment of things to do and fun activities for kids. Pulau Ubin has wildlife galore, from wild boars to monkeys, and outdoor activities including cycling, hiking and kayaking – take a bum-boat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Looking for unique things to do in Singapore this weekend? St. John’s Island, reached from Marina South Pier, offers bungalow chalets and bunks for short, rustic getaways, and outdoor activities such as fishing and swimming. (Rumours say it’s haunted at night!) Lazarus Island is within walking distance from St. John’s, and offers a beautiful, quiet beach and peaceful places to go in Singapore.
Ride the cable car from Mount Faber to Sentosa
Sentosa should definitely be on your list of places to go in Singapore, and we recommend that you ride the cable car from Mount Faber across to the island. The trip will treat you to stunning bird’s-eye views of the harbour, various neighbourhoods of Singapore, distant islands, and Sentosa itself.
Experience Singapore’s nightlife
Singapore’s nightlife scene is always changing and growing, but there are plenty of reliable areas for club and pub fun. These include, in particular, Clarke Quay, Holland Village and Orchard Road. And don’t miss a tipple on one of the rooftop bars; take in the stunning views of the city while you sip on your drink.
Visit Singapore’s ethnic neighbourhoods for things to do in Singapore this weekend
Singapore’s multicultural mix comprises a wide range of ethnic groups. Of these, the Chinese, Malay and Indian groups are the largest, and you can discover much more about each of them, and their history, culture and religion, in Chinatown, Kampong Glam and Little India respectively. Visiting these areas is definitely among the top things to do in Singapore, whether you’re fresh off the boat or an ‘old hand’!
Chinatown
Kampong Glam
Little India
Explore the past at the Asian Civilisations Museum
One of the region’s pioneering museums, the ACM tells the stories of Asian civilisations throughout its collections. You’ll learn about the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans and the history behind the island’s current multi-ethnic society. Recommended for anyone and as one of the best things to do alone in Singapore.
Get cultural at the Peranakan Museum for things to do in Singapore this weekend
The Peranakan Museum exposes visitors to different aspects of Peranakan culture in Singapore and Southeast Asia, from the origins, fashion and food, to collections of Peranakan artefacts, such as furniture and jewellery.
Step back in time at the National Museum of Singapore
As the nation’s oldest and biggest museum, the National Museum of Singapore focuses on exhibits related to the history of Singapore. A must-visit if you’re wondering about where to go in Singapore for a deep dive into the regions
The National Museum of Singapore regularly features exhibitions of the island’s historical and cultural artefacts. Keep tabs on their website for their latest interactive workshops, outdoor movie screenings and activities for kids.
93 Stamford Road | Open daily from 10am-6pm
Drop by Merlion Park
Granted, it’s a little cheesy, but there’s a reason Merlion Park is one of the most popular places to visit in Singapore. It’s worth a look – if only for that one iconic photo with the statue of Singapore’s quirky half-fish, half-lion emblem. You’ll also get great views of the Central Business District (CBD) and the bay, with excellent restaurants and bars just nearby.
Ride the Singapore Flyer for things to do in Singapore this weekend
Still looking for activities for kids? This giant wheel offers stunning panoramic views of Singapore’s iconic landmarks (Marina Bay Sands, the CBD, Merlion Park and more), and even neighbouring Indonesian islands and the Straits of Johor across to Malaysia.
Be at one with nature
For a small island with a big population, Singapore has a plenty of green places for picnics, with highlights close to the centre including the Botanic Gardens and Fort Canning Park. These places are great for exploring and unwinding in – though you’ll definitely need some shade! Interested in free things to do in Singapore a bit further afield? Bukit Timah Nature Reserve and MacRitchie Reservoir are both great for hiking, and Coney Island is an ideal cycling spot – both great options for things to do in Singapore this weekend!
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Fort Canning Park
Bukit Timah Nature Reserve
MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Coney Island Park
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This article on fun activities in Singapore first appeared in the July 2025 edition of Expat Living. You can purchase the latest issue or subscribe, so you never miss a copy!
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