Where Tourists Go in Singapore: Top Attractions & Hidden Gems

So you're planning a trip to Singapore and that question pops into your head: where do tourists go in Singapore, really? You've seen the glossy pictures of Marina Bay Sands and the Supertrees, but is that all there is? Having spent a good amount of time exploring the city-state myself, I can tell you it's a lot more layered than the postcards suggest. Sure, everyone hits the famous spots – and you should too – but the real magic often happens in between.

Let's be real. Singapore is expensive. A beer can cost you an arm and a leg. But what you get is a ridiculously clean, safe, and efficient city that packs more sights per square mile than almost anywhere else. It's a place where ancient temples sit next to futuristic malls, and where you can have a world-class meal for a few dollars at a hawker centre. Figuring out where to go is the first step to not blowing your budget on the wrong things.

The Big Hitters: Where Pretty Much Every Tourist Goes

Let's start with the obvious. When you ask where do tourists go in Singapore, these are the places that dominate Instagram and guidebook covers. They're popular for a reason – they're impressive, accessible, and deliver on the wow factor. You'd be silly to skip them entirely on a first visit.

Marina Bay Sands & The Gardens by the Bay

This is the iconic skyline. The hotel itself, with that crazy ship-like structure on top, is a sight. Even if you don't stay there (and let's face it, most of us don't have that budget), you can visit the observation deck, Sands SkyPark. The view at night is unbeatable. Right next door is Gardens by the Bay. The Supertree Grove is mind-bending, especially during the Garden Rhapsody light show. The real star for me, though, is the Cloud Forest dome. Walking into that misty, cool world of waterfalls and vertical gardens is an experience. It feels like another planet. The Flower Dome is beautiful but, in my personal opinion, a bit less thrilling unless you're a serious horticulture fan.

Where do tourists go in Singapore for that classic photo? Right here, under the Supertrees.

Sentosa Island

Sentosa is Singapore's purpose-built playground. It's a whole island dedicated to fun. Universal Studios Singapore is the main draw for families and thrill-seekers. The Battlestar Galactica dueling coasters are legit. But Sentosa is more than just theme parks. There's S.E.A. Aquarium (one of the world's largest), Adventure Cove Waterpark, and even beaches like Palawan and Siloso. You can get there by monorail, cable car, or even walk across the Sentosa Boardwalk. It's a full day, easily. I find it can feel a bit artificial and commercial, but if you're with kids or just want to switch off and have some straightforward fun, it delivers.

Orchard Road

Shopping. That's the answer here. Miles and miles of air-conditioned malls, from luxury brands at ION Orchard to more mainstream options. It's less about where tourists go in Singapore for unique finds and more about retail therapy in a climate-controlled environment. A lifesaver on a rainy or scorchingly hot afternoon. Personally, I prefer the character of the smaller boutiques in Haji Lane, but for sheer scale and variety, Orchard Road is king.

The Cultural Heart: Where Tourists Go for Authenticity

This is where Singapore's soul lives. The gleaming downtown is impressive, but the city's history and multicultural fabric are woven into these neighbourhoods. If you only see the skyscrapers, you're missing half the story.

Chinatown

Not just a tourist trap. Sure, there are souvenir shops, but wander down the side streets and you'll find traditional shophouses, ancient temples like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (seriously, go inside, it's opulent), and some of the best food in the city. The Chinatown Heritage Centre is a small but powerful museum that tells the story of early Chinese immigrants. And at night, the street markets come alive. It's a bustling, sensory overload in the best way.

Kampong Glam (Arab Street)

Home to the magnificent Sultan Mosque (respectful attire required), this area is the historic Malay-Muslim quarter. The main drag, Arab Street, is lined with fabric shops, Persian carpet stores, and Middle Eastern restaurants. Haji Lane, running parallel, is a narrow alley packed with indie boutiques, cool cafes, and vibrant street art. It's a fantastic spot for a leisurely afternoon of exploring and people-watching. The energy here is completely different from Chinatown or Little India.

Little India

Prepare your senses. The scent of spices and jasmine flowers, the vibrant colours of saris, the sound of Tamil music – it's a full immersion. Must-visits include the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and the bustling Tekka Centre (wet market and hawker centre). On Sundays, it feels like the entire area is one big, joyful, chaotic family gathering. This is a prime example of where tourists go in Singapore to experience a culture within a culture.

So, where do tourists go in Singapore when they tire of the crowds? They often find these cultural pockets offer a more relaxed, genuine pace.

Beyond the Checklist: Unique Spots & Local Favourites

Now for the good stuff. The places that might not be on every top 10 list but are absolute gems. This is where you start to answer the deeper question of where do tourists go in Singapore to feel like they've discovered something special.

• The Southern Ridges: A 10km network of trails and bridges connecting parks like Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, and HortPark. The Henderson Waves bridge is an architectural marvel and the views over the city and harbour are stunning, especially at dusk. It's free, it's green, and it's a wonderful escape.
• Pulau Ubin: This is Singapore as it was 50 years ago. A short bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal takes you to this rustic island of gravel paths, mangrove swamps, and simple villages. Rent a bike and explore. You'll see wild boars, monitor lizards, and all kinds of birdlife. It's the perfect antidote to the city's polish.
• Haw Par Villa: This is... bizarre. A park built in the 1930s by the creators of Tiger Balm, filled with over 1,000 statues and dioramas depicting Chinese mythology, folklore, and most famously, the Ten Courts of Hell. It's kitsch, it's creepy, it's unforgettable. You won't find anything else like it. Check its official site for current hours.
• Keong Saik Road: Once a red-light district, now one of Singapore's coolest streets. Historic shophouses have been transformed into boutique hotels, award-winning cocktail bars, and innovative restaurants. It's a great place for an evening out with a more local, hipster vibe.

Planning Your Singapore Itinerary: A Practical Breakdown

Knowing where to go is one thing. Stringing it together is another. Singapore is small but dense. A little planning saves a lot of time and sweat (and you will sweat).

Here’s a rough guide based on trip length. Mix and match from the categories above.

If You Have 2-3 Days (The Classic Highlights Tour)

You'll be busy. Focus on the big icons and one cultural district.
Day 1: Marina Bay area in the morning (Merlion, Helix Bridge), Gardens by the Bay in the afternoon/evening for the light show.
Day 2: Choose one: Sentosa (full day) OR Singapore Zoo & Night Safari.
Day 3: Morning in Chinatown (heritage centre, temple, lunch at Maxwell), afternoon exploring Kampong Glam or Little India, evening on Orchard Road or at a rooftop bar.

If You Have 4-5 Days (Deeper Dive)

Now you can breathe and explore.
Add Pulau Ubin for a morning, or walk the Southern Ridges. Spend more time in the cultural districts, maybe catch a performance at the Esplanade. Visit the Asian Civilisations Museum (it's excellent). Have a leisurely meal in the Dempsey Hill area. This is when you start to feel the city's rhythm beyond the tourist trail.

If You Have a Week or More (The Insider's Pace)

You can get properly adventurous.
Explore neighbourhoods like Tiong Bahru (hipster cafes in art deco buildings) or Joo Chiat/Katong (Peranakan culture and amazing eateries). Take a day trip to Johor Bahru in Malaysia (check visa requirements!). Visit the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum or the ArtScience Museum. Do a food tour in Geylang. You have the luxury to get lost.

The Final Word: Where Do YOU Want to Go?

Look, at the end of the day, the answer to where do tourists go in Singapore depends entirely on what you're looking for. Are you a history buff? A foodie? A party animal? A nature lover? Singapore has something for everyone.

The key is to not treat it as a checklist. Mix the iconic with the intimate. Balance the air-conditioned malls with the humid, fragrant streets of Little India. Pair a fancy cocktail at a rooftop bar with a cheap, delicious plate of chicken rice at a hawker stall.

My biggest piece of advice? Leave some room for spontaneity. Get lost in a neighbourhood. Follow a smell that intrigues you. Talk to a local at a coffee shop. That's often where you find the real answer to where tourists go in Singapore – they go where their curiosity leads them, and in a place this diverse and welcoming, that's always a good path to follow.

Start with the big sights to get your bearings and your photos. Then, dive deeper. That's when Singapore transforms from a postcard into a place you'll genuinely remember.

So, pack your comfortable shoes, an umbrella, and a big appetite.

Singapore is waiting.