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These 12 landmarks in Singapore are a must-see for any first-timer!

These 12 landmarks in Singapore are a must-see for any first-timer!

Whether you’re already in Singapore or still planning to travel here, you may be looking for a handy guide so you don’t end up looking like a lost child in a mall.

Well, you can chill on the fact that a place like Singapore naturally has plenty of landmarks that even locals can take pride in and have tourists wishing they had something similar back home.

Chances are you may even know some of them already, meaning they’re THAT iconic. Well, there’s a lot more where that came from, so it’s best you start packing and come along with us! 

Marina Bay Sands

Website: https://www.marinabaysands.com/

Address: 10 Bayfront Ave
Contact Details: +65 6688 8868

When it comes to Singaporean landmarks that are the face of the nation in almost every brochure, Marina Bay Sands definitely takes first place.

This world-famous landmark is a collection of three 55-storey hotel buildings with an open-air space on top that resembles a cruise ship called the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck.

Such features alone make Marina Bay Sands an architectural wonder, and what’s better is that you can experience spectacular views at the observation deck yourself for S$32 per adult.

Once you’re up there, you’re basically towering over anything by the bay, including other notable landmarks like Merlion Park, Supertree Grove, and the pair of Esplanade theatres.

In addition, Marina Bay Sands also comes with its own mall called “The Shoppes”, which is home to one of the best local and international brands for luxury shopping (luxury shopping in Singapore).  

Merlion Park

Address: 1 Fullerton Rd

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours

If you’ve ever seen vacation collages of Singapore, then you’re probably already familiar with the Merlion landmark, a half-lion half-fish (or mermaid) statue that sprays out water onto the bay.

The iconic landmark was first built by Singaporean artist (singapore artist) Lim Nang Seng back in 1972 and has since been relocated in 2002 to a designated pier near One Fullerton. 

As for why they chose to go with a merlion, the “mer” symbolizes Singapore’s past as a fishing village, whereas the “lion” symbolizes the nation’s first name, “Singapura” or lion city.

With its history and the amount of attention it gets, it has become Singapore’s mascot throughout the years, with many tourists flocking to the statue to take Instagram-worthy photos.

This 8.6-meter statue also sits across Marina Bay Sands, further making it an aesthetic viewpoint that’s more than worthy of a place on this list.

Clarke Quay

Website: https://www.capitaland.com/sg/malls/clarkequay/en.html

Address: 3 River Valley Rd
Contact Details: +65 6337 3292

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 11 PM

If you’re itching for a time by the riverside, then one of the best places to go is Clarke Quay. Packed with different activities, this is one itinerary you don’t want to miss.

Clarke Quay was once an important maritime trading route, yet now benefits from a complete transformation to a bustling center filled with restaurants and shops to your delight.

Even after night falls, the colors don’t ever fade away but rather grow even more vibrant, with even the bumboats decorated with colorful lighting as you cruise along the length of the river.

Other activities can also be found within the area that may be to your liking, such as the Hong San See Temple, Fort Canning Park, and the G-Max Reverse Bungy.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Media credit: @alice_in_wonder_lens

Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/sbg

Address: 1 Cluny Rd
Contact Details: +65 6471 7138

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 5 AM – 12 AM

An abundance of greenery can be found at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, where this landmark can easily transport you to another world surrounded by nature.

Not only is it a famous landmark, but it was also added to the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in 2015, making it Singapore’s first in this category.

Right at the heart of the city, Singapore Botanic Gardens has a total of 82 hectares that are home to over 10,000 plant species, leading to a landscape that’s quite the spectacle.

Whether you’re a plant enthusiast or just stopping by, you can experience most of this contained paradise for free, while the National Orchid Garden section costs $5 (locals) and $15 (standard).

National Museum of Singapore

Website: https://www.nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum/

Address: 93 Stamford Rd
Contact Details: +65 6332 3659

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 6:30 PM

A visit to the National Museum of Singapore is the perfect thing to add to your bucket list should you be interested in the rich history and culture of Singapore. (or just a fun date idea!)

Just staring at its 19th-century architectural structure already makes it clear why this is one of the nation’s popular landmarks and why it needs to be preserved.

However, once you step inside, there is about 700 years’ worth of Singaporean history on display through its various exhibits and artifacts that even non-history buffs can appreciate.

This historical landmark also comes with a “Shop & Dine” section in the form of the Café Brera at Reunion and the newly opened MUSEUM MARTKET by ABRY popup store.

Supertree Grove (Gardens by the Bay)

Media credit: @visit_earth_photography

Website: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/en/things-to-do/attractions/supertree-grove.html

Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr
Contact Details: +65 6420 6848

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 5 AM – 2 AM

A landmark that is definitely worth a visit for its fascinating and impressive design is the Supertree Grove, which is just as beautiful from every angle.

Located within the Gardens by the Bay, the Supertree Grove is an awe-inspiring feat of lights and botanical arrangements that stand about 50 meters tall.

While you can see the Supertrees themselves from as far as up the Marina Bay Sands towers, the landmark’s free admission gives you a chance to get up close and personal with them.

Supertree Grove also provides spectacular light shows (aka Garden Rhapsody) at nightfall, again for free. Going by this, it’s recommended to come early since it can get crowded on average.

Lau Pa Sat

Website: https://www.laupasat.sg/

Address: 18 Raffles Quay
Contact Details: +65 6220 2138

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours

If you’re a big foodie, then you’ll simply love what Lau Pa Sat has in store for you. Take a glance, a sniff, and a bite at this place to truly experience what “hawker culture” is in Singapore.

If the name and the look of the place ring a bell, then that’s because this Victorian-esque octagon-shaped building was also featured in “Crazy Rich Asians”.

One of Lau Pa Sat’s bread and butter is “satay” since you’ll be seeing a lot of them while walking through the number one hawker center in Singapore.

But aside from meat skewers, you can also crawl your way into other local (and international) favorites such as Chicken Biryani, Nasi Lemak, Mee Rebus, and Black Pepper Crab.

Whatever you choose to munch on, Lau Pa Sat can be considered a melting pot of different cultures coming together for the love of good food.

CHIJMES

Website: https://chijmes.com.sg/

Address: 30 Victoria St
Contact Details: +65 6265 3600

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours

CHIJMES (Convent of the Holy Jesus Middle Education School) started its life as a convent in the mid-1800s and is now a Singaporean landmark and a beautiful one at that.

While its gothic-style architecture already won our votes, the former chapel and school underwent several renovations before being turned into the multipurpose complex it currently is.

This means CHIJMES can be transformed into anything from a wedding venue and a fine dining area to a venue for live music and other performances.

This kind of versatility is hard to come by when it comes to landmarks that offer more than just tours that align with what it originally was, making CHIJMES truly one of a kind.

Raffles Hotel

Website: https://www.raffles.com/singapore/

Address: 1 Beach Rd
Contact Details: +65 6337 1886

Check-in Time: 3 PM

Check-out Time: 12 PM

Named after the founder of Singapore in 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles, Raffles Hotel is another big historical landmark that takes you back in time during the nation’s colonial days.

First starting operations in 1887 under the Sarkies brothers’ ownership, this famous Victorian-era landmark catered to the likes of Queen Elizabeth II and William Somerset Maugham.

After undergoing two revamps since its opening, the Raffles Hotel continues to provide guests with the British elegance it’s known for while also incorporating hints of an Asian paradise.

Aside from marveling at the beauty of the hotel’s elevation, another must-try at Raffles is the “Singapore Sling” cocktail drink over at the Long Bar, regarded as Singapore’s national drink.

While taking photos of the place is the least you could do, it goes without saying that the best way to experience the history of Raffles Hotel is by checking in yourself.

Helix Bridge

Media credit: @gofindsingapore

Address: Linking Marina Bay and Marina Centre

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: Open 24 hours

Another landmark that is not only free to enter but also offers spectacular views is the Helix Bridge, a 280-metre pedestrian bridge that connects Marina Bay with Marina Centre.

First built in 2010 by COX Group and Architects 61, the Helix Bridge is known for its unique and modern double helix design that resembles DNA. 

The bridge also illuminates with an array of colors at night to represent the four DNA bases, which include A (adenine) paired with T (thymine), and C (cytosine) paired with G (guanine). 

As for what the bridge is made out of, about 650 tonnes of Duplex stainless steel was used for the helix itself, which is coupled with another 1000 tonnes of carbon steel to maintain the shape.

To keep the heat in check during the day, several canopies have been integrated at different points of the inner helix to serve as shade. 

Singapore Flyer

Website: https://www.singaporeflyer.com/en

Address: 30 Raffles Ave
Contact Details: +65 6333 3311

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM – 10 PM

The Singapore Flyer is for those looking for a landmark that gives a different perspective of Marina Bay — and take it from us, it’s more than just your ordinary Ferris wheel.

This observation wheel towers above the ground at about 165 meters, making it the tallest observation wheel in all of Asia.

Each pod or capsule is also well-ventilated due to the air conditioning installed, leading to a comfortable experience as you take in the views.

Singapore Flyer also stands apart from the rest because it offers wine and dining experiences such as the “165 Sky Dining” and “Premium Champagne Experience”.

These tickets are possible thanks to the amount of space for each capsule, so they’re a lot roomier than you’d initially think before trying it out yourself.

Esplanade (Theatres on the Bay)

Website: https://www.esplanade.com/

Address: 1 Esplanade Dr
Contact Details: +65 6828 8377

Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday: 6 AM – 3 AM

While you’re enjoying a bird’s-eye view from the other landmarks on this list, you may notice another landmark in the shape of a familiar spiky fruit. You’re looking at the Esplanade.

The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay are a pair of durian-shaped buildings named after the nearby park of the same name and built as a performing arts center.

To achieve its spiky design, each individual piece of the roof was made out of a triangular aluminum sunshade. Now multiply that by over 7,000 and you’ll complete the two halves.

The two buildings serve as the main performance venues of Esplanade, with the Concert Hall having only the most innovative acoustic features to accommodate the best performances.

Several spaces for different art exhibitions, studios, shops, and restaurants are also available within the venue.