Top 5 Must Visit Attractions in Singapore for First Time Travelers

Tourism plays a crucial role in Singapore's economy, with over 13 million international visitors last year.  Despite being an island, Singapore has a lot to offer visitors and there is a constant effort to keep upgrading and adding new experiences every year to ensure that visitors keep coming back to Singapore!

If you are planning to visit Singapore in 2025, we will share with you some of the places and activities that you should experience during your stay in Singapore.  These experiences will give you an insight into Singapore’s vibrant cultural, heritage and culinary hotspots.  We are sure that once you have covered these places, you will be eager to come back to Singapore and enjoy some of the other hidden gems and local experiences.

As a first-time visitor to Singapore, you should ideally plan to stay for at least 5 nights, giving you enough time to soak in the ambience and enjoy a relaxed experience.  The best way to experience the city is to take a tour of the city.  The Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour is a good way to get a feel of the city and the key attractions.  Alternatively, you can plan your own itinerary and use public transport or hire a taxi and visit the places that you want to go to.  If you are planning the trip yourself, below are some suggestions on what you should cover during the stay in Singapore as a first-time visitor.

1.  Singapore Flyer

A great way to see the city of Singapore is through the Singapore Flyer- Asia’s largest observatory wheel.  Located on Raffles Avenue, the Singapore Flyer offers a 30 minute ride in a glass capsule giving visitors a 360-degree view.  From here, you can see the iconic landmarks of Singapore like the Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore River, Raffles Place and the Merlion Park.  You may even be able to see the Sentosa island from its height!

The Singapore Flyer complex also features food stalls, an art exhibition, and the Time Capsule, a multisensory family activity showcasing Singapore’s heritage.

If you want a unique experience, then go for a 4-course menu with 165 Sky Dining by Singapore Flyer-the tallest revolving dining experience in Singapore!  The price for this meal is SGD 520 for a couple for 90 minutes.

The Singapore Flyer operates from 10 AM to 930 PM daily.  Tickets can be booked online wit ticket prices of SGD 40 for adults and SGD 25 for Children and Senior Citizens for the Singapore Flyer and the Time Capsule Combo.

2. Singapore Zoo

Located in the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, the Singapore Zoo is a must-visit for nature lovers and children.  Singapore Zoo has launched the Kidzworld – Home of the Ranger Buddies.  This offers children the opportunity to interact with animals up close.  The Zoo is open from 830 AM to 6 PM.  Other sections of Mandai include the Bird Paradise, Night Safari and River Wonders.

If you are looking to spend the full day here, start with a unique dining experience- Breakfast in the wild.  The breakfast served are planet-friendly using sustainably sourced ingredients Visitors can also enjoy photo opportunities with Orangutans, African Penguins, Sea lion and more!

The Singapore Zoo offers a complimentary Tram Ride to explore the park at a relaxed pace while listening to stories about the animals.

If you are travelling with children, you can cover Singapore Zoo, Night Safari and the River Cruise over a two-day period.

3.  Botanic Gardens

The Botanic Gardens are Singapore's first UNESCO World Heritage Site. Founded in 1859, the Botanic Gardens was laid out in the English Landscape Movement style. These gardens played an important role in fostering agricultural development in Singapore. Spread over 82 acres, the Botanic Gardens holds a significant place in the history of Singapore and the region. This garden is the first and only tropical botanic garden in the World Heritage List.

Depending on how much time you have, visit the National Orchid Garden as well as the Heritage Museum among the many other gardens that you can visit.

4.  Sentosa Island

A trip to Singapore is incomplete without visiting Sentosa Island.  This resort island off the southern coast of Singapore is known for its beaches, theme attractions and family-friendly activities. 

Sentosa’s history can be traced back over a hundred years when it was a British military base.  During World War II, the Japanese took it over and turned it into a prisoner-of-war camp.  In the 1970’s, the island was renamed as Sentosa with plans to convert it into a tourist attraction.

Some of the key attractions that one can visit here are the Universal Studios,  Resorts World Sentosa, Wings of Time and Adventure Cove Waterpark.  Sentosa is conveniently connected by cable car, monorail and by road.  Accommodation is also available on the island for those wanting to spend more time covering the attractions on the island.

5.  Garden’s by the Bay/Marina Bay Sands

Before you leave Singapore, keep some time in hand for a visit to Marina Bay Sands and the Garden’s by the Bay.

Marina Bay Sands is a luxury hotel in Singapore which has become a landmark in the city. Even if you are not staying in the hotel, visitors are allowed at the Skypark Observation Deck.  The Deck is on the 56th floor of the hotel, offering a scenic view the cityscape.  From here, you can also view the Gardens by the Bay as well as other iconic landmarks of the city.

Gardens by the Bay is spread over 105 hectares. 

Planned in 2006 with a vision to turn Singapore into the premier Garden city with a perfect environment in which to live and work in. This park features waterfront gardens, the SuperTree grove, the Flower Dome (the world’s largest glass greenhouse) as well as many other themed gardens.  Gardens by the Bay.

Gardens by the Bay is highlighted as one of Asia’s top garden destinations.  Many activities are conducted here from time to time like the Disney Garden of Wonders.  One can easily spend a few hours walking around the gardens.  There are also a number of cafes and restaurants where you can stop and enjoy a snack while you are there!

The above attractions are some of the must visit attractions that every first time visitor to Singapore should cover. Singapore has many more attractions and entertainment activities that can be enjoyed.  Once you have an overall experience of Singapore, your next visit can be planned with more activities that match your interests.  Singapore hosts a number of international sporting events and music festivals as well as many religious festivals so you can plan your trip to coincide with some of these festivals and events.  If you are a foodie, there are many Michelin-starred restaurants that you can indulge in or head to Hawker Centres to explore local street food.

Corporate Concierge Solutions is a Travel Concierge that creates customized itineraries to Singapore apart from traditional packages that cover the key attractions.  Visit our website to know more about the attractions in Singapore as well as the different packages that we can curate for you or contact our Travel Concierge for assistance!

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