Monday newsletters always feature top 10 travel lists to inspire.
Today: Top 10 Best Things to See & Do in Singapore
Singapore is a exciting travel destination where cutting-edge modernity meets rich cultural heritage. Often described as Asia’s most polished city, this dynamic island nation offers far more than its futuristic skyline and flawless infrastructure suggest. Beneath the gleaming surface lies a rich tapestry of heritage neighborhoods, world-class gastronomy, lush green sanctuaries, and deeply rooted traditions — all delivered with an uncompromising commitment to excellence.
For luxury travelers, Singapore stands apart as a place where every detail feels intentional. Five-star hotels redefine urban indulgence, Michelin-starred chefs push culinary boundaries, and curated cultural experiences unfold with quiet sophistication rather than spectacle. The city’s compact size allows for seamless exploration, while its efficiency ensures that time is spent savoring experiences rather than navigating logistics.
Whether you are visiting Singapore as a primary destination or as stop-over on a broader Southeast Asian journey, the city rewards those who seek depth, refinement, and exclusivity. From sky-high infinity pools and architectural wonders to timeless rituals like afternoon tea at Raffles and private island escapes beyond its shores, Singapore offers a rare blend of modern luxury and timeless elegance.
This travel guide explores the top 10 best things to see and do in Singapore, designed for discerning travelers who value exceptional service, meaningful experiences, and understated opulence at every turn. Think I missed one? Share your favorite things to see or do in Singapore in the comments section. Below, you can also watch my immersive walking tour in Singapore (which includes most of the city’s top attractions).
10. Cruise the Singapore River in Style at Sunset
A private Singapore River cruise offers an elegant and immersive way to experience the city from a unique vantage point, revealing layers of history and modernity along its gently winding banks. As the boat glides past heritage districts such as Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, travelers gain insight into Singapore’s transformation from a colonial trading port to one of Asia’s most influential global cities, with restored shophouses standing in striking contrast to contemporary skyscrapers. The experience becomes especially captivating at sunset, when the city’s skyline begins to glow and reflections shimmer across the water, creating a cinematic atmosphere. Luxury river cruises elevate the journey with private charters, champagne service, gourmet canapés, and customizable routes, making this a refined and romantic experience ideal for couples, special celebrations, and honeymooners.
9. Visit the National Gallery Singapore
Set within two magnificently restored national monuments, the National Gallery Singapore is both an architectural landmark and a cultural cornerstone of the city. Home to the world’s largest public collection of modern Southeast Asian art, the gallery offers a nuanced exploration of the region’s artistic movements, political histories, and cultural identities through thoughtfully curated exhibitions. Visitors can enhance their experience with private or curator-led tours, gaining deeper insight into the stories behind the artworks, while rooftop dining venues provide panoramic views of the civic district and Marina Bay. For luxury travelers seeking meaningful cultural engagement alongside refined surroundings, the National Gallery Singapore delivers an experience that is intellectually rich, visually compelling, and deeply rewarding.
8. Experience Wildlife Encounters at Singapore Zoo
Singapore’s approach to wildlife experiences is widely regarded as one of the most progressive in the world, combining conservation, education, and immersive design. The Singapore Zoo features expansive, open-concept habitats that closely replicate natural environments, allowing visitors to observe animals in settings that feel authentic and unobstructed. After dark, the Night Safari — the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park — offers a completely different perspective, showcasing elusive species as they become active under carefully designed lighting. Travelers seeking a more exclusive encounter can choose private guided tours, which provide behind-the-scenes access, expert commentary, and intimate views of rare animals. The result is a sophisticated, ethical, and unforgettable wildlife experience that appeals to travelers of all ages.
7. Shop the World’s Finest Brands on Orchard Road
Orchard Road stands at the heart of Singapore’s luxury retail scene, offering a polished and cosmopolitan shopping experience that rivals the world’s most famous avenues. Stretching for over two kilometers, this iconic boulevard is lined with architectural statement malls housing flagship boutiques from leading international fashion and jewelry houses, including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Hermès, and Cartier. High-end shopping destinations such as ION Orchard, Paragon, and Ngee Ann City cater to discerning clients with VIP concierge services, private salons, and personalized styling appointments. Beyond luxury retail, Orchard Road seamlessly blends fine dining, chic cafés, contemporary art installations, and lifestyle spaces, transforming a day of shopping into a curated cultural and social experience.
6. Escape to Sentosa Island for Beachside Luxury
Located just minutes from Singapore’s city center, Sentosa Island offers a tranquil retreat that contrasts beautifully with the metropolis’s fast-paced energy while also serving as one of the city’s prime leisure destinations. The island is known for its golden beaches, lush tropical landscapes, and world-class facilities, including award-winning spas, championship golf courses, and the iconic luxury hotel Capella Singapore. Sentosa is also home to renowned attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and Adventure Cove Waterpark, which provide curated entertainment experiences for travelers seeking variety alongside relaxation. Guests can spend their days unwinding at private beach clubs, embarking on sunset yacht cruises, or indulging in holistic wellness rituals, creating a seamless blend of tropical serenity, refined luxury, and entertainment that makes Sentosa Island an ideal escape without leaving Singapore.
5. Enjoy Afternoon Tea at Raffles Singapore
An afternoon tea at Raffles Singapore is one of the city’s most enduring luxury rituals, offering an elegant pause steeped in history, heritage, and refinement. Set within the legendary colonial-era hotel, the experience unfolds in serene, palm-lined surroundings where attentive service and timeless traditions take center stage, creating a sense of calm that feels removed from the modern city beyond its doors. Guests are presented with an exquisite selection of finely cut finger sandwiches, freshly baked scones with clotted cream and preserves, and beautifully crafted pastries, all paired with premium loose-leaf teas or a glass of champagne. For those with the time and inclination, extending the experience by staying a few nights at Raffles Singapore allows travelers to fully immerse themselves in the hotel’s gracious atmosphere, spacious suites, and discreet service.
4. Experience Marina Bay Sands & its Iconic Infinity Pool
Towering above the city’s waterfront, Marina Bay Sands is one of Singapore’s most recognizable landmarks and a defining symbol of modern luxury. The architectural masterpiece is crowned by its world-famous infinity pool, which offers uninterrupted panoramic views of the skyline, Marina Bay, and the surrounding cityscape from 57 stories above ground. Reserved exclusively for hotel guests, the pool delivers an unparalleled experience, particularly at sunrise or sunset, when the city’s energy feels both expansive and serene. Beyond the pool, Marina Bay Sands encompasses fine dining by internationally acclaimed chefs, luxury shopping, cultural venues, and observation decks, making it a self-contained destination that perfectly captures Singapore’s bold ambition and refined sophistication.
3. Take a Luxury Trip to Bawah Reserve from Singapore
For travelers seeking an extraordinary escape beyond the city, a journey from Singapore to Bawah Reserve represents the pinnacle of secluded luxury. Accessible via private seaplane, this exclusive private island sanctuary in Indonesia feels worlds away from Singapore’s urban sophistication, yet perfectly complements it. Set within a protected marine reserve, Bawah Reserve is defined by crystal-clear lagoons, untouched coral reefs, and a collection of overwater bungalows and beachfront villas designed for barefoot elegance. The all-inclusive experience encompasses gourmet dining, holistic wellness rituals, snorkeling, kayaking, and deeply personalized service, creating a seamless transition from cosmopolitan indulgence to pristine natural beauty. For luxury travelers, Bawah Reserve is not simply a getaway, but a transformative wellness extension of a Singapore itinerary.
2. Indulge in Singapore’s Michelin-Starred Culinary Scene
Singapore’s reputation as a global gastronomic capital is firmly cemented by its extraordinary concentration of Michelin-starred restaurants, representing an impressive diversity of culinary traditions and modern interpretations. Fine dining establishments such as Odette, Les Amis, and Burnt Ends are celebrated for their technical precision, seasonal ingredients, and impeccable service, consistently ranking among Asia’s best. What sets Singapore apart is its seamless integration of fine dining with local culinary heritage, where elevated tasting menus coexist alongside Michelin-recognized hawker cuisine. For luxury travelers, private dining rooms, chef’s tables, and bespoke wine-pairing experiences transform meals into memorable cultural encounters, making dining one of the most rewarding aspects of any visit to Singapore.
1. Discover the Magic of Gardens by the Bay, Day & Night
A symbol of Singapore’s innovative spirit, Gardens by the Bay is a visionary attraction that blends nature, technology, and design on a spectacular scale. By day, visitors can explore the climate-controlled Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, where rare plant species, dramatic waterfalls, and carefully curated ecosystems create a tranquil escape from the city. As evening approaches, the atmosphere shifts as the iconic Supertree Grove becomes illuminated during the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show, transforming the gardens into a captivating nighttime spectacle. Guided experiences and hidden walkways offer a more intimate perspective, making Gardens by the Bay a multisensory highlight of any Singapore itinerary for discerning travelers.
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