***edited to create a collage of different landmarks
Singapore is full of well-known landmarks, but how often do locals take the time to appreciate them? Beyond their popularity with tourists, these places offer unique experiences, rich history, and stunning sights that even long-time residents can enjoy.
This guide highlights ten must-visit places that are not just for tourists but are also perfect for Singapore residents who want to enjoy the best of what the Lion City has to offer.
Familiar Places, New Perspectives
Even if you’ve lived in Singapore your whole life, there’s a good chance you’ve walked past these places without fully taking them in. These landmarks are not just photogenic backdrops for tourists. They’re part of the city’s story and yours too. They offer locals meaningful reasons to slow down, reconnect, and see the city through a different lens.
1. Marina Bay Sands and Infinity Pool
Marina Bay Sands is one of Singapore’s most recognisable landmarks, featuring an architectural design that resembles a massive ship perched atop three 55-story skyscrapers. Designed by Moshe Safdie, it offers a stunning panoramic view of Singapore’s skyline from its SkyPark Observation Deck.
The world’s largest rooftop infinity pool is located here, offering breathtaking views of the city, though it is exclusively accessible to hotel guests. Beyond its iconic design, Marina Bay Sands houses a casino, luxury shopping mall, theatres, and numerous upscale restaurants and bars.
2. Jewel Changi Airport & HSBC Rain Vortex
Jewel is a biodome-inspired complex that seamlessly blends nature with entertainment, dining, and shopping. The centrepiece of Jewel is the HSBC Rain Vortex, which holds the record as the tallest indoor waterfall in the world, cascading from a height of 40 metres.
Surrounded by lush gardens, the waterfall creates a mesmerising spectacle that changes into a dazzling light show at night. Jewel also houses multiple gardens, dining options, and retail experiences, making it a must-visit attraction even for non-travellers. This extraordinary landmark has cemented Singapore’s reputation as a leader in urban innovation and sustainability.
3. Gardens by the Bay & Supertree Grove
This futuristic green space spans 101 hectares and is home to some of the most unique horticultural displays in the world. The most striking feature of Gardens by the Bay is the Supertree Grove, which consists of towering vertical gardens ranging between 25 and 50 metres tall.
These artificial trees mimic real trees by harnessing solar energy and collecting rainwater for sustainability. The Supertrees come to life at night with a mesmerising Garden Rhapsody light and sound show, creating an unforgettable experience.
In addition to the Supertrees, Gardens by the Bay also houses two iconic conservatories—the Cloud Forest, which features a misty tropical environment with one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls, and the Flower Dome, the largest glass greenhouse in the world, displaying seasonal floral exhibits from around the globe. This breathtaking landmark is a testament to Singapore’s commitment to sustainability and innovation.
4. The ArtScience Museum
Located at Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum is a one-of-a-kind landmark that blends art, science, and technology in an immersive experience. The museum’s distinctive lotus-shaped design makes it an architectural marvel and a major attraction along the Marina Bay waterfront.
Inside, the museum features a range of interactive digital installations and rotating exhibitions that explore the intersection of creativity and scientific discovery. One of the most popular exhibits is Future World: Where Art Meets Science, an interactive digital playground created by TeamLab, which allows visitors to experience cutting-edge art through immersive projections and sensory experiences.
The ArtScience Museum symbolises Singapore’s forward-thinking approach to innovation and education, making it a must-visit landmark for both tourists and locals alike.
5. Sentosa Island & Universal Studios Singapore
Sentosa Island is Singapore’s ultimate entertainment and resort destination, attracting both locals and tourists with its wide range of attractions. The island features pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and adventure parks, making it a perfect getaway from the city’s hustle and bustle.
One of Sentosa’s biggest highlights is Universal Studios Singapore, Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park. The park features seven themed zones, including Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away, and Madagascar. Attractions include Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey, Battlestar Galactica: HUMAN vs. CYLON, and Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure.
Other attractions on Sentosa Island include the S.E.A. Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark, and the Fort Siloso Skywalk, offering something for visitors of all ages.
6. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
Located in the heart of Chinatown, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is a spiritual and architectural masterpiece. The temple’s intricate Tang Dynasty-style design makes it stand out among the traditional shophouses of Chinatown.
Inside, the temple houses a sacred relic believed to be the tooth of Buddha, enshrined in a magnificent stupa made from 320kg of gold. The temple also features beautifully decorated prayer halls, religious artefacts, and a museum that educates visitors on Buddhist culture and history. It remains an important place of worship and a cultural landmark for both locals and visitors.
7. National Gallery Singapore
Housed within two historic buildings—the former Supreme Court and City Hall—the National Gallery Singapore is Southeast Asia’s largest visual arts museum. This world-class gallery showcases over 9,000 artworks, celebrating Singaporean and Southeast Asian heritage.
The museum is known for its colonial-meets-contemporary architecture, with beautifully restored interiors that contrast against modern exhibition spaces. Visitors can explore a vast collection of paintings, sculptures, and multimedia installations highlighting the region’s rich artistic traditions and modern expressions. The gallery also hosts international exhibitions, making it a key landmark for art and culture lovers.
8. Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, affectionately known as “The Durian” due to its unique architectural design, is one of the world’s busiest arts centres. This iconic landmark is renowned for its striking exterior, featuring two rounded glass domes fitted with over 7,000 triangular aluminum sunshades, providing aesthetic appeal and sun protection.
The Esplanade is a hub for artistic expression, with large performance halls and smaller outdoor stages hosting free public performances. The striking architectural design and vibrant arts scene make it a landmark that reflects Singapore’s creative spirit.
9. The Helix Bridge
The Helix Bridge, officially known as The Helix, is a pedestrian bridge that connects Marina Centre with Marina South in the Marina Bay area. Designed by Cox Architecture and Architects 61, this iconic landmark is inspired by the structure of DNA, featuring a double helix design that is both visually striking and structurally innovative.
Four ovular-shaped viewing platforms, or “pods,” cantilever out from the bridge, offering stunning views of Marina Bay and a unique vantage point for events. At night, the bridge is illuminated by ribbons of LED lighting, accentuating the interplay of the two helix tubes. The inner helix uses white light to guide pedestrians, while coloured letters representing the DNA bases (Cytosine, Guanine, Adenine, and Thymine) are highlighted in red and green.
10. Merlion Park
Merlion Park is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, featuring the majestic Merlion statue. This mythical creature, with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, is the national symbol of Singapore, embodying the city’s rich history and cultural heritage.
Merlion Park is near the Marina Bay area, offering stunning views of the bay and landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and the Esplanade. The park features two Merlion statues, a large one and a smaller one, about two meters tall. The larger statue spouts water into Marina Bay, creating a picturesque scene.
Merlion Park symbolises Singapore’s history and identity and is a vibrant spot for locals and tourists to enjoy the city’s scenic beauty and cultural significance.
Plan Your Visit
You don’t have to leave the country to enjoy something new. Singapore’s landmarks, often seen in passing, are full of stories, sights, and experiences worth slowing down for.
Take a day off, plan a weekend outing, or explore after work:
- Pick a spot you haven’t been to in years—or at all. Some places feel different when you return as an adult.
- Bring someone along—family, friends, or even just yourself for a quiet solo trip.
- Go beyond the surface. Read the plaques, catch the light shows, and take the longer route.
- Support local cafes and small shops along the way. There’s more than just the main attraction.
Make time to enjoy what’s already here; you might see Singapore differently.
