- Updated: 06th August 2023
Choosing a great vacation destination is the easy part, but have you thought about the best places to go and things to do in Singapore especially with your friends in tow?
Whether you are planning a trip to Singapore with your best bud or a group of friends, not to worry as my expat life experience in Singapore can help you plan the perfect trip for any occasion.
Singapore is one of the best places to vacation and offers a plethora of exciting and unforgettable experiences that are pretty ideal for a fun filled holiday.
If you like visit a city in a garden, here’re the top 12 best places to go for your bucket list.
- Flavors Of Little India
- Spirit Of Chinatown
- Cultural Kampong Glam
- Mesmerizing Marina Bay Sands
- Nocturnal Encounter At Night Safari
- Waterway Cruise
- The Magic Of Sentosa
- Iconic Lion-Fish Merlion
- Vibrant Haji Lane
- All Night Party At Zoukout
- Hunt for Bargains at Bugis Street Market
- Savoring Fish Head Curry & Chili Crab
famous places in singapore
Flavors Of Little India
Little India is not just about smelling the aromatic scent of fresh flowers and Indian spices, but it’s also a hub of cultural celebrations and festivities.
If you’re visiting with friends during major Indian festivals such as Deepavali or Thaipusam, you’ll witness the streets come alive with grand processions and bazaars selling all kinds of stuff.
Actually, this is one of the top itineraries that regularly appears on most of the tour activities in your local travel agent’s holiday brochures.
Things to do in Little India: Scoffing down chicken Biryani at Tekka Food Market, trying on traditional sarees at Little India Arcade and pay homage at Sri Veeramakaliamman temple.
Spirit Of Chinatown
Before exploring the streets of Chinatown, fuel up your day with tons of stalls dishing out delicious delights like Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow and the famous steam soya sauce & fermented bean paste Spanish Mackerel.
The hawker center is actually a huge 2-story complex, lined with stalls selling everything from Chinese calligraphy brushes to traditional garments and tantalizing local food.
Just look for automatic moving escalators (lift) located on both sides of the lanes to bring you up to the food court level.
The iconic Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore (1827). The temple is all about Goddess Mariamman, who’s well-known for her ability in healing epidemic illnesses and diseases.
Situated at South Bridge Road, this towering gopuram and intricate sculptures sacred site is a testament to the multicultural fabric of this old neighborhood.
As the sun sets, Chinatown transforms into a pretty lively destination. Lantern-adorned streets will start to buzz and the aromas of sizzling local dishes waft through the air.
The open-air lanes, lined with street food kiosks are one of the coolest places to go in Singapore with friends to soak up the atmosphere accompanied by sumptuous food, drinks and bit of nightlife.
Things to do in Chinatown: Try Singapore’s iconic local dishes at Smith Street Hawker Center, shop for souvenirs at Chinatown Street Market and learn about Chinatown’s history at Chinatown Heritage Centre.
Cultural Kampong Glam
If you have a heritage junkie in your group of friends, head to Kampong Glam. This historic center was once the seat of the Malay royalty in Singapore. Fast forward till today, it’s a lively and cosmopolitan enclave.
The sprawling ground of the Malay Heritage Centre is where you can visit tailor-made exhibitions, participate in activities like the Malay dance (joget) and learn about Malay culture in multicultural Singapore.
If vintage camera is your thing, proceed to the Vintage Camera Museum, a short distance away. You can’t miss it as the building entrance is designed with a camera-shaped façade. It’s a camera galore with 1000 of them from the world’s biggest to a 11grams pistol camera.
More things to do in Kampong Glam: Discover beautiful murals and street art in Arab Street, visit the iconic Sultan Mosque and taste traditional food at Hari Raya Bazaar.
Mesmerizing Marina Bay Sands
Secure a spot with your buddies and be dazzled by Spectra – a brilliant 15 minutes light and water show.
Watch a symphony of vibrant colors dances across the night sky, perfectly synchronized with the rhythmic movement of water at the Event Plaza at Marina Bay Sands.
Seeing stars after the show? Give your eyes a break and head over to SkyPark Observation Deck, the ideal entertainment spot with stunning overviews of Gardens by the Bay and the awe-inspiring Supertree Grove for a small fee.
Feeling a bit anxious on the the 56th storeys above ground? Calm your nerves and relax with a cocktail drink at the al fresco CÉ LA VI SkyBar & Club, and be entertained by its house DJs or take a dive at the SkyPark’s infinity pool.
Nocturnal Encounter At Night Safari
Wondering what other things to do with your friends after dinner? Visit the Night Safari at Singapore Zoo, and experience diverse habitats of the world’s most fascinating animals at night.
As you stroll along the illuminated trails with an eagle eye zooming on anything that moves, you’ll encounter over 2,500 incredible animals.
Try closing your eyes and let the nocturnal creatures serenade you as you explore the free roaming open-air zoo.
Waterway Cruise
Check out Singapore river sunset cruise and indulge your senses with the myriad of sights, sounds, and scents onboard a bumboat decorated with lanterns and soft lighting.
Take a group selfie with the majestic Merlion statue as the backdrop and view the pubbing culture of Boat Quay, where charming riverside restaurants and bars stand side by side.
The Magic Of Sentosa
If you feel like having a fun time with your friends, head over to sunny Sentosa Island, a paradise for beach lovers and thrill-seekers. Kick off your shoes, feel the sand between your toes and enlighten your sensory experience at Magical Shores, a light and sound extravaganza.
Central Beach Bazaar is the newest kid on the block featuring the iconic Sentosa Musical Fountain and Sentosa SkyJet, the tallest fountain in Southeast Asia(80 meters high).
Iconic Lion-Fish Merlion
If your take on “fun ideas” involves taking heaps of Instagram photos, and post to your friends back home, then you totally need a trip to the Merlion Park.
Or perhaps you like telling mystical stories behind the statue to your nephews and nieces as well. You can learn the legend and how Singapore got its name at this locale.
Take a stroll across the Esplanade Bridge, explore Waterfront Promenade and ending your day tour activities by smelling the roses at Gardens by the bay.
Vibrant Haji Lane
Haji Lane is Singaporeans favorite local joint for cafés and restaurants with a touch of street art. This buzzing foodie paradise is peppered with pretty quirky restaurants.
I am…, is a hipster joint with its signature charcoal grilled “sloppy beef burger” and its special house “messy” sauce! You guess it right – getting your hands dirty.
Bar Stories sounds like a watering hole with tons of cocktails that might confuse you. Here’s the thing, this bar & restaurant has no menu at all.
Just tell the bartenders your mood and they will concoct a drink in sculptured glasses to go with your Lamb Kebab that will positively make your day.
All Night Party At Zoukout
If you decide to visit Singapore in December, bring your beachwear and party till you drop at Zoukout dawn to dusk dance music and food village festival.
Set at Siloso Beach in Sentosa Island, it features top international and local DJs to keep your dancing feet moving. Since 2001, Zoukout has evolved into a futuristic festivals with experience booths, roving acts and fascinating stage designs.
Need more raving-pumping parties? Head down to Singapore’s premier party zone for an epic night out at Clarke Quay and immerse yourselves in the lively atmosphere of bars and clubs that opens till late.
Hunt for Bargains at Bugis Street Market
Bugis Street Market is Singapore’s hip scene atmosphere with unbeatable bargains all wrapped up in a dazzling array of shops, stalls, vendors selling trendy fashion items, electronic accessories, quirky souvenirs and everything imaginable.
Easily accessible from the Bugis MRT Station (across the road), the market is extended with another road divider where row of kiosks offering souvenirs and stylish apparel at wallet-friendly prices.
Bugis Street Market is also conveniently located near various attractions, including Bugis Junction and Bugis+ shopping malls with tons of eateries.
Bet you don’t know that it has a rich history dating back to the 1950s when it was a holy grail for sailors looking for a good time, you know what I mean!
Savoring Fish Head Curry & Chili Crab
Heavenly fish head curries are the go-to restaurants for tourists and local Singaporeans. Muthu Curry specializes in fresh red snapper fish head brewed in a pot and peppered with assorted vegetables.
A long time ago, fish heads were discarded but someone came up with a brilliant idea to create a masterpiece. Originated in 1969, Muthu started its famous authentic spicy curry in 3 portion sizes.
The taste of tamarind for sourness and pineapples for a touch of acidity are pretty favorable with guests. And its clean interior and sitting arrangements are perfect for a group of friends to enjoy.
Newton Food Centre is pretty famous amongst tourists for dinner, but there are other places to go in Singapore with friends for a great seafood meal.
Apart from tons of beach activities on the east side, East Coast Seafood Centre provides a vibrant and relaxing atmosphere. The outdoor seating area allow your group to enjoy the refreshing sea breeze while savoring their meals.
The center is particularly abuzz during weekends and evenings when families and friends gather to scoff on yummy dishes like Chili Crab and BBQ Stingrays along a stretch of beach on East Coast Park while being entertained by street buskers.
Your Travel Planner:
- Check out popular affordable tours at Viator
- Craving for sumptuous local food? Go with eatwith
- Rent yourself a comfortable car for trips to top attractions
