Modern Paradise: What to Do in Singapore’s Central Area
The Central Area, also known as the City, is the heart of Singapore. This is where everything exciting happens; the Central Business District (CBD) lies within its perimeters, and for tourists, most of the nation’s iconic attractions are located here.
Because of this, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Singapore’s central area. If you’re looking for suggestions, here, I’ve listed the best activities in the Central Area as well as the best places to eat and shop.
Top Things to Do in Singapore’s Central Area
Join a walking tour around the city
If you’re not sure how you’re going to explore Singapore’s Central Area, why not consider joining a walking tour? This walking tour takes you through all the heritage sites within the city, and the best part is that many tours are free!
Monster Day Tours is one of the most prominent organizations offering free walking tours. There are different options to choose from, and all you have to do is show up at the rendezvous at your preferred time.
Ride the Singapore Flyer
— From: annelisbethoxenbjerg
Address: 30 Raffles Ave., Singapore 039803
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Price:
- Singapore Flyer Sky Dining—S$520 (three rotations), S$355.22 (two rotations)
- Singapore Flyer + Time Capsule—S$40 (adult), S$25 (child ages 3–12 years old, Singaporean/permanent resident senior citizen ages 60 and above)
The Singapore Flyer is an observational wheel that once held the title as the world’s tallest Ferris wheel. This magnificent structure has practically graced every tourist’s photo of Singapore, so it only makes sense to include this in your itinerary.
What I love about riding the Singapore Flyer is that it gives me a view of the city from various angles. And when you reach the peak height, the view is even more breathtaking (pro tip: if you’re terrified of heights, don’t look down).
To make things better, you can also visit the Time Capsule before your ride.
The Time Capsule is essentially a gallery that takes you on a journey through Singapore’s past, present, and future, and it’s so trippy. You’re guided by R65, a time-travel robot!
If you’re planning a romantic night with your partner, you can also book the Singapore Flyer Sky Dining. Eating a four-course dinner while enjoying the twinkling cityscape is just heavenly.
Prepare for the “trip” of a lifetime at the Flight Experience
— From: pashninmikhail
Address: 30 Raffles Ave., #02-06 Singapore Flyer, Singapore 039803
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Friday—1 to 9 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 10 pm
Price:
- 30 Minutes—S$195
- 45 Minutes—S$245
- 60 Minutes—S$295
- 90 Minutes—S$395
Flight Experience is located within the same premises as the Singapore Flyer, and it’s one that I will always recommend because it’s so much fun. Essentially, this attraction is a flight simulator, so you’ll be able to “fly” a commercial airplane like you’re a real pilot!
What I like the most about this experience is that I can select from thousands of airports around the world, so it’s really immersive. You can also bring a few people with you as passengers at no extra charge, so it’s the perfect experience for the entire family.
Watch Spectra—A Light & Water Show
— From: mela.husna
Address: 2 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018972
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Friday—8 to 8:15 pm, 9 to 9:15 pm
- Saturday—8:30 to 8:45 pm, 9:30 to 9:45 pm, 10:30 to 10:45 pm
Price: Free
I’ve always described Spectra as Singapore’s extravagant twist on a water fountain show. It’s a 15-minute show held at the Event Plaza on Bayfront Avenue, and it involves a stunning choreography of fountain jets, colorful lasers, and majestic music.
The best part is that it’s free! So, you can take your spot in front of the plaza and feast your eyes on this wonder of a light and water show.
Enjoy the view of the cityscape on the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck
— From: epic_xie
Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +6566888826
Price:
- Non-Members—S$32 (adult), S$28 (senior citizens, students, children, and people with disabilities), S$98 (family package)
- Singapore Residents—S$24 (adult), S$20 (senior citizens, students, children, and people with disabilities), S$74 (family package)
- Sands Rewards Members—S$23.60 (adult), S$20.80 (senior citizens, students, children, and people with disabilities)
Marina Bay Sands is one of the most popular attractions in Singapore, and if you decide to come here, be sure to check out the SkyPark Observation Deck. This deck is located on the 56th floor of the resort, and it gives you an unprecedented view of the city.
This deck is also a great place to watch Spectra at night. And if you’re lucky, you can also attend a silent disco party!
Take a stroll on the Waterfront Promenade
— From: juan_tv12
Address: 1 Esplanade Dr, #01-K5, Singapore 038981
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Price: Free
If you’re just in the mood for a relaxing time, the Waterfront Promenade might pique your interest.
The interesting thing about this promenade is that even though it’s in a central location, it’s still peaceful. Whenever I come here, I love to stroll while listening to music.
I’ve walked here during the daytime and nighttime, and I prefer nighttime more. The atmosphere is just a lot cozier, and I do like seeing the skyscrapers up in lights.
Relax next to the Merlion statue
— From: creepyzhang
Address: 1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049213
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +6567366622
Price: Free
Another great place to just hang out and chill is the iconic Merlion Park on Fullerton Road. As the name suggests, this park features the Merlion statue, which is Singapore’s national icon (it symbolizes the nation’s origin as a fishing village).
It’s an Instagram-worthy spot, but if you’re not in the mood to stage a mini photoshoot, you can just sit on the steps and drink in the view.
I’d even suggest coming here early in the morning. That way, you’ll be able to catch the sunrise; the golden sunlight painting everything is simply a sight to behold.
Catch a show at Esplanade—Theatres on the Bay
— From: beautiful_place_to_go
Address: 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981
Contact Number: +6568288377
If you’ve spent some time on the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck or the Singapore Flyer, chances are you’ve noticed a grand, durian-shaped building nearby. That building is the Esplanade—Theatres on the Bay, and it’s worth checking out.
This waterfront arts venue features a 1,600-seat concert hall and a 2,000-person theatre, and there’s always an interesting show being held here. I recommend checking out their website to see what shows are available—something might catch your eye.
If you don’t want to watch a show, you can explore the on-site mall!
Explore Gardens by the Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 am to 2 am
Contact Number: +6564206848
Price: Free (except for a few attractions)
Gardens by the Bay is one of the most eye-catching attractions in Singapore. Its spectacular Supertree Grove is so hard to miss.
However, it’s not the only attraction within the Gardens. You can also discover Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, Floral Fantasy, and more!
The best part is most of the attractions are free, so you can really explore every nook and cranny here.
And if you’d like to stay within the Gardens’ premises, you can book a night or two in a Garden Pod. The Garden Pod is an eco-friendly duplex suite that’s equipped with modern amenities like a king-size bed, high-speed WiFi, an outdoor patio, and more.
Go on a museum-hopping adventure
Since the Central Area is the heart of Singapore’s history, it’s home to many amazing museums and galleries. So, if you’re a history lover, you’ll enjoy museum-hopping in Central Area.
If you don’t know where to start, here are a few recommendations:
Roam around Arab Street
— From: masja_travels
In my opinion, Arab Street is one of the most interesting neighborhoods in Singapore. This area is just dripping in history and culture, and you can see that in the vivid murals and colorful shophouses.
The most popular attraction here is the Masjid Sultan, but there are other places that are just as fun to visit, such as Haji Lane, Malay Heritage Center, and Children Little Museum.
Additionally, this street is teeming with great dining spots, such as % Arabica, Kampong Glam Café, Working Title, Blu Jaz Café, and Fika Swedish Cafe and Bistro.
Test your wits at Xcape Singapore
— From: d_kawaii_b
Address: 161 Rochor Rd, Bugis Village, Singapore 188436
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 11:30 pm
Contact Number: +6569081918
Price:
- 60 Minutes—S$24 per person (off-peak), S$30 per person (peak), S$168 per room (off-peak), S$210 per room (peak)
- 75 Minutes—S$29 per person (off-peak), S$35 per person (peak), S$203 per room (off-peak), S$245 per room (peak)
- 90 Minutes—S$34 per person (off-peak), S$40 per person (peak), S$238 per room (off-peak), S$280 per room (peak)
An escape room is sure to get your hearts pumping because of all the thrill and adrenaline it offers. If this sounds like your thing, then you might want to check out Xcape Singapore—and be sure to bring a few companions for a really fun time.
Xcape has a great variety of games to choose from. There are horror ones that will make you sweat and scream (e.g. Annabelle and The Morgue), and there are also games inspired by famous movies and shows (e.g. Shutter Island and Vincenzo).
Get on board an exciting cruise
— From: muthu.jpeg
Address: Clark Quay Jetty, Singapore 058282
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—1 to 9 pm
- Friday to Sunday—10 am to 9 pm
Price:
- Adult—S$28
- Child (3 to 12 years old)—S$18
Contact Number: +6563366111
You’ve already explored Singapore on foot, and you’ve enjoyed the view from a high vantage point. Now, it’s time to experience the city on the water—via the Singapore River.
And the best way to do this is to ride the Singapore River Cruise.
Enjoy 40 minutes of cruising along the river. The boat will be passing by Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Marina Bay, so you can see the city’s famous attractions like the Marina Bay Sands and Merlion Park from a new angle.
Party the night away at Marquee Singapore
— From: aloteagroup
Address: 2 Bayfront Avenue B1-67, Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018972
Operating Hours:
- Friday and Saturday—10 pm to 6 am
- Closed from Sunday to Thursday
Contact Number: +6566888660
Do you love to party? Then you shouldn’t pass up the opportunity to check out Marquee Singapore.
Marquee Singapore is the largest nightclub in the country. It has over 2,300 square meters of space, and its ceilings can reach up to 30 meters!
You can find many interesting things here aside from the lively dance floor.
For example, this place has a fully operational Ferris wheel, so if you’re tired of dancing, you can ride the Ferris wheel and enjoy the view. There’s also a three-story-high slide!
Go window-shopping on Orchard Road
— From: luckylulin
Orchard Road is another iconic landmark in Singapore, and it’s widely known for being a shopaholic’s paradise. This area has several incredible shopping malls, such as ION Orchard, Paragon Shopping Center, and Far East Plaza.
If you don’t want to go shopping, you can go on a food trip instead. Some of my favorite dining spots on Orchard Road include Shisen Haten, il Cielo, Fire, and Hua Ting Restaurant.
And if you’re a book lover, be sure to stop by the library@orchard. Its cozy atmosphere and modern interior will surely draw you in.