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The Best Things to do in Singapore for All Ages
Written by Felicia Arhontissas
Yoga in the clouds, a gondola ride in Sentosa Island and more theme park thrills than you can handle: these are the best things to do in Singapore for travellers of all ages.
Singapore is the shapeshifter of holidays – it can be whatever kind of escape you want. A week-long vacation from reality, a romantic adults-only sojourn or a fun-filled family trip. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, the whirlwind of things to do in Singapore won’t disappoint. From cloud forests and flower domes to award-winning restaurants, splashy waterparks and famous hawker food markets, whatever vibe you’re chasing, you’ll get your kicks in Singapore.
Best family-friendly things to do in Singapore
Flip the coin from Singapore’s sultry, high-end city scene and discover a plethora of family fun experiences. There are theme parks, botanical gardens, casual eateries and of course, the capital of fun – Sentosa. For the ultimate family escape, choose to stay at The Village Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality, just minutes away from Resorts World Sentosa’s top attractions.
SkyHelix open-air gondola
Take flight on Singapore’s tallest open-air ride, which gently rotates for a panoramic view of Sentosa at a whopping 79 metres above sea level. Clip on your seatbelt, hold tight to your camera or drink and begin your ascent. Watch your feet dangle over spellbinding 360-degree views stretching from Sentosa to Keppel Bay and the Southern Islands (suitable for children over 1.05 metres).
Dessert heaven
For sweet tooths and sugar highs, 2am Dessert Bar by Janice Wong should be at the top of your list. Don’t be fooled by the name, this dessert bar is open from 1pm every day (except Mondays) with sweet treats for the whole family, from fun pop-rock cakes for little ones to dessert cocktails for adults. We’ll be ordering the Shades of Green (pandan kaya ice cream, pistachio sponge, coconut and brown butter tuile).
Sentosa’s theme parks
There’s no shortage of family fun on Sentosa, the good-time destination with an abundance of theme parks to get the hearts racing and smiles wide. Ride rollercoasters and get lost in Hollywood scenes at Universal Studios™ Singapore. Gawk at over 800 species of neon aquatic life at S.E.A. Aquarium and discover thrilling waterslides, calming river rides and dolphin encounters at Adventure Cove Waterpark.
Hawker centre family dinners
Eating at a hawker market is an essential part of Singaporean culture and a must-do for all visitors. These open-air food courts have something to suit all tastebuds, from satay skewers to oyster omelettes, rice dumplings to bubble tea. Makansutra Gluttons Bay is a popular option: enjoy the sensory overload of aromas of sizzling meat on the grill, the cacophony of happy patrons chatting over ice-cold glasses of craft beer, and the heavy heat of a balmy evening in Singapore.
Gardens by the Bay
One of Singapore’s most iconic, must-see attractions is undeniably the jaw-dropping floral displays at Gardens by the Bay. The gardens are home to incredible horticultural feats including the misty Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome (the largest greenhouse in the world), and the instantly recognisable Supertree Observatory. Spend a day with the family seeing the plant kingdom in a whole new way, with entertaining and educational exhibits.
Wings of Time water & lights show
Finish a day of exploring with a spectacular showcase of water, lasers, lights, and fire on Siloso Beach at Sentosa Island. This family-friendly show is set against the backdrop of the open sea, and weaves a captivating story of Shahbaz, a legendary bird from ancient Persian mythology, and his companion as they embark on a journey across lands and through time.
Best adults-only things to do in Singapore
For moments of tranquillity or utter indulgence, Singapore offers an array of adult-sized experiences to enjoy: we’re talking world-class fine dining restaurants, spa treatments worthy of royalty and a sophisticated bar scene. When it comes to the perfect stay, the iconic Marina Bay Sands takes the spotlight.
Wellness in the sky
Feel on top of the world both physically and spiritually with a visit to Marina Bay Sands’ Skypark Observation Deck. Boasting a wide array of wellness offerings, guests can enjoy a soulful movement class, bask in the healing vibrations of a sound meditation experience or stretch into a downward dog and flow into sun salutations in a Hatha or Vinyasa Yoga session. This is your opportunity to slow down and take a moment for yourself, as you step out into your personal sanctuary on the open-air deck, 56 stories above the iconic Gardens by the Bay.
Sky-high dinner
A romantic dinner for two, you say? Ascend to the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands to dine at the award-winning Spago Dining Room by Wolfgang Puck. Culinary accolades include a consecutive listing in the Forbes Travel Guide for five years running. An innovative, seasonal menu is designed to tantalise the tastebuds: try the Sea Bream “Laksa” with fresh local herbs and calamansi or the Kinross Station Double Lamp Chop with refreshing cucumber, spicy jalapeno and Indian spiced lamb jus, or celebrate with the to-die-for cocktail list (the Grin n’ Bare It piques our interest with gin, lychee, shiso and sparkling yuzu sake).
After-dinner cocktails
Keep the good times going with a nightcap at Analogue Bar. A heavy focus on sustainability with an underlying ethos of ‘cool’ makes Analogue a must-visit venue for cocktail enthusiasts with an eco-friendly agenda. Sip plant-based cocktails with a healthy twist at the 3D-printed bar top made from recycled plastic: try unique concoctions like the Verdis Quo with Peach, Lapsan Souchon, verjus, ginger, b12 and folic acid, or opt for an El Mariachi with smoked morita, strawberries and vitamin C.
Romantic sunset cruise
Nothing says romance quite like a cruise on a catamaran during golden hour. Glide around the Southern Islands and discover a side to Singapore seldom explored by other travellers. Make a pit stop at St John’s Island, where you’ll have the chance to disembark and enjoy beach time or a cooling dip in the water. While onboard, stay refreshed with iced lemon tea and snacks, or make it extra special with a fizzing flute of bubbly to celebrate your romantic evening. Singapore’s skyline takes on another level of magnificence when bathed in the dreamy colours of sunset: drink in the views from this wonderfully unique perspective.
Heavenly spa treatments
Soar 55 stories up to Marina Bay Sands’ Banyan Tree Spa Singapore. The rest of the world melts away the moment you escape to this peaceful corner, set within the Oriental-inspired water gardens of the hotel. Succumb to utter relaxation with a range of holistic treatments, from full body massages to calming herbal baths and bespoke facials. If you’re seeking a whole-body experience, go for the Harmony Banyan signature treatment. You’ll be floating on cloud nine afterwards.
Timeless afternoon teas
Whilst not technically an adults-only experience, a classic afternoon tea within the iconic Raffles Singapore is best enjoyed with a glass of champagne.
Surrounded by majestic Victorian pillars and soft daylight, enjoy finger sandwiches, homemade scones, cakes, and seasonal delights on a classic three-tier silver stand. Pair this with a curated collection of teas and flutes of champagne, and you can toast to your Singapore adventure in style.
Discover Singapore
After more inspiration? Check out How to Spend 48 Hours in Singapore.
