12 Things to Do in Singapore

One of the most recommended cities for a dream vacation is Singapore, whose culture is formed by the ethnic diversity of Chinese, Indians and Malaysians. Therefore, you will always find fun activities for the whole family such as extreme swings, cable car rides over the city and hundreds of spaces that house works of nature such as the Gardens by the Bay, the zoo and the Singapore River.

It is one of the world's financial centers, so you can also expect a bustling nightlife, traditional cocktail factories and skyscrapers that stand out from every angle. Its history is complex, but interesting, so your itinerary can't miss the best museums in Singapore. Are you ready to discover the city's offerings? I leave you a list of recommendations with the must-sees!

To start your journey through Singapore I recommend choosing fun activities such as the incomparable Singapore S.E.A. Aquarium, a sanctuary that houses more than 100,000 marine creatures of various species, in about 50 habitats. In turn, these environments are grouped into 10 themed zones that bring vibrancy and a spectrum of vibrant colors to the venue.

Upon entering you'll encounter the Shipwreck Zone exhibit, an immersive tunnel attraction that allows you to spot species such as the Zebra Shark, a popular nocturnal predator, or the Black-spotted Fantail Stingray and the Bowmouth Guitarfish. You can also see how shipwrecks become home to these species, as well as allow coral reefs to form.

You can find tickets from 35 euros, which can include skip-the-line access. In addition, you can also get the free pass using one of the best tourist cards in Singapore. Here are some of the other wonders you can explore at this attraction:

• Ocean Detective: one of the best activities to do with kids in Singapore, as it offers a game of investigation, through marine clues that will allow the little ones to solve mysteries.
• Aquarium maze: to discover how animals, including sharks and tropical fish, are kept and fed.
• Tactile experimentation pools: to touch sea cucumber and starfish prototypes to feel their textures without hurting them.
• Apex predator zone: where you can take a look at the most deadly marine animals.

Another stop you can't miss is a ride above the city aboard the daring Sentosa Cable Car. Here you will enjoy 360° panoramic views, so you will see Singapore as very few do. For this you can buy the Sky Pass a round-trip ticket from 21 euros, which gives you access to a thrilling ride that takes off from the Faber Peak hills, crossing one of the main roads. Be prepared to see sailboats cruising leisurely and get a VIP glimpse of the skyline.

Specifically, it has two routes that allow you to explore highlights of Singapore. Generally, the Cable Car covers both at no extra cost, to change direction just get off at Imbiah Central Station. Here are more details of each:

• Mount Faber Line: allows you to move in the air through the lush island of Sentosa, you can also take a look at the water park Adventure Cove.
• Sentosa Line: is the most complete and I suggest you take it if you have little time, it allows you to see Merlion, the famous statue of Singapore that is half fish, half lion. You will also pass over Universal Studios, Madame Tussauds Museum, 4D Adventure Land, Siloso Beach, Fort Siloso and MegaZip Adventure Park.

Ready for a blast of fun? Then you need to enter the magical world of Universal Studios Singapore. It's an ideal theme park to immerse yourself in attractions related to your favorite TV and movie characters. Travel from New York to Shrek's kingdom in Far Far Away, and if you have a little time left get lost in Hollywood Boulevard.

It is a quite varied entertainment option, since it has high-speed roller coasters and canoe rides. Among its different themed worlds you will find Sci-Fi City with futuristic attractions, Ancient Egypt that will take you on a journey through Egyptian mythology, The Lost World inspired by the dinosaur era and much more. If you dare to discover this park you can find tickets from 58 euros and it is open every day from 10:00 to 7:00.

Get your best sneakers ready to explore one of the most popular attractions in Singapore, known as the Gardens by the Bay, the largest theme park in the country with 101 botanical hectares that will leave you speechless. It's a tour that can take anywhere from 1 to 4 hours, depending on how drawn you are to nature. It is home to exotic plants that decorate the highest artificial waterfall in the country and the beautiful glass greenhouses.

Tickets for this visit generally start at 18 euros, which gives you access to all areas of the waterfront gardens. I also recommend you set aside some time for Heritage Garden which has four themed gardens, including the Chinese, Malay, Indian and Colonial gardens. If you plan to stay at least 3 days in Singapore you can customize your pass and add attractions like Supertree Observatory Avatar Cloud.

To enrich your trip I recommend embarking on a Singapore river cruise, so you can appreciate the city from another perspective. From here you will be able to see old wharfs contrasting with the more modern skyscrapers. This tour explores the local historical heritage and takes you to entertaining stops such as the quirky Merlion Statue, the famous Cavenagh Bridge and the Esplanade.

Generally, these types of experiences top the best Singapore tours and last approximately 40 minutes. Before it was a world-famous sightseeing tour, the river was the site where explorer Raffles settled to create the first local port. Note that there are different types of routes some go through Little India, Chinatown and Kampong Glam, where you can see the beautiful mosques. In general, the experience can be booked from 23 euros.

Adventurous spirits can find their dream attraction in Singapore, while there are many adrenaline-filled options, nothing compares to the extreme swing at the GX-5 Extreme Swing theme park, located in the middle of Sentosa Island. Don't miss the chance to stand 40 meters in the air while swinging over the city skyline. It's a quick but intense thrill, as the flight lasts approximately three minutes at more than 120 km/h.

Don't let your fears get the better of you and enjoy the best views of your life by purchasing a ticket from 31 euros. Keep in mind that the nighttime atmosphere is unmatched and can be a perfect option if you are looking for things to do in Singapore at night. To get on this thrilling swing you must be over 12 years old and at least 1.20cm tall. Also, this attraction comes with adrenaline pumping, so it is not recommended for pregnant women, travelers with casts or pre-existing health issues.

A stop at the Singapore Zoo allows you to connect with local nature, exploring the home of more than 300 species of animals, grouped into 11 themed zones. The most special thing is that they have been brought from different parts of the world, to ensure the conservation of animal life. Not in vain, it is one of the most important globally, as it allows you to observe lemurs, colorful butterflies and toucans.

The most interesting thing is that you can take a streetcar ride through its facilities and if you prefer activities in Singapore at night, you have the alternative of the Night Safari that takes you to explore the nocturnal animals that can only be spotted when the sun goes down. It is a must visit if you plan to stay at least 5 days in Singapore, so you can check out the rainforest in the Fragile Forest, Primate Kingdom where monkeys play with each other or the Ice Tundra the home of the polar bear, raccoon dog and wolverine.

You can find tickets including live shows from 33 euros. Or you can take advantage of the best local tourist passes that include the attraction, such as the Explorer Pass.

Madame Tussauds Museum is one of the best museums in Singapore, as the experience is unlike anything you'll find in the city. It is a worldwide chain, spread across Asia, Europe, America and Oceania, whose popularity is due to the wax figures of important historical figures and celebrities. It is divided into themes, among which are those dedicated to the world of entertainment, for example in the Hollywood hallway you can see a representation of Marilyn Monroe.

There are also interactive exhibits, in which the wax dolls rotate positions, allowing you to take fun pictures. You can take a boat ride through the Singapore section which has special effects exhibits, wax figures focusing on local history and multimedia displays. It is included in the All Inclusive Pass and is a regular route on Singapore's best sightseeing buses.

This attraction goes unnoticed by many tourists, I don't blame them because there are plenty of things to do in Singapore. This is the Long Bar tour at the Raffles Hotel, one of the most famous drinks in Southeast Asia that has been produced since the 20th century. That's right! It is the traditional Singapore Sling cocktail, made from gin and spiced with pineapple and lemon juice.

It is an experience included in the All Inclusive Pass, which takes you through tastings of this delicious drink and allows you to learn about the production process: from its elaboration to bottling. This is a recommended activity if you plan to spend at least 2 days in the city.

You will find many iconic neighborhoods here and seeing them all would take you a while, but you can take advantage of those with the most cultural and ethnic value. For example, Chinatown is a picturesque area with typical Chinese markets, pagodas and lots of imported goods from China. If you plan to visit Singapore in December you can take advantage of the cultural events of the season Additionally, you can't miss the Imperial tea tasting in a traditional house, where you can try the famous slightly fermented drink of An Xi province. Please note that this experience is included in the Explorer Pass.

Another neighborhood not to be missed is the Malay quarter, known for its vibrant life, which has colonial buildings and ancestral traditions. On the other hand, Kampong Glam is a must, as it is one of the first inhabited areas. It offers Arabian stores, theater tours and guided tours by locals to the Sultan Mosque that was built in 1934.

Finally, stop by Little India, where you can find a 24-hour shopping mall. If you plan to visit Singapore in November, here you can delight in the various entertainment options led by street tours, festivals and visits to the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

A Singaporean landmark not to be missed is the iconic Merlion Statue, whose peculiar shape evokes the mythology of Prince Sang Nila Utama, which occurred around the 11th century. It is in the Financial District and overlooks the bay. From its mouth gushes a stream of water, rippling through its half-lion, half-fish shape.

Here you have to immortalize the moment with a photograph, in fact if you plan to take advantage of Singapore's airport transfers, you may pass by here when you arrive in the city. Anyway, I recommend you set aside time to visit it, especially at night when a nightly light show is organized.

• Take advantage of the best Singapore tourist cards to save a couple of euros, as they offer discounts on restaurants, unlimited transport and free attractions.
• Between 11:00 and 15:00 the city reaches an extreme level of UV index, be sure to use sunscreen.
• Take out travel insurance for peace of mind during your trip.