7 Things to Do in Singapore That Are Actually Worth Your Time (And What I’d Do Differently)

My verdict: Absolutely worth it!

Of everything I experienced in Singapore, exploring Jewel Changi Airport was probably my favorite activity.

The entire space felt so futuristic, and seeing the massive indoor Rain Vortex waterfall surrounded by greenery was incredible.

It genuinely looks like something out of a science fiction movie.

I loved the combination of nature, modern architecture, shopping, and entertainment, all inside an airport complex.

And the best part? Seeing the iconic waterfall and exploring the main public areas is completely free!

Cost: FREE for the main waterfall viewing areas.

Worth it? 10/10 — my personal favorite Singapore experience.

My verdict: Definitely worth visiting!

Cloud Forest was one of the prettiest attractions I visited in Singapore.

Between the massive indoor waterfall, lush greenery, elevated walkways, and beautiful plant displays, it’s an incredibly photogenic experience.

It almost feels like walking through a tropical fantasy world.

I especially loved how the architecture and nature were combined to create such a unique environment.

One thing that surprised me was how warm I felt during parts of my visit. I recommend wearing breathable clothing rather than assuming you’ll need warmer clothes for an indoor attraction.

Approximate cost: $36 USD based on my visit — check current ticket combinations before booking on the official Gardens by the Bay website (opens in a new tab)

Worth it? Absolutely!

My verdict: Beautiful, but I’d do it differently next time.

Watching the giant Supertrees illuminate during the Garden Rhapsody light show is one of Singapore’s most iconic experiences.

The futuristic trees, colorful lights, and music make it a really unique attraction.

The show itself was beautiful.

However, the crowds made the experience less enjoyable than I’d hoped.

Some visitors were extremely intense about securing the best viewing spots, and the competition for space took away from the atmosphere.

If I visited again, I’d consider purchasing a ticket for the OCBC Skyway to enjoy an elevated perspective instead of fighting for a spot on the ground. Check the Skyway’s operating hours before you go — if it closes before the show, the elevated experience has to be enjoyed separately from the light show.

Cost: FREE for the light show. OCBC Skyway: approximately $11 USD based on my visit — verify current pricing.

Worth it? Yes, but I’d plan the viewing experience differently.

Before you go: Official Gardens by the Bay website — showtimes and Skyway hours (opens in a new tab)

My verdict: Worth doing once, but slightly underwhelming.

You know that iconic Singapore building that looks like a giant ship sitting on top of three skyscrapers?

That’s Marina Bay Sands.

Visiting the rooftop observation deck felt like one of those must-do Singapore experiences, so I wanted to see it for myself.

I went around sunset because I wanted to watch the skyline transition from daylight into evening.

The views were beautiful, and I’m glad I experienced them.

However, I found the overall experience a little underwhelming compared to my expectations.

There was limited seating, and the experience felt more like a viewpoint than somewhere to comfortably relax for an extended period.

Still, I think it’s worth visiting once, particularly if it’s your first trip to Singapore.

Approximate cost: starting around $25 USD based on my visit, depending on timing and ticket options — check current ticket prices on the official Marina Bay Sands website (opens in a new tab)

Worth it? Yes, once, especially at sunset.

My verdict: Fun, especially if you enjoy theme parks!

Universal Studios Singapore was a fun attraction to explore, although I found the park relatively small compared to larger Universal destinations.

My personal highlight was the Far Far Away area inspired by Shrek.

I loved the whimsical fairytale architecture and seeing the Shrek-themed section of the park.

It was easily my favorite part of the experience.

If you enjoy theme parks, movie-themed attractions, or Shrek, Universal Studios Singapore is a fun addition to your itinerary.

Approximate cost: tickets starting around $62 USD based on my visit — check park hours and ticket promotions on the official Resorts World Sentosa website (opens in a new tab)

Worth it? Yes, especially for theme park lovers.

My verdict: Absolutely worth visiting.

Located in Chinatown, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a beautiful religious and cultural attraction.

The architecture is incredibly detailed, and visiting provides an opportunity to experience a different side of Singapore beyond the futuristic skyscrapers.

Best of all, admission is free.

Visitors are required to dress respectfully, including covering their shoulders and following the temple’s clothing requirements.

During my visit, shawls were available for visitors wearing sleeveless tops.

One thing that disappointed me was seeing some tourists disregard photography restrictions in religious spaces.

I witnessed visitors taking photos in areas clearly marked as prohibiting photography.

These are sacred places, and respecting local customs should always be a priority when traveling.

Cost: FREE.

Worth it? Absolutely, especially if you appreciate culture and architecture.

My verdict: A beautiful way to spend an evening!

One of my favorite nighttime experiences in Singapore was enjoying rooftop cocktails while overlooking the Spectra light and water show at Marina Bay Sands.

The combination of colorful lights, water fountains, music, and Singapore’s illuminated skyline made for a memorable evening.

The show itself is free, so you don’t need to spend money to enjoy it.

However, having a cocktail somewhere with a great view can make the evening feel even more special.

Showtimes from my visit: Sunday–Thursday at 8 PM and 9 PM; Friday–Saturday at 8 PM, 9 PM and 10 PM.

These are the showtimes from my travel notes — confirm the current schedule on the official Marina Bay Sands website (opens in a new tab)

Cost: FREE for the public light show; rooftop cocktails cost extra.

Worth it? Yes!

Singapore was undeniably beautiful, and I’m glad I visited.

However, I also want to share some of the less glamorous parts of my experience.

As someone who has traveled extensively, I think it’s important to be honest about destinations rather than pretending every experience is perfect.

Singapore’s hawker centres are famous for their affordable food and local culinary culture.

I know they’re a highlight for many travelers, but my personal experience was honestly underwhelming.

Between standing in long food lines, trying to fight for an available table, and dealing with the extreme heat, the entire experience felt more stressful than enjoyable.

The tables I encountered were dirty, I had to purchase tissues, and after finally getting my food, finding somewhere to sit outside was another challenge entirely.

I understand that hawker centres are an important part of Singapore’s culture, and many people absolutely love them.

However, based on my experience, they weren’t a highlight of my trip.

I found the combination of crowds, limited seating, heat, and navigating food choices frustrating.

My advice: if you plan to visit hawker centres, research them beforehand, consider visiting outside peak dining hours, bring tissues, and be prepared for a busy, sometimes chaotic dining experience.

As a vegetarian traveler, food is always a huge part of how I experience a destination.

One thing that surprised me was how challenging Singapore felt when it came to finding convenient vegetarian meals, particularly at traditional hawker centres.

Not every dish was clearly labeled, and it wasn’t always obvious whether something contained meat, seafood, or animal-based ingredients.

Although Singapore has dedicated vegetarian restaurants and plant-based dining options, my personal experience navigating the food scene wasn’t as easy as I’d hoped.

This doesn’t mean Singapore is a bad destination for vegetarians.

It means I would recommend doing more restaurant research in advance rather than expecting to find suitable meals everywhere you go.

Vegetarian travel is my specialty — see all my vegetarian food guides (opens in a new tab)

I knew Singapore was going to be hot and humid, but I was not prepared for just how intense it would feel.

I genuinely sweated more than I ever have in my life.

I’m talking about sweating from places I didn’t even know could sweat — including my kneecaps!

Walking around outside, standing in lines, and eating in outdoor dining areas became exhausting in the heat.

The humidity was one of the biggest challenges of my trip.

If you’re planning to visit Singapore, I highly recommend wearing lightweight clothing, staying hydrated, and scheduling breaks in air-conditioned spaces.

Another thing I found frustrating during my visit was witnessing some tourists disregard rules at religious and cultural sites.

In particular, I saw visitors taking photographs in areas where signs explicitly prohibited photography.

I think traveling comes with a responsibility to respect local customs, religious spaces, and the people who live in the destinations we’re visiting.

These places aren’t simply photo opportunities.

While this behavior didn’t change my appreciation for Singapore itself, it was disappointing to witness.

Please be respectful when visiting religious attractions, follow posted rules, and remember that cultural landmarks may also be active places of worship.

Despite the challenges, I’m glad I visited Singapore.

It’s an incredibly unique destination with futuristic architecture, gorgeous gardens, beautiful cultural landmarks, and memorable nighttime experiences.

My personal favorite was Jewel Changi Airport, followed by Cloud Forest and the evening light shows.

If I returned, I’d make a few adjustments.

I’d research vegetarian restaurants more thoroughly, be strategic about avoiding crowded viewing areas, and plan more indoor breaks to escape the heat.

I also wouldn’t underestimate the humidity again!

While I think Singapore is absolutely worth experiencing, it wasn’t always an easy destination for me.

And that’s something I think is important to share.

Not every popular attraction lives up to the hype, and not every destination is equally easy to navigate depending on your dietary needs, interests, and travel preferences.

My goal with Veggie Travel Girl is to share honest travel experiences so you can decide what’s actually worth your time and money.

Have you visited Singapore? What was your favorite experience?

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