What makes Marina Bay Sands in Singapore so popular with tourists? So, what to do in Marina Bay Singapore? Let’s explore 13+ best places to visit in Marina Bay Singapore as well as best things to do in Marina Bay Singapore in this article!
No need to fly halfway around the world to Europe or America; right here in Southeast Asia, you can still enjoy top-notch experiences at Marina Bay Sands – the most powerful magnet in the Lion City. Located in the heart of the bustling Marina Bay, this luxurious complex is a convergence of magnificent skyscrapers, opulent resorts, and a range of world-class entertainment and shopping services.
Marina Bay Singapore is not just a destination, but the “brain center” that awakens all your senses, from exploring art and raiding designer stores to endless nights of festivities under fantastical lights.
Check-in with the Famous Merlion Statue
Although we’ve seen images of the Merlion statue hundreds of times online, in books, or on friends’ postcards, only when we actually stood in front of the “original” in real life did we understand why this symbol is so incredibly attractive. The majestic Merlion, standing tall in Marina Bay, was far more impressive than we imagined, proudly spewing streams of white water into the river.
The most fun part here was watching… all sorts of check-ins from tourists. Everyone who came here tried to create a unique photo with the Merlion: some opened their mouths to catch the water, others cupped their hands to catch the spout, and some even playfully held up their glasses as if waiting for the “Merlion to pour coffee” for them! It was this lively, cheerful, and energetic atmosphere that made us grin from ear to ear and keep taking pictures non-stop.
Singapore NETS FlashPay Travel Card
Little tip: If you want a beautiful photo without too many people in the background, come early in the morning around 7-8 am or late in the afternoon around 5:30-6 pm when the sunset reflects on the water, creating a truly enchanting scene. Grab a cup of coffee, take a leisurely stroll along the riverbank, and enjoy the cool breeze; you’ll feel the very “Singaporean” rhythm of life.
How to Get to the Merlion Statue in Singapore
- 10-minute walk from Raffles Place MRT station, exit at Battery Road (Gate H) and walk towards Fullerton Road.
- Cross the road towards One Fullerton and walk to your left towards the Merlion.
- To use public transport in Singapore, don’t forget to get yourself a Singapore NETS FlashPay Travel Card!
Explore the National Gallery Singapore
Art and culture enthusiasts shouldn’t miss the opportunity to visit the National Gallery Singapore to admire the latest artistic masterpieces. With 8,000 artworks by local artists, the National Gallery Singapore regularly hosts interactive exhibitions, offering you an unforgettable experience.
You can explore every corner of the museum and admire the distinctive European architecture such as high ceilings, domes, giant pillars, and symmetrical corridors. These are all great backdrops for your Instagram photos. If you’re hungry, head up to the rooftop to enjoy a hearty meal at the Civic District.
National Gallery Singapore Ticket
National Gallery Singapore
- Address: 1 St. Andrew Gian Rd Singapore
- Opening Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM
Helix Bridge – A Unique Architectural Highlight at Marina Bay Singapore
While walking along the bay, we were unexpectedly captivated by the Helix Bridge – a double-helix bridge inspired by the structure of DNA. The Helix Bridge connects the Esplanade with The Shoppes at Marina Bay Area, a favorite stop for both locals and tourists. If you look closely, you’ll see small, delicately carved letters along the bridge – C, G, A, T, representing the four chemical building blocks of DNA. At first, I thought it was some kind of contemporary art symbol!
SkyHelix Sentosa Ticket in Singapore
ArtScience Museum Singapore
Opened in 2011, the lotus-shaped building known as the ArtScience Museum is a museum of art, science, culture, and technology. With art exhibitions featuring renowned artists such as Leonardo da Vinci, Andy Warhol, and Vincent Van Gogh, as well as science programs like “HUMAN + The Future of Humanity,” this is the perfect place if you love both art and science.
The permanent exhibition “Future World: Where Art Meets Science” attracts locals and tourists with its futuristic installations. The exhibition is divided into four main stories: Nature, Town, Park, and Space.
ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands Ticket
Children will love exploring the “Town” area with its many fun interactive activities. Young visitors can choose from available models of cars, trucks, and houses, or sketch their ideas on paper with colored pencils. These 2D drawings can then be scanned and transformed into 3D animations on a large map of the town. How exciting!
ArtScience Museum Singapore
- Address: 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
- Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 7 PM. Last entry at 6 PM. / Future World entry times: 10 AM, 11:30 AM, 1 PM, 2:30 PM, 4 PM, and 5:30 PM (last entry).
Check-in Digital Light Canvas
Love drawing but art isn’t your forte? Don’t worry, you can still create art from light with the easiest steps. Hurry to teamLab’s interactive art exhibition, Digital Light Canvas!
This interactive art exhibition allows visitors to send their own fireworks into the sky. Simply connect to Wi-Fi and access the Crystal Fireworks website or scan the QR code available on the surrounding signs, choose your favorite fireworks design, and swipe it towards the interactive column. Instantly, magical fireworks from light will appear right in front of you.
Enjoy a Fun Exploration of Gardens by the Bay
From the ArtScience Museum, it’s just a short walk to Gardens by the Bay – an iconic garden that almost everyone visiting Singapore must see at least once. The garden is divided into three sections: Bay Central, Bay East, and Bay South. Bay South is the “star” of the complex, featuring famous landmarks like the Supertree Grove, Flower Dome, and Cloud Forest.
Stepping into the Flower Dome, we felt like we were in a world full of fragrance and color, where flowers bloom year-round regardless of the season. In the Cloud Forest, the cool mist emanating from the world’s tallest indoor waterfall made me stop to take a deep breath; the feeling was refreshing and incredibly peaceful.
But what I’ll always remember is the evening at the Supertree Grove. As night falls, the towering “giant trees” simultaneously light up, flashing to the music of the Garden Rhapsody show, which takes place at 7:45 and 8:45 PM daily. The entire garden glows, music echoing through the open space. I just lay down on the grass, looked up at the dazzling sky, and told myself, “This is truly an unmissable moment when visiting Singapore.”
Gardens By The Bay
- Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
- Opening Hours: Daily 9 AM to 9 PM (last visit at 8:30 PM) |
- Garden Rhapsody Show Schedule: Daily 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM
Enjoy Singaporean Cuisine at Satay By The Bay
Singapore is a culinary paradise, boasting most of the finest dishes from around the world. To satisfy your hunger, head to Satay By The Bay. Here, you can enjoy some of Singapore’s most famous dishes, such as satay skewers, rojak, carrot cake, and kueh tee. You can order a little of each with your friends to try all the flavors.
Need a refreshing drink or dessert? You can choose fresh coconut or any of the cool desserts on the Lion City’s list. You won’t leave until you’re full!
Satay By The Bay
- Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive #01-19 Singapore 018953
- Opening Hours: Food: Daily 11 am to 10 pm | Drinks: 24 hours daily
Enjoy the Spectra Light Water Show
The Spectra Light Water Show is a water show, impressive with its symphony of light, music, and graceful water jets. The highlight of the show is the central crystal prism. A 12-meter-tall prism containing over 60 lights! Accompanied by the show’s symphonic background music, the prism seems to explode with various colors, illuminating the entire sky.
Singtel 4G/5G Singapore SIM Card (SG Airport & City Pick Up)
The Spectra Light Water Show tells four different stories about Singapore. The background music was composed by music producer Kenn C, who has worked with artists such as A-Mei and Stefanie Sun.
Spectra Light Water Show
- Address: 2 Bayfront Avenue, Event Centre.
- Operating Hours: Sunday – Thursday: 8 PM and 9 PM (15-minute show)/Friday – Saturday: 8 PM, 9 PM and 10 PM (15-minute show)
Sands Skypark Observation Deck – Panoramic Views of Singapore
The 200-meter-tall Sands Skypark observation deck offers you a stunning view of Marina Bay. This is a great place to connect To complete a day of sightseeing, you can visit in the evening or at sunset; or visit the deck at night to catch the city lights from above. Visitors can even get an unobstructed view of the Spectra Light Water Show from here.
If you want to relax after a long day of exploring, treat yourself to some refreshing cocktails at the rooftop bar – Ce La Vie, with signature drinks like Cuba No. 57 or Sauvignon Blanc…
Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck Ticket
Tip: Head to the Sands Skypark Observatory between 6:00 and 7:30 pm to catch the sunset or watch the Spectra Light Show – usually starting at 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm – from a high vantage point.
Take Photos with the Singapore Flyer
Right next to the vibrant Marina Bay area, the Singapore Flyer stands tall against the sky, one of the iconic symbols that we’ll always remember whenever we think of Singapore. While the Merlion statue evokes a sense of familiarity and joy, the Singapore Flyer offers a completely different experience with its quiet, romantic, and captivating atmosphere.
Initially, I only intended to take a few photos from afar, thinking, “It’s just like other Ferris wheels.” But once inside the glass cabin and the Ferris wheel began to slowly rotate, everything changed. At a height of 165 meters, the entire city unfolded below – Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, the winding Singapore River, and thousands of lights gradually illuminating as the sun set, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Visit Nyonya Street – A Street Recreating Traditional Chinese Life
It would be a great oversight to visit a country and miss the opportunity to learn about its history and the lives of its people. Therefore, visiting Nyonya Street is a great opportunity to do just that.
Here, you’ll witness colorful ancient architecture, delicious local food, and incredibly peaceful scenery. If you’re a nature lover, history enthusiast, and admire ancient architecture, you definitely can’t miss this street!
Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony Ticket in Singapore
Things to do in Marina Bay Singapore: Sampan Rides in The Shoppes
Right inside The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, visitors can try Sampan Rides, experiencing a wooden boat ride along the indoor canal. The boat is inspired by the sampans that once appeared on the Singapore River, offering a relaxing yet nostalgic feeling amidst the modern shopping space. While traveling, you can also admire the luxury shops and circle the Rain Oculus, one of the prominent architectural highlights here.
Shopping and Dining at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
If you want to combine sightseeing, relaxation, and shopping, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is a worthwhile addition to your itinerary. This shopping center brings together many fashion, beauty, watch, jewelry brands, and diverse dining options. After checking into Marina Bay Sands, you can spend time strolling around The Shoppes, having a snack, a coffee, or choosing a beautiful restaurant to watch the vibrant life by the bay.
Admire Rain Oculus – A Unique Indoor Waterfall
Rain Oculus is an ecological installation located within The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, designed like a 22-meter-wide acrylic bowl. This structure acts as both a skylight and collects rainwater to flow into the canal below. Every hour, water can cascade down from a height of two stories, creating a spectacular sight for visitors to admire from within the shopping mall or experience up close on the Sampan Rides.
Frequently Asked Questions about Marina Bay Singapore
1. Where is Marina Bay Area and how do I get there?
Marina Bay is located in the heart of Singapore, right on the Marina Bay waterfront. From Changi Airport, you can take the MRT Downtown line (blue) and get off at Bayfront Station (Exit B, C, D, E), the exit leads directly to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands shopping mall.
2. Are the entrance fees to attractions in Marina Bay Sands expensive?
Depending on the area you visit:
SkyPark Observation Deck: approximately S$32 – S$36/adult.
ArtScience Museum: ranges from S$25 – S$30 (the “Future World” exhibition is usually the most popular).
Gardens by the Bay: Outdoor area is free, while Cloud Forest and Flower Dome cost S$20–S$35.
To save money, consider buying combo tickets online on travel platforms like Klook for better prices.
3. What is the best time to visit Marina Bay?
Afternoon to evening is ideal: you can watch the sunset from SkyPark and enjoy the Garden Rhapsody light show at Gardens by the Bay at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM.
4. Do I need to book tickets in advance?
Yes! Especially for SkyPark and ArtScience Museum, as it’s usually very crowded on weekends and during peak season. Booking online in advance helps you choose a suitable time and avoid long queues.
5. What experiences shouldn’t be missed at Marina Bay Area?
Enjoy panoramic city views from the SkyPark Observation Deck.
Take photos with the Merlion statue and the Helix Bridge.
Visit the ArtScience Museum and the Future World exhibition.
Stroll around Gardens by the Bay and see Garden Rhapsody at night.
Enjoy fine dining or try your luck at the Marina Bay Sands Casino.
6. Are there any places to eat near Marina Bay Sands?
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands has many famous restaurants such as Din Tai Fung, Black Tap, CUT by Wolfgang Puck, along with cafes and reasonably priced food courts. If you want a beautiful view, try dining at Ce La Vi SkyBar,…
7. How much time should I spend exploring Marina Bay Area?
At least half a day (4-6 hours) if you only want to visit the main attractions. But if you want a complete experience – from the Merlion, Helix Bridge, ArtScience Museum, Gardens by the Bay to SkyPark – you should dedicate a whole day to avoid rushing.
8. Are there any tips for taking beautiful photos at Marina Bay?
Arrive early in the morning for soft light and fewer crowds.
In the evening, choose a time slot before 7:45 PM to capture the magical scene as Garden Rhapsody begins.
The “best” photo spot: from the Helix Bridge, with the panoramic view of Marina Bay Sands in the distance.
Marina Bay Singapore is undoubtedly an amazing location, but don’t miss out on other fantastic spots in Singapore! Explore Marina Bay Sands Singapore today!
Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Singapore you can refer to
- Sentosa FUN Pass
- [Klook Exclusive] Universal Studios Singapore™ 1 Day Ticket
- Gardens by the Bay Ticket Singapore
- S.E.A. Aquarium™ One-Day Ticket
- ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands Ticket
- Singapore Cable Car Sky Pass
- Jewel Changi Airport Attraction Tickets in Singapore
- Singapore Flyer Tickets
- Skyline Luge Singapore: Skyline Luge & Skyride
- Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck or Sampan Ride
- Adventure Cove Waterpark™ One-Day Ticket
- Science Centre Singapore, Butterflies Up-Close, Omni Theatre
- Singapore River Cruise
- Madame Tussauds Singapore Ticket
- Wings of Time Show Ticket in Singapore
- Klook Pass Singapore
- 4G Prepaid Sim Card (Changi Airport Pick Up) for Singapore
- 4G WiFi (SG Airport Pick Up) for Singapore
Are you finding more top things to do in Singapore: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: The ultimate Singapore travel guide.
