Fuel on local favorites to prepare and recharge after 8 exciting Bayfront activities!
Don’t know what to do in Singapore? Located in the central area of Singapore, The Marina Bay area is a treasure trove of activities for everyone visiting. Home to various iconic attractions such as the Merlion and the three towers that form Marina Bay Sands and the ArtScience Museum—this is one area you can’t leave out from your Singapore itinerary!
You can easily spend just 1 full day in Singapore while exploring Marina Bay Sands and immediately feel like your trip is complete!
For us, the best way to start and end a day full of activities is through a lovely meal unique to Singapore. On top of all the Bayfront fun, we included two local cuisines you can’t miss!
Klook Tip: Wear your comfy sneakers, pack light, and, most importantly, bring your camera to capture the moment!
1. Tong Ah Eating House
Kaya toast galore at Tong Ah Eating House! Credits to Klook
More than just a local coffee shop, Tong Ah Eating House is an institution and a must-visit in your Singapore itinerary. Established in 1939, they’ve been serving the same rotation of dishes since then.
Kaya is a sweet coconut jam usually spread on buttered bread that has become a popular breakfast or snack choice in Singapore. There are four types of Kaya toasts to choose from their delicious menu. Each comes with soft-boiled eggs with a choice of either kopi or tea.
For something light, indulge in the Crispy Thin Toast Kaya, which combines crunch and sweetness.
If you’re into the classics, opt for the Traditional Kaya Toast with a thicker and softer bread base.
Their most creative dish is the French Toast with Kaya, combining two cultures into one delicious meal. This buttery, eggy delight will surely leave you wanting more.
Don’t forget about the soft-boiled eggs and kopi! We recommend dipping your toast in the eggs for a rich and creamy contrast. The kopi also has full-bodied flavor notes.
Address: 35 Keong Saik Rd., Singapore 089142
How to get there: A 10-minute walk from Chinatown MRT (Exit C)
Operating hours:
- Monday to Tuesday from 7:00am - 10:00pm
- Wednesday from 7:00am - 2:00pm
- Thursday to Sunday from 7:00am - 10:30pm
2. The Merlion
You know you’re in Singapore when you see the iconic Merlion! Credits to @hanzlog on Unsplash
Start your day early at the heart of Singapore with The Merlion, a mythical creature that represents Singapore’s humble beginning.
The head of a lion represents Singapura, which translates to lion city, and the body of a fish describes the origins of Singapore as a fishing village.
Address: Merlion Park, Singapore
How to get there:
- Take a 10-minute walk from Raffles Place MRT, exit via Battery Road (Exit H), and walk towards Fullerton Road
- Cross the road towards One Fullerton and walk to your left towards the Merlion
Operating hours: 24 hours daily
3. River Cruise
Wander on a sailboat amidst Singapore's bright, colorful lights. Credits to @mia_dj on Unsplash
To get an overview of the iconic spots scattered around Marina Bay, hop onto the electric River Cruise bumboat. The relaxing 40-minute cruise will bring you around the Singapore River to discover the highlights of Clarke Quay Boat Quay, Marina Bay, and Marina South.
Get a seat outside and enjoy the breeze while getting a 360-degree view of the surroundings.
Or, if you want to experience Singapore’s nightscape, take an evening boat ride to catch the sunset and watch the city come to life!
Klook Tip: Sit on the right side of the cruise! There’s an audio guide that explains the landmarks on your right-hand side while journeying to and from Clarke Quay Jetty.
You can also alight at any jetty along the river—just make sure you tell the staff in advance! Do note, however, that re-entry onto the board is not allowed.
Be sure to grab a free map from the ticket booth to get a heads-up on the route and what you can expect to see on the tour. Plus, it will come in handy for navigating the bay area and locating the attractions you wish to visit!
Klook your tickets to the River Cruise by flashing your mobile e-voucher at the redemption counter. To redeem your voucher, proceed to the Clarke Quay Jetty River Cruise ticketing counter next to G-MAX Reverse Bungy Jump.
Evening Cruise rides are rather popular, so don’t forget to exchange your e-ticket for an evening ride early in the day to reserve your spot!
Address: Location varies. Seven jetties scattered around the river bank serve as starting points.
How to get there: Embark from Merlion Park Jetty
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday from 9am - 11pm
- Friday to Sunday from 10am - 9pm
- The last boat departs at 10:30pm.
4. National Gallery Singapore
Witness the creative side of Singapore! Credits to @mbriney on Unsplash
Art and culture enthusiasts should pay the National Gallery Singapore a visit to catch the latest art exhibitions from the region.
Home to 8,000 art pieces of famous local and regional artists, interactive exhibitions are also rolled out every few months to give you an immersive experience in the museum.
Explore every corner of the museum and admire the architectural marvels like the high ceiling, dome, massive pillars, and symmetrical corridors.
They sure make a perfect shot for your Instagram feed! If you are looking for grub, head to the rooftop for some booze or sumptuous meals with a breathtaking view of the Civic District.
Address: 1 St. Andrew’s Rd Singapore 178957
How to get there:
- From Fullerton Jetty, cross Cavenagh Bridge and continue onto Connaught Drive
- From there, turn left into Parliament Pl and follow the road till you reach the National Gallery or alight at City Hall MRT, take Exit B, and walk through the Art Connector
Operating hours: Daily from 10am - 7pm (Admission ends 30 minutes before closing time)
5. Helix Bridge
Nerd out and spot the letters “C,” “G,” “A,” and “T” on the bridge, which represents the four chemical bases that make up DNA! Credits to @moppity on Unsplash
There is no shortage of photo spots in this city, and one photo opportunity you should not miss out on would be the Helix Bridge along Bayfront Avenue.
Take your #OOTD shots at this DNA-inspired architecture that leads you from Esplanade Drive to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
You can also glimpse a rainbow of seats comprising the Marina Bay Floating platform, where Singapore’s National Day parades and various festivals are held.
Address: Helix Bridge, along Bayfront Avenue, Downtown Core
How to get there: From Promenade MRT station (Circle Line), walk from Temasek Avenue to Bayfront Avenue.
Operating hours: 24 hours daily
6. ArtScience Museum
Leave it to the ArtScience Museum to make learning fun and beautiful. Credits to @artsciencemuseumsg on Instagram
Need help finding the ArtScience Museum? Just spot the lotus-shaped building, and you're already there!
The ArtScience Museum includes out-of-the-box exhibitions inspired by famous artists from all eras and fun takes on science-related topics.
The permanent exhibit at ArtScience Museum, Future World: Where Art Meets Science, draws locals and tourists with its futuristic installation.
Of course, the highly anticipated exhibit for many visitors is the Crystal Universe from the Space narrative.
Get lost amongst the 170,000 LED lights and feel like you are in the vast outer space, watching the stars and planets move around you.
The staff will ask you to keep your selfie stick away as it may hit the LED lights along the walkway, so ask your friends to help you take that Insta-worthy shot instead!
Address: 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
How to get there:
- Head to level 1 and exit The Shoppes
- Walk towards the Art Science Museum Building that is right outside The Shoppes
- Or take a 10-minute walk from Bayfront Station/a 15-minute walk from Promenade Station
Operating hours:
- Daily from 10am to 7pm
- The last admission is at 6pm.
- Admission to Future World: 10am, 11:30am, 1pm, 2:30pm, 4pm and 5:30pm (last entry)
7. Gardens by the Bay
Walk among the beautiful giants that glow under the sun and shine at night. Credits to @victor_g on Unsplash
A nature park atop reclaimed land, Gardens by the Bay is one of Singapore’s top attractions.
This futuristic-style botanic garden within the city is home to a wide range of internationally-sourced flora and fauna.
Gardens by The Bay is divided into three distinctive waterfront gardens—Bay East, Bay South, and Bay Central.
If you’ve got a time-cramped itinerary, head to Bay South, which houses the iconic Supertrees, Flower Dome, and Cloud Forest.
Step into the Cloud Dome to learn how the Cloud Forest functions and to admire the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
Walking up the bridge, you can get close to the tropical highland vegetation and the mist waterfall.
Make sure to stay till dark and wind down with the exciting music and light performance slated at 7:45pm and 8:45pm daily by the Bay Garden Rhapsody at Supertree Grove.
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
How to get there:
- From The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, head towards Bayfront MRT
- Take Exit B and follow the underground linkway
- Exit and cross the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge into Gardens by the Bay
Operating hours:
- Daily from 9am to 9pm (last admission at 8:30pm)
- Bay Garden Rhapsody showtime: Daily 7:45pm and 8:45pm
8. Spectra Light Water Show
Watch the entire Marina Bay Sands light up in vibrant hues! Credits to @lemonmelon on Unsplash
Be wowed by the symphony of lights, music, and dancing streams of water, illuminated by sensational lights and lasers at the Spectra Light Water Show.
The show's highlight is the 12-meter-high glass prism centerpiece with over 60 lights!
Accompanied by the show’s symphonic soundtrack, the prism bursts into various colors that light up the sky!
This immersive experience with four different acts tells the Singapore Story through lights and sound.
The soundtrack is composed by local music producer Kenn C, who has worked with various celebrities like A-Mei and Stefanie Sun.
Klook Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for the rainbow burst of colors that form kaleidoscopes in Act III – alluding to the multicultural society of Singapore society.
Address: 2 Bayfront Avenue, Event Plaza, 018972
How to get there:
- From Gardens by the Bay, take the Dragonfly Bridge or Meadow Bridge to Bayfront MRT Station
- Walk towards Exit C/D and head to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, or take the Lions Bridge and cross via the Garden Bay Bridge to get to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
- Walk towards Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza located outside the Rain Oculus
Operating hours:
- Sunday to Thursday at 8pm and 9pm
- Friday to Saturday at 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm
9. Sands Skypark Observation Deck
Easily spot the Bayfront landmarks from up high! Credits to Klook
The 200-meter-tall observation deck gives you a scenic view of the Marina Bay area from the top of Marina Bay Sands.
A great spot to end your day—come in the evening for the sunset! Or visit the deck at night to catch the city lights from an unmatched panoramic view.
You can even get an unobstructed Spectra Light Water Show view from here!
If you’re looking to wind down after your long day of exploration, treat yourself to some fancy cocktails at the rooftop bar–Ce La Vi.
With their signature selection of drinks, such as the Singapore Sling or a glass of Sauvignon Blanc, you’re definitely going to make your 1 day in Singapore worthwhile!
Klook Tip: Head to Sands Skypark Observation Deck at around 6pm to catch the sunset or at 7:30pm before the Spectra Light Show starts at 8pm and 9pm to witness the show from a bird’s eye view!
Address: Marina Bay Sands Hotel Tower 3 Level 57, 10 Bayfront Ave Singapore 018956
How to get there:
- From Gardens by the Bay, cross via Lions Bridge to get to Marina Bay Sands Hotel
- Or Alight at Bayfront MRT and walk to Marina Bay Sands Hotel
- Go up to level 57 of the hotel
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday from 9:30am to 10pm
- Friday to Sunday from 9:30am to 11pm
Don’t just get a standard direct entry admission ticket with Klook, but complete your holiday in Singapore with the Marina Bay Sands Skypark Sightseeing Experience.
With a 1 Day FunVee Hopper Pass in this package, you’ll get to see the best of Singapore in a breeze.
Catch the fantastic view from the top of the Skypark and hop from place to place with 3 bus routes within the city area, including adventure-filled Sentosa!
Give your feet a rest and zoom through the Bayfront area instead! Credits to Klook
Bonus: If walking is not your thing, why not make your day at the bay unique by riding on a Segway!
Rent a Segway, bicycle, or e-scooter and hit all the top destinations around the bay area at your own pace.
You can cover twice the amount of attractions within the same time frame!
10. Dancing Crab
Claw through the ultimate seafood feast at the Dancing Crab! Credits to @dancingcrabsg on Instagram
Known for its delicious fusion of American-style seafood and Singapore-style cooking, you’re in for the ultimate flavor explosion!
The Dancing Crab prides itself on bringing great taste and service worldwide with their vibrant and friendly atmosphere.
You're promised quality seafood at amazing deals from ala carte options, family bundle feasts, and lunch sets. Its extensive menu is sure to leave everyone full and happy.
Have fun building your own combinations with the freshest seafood!
Address:
- Orchard Central
Orchard Central #07-14/15 181 Orchard Road Singapore 238896
- VivoCity
#03-10 VivoCity 1 Harbourfront Walk Singapore 098585
- Northshore Plaza 2
418 Northshore Drive, #01-11 Northshore Plaza II, Singapore 820418
How to get there:
- Since you’re coming from Bayfront, the nearest branch to dine in would be the one at VivoCity
- From HarbourFront MRT, head north towards Telok Banglah Road
- Turn left, and walk straight for 4 minutes until you reach your destination
Operating hours:
- Orchard Central (Daily)
- Lunch: 11:30am - 3:00pm (Last order 2:30pm)
- Dinner: 5:30pm - 10:00pm (Last order 9:30pm)
- VivoCity (Daily)
- Lunch: 11:30am - 3:00pm (Last order 2:30pm)
- Dinner: 5:30pm - 10:00pm (Last order 9:30pm)
- Northshore Plaza 2 (Daily)
- Lunch: 11:30am - 3:00pm (Last order 2:30pm)
- Dinner: 5:30pm - 10:00pm (Last order 9:30pm)
A productive Singapore itinerary doesn’t require you to go such far distances. Imagine all the things to do in Singapore in just one day when you explore this adventure-filled area!
