The best things to do in Singapore

1.Gardens by the Bay and the SupertreesFree

A huge waterfront garden with giant steel Supertrees, linked by an aerial walkway.

Tip: The Garden Rhapsody light and music show plays under the Supertrees every evening, free.

2.Cloud Forest and Flower Dome

Two cooled glass domes in Gardens by the Bay: a misty indoor mountain with a waterfall, and a flower garden.

Tip: Go in the afternoon heat, then stay outside for the evening light show.

3.Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

The observation deck on top of the three towers, looking over the bay, the gardens and the shipping lanes.

Tip: The famous infinity pool is for hotel guests only; the deck is open to everyone with a ticket.

4.Spectra light showFree

A free water, light and laser show over the bay, from the Event Plaza in front of Marina Bay Sands.

Tip: It runs every evening; time it after the Garden Rhapsody show.

5.The MerlionFree

Singapore's half-lion, half-fish statue, spouting water into the bay with the skyline behind.

6.National Gallery Singapore

The largest collection of Southeast Asian art in the world, in the former Supreme Court and City Hall.

Tip: The rooftop terrace has a view over the Padang to Marina Bay Sands.

7.Fort Canning ParkFree

A green hill above Clarke Quay with colonial history, WWII bunkers and a much-photographed tree tunnel staircase.

8.A river cruise

Bumboats run along the Singapore River from Clarke Quay past Boat Quay to Marina Bay.

Tip: Take an evening cruise, when the quays and the skyline are lit up.

9.Buddha Tooth Relic TempleFree

A large Tang-style temple holding a relic said to be the Buddha's tooth, with a rooftop prayer-wheel garden.

Tip: Cover shoulders and knees; the temple lends shawls at the entrance.

10.Maxwell Food Centre

One of Singapore's best-known hawker centres, famous for Hainanese chicken rice.

Tip: A packet of tissues on a table means the seat is taken.

11.Sri Mariamman TempleFree

Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, with a tall gateway tower covered in colourful sculptures, in the middle of Chinatown.

12.Lau Pa Sat

A Victorian cast-iron market hall in the financial district, now a hawker centre.

Tip: In the evening, the street next to it closes to traffic and fills with satay grills.

13.Sultan Mosque and Haji LaneFree

The golden-domed mosque at the heart of the old Malay quarter, and the narrow lanes of murals, cafés and boutiques around it.

Tip: The mosque is open to visitors outside prayer times; robes are provided.

14.Little IndiaFree

Colourful shophouses, flower garland stalls, temples and South Indian food along Serangoon Road.

Tip: Eat at the Tekka Centre hawker centre, then visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.

15.Singapore Botanic GardensFree

A UNESCO-listed tropical garden near the end of Orchard Road, with the National Orchid Garden inside.

Tip: The main gardens are free and open from early morning; go before the midday heat.

16.Orchard RoadFree

Singapore's 2 km shopping street of malls and department stores, linked by underpasses.

Tip: The malls' basement food courts are a cheap, air-conditioned lunch.

17.Universal Studios Singapore

A theme park on Sentosa island with rides themed on films like Transformers and Jurassic Park.

Tip: Weekdays outside school holidays are the least crowded.

18.Sentosa's beachesFree

Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong beaches, with beach bars and a suspension bridge to a small islet.

Tip: The Sentosa Express monorail from VivoCity, or walking across the boardwalk, is the easiest way over.

19.Singapore Zoo and Night Safari

Open-concept enclosures in the rainforest at Mandai in the north, with a separate park for nocturnal animals after dark.

Tip: Combine the two: the zoo in the afternoon and the Night Safari next door in the evening.

20.Jewel Changi AirportFree

A glass dome at the airport with the world's tallest indoor waterfall, the Rain Vortex, and a forest valley.

Tip: It's open to anyone, not just passengers. Visit on arrival or before your flight.