Marina Bay

Singapore's iconic waterfront district featuring the world-famous Marina Bay Sands hotel, ArtScience Museum, and stunning skyline views. This is the heart of modern Singapore and essential for experiencing the city's contemporary culture, dining, and entertainment scene.

Things to do

• Marina Bay Sands SkyPark — Ascend to the 57th-floor observation deck for 360-degree views of Singapore's skyline and the surrounding bay.
• ArtScience Museum — Explore the unique lotus-shaped building featuring innovative exhibitions blending art, science, technology, and culture.
• Gardens by the Bay — Wander through futuristic gardens featuring the iconic Supertree Grove and the enchanting nighttime light display.
• Marina Bay waterfront promenade walk — Stroll along the scenic 3.5km boardwalk enjoying views of the bay, museums, and downtown skyline at sunset.
• Singapore Flyer — Experience Southeast Asia's tallest observation wheel for panoramic views of the city and surrounding islands.
• Merlion Park — Photograph Singapore's iconic symbol, the mythical Merlion statue, overlooking Marina Bay.
• National Gallery Singapore — Discover Southeast Asian and international contemporary art across two historic colonial buildings near the waterfront.

Food to try

• Chili Crab — Fresh mud crabs wok-fried in a thick, spicy-sweet tomato and chili sauce, best enjoyed at beachfront hawker stalls or restaurants.
• Laksa — Rich coconut curry broth with noodles, prawns, and boiled egg, a quintessential Southeast Asian comfort food found throughout Marina Bay.
• Dim Sum at Yauatcha or similar venues — Bite-sized Cantonese delicacies including har gow, siu mai, and egg tarts served from trolleys or ordered à la carte.
• Satay skewers with peanut sauce — Grilled meat skewers served with rich peanut dipping sauce, a popular street food and appetizer at waterfront restaurants.
• Peranakan cuisine — Heritage dishes blending Malay, Chinese, and Indian influences, including rendang and nyonya kueh, served at specialty restaurants near the bay.
• Hawker centre food court experience — Sample affordable local dishes like chicken rice, fried carrot cake, and bean curd at bustling communal food courts in the area.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress code for upscale venues — Marina Bay's fine dining restaurants and rooftop bars often enforce smart casual dress codes; avoid beachwear in establishments beyond casual hawker stalls.
• Respect religious and cultural spaces — Singapore is multicultural; remove shoes when entering temples or mosques, and be mindful of prayer times and quiet zones.
• Cash and card payment norms — While hawker stalls increasingly accept digital payments, carrying cash is advisable; high-end venues typically accept major credit cards.
• Plan visits around weather — Marina Bay can be extremely humid and rainy; visit indoor attractions during afternoon heat or afternoon thunderstorms, and plan waterfront activities for early morning or evening.