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Asia Singapore Singapore Do & See Esplanade

Overview

Esplanade

The guide was updated: 2024-09-22

At the mouth of the Singapore River lies the Esplanade, a performance art centre featuring a concert hall, a theatre hall, recital and rehearsal studios, as well as outdoor performance spaces. Casually referred to as "the Durian" because of its resemblance of the famous tropical fruit, the architecturally stunning building boasts some of the world’s best acoustics. Even with no one on stage, this is a great spot for lunch or afternoon tea at the neighbouring Esplanade Mall.

Useful Information

Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore
Website: www.esplanade.com
Public Transport: City Hall
Phone: +65 6828 8377
Email: corporate@esplanade.com

Our travel guides are free to read and explore online. If you want to get your own copy, the full travel guide for this destination is available to you offline* to bring along anywhere or print for your trip.

*this will be downloaded as a PDF.

Price

€4,95

Purchase

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay are among the world's most spectacular urban developments. The Gardens' inauguration in 2012 marked a decisive step towards refashioning Singapore from "Garden City" to "City in a Garden" — it's easy to see why while wandering its 100+ hectares. The Gardens’ Supertree Grove consists of 18 tree-like structures, some reaching up to 50m in height. What’s hard to wrap one’s mind around is how closely these “trees” mimic their natural counterparts: overgrown with exotic plants and flowers, they mimic photosynthesis via a complex system of environmental technologies, and collect rainwater that later goes towards irrigation and fountain displays. There is a spectacular Skyway stretching between 2 of the tallest trees, which features a light and sound display at night. Another two unmissable attractions at the Gardens are the two conservatories: the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.

Tiger Brewery Tour

Tiger Brewery Tour

Tiger lays claim to have been the first beer brand in the country, launched in 1932. Today, the lager is the most consumed on the Asian beer market. So, if you happen to be a beer lover and would like to gain a glance into the production facilities of the company, regular tours are taking place here, followed by the chance to enjoy a cold one, or two, on site.

Jewel Changi Airport

Jewel Changi Airport

Singapore's Changi Airport has won multiple awards (voted "Best in the World" for 7 consecutive years), and the jewel in its crown of regalia is the world's tallest indoor waterfall, fittingly called just that: Jewel. The waterfall comes down from the roof, creating a breathtaking vortex which recirculates rain water. The Rain Vortex is surrounded by a multiple-level display of tropical flora, including various species of blooming orchids; the top level features a family-friendly canopy park, and there are dozens of further shopping and entertainment venues around. One doesn't often hear of city residents doing day trips to the airport to simple spend time there, but it certainly is the case with jewel -- you'll see many making the trip to Changi with no luggage whatsoever, with the sole purpose of visiting the Jewel.

Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck

Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck

The iconic Marina Bay Sands dominates Singapore's cityscape, and is probably the city-state's most recognisable attraction. The imposing structure consists of three towers with a continuous lobby at the bottom (open to visitors), and topped with a spectacular SkyPark that links them all at roof level. The infinity pool is no longer accessible to those who aren't staying at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, but the rooftop bar is, and so is the separate Observation Deck area (access via Tower 3 basement).

Henderson Waves

Henderson Waves

The Henderson Waves bridge is the highest pedestrian bride in Singapore -- stranding the Mount Faber Park and Telok Blangah Parks, it makes for what probably is the most exciting segment of the full Southern Ridges hike. Make it as long or short as you like (we recommend entering at HortPark and making your way there through the Treetop Walk). Keep moving west and you'll eventually arrive at a cable car station, from where you can continue on straight to the island of Sentosa.

Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay

This riverside quay was once the entrepôt centre of the Singapore harbour. Now a bustling nightlife area, the run-down warehouses - "go downs" - have been turned into nightclubs, restaurants and flea markets. Though fully renovated, historical buildings have been preserved, letting it retain its special character.

Sentosa

Sentosa

The island resort of Sentosa is a marvellous one-day beach escape from the bustling city. It's an artificial island with very real sand and swaying palm trees casting pleasant shadow, as well quite a few recreation options, particularly in the Palawan Beach area. Transport connections to the mainland are ample.

Singapore Zoo

Singapore Zoo

The Singapore Zoo is a so called “open zoo” and a world famous zoological garden with 315 animal species, of which approximately 60 are endangered. You can find all the big cats here: lion, tiger, jaguar, leopard and puma, as well as rare white tigers. If you want to, you can meet orangutans face-to-face. Most of the animals are kept in spacious, landscaped enclosures separated from the visitors by dry or wet moats. Dangerous animals are housed in landscaped glass-fronted enclosures. The park also offers an exciting Night Safari and River Safari, all available as part of discounted entry ticket bundles (along with the Bird Park in Jurong).

The Sultan Mosque

The Sultan Mosque

The Sultan Mosque with its cupola and minarets gleams light green and is a very beautiful building in the Kampong Glam district. This mosque is the Muslims’ most important building in Singapore (there are 68 mosques in the city in total). Visitors are welcomed to the mosques even if certain parts are still off limits to those who are not of the Muslim faith.

Fort Canning Park

Fort Canning Park

This park, in the middle of the colonial city centre, is a great spot for anyone who wants to learn more about Singapore’s military history. Raffle’s last home during his time in the city is also here. An exciting tour of the subterranean command headquarters used by the British during the Second World War is a must when visiting the park.

Singapore Flyer

Singapore Flyer

Standing at 165 meters, the Singapore Flyer is even taller than the London Eye. This Ferris wheel gives you a visual feast of the Marina Bay and the great icons and landmarks of Singapore.

First Generation - Bronze Bathers

First Generation - Bronze Bathers

The series of bronze sculptures spread across Singapore represent the lives of local people before Singapore became the modern metropolis it is today. One instalment of this series are the Bronze Bathers, located at Boat Quay.

Holland Village

Holland Village

Often referred to as "Holland V," this happening area is popular with young Singaporeans and expatriates. It offers a bohemian mix of fine restaurants, cool bars and street eateries. Holland Village also is a hub for antiques, with many outlets dealing arts and handicrafts, especially home ware and furniture.

The Southern Ridges

The Southern Ridges

A remnant of the luxurious greenery once covering the whole of the island, the Southern Ridges are a series of green spaces strung along 9 km. Take the elevated Canopy Walk through the rainforest, stop to study all things gardening at Hort Park, then cross the beautifully designed Henderson Waves bridge, and, finally, take the cable car down to Sentosa Island after having admired the panoramic view from Mount Faber.

Chinatown

Chinatown

Construction of the Chinese district of Singapore started in 1828 and started out rougher, more cramped and crowded than it is today. Most of it has been renovated, but the narrow streets and shops remain, as do several large markets. Drop into the Peoples Park Complex shopping centre and Chinatown Complex market where the experience receives added dimensions.

Raffles Hotel

Raffles Hotel

The Singapore Sling was created here in 1915, by the bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, and is still served at the timeless Long Bar. This is a wonderful hotel with a great atmosphere, a museum and beautiful gardens. Food is important at the hotel where the cuisine is world-class. For anyone who wants to learn to cook like the great chefs, courses are given at the Raffles Culinary Academy. Just outside the entrance stands, perhaps, the world's most photographed doorman.

Esplanade

Esplanade

At the mouth of the Singapore River lies the Esplanade, a performance art centre featuring a concert hall, a theatre hall, recital and rehearsal studios, as well as outdoor performance spaces. Casually referred to as "the Durian" because of its resemblance of the famous tropical fruit, the architecturally stunning building boasts some of the world’s best acoustics. Even with no one on stage, this is a great spot for lunch or afternoon tea at the neighbouring Esplanade Mall.

Trick Eye Museum

Trick Eye Museum

Billed as Singapore’s First 3D + AR Museum, Trick Eye Museum is a place unlike any other. Here is a museum where you can be part of the artwork, simply by taking a photo with their ultra-realistic 3D art exhibits. You will find yourself immersed in the wonderful world of optical illusions. Now, for the first time ever, Augmented Reality technology has integrated with 3D art to make optical illusions come to life.

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