Singapore City GUIDE: TOUR ITINERARIES
Deciding where to go and what to see in Singapore can seem like a difficult task for first-time visitors. To help you decide what to do our your Private Customised Singapore tours we have put together an overview of our neighbourhood explorations. Each exploration is flexible and will be tailored to your specific interests and your length of tour. When booking simply let us know what interests you the most.
Wondering where to stay in Singapore? Have a look at our hotel guide.
Civic District and Marina Bay | Chinatown | Little India | Kampong Glam and Arab Street | Tiong Bahru |
CIVIC DISTRICT AND MARINA BAY
Great in the day but brilliant at night when the city comes alive. Experience the light shows at 8 pm and 9 pm. Allow 2 hours for an overview and 4 hours for an in-depth exploration.
Explore & Learn with Hello! Singapore Tours
Admire the historical colonial buildings and learn about the founding of Singapore by Sir Stamford Raffles.
Meet the famous Singapore Merlion and find out the legend behind the half lion, half fish mascot.
Enjoy a Singapore Sling at Raffles, Singapore’s most famous hotel.
Marvel at the view from our secret lookout point on the roof of one of the old buildings and learn about the development and building of the city.
Add on a Singapore River cruise to explore the city on a bumboat.
A destination unto itself, the grand historic hotel exudes old-world grandeur infused with the unique charm of Singapore and timeless luxury.
Visitors can take leisurely strolls across its pedestrian bridges or dine alfresco at one of the many riverside eateries, both day and night
Constructed in 1934, it used to house living quarters for policemen and their families.
“My mission is to build on my Grandfather’s legacy and brew the best Soy Sauce in the world, made with love, right here in Singapore!”- KEN KOH Business Development Director, Nanyang Sauce
Built in 1997 in the shape of a tongkang—a light boat that shipped goods along the river
Named after the first governor of the Straits Settlements, Robert Fullerton—has become a luxury hospitality and dining destination.
Have a spectacular panoramic view of the Central Business District (CBD), the Civic District, the Marina Bay area, and as far out as the South China Sea. N
A body of a fish, symbolising Singapore’s humble beginnings as a fishing village, while its lion head symbolises Singapore’s original name, Singapura, or ‘lion city’ in Malay.
It is a showpiece of environmental sustainability where green principles are applied in the design, construction and operation of the barrage.
The longest pedestrian bridge in Singapore, is a striking 28-metre-long steel duplex bridge that overlooks Marina Bay.
Nicknamed ‘The Durian’ for its spiky, glass-covered construction that resembles the king of fruits, this is the hub of Singapore’s art scene
Singapore’s largest cathedral and the most established Anglican place of worship
Please note that we can not guarantee visits to the interiors of Singapore’s historic buildings. Some are closed to the public and some are open but only at specific times. We discuss the history and architecture from the outside of the building. If a building is accessible on the day of your tour we can also have a walk through but we are unable to give full in depth tours of the interiors. Should an interior visit of a specific building be very important to you, please tell us in advance so we can make appropriate plans for you.
CHINATOWN
One of the best districts for exploring local food. Visit the cheapest Michelin starred restaurant in the world! Allow 1.5 hours for an overview and 4 hours for an in-depth exploration.
Explore & Learn with Hello! Singapore Tours
Follow the journey of the early Chinese immigrants to Singapore. First visit the Thian Hock Keng Temple where thanks were given to the God of the Sea for a safe arrival. Learn about Taoism and fortune telling.
Explore the back streets and Ann Siang Hill and learn about Clan Associations and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and learn about Buddhism.
Feast on Chinese delicacies at the Chinatown Hawker Centre and shop till you drop at the souvenir markets.
See the site of long-gone opium dens, coolie accommodation and death houses.
Visit the Singapore City Gallery for an insightful discussion about Singapore's dramatic transformation and its future plans. Interactive and immersive exhibits bring Singapore's planning challenges and innovative solutions to life.
Retreat to a beautiful tea house for a traditional tea tasting experience. You will learn the art of the tea ceremony and try the Imperial tea that Queen Elizabeth II was served in the very same tea house (US$10 supplement per person)
*Being young at heart is the key to keeping traditions alive and meaningful, so that younger people can relate to Tong Heng and desire to experience what we have to offer.” - ANA FONG General Manager, Tong Heng .
One of Singapore’s oldest Chinese temples. Dedicated to Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea, devotees came here to give thanks and pray for safe passage across the sea.
The church was founded in 1889 by Dr. Benjamin West, a Methodist missionary and medical doctor who preached from a shophouse in Chinatown
Dedicated to educating people on Chinese tea appreciation, Tea Chapter shares its knowledge in Chinese tea culture through their services.
Sri Mariamman Temple, dedicated to goddess Mariamman, who is believed to be able to heal the sick.
The name draws inspiration from Sri Mariamman Temple’s gopuram—the word for pagoda in Tamil— over the main gate of the temple
An urban enclave of world-class restaurants, hip bars and bustling creative hubs, Keong Saik and Bukit Pasoh attracts local artists, discerning gourmands and lifestyle enthusiasts alike
Once the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore and built by Singapore’s early Cantonese and Hakka immigrants, the building is now a museum
Instagram-worthy photo opportunities that will surely stand out on their social media feed
One of the major Buddhist temples in Singapore, this is a fine example of the Chinese Tang dynasty style of architecture in the heart of Chinatown.
Travellers can take a break while exploring Chinatown to enjoy local food at these two spots.
LITTLE INDIA
Equally good to explore during the day and evening. Allow 1 to 2 hours for an in-depth exploration.
Explore & Learn with Hello! Singapore Tours
Explore the colourful gold, spice and fabric markets of Singapore’s most vibrant district.
Learn about the early town planning and how Singapore’s ethnic districts, including Little India, came about.
Enjoy a selection of popular Indian foods from savoury snacks to sweet treats.
Visit the breathtaking Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and learn about Hinduism and its mystical beliefs.
A multi-use building complex where visitors can find a wet market, food centre and shopping complex all rolled into one
The temple was established in 1855, making it one of Singapore’s oldest houses of worship.
Jalan Besar is one of the oldest roads in Singapore and became a hip enclave with a growing number of trendy boutiques, cafés, and restaurants
Dating from 1822, this is the backbone of Little India and is one of Singapore’s oldest road
Shoppers will find handicrafts, costume jewelry, souvenirs, Indian clothing, silks and so much more.
Built in 1910 to serve the religious needs of South-Indian Muslim merchants and syces who were settling down in Little India at that time.
Discover connections between South Asia and Southeast Asia, and gain a better understanding of the Indian community in Singapore.
KAMPONG GLAM AND ARAB STREET
Equally good to explore during the day and evening. Allow 1 hour for an overview and 2.5 hours for an in-depth exploration.
Explore & Learn with Hello! Singapore Tours
Visit the former home of the Malay royalty and learn about how they sold Singapore to the British.
See the impressive Sultan’s Mosque and discover the five pillars of Islam.
Explore authentic shops specialising in Arabian trades and the super trendy Haji Lane.
Uncover Singapore’s past as a starting hub for Muslims making the pilgrimage to Mecca.
A landmark of the Kampong Glam district which attracts many who are keen to discover the culture and history of Malays.
A vibrant street lined with multi-label stores, quirky boutiques as well as hip bars and cafes.
Home to trendy hangouts and shops selling brightly coloured fabrics and textiles, basketry, hand-knotted Persian rugs, aromatic Arab teas, as well as other traditional wares
A must-visit for visitors who are keen to learn about the rich heritage and culture of Singapore’s Malay community.
TIONG BAHRU
Come hungry as Tiong Bahru is renowned for its super clean old school Hawker Centre. Allow 1 to 2 hours to explore this trendy neighbourhood.
Explore & Learn with Hello! Singapore Tours
Named as one of the worlds coolest neighbourhoods by Vogue, Tiong Bahru’s charming art deco buildings are one of Singapore’s oldest housing estates.
Learn about the design and development of this heritage listed area.
Chow down at the Tiong Bahru Hawker Centre, one of the most famous in Singapore due to its concentration of ‘legend’ stalls, many in operation since the 1950s.
Many of the pioneering stores and eateries that elevated Tiong Bahru to hip status are situated side by side on this jam-packed street
Home to murals and many local establishments that embody the district’s hipster appeal.
This temple is nicknamed the Monkey God Temple since it is dedicated to the Taoist deity
Indicative of Tiong Bahru’s old-meets- new appeal, this establishment was built on the site of the old Seng Poh Road Market and reopened in 2006 as a two-storey market and food centre.