13 Best Things to Do in Marina Bay Sands Singapore

Wondering what are the best things to do in Marina Bay Sands (MBS)? Here are my top recommendations to include in your Singapore itinerary based on my personal experience- I visit the area at least once a month! (Never thought I'd say that as I used to find it tacky!)

Marina Bay Sands (MBS) is 1 of my favorite places in Singapore but it can be a bit confusing. There's:

• Marina Bay Sands HOTEL
• Marina Bay Sands SHOPPES (the Mall)
• the Marina Bay Sands Waterfront

This list of the best things to do in MBS includes activities in all 3 locations as well as nearby (and are organised by location to make it easier for you.) I also have a list of must-try free things to do in Singapore if you're looking to explore further.

Tip: if you're spending the day at MBS and doing more than 1 activity, the Klook SAVER Pass is a great way to save money (up to 40% off tickets and, at the time of writing, it includes the Art Science Museum , Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Flyer.) (In comparison to the Klook Museum Pass which I personally don't find worth it.)

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I've been to this iconic lotus-shaped Museum several times. The Art Science Museum is not the largest Museum but it does have very interesting exhibitions and gorgeous architecture.

I would suggest visiting this museum around 10 am-430 pm, which is the hottest time of the day in Singapore (and when you don't want to be outdoors.)

Tip: Sometimes you can also find Art Science Museum guided tours which make the visit much more enjoyable (and aren't that expensive.)

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A fun way to see the beautiful waterfront is from a 40 minute boat ride which takes you to Clarke Quay.

The boat is created in the style of historic Singaporean sailing boards, and tells you about Singapore history, even showing you where Raffles landed.

Tip: if visiting at the end of the year, where there is more rain, you may want to take the cruise earlier in the day as rain is more common in the afternoons.

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Another popular is the Sands Skypark Observation Deck which is open to the public. (The infinity pool on the 57th floor, on the other hand, is only open to hotel guests.) I'm deathly afraid of heights- I have problems going up the escalators in the London Tube- but the viewing platform is so well built and spacious I have no issues here.

It's free if you're staying at Marina Bay Sands Hotel but otherwise ticketed. You get an amazing, panoramic view of the surroundings, from the Singapore Flyer, Gardens by the Bay, and the Merlion Park.

There are also restaurants on the 57th floor, but you don't get exactly the same view as from the Sands Skypark Observation Deck .

Rooftop Restaurant Tip: If LAVO and Ce La Vi offer better views but Spago has the best food. (From Spago, you get a slightly obstructed view of the sea or the infinity pool, but not so much the Singapore Skyline.)

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Next to Marina Bay Sands Shoppes Mall is the famous Gardens by the Bay.

This expansive man-made park features diverse flora and fauna, a magnificent Supertree Grove as well as the the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories. (Note it is an affiliate link so if you purchase something, I get a small fee (at NO extra COST to you) that supports the work of this blog.)

Tip: I recommend visiting the Gardens between 10-6pm, as that is the hottest part of the day (it's air-conditioned.) After 6, it's much cooler and you can then explore the free part of the garden, the MBS waterfront and the Spectra show.

I've checked and, at the time of writing, it's the same price as if you buy a ticket from the Garden directly (see the photos of the pricing below) BUT the link I posted sometimes runs promotions. For example, a free jar of Kaya was given for the purchase of every 2 adult tickets, at the time of writing.

Many equally beautiful parts of the park have no admission charge, and you can definitely spend an hour wandering through the free part, admiring the Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes, plants, and works of art.

Strolling along the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade is 1 of my favorite things to do in MBS- in fact, it's what made me change my mind about MBS!

Although Singapore is hot and humid, it's much better around the Bay in the early mornings and evenings/ nights. (I don't recommend taking a stroll in the afternoon...)

The promenade, which stretches 3.5 kilometers, offers panoramic views of iconic landmarks such as the Singapore Flyer, ArtScience Museum, the Singapore Flyer, and the Marina Bay Sands complex itself.

Tip: if you don't have time to complete the entire walk around the water, I recommend taking the path to your left (as you exit the MBS Mall.) The path to the right has the Helix Bridge, but after the bridge you sort of come out on to the main road where there's construction so it's less fun to explore (for a bit.)

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This nightly show combines light and water performances. It's held in front of the MBS Shoppes and is FREE hence it gets VERY crowded. I personally don't enjoy it because you either are too far away to see anything or crammed in at the front.

One alternative is to walk round to the other side of the waterfront where you won't be blocked BUT it's too small for a good view. Another possibility is to book a Singapore River Cruise that times its return with the Spectra show. (Timings are in the (affiliate) link.)

Note: the timings for Spectra differ on weekdays and weekends.

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This is one of my favorite free activities in Singapore, but it's very difficult to get a spot. (I've been trying for years and not been able to.) If you couldn't but still want to enjoy the water views, you can take this (ticketed) river cruise of Singapore.

Note: only people between 7 and 70 can participate in the sailing activity.

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One of my favorite ways to beat the heat is to take a leisurely stroll along the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade- the breeze coming off the waters makes it (slightly) less hot than the rest of Singapore.

Walking round the promenade, which stretches 3.5 kilometers, offers panoramic views of the iconic landmarks such as the Singapore Flyer, ArtScience Museum, and the Marina Bay Sands hotel itself.

You can also rent a bicycle and bike around MBS, do a night cycling tour, or take a guided Segway tour (but that involves a fee.)

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Walk across the Helix Bridge, a unique pedestrian bridge that allows visitors to take some of the best photos of MBS and Marina Bay. Its innovative architecture, inspired by the structure of DNA, makes it a must-see.

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I never thought I'd encourage people to visit a mall, but you can also visit the Marina Bay Sands Shoppes. It is 1 of the most decorated malls for the holidays- just look at the Chinese New Year decor above!

Note that almost all the shops are international luxury brands- though you do find Zara and 2 pharmacies- so it's not really the most unique experience. However, the Apple shop and the Louis Vuitton shop do have unique architecture and beautiful waterside settings.

You can even ride a sampan boat around the mall and turn it into an unforgettable experience- just look at how this cosplayer reenacted Phantom of the Opera! Sometimes (not very often) you'll even hear the boatmen sing.

Tip: If you sign up for the (free) MBS rewards card (Sands Lifestyle Membership), and reach the Prestige tier, you can even enjoy a free canal ride.

Keep in mind that whilst the glass roof is cool (to look at), it does make the mall rather warm (glasshouse effect.) (Many people go to malls in Singapore to enjoy the AC and get out of the heat and humidity!)

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For architecture, art and culture lovers, the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay is a must-visit destination. This unique building features a durian-shaped exterior- the country's beloved and stinky fruit- and it is a hub for various performing arts events and exhibitions.

The shows held in the actual concert hall are usually ticketed (i.e. not free.) However, visitors can enjoy the free art installations, exhibitions, and occasionally, live music performances.

The live performances and activities are regularly held both within the Esplanade and at its outdoor spaces. They're not a daily occurrence though, so check the website before you visit. (Indoor performances are often in the day whilst the outdoor ones are usually in the evening.)

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War Memorial Park

For those interested in war history, the War Memorial park, with its reminders of the struggles faced in World War II, is close to Marina Bay. (You can find it at the junction of Beach Road, Stamford Road, Nicoll Highway and Bras Basah Road.) The 61-m tall Memorial was unveiled in 1967 (which is considered very old in Singapore.)

I'm going to be honest and say this is quite a niche attraction and not for everyone. However, if you have an interest in the subject and are in town on 15 February, you definitely should visit, as there will be an annual service held.

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Another popular attractions near Marina Bay Sands is the Singapore Flyer, a giant observation wheel that offers stunning panoramic views of the city.

With a height of 165 meters, it is one of the world's tallest Ferris wheels- it was the tallest upon completion but such is the nature of things that taller ones keep getting built- and an iconic landmark in Singapore.

The 30-minute ride on the Singapore Flyer allows visitors to enjoy breathtaking views up to 45m away: of the Marina Bay area, Singapore's Central Business District, and even Malaysia and Indonesia (neighboring countries) on a clear day.

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Some people say this is the most overrated spot in Singapore. Certainly I've never gone out of my to bring visiting friends here's! But why not decide for yourself if you're in the Marina Bay Area as it's not too far away?

With the body of a fish and the head of a lion, this iconic statue symbolizes Singapore's humble beginnings as a fishing village and its transformation into a modern metropolis. The Merlion Park offers a picturesque view of the city skyline and the perfect spot for capturing memorable photos with Singapore's most famous icon.

Home to Singapore's mythical symbol, the Merlion, this park is a great place to stroll along the waterfront and take pictures with the iconic half-lion, half-fish sculpture.

Honestly, it's nothing earth-shattering but it is kind of the obligatory photo to take when in the area!

Opening hours: 24h

If you want to skip the queues and save on tickets, consider getting the Klook Pass Singapore that bundles the Skypark, Gardens by the Bay, and other top Singapore attractions in 1 discounted ticket today!

Any questions about the Singapore attractions around the Marina Bay Sands area? Let me know in the comments or join my Facebook group!