Singapore is a modern metropolis full of skyscrapers and famous landmarks, so choose some of the most famous and iconic sights to start your tour of Singapore and learn more about the stories behind each attraction.
1. Esplanade
This performing arts center is a landmark building covering an area of 60,000 square meters. It was originally named after the adjacent Marina Park, one of the oldest parks in Singapore. It is affectionately called "Durian" by the locals because of the thorn-shaped building design.
The concept of establishing an art center began as early as the 1970s. The Esplanade aims to be a hub for Singaporeans to appreciate local art, experience different cultures, and be inspired and nurtured by art.
Since its opening in 2002, Esplanade has transformed Singapore's artistic development and has gradually become a bustling shopping, dining, and entertainment hub.
The Arts Center hosts a variety of performances throughout the year, in addition to numerous free outdoor performances, as well as annual festivals such as Baybeats, da:ns Dance Festival and many more.
2. Merlion Park
Visit Singapore's most famous and magnificent landmark, the Merlion Tower, and admire this mythical creature that is half mermaid and half lion. The Merlion Tower combines two of the most essential elements of Singapore.
The body of the fish represents the fishing village before Singapore's development, and the head of the lion represents Singapura ("Lion City" in Sanskrit).
The Merlion Tower was built by the famous local sculptor Lim Nang Seng. This iconic building originally stood at the mouth of the Singapore River before moving to its current location, overlooking Marina Bay at Merlion Park.
3. Singapore Flyer
At 165 meters high, the Singapore Flyer is the largest observation wheel in Asia. Opened in 2008, this Ferris wheel has become a popular attraction due to its ideal location with stunning panoramic views of Marina Bay and Singapore.
Over the years, the Singapore Flyer has become a distinctive icon in the backdrop of the world's Formula 1 (F1) Singapore Grand Prix at the Marina Bay Circuit.
4. National Gallery Singapore
The National Gallery today was once two national monuments: the former High Court and the Government House. These two buildings are located in the heart of the civic area and have witnessed many important milestones in Singapore's history.
First built in the 1920s and 1930s, the former High Court and Government Building is now Singapore's largest museum, with a collection of artifacts in the historic halls.
5. Marina Bay Sands
Opened in 2011, Marina Bay Sands is now one of the most prosperous and diverse attractions in Singapore. Here, you can choose to stay in a 55-story luxury hotel, shop at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, or soak up the arts and culture at the ArtScience Museum.
The sloping towers and sky-high infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands are not only spectacular, but they also have some interesting stories behind them. Tower 1 has a slope of 26 degrees and the two numbers add up to 8.
And this number represents auspiciousness in Chinese culture, so it has the meaning of prosperity and wealth. The infinity pool represents the mountaintop lake and is also a symbol of auspiciousness.
