Merlion Park is home to the Merlion, Singapore's national mascot: a creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, spouting water into Marina Bay. The statue was created by sculptor Lim Nang Seng and unveiled in 1972. The waterfront platform offers classic views of Marina Bay Sands and the city skyline. It is lovely at night when the skyline is lit up.

Marina Bay Sands opened in 2010 and quickly became the symbol of modern Singapore. Its three hotel towers are joined at the top by the SkyPark, a ship-shaped deck with an observation area and the famous infinity pool reserved for hotel guests. The complex also has a mall, casino, theatres and the ArtScience Museum. Each evening the Spectra light and water show plays on the bay promenade.

Gardens by the Bay is a huge garden on reclaimed land beside Marina Bay. Its Supertree Grove of tall vertical gardens lights up nightly in the Garden Rhapsody show. Two giant cooled conservatories, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest with its indoor waterfall, showcase plants from around the world. The outdoor gardens are free, while the domes and OCBC Skyway need tickets.

The Singapore Flyer is a giant observation wheel beside Marina Bay, about 165 metres tall, opened in 2008. A full rotation in its air-conditioned capsules takes around 30 minutes and gives views across the city, the bay, the Strait of Singapore and even parts of Malaysia and Indonesia on clear days. Sunset rides are especially popular.

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is Singapore's national performing arts centre, opened in 2002. Its two spiky domes, nicknamed the durians, house a concert hall and theatre, with sunshades designed to filter tropical light. The waterfront outdoor theatre hosts many free performances. The rooftop terrace offers fine views of Marina Bay, especially at dusk.

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown was completed in 2007 in the style of the Tang dynasty. It houses what is believed to be a tooth relic of the Buddha, kept in a large golden stupa on an upper floor. The temple also has a museum of Buddhist art and a peaceful rooftop garden with a prayer wheel. Visitors should dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees.

Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple, founded in 1827. Despite being in Chinatown, it served the early Indian community and is dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, known for healing. Its tall gopuram tower is covered with colourful sculptures of deities. The temple hosts the Theemithi fire-walking festival each year. Remove shoes before entering.

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore, built in the heart of Little India in the 1800s by labourers from India. It is dedicated to the goddess Kali, the destroyer of evil. Its colourful gopuram tower and shrines are busy with worshippers, especially in the evenings. The surrounding Serangoon Road area is full of spice shops and restaurants.

Sultan Mosque, or Masjid Sultan, is the centrepiece of Kampong Glam, Singapore's historic Malay and Arab quarter. The present building with its golden domes was completed in 1928, replacing an earlier mosque. Non-Muslim visitors are welcome outside prayer times, and robes are provided. The surrounding streets, including Arab Street and Haji Lane, are full of shops and cafés.

Raffles Hotel opened in 1887 and is one of the most famous colonial-era hotels in Asia. Named after Sir Stamford Raffles, its white facade, verandahs and tropical courtyards have welcomed writers, film stars and royalty. The Singapore Sling cocktail was created at its Long Bar. The hotel was restored in 2019, and its arcade shops and restaurants are open to non-guests.

Clarke Quay is a former trading quay on the Singapore River where old warehouses have been turned into restaurants, bars and clubs. It was named after Sir Andrew Clarke, an early governor. The area comes alive at night with colourful lights and riverside dining. River cruises leave from here, giving views of Boat Quay, the Merlion and Marina Bay.

Siloso Beach is the liveliest beach on Sentosa Island, with soft sand, palm trees and views of ships in the Strait of Singapore. It is popular for beach volleyball, kayaking and beach bars that stay busy at sunset. A short walk leads to Fort Siloso and the treetop Skywalk. The beach is easy to reach by the Sentosa Express monorail or the free beach tram.

Fort Siloso is a former British coastal fortress on Sentosa's western tip, built in the late 1800s to guard the entrance to Keppel Harbour. Its tunnels, gun emplacements and barracks now form a free military museum about the defence of Singapore and the Japanese occupation. A tall skywalk links it to the beach. Allow about an hour to explore.

Universal Studios Singapore is the first Universal theme park in Southeast Asia, opened in 2010 at Resorts World Sentosa. Its zones are themed on famous films and include roller coasters, water rides and shows. Weekday visits are usually less crowded. Express passes are available, and the park is easy to combine with the aquarium and beaches of Sentosa.