Marina Bay: Complete Guide to Singapore’s Most Iconic District
Backed by substantial investment from the Singapore government, Marina Bay is now a key hub for both tourism and business. This iconic waterfront area is home to the landmarks that define Singapore — from Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion to the skyscrapers of the financial district.
This guide offers a suggested itinerary to help you make the most of Marina Bay, covering must-see attractions, top dining options, and best shopping spots in this iconic district.
- Plan Your Visit
- Explore the Historic Landmarks
- The New Icons of Marina Bay
- Top Eats around Marina Bay
- Shopping in Marina Bay
- Best Luxury Hotels
Plan Your Visit: Map & Access
Map & Key Sights Around Marina Bay
At the very heart of it all lies Marina Bay. Around this waterfront hub, visitors can explore a captivating mix of Singapore’s latest attractions and long-standing landmarks.
Perched at the mouth of the Singapore River, where it flows into the bay, stands the iconic Merlion.
From Merlion Park, the surrounding landmarks come naturally into view:
- Directly across the bay: Marina Bay Sands
- To the left: a cluster of luxury hotels and shopping malls
- To the right: the towering skyscrapers of the financial district
Getting Around Marina Bay
The Marina Bay area has six MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) stations, conveniently located around the bay. The nearest station to each attraction can be found below.
| Attraction | Nearest Station | MRT Line(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Merlion | Raffles Place | East West Line / North South Line |
| National Gallery Singapore | City Hall | |
| Singapore Flyer | Promenade | Circle Line / Downtown Line |
| Marina Bay Sands | Bayfront | |
| Lau Pa Sat & Financial District | Downtown | Downtown Line |
| Suntec City | Esplanade | Circle Line |
While many of the key sights are clustered around the bay, the area is quite expansive. Exploring it entirely on foot—especially under the Singaporean sun—can be rather tiring. It’s best to combine walking with MRT or taxi rides, allowing you to explore comfortably at your own pace.
Explore the Historic Landmarks
The Merlion
The Merlion, Singapore’s symbol, is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish.
Legend has it that around the 11th century, a prince from the Srivijaya Empire arrived in Singapore after a long and arduous voyage. The first creature he saw was a mysterious beast—believed to be a lion. Inspired by the encounter, he named the place “Singapura,” from the Sanskrit words singa (lion) and pura (city).
From Merlion Park, which sits along the waterfront, visitors can take in stunning views of the Merlion and Marina Bay Sands – two of Singapore’s most famous landmarks.
There’s no better place to kick off your Singapore trip.
Sir Stamford Raffles Landing Site
A short stroll upstream from Merlion Park along the Singapore River brings you to the very spot where Sir Stamford Raffles, widely regarded as the founder of modern Singapore, is believed to have first set foot in 1819.
Set against the soaring skyline of the financial district, a white statue of Raffles stands quietly, gazing out over the thriving city Singapore has become.
Raffles Landing Site
Colonial Architecture Steeped in History
Numerous historical buildings around the Sir Stamford Raffles Landing Site showcase a range of European architectural influences. The Asian Civilisations Museum, with its striking white and cream façade, was built in 1867 in the Neo-Gothic style.
Next to the Asian Civilisations Museum is the Victoria Theatre, a performing arts hall built to commemorate Queen Victoria of Great Britain, who passed away in 1901.
The building’s façade, designed in the Palladian style popular in Europe during the 19th and early 20th centuries, features columns and a design reminiscent of ancient Greek and Roman temples.
In the square in front of the entrance stands a black bronze statue of Sir Stamford Raffles, the original version of the white statue at the landing site.
The New Icons of Marina Bay
Marina Bay Sands
Soaring above Marina Bay like a ship resting atop three colossal pillars, Marina Bay Sands is the crown jewel of the waterfront. Since opening in 2010, it has quickly become one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks.
Whether you’re staying as a guest or just visiting, there’s a wealth of experiences waiting for you. Take a dip in the iconic infinity pool atop the hotel, indulge in some retail therapy at the upscale shopping mall, try your luck at the 24-hour casino, or take in panoramic views from the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck.
As night falls, don’t miss “Spectra” — the mesmerising light and water show by Marina Bay Sands, a true highlight of the nightscape.
SPECTRA
TimesDaily at 8:00 pm, 9:00 pm & 10:00 pm (with an additional show on Fridays and Saturdays) – each show lasts approx. 15 minutes.
VenueEvent Plaza, Marina Bay Sands
EntryFree
Twice every evening (with an extra show on Fridays and Saturdays), a water screen appears in front of the Event Plaza at Marina Bay Sands. Using cutting-edge laser and sound technology, a stunning projection mapping show unfolds across the water, captivating onlookers with its vibrant display.
While the Event Plaza offers a fantastic view, watching the show from the water aboard a River Cruise makes for an especially memorable experience.
Marina Bay Sands
Gardens by the Bay
Located just behind Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay opened in 2012.
This expansive 101-hectare site is home to several attractions, including the two glass-domed conservatories, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest, and the iconic Supertree Grove, where towering tree-like structures stand as high as a 16-storey building.
Don’t miss the enchanting “Garden Rhapsody” — a spellbinding light and sound show running nightly at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm. Witness the Supertrees come alive in a dazzling light show, choreographed to music — a true sci-fi spectacle. And the best part? It’s completely free.
This garden redefines the concept of a garden with its futuristic design, making it a must-visit destination in Singapore!
Singapore Flyer
Soaring to a height of 165m, the Singapore Flyer is one of the largest observation wheels in Asia. Step into one of its spacious capsules, each holding up to 28 people, for a leisurely 30-minute journey through the sky.
From this unique vantage point, visitors can soak in stunning 360-degree panoramic views that stretch from the impressive Marina Bay skyline to the distant shores of Malaysia and Indonesia.
Singapore Flyer
Top Eats around Marina Bay
From luxurious restaurants to hawker stalls dishing up local favourites, Marina Bay is a hub for diverse and exciting dining experiences. Check out some top picks for dining in the Marina Bay area.
Lau Pa Sat
More than just places to eat, hawker centres are a vital part of Singaporean culture and daily life. At the heart of the financial district sits Lau Pa Sat—one of the most beloved and iconic hawker centres.
Housed in a beautifully restored Victorian-style building, this bustling spot is home to around 60 food stalls offering a range of local dishes.
As night falls, the street just outside transforms into Satay Street, where sizzling skewers are grilled over charcoal. Pair a smoky satay with an ice-cold Tiger Beer for a match made in foodie heaven.
Lau Pa Sat
Afternoon Tea
Afternoon tea, with its roots in British colonial heritage, remains a beloved tradition at hotels and cafés across Singapore.
If you’re looking to take a break between sightseeing, why not indulge in an elegant tea experience complete with fragrant blends and a three-tiered tray of sweet and savoury treats?
Chilli Crab
For a more indulgent meal, you can’t go wrong with Singapore’s iconic Chilli Crab.
Located at Merlion Park, Palm Beach is renowned for being the original restaurant that created this beloved local speciality.
It’s a popular spot not only for its delicious Chilli Crab, but also for its stunning views. Marina Bay Sands illuminates the skyline right in front of you, with the laser show adding a spectacular touch to the evening.
Palm Beach
Singapore Sling
Dinner’s over, but Singapore’s nightlife is just getting started.
Head to the legendary Long Bar at Raffles Hotel—birthplace of the original Singapore Sling—for a taste of history in a glass.
If you’re after a drink with a view, rooftop bars like Lantern and Spago offer spectacular views of the night skyline.
Shopping in Marina Bay
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Spanning five levels above ground and two below, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands covers an impressive 74,000m² of retail space.
With around 270 shops and restaurants, you’ll find everything from coveted luxury brands to iconic Singaporean names like TWG Tea and Bacha Coffee, all under one roof.
Most stores stay open until 10pm, making it a great place to shop even after dinner.
Three Major Shopping Malls
The area around Esplanade and Promenade MRT stations is home to three major shopping malls—Suntec City, Marina Square, and Millenia Walk—each offering a wide variety of shops and dining options.
Best Luxury Hotels in Marina Bay
The Marina Bay area is a hotspot for luxury hotels.
Among the standout options are the iconic Marina Bay Sands, the historic Fullerton Hotel, and renowned names like The Ritz-Carlton, The Fullerton Bay Hotel, Conrad, and Pan Pacific.
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