Cool And Unusual Things To Do In Singapore

Chinatown is exactly the way you’d imagine: energetic, busy, and bustling, with a feel of rich cultural heritage. You should set out at least a couple of hours to explore Chinatown’s many shops and food stalls – some of the best food you’ll find in Singapore. This is the coolest place for street-style shopping in Singapore and you’ll find anything from antique souvenirs, clothing, jewellery and traditional Chinese tea leaves. Don’t miss out on the incredible food from the hawker stalls and street food vendors along Smith Street. In the surrounding area, there are many places of cultural significance, like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple. Sago Street, Temple Street and Club Street are well worth exploring if you’re looking for cool restaurants to visit in Singapore.

The National Day Parade is held on 9 August every year in celebratory commemoration of Singapore’s independence. The parade usually takes place at Marina Bay. In my opinion, the best time of the year to visit Singapore is during September and August. The events taking place in the weeks leading up to the parade is an incredible time to be in the city! For one month prior to the parade, dress rehearsals can be attended every week. Taking part in the National Day Parade celebrations is one of the coolest things to do in Singapore. Watching traditional dances, fireworks and other live performances, experiencing the excitement and vibrant atmosphere lingering throughout the entire month, learning about the interesting history of Singapore gaining independence in 1965 – this is a cultural experience not to be missed.

Chinese New Year, also known as Lunar New Year or the Spring Festival, is the biggest annual event in the Chinese calendar. This holiday is celebrated all over Asia, and Singapore makes no exception. Apart from the National Day Parade festivities, the time surrounding Chinese New Year is probably the most exciting time to be in Singapore! Chinatown lights up with lanterns, special markets and traditional dance performances. Although Chinatown is the centre of the celebrations, there are carnivals and performances of all kinds taking place all over Singapore. Don’t miss out on the seasonal street foods like rolled egg biscuits, buttery pineapple tarts and spicy shrimp rolls.

The best way to explore Singapore off the beaten path is by bicycle. The areas that are safe for pedestrians and cyclists are often the most interesting. If you want to avoid tourist crowds in Singapore, this is the perfect outdoor activity for you. This is a great way to find cool hidden gems in Singapore! There is a 150 kilometre cycling route that will take you all around the island (if you’re feeling brave) but my recommendation is to rent a bike and explore the coastal area of Singapore, starting in Katong Village and riding all along the coast, ending the trip in Chinatown. You can also look for guided cycling tours if you prefer the company of a group.

For the art and history lovers, Singapore offers many museums, galleries and cultural attractions. To kickstart your cultural tour of Singapore, visit the National Gallery and National Museum for an introduction to the history of Singapore. But if you’re looking for more unusual places to visit, check out the Musical Box Museum, an institute collecting vintage music boxes in all shapes and sizes, or the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, where you can marvel at massive dinosaur skeletons and a one of a kind sperm whale skeleton. Another cool place to visit in Singapore is the Trick Eye Museum, famous for its interactive 2D and 3D illustrative setups. This is a really entertaining activity for those traveling with kids

Museums and art galleries aren’t the only places to find Instagram-worthy works of art. Exploring the incredible street art won’t cost you a cent and is a great way to discover Singapore off the beaten path. Some of the best street art districts in Singapore are Haji Lane, Victoria Street, Somerset Skate Park and the hawker market, Tekka Centre. You can also find sculptures and other public art installations mostly located across downtown Singapore. The Public Art Trust, an initiative of the National Arts Council, commissions new art pieces in public spaces all over the city in an effort to make art part of the urban environment. Free guided walking tours are offered every last Sunday of the month.