Categories > Guides and Tips
Beyond the Bay: Best Things to Do Near Marina Bay
- Get a birds-eye view of Marina Bay from the Singapore Flyer
- Walk through neon lights at the Helix Bridge
- Go on a shopping spree at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
- Get your dose of nature at Gardens by the Bay
- Party all night at MARQUEE
- Grab a nightcap at AVENUE
- Get a front-row seat to the Spectra Light Show
- Explore the ArtScience Museum
- Do all sorts of outdoor activities at Marina Barrage
- Binge on local fare at Satay by the Bay
- Take a stroll around Esplanade - Theatres On The Bay
- Go on an augmented tour of Ritz-Carlton Millenia’s artworks
- Take in the views the Marina Bay Sands Skypark
- Test your luck at the Marina Bay Sands casinos
- Score a hole-in-one at the Marina Bay Golf Course
- Treat yourself or your date to a rooftop dinner at CE LA VI
- Become a pilot for a day at Flight Experience Singapore
- Explore the world’s largest Singaporean and Southeast Asian art collection at the National Gallery
- Grab a hearty brunch at Caffe Fernet
- Wine and dine like you’re in the 1940s at the Picotin Waterboat House
When you think of Marina Bay, images of luxurious hotel staycations, world-class casinos, a vibrant nightlife, and fancy rooftop dinners come to mind.
At least, that’s the cliche picture tourists would imagine. However, beyond its aesthetic appeal, the area offers a wealth of engaging and diverse activities suitable for the broad spectrum of visitors who converge on this stunning destination each year.
So, if you’re planning a trip to Singapore soon, here’s a list of the best things to do near Marina Bay that you can add to your travel itinerary!
1. Get a birds-eye view of Marina Bay from the Singapore Flyer
– From tan.jian.hao.paul
Address: 30 Raffles Ave., Singapore 039803
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Explore the Singapore Flyer for a stunning panoramic view of Singapore’s iconic landmarks from its 165-metre height. Tickets, priced at $33 for adults and $21 for children, give you a 30-minute ride on the coach.
Consider the Singapore Sling Experience on the Flyer, which offers a 30-minute rotation, priority boarding, and a glass of the iconic Singapore Sling cocktail.
The Sky Dining option is a little longer (around an hour to 90 minutes) and entails a romantic three-course dinner with the views of Singapore as your backdrop.
| Pro Tip: While regular rides on the Singapore Flyer operate from opening until closing, the Singapore Sling and Sky Dining experiences are only available from 4:30 pm onwards. |
2. Walk through neon lights at the Helix Bridge
– From travellingkofferman
Address: Bayfront Avenue, Singapore
Opening Hours: Open 24/7
The Helix Bridge, linking two Bay sections, is a Marina Bay must-see. With its curved DNA structure, this artistic marvel is the world’s first curved bridge made out of perforated steel and fritted glass.
Equipped with four viewing platforms, the bridge offers breathtaking views of the Singapore skyline, particularly at night, when the bridge lights up in different coloured hues.
| Pro Tip: The Helix Bridge connects the Singapore Flyer to Marina Bay Sands. So, after spending some time on the observation wheel, instead of hopping on a taxi to get to Marina Bay Sands, consider crossing the bridge instead. |
3. Go on a shopping spree at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
– From samuel.chan94
Address: 8 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018955
Contact Details: +6566888868
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
For serious retail therapy, visit The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. Discover popular brands like Adidas, Bath & Body Works, and Zara, along with luxury names such as Burberry, Cartier, Gucci, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Versace, and Tiffany & Co.
One of the main cash cows at The Shoppes is the world’s only floating boutique housing Louis Vuitton. The store sits on the bay’s waters and is connected via an underwater tunnel from the main building of The Shoppes.
| Pro Tip: If your Singapore trip revolves around shopping, consider bringing an extra suitcase or a foldable tote bag as a carry-on in case your shopping spree gets out of hand. After all, a few new outfits and accessories never hurt anyone, and they’ll serve as reminders of your time in Singapore. |
4. Get your dose of nature at Gardens by the Bay
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Contact Details: +6564206848
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 2:00 am
A paradise for nature enthusiasts, Gardens by the Bay is an absolutely stunning destination near Marina Bay. This expansive 250-acre garden features Supertrees (artificial vertical gardens) connected via a bridge and massive conservatories.
Established in 2012 to enhance Singapore’s greenery, the gardens offer free exploration, but admission tickets are required for entry to the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, and Floral Fantasy, where ever-changing floral exhibitions take place.
| Pro Tip: The OCBC Skyway at the Supertree Grove is a great vantage point to watch the Supertrees light up nightly during the Garden Rhapsody light show. Show times are at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm. |
5. Party all night at MARQUEE
Address: 2 Bayfront Avenue B1-67, Galleria Level, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, Singapore 018972
Contact Details: +6566888660
Operating Hours: Friday to Saturday, 10:00 pm to 6:00 am
Kick off the weekend at Marina Bay with an unforgettable night at the city’s largest nightclub, MARQUEE, which spans over 2,300 square metres across three floors.
Boasting lofty ceilings reaching up to 30 metres, it includes a massive indoor Ferris wheel providing partygoers with a unique view of the nightclub.
In addition to skilled resident DJs, renowned entertainers and artists from the dance music scene take the stage at its cutting-edge Funktion One DJ console.
| Pro Tip: If you didn’t book a table inside the MARQUEE, you’re likely to be standing the whole night. There are little to no free seating areas inside the nightclub, so we suggest wearing comfortable footwear if you plan on partying all night here. |
6. Grab a nightcap at AVENUE
Address: 2 Bayfront Avenue, Basement 3, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands entrance via level 1, behind Sands Theatre Bus Stop, Singapore 018972
Contact Details: +6566888660
Operating Hours: Friday to Saturday, 10:00 pm to 6:00 am
Embark on a night of indulgence at the chic AVENUE, where tempting drinks and arcade games can keep you occupied while spending an evening near Marina Bay.
This opulent lounge offers interactive entertainment with features like a mini-bowling alley, karaoke room, vintage arcade games including a pinball and skee ball machine, and a pool table.
A few signature cocktails to try are the rum-based Banana Cue, gin-based Eve’s Garden, and the tequila-based Caliente.
| Pro Tip: To see what events and promotions are ongoing at AVENUE, head over to this page to see the lounge’s event calendar. This is where you can also spot specific days when guest DJs will be playing. |
7. Get a front-row seat to the Spectra Light Show
Address: 2 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018972
Contact Details: +6566888868
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 pm to 8:15 pm, 9:00 pm to 9:15 pm, Friday and Saturday, 8:00 pm to 8:15 pm, 9:00 pm to 9:15 pm, 10:00 pm to 10:15 pm
When exploring Marina Bay after dark, be sure not to overlook the Spectra light and water show, occurring every night at 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm, with an extra show on Fridays and Saturdays at 10:00 pm.
The display features impressive surges of water, forming a massive “water screen” along the riverbank, set to the music composed by renowned Singaporean composer, Kenn C.
| Pro Tip: For an up-close experience of Spectra and its cutting-edge art projections on water sprays, head to the Event Plaza on the first floor of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. |
8. Explore the ArtScience Museum
Address: 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
Contact Details: +6566888888
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
The ArtScience Museum is one of Singapore’s finest museums, characterised by its lotus-inspired design, housing diverse exhibits covering art, science, culture, and technology.
Discover engaging displays, ranging from digital art installations to wonders of the natural world.
In collaboration with the art collective teamLab, the museum’s permanent exhibition, “Future World: Where Art Meets Science,” features captivating virtual and interactive displays of flora, fauna, and the urban scene of Singapore.
| Pro Tips: Some displays inside the permanent exhibition “Future World: Where Art Meets Science” have a minimum height requirement of at least 1.20 metres for optimal enjoyment and appreciation of the installations. It’s best to wear covered shoes with no heels to experience the interactive displays inside the museum. |
9. Do all sorts of outdoor activities at Marina Barrage
– From pigkaploy
Address: 8 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018951
Contact Details: +6564206848
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Marina Barrage, the largest reservoir in Singapore, is a prime destination for water sports enthusiasts and sunset chasers who want 360-degree views. The expansive green space also offers opportunities for picnics and kite flying during the day.
Transformed by the government into a hub for outdoor and water sports, the area provides more than just relaxation. You can engage in activities like fishing, kayaking, sailing, paddleboarding, or flying drones.
| Pro Tip: For an optimal kite-flying experience at Marina Barrage, it’s recommended to visit during the mid to late afternoon. Wind conditions are typically ideal at this time. |
10. Binge on local fare at Satay by the Bay
– From henbaohen
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, #01-19, Singapore 018953
Nestled between the charming domes of Gardens by the Bay and Marina Barrage, Satay by the Bay was established in early 2013 with the aim of capturing the ambience of the old Satay Club from the ’80s and honouring the historical Marina Bay area.
Enjoy a nighttime meal under the stars while savouring panoramic views of Marina Bay and indulging in a variety of local street delicacies, including chicken rice, roast duck, prata (fried flatbread), and biryani (aromatic rice).
| Pro Tip: Satay by the Bay is temporarily closed at the time of writing, but they still offer delivery services islandwide. You can still enjoy your favourite local fare from their menu in the comfort of your own home. |
11. Take a stroll around Esplanade – Theatres On The Bay
Address: 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981
Contact Details: +6568288377
Singapore’s cultural epicentre, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, is a performing arts centre situated in Downtown Core, near the mouth of the Singapore River.
Taking its name from the adjacent Esplanade Park, it comprises a concert hall accommodating approximately 1,600 attendees and a theatre with a capacity of up to 2,000 for performing arts.
The architectural marvel of the building is captivating when viewed from Marina Bay and beyond. An outdoor amphitheatre hosts regular evening performances by musicians, offering a delightful, free way to conclude your night by the bay.
| Pro Tip: For those eager to catch a show, tickets for all current performances can be purchased online through the Esplanade website or in person at the Esplanade Box Office, open from 12:00 pm to 8:30 pm daily, including Sundays and public holidays. |
12. Go on an augmented tour of Ritz-Carlton Millenia’s artworks
Address: Marina Bay 7, Raffles Ave., Singapore 039799
Contact Details: +6563378888
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Although the Ritz-Carlton Millenia stands as one of the most opulent hotels on the island, you don’t have to break the bank to appreciate its celebrated art collection.
The hotel features high-calibre artworks from renowned artists such as Andy Warhol, David Hockney, Frank Stella, and Zhu Wei. Boasting around 4,200 art pieces, including 350 on loan from global museums, it’s a destination not to be missed by art enthusiasts.
Explore these exceptional works of art at no cost either by visiting in person or by embarking on an augmented reality self-guided tour accessible through QR codes on the plaques. You get to watch the artworks come to life through your phone!
| Pro Tip: In case you don’t have an Internet connection, simply ask the concierge for the hotel’s free Wi-Fi and stay connected for the augmented tour during your visit. |
13. Take in the views the Marina Bay Sands Skypark
– From wb_mega
Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
Contact Details: +6566888826
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Marina Bay Sands SkyPark provides a glimpse of luxury with panoramic views of Singapore from an elevated vantage point. You don’t have to be a guest of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel to visit the observation deck.
Positioned on the 57th floor of the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel, situated at the harbour’s edge, this expansive wooden deck offers a complete 360-degree panorama of the city skyline, including birds-eye views of Gardens by the Bay.
| Pro Tip: If you’re not a hotel guest and wish to visit the observation deck, it’s best to book your tickets a few hours or even days ahead. Tickets tend to sell out fast before 5:00 pm! You can book your tickets via the website. |
14. Test your luck at the Marina Bay Sands casinos
– From portfolio97
Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
Contact Details: +65 6688 8868
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
The expansive Marina Bay Sands Casino, covering a colossal 15,000 square metres, is an integral part of the renowned Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
Within its walls, there are over 500 gaming tables, 1,600 slot machines, and at its focal point, an enormous seven-ton chandelier composed of more than 130,000 Swarovski crystals.
Many visitors come here not solely to participate in high-stakes betting, particularly in poker and blackjack games, but also to observe the intense gaming action.
| Pro Tip: Not a high roller? Fret not. You can still engage in casual play on the $0.50, $0.20, and $0.10 machines for a lighthearted and enjoyable experience. |
15. Score a hole-in-one at the Marina Bay Golf Course
Address: 80 Rhu Cross, #01-01, Singapore 437437
Contact Details: +6563457788
Operating Hours: Tuesday to Friday, 7:00 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday and Sunday, 7:00 am to 9:00 pm
If you have a knack for golf, try scoring some holes at Marina Bay Golf Course, Singapore’s first 18-hole golf course. Even better, you get to play golf with a view of Marina Bay and the city skyline!
The course features challenging water traps and strategically positioned bunkers, giving you and fellow golfers a handful of obstacles to make your sessions here more fun.
| Pro Tip: If you don’t feel like completing the whole 18-hole course, there’s a driving range and putting green available for honing skills before tackling the primary course, which holds a par of 72 over its 18 holes. |
16. Treat yourself or your date to a rooftop dinner at CE LA VI
Address: 1 Bayfront Avenue Marina Bay Sands, Hotel, Tower 3, Singapore 018971
Contact Details: +6565082188
Operating Hours: Monday and Tuesday, 4:00 pm to 1:00 am, Wednesday and Friday, 4:00 pm to 4:00 am, Thursday, 4:00 pm to 3:00 am, Saturday, 12:00 pm to 4:00 am, and Sunday, 12:00 pm to 3:00 am
Situated on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands, CE LA VI provides uninterrupted vistas of both the city and the bay, while you enjoy a drink or two.
The restaurant and sky bar offers a more elevated setting than your usual rooftop bar, owing to the panoramic views around it and the luxurious ambience.
For those who aren’t fortunate enough to be lodged at the Marina Bay Sands hotel, indulging in a few beverages at CE LA VI Singapore presents an ideal opportunity to experience a touch of the luxury inherent in this iconic structure.
| Pro Tip: Even if you’ve reserved a table at CE LA VI, you’ll have to pay a $30 entrance fee to head up to the rooftop bar. The $30 is consumable, though, so you can use it to pay for a soda or a cocktail worth that amount. |
17. Become a pilot for a day at Flight Experience Singapore
Address: 30 Raffles Ave., #02-06 Singapore Flyer, Singapore 039803
Contact Details: +6518007370800
Operating Hours: Sunday to Friday, 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm, Saturday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
The Flight Experience Centre located on Raffles Avenue offers a truly distinctive encounter in Singapore—you can ‘pilot’ your own Boeing 737-800 using an ultra-realistic simulator.
In addition to preliminary training, you’ll be accompanied by your own licensed pilot to assist you through take-off, cruise, and landing, extending for up to 90 minutes.
With a vast selection of 24,000 airports at your disposal, you can navigate over renowned cities during both daytime and nighttime.
| Pro Tip: Head on over the website to snag monthly deals and promotions! Even better, Singapore permanent residents and citizens get 10% off on any of the flight experience packages available. Simply present a valid ID or residency card for proof. |
18. Explore the world’s largest Singaporean and Southeast Asian art collection at the National Gallery
Address: Singapore 178957
Contact Details: +6562717000
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
The National Gallery Singapore is home to the world’s most extensive public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art, comprising nearly 10,000 pieces.
Referred to as Singapore’s newest ‘visual arts institution,’ this grand structure aims to enhance Singapore’s position as a regional and international centre for visual arts.
The Siapa Nama Kamu? exhibition features over 300 paintings and sculptures by prominent Southeast Asian artists spanning the 19th to 21st centuries, illustrating the evolution of Singaporean values and social structures.
| Pro Tip: Entrance for Singaporean citizens and permanent residents is free, but foreigners and tourists can get 10% off entrance fees if they book tickets through the website. |
19. Grab a hearty brunch at Caffe Fernet
Address: 70 Collyer Quay, #01-05 Customs House, Singapore 049323
Contact Details: +6591781105
Operating Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Friday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Situated along the Marina Bay waterfront, Caffe Fernet offers a laid-back, casually stylish atmosphere and delectable Italian brunch fare.
Highly recommended dishes include the flavourful mafaldine cacio e pepe and rigatoni spicy vodka, but don’t miss out on sharing a variety of small and large plates such as burrata (stuffed mozzarella), pizza, and chicken Milanese.
They even have a gluten-free menu available, if you’re particular about allergens!
| Pro Tip: Caffe Fernet hosts Happy Hour every day from opening until 6:30 pm. If you wish to bring your own drinks, however, Caffe Fernet charges a corkage fee starting at $65 per bottle! |
20. Wine and dine like you’re in the 1940s at the Picotin Waterboat House
Address: 3 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049215
Contact Details: +6569808840
Operating Hours: Monday to Wednesday, 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm, Friday to Sunday, 12:00 pm to 11:00 pm
Picotin Waterboat House is an alfresco bar situated above the Fullerton Waterboat House, a heritage building built in the 1940s that supplied fresh water to ships docking in Singapore.
Featuring a diverse drinks menu with a total of 17 unique cocktails, you’re sure to find the perfect match for any occasion or mood. One signature drink, the Chocolate Rita (a blend of vodka, hazelnut liqueur, Bailey’s Irish cream, and butterscotch), is a must-try!
| Pro Tip: Picotin Waterboat House hosts Ladies Night every Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 7:30 pm. Ladies get select drinks for just $5 a pop! |
