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The Most Fun and Unique Things to Do on Cavenagh Bridge, Singapore

| Last Updated: September 2024

Every time I find myself near the Singapore River, I can’t help but be drawn to the charm of Cavenagh Bridge. With its iron railings and vintage lamps, this old beauty isn’t just a way to cross the river—it’s a bridge to the past, a storybook waiting to be explored.

Whether you’re a tourist, a local, or a history buff, Cavenagh Bridge has something for everyone. Let’s stroll through time and explore the best things to do around this iconic landmark.

History and Background of Cavenagh Bridge

The bridge, completed in 1869 and named after Major General William Orfeur Cavenagh, is Singapore’s oldest and only remaining suspension bridge. It was built to connect the civic district on the river’s north bank with the commercial area on the south, eliminating the need for ferry services.

Designed by John Turnbull Thomson and built in Glasgow, Cavenagh Bridge was shipped to Singapore in parts and assembled on-site. With its cast-iron lamp posts and suspension cables, it reflects colonial-era engineering and stands as an iconic symbol of Singapore’s heritage and growth.

Things to Know

Website
Location: 1 Fullerton Square
Contact: +65 6221 6666/[email protected] 
Hours: Open 24 hours
Pet-friendly? Yes

Rules and Regulations

✔ Supervise children
✔ Observe safety signs
✔ Respect pedestrians
✖ No unleashed pets
✖ No cycling or skateboarding
✖ No littering
✖ No vandalism
✖ No smoking
✖ No unauthorised gatherings or events

How to Get to Cavenagh Bridge

Closest MRT: Take the MRT to Raffles Place MRT Station (EW14/NS26). From there, it’s a 5-minute walk; exit the station via Exit H, head towards Battery Road, and follow the signs to the Singapore River. Cross the road, and you’ll find yourself at the foot of Cavenagh Bridge.

Closest bus station: Alight at the Fullerton Square bus stop (Bus Stop ID: 03011), served by bus numbers 10, 75, 100, 107, 130, 131, 167, and 196. 

From the bus stop, it’s a short 3-minute walk; head towards the Fullerton Hotel, cross the road at the pedestrian crossing, and follow the signs to the Singapore River. You’ll find Cavenagh Bridge right along the riverbank.

By car: The closest parking options are at The Fullerton Hotel or the Asian Civilisations Museum, both just a short walk from the bridge. The Fullerton Hotel offers sheltered parking, while the Asian Civilisations Museum provides open-air parking. 

Alternatively, parking is available at nearby shopping centres like One Fullerton or Raffles City Shopping Centre.

Things to Do

Admire the historical and architectural details

As Singapore’s oldest and only suspension bridge, Cavenagh Bridge has stood proudly across the Singapore River since 1869. It’s easy to imagine the days when this bridge was bustling with rickshaws and traders.

What captivates me most are the intricate details that have been lovingly preserved—like the original cast-iron lamp posts and the delicate suspension cables that hold it all together. 

Take a leisurely walk along the Singapore River

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A leisurely walk along the Singapore River, starting at Cavenagh Bridge, offers sweeping views of Marina Bay Sands on one side and the iconic Merlion on the other, each revealing a unique chapter of Singapore’s story. 

But the magic unfolds as the sun sets and the city lights up. Cavenagh Bridge becomes a perfect spot for a sunset photo, capturing Instagram-worthy reflections dancing on the water.

Watch the bridge get bathed in light

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Watching Cavenagh Bridge light up as night falls is truly enchanting. I love finding a spot nearby to see the street lamps flicker on, casting a warm, golden glow over the bridge’s elegant ironwork, making it shine against the shimmering Singapore River.

At night, the bridge takes on a mysterious, romantic, and slightly magical aura. It’s a moment that connects you to the city’s heart just by watching it light up.

Spot the funny police notice signage

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One of my favourite little surprises at Cavenagh Bridge is spotting the quirky old police notice that still hangs there. It’s a sign that reads, “POLICE NOTICE: Cattle and Horses are strictly prohibited from crossing this bridge,” a relic from a time when such rules were necessary!

The sign often catches the attention of other passersby too; I’ve seen many stop, chuckle, and take a photo, just like I did.

Admire views of the Fullerton Hotel

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Near Cavenagh Bridge, I’m always captivated by the majestic Fullerton Hotel by the river. Once Singapore’s General Post Office, this grand building retains its old-world charm with elegant columns and a stately facade.

As dusk falls, the Fullerton Hotel lights up, highlighting its intricate details and casting reflections on the water. I love lingering to watch it transform in the evening light, a perfect blend of history and modernity.

See some whimsical sculptures

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I love searching for the whimsical sculptures along the riverfront near Cavenagh Bridge. One of my favourites is “First Generation” by the late Singaporean artist Chong Fah Cheong—a bronze piece showing boys joyfully jumping into the river, capturing the spirit of a simpler time in Singapore’s past. 

I can almost hear their laughter, imagining the lively scenes of days gone by! 

Near the Fullerton Hotel, I always enjoy pausing by Elizabeth Streatfield’s “Birds in Flight.” These metal sculptures, appearing frozen mid-flight, never fail to make me smile.

Join a guided tour

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1. Splendour of Colonial Singapore Walking Tour

Duration: 3.5 hours
Price: from S$49 (with lunch)
Check schedule here

The “Splendour of Colonial Singapore Walking Tour” features Cavenagh Bridge as a key landmark, showcasing its architectural charm and role as a historic link between Singapore’s civic and commercial areas. 

The tour highlights the bridge’s significance as one of the oldest suspension bridges, reflecting the city’s colonial heritage and evolution.

2. Private Singapore City Night Walking Tour 

Duration: 2 hours
Price: from S$35 (depending on group size)
Check schedule here

The private Singapore City Night Walking Tour stops at Cavenagh Bridge, allowing participants to enjoy its illuminated charm and historical significance. The tour highlights the bridge’s colonial architecture and its stunning nighttime views against the city’s glowing skyline.

3. Historic Buildings Stroll

Duration: 3 hours
Price: from S$43
Check schedule here

On the “Historic Buildings Stroll,” I love stopping at Cavenagh Bridge, one of Singapore’s oldest suspension bridges. It’s a perfect spot to soak in the city’s colonial past and admire the architectural beauty, making it a scenic pause along a route filled with iconic landmarks.

4. Big Bus Singapore Hop-On Hop-Off Tour

Duration: 1.5 hours
Price: from S$49
Check schedule here

The “Big Bus Singapore Hop-On Hop-Off Tour” passes by Cavenagh Bridge, allowing visitors to explore this historic landmark at their own pace. It’s a notable stop on the tour for those interested in Singapore’s history and architectural heritage.

5. Trails of Tan Ah Huat Bike Tour

Duration: 4 hours
Price: from S$78 (depending on group size)
Check schedule here

The “Trails of Tan Ah Huat: Singapore 1920s” bicycle tour takes participants back to 1920s Singapore, using Cavenagh Bridge as a major stop. 

The bridge’s historical significance as a colonial-era connector between the city’s commercial and civic districts enriches the tour’s narrative, offering a vivid glimpse into Singapore’s past.

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