Although it is an independent state, Singapore is mainly a metropolis that’s less than half the size of London. In other words, it’s not a very large city. However, this is not to say that there isn’t much to see and do. The truth is quite the opposite, and the city-state’s tourist numbers have been increasing in recent decades as a reflection of this.
The way that the city has ensured that there are many places of interest within the limited space available is by building upwards rather than outwards. There are numerous skyscrapers and tall buildings around, and lots of them have interesting places on top where the best views of the city are available. This short guide offers a few suggestions of activities you can do up high while visiting Singapore.
1. Fine dining and cocktails
One of the best ways to take in some breathtaking views of the city is to book yourself a table at one of the several rooftop restaurants or bars around the place. This way, you can enjoy a refreshing cocktail or some fine food along with the beautiful view. And when we say “fine” food, we really mean some of the best in the world. There are many restaurants with Michelin star in Singapore.
2. Walking in the park
While Singapore is mostly urban and is one of the most technologically advanced countries in the world, the locals understand the importance of giving people access to green spaces and nature. Because there isn’t much room to work with, you’ll find that many small parks and botanical gardens are located on top of buildings. They’re also usually free to enter, for example, the People’s Park in Chinatown or on top of the National Gallery.
3. Going for a swim
This one is already on many people’s bucket lists for Singapore, usually with the iconic boat-shaped pool on top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel in mind. However, you should be aware that while the restaurant and viewing platform up there are open to the public, the swimming pool is reserved for guests of the hotel only. So unless you’re staying there, you’ll have to enjoy the amazing view of Marina Bay while staying dry.
Luckily, many other hotels have rooftop pools too, so you should be able to find one to use.
4. Working out
You’ll usually find that lots of the people in Singapore’s rooftop pools are more interested in taking photos for social media than actually swimming. If you’re serious about getting some exercise during your stay, then look for a gym instead. A few, like Virgin Active and Fitness First, are located in skyscrapers with stunning views of the city.
5. Attending concerts and events
Some roof spaces, such as the one on top of the Esplanade entertainment complex, are regularly hired out for events. These include concerts, fashion shows, movie screenings, and more.
Conclusion
Unless you suffer from vertigo, it’s definitely worth checking out Singapore’s rooftop scene on your visit. There’s a lot more to it than just rooftop bars, and if you enjoy cityscape views then Singapore offers some of the best in the world.
