Marina Bay Singapore
Marina Bay is one of the most popular travel destination in Singapore for both overseas tourists and locals alike. The area has been completely reimagined and transformed into a one-of-a-kind waterfront with an amazing architectural skyline.
From most of Singapore’s modern urban redevelopment projects, Marina Bay has seen some of its newest visions being unveiled, and has today been completely reimagined as a planned, designed and curated waterfront in front of an architectural skyline, now with a much-improved recreational and cultural experience right before your feet.
The area features some of the best things to do in Singapore as well!
We have this handy guide on what you can expect from taking a trip to Marina Bay Singapore – one of the brightest spots of urban architectural and development works in Singapore today.
Marina Bay is perhaps best-known for its skyline, and definitely for the transformation it followed in the last decade, especially with the opening of two of Singapore’s most popular tourist attractions.
Getting to Marina Bay
Getting to Marina Bay is easy. The nearest MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) stations – Bayfront and Raffles Place – will put you right at the Bay’s doorstep. Or take a bus or taxi (still relatively inexpensive, thanks to competitive public sector lisences).
For an experience closer to the comforts of home, find yourself a ride-hailing service (Space-X’s Elon Musk is a renowned investor) such as Grab. Or get active, and walk or cycle the well-marked paths – or indulge in private transport or chauffeured services.
Top Attractions in Marina Bay
Marina Bay is bursting with attractions. Here’s a rundown of the must-sees:
1. Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands is iconic. A panorama of the metropolis, its swollen form sprawled beneath you, can be appreciated from the SkyPark Observation Deck. If you’re fortunate enough to be a guest, you too can feel atop the world in the infinity pool.
It feels nothing short of unearthly gazing down from that. The complex’s epic casino never closes. There is also a vast luxury shopping mall where you can empty your pockets.
2. Gardens by the Bay
No visit is complete without strolling through Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay with the Supertree Grove, the Flower Dome, the Cloud Forest, and a ride on the OCBC Skyway. The light and sound show ‘Garden Rhapsody’ at night time is totally worth it too!
3. ArtScience Museum
It is a lotus-shaped wonder of technology that is home to beautiful and impressive world-class exhibitions, with a permanent ‘Future World’ installation that features interactive digital installations compelling enough to come back to regularly and see something new.
4. Singapore Flyer
The Flyer is an enormous observation wheel that straps tourists up in a pod for a 360 degree bird eye view tour of the Singapore city. The Flyed best view the marina bay as well as other major parts of the city like Singapore Flyer.
5. Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
The distinctive looking arts centre has a durian fruit-like design, and is home to performing arts. Take in a concert, a play or one of the free open-air shows.
6. Marina Barrage
Marina Barrage is a artificial dam and a castle cum recreation area that came along with the dam completion at the mouth of the Singapore River. Its rooftop park has view decks here one can enjoy scenic views, fly kites atop the stunning rooftop or have water play features to cool off the heat.
7. Helix Bridge
This shopping arcade doesn’t just allow you to go from here to there; it is also a piece of art, coming from a great architect, bent like a double helix. But what do you think of it at night time, when it is illuminated?
8. Merlion Park
The Merlion statue serves as another emblem of Singapore. Take a selfie with this beast half lion, half fish, and then stay for the ‘Spectra’ waters and light show in the evenings.
Dining and Shopping in Marina Bay
Marina Bay is a foodie’s paradise and a shopper’s dream.
1. Celebrity Chef Restaurants
Head to restaurants such as CUT by Wolfgang Puck and Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay for top-notch cuisine served alongside awe-inspiring vistas of the Bay.
2. Local and International Cuisine
Feast on hawker centres on local fare or visit fine-dining establishments for international treats. Whatever your tastes.
3. Unique Dining Experiences
A truly memorable meal- and crane ride- can also be had on top of the world at Marina Bay Sands, where hungry diners chow down just as daringly as the food is served.
4. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
It houses some luxurious boutiques and quirky attractions, including Sampan trips on the indoor canal. It is a shopper’s paradise, with a great choice of restaurants.
Entertainment and Nightlife
Marina Bay comes alive after dark.
1. Theatres and Shows
See a show at the Sands Theatre or catch free performances outside on the Esplanade.
2. Nightlife and Bars
Swirl drinks at rooftop bars, throb at clubs. Hit the restaurants and bars along the waterfront promenade.
Accommodation Options
Whether you prefer luxury or budget-friendly options, Marina Bay has it all.
1. Luxury Hotels
Stay either at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel or The Ritz-Carlton, Millennia Singapore. The views are spectacular from each place.
2. Mid-Range and Budget Hotels
There are plenty of lower cost options that can still be comfortable and convenient. The budget hotels and three-star mid-range hotels such as the Crowne Plaza and Novotel, for example.
Special Events and Festivals
Marina Bay hosts a variety of exciting events and festivals.
1. Annual Events
The Formula 1 night race – the Singapore Grand Prix – is held here, while New Year’s Eve brings a massive Marina Bay Countdown, with live acts and firework displays.
2. Cultural Festivals
Celebrate Chinese New Year or the Mid-Autumn Festival: it’s one big cultural celebration!
3. i Light Singapore
The festival transforms the city space with exciting installations and projections. If you’re into sustainable light art, then this is not to be missed.
Tips for Visitors
To make your visit smooth and enjoyable, here are some handy tips:
- Best Times to Visit: The cooler, drier months from December to June are best. Evenings are the most congenial time, with a wonderful ambience and a clear view of the sky.
- Getting Around: Public transportation is extensive, affordable and fast. Bike share and e-scooters rent are very popular. Walking is easy thanks to multiple walking paths and pedestrian bridges.
- What to Wear: Hot and humid weather year-round characterises the tropical climate, so plan to wear lightweight, breathable clothes, with comfortable shoes. Some attractions and restaurants enforce dress codes, so prepare accordingly.
- Photography Tips: Best photos taken at Helix Bridge or Merlion Park, the focal point of Singapore. The best times to take the photos are when the light is reddish/golden hour during sunrise or sunset, but a tripod can help you work a night shot beautifully, too.
Marina Bay Singapore
There is much to experience – dazzling architecture, glamorous dining, pulsating nightlife, and marvelous cultural splendor that you will hold in your mind for a long time, after you have left Marina Bay Singapore.
If you’re from overseas and you’re thinking of visiting the Marina Bay area in Singapore, you can fly in via budget airlines in Singapore (or full-service airlines if you have a bigger budget!) for a short weekend trip.
Deep ocean luxury seamlessly integrated into nature magic if you haven’t been yet, visit the culturally rich and dazzlingly contemporary metropolis of Marina Bay Singapore. Its acclaimed skyline and its attractions will hold you in their spell for a long time.
Check out some of our other related articles and guides below:
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- Best Museums in Singapore (2024)
- Best Beautiful Nature Parks in Singapore (2024)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
If you have any questions about Marina Bay in Singapore, you can refer to the frequently asked questions (FAQ) about visiting Marina Bay in Singapore below:
What is the best way to get to Marina Bay from Changi Airport?
You can go to Marina Bay. You can take the MRT, it has one transfer, you have to go to Tanah Merah. You can also take a taxi, both fast and expensive. Or with a ride-hailing service (Grab) which is flexible in how you get around. Either way, you will get to Marina Bay.
Are there any free attractions in Marina Bay?
There are also great freebies at Marina Bay, for example Merlion Park with its statue and great views of this bay, the Esplanade with its outdoor shows, and Marina Barrage with a great view on the city, and there is even a picnic corner there – ones can have a great time in Singapore and not spend a fortune.
Can I visit the Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool without staying at the hotel?
Guests at Marina Bay Sands hotel can enjoy this unforgettable leisure spot as part of their room rate. The Infinity Pool is neither a public pool nor an attraction. It is a private feature of the hotel. But the spectacular skyline views of the pool, the city and the bay can be enjoyed by the public who buy an entrance ticket to the SkyPark Observation Deck.
What are the must-see attractions in Marina Bay?
Don’t miss Marina Bay, including the luxurious Marina Bay Sands, connected by the Helix Bridge, with the spectacular gardens and flower-domes of Gardens by the Bay on one side and the striking ArtScience Museum, home to exhibits of art, science and culture, on the other. People-watching and shopping are prime activities here.
What is the best time to visit Marina Bay?
The best time to visit remains between December to June – delicious cooler weather before Singapore’s sunny swelter sets in and many months before the monsoon season. Evenings remain lively with year-long themed events, heartwarming light shows and outdoorsy activities, providing perfect weather for visiting the attractions and soaking in the skyline vistas comfortably, as well as joining in seasonal events and festivals.
