Singapore’s architecture is a blend of styles and eras. Each community living in the city-state strives to preserve its national culture while contributing something new to the city’s appearance.
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Futuristic glowing trees and a lotus-shaped museum stand side by side with city streets featuring a Buddhist temple and a 200-year-old monastery. What else is there to see in Singapore? Read on!
Buddha’s Tooth Temple and Museum
This four-storey temple houses a sacred Buddhist relic – the Buddha’s Tooth – enshrined in a golden stupa. However, it is not accessible to the general public; only selected monks may enter the special chamber where it is kept.
All other areas of the temple, including the stunning rooftop garden, are open to visitors. According to legend, making a wish in the temple ensures it will come true.
National Gallery of Singapore
This institution contains over 9,000 masterpieces of Asian art. Formerly home to judges and officials, the building has been transformed by Singaporeans into an impressive art gallery.
They merged the old courthouse and town hall, created internal courtyards, and installed solar panels on the roof. The result is a striking symbiosis of art, history and sustainable technology.
These buildings not only exhibit thousands of works of art – they have also witnessed momentous events in the nation’s history.
Museum of Science and Art
Some say it resembles a lotus; others see a hand raised in greeting.
The museum’s ten «fingers» each contain a gallery, and skylights at their tips create a striking nighttime glow. True to form, Singaporeans have also made the structure practical.
Its roof collects rainwater and funnels it into an internal reservoir for use by the museum – a perfect example of environmental efficiency.
Audi Car Centre
How do you turn a standard car centre into an architectural highlight? Singaporeans know the secret. The eight-storey building is clad in honeycomb-like panels.
Among Asians, honeycombs symbolize wealth and prosperity. This gives the commercial structure the aura of a lucky charm.
Marina Bay Sands Hotel
Marina Bay Sands comprises three 55-storey towers connected by a massive «boat» structure that includes a popular observation deck, bars and a dramatic infinity pool.
The complex boasts over 2,500 rooms, an enormous casino, an upscale shopping mall and several fine dining options.
Guoko Tower
Wondering what to see in Singapore? Start with its skyscrapers. Guoko Tower currently holds the title of the tallest building in the city-state.
Standing at 290 metres, the tower features residences, a shopping centre, a restaurant chain and even a rooftop park.
But nothing lasts forever. Soon, the tower will be overtaken by 8 Shenton Way, which will exceed it by 15 metres.
SportsHub Sports Complex
This vast sports complex includes arenas for multiple disciplines, a water park and a shopping centre. Its crown jewel is Singapore’s National Stadium. More than a decade old, it still holds the record for the world’s largest retractable dome.
ION Orchard Shopping Centre
This gleaming metal-and-glass shopping mall is a symbol of luxury and exclusivity. It hosts designer boutiques, upscale restaurants and chic bars.
Multimedia screens and dazzling lights abound, and at the top, there’s a viewing platform with spectacular city views.
Young Asian artists and designers regularly exhibit their work here – a thoughtful initiative to foster local creativity.
Changi Airport
Singapore’s airport serves as a full-scale cultural and leisure hub. While awaiting a flight, travellers can shop, swim, visit a cinema or explore an art exhibition.
Inside the airport are greenhouses filled with tropical flora, butterflies and the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
The Star shopping and entertainment centre
The Star spans 15 floors of cleverly designed space. The building’s architecture allows for natural ventilation, eliminating the need for air conditioning and saving significant energy.
You can shop or enjoy a concert in the 5,000-seat hall – always in a pleasantly cool environment.
Tian Hok Keng
Nearly 200 years ago, Chinese sailors constructed this temple in honour of Mazzu, the protector of seafarers – without using a single nail.
Behind Tian Hok Keng stands another Buddhist temple dedicated to the bodhisattva Guanyin, goddess of mercy, who, according to legend, protects people from harm.
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Clarke Quay
Clarke Quay once bustled with commercial activity, with boats unloading goods into nearby warehouses. Today, the waterfront has been reimagined as a vibrant promenade lined with restaurants, shops and clubs housed in the old storehouses.
Its designers introduced a cooler microclimate compared to the surrounding areas. Whether it’s clever marketing or genuine concern, it works.
Locals and tourists alike enjoy strolling here, especially in the evening when the area is beautifully lit.
Sri Mariamman
The city-state’s oldest Hindu temple is nearly 200 years old and still stunning.
Its vibrant façade and interior are covered with intricate statues of deities. There’s even a viewing gallery offering panoramic city views – an architectural treasure not to be missed.
Gardens by the Bay
From rooftop gardens to airport jungles, Singaporeans clearly cherish nature. The Gardens by the Bay, located downtown, is another tribute to the environment and a marvel of architectural creativity.
Covering 100 hectares, it features themed zones filled with flower displays, greenhouses and art installations. Nature, technology and design coalesce here.
And the glowing «supertrees,» glass domes and artificial lakes aren’t just decorative – they serve functional environmental roles as well. Read more here.
Esplanade Theatre
When construction was first announced, the idea of an all-glass theatre in Singapore’s climate sparked controversy.
Nonetheless, the building stands today, sheathed in glass and protected from the tropical sun by special shading panels.
A tour of the best places in SingaporeLocals say it resembles either the spiky durian fruit or insect eyes – hence its nickname, «the big durian.»
Singapore Flyer Ferris wheel
Singapore’s giant Ferris wheel is so high, you can catch a glimpse of Malaysia and Indonesia on clear days.
For those who believe in numerology, the Singapore Flyer was designed according to feng shui principles. The number 28, believed to bring fast wealth, repeats throughout.
Each cabin is 28 m², carries 28 passengers, and takes 28 minutes for one full rotation.
Sultan Hussein Mosque
The history of Singapore’s oldest mosque dates back 200 years. Its current form was completed in the early 20th century and accommodates up to 5,000 worshippers.
A unique feature: the bases of the domes are decorated with glass bottle caps collected from poorer congregants, allowing everyone to contribute to the mosque’s construction.
School of Arts
The School of Arts comprises five towers adorned with vertical greenery. Terraced bridges connect them.
Studying in such a visually stunning environment must be a delight.
CHIJMES architectural complex
Over two centuries, this architectural ensemble has grown to nearly the size of an entire city block. Originally a convent, later an orphanage and girls’ school, the complex today reflects a harmony of architectural styles.
Its graceful design attracts visitors, and inside you’ll find shops and restaurants. CHIJMES is also a popular wedding venue among Singaporeans.
Fountain of Wealth
Located at Suntec City Shopping Centre, this enormous fountain is shaped like a ring, symbolising abundance.
The Guinness Book of World Records lists it as the largest fountain in the world.
At certain times, the water flow stops, allowing visitors to walk through the centre. Do three laps – it’s believed to attract prosperity and harmony.
A few more masterpieces of Singapore’s architecture
Singapore’s architectural magic doesn’t stop there. Other sites worth visiting include:
- The colossal Louis Vuitton boutique built directly on the water
- The Quincy Hotel, known for its sleek glass façade and open-air pool
- The whimsical Reflections towers, housing over a thousand high-end apartments and villas
- The 16-storey National Library
- The 280-metre OUB Tower, which shifts colour under sunlight
- PARKROYAL on Pickering – a global icon of green architecture
Want to see Singapore with your own eyes? The city-state has far more to offer than its architectural feats. We wish you a fantastic trip filled with discovery and delight!
Leonhard Niederwimmer / Pixabay 
Mingrui He / unsplash.com 
Alex Braga / Unsplash 
ebroslu / Pixabay
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