I’m back again with my Singapore area guides series. I say it everytime I post about Singapore, but I absolutely love this country, and I’ve visited multiple times for both short and long stays, so I figured it was time to show you just how much there is to do on this wonderful little island. Today it’s time to cover Marina Bay.
If there’s one place that captures the futuristic spirit and polished charm of Singapore, it’s Marina Bay. Sleek skyscrapers, waterfront promenades, lush gardens, and iconic architecture all come together here, making it a must-visit for first-time travellers in particular. Whether you’re here for the views, food, or culture, Marina Bay offers a little bit of everything.
How to get to Marina Bay, Singapore
Getting to Marina Bay is easy thanks to Singapore’s efficient and well-connected transport system. Whether you’re arriving from the airport, another neighborhood, or just exploring the city, there are several convenient options to choose from.
- Walk from any areas nearby if you’re staying centrally (such as in the Civic District, Clarke Quay, or the Central Business District). The waterfront promenade connects many of the key areas which also means walking is pretty beautiful!
- Grab/Taxi for the quickest and most convenient option if you’re not staying centrally.
- By MRT (Train) for the cheapest and easiest way to get around if walking isn’t an option. There are lots of stations nearby:
- Marina Bay Station (North-South Line & Circle Line)
- Bayfront Station (Downtown Line & Circle Line)
- Downtown Station (Downtown Line)
Transport Tip: If you want to travel by taxi, download the Grab App (the local Uber). If you want to ride the MRT, you can tap in and out with your bank card.
Time Needed: Marina Bay will need a full day of your time to explore fully, and only half a day if you’re only interested in Gardens by the Bay (which would be a shame).
Things to Do in Marina Bay, Singapore
Gardens by the Bay
You can read my full guide to Gardens by the Bay HERE.
Start your day off in one of the most iconic areas in Singapore, Gardens by the Bay, which are something not to miss on a visit to the city. Overall, a visit will take around 3 hours if you want to explore the outdoor and dome gardens.
Outdoor Gardens
- Themed Gardens: 10+ small gardens outside, with stunning views out and around Marina Bay (free).
- Supertree Grove: home to the famous futuristic “trees” (free).
- OCBC Skywalk: to walk between the “trees” for panoramic views (ticketed).
- Sky Garden: to head to the top of a “tree” for more great views (ticketed).
Garden Domes
- Floral Fantasy: more amazing floral displays well worth some time to enjoy (ticketed).
- Cloud Dome: built to replicate the tropical mountain regions of Asia and South America and with a massive waterfall in the middle, it really is spectacular (ticketed).
- Flower Dome: the largest greenhouse in the world, slightly more tailored to children with displays and themes. I’ve visited during a Wizard of Oz theme and a Dutch Windmill theme before. Both were a lot of fun! (ticketed)
Merlion Park
No trip to Singapore is complete without a visit to its resident Merlion fountain; a symbol of Singapore, with Singapore itself literally meaning ‘Singa Pura’ or ‘Lion City’. Half fish, half lion, this sculpture spits out water from its mouth with the Singapore skyline as a backdrop, facing Marina Bay Sands.
Marina Bay Sands
Another Singapore icon, Marina Bay Sands Hotel is one of the most famous images of Singapore. There are numerous things to do here:
- Infinity Pool: you can only use the infinity pool if you’re staying in the Hotel.
- SkyPark Observation Deck: for the views without getting the pool to go with it.
- Shoppes at MBS: a great Mall at the base of Marina Bay Sands, and perfect for a spot of lunch and shopping. I recommend trying:
- Dim Sum at Tim Ho Wan
- Kaya Toast at Toast Box
- Coffee at Bacha
- Rain Oculus at MBS: in the Mall is a beautiful water feature and indoor canals, which you can even ride along on a gondola!
Top Tip: Time your visit to Marina Bay Sands with the heat of the day so you can spend some time in the air conditioned Shoppes while you have lunch!
Helix Bridge & Art Science Museum
Walk across the iconic Helix Bridge, spotting the Art Science Museum by its lotus-inspired design. This museum hosts immersive and interactive exhibitions that blend art, science, and technology. It definitely isn’t your typical museum filled with static displays. Instead, it focuses on immersive, interactive experiences that combine digital art, cutting-edge technology, and scientific concepts, making it engaging for visitors of all ages.
Its most famous exhibition, Future World: Where Art Meets Science, is a permanent installation that features interactive digital environments with glowing light installations, responsive projections, and surreal landscapes that react to your movement.
Important Note: The Museum gets very busy at weekends so plan to visit on a weekday and book in advance. You will need around 2 hours in the museum.
Waterfront Promenade
Marina Bay is a beautiful place for a walk with the skyline and water views all around. I personally like to walk it at night, either when the Spectra light show is on, or late when the crowds are gone. Seeing the skyline and Marina Bay Sands lit up in the darkness is truly a spectacular sight.
Other Attractions
- Singapore Flyer – For another perspective of the city, hop on one of the world’s largest observation wheels. From the top, you’ll get sweeping views of Marina Bay, the skyline, and even neighboring countries on a clear day.
- Espalanade – Theatres by the Bay – Known locally as “the Durian” because of its spiky design, the theatre hosts concerts, performances, and free outdoor shows. Even if you don’t catch a ticketed performance, the waterfront area often has live music and events which makes it a lovely stop on any walk around the Bay.
- Singapore Formula One (F1) Racetrack – Singapore famously hosts an F1 race each year, around the streets of the city at night. The pit straight is right off of Marina Bay (next to the Singapore Flyer) and you can walk a good section of the track and see the garages. As a Lewis Hamilton fan and F1 nutjob, I love doing this!
- Marina Barrage – If you’re looking for a quieter escape, head to this popular local hangout where you can picnic, fly kites, or simply enjoy panoramic views of the city and bay.
Where to Eat & Drink in Marina Bay, Singapore
Marina Bay is not known for its cheap food, but you can find good variety! It’s home to a lot of upmarket waterfront restaurants and eateries, which are delicious but don’t always come cheap. However, it also has lots of chain eating options and a few street food options too.
- Shoppes at Marina Bay – home to some great restaurants including Koma (Japanese), Tim Ho Wan (Dim Sum), and some more chain like options such as Gordon Ramsey’s Bread Street Kitchen if you’re looking for a more Westernised option.
- One Fullerton – Another mall area which hosts waterfront restaurants and normal chains like Shake Shack. I personally think the restaurants here are overpriced for the quality they serve, but the view is pretty amazing.
- Marina Square – another side of the Bay, and yet another Mall with a food court. If you like Chinese hotpots this is the place for you, and Beyond Pancakes is also nice for breakfast.
Top Tip: If you don’t fancy Mall or Waterfront eating, head just slightly out of Marina Bay to Lau Pa Sat (technically part of Chinatown). This amazing Hawker Market is perfect for experiencing Singapore’s famous street food scene.
Where to Stay in Marina Bay, Singapore
Marina Bay offers some of Singapore’s most iconic and luxurious places to stay, meaning prices here are the highest of anywhere in the city. Where you choose depends largely on your budget, view preferences, and whether you want a hotel experience or just a comfortable base.
Luxury Stays (the best of the best):
- Marina Bay Sands – this is the headline act. With over 2,500 rooms and its world-famous rooftop infinity pool, it’s one of the most recognizable hotels globally. Staying here is less about the room and more about the experience.
- The Fullerton Bay Hotel – A more intimate luxury option right on the waterfront. Known for its elegant design and exceptional service, it offers incredible views back across Marina Bay.
- The Fullerton Hotel – Set in a beautifully restored historic building, this hotel blends heritage charm with modern luxury. It’s slightly removed from the main bay but still within easy walking distance, making it a great balance of character and location.
Upscale Stays (slightly better value than the hotels above, whilst still being 5* comfort):
- Mandarin Oriental – Excellent service, modern rooms and a prime waterfront location.
- Conrad Marina Bay – Always our choice in the area, we love the rooms and rooftop pool.
- The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia – Super spacious rooms for the area
Top Tip: If luxury prices aren’t what you want, consider staying just outside Marina Bay in areas like Bugis or Clarke Quay. Try Iyf Funan, Hotel Boss or the Carlton Hotel as options.
You can read my full review of Conrad Marina Bay HERE.
So there you have it, my ultimate guide to Marina Bay, Singapore’s futuristic heart. It’s a must visit area on a first time trip to the city, and it’s easy to spend a day here. I personally prefer it after the crowds depart and I can walk around the beautiful bay in the peace and quiet of the night. What do you think of Marina Bay? Let me know in the comments below!
And if you’re interested in reading more of my Singapore posts, you can do so below. Stay safe and happy travelling!
- Singapore 2 Day Itinerary HERE
- Singapore Layover Guide HERE
- Free things to do in Singapore HERE (coming soon)
- Gardens by the Bay HERE
- Singapore Botanic Gardens HERE
- Mount Faber & The Southern Ridges Walk HERE
- Singapore’s Best Gardens HERE
- Singapore’s WW2 history HERE
- Jurong Lake Gardens HERE
- MacRitchie Treetop Walk HERE
- Rail Corridor Walking Guide HERE
- Bukit Timah Nature Reserve HERE
- Singapore Museums HERE (coming soon)
- Civic District Area Guide HERE
- Chinatown Area Guide HERE
- Sentosa Island Area Guide HERE
- Bukit Timah Area Guide HERE (coming soon)
- Hotel Reviews: Raffles Singapore HERE, Conrad Marina Bay HERE, The Clan Hotel HERE (coming soon)
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