Discover Singapore’s most iconic landmarks

Whether you’ve lived in Singapore for years or have only just arrived, one thing is clear: this little red dot is a striking blend of cutting-edge modernity and rich, layered history. In a city-state that moves at lightning speed, it’s easy to overlook the landmarks, flavours and stories that quietly preserve its past. As the island celebrates its sixth decade, we highlight the unmissable spots that offer not just a glimpse into heritage and culture, but also lay the foundations for the country we are proud and fortunate to call home.

Courtesy of National Museum of Singapore

Old Is Gold
Reputedly the first Chinese temple in Singapore, Fuk Tak Chi temple grew from a small shrine set up by the Hakka and Cantonese immigrants in 1824. Originally dedicated to the Taoist god, Tua Pek Kong, today this charming temple is a significant cultural and heritage site. It also houses a small museum that showcases artefacts and details about the early Chinese settlers on the island.
76 Telok Ayer Street, 048466

Photo: Muthu/s curry

Classic Eats!
Muthu’s Curry
Muthu’s Curry has been turning up the heat in Little India for more than 50 years with its generously portioned and super-tasty dishes. The legendary fish head curry is the main event, but North and South Indian favourites like Mysore mutton and veg thalis are also absolute must-tries.
#01-01, 138 Race Course Road, 218591
muthuscurry.com

Presidential Prestige
The Istana (“palace” in Malay) is the official residence of the President of Singapore and a striking example of neo-Palladian architecture. Built in 1869, it was originally the home of the British governor. Today, the gates swing open to the public five times a year for open house events – look out for the manicured lawns, swans in the pond, and even a Japanese cannon from WWII. The State Room, where foreign dignitaries are received, is something to behold.
Orchard Road, 238823
istana.gov.sg

An Icon with a Side of Sling
A trip to the Lion City isn’t complete without a wander around Raffles Hotel. Opened in 1887, this Grande Dame has hosted everyone from Somerset Maugham to Queen Elizabeth II. Famous for the Singapore Sling (created at the hotel’s Long Bar in 1915), Raffles oozes sophistication and glamour with its teak verandas, white turrets, and liveried doormen. Pop into the Raffles Boutique for gifts, or just enjoy the people-watching in the courtyard.
1 Beach Road,189673
raffles.com/Singapore

Photo: Mr.and.Mrs.Nosh

Colbar
This unassuming café started as a British army canteen in 1953 and still oozes retro character. Think mismatched furniture, faded football photos, and a menu of Hainanese-Western fusion dishes. Pair a plate of Hainanese pork chops or chicken curry with an ice-cold craft beer and soak in the nostalgia. Top tip: the vintage weighing machine and traditional glass-bottled sodas are still in use.
9A Whitchurch Road,138839
colbar.biz

Singapore Zam Zam
Since 1908, Zam Zam has been flipping murtabak to perfection on North Bridge Road. Whether you go for chicken, mutton or venison, these greasy, crispy parcels of flavour are always a hit. Beyond murtabak, we have it on good authority that their mee goreng and biryani are worth queuing for.
697 North Bridge Road,198675
zamzamsingapore.com

See You In Court
An art-lover’s dream is housed in not one, but two beautifully restored national monuments: the former Supreme Court and City Hall. With the largest public collection of modern art in Southeast Asia, you’ll find everything from sculpture and photography to rotating contemporary exhibitions. Kids in tow? Don’t miss Keppel Centre for Art Education which is fabulously hands-on for children.
1 St Andrew’s Road,178957
nationalgallery.sg

Goddess Presence
Singapore’s oldest standing building is the Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown. Completed in 1827, this Hindu temple – dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, known for her healing powers – is both a National Monument and one of the island’s key landmarks. More than just an architectural treasure, it remains an important and active place of worship today.
244 South Bridge Road, 058793
smt.org.sg

Food For Thought
According to Singapore’s National Environment Agency (NEA), there are around 120 hawker centres on the red dot. The Boss Lady of them all? Singapore Chinatown Complex Food Centre, which opened in 1983, and boasts over 200 stalls. While it’s not exactly centuries old, the centre has played a pivotal role in preserving SG’s hawker culture, housing many long-established food stalls that have become local faves. Check out Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle, which earned a Michelin star in 2016.
335 Smith Street, 050335

Guan Hoe Soon
Tucked into Joo Chiat’s eye-catching shophouses, Guan Hoe Soon has been dishing up authentic Peranakan fare since 1953. Signature dishes include ayam buah keluak, udang assam pedas and sayur lodeh, all made using age-old family recipes.
#01-01, 200 Joo Chiat Road, 427471
guanhoesoonrestaurant.com

Layers of History
From its traditional shophouses to buzzy wet markets, Chinatown demands to be felt, heard, and tasted. Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (a Tang-style marvel), sip tea in a heritage teahouse, and don’t miss the Chinatown Heritage Centre which offers an immersive peek into cramped 1950’s living quarters – fascinating and humbling.
Chinatown Heritage Centre, 48 Pagoda Street, 059207
chinatownheritagecentre.com.sg

A Malay Heritage hotspot
Once the seat of Malay royalty, Kampong Gelam is where culture meets cool. The majestic golden dome of Masjid Sultan Mosque dominates the skyline, while nearby Haji Lane tempts with indie boutiques, rainbow-hued murals, and hip cafes. Fun fact: Gelam trees, which once grew here in abundance, were used for boat-making and medicine.
Masjid Sultan Mosque, 3 Muscat Street, 198833
malayheritage.gov.sg

Money Pot
Ee Hoe Hean Club was founded in 1895 by a group of Hokkien community leaders for the wealthy Chinese elite, making it one of the oldest millionaire clubs in Singapore. The club, originally located at Duxton Hill, was the centre of the Chinese Salvation Movement in Southeast Asia from 1937 until the Fall of Singapore in 1942, then moved to Club Street before settling at Bukit Pasoh Road in 1952. After World War II, the club continued to be active in community services and charity work.
43 Bukit Pasoh Road, 089846

Photo: Indian Heritage Centre

For Spice & Spirit
Bursting with colour, incense, and saris galore, Little India is where the city’s heart truly beats. Wander through Tekka Market, duck into Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple with its intricate carvings, or catch a cultural show at the Indian Heritage Centre. This area once had cattle farms and race tracks, and it still bustles with energy – especially during Deepavali when lights and festivities transform the streets.
Indian Heritage Centre, 5 Campbell Lane, 209924
indianheritage.gov.sg

Photo: Visit Singapore

Small but Mighty
Tucked away in Katong, The Eurasian Heritage Gallery is an often-overlooked gem celebrating the Eurasian community’s influence in Singapore’s story. With a history dating back to the 1800’s, Eurasians brought a unique blend of European and Asian customs, cuisine, and traditions. Head there for a lesser-known history lesson.
139 Ceylon Road, 429744
eurasians.org.sg

Go underground
Fort Canning is more than a pretty park in the city centre. Peel back the layers, and you’ll discover centuries of history – from the seat of 14th-century Malay rulers to the WWII British surrender to the Japanese. Battlebox, a former underground command centre, and SG’s only World War II bunker, is also here.
Fort Canning Park, River Valley Road, 179037
battlebox.sg

Classic Eats!
Ananda Bhavan
Vegetarians, rejoice! This fuss-free Indian eatery has been around since 1924, making it Singapore’s oldest Indian vegetarian restaurant. The appam with coconut milk is a breakfast banger, and everything is served with old-school hospitality.
@anandabhavanrestaurant
anandabhavan.com

Photo: Visit Singapore

Cultures Collide
The Peranakan Museum tells the tale of the Peranakan communities – Straits Chinese, Chitty, and Jawi Peranakans – who blended local and foreign traditions into a unique culture. The beautiful kebayas alone are worth the trip!
39 Armenian Street, 179941
peranakanmuseum.org.sg

Photo: www.hawparvilla.sg

Bizarre & Brilliant
Built in 1937 by the founders of Tiger Balm, Haw Par Villa is famous (or infamous!) for its graphic depictions of Chinese mythology, especially the 10 Courts of Hell. Visit for a quirky side of SG culture (just don’t have nightmares!).
262 Pasir Panjang Road,118628
hawparvilla.sg

Ban Heng
Established in 1972, Ban Heng is a household name for traditional Teochew and Cantonese tucker. With over 50 years of experience and a legacy of hosting lavish weddings and VIP events (including the late SG President S.R. Nathan), Ban Heng knows how to deliver a feast. The menu is stacked with classics like fried soon hock in superior soya sauce and juicy roast meats.
Multiple locations
banheng.com.sg