With our rich culture, delicious cuisine and verdant nature, it’s easy to be overwhelmed by the sheer number of experiences you’ll encounter in Singapore.
One of the most time-efficient ways to sample these myriad attractions is to plan your visit around our country’s pristine public transport system.
Instead of taking our word for it, experience our public transport for yourself. Our trail will take you along Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) line, as you experience new adventures just a train ride away.
National Museum of Singapore
Closest MRT Station: Bras Basah
Begin your journey along our train lines at Bras Basah MRT in the Civic District. Your first destination—the National Museum of Singapore—is home to a repository of stories from Singapore’s colourful past.
Discover stories of tenacity and resourcefulness at Surviving Syonan—an exhibition which documents the Japanese Occupation of Singapore—and learn about the lives and childhoods of Singaporeans throughout history by visiting Growing Up.
Little India Arcade
Closest MRT Station: Little India
From Bras Basah MRT, take a short 15-minute train ride along the Circle Line to Dhoby Ghaut, and take the North East Line to Little India.
This colourful heritage district is home to age-old places of worship and rich culture. Make a beeline for the Little India Arcade—just a short stroll away from the MRT station—to peruse traditional wares and charming trinkets.
Be sure to sample traditional sweets like gulab jamun (deep-fried powdered milk balls in a sweet syrup) from Moghul Sweet Shop, or peruse the bangles and garlands at Dhana’s Arts and Gifts.
Before you leave, make a detour to the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. One of our island’s oldest places of worship, this temple’s majestic gopuram (front tower) and ornately decorated interiors make for great photo opportunities.
ION Orchard
Closest MRT Station: Orchard Road
Make a transition from age-old tradition to bold modernity with a trip to Orchard Road. You’ll find a whole host of world-class shopping malls and retail destinations along the district’s busy streets.
ION Orchard—located right on top of Orchard MRT Station—is a popular haunt of fashionistas and shopaholics alike. This dazzling shopping complex houses both luxury brands and fashion-forward street labels, ranging from Armani Exchange to ZARA.
Expect to spend half a day at this shopping haven before embarking on your next train journey.
Chinatown Heritage Centre
Closest MRT Station: Chinatown
From Orchard Road, take a train along the North South line until you reach Dhoby Ghaut, and transit to the North East Line. Your journey will take about 20 minutes.
Your next stop—Chinatown—is a trove of both hip modern establishments and traditional Chinese culture. You can learn more about the neighbourhood’s colourful past at the Chinatown Heritage Centre, located within three beautifully-restored shophouses along Pagoda Street.
The space’s six gallery exhibits tell the stories of some of Singapore’s earliest pioneers, uncovering their struggles, triumphs and tribulations. The original interiors of the shophouses’ previous tenants have been lovingly recreated, allowing you a glimpse into the past.
Newton Food Centre
Closest MRT Station: Newton
To fuel up after your exploration of Singapore’s vibrant past, take a train along the North East Line to Dhoby Ghaut, and transit to the North South Line, stopping at Newton Station. You’ll reach your destination in 10 minutes or less.
Your may recognise your next destination—Newton Food Centre—from the Hollywood blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians. A feast of local delicacies awaits you at this bustling hawker centre, which boasts over 100 food stalls.
Many of the dishes here are great for sharing, and you’ll be able to enjoy the chilli crab from Alliance Seafood, stingray drenched in sambal (spicy chilli paste) from Guan Kee Grilled seafood and tender sticks of chicken or mutton satay (grilled meat skewers) from TKR Satay.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Closest MRT Station: Botanic Gardens
Spend the rest of the night amidst the gorgeous flora and serene spaces of the Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Located along the Circle Line, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is the perfect spot to unwind. We recommend taking a stroll along the still waters of the Swan Lake or amidst the towering trees of the Learning Forest. The latter is home to freshwater wetland lowland rainforest habitats, as well as some of the tallest tree species in Southeast Asia.