Singapore is one of those places that anyone travelling to Asia just has to visit. The weather is warm, the gardens are green, lush and somewhat other worldly, and ultimately, it’s the perfect example of a location where an international luxury lifestyle is very much achievable. And whilst this is a lifestyle that is desirable to many, plenty of tourists travel through Singapore as part of their Asian travel adventure. If this is you – you’re gonna want to keep reading.
Dukes Avenue has collaborated with travel bloggers around the world, who have agreed to share their favourite locations in Singapore – specifically, their favourite Instagrammable places in Singapore! If you want to leave Singapore with both memorable experiences, as well as beautiful images that will last a lifetime, these are the top 15+ most Instagrammable locations in Singapore that you won’t want to miss – take it from the experts!
- The Most Instagrammable Places in Singapore
- Gardens by the Bay
- Infinity Pool at Marina Bay Sands
- ArtScience Museum
- Helix Bridge
- Clarke Quay
- Fort Canning Hill
- Old Hill Street Police Station
- Little India
- Haji Lane in Kampong Glam
- Colourful Shophouses of Koon Seng Road
- Jewel Changi Airport
- Singapore Botanic Gardens
- Chinatown
- Universal Studios
- The Twin Pagoda at the Chinese Garden
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The Most Instagrammable Places in Singapore
Gardens by the Bay
Recommended by Sarah, editor of Dukes Avenue
There is no location more synonymous of Singapore than the ethereal Gardens by the Bay, with the three pillars of the imposing Marina Bay Sands hotel towering above. Gardens by the Bay is unlike any other garden in the world, not just for its distinctly recognisable ‘supertrees’ in Supertree Grove or being home to the largest glass greenhouse in the world, but because the whole concept of Gardens by the Bay is really quite genius. This stunning nature park was not about having a garden in a city, but rather a ‘City in a Garden’, aimed at improving the quality of life for Singapore residents and injecting greenery into the city.
The gardens sit just below the Marina Bay Sands hotel and sprawls across a whopping 250 acres. It is comprised of three waterfront gardens, the largest of which is the Bay South Garden that was designed to showcase the best of Singapore’s tropical horticulture. In fact, much of the Gardens by the Bay’s main attractions are located within the Bay South Garden including the two conservatories: the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest (which is so incredible that it features separately in this article), as well as the famous Supertree Grove.
Whilst Gardens by the Bay is one of the top places to visit in Singapore, the Supertree Grove is possibly the most infamous – and admittedly, it is one of the best places for photography. What makes it so Instagram-worthy are the 18 tree-like structures that are actually vertical gardens in themselves, that perform multiple functions including planting and shading. If planning to visit, be sure to check out the newly opened Supertree Observatory, located one floor above the rooftop deck – if you’re looking Singapore Instagram spots, this takes the cake. But don’t take our word for it – check out these gorgeous images for inspiration!
The Cloud Forest Dome
Recommended by Kirstie from Hall Around the World
No trip to Singapore is complete without paying a visit to the beautiful Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay. This magnificent glass dome greenhouse is a plant lover’s dream come true and easily one of Singapore’s most impressive attractions. It is the perfect spot to take your next Instagram photo.
The indoor waterfalls and 35-metre tall mountain covered in tropical plants are so breath-taking, it’s likely you won’t want to put your camera away as you wander through this beautiful botanical world. For the best Insta photo opportunities, stand in front of the falls near the dome’s entrance or take a stroll along the Cloud Walk or Treetop Walk. While you’re here, check out the new Cloud Forest Theatre for a hologram display about how Gardens by the Bay was built and how we can do our part to conserve nature and ensure a more sustainable future.
Though the Cloud Forest is open from 9:00am to 9:00pm, the best time to visit for photos is during the day time. Plan your visit around one of the daily mist timings for the dreamiest shots. They take place daily at 10am, 12pm, 2pm, 4pm, 6pm, and 8pm.
It’s important to note that onsite ticketing counters at Gardens by the Bay are not open at this time due to COVID. All visitors are required to pre-book a specific date and time before visiting the Cloud Forest to ensure crowd regulation and safe distancing. For discounted admission (and to skip the cue), book your ticket online ahead of time at GetYourGuide.com.
Infinity Pool at Marina Bay Sands
Recommended by Cecily of Groovy Mashed Potatoes
The iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel is home to the largest rooftop infinity pool in the world. The celestial pool is part of the hotel’s 12,000 sqm sky park that sits across three towers in a surfboard shape. It’s so fabulous, it was used as a filming location in the movie Crazy Rich Asians and featured on the TV show, Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby (the same TV show that inspired Dukes Avenue’s editor Sarah to visit the Kulm hotel in St Moritz). Swimming in this 150m long architectural beauty is a bucket list item for many and one worth adding to your Singapore itinerary.
The impressive rooftop pool is an incredible place to get a picture with its stunning panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline, however, it is not open to just anyone. Only guests of the hotel have access to swim in the pool. Staying at Marina Bay Sands will set you back around 565 SGD (~$420 USD) per night, however the splurge is worth it for the exclusive access to the rooftop. You won’t have to worry about crowds or about finding a chaise lounge near the pool. Poolside service is also excellent. Order a piña colada and relax poolside or ask someone to take a picture of you swimming out to the pool’s edge.
If you walk around the sky park you will also see stunning panoramic views of the gardens and the harbour, which are great for a photo op. The sky park observation deck is open 11AM – 9PM and the pool is open daily from 6AM – 11:40 PM. Enjoy the sun during the daytime and the twinkling city lights at night-time.
ArtScience Museum
Recommended by Suvarna of Suvarna Arora
Located next to Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay, the ArtScience Museum is an exciting place where art and science are combined with fun. One can easily spend almost half a day here with various rooms holding different exhibitions. All of them are super informative and interactive, however, the best place to take photos is the Future World Exhibition. This permanent exhibition in the ArtScience Museum is in collaboration with teamLab, a renewed art collective. The exhibition involves an exhilarating journey through various narratives including City in a Garden, Sanctuary, Park and Space, and no matter the age of the visitor, it surely brings out the kid in you.
The Future World journey begins with City in a Garden, and it walks visitors through nature and the blooming of flowers, taking inspiration from Singapore itself. It is educational and interactive in the best possible way. Space is the finale of the exhibition journey and it is beyond spectacular. With over 170,000 LED lights and sound installations, the Crystal Universe featured artwork is highly popular amongst visitors. It’s mesmerizing and definitely an unmissable part of the exhibition. Just check out the post shared below!
Besides having some incredible photography spots inside, ArtScience Museum also makes for a beautiful photo spot from the outside, with its impressive flower-shaped architecture. Considering the heat and humidity in Singapore, it’s best to visit Art Science Museum during the day.
The Museum is open daily from 10am to 7pm and can be easily reached by MRT. Catch the MRT to the Bayfront station and walk to the other end of the Bayfront Shopping Mall. Ticket prices range from $19 SGD for one exhibit to $40 SGD for all and should be secured online avoiding the queue and crowds inside.
Helix Bridge
Recommended by Martina & Jürgen of PlacesofJuma
When we talk about the coolest Instagram spots in Singapore, we have to mention the Helix Bridge. This impressive construction was only opened in 2010 and today it is one of the most significant attractions of the city. This futuristic structure is a covered pedestrian bridge that is shaped like a helix. From the outside, the bridge looks like a DNA strand and has thus became a popular photo motif. You can visit the bridge anytime for taking pictures, but it is especially beautiful in the evening. As soon as the sun sets, it is illuminated and shines in the most incredible colours. Then, no camera remains still and countless visitors come to admire this magnificent ambience.
The Helix Bridge is a real highlight in Singapore. It was created in collaboration with the best architects in the world, who work in the architectural societies Architects 61, Arup and Cox Group. Even the shape of the bridge is not accidental! The helix is supposed to symbolize peace and life. Only a few weeks after the opening, the bridge was even awarded as “World’s Best Transport Building”.
The Helix Bridge is easy to find, because it is located directly in the centre of Singapore at Marina Bay. Many other interesting attractions await you here, such as the Ferris wheel and the Marina Bay Hotel. If you like, you can walk across the bridge, which is about 300 meters long, and enjoy a magnificent view of the skyline. From the four viewing platforms you have the most beautiful view of the city.
Clarke Quay
Recommended by Maureen of So Many Places! So Little Time!
One of the most picturesque areas in Singapore is Clarke Quay. We discovered Clarke Quay while we were doing a house sit in Singapore. Clarke Quay is made up of five blocks of restored warehouses and is set on the very busy Singapore River. You’ll get some great Instagram shots, night and day, from both the banks of the river or on a boat on the river itself. This is an historical and very colourful waterfront area just north of China Town. It’s lined with elegant colonial-era architecture and colourful shophouses. At night the colourful bars, restaurants, and shops come alive with lots of lights, music, and action.
Take a river cruise from Clarke Quay and you’re guaranteed excellent shots of the surrounding area with its stunning skyscrapers, Boat Quay and Robertson Quay. You’ll also pass by some major landmarks like the Marina Bay Merlion and the magnificent Marina Bay Sands. At night, you’ll get some great shots with the reflections of the buildings in the water – perfect for those stunning Instagram shots! You’ll also find plenty of interesting Instagrammable shots just wandering around the area, just like these ‘People of the River” sculptures near Fullerton Square.
The quickest and easiest way to Clarke Quay is by Singapore MRT Subway with a station at Clarke Quay.
Fort Canning Hill
Recommended by Sarah, editor of Dukes Avenue
Located within Singapore’s business district, a visit to Fort Canning Hill is an absolute must whilst in Singapore. It has an incredibly fascinating history and is believed to be the resting place of the kings of Ancient Singapore – some even say it’s haunted! It is thought that a palace once sat on the top of the hill, however now it is home to the Fort Canning Reservoir and Fort Canning Park – and the latter has some great spots for photography.
- The Staircase at Fort Canning Park: you may have already come across the well-known spiral staircase on social media whilst researching for your Singapore adventure, and that’s because it’s such an interesting spot to play around with perspective in your photos. Shoot your images from the bottom of the staircase, with the camera tilted upwards to capture the uniform grey tiling, the overflowing shrubbery and the large tree hovering over. If travelling with a partner, friend or family member, you may want to have them sit on the staircase as the central focal point of your image.
- Sang Nila Utama Garden: If you were hoping for a more lush background, fret not. Fort Canning Park has nine historical gardens for you to choose from! Sang Nila Utama Garden is our personal favourite – named after an ancient king of Singapore. It’s a stunning 14th-century palace garden complete with a reflective pool and multiple Javanese split gates.
Both make the perfect backdrop for some stunning photography. And best of all, both locations are open 24 hours a day and are free to visit.
Old Hill Street Police Station
Recommended by Sarah, editor of Dukes Avenue
The Old Hill Police Station has become well-known for being a fantastic spot for photography, thanks to its iconic neo-classical architecture and the 927 brightly coloured windows, and thanks to social media, it is now one of the most Instagram-worthy places in Singapore. This unique building is still in use, and is home to Singapore’s Ministry of Communications and Information. Experiment with shooting both during the day time and in the evening, to see how the lighting can change the whole vibe of the shot.
Little India
Recommended by Lotte of gezondweekmenu.nl
One of the most Instagrammable places in Singapore is Little India. This colourful area is truly a photographer’s delight, and you’ll be snapping pictures non-stop. While you could easily spend a whole day exploring Little India, here are some places of interest that you won’t want to miss:
- The House of Tan Teng Nia: The number one place to visit in Little India is The House of Tan Teng Nia. This beautiful and brightly coloured house was built around 1900 and has been carefully preserved. Fun fact: this colourful house is actually a Chinese structure.
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple: The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is one of the oldest and most important Hindu temples in Singapore. This temple is dedicated to the goddess Kali, who is considered the destroyer of evil. The temple entrance is very colourful and intricate and a beautiful sight to behold. There are so many small details to be found in this artful construction, it’s a great object for some pretty closeup pictures.
- Serangoon Road: along the main road of Little India, you can find many shops, tailors and great restaurants. Browse through the merchandise, snap some pics of the colourful spice towers and grab a paratha or a nice curry.
To get to Little India, simply hop on the Northeast (Purple) Line and disembark at Little India station. If you are looking for a nice boutique hotel, check out the Wanderlust Hotel.
Haji Lane in Kampong Glam
Recommended by Zarina from Miss Travel Clogs
Known world-wide as the cleanest and safest city in the world, the idea of street art in Singapore might be the last thing you’d expect. And yet, dotted all across this vibrant city state, you’ll find the most attractive murals, originally curated by the government in celebration of its 50th anniversary in 2015. One of the best spots to see street art is the fabulous neighbourhood of Kampong Glam. And if you’re after just the perfect backdrop to your Instagram pics, then Haji Lane is your answer! This eyes-catching lane is filled with cute independent shops, bars and restaurants that are painted in striking bright yellow, pink and blue.
You’ll find plenty of gorgeous murals in this street, with the most spectacular one at the very end of Haji Lane painted on the Mexican restaurant Piedra Negra. Here you’ll find a spectacular large street art mural depicting Aztec figures; this really is one of the Instagram hotspots in Haji Lane!
Besides Haji Lane, the whole area of Kampong Glam is actually incredibly photogenic. Being a predominantly Muslim neighbourhood, it is home to the handsome Masjid Sultan Mosque. From Arab Street, you’ll get your perfect Instagram shot with the mosque and its dazzling golden dome in the background.
Another fabulous Instagram location in Kampong Glam is at Muscat Street, where the elegant arch perfectly frames the mosque. This is really one of the most sought-after Instagram locations in Singapore! The best time for doing photography in Kampong Glam is the early morning. It’s a popular area and it can get busier later in the day. Especially since there are various restaurants and bars here that have outdoor seating which makes it more difficult to get a picture of yourself without too many other people in shot.
Colourful Shophouses of Koon Seng Road
Recommended by Greta of Greta’s Travels
If you’re looking for the most picture perfect spots in Singapore, then you have to add the iconic colourful shophouses of Koon Seng Road to your bucket list. Koon Seng Road has become one of those Insta-famous places in Singapore, attracting content creators, photographers and students alike. The houses of Koon Seng Road were built in the 1920s by Perankan Chinese, the first Chinese immigrants to come to Singapore from Malaysia. In the early 90s, they were officially marked for conservation. Some of the houses are still inhabited by families of the first immigrants, but many moved out in the 1950s due gang violence in the area.
It’s a very interesting place to visit, regardless of the photo opportunities. Here you can really see the contrast between new and old Singapore, the cute houses of Koon Seng Road in sharp contrast with modern skyscrapers. To capture the best shots, make sure to visit during the day, when the sun is high. That way you can really capture all the different pastel colours of this unique street in Singapore. Note: it’s important to bear in mind that people live in these houses, and to always act respectfully of other people’s property.
Whilst in the Katong neighbourhood checking out Koon Seng Road, take the opportunity to explore the area as it is one of Singapore’s most hip and liveliest. There are heaps of cool cafes and trendy boutiques worth checking out, particularly down Joo Chiat Road.
You can easily get to Koon Seng Road with public transport. The picturesque street is a short 15-minute walk away from the MRT stations Eunos Stn and Paya Lebar, as well as being serviced by buses 33, 16 and 966.
Jewel Changi Airport
Recommended by Emma of Chasing WOW Moments
The Jewel should absolutely be on your bucket list if you’re looking for Instagrammable places in Singapore. It’s a great photography spot because you will be able to combine luxury and nature, and get such unique photos! The Jewel is a huge shopping mall located in Changi Airport, voted six times Best Airport in the World. Because of this, you can visit the Jewel when you arrive, when you leave, or even on a regular day if you have the time. The airport is situated in the outskirts of the city so it might take you some time to get there, but you don’t need to check-in to the airport to visit the mall.
Singapore is 100% urban, and that is perhaps why Singaporeans seek to integrate nature in their everyday lives. The Jewel is no exception: inside this luxurious shopping mall with over 280 shops and restaurants, you will find an extraordinary canopy forest accompanied by the largest indoor waterfall in the world. Yes, you read that right!
However, that’s not all. Once in the Jewel you can explore the large artificial forest that spreads on five floors, wander around the canopy park, take a walk on the canopy bridge to see everything from above (and take the coolest pictures ever), or even walk on the aptly named sky nets!
The Jewel is technically open 24h/24h, but most attractions, shops, and restaurants operate from 10AM to 10PM (times can vary – you can check specific opening hours as well as pricing here). Luggage isn’t allowed in the forest, but you can leave them at the storage.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Recommended by Sarah, editor of Dukes Avenue
The Singapore Botanic Gardens offer visitors some of the most beautiful scenery of Singapore – and that means it’s also a great location for some Singapore photography. Whilst Singapore can sometimes feel a little fast-paced and jet set, the Singapore Botanic Gardens are a beautiful escape from the outside world. This picturesque oasis also happens to be Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to the lush gardens, tranquil lakes and unfamiliar flowers that you’ll encounter during your visit.
There are plenty of locations throughout the gardens that make the perfect spot for some Instagram-worth photography, however none more so than the National Orchid Garden. Whilst it is free to enter the Singapore Botanic Gardens, there is a small entrance fee to enter the National Orchid Garden – but it’s worth it. There are over 1000 orchid species on display, so you’ll have plenty of options to find the perfect backdrop to your photos.
To get to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, hop on the Circle Line (orange) or Downtown Line (blue) and exit at the Botanic Gardens MRT Station.
Chinatown
Recommended by Sarah, editor of Dukes Avenue
Just like Little India, Chinatown is an area of Singapore that is worth exploring, not just because it is packed with Insta photo opportunities, but because of its historical and cultural significance. In fact, there are parts of Chinatown that have been declared as national heritage sites. Immerse yourself into local life and enjoy discovering all the Chinese influences present both old and new, including historic temples, traditional medicine halls and plenty of quirky shops, bars and street food hawkers.
When it comes to finding Insta-worthy photo spots, be sure to check out the following:
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: anyone interested in the history and art of Buddhism definitely needs to pay the Tooth Relic Temple a visit. Find peace and tranquillity at the temple’s rooftop garden and shoot some beautiful images of the pagoda.
- Sri Mariamman Temple: just a short walk away from the tooth relic temple is the Sri Mariamman Temple – the oldest Hindu Temple in Singapore!
Universal Studios
Recommended by Christina of Travel2Next
Universal Studios has a fun atmosphere and plenty of bright and colourful backdrops to take vibrant Instagram shots of you and your friends having fun. Although photography isn’t allowed while you’re on the rides, the theme park does offer professional photos that you can buy of your hair-raising adventures. As you wander around, look out for incredible backdrops to capture personal Instagram shots for your album. This fun spot in Singapore has seven zones, each centred around a theme and 28 rides.
The most famous photographic spot is outside the Universal Studios at the rotating fountain and globe outside Universal Studios, a famous Singapore landmark. You’ll find plenty of street scenes as you wander around, and keep an eye out for some of the quirky signs and roller coaster shots too. Also, get a picture of Shrek’s Castle and walk around the lagoon, which is the size of 13 Olympic swimming pools.
Take a photo with the animals at Madagascar or the Egyptian gods in the Ancient Egypt section before hopping on the Revenge of the Mummy ride for some thrills on this indoor roller coaster. Besides Ancient Egypt and Madagascar, Jurassic Park fans will love The Lost World. Far Far Away is the themed zone that Shrek’s Castle is in. Other themed zones include: Hollywood, which resembles Hollywood Boulevard in the 1970s and has a replica of the Walk of Fame, New York, with its neon lights, and the futuristic Sci-Fi City.
The Twin Pagoda at the Chinese Garden
Recommended by Jacqueline of Your Travel Flamingo
The Twin Pagodas are a somewhat lesser known Singapore Instagram hotspot, possibly due to the fact that they’ve been closed to the public for the last two years. It was closed due to drawn out renovation plans, but is set to re-open in 2021.
These pagodas are set idyllically, right next to the lake. Interestingly, they both have their own names. In Chinese, one is called Cloud Wrapped Pavilion and the other is called Moon Receiving Tower. They stand at about three stories high, which – if you’re up for it – can be climbed all the way up. Inside, you’ll find a spiral staircase, leading to the top where you’ll have a view of the lake below however the best view is not inside the tower, but from outside.
The pagodas are best viewed during day time, when you can clearly see the vibrant colours and details. To avoid other people and for optimal lighting, visit earlier in the day or late in the afternoon. The best photo spots are either directly in front of either pagodas, on the bridge, or from the side of the lake, capturing both the lake and pagodas in your Instagram photo.
To find the twin pagodas, you must visit the Chinese Garden, which is located in the expansive Jurong Lake Garden Park. This entire area in itself has many photogenic points of interest however for the Twin Pagodas, head straight to the Chinese Garden. You can even simplify your journey by taking the MRT train directly to the Chinese Garden, which is located nearest to the Chinese Garden MRT Station.
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Sarah is a syndicated freelance writer and editor of Dukes Avenue. She founded Dukes Avenue in 2018 as a creative outlet while working at a London hedge fund. What initially started as a small blog has become a widely read luxury lifestyle online publication targeted at the modern woman, with content curated to inspire readers to live their best and most fulfilled lives. Sarah has lived in London, Malta, and, most recently, the United Arab Emirates and uses her travels and experiences to inspire much of the content.
