Once a Catholic convent school in the 19th century, CHIJMES Plaza is now home to many stores, bars and restaurants. Comprising several buildings of different styles, such as an orphanage, a dormitory and a Gothic church, all dating from different times, the square was renamed Plaza de la Juventud in 1990, with the name CHIJMES standing for the acronym of the convent and the bells of the tower clock. Renovated and rebuilt, today's Place de la Praise is a popular dining and nightlife destination.
2. Esplanade
The iconic 60,000-square-meter Performing Arts Center was originally named after the adjacent Esplanade Park, one of Singapore's oldest parks, and is affectionately known as Durian for its spiky exterior. The concept of an arts center began in the 1970s. The Esplanade was designed to be a hub for Singaporeans to appreciate local art, experience different cultures, and be inspired and nurtured by the arts.
Since its opening in 2002, the Esplanade has made a huge difference to the development of the arts in Singapore and has evolved into a bustling center for shopping, dining and entertainment. Performances are staged at the center throughout the year, with a number of free outdoor performances, as well as annual festivals such as Baybeats, da:ns Dance Festival and Chinese Arts Festival.
3. Merlion Park
Visit the magnificent Merlion Tower, Singapore's most recognizable landmark, and admire the mythical half-fish, half-lion creature. The Fishtail Lion Tower combines two of Singapore's most essential elements, with the body of the fish representing the fishing village that existed prior to the development of Singapore, and the head of the lion representing Singapura (the Lion City in Sanskrit). Created by renowned local sculptor Lim Nang Seng, the Fishtail Pagoda was unveiled on September 15, 1972 by then Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew. The iconic structure originally stood at the mouth of the Singapore River before being moved to its current location at Fishtail Park overlooking Marina Bay.
4. Singapore Flyer
Singapore Flyer is the largest observation Ferris wheel in Asia at 165 meters tall. Opened in 2008, the Flyer has become a popular attraction as it is strategically located to offer breathtaking panoramic views of Marina Bay and Singapore. Over the years, the Singapore Flyer has become a distinctive icon in the backdrop of the Marina Bay circuit for the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix.
5. Old Parliament House
The Old Parliament House, now known as The Arts House, is arguably the oldest surviving colonial building in Singapore. The original Parliament House was designed and built in 1826 by architect G.D. Coleman as a neo-Paradisian building. The original Parliament House was designed and built in 1826 by architect G.D. Coleman as a neo-Paradisian building. Listed as a National Monument in 1992, the former Parliament House was transformed into the Old Parliament House Art House in 2003 and has since become a beacon for Singapore's art scene.
6. National Gallery of Singapore
The present-day National Gallery was once home to two national monuments: the former High Court and Government House. Located in the heart of the Civic District, these two buildings have witnessed a number of important milestones in Singapore's history. First built in the 1920s and 1930s, the former High Court and Government House are now Singapore's largest museums, with a large collection of artworks in their historic halls.
7. The Istana
The Istana, originally meaning palace in Malay, is the official residence and office of the President of Singapore. This iconic venue serves as a place for the President to receive and entertain dignitaries, as well as the Prime Minister's Office. Once a nutmeg plantation, it is a haven for flora and fauna amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. The Presidential Palace is only open to the public at certain times of the year, so be sure to plan so you don't miss it.
8. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
Today's Fullerton Hotel Singapore is a five-star hotel, grand and stately, and ideally situated overlooking the Singapore River. But it didn't start out as such an opulent place. Originally built as a fort in 1829, the building became the Singapore General Post Office in 1928. Now a 400-room hotel, the historic building's grand fa?ade is a testament to its history, with an imposing neo-classical fa?ade and an elegant, light-filled atrium.
9. Helix Bridge
Opened in 2010, the Helix Bridge is Singapore's longest curved pedestrian bridge, connecting the Marina Center to the Bayfront Floating District. The unique shape of the bridge is derived from the double helix structure of cellular deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA), representing life and continuity, renewal and growth. Science enthusiasts will be thrilled by the interesting detail of the paired colored letters c and g, and a and t, representing the four bases of DNA, in the bridge structure.
10. Parkview Square
Created by DP Architects and James Adams Design of USA, Parkview Square is inspired by the Art Deco style, which makes it a significant landmark. landmark. With its imposing bronze and glass fa?ade, Parkview Plaza is known locally as the Gotham Building for its distinctive architectural style. It is also aptly called the Gotham Building because of the building's resemblance to Gotham City, the fictional home of the comic book character Batman. The bar in the lobby also features an Art Deco interior, and Atlas, which serves gin, boasts a three-story gin tower in the lobby that houses hundreds of rare and limited-edition drinks.
11. Memorial to the Fallen of the Great War
In the heart of Singapore's central business district stands the Memorial to the Fallen of the Great War, a war memorial honoring the 124 British soldiers killed in World War I and World War II. Unveiled on March 31, 1922, the monument stands in Esplanade Park and bears a poignant inscription on its plinth, "Their Sacrifice Made Our Survival Possible".
12. Marina Bay Sands
Opened in 2011, Marina Bay Sands is now one of Singapore's most bustling and diverse attractions. Here, you can choose to stay at the 55-storey luxury hotel, shop till you drop at The Shoppes, or immerse yourself in the arts and culture at the ArtScience Museum.
Marina Bay Sands' tilting towers and sky-high infinity pools are not only spectacular, they also have some interesting stories behind them. Tower 1 has a 26-degree incline and the two numbers add up to 8, which represents good fortune in Chinese culture and therefore prosperity, while the borderless pool represents the hilltop lake, also a symbol of good fortune.