Experiencing Singapore with a child – our travel report, from futuristic skylines to green oases

Singapore has fascinated us for many years. We’ve visited this modern metropolis several times before and have always loved the blend of its futuristic skyline, tropical greenery and diverse cultures. This trip, however, was still something special: it was the first time we’d explored Singapore with our son.

We quickly realized how easy it was to explore the city with a child. Whether we took the bus or the MRT, we got everywhere we needed to go. Public transport runs as frequently as every five minutes, is clean, air-conditioned, and surprisingly affordable. Paying is simple: you tap the same credit card on the terminal when boarding and alighting, and the fare is calculated automatically. It's important to use the same card – don't use your phone to board and your physical credit card to exit. Despite taking many trips across the city, we usually only paid around €4 per day.

Singapore never felt stressful. Amidst towering skyscrapers, luxurious shopping malls, and modern attractions, you can always find parks, playgrounds, and green oases. It was precisely this mix that made the city such a special travel destination for the whole family.

Gardens by the Bay – futuristic gardens in the heart of Singapore

Among the absolute highlights of our Singapore trip were the famous "Gardens by the Bay". The huge park is located directly on Marina Bay and offers a fantastic view of the skyline and the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

Gardens by the Bay spans over 100 hectares and impressively combines nature, architecture, and sustainability. Small paths, themed gardens, and tranquil corners are scattered throughout. We found the various sections with Chinese, Indian, and Mediterranean plant life, as well as cacti and desert plants, particularly fascinating.

The park's true landmark, however, is the enormous Supertrees. These structures, reaching up to 50 meters in height, look like artificial trees from a science fiction film. At the same time, they serve practical functions, such as generating energy via solar panels and ventilating the greenhouses. The highlight for our son was the OCBC Skyway. This suspended walkway connects several Supertrees and offers a fantastic view of the Singapore skyline. It's probably not for those with a fear of heights, though.

It's especially beautiful in the evening. That's when the free light and music show "Garden Rhapsody" begins. The Supertrees light up in changing colors to the music, creating a truly special atmosphere. You can find the show times on the official website.

Marina Bay and the Merlion – Singapore's modern landmark

Marina Bay is arguably the most famous place in Singapore. This artificial bay was created through massive land reclamation and now forms the modern heart of the city. Here you'll also find the famous Merlion statue, a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, spouting water into Marina Bay. The lion represents the city's name, "Singapura," while the fish is a reminder of its past as a fishing village. Naturally, the Merlion is one of the city's most popular photo spots.

An impressive skyline rises around Marina Bay. The Marina Bay Sands, with its enormous rooftop terrace, is particularly striking. Especially in the evening, the illuminated skyscrapers are reflected in the water, giving the entire area an almost surreal, modern feel.

Directly in front of Marina Bay Sands, a free light and water show takes place daily. It combines water fountains, laser projections, music, and light effects, using the water as a giant screen. Although the show only lasts about 10 to 15 minutes, it's still very impressive. You can find the show times on the website. official website.

Little India – colorful, loud and full of life

Little India was one of the most exciting neighborhoods in Singapore for us. After the modern skyscrapers, this district felt like a completely different world. Colorful facades shone everywhere, the air was filled with the scent of spices and incense, and music spilled out from many shops. Especially in the evenings, there was a very special atmosphere. Exotic fruits, vegetables, and spices were sold at numerous market stalls. There were also jewelry stores with striking gold pieces, small mobile phone and electronics shops, and henna tattoo vendors everywhere. We were also lucky enough to be in Singapore during the Diwali festival of lights. As a result, the streets were elaborately decorated, with strings of lights and colorful arches hanging above them. The neighborhood looked particularly beautiful after sunset.

A real highlight was the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. This colorful Hindu temple is one of the oldest in Singapore and is particularly impressive for its detailed figures and towers.

Masjid Sultan – the golden mosque of Kampong Glam

Nestled in the heart of the historic Kampong Glam district, along the renowned Haji Lane, stands the impressive Sultan Mosque. Its large golden dome is visible from afar, looking particularly stunning in the sunlight. Built in 1824, the mosque continues to hold immense religious and historical significance for Singapore's Muslim community. The area surrounding the mosque is filled with numerous small cafes, restaurants, and boutiques. Overall, Kampong Glam has a much more relaxed atmosphere than the city's major shopping districts.

Marine Cove – a relaxing family outing by the sea

Marine Cove in East Coast Park was the perfect change of pace from traditional sightseeing. The large, modern playground right by the sea offered plenty of space for climbing, running around, and playing. We especially loved the relaxed atmosphere. It was a popular spot for locals to jog, cycle, or picnic. This gave us a glimpse into everyday life in Singapore. There are several restaurants and cafes right by Marine Cove, and thanks to its waterfront location, there was always a gentle breeze. It's a really pleasant place, especially with children.

The famous Peranakan Houses

The colorful Peranakan houses have become some of the most popular photo subjects in Singapore. They are located in the Katong and Joo Chiat districts, somewhat off the beaten tourist track.

The narrow, two-story houses immediately catch the eye with their pastel-colored facades, artistic tiles, and intricate decorations. Almost every house is unique, and the closer you look, the more small details you discover. Historically, these houses were built by the Peranakan, Chinese immigrants who married Malay women. Over many generations, this fostered a distinct culture with Chinese, Malay, and European influences. Today, many houses are still inhabited, while others house small cafes or shops. Koon Seng Road is particularly perfect for photography in the morning or late afternoon.

National Museum of Singapore – surprisingly exciting, even with a child

The National Museum of Singapore was much more interesting than expected. It's the oldest museum in the country and presents Singapore's development in an outstanding way. Added to that is the successful blend of a historic building and modern interior design.

The exhibition traces the history from pre-colonial times through British rule and World War II to Malaysia's independence. The modern, multimedia presentation made the history very tangible. Our son also enjoyed it, as there were numerous hands-on exhibits and interactive areas. History didn't feel dry or boring here.

We also found the newer topics, such as land reclamation, sustainability, immigration, and future development, particularly interesting. During the tour, you answer questions and at the end receive an evaluation indicating what kind of "personality type" you are.

Old Hill Street Police Station – one of the city's most photogenic buildings

The Old Hill Street Police Station is definitely one of Singapore's most striking buildings. Its facade, with its 927 colorful shutters, is particularly famous. The building dates back to the British colonial era and was constructed in 1934. Formerly a police station and accommodation for officers, it now houses various government ministries. While the Old Hill Street Police Station is more of a quick photo stop than a major tourist attraction, its colorful rows of shutters make it a popular subject for Instagram and travel blogs.

Sky Garden at CapitaSpring – free viewpoint overlooking Singapore

The Sky Garden in the modern CapitaSpring skyscraper was a real hidden gem for us. While many visitors head to expensive observation decks, here you can enjoy fantastic views of Singapore for free. Located on the 51st floor of the skyscraper, completed in 2021, the garden combines lush greenery with spectacular views of Marina Bay and the city skyline. The view is particularly impressive on a clear day or just before sunset. The atmosphere was noticeably more tranquil than at the city's well-known viewpoints. Thanks to its pathways, seating areas, and abundance of plants, the Sky Garden feels more like a green oasis in the heart of the financial district.

Important to know: Admission is free, however, there is a Online reservation Required. Time slots are released daily from 8:30 a.m. Singapore time, 14 days in advance. Evening slots, in particular, often book up quickly. The following time slots are available:

• 8:30–10:30 a.m.
• 2:30 PM – 5:30 PM
• 6:00 PM–10:00 PM

Last entry is at 10:00 AM, 5:00 PM, and 9:30 PM. Children under 6 do not need their own reservation but must be accompanied by an adult. With our reservation, we were able to check in easily on-site and go up without a long wait. Compared to the well-known, paid observation decks, everything here felt much more relaxed.

Singapore Botanic Gardens – a green oasis in the heart of a metropolis

The Singapore Botanic Gardens are among the city's most famous and beautiful parks. Nestled amidst skyscrapers and densely built streets, they form a vast green oasis, perfect for a relaxing break from sightseeing. Particularly noteworthy is their UNESCO World Heritage status, making them one of the few tropical gardens worldwide to receive this distinction. Despite being located slightly outside the city center, the Botanic Gardens are easily accessible and ideal for a few tranquil hours in Singapore.

The expansive park offers countless paths, green spaces, small lakes, and various themed areas. We found the park particularly pleasant with a child, as you can simply wander around without a fixed plan. There's something to discover everywhere, and at the same time, the park offers plenty of space to play or take a short break. The atmosphere was surprisingly relaxed and significantly less touristy than at many other attractions in Singapore. We met many locals jogging, picnicking, or simply relaxing in the greenery.

We particularly enjoyed the tropical plant landscapes with their tall palm trees and manicured lawns, as well as the small lakes where swans and turtles roamed. The many shady areas made the heat much more bearable than in the city center among the skyscrapers. The most famous attraction within the grounds is the National Orchid Garden, which requires an entrance fee and boasts countless orchid species. However, we deliberately skipped this area, preferring instead to stroll leisurely through the freely accessible sections. This was perfectly sufficient for us and, to be honest, even more pleasant.

There are plenty of photo opportunities throughout the park: tropical plants, small bridges, tranquil lakes, and beautiful vistas amidst the greenery. We also found it convenient that the main garden is free to enter. Only certain areas, like the orchid garden, require an additional fee. This makes the Botanical Garden perfect for a flexible itinerary without time constraints.

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