Top 5 Things to do in Singapore’s Civic District

Against an impressive scenic Singapore skyline, the city state’s Civic District pulsates with passion and stories to be discovered – of national history, art & culture, nature and technology, and much more.

Read on to uncover unique stellar experiences that you won’t want to miss out on the next time you’re in the ‘hood.

Already tempted to visit Singapore and track down the locations where 'Crazy Rich Asians' was filmed? Find out more.

1. FIND YOUR MUSE
Take your pick from over eight museums that showcase various aspects of Singapore.

National Museum of Singapore
From its humble origins as a tropical rainforest island, to its founding and early days, Singapore has undergone immense transformation. The National Museum of Singapore highlights both the struggles of its society as well as the successes and achievement the country enjoys today. A central focus of the museum is also the multicultural, multiracial and multireligious social fabric of Singapore.

Art Science Museum 
Southeast Asia's leading institution is home to 21 galleries spread across 50,000 square feet. The iconic lotus-inspired building has hosted major exhibitions that explore the interrelationship between culture and technology, art and science. Notable past exhibits include those of Leonardo Da Vinci, Salvador Dalí, Andy Warhol, Vincent Van Gogh, cinematic tribute Marvel Studios: Ten Years of Heroes exhibition and Theo Jansen's world-famous moving sculptures -The Strandbeests.

National Gallery Singapore
Housed in two national monuments – City Hall and the former Supreme Court – the National Gallery Singapore oversees Southeast Asia’s largest public collection of modern art through its long-term and special exhibitions. The Gallery also partners with international museums to give voice to Southeast Asian art in a global setting. Additionally, the Keppel Centre for Art Education features a dedicated children’s gallery with family programmes, developed in consultation with art practitioners, to inspire young minds by fostering creativity and an appreciation for the visual arts.

2. TRAILS OF PLEASURE

Discover a different perspective of the country’s history through art when you embark on the Civic District Art Trail. Explore a self-guided journey through art installations that narrate the Singapore story—from depictions of prominent historical figures, such as Sir Stamford Raffles outside Victoria Theatre, to striking 21st-century architectural icons. Along the way, admire works by Singapore’s pioneering sculptors alongside contemporary pieces from global artists. 

Highlights include 20 Tonnes by Singaporean sculptor Han Sai Por, located just in front of the National Museum of Singapore, and Let There Be Peace (2005), a three-metre-tall bronze United Nations Peace Monument for Asia by Romanian artist Alexandra Nechita, also situated on the museum grounds. Further along the Singapore River, sculptures like From Chettiars to Financiers and The First Generation capture the commercial and kampung spirit of Singapore’s past. 
 

3. WORK, PLAY, EAT
Work and play seamlessly coexist in the Central Business District (CBD), just a five-minute ride away. Open spaces and arcades foster social gatherings, while top-notch restaurants and bars cater to discerning palates, providing the perfect setting for business discussions and networking. Linger a little longer after sunset in the Tanjong Pagar, Telok Ayer, or Amoy districts, and you’ll uncover a wealth of gourmet experiences.

Maxwell Food Centre
Tucked into the thick of local hawker surrounds, Lad & Dad stands out with its British comfort offering. From Bangers & Mash to Bacon & Chip Butty, the young owner and his dad cooks and serves hearty meals from the heart.

Amoy Street Food Centre 
When in Singapore, just queue—an unspoken endorsement of good food. This holds especially true at Amoy Street Food Centre. Join the snaking lines at Han Kee Fish Soup, where each bowl is prepared to order using the freshest catch of the day. For a taste of heritage, try Hong Kee Beef Noodle, a Michelin Bib Gourmand recipient with over 50 years of history. 

4. WELLNESS ON THE ROAD
Literally. Run along the scenic Marina Bay, especially at dusk or when night falls, for a breathtakingly surreal experience that is absolutely motivating. Take in the sight and sounds along the Esplanade by the Bay which features live performances by the river on most evenings.

Recommended route: Begin at the Marina Barrage, Singapore’s 15th reservoir, and the first in the heart of the city. Then head towards Marina Bay Sands, Clifford Pier, The Fullerton Hotel, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, the Floating platform just beside before hitting the Helix Bridge, and back towards the Marina Barrage.

5. STARS OF THE NIGHT
Whoever said Singapore had no night scene was just plain ignorant. The island is in fact home to some of Asia’s top bars and night spots with progressive experiences to boot.

Clarke Quay
Brightly lit in gawdy psychedelic fashion, Clarke Quay wields its charm with a vast array of restaurants and bars and a perfectly Instagram-able setting. Savour fresh seafood prepared in a variety of ways at popular seafood chain restaurants; indulge in a piping hot bowl of Japanese ramen tonkatsu broth; opt for freshly brewed beers and well-made Mexican fare, the choices are mind-boggling, as is the experience on-board the junk boats that ply the river, ever ready to share the Singapore River story.

To get more out of the Civic District, we recommend spending a few nights at the Grand Park City Hall, conveniently located just behind the National Gallery Singapore, and minutes from City Hall train station. 

Experience Grand Park City Hall yourself. 

WHERE TO STAY
Grand Park City Hall
10 Coleman Street, South, Singapore 179809, p. (65) 6336 3456, info.gpch@parkhotelgroup.com

• 5 minutes’ walk to National Gallery Singapore
• 5 minutes’ drive to Central Business District
• 10 minutes’ walk to National Museum Singapore and Peranakan Museum
• 10 minutes' drive to Marina Barrage and Gardens by the Bay

Fascinated by what Singapore has to offer? That's not all! Uncover a secret garden, cloud forest and holograms in the garden city.

Photo credits (Top to bottom): donkuok, Afrian Mahardika, Singapore Tourism Board, Christian H