Singapore is one of the most developed metropolitans in the world and is frequented by tourists from all over the world. Although geographically tiny, it has many nooks, crannies and hidden gems that you can't reach on a vehicle. The best way to get the best out of the Lion City is on foot! If you're looking for a unique way to experience life and the essence of the Garden City, walking in Singapore is your best bet. It is the cheapest way to go about, and you have the luxury of time as well. Another advantage of walking tours in Singapore is that you get to burn some calories while you're at it so that you can be guilt-free!
We've put together the 20 best walking tours in Singapore to have an unforgettable vacation, so take your pick and explore this beautiful city in all its glory.
We've put together the 20 best walking tours in Singapore to have an unforgettable vacation, so take your pick and explore this beautiful city in all its glory.
1. City Orientation Tour
This is a great starters' tour if you have some time to spare. This walking tour in Singapore covers popular tourist spots, shopping areas and culturally significant places as well. Glance through this multicultural land as you spy the first landing spot of Raffles, who founded the modern city of Singapore, learn the history of Chinese in Singapore in the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, go shopping in Smith Street and the Riverside, visit Buddhist and Hindu shrines, appreciate the stunning architecture of Esplanade Theatre, the Cavenagh Bridge, the Merlion statue and UOB Plaza, and finish with a magnificent view of the entire island from the Singapore Flyer - a larger-than-life Ferris wheel!
Time required: 4 hours
Approximate distance: 5 kilometres
Operating hours: All the attractions are open by 11:00 AM
Offered by: GPSMyCity
Price: Free, excluding entry charges. Entry fees may range from SGD 40 - 100
Type: Self-guided walking tour
Starting point: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Ending point: Singapore Flyer
Locations covered: In this tour, you can explore most of the main spots that make Singapore distinctively diverse, including Smith Street, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Eu Yan Sang Medical Hall, Thian Hock Keng Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown. As you exit the area, visit UOB Plaza, Boat Quay, Cavenagh Bridge and go shopping at Riverside and Esplanade. Get a glimpse of the history of Singapore at Merlion Park and the Raffles' Landing Site, and finally view the Lion City from the top of Singapore Flyer!
2. Chinatown Walking Tour
Chinatown in Singapore is one of the most famous locations and is a must-visit to experience the local culture. Filled with people of Chinese and Indian descent, the confluence of customs and traditions is stimulating to see. This walking tour in Singapore lets you visit a Hindu temple, a mosque and a Buddhist temple too. Go shopping at Smith Street and drink some traditional Chinese tea. The Heritage Centre also has authentic shops and stores, where you can buy souvenirs and exotic Chinese herbs. The medical centre is famous for herbal treatment as well. Finish your trip by offering prayers at the temples!
Time required: 1 hour
Approximate distance: 1.5 kilometres
Operating hours: All the attractions are open by 11:00 AM
Offered by: GPSMyCity
Price: Free
Type: Self-guided tour
Starting point: Smith Street
Ending point: Thian Hock Keng Temple
Locations covered: Explore all the nooks and crannies of Chinatown, right from Smith Street, Chinatown Heritage Centre and Eu Yan Sang Medical Hall, to Thian Hock Keng Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Jamae Mosque and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
3. Art Galleries Walking Tour
This walking tour in Singapore is a must-visit for art enthusiasts as it gives you a truly immersive experience of different art forms and techniques. From three-dimensional illusions at Art-2, contemporary artwork, sculptures and ceramics at Artfolio, interactive art events at Arts House and internationally acclaimed art pieces at the Singapore Art Museum, this trial reinforces the belief that Singapore offers a unique melting pot for artists of different perspectives and orientations. You can sketch some of the works on display too! Bring out your creative side and take this tour, to view the world as an artist would.
Time required: 1 hour
Approximate distance: 2 kilometres
Operating hours: All the attractions are open by 11:00 AM
Offered by: GPSMyCity
Price: Free, excluding entry fees. Including the fees, the trip may cost you between SGD 50 - 100
Type: Self-guided tour
Starting point: Cape of Good Hope Art Gallery
Ending point: Singapore Art Museum
Locations covered: Treat your senses to masterful art pieces, at Art-2 Gallery, Cape of Good Hope Art Gallery, Arts House, Artfolio Gallery and the Singapore Art Museum.
4. World War II Remembrance Tour - War Trails
Walking in Singapore is incomplete without visiting the memorials erected in remembrance of the Singaporean heroes during World War II. The World War II Remembrance Tour takes you down the years, and through history as it explores the contributions and the horrors of Singapore during World War II. It is sanctified to the memory of the lives lost during those years. The researcher-guides are well-informed and knowledgeable about the strategies, techniques and propaganda used by the countries during the war, and they give you a comprehensive picture of Singapore and its role in WWII. You can hear stories of war, sacrifice and hope, and pay homage to the victims of war. As you pass through Changi, which was an erstwhile prisoner-of-war camp during the war, be filled with hope and contemplation as you visit the Cenotaph war memorial. This is truly a trip which makes you appreciate the value of life, and puts things into perspective!
Time required: 4 hours
Operating hours: 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM on Wednesday, 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM on Saturday
Offered by: The Original Singapore Walks, in association with the Changi Museum
Price: SGD 58 (adult), SGD 30 (child), inclusive of water and snacks
Type: Guided tour, with motor-coach facilities
Starting point: Pasir Ris MRT Station
Ending point: Cenotaph
Locations covered: Walk down memory lane, and go back in time as you visit the Changi Prison, Changi Chapel and the Selarang Barracks. Experience war as you walk along Changi Beach, Kranji War Memorial, Johore Battery and pay your respects at the Singapore Cenotaph.
5. Southern Ridges Tour
This walking tour in Singapore, offered by the National Parks Board, gives you a close and personal view of the unique endemic diversity of the Little Red Dot. This tour is perfect for families, as you can enjoy the exotic flora and fauna of the tropical island, and teach your children too! Specially curated nature trails bring you closer to the sanctuary, and animals like elephants, tropical birds and many more!
Time required: 2 hours
Approximate distance: 2.5 kilometres
Operating hours: 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM, seasonally
Offered by: National Parks Board of Singapore
Price: Free
Type: Guided walking tour
Starting point: Entrance of Henderson Waves, at Mount Faber Park Side
Locations covered: Become one with nature as you explore the Forest Walk, Henderson Waves, the Singing Forest of Singapore and the Sembcorp Forests of the Giants!
6. Journeys to Hell Tour
This interesting tour is sure to raise brows - it explores death in all its glory! This walking tour in Singapore explores the many exploits of Aw Boon Haw, the millionaire credited with the creation of the 'Tiger Balm' ointment, which is now world-popular. An eccentric philanthropist, his family is steeped in mystery as members died in secrecy, and Boon Haw took many measures of the occult to save himself. Today, his mansion is open to the public and has many interesting segments to it that will make you question life and death. Explore the rich culture of many regions and the myths associated with death and life in this tour. This is something that will make you say, "Hell yes"!
Time required: 2 hours
Operating hours: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM on Friday
Offered by: The Original Singapore Walks
Price: SGD 18 (adult), SGD 9 (child)
Type: Guided walking tour
Starting point: Haw Par Villa MRT Station
Ending point: Haw Par Villa
Locations covered: Get ready to be spooked as you take the Haw Par Villa tour, visiting the Ten Courts of Hell, the King of Ghosts, Hell's Museum and the Aw Family Memorials!
7. Gems of Kampong Glam - Malay Royalty Tour
While walking in Singapore, watch the transition of the Lion City from a seat of Malay royalty to the present hipster hub, at Kampong Glam! Visit the erstwhile royal palace - the Istana, which has now been modified into the Malay Heritage Centre, and learn the fascinating history of Singapore's rulers. Go to the most photographed mosque in Singapore - the Sultan Mosque, and take a few pictures for the 'gram. Next, walk into Haji Lane, the seat of modern hipsters in Singapore, where you can spot trendy street art and cafés. Finally, walk into Arab Lane where you can shop for Middle-Eastern delicacies and fragrances!
Time required: 3 hours
Approximate distance: 5 kilometres
Operating hours: 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Offered by: Viator Inc.
Price: USD 50 per person. Free for kids below six years.
Type: Guided walking tour
Starting point: Bugis MRT Station
Ending point: Arab Street
Locations covered: Step into royalty and regal elegance at the Old Istana Kampong Glam, Sultan Mosque and Haji Lane, and finish off by shopping at Arab Street!
8. Singapore Colonial District Cultural Walking Tour
Time required: 2 hours
Approximate distance: 3.3 kilometres
Operating hours: The attractions are all open by 10:00 AM
Offered by: GPSMyCity
Price: Free, excluding entry fees
Type: Self-guided tour
Starting point: Asian Civilizations Museum
Ending point: Civilian War Memorial
Locations covered: Immerse yourself into the exquisite culture of Singapore, by visiting the Asian Civilizations Museum, the Peranakan Museum, Civilian War Memorial, Raffles Hotel Historical Building, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, Singapore Philatelic Museum, the Arts House, National Museum of Singapore and the Singapore Art Museum.
9. Singapore Landmarks Walking Tour
This is a quick tour you can take to cover the best of the best, at a minimal rate. First off, get a birds' eye view of the city on the Singapore Flyer, one of the world's largest Ferris wheels. You can spot Malaysia and Indonesia from the top of this 160-metre cabin! Next, go and catch a special show at Esplanade Theatre, then take pictures near the Merlion Statue. Finish your walking tour in Singapore with a visit to the Civilian War Memorial and pay your respects, after which you can cross the stunning Cavenagh Bridge built over Singapore River. Try to spot the interesting sculpture installations nearby. Walk over to the astonishingly tall UOB Plaza, one of the tallest skyscrapers in Singapore, and brunch at the rooftop restaurant.
Time required: 2 hours
Approximate distance: 3 kilometres
Operating hours: All the attractions are open by 11:00 AM
Offered by: GPSMyCity
Price: Free, excluding entry charges. Entry fees may cost you between SGD 50 - 150
Type: Self-guided walking tour
Starting point: Singapore Flyer
Ending point: UOB PlazaW
Locations covered: From the dizzying heights of the Singapore Flyer, the stunning shows at the Esplanade Theatre, the views from Merlion Park, Cavenagh Bridge and UOB Plaza, and the vibrant history of the Civilian War Memorial, this trip covers the must-visit sites of the Garden City!
10. All-in-One Tour
This is one of the unique walking tours in Singapore, as it gives you a very personal experience of the Garden City. Promising to take you to the 'real' Singapore, this tour has you interacting with the locals, giving you a slice of Singaporean history and culture, sampling food from different cuisines, taking a cruise on the Singapore river, watching the stunning buildings at the Business District, going shopping in Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar and finally ending it on the Singapore Flyer. You are bound to make some friends here as well, as the guides are enthusiastic and full of life!
Time required: 5 hours
Operating hours: 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM, on Monday and Saturday
Offered by: Sneakpeek Singapore
Price: This is a pay-as-you-wish tour, but a minimum of SGD 22 per person is recommended
Type: Guided walking tour
Starting point: Asian Civilisations Museum
Ending point: Singapore Flyer
Locations covered: Visit multiple districts of Singapore - not just the popular ones, to get a hands-on experience of the island! Taste the local snacks, dessert and exotic fruit of Singapore, visit the Central Business District and Chinatown, and lounge in between as well. Take the Singapore River Tour, walk into Tanjong Pagar and finally watch the island from the top of the iconic Singapore Flyer!
11. Singapore Souvenir Shopping Tour
This tour is all you will need to finish your souvenir shopping at one go! If money crunches are your worry, this walking tour in Singapore is perfect for you. It takes you through the best shopping spots in Little India and Chinatown, where you can shop to your heart's content, and choose from the best, distinctive gifts to give away. Be careful while in these areas though, as hawkers may deceive you. It is better to go as a group here.
Time required: 3 hours
Approximate distance: 6 kilometres
Operating hours: No restrictions
Offered by: GPSMyCity
Price: Free
Type: Self-guided tour
Starting point: Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Ending point: Mustafa Shopping Centre
Locations covered: Souvenir shopping has never been easier! Choose from a wide range of items at distinct shops as you go walking in Singapore - Ya Kun Kaya Toast for traditional coconut jam, Chinatown Heritage Centre for souvenirs and statuettes, Mustafa Shopping Centre for snacks and chocolate, Jamal Kazura Aromatics for custom perfumes and fragrances, RISIS Gift Gallery for Risis orchid gifts, Arab Street for textiles, and Singapore Handicrafts Centre for traditional crafts and musical instruments
12. Little India Walking Tour - Dhobis, Saris and a Spot of Curry
Experience the aura of India in Singapore, as you walk into Little India! Become part of the exotic East as you try on traditional Indian clothes, wear sweet-smelling flower garlands and munch on the Indian version of chewing gum - Paan! Visit a Hindu temple and learn about the unique customs and beliefs, and become a true 'Desi'!
Time required: 2.5 hours
Operating hours: 9:30 AM - 12:00 noon on Tuesday
Offered by: The Original Singapore Walks
Price: SGD 38 (adult), SGD 18 (child)
Type: Guided walking tour
Starting point: Little India MRT Station
Ending point: Little India MRT Station
Locations covered: In this special tour of Little India, try special Indian food and go shopping for spices at Tekka Wet Market, eat Paan and try wearing garlands and Saris at Little India Arcade, dine at an Indian Restaurant, take pictures of the stunning street art and finally pray at Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.
13. The Time of Empire Tour - Colonial District Walk
This walking trail in Singapore gives you a charming insight into the colonial past of the city - from the European settlements to the special architectural marvels of the past. As you pass by the oldest churches in the city, stop to admire the landscape nearby - it is stunning indeed. Gaze with wonder at the structures which have stark European influences, and learn about the history of Singapore's distinct cocktail - the Singapore Sling!
Time required: 2.5 hours
Approximate distance: 3 kilometres
Operating hours: 9:30 AM - 12:00 noon, every Monday
Offered by: Original Singapore Walks
Price: SGD 38 (adult), SGD 18 (child)
Type: Guided walking tour
Starting point: City Hall MRT Station
Ending point: CHIJMES
Locations covered: Stroll into St Andrew's Cathedral, Coleman Street, the oldest church in Singapore - the Armenian Church and visit the CHIJMES Building and National Gallery as well. Finish your tour with a panoramic view of the Colonial district from the Supreme Court Viewing Deck.
14. Learning Forests Tour
Everyone can learn at the Learning Forest tour, which aims to educate all members of the family about different tropical ecosystems and conservation in a super fun way. As you go walking in Singapore through wetlands and tropical forests, your guide will teach you the importance and specialities of vegetation, and the exceptional biodiversity of the tropics. If you're lucky, you can spot some tropical birds as well - keep your ears open for distinctive bird calls!
Time required: 1 hour
Approximate distance: 1.5 kilometres
Operating hours: 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM, every second and fourth Saturday
Offered by: National Parks Board of Singapore
Price: Free
Type: Guided walking tour
Starting point: Singapore Botanical Gardens
Ending point: Singapore Botanical GardensLocations covered: Let the adventurer in you come to life with a walk through the freshwater forests, the lowland rainforest, the Keppel Discovery Wetlands and the SPH Walk of Giants.
15. Geylang Entertainment Tour
This walking tour in Singapore is for the eccentric adventurer! For an all-too-authentic experience of local Singapore nightlife, head over to Geylang Road, and walk its streets. Every other street has a red light establishment, while the rest of the streets are packed with themed restaurants and karaoke bars which are less expensive than the ones on Marina Bay Sands. Drop into the market and haggle your way to buy some souvenirs and spices for loved ones, and experience this one-of-a-kind Singapore!
Time required: 2 hours
Approximate distance: 3.5 kilometres
Operating hours: No restrictions - this is a self-guided tour
Offered by: GPSMyCity
Price: Free
Type: Self-guided walking tour
Starting point: Sims Way
Ending point: Jalan Dur
Locations covered: Have the time of your life and a night you'll never forget by walking into the many restaurants, bars, karaoke lounges and nightclubs in the area. Stroll into the Geylang Serai Market and Malay Village to shop for handicrafts and souvenirs, as you get an authentic experience of the Singapore nightlife!
16. 7 Wonders of Singapore Tour
This fun walking tour in Singapore takes you through the unofficial seven wonders of the Lion City, starting right from the airports in Singapore! Ranked as one of the best airports in the world, Changi Airport delights tourists from the minute they step foot in the country. Opt for a taxi or bus to the city and head over to the Gardens by the Bay, where you can be part of the dense forest itself, with your head in the clouds (literally!). In the Singapore Flyer, you can get a birds' eye view of the entire island and spy Indonesia and Malaysia as well. Shop to your heart's content in Marina Bay Sands and Orchard Road, and click pictures in front of the iconic Merlion. Catch a special show at the Esplanade, and drink in the wonders of the Lion City on this simple tour!
Time required: 4 hours (including the drive from Changi Airport)
Approximate distance: 25 kilometres
Operating hours: No restrictions, but start your day in the morning so that you have enough time to cover all locations
Offered by: GPSMyCity
Price: Free, excluding entry tickets which may cost you SGD 50-60 per person
Type: Self-guided walking tour, excluding the drive from Changi Airport
Starting point: Changi Airport
Ending point: Gardens by the Bay
Locations covered: Right from Changi Airport, cover the informal wonders of Singapore as you explore Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Flyer, Esplanade Theatres, the Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands and Orchard Road!
17. Heritage Food Tour
This walking tour is every foodie's dream come true! Singapore is known for its extensive cuisine which caters to everyone's taste palette. From Chinese, Thai, Malay, Peranakan, Indian, Japanese and continental cuisine, there are a million options to choose from. Sample the best meals that the Lion City has to offer by embarking on this food tour in Singapore, where a local guide gives you insider's tips on where to get the best food - from street food stalls to fancy restaurants/ You don't need to feel guilty about the calories too - walk them away!
Time required: 3.5 hours
Operating hours: 9:15 AM - 1:00 PM
Offered by: Viator Inc.
Price: USD 125 per adult. Hotel pickup is offered, and food tasting is included.
Type: Private guided food tour
Starting point: Your hotel lobby - pickup is offered
Ending point: Your hotel lobby - drop off is also offered
Locations covered: Go food tasting at Geylang Serai Market, Joo Chiat, Katong, and Malay Market and Food Centre. Try the Roti Prata (Indian), Thosai (Indian), The Tarik (Malay), Peranakan and Chinese dishes including Laksa, Ondeh-Ondeh and Popiah, and pick the best one!
18. Singapore Museums Walking Tour
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History has never been this interesting! Take the Singapore Museums Walking tour to get a hefty yet delicious serving of history on your platter. From the archaeological and legislative history of Singapore to a mighty Peranakan bed where the Queen of Penang delivered seven children, to stunning paintings and sculptures to expensive, rare stamps, and from the Hundred Dragons Hall at the Buddha Temple to technological marvels in Red Dot, this tour caters to everybody's interests! Who said history can't be fun? This is a great family trip to educate your children as well.
Time required: 3 hours
Approximate distance: 4 kilometres
Operating hours: All the museums are open by 11:00 AM
Offered by: GPSMyCity
Price: Free, excluding entry fees. The entry fee can range between SGD 50 - 100
Type: Self-guided walking tour
Starting point: Red Dot Design Museum
Ending point: Singapore Art Museum
Locations covered: Learn as you walk, by visiting the Red Dot Design Museum, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Singapore Philatelic Museum, Peranakan Museum, National Museum of Singapore, Asian Civilizations Museum, Chinatown Heritage Centre, and the Singapore Art Museum.
19. Local Flavours Tour
This walking tour gives you the local flavours of Singapore, both literally and metaphorically! Visit Chinatown and Little India to get an authentic and unhindered experience of local culture, and taste their delicacies as well. From temples, markets and old coffee houses, the Local Flavours Tour gives you a whiff of the exotic cultures of the East. At the wet market, go shopping for fruit, vegetables and seafood, and eat at the local restaurants. If you're too short of time to visit the two locations separately on different tours, this walking tour in Singapore is your best bet.
Time required: 3 hours
Approximate distance: 4 kilometres
Operating hours: 9:00 AM - 12:00 noon
Offered by: Viator Inc.
Price: USD 75 per person
Type: Guided walking tour
Starting point: Buffalo Tours Singapore
Ending point: Little India MRT Station
Locations covered: This tour is priced inclusive of food tasting and a one-way MRT ticket as well. Visit the Wet market, a local coffee house, Chinatown and Little India to discover Singapore's local flavours!
20. Marina Bay Walking Tour
This is an easy, relaxed walking in Singapore which involves strolling around the main city area. Marina Bay is one of the poshest areas of Singapore where tourists throng. The views from here are beautiful, as you can spy the Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Eye on the horizon. The waterfront is stunning as well. Shop till you drop at the malls in the area, and walk across the Helix, the world's first curved double helix bridge. If you're feeling up to it, you can hire a river taxi as well!
Time required: 3 hours
Approximate distance: 3.3 kilometres
Operating hours: The attractions will all be open by 11:00 AM.
Offered by: GPSMyCity
Price: Free
Type: Self-guided walking tour
Starting point: Suntec City Mall
Ending point: Bayfront Bridge
Locations covered: Starting from Suntec City Mall, cover the most modern buildings of Singapore including the Helix Bridge, Marina Square, Raffles City Shopping Centre and Esplanade - Theatres by the Bay.
Things to Keep in Mind While Walking in Singapore
- Stay hydrated! Take along a bottle of water to make sure that you don't get tired. Some tours offer complimentary water.
- Some locations in Singapore impose dress codes on visitors, so dress appropriately. Speak to the tour guide or call the location beforehand, so that you don't violate dress codes.
- Take sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat and an umbrella to keep your skin safe from sun damage!
- Wear comfortable footwear as the tours clearly involve a lot of walking. The last thing you would want is to walk miles and miles in uncomfortable footwear.
- While on guided tours, look out for guides who are certified by the Singapore Tourism Board - you can be assured that you won't be scammed by them.
- Stick to your group if you're part of a guided group tour, and get the contact details of the guide.
- In case you are opting for nature walking tour in Singapore, stock up on mosquito repellant as well.
Singapore is a city best explored on foot. Explore the city on your own terms, with these options. Walking tours are super economical as well. Burn some calories, get into a healthy walking routine and enjoy a guilt-free vacation! Is Singapore on your bucket list? Be it for a simple, romantic date or a family-time walk, share this with your loved ones in Facebook and Instagram, and make plans now! Walk the talk in Singapore!