Categories > Guides and Tips
The Best Architectural Marvels in Singapore to Add to Your Itinerary
Singapore is a modern economic powerhouse, offering endless opportunities for growth and prosperity. Yet, this is just one of the many fascinating facets of its diverse nature.
Today, we’re exploring another compelling aspect of why Singapore is considered a world-renowned destination, inviting visitors from all over the globe.
From creative apartment complexes to well-restored historic landmarks and inventive local attractions, this country is home to a plethora of architectural marvels.
It might as well be dubbed as an architect’s playground because of its innovative spaces, creating a diverse tapestry of architectural styles. Discover what to add to your list of must-visit buildings below!
1. Marina Bay Sands
Website: https://www.marinabaysands.com/
Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
Marina Bay Sands is a world-renowned 5-star destination that has added a unique touch to the Singapore skyline. Its iconic allure is enough to invite you in, captivating visitors with its promise of a world-class experience.
Right off the bat, its boat-shaped building is already impressive. But what commands attention is its overall striking silhouette that’s instantly recognizable, even to first-time visitors.
What adds to its allure is the Art Science Museum just below it, which is another architectural marvel we’ll tackle below.
One doesn’t need to stay the night at this renowned attraction in order to indulge in its offerings.
Aside from staying in the luxurious rooms at Marina Bay Sands, you can also visit its shopping center and dining options, especially if you’re seeking Singapore’s finest.
2. LASALLE College of Arts
Website: https://www.lasalle.edu.sg
Address: 1 McNally St, Singapore 187940
Contact details: +65 6496 5000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 9 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – closed
As if plucked right out of a modernized Diagon Alley from Harry Potter, LASALLE College of Arts’s innovative structure showcases a fascinating, almost whimsical, visual fest.
With the use of geometrical shapes and sleek lines, it manages to create an illusion of dynamic movement, creating an overall unique design where students can feel inspired to learn.
The layout of the campus is also noteworthy with its shared workspaces, multi-functional studios, and exhibition space, providing its students with ample spaces to rouse creativity and passion.
Since this is a school, do note that one can’t gain access to the whole building if they’re not enrolled or part of the faculty. On a positive note, you can freely explore their gallery, amphitheater, and the campus green.
3. Sky Habitat
Media credit: @zphotography.my
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZWZ1DPMRCVeMqmaS7
Address: 7 Bishan St. 15, Singapore 573908
Contact details: +65 6397 5583
If you want to see how some Singaporeans live in style, take a look at the Sky Habitat – a marvelous residential complex that features an innovative design.
It’s definitely a standout structure, redefining what city living is with its interwoven towers joined by stunning sky bridges.
It’s like if an architect were to play Rubik’s cube, but only if the puzzle were made of steel and glass, and the goal is to integrate spaces as seamlessly as possible.
Needless to say, the result is a fascinating blend of functionality, innovation, and creativity.
Speaking of creativity, you can say it’s Singapore’s creative response to its land scarcity, which proves that innovative architectural solutions can result in a beautiful urban landscape without making it look too compressed and overpopulated.
4. ArtScience Museum
Website: https://www.marinabaysands.com/museum.html
Address: 6 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018974
Contact details: +65 6688 8888
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM
ArtScience Museum is another breathtaking design that has painted the Singapore skyline with its unique and alluring presence.
Being located just next to the waters, it’s designed like a lotus flower floating gracefully along the waterfront. Some also say that it looks like a hand, beckoning to visitors with its inviting gesture.
Whatever the ArtScience Museum looks like to you, you can’t deny just how remarkable it is.
Fortunately, unlike the other locations on this list, you can freely explore its spaces and get lost in its halls. And on an even more positive note, the exhibitions are just as fascinating as its architecture.
5. Gardens by the Bay
Website: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
Contact details: +65 6420 6848
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 5 AM to 2 AM
Gardens by the Bay will make you feel like you’ve been transported into a sci-fi movie without fear of robots taking over the world. Alas, it’s just a marvel of modern architecture that Singapore proudly boasts.
This famous attraction houses a 101-hectare nature park, making it known among nature lovers.
Aside from earning a well-deserved name in the world of horticulture, it, of course, also gained awards in architecture, specifically receiving the prestigious title of World Building of the Year in 2012 for the Cloud Dome and the Flower Dome.
It’s the perfect example of how nature is integrated into the world of architecture and technology by showcasing a design similar to an orchid as if flourishing in the midst of the country’s hustle and bustle.
6. Old Hill Street Police Station
Media credit: @travelexjpn
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/RgVjJmeF1bmp1ief6
Address: 140 Hill St, Singapore 179369
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 2 PM to 5:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – closed
Unbeknownst even to a lot of locals, Old Hill Street Police Station is in fact a historical landmark. With neo-classical touches, it certainly stands out in the neighborhood.
However, its old-world charm isn’t the only thing that makes it eye-catching to passersby. In 1999, they painted it in vibrant rainbow colors, adding modern touches while still maintaining its historical allure.
It has even become a vibrant backdrop for a lot of Instagram photos, making it a famous photo spot. It’s even more vibrant at night when the light showcases its radiant colors.
Additionally, the structure is also characterized by its more than 900 windows, so it’s sure to captivate your attention as if inviting you to pull your phone out and snap a picture.
Considering its colorful facade, it’s hard to imagine this being a former police station. That said, its dynamic transformation makes it the perfect home for the Ministry of Information and the Arts.
7. The Hive at Nanyang Technological University
Media credit: @ericssenw
Website: https://www.ntu.edu.sg
Address: 50 Nanyang Ave, Singapore 639798
Contact details: +65 6791 1744
Nanyang Technological University is a prestigious institution in Singapore known for its fantastic academic programs in various fields like technology, engineering, and science.
In the world of architecture and modern cityscapes, however, NTU is known for its Learning Hub South, which is also commonly known as The Hive.
It deviates from the traditional learning set-up of room after room on a seemingly endless hallway.
Instead, it was designed as a space where people can think, innovate, learn, and engage by making it have more sense of openness, transforming the layout ideal for interaction and collaboration.
8. National Gallery Singapore
Media credit: @ alexlululu
Website: https://www.nationalgallery.sg
Address: Singapore 178957
Contact details: +65 6271 7000
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 10 AM to 7 PM
National Gallery Singapore is an art museum with a rich history, tracing its origins to 1929.
It’s a result of the former Supreme Court and City Hall being unified and transformed into a space that maintains its historical elements while incorporating modern touches to enhance its appeal.
This is particularly pleasing, given the emphasis on the preservation of an already striking building.
Our favorite part is the unique roof structure which can be best enjoyed inside the premises. It brings in ample light, illuminating the space gracefully and beautifully.
Additionally, it creates beautiful shadows on the floor, enhancing the aesthetic appeal of the surroundings.
Located in the downtown area, it continues to stand proud as one of the regal buildings that remains a beacon of pride among locals.
9. The Interlace
Media credit: @singaporetoday
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/cV2mvFt1Y4iw4SfL9
Address: 180 Depot Rd, #01-02 The Interlace, Singapore 109684
Contact details: +65 6734 2481
The Interlace is another apartment complex that blessed the Singapore cityscape with its contemporary and innovative design.
To envision its structure, picture thirty-one rectangular blocks stacked together to form a hexagonal formation, creating an expansive open space in the middle.
In order to incorporate a more natural feel despite its modern facade, they’ve also added roof gardens and courtyards, redefining what it means to be an urban jungle.
It’s an architectural marvel of a structure, accommodating a little over 1,000 units, and showcasing seamless design concepts and execution.
But of course, since it’s an apartment building, not everything is accessible to visitors, especially the areas on the top-level floors. However, the security might allow you to look around the lower levels if you ask them.
Nevertheless, we think that admiring it from afar is enough to discover its beauty.
10. Henderson Waves
Media credit: @visit_singapore
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/YTjsReEdYnJFb8Dt9
Henderson Waves is a gorgeous bridge that not only grants easier access from Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park but also promises a scenic route.
As you’ve probably guessed, this ultra-modern structure is designed to mimic waves, creating a flowy illusion, despite the use of Balau wood.
If you can, we recommend lingering in the area until late to see the illuminated beauty of this iconic bridge.
11. Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Media credit: @operationskyshield
Website: https://www.esplanade.com
Address: 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981
Esplanade is an exciting hub that accommodates a plethora of performances in Singapore. ‘The Durian’ is its humorous nickname dubbed by the locals because of its spiky design.
But in contrast to the popular fruit, Esplanade isn’t at least a bit prickly; it offers a welcoming space that fosters a sense of community by providing a space to watch thrilling public performances.
When the Singapore sky is still brimming with light, so is Esplanade, thanks to its glass panels that let ample filtered light seep through.
Being located along the Singapore River, Esplanade also offers an impressive waterfront setting that adds to its allure as a renowned destination.
12. School of the Arts
Media credit @woha_architects
Website: http://www.sota.edu.sg
Address: 1 Zubir Said Dr, Singapore 227968
Contact details: +65 6338 9663
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 8:30 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – closed
School of the Arts is another prestigious school, offering an eye-catching facade that will make you stop on your tracks. Pedestrians making their way to the bustling Dhoby Ghaut station will marvel at its impressive architecture.
Its integration of urban and natural elements in one design is undeniable, but surprisingly, it’s not just an aesthetic choice. In fact, the green facade acts as a filter for glare and dust.
It also ensures that rooms are kept at optimal temperatures for comfort. Additionally, the noise pollution outside is filtered out, ensuring an environment that is conducive to uninterrupted learning in the classrooms.
It’s also designed to invite ample natural light and promote an airy atmosphere, which makes the environment more uplifting and welcoming for staff and students alike.
