Plan Your Trip
Uncover a plethora of curated guides for anyone to enjoy all that the Civic District has to offer
Take a walk down Civic District, the heart of modern-day Singapore that offers rich history, art and so much more
The Civic District is where modern Singapore and its historical, architectural and cultural heritage began. It was borne of a master plan in 1822 by Sir Stamford Raffles, founder of Singapore. Urban planning at its best, it saw new buildings and sections along the Singapore River carved out to meet the needs of a thriving trade post.
Featuring key government buildings (many lovingly restored to serve as galleries and museums), The Civic District is also home to protected parks, memorial spaces, heritage hotels, and bustling lifestyle and F&B offerings. Even if you only have a few hours to spare, the area is a must-visit to experience the true heart of Singapore, and is easily accessible from City Hall MRT.
The Arts House
Once the old Parliament House, The Arts House has found new life as an arts and creative venue. Catch a slew of literary programmes, exciting exhibitions and performances here, or simply visit it for a stroll within its elegant spaces.
National Gallery Singapore
Explore the largest display of modern Singapore and Southeast Asian art at the National Gallery Singapore, including works from Singaporean artists. Alternatively, personalise your experience at the gallery with a docent-led tour and gain expert insights into art history and architecture.
Victoria Theatre
& Victoria Concert Hall
Follow the sound of music to the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall that was built in 1862 and reopened in July 2014 after a four-year refurbishment. The oldest concert hall in Singapore, the Victoria Concert Hall has also been the home of the SSO since 1980, who have been touching lives through classical music.
Asian Civilisation Museum
Continue the trail on to the Asian Civilisations Museum. Housed in a historical building by the Singapore River, this museum with neo-classical architecture tells stories of Asian civilisations and its rich artistic heritage, including Singaporeans' ancestral cultures.
Esplanade
The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is unmissable for its iconic “durian”-shaped architecture, and is equally well-known for its top-notch arts performances.
Visit Restored Buildings like Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall
The Civic District houses some of Singapore's most historic buildings, lovingly restored and given new leases of life:
Visit the oldest concert hall in Singapore, the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, which was built in 1862 and reopened in July 2014 after a four-year refurbishment.
The Arts House
Right cross it is Singapore's old Parliament House (now The Arts House), built in 1827 for the Court and other Government Offices.
Asian Civilisations Museum
Continue the trail on to the Asian Civilisations Museum. Housed in a historical building by the Singapore River, this museum with neo-classical architecture tells stories of Asian civilisations and its rich artistic heritage, including Singaporeans' ancestral cultures.
National Gallery Singapore
Last but not least, visit the City Hall and former Supreme Court, which were unveiled as the National Gallery Singapore in 2015.
Honour the brave
Over 50,000 people were allegedly killed during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore, from 15 February 1942 to 12 September 1945, and the Civilian War Memorial (also known as 'The Chopsticks') was erected to commemorate these civilian victims. Its four pillars also symbolize the shared suffering of Singapore's main ethnic groups. The memorial was built after graves of civilian war victims were found in several locations around the country in 1962.
Did you know? The Civilian War Memorial is built over a burial chamber that contains these exhumed remains from the mass graves.
Photo Credit: The Singapore Army
Commemorate the end of WWII
The Indian National Army Monument at Esplanade Park was one of the eleven World War II markers erected in 1995 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the end of World War II. Originally a memorial built in 1945 and dedicated to Indian National Army who had fought with the Japanese against the British and Allied Forces in Burma during WWII, it was destroyed right after the Japanese surrender the same year.
Photo Credit: Visit Singapore
Enter the hotel that survived all odds
Raffles Hotel, consisted of only a few bungalows when it first opened in 1887. Truly a hotel that stands the test of time, it has weathered multiple storms… these include the Great Depression when the Sarkies brothers had to file for bankruptcy, and even World War II, where the hotel's staff buried the business's silver supply within the Palm Court to protect it from the Japanese Imperial Army!
Today, it stands proud as a Singaporean icon, with over 100 luxurious suites, as well as an impressive range of world-class restaurants and bars sweeping its grounds. The Raffles Museum also features various exhibits with items dating back to Singapore's colonisation.
Stroll into a church that was also a hospital
Exit the City Hall MRT and you'll spot the gleaming Saint Andrew's Cathedral – Singapore's first and largest Anglican church that retains a Gothic Revival aesthetic in honour of its colonial-era heritage. The original building was demolished in 1855 after being deemed unsafe and damaged beyond repair by lightning strikes. Under Colonel Ronald McPherson's charge (then the Superintendent of convicts), it was rebuilt by Indian convict labourers. Convicts were commonly used as laborers at the time in Singapore (albeit being a practice that was largely criticized by Singaporean society); they helped construct many landmarks across our city-state.
Did you know? Before the Japanese occupation in 1942, the cathedral served as an emergency hospital due to the semi-constant air raids of the island.
Tune in to a self-guided walking tour
If you would like an even more personalised tour, download this audio tour on Voicemap to take you through stories about Singapore's past as you explore the Civic District. Seamlessly weaving you through parts of Singapore's colonial heritage, the tour also includes visiting some historical personalities, and finally ending where modern and colonial Singapore meet.
While the morning away @ Asian Civilisations Museum
Every last Saturday of the month, the Asian Civilisations Museum holds Saturdays@ACM, seeing families spend a full day exploring the wonders of Asian art and folklore.
Enjoy tons of creative, hands-on activities, interactive performances and drama, and storytelling in the museum's galleries! The museum also boasts the ACM Green, a sprawling lawn where you can enjoy sunshine, nature, and a tasty snack –– or simply have your kids socialise and frolic together.
Photo Credit: Asian Civilisations Museum
Run amok at the new outdoor playground @ Jubilee Park
The newest addition to Fort Canning Park, Juibilee Park screams a day of fun for the children. With on obstacle course made of logs, netted structures to bounce on, and meandering slides (and more!), the park promises an entertaining, family-friendly way to spend the weekend (and a great way to wear off kids’ extra energy)!
Photo Credit: Cheekiemonkies
Bask in futuristic nature @ Gardens by the Bay
If the ultramodern gardens in Avatar or Black Panther are your (or your children’s) kind of thing, the closest you can get to that is the Gardens by the Bay in Singapore. Visit the Supertrees (these sometimes sing during their Garden Rhapsody sessions), the Cloud Forest (a green oasis enshrouded in mist) and Flower Dome (the largest glass greenhouse in the world as listed in the 2015 Guinness World Records). Your children can also splash out at the Children’s Garden Water Play area.
Photo Credit: Park Hotel Group
Have an educational playtime @ Keppel Centre for Art Education
Come experience dynamic, immersive spaces that encourage imagination, creativity and self-led exploration at the newly revamped Keppel Centre for Art Education. The Centre also provides a lively line-up of programmes for youth, children and families all year round!
Located on Level 1 of the City Hall Wing at National Gallery Singapore.
Photo Credit: Families for Life
Take a boat ride @ Singapore River
A bumboat ride is always a good idea with the little ones, especially when you’ll be fed little nuggets of history while being treated to unforgettable views of Singapore’s cityscape and architecture as you sail along the quay.
Photo Credit: Siti Rahmanah Mat Daud
End the day with an alfresco dinner / supper @ the Esplanade
There is nothing quite like finishing the day with a dinner by the bay, and while there are options galore, we love Makansutra Gluttons Bay right by Esplanade for a relaxing, casual dining experience. Simply cross the Helix bridge and follow the delicious scents to a bustling, warmly lit eatery.
Photo Credit: Singapore-travel.com
Have a techy day of fun @ Funan
After a morning at the museum, head on over to Funan where there are activities abound for both the young and young at heart! We'd go so far as to call the mall a playground for all ages. Activities include an urban farm on the roof, a ball pit that's also adult-friendly, or if a techy lunch is your heart's desire, head to KopiTech (Funan's version of Kopitiam), where you can opt to pay with Bitcoin and other assorted cryptocurrencies! If you have energy leftover, you can even endeavour to scale the rock-climbing wall that's prominently in the centre of the mall.
Photo Credit: Capitaland
Take upside down / hanging shots @ Marina Square Rooftop Maze
Take one for the gram! The Civic District is full of places that, if you're imaginative enough, can serve as creative backdrops for your social feed. Marina Square isn't just a shopping mall –– head up to the roof and the emergency fire escape route which serves two other purposes - a maze to get lost in, or as a grammable spot as well. Get more ideas for hanging shots from The Smart Local here.
Photo Credit: Cheekiemonkies
Take a glimpse into the future @ ArtScience Museum
If you're on social media, you've probably scrolled past shots of the Future World exhibition at the ArtScience Museum before. Having reopened during Phase 2 with a fresh outlook and a new coat of paint, the digitally-rendered exhibition also features five new digital artworks curated by the art collective teamLab right before March. Been there before? It's time to go again and step into a sanctuary room filled with a flock of birds that respond to a visitor's presence, on top of classic attractions like Crystal Universe and the Light Ball Orchestra.
Photo Credit: teamlab
Skate around Marina Bay
There's something about Marina Bay that attracts skateboarders, skaters and joggers in throngs. Whether it is in the morning, day, evening or night, you wouldn't be alone in your sporty adventure around the bay. Pick up a skateboard, a friend or two, and practise your tricks! It can get crowded though, so be careful to avoid pedestrians.
Photo Credit: Red Bull
End the day with an alfresco dinner / supper @ the Esplanade
There is nothing quite like finishing the day with a dinner by the bay, and while there are options galore, we love Makansutra Gluttons Bay right by Esplanade for a relaxing, casual and affordable dining experience. Simply cross the Helix bridge and follow the delicious scents to a bustling, warmly lit eatery.
Photo Credit: Singapore-travel.com
Unleash Spiderman while rockclimbing @ Funan
Having undergone a massive overhaul, Funan has since been rebranded as a lifestyle mall that offers more than just tech. Now, it even sports a hard-to-miss, giant rock-climbing wall in the middle of the mall. Take a shot with a climb to the top - whether you're a beginner or confident climber, there are rock climbing walls of numerous levels that will challenge you mentally and physically.
Photo Credit: Climb Central
Frolic amongst greenery @ Fort Canning Park
Fancy an escape from the city? Head to Fort Canning Park to find a slice of historic, tranquil greenery. From being a place where Malay royalty once ruled, to where the British surrendered to the invading Japanese during World War II (WWII), even to where music concerts were held on its sprawling lawns, this spot is also particularly popular with joggers, dog walkers and anyone seeking some respite in nature.
Nosh out @ the Civic District's galleries, museums and theatres
You might not usually associate performing or art spaces with food, but the galleries, museums and theatres within the Civic District each house at least one hidden dining gem inside their spaces. Tuck into fusion food at Noosh Halal Noodle Bar & Grill at the Esplanade; enjoy classic Chinese dishes at Empress at Asian Civilisations Museum, which boasts a large el fresco terrace with spectacular views of the Singapore River and CBD skyline; rock out to live music dining at Timbre X @ The Arts House; relish Italian cuisine at Sinfonia Ristorante within the elegant Victoria Concert Hall, and enjoy a tipple or two at Smoke & Mirrors, a cocktail rooftop bar that sits atop National Gallery Singapore.
Photo Credit: Smoke & Mirrors
Gobble down in the food haven @ Suntec City
One of the country's biggest shopping malls and known for its signature inaugural IT fairs, Suntec City is also a food paradise after you're done trawling its five towers (you probably cannot finish all five towers in a day, mind). With over 130 F&B options peppering the mall's grounds, you'll be spoiled for choice no matter your budget and cravings. If you're a fan of Japanese food, we also recommend Eat at Seven, a Japanese food enclave and dining concept that houses seven interesting eateries offering maze-soba, tempura, and even a restaurant that's dedicated to maguro.
Photo Credit: sixmealsperday.com
Enjoy casual dining in a national monument over a century old @ Lau Pa Sat
First built in 1824 as a fish market on the waterfront, Lau Pa Sat (or "Old Market" in Hokkien) was subsequently relocated and rebuilt at the present location in 1894. The signature clock tower crowns the Victorian landmark. Serving up a huge variety of local hawker food and international fare, you won't go wrong with a plate of char kway teow, fried carrot cake, Hokkien mee, laksa, satay… the list goes on!
Photo Credit: uncoverasia.com
Stop anywhere along the Singapore River
Comprised of Robertson Quay, Clarke Quay and Boat Quay, the Singapore River is a bustling precinct lined with trendy restaurants and watering holes. Each quay has a personality of its own: If you're looking for a livelier party hub, Clarke Quay is your best bet. Prefer a quieter, more laidback and romantic spot to hold flowing conversations? Look no further than Robertson Quay and Boat Quay.
Photo Credit: Singapore River
Take a glimpse into the future @ ArtScience Museum
If you’re on social media, you’ve probably scrolled past shots of the Future World exhibition at the ArtScience Museum before. Having reopened during Phase 2 with a fresh outlook and a new coat of paint, the digitally-rendered exhibition also features five new digital artworks curated by the art collective teamLab right before March. Been there before? It’s time to go again and step into a sanctuary room filled with a flock of birds that respond to a visitor’s presence, on top of classic attractions like Crystal Universe and the Light Ball Orchestra.
Photo Credit: teamlab
Dine @ The Esplanade, Chijmes or Air @ National Gallery Singapore
One of the most famous landmarks in Singapore and home to various F&B establishments, Chijmes offers a bright white, classic gothic exterior, paired with an undeniable ambience –– no matter which restaurant you ultimately pop into. Once a convent school and religious chapel, it now houses rows of fine-dining restaurants, boutique shops and bars.
The main chapel (aka Chijmes Hall) can also be privately hired for events, weddings and occasionally stages a live show or performance. The surrounding grounds are great to explore at your own leisure too.
Photo Credit: singaporeguide.com
Catch the Light Show @ Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands
Be enthralled by the light shows at the Gardens (7.45pm and 8.45pm daily) and Marina Bay Sands (8pm and 9pm daily, with an additional show at 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays). If one show isn’t enough, then we’d suggest to catch the 7.45pm light show at the gardens, followed by a short 30-minute stroll to Marina Bay Sands for the 9pm show. It might be helpful to note that the shows do not run during Earth Hour once a year, usually around the end of March.
Evening Stroll @ The Singapore River
Looking for a quiet, laidback and gold spot to hold flowing conversations? Look no further than Robertson Quay and Boat Quay.
Photo Credit: Singapore River
