City: Colonial District/Civic District
Top Things to do in Colonial District/Civic District
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10 Things to do in Colonial District/Civic District That You Shouldn't Miss
The Singapore cityscape looks like it was ripped from the pages of a science fiction comic book. If you’re hungry for a true Singapore experience, sample the myriad street foods or take a cultural cooking class. The Botanic Gardens and the Gardens By the Bay offer a slice of horticultural heaven, and the observation deck of the Sands SkyPark makes you feel like you’re high above the clouds. The banks and walkways along the Singapore River bustle with local activity.
Restaurants in Singapore
1. Battlebox
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,477 reviews
A former underground command centre in Fort Canning Hill, the Battlebox was part of the Malaya Command Headquarters during World War II. It was here that Lt-Gen Percival made the fateful decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942. Journey back in time to 1942 and discover the true causes of the Fall of Singapore and learn how an underground command centre functioned during the war.
Reviewed By RNoonan - Calgary, Canada
February 15, 1942 was the fateful day that British Officers surrendered Singapore to the invading Japanese Armed forces. The Battle Box complex located in Fort Canning Park was part of the British Command Headquarters during World War II and provides a very real reenactment of the events that lead up to and during that fateful day. The guide we had was very knowledgeable and provided insight and commentary on the invasion of both Malaya and Singapore. Well worth taking in for both history buffs and those wishing to be better informed on the tragic events that occurred in Singapore during that period.
2. Asian Civilisations Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,193 reviews
The Asian Civilisations Museum is devoted to exploring the rich artistic heritage of Asia, especially the ancestral cultures of Singaporeans. Founded in 1993 and in its present building by the Singapore River since 2003, the museum traces its roots to the Raffles Museum, founded in the middle of the 19th century. ACM focuses on the many historical connections between the cultures of Asia, and between Asia and the world. Singapore’s history as a port city that brought people together from all over the world is used as a means of examining the history of Asia. Special exhibitions bring magnificent objects from around the world to our Singapore audience. Programmes like the annual River Nights encourage visitors to connect more closely with culture and the arts.
Reviewed By CatLadyPride
I walked past this place on my way to Marina Bay and got curious. I was not disappointed! The shipwreck exhibition is fascinating, as is the one of ink paintings. I also enjoyed the history of religion in Singapore and the trade in Singapore. There was a free guided tour with a museum volunteer, who was just so delightfully, endearingly enthusiastic about everything. Really great visit, would wholeheartedly recommend.
3. Esplanade Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 436 reviews
Reviewed By CathyGri - Newark-on-Trent, United Kingdom
Well worth a visit and a good location to view the nightly fountains and laser light show from in front of Marina Bay Sands hotel.
4. National Museum of Singapore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,817 reviews
With a history dating back to its inception in 1887, the National Museum of Singapore is the nation's oldest museum with a progressive mind. Its galleries adopt cutting-edge and multi-perspective ways of presenting history and culture to redefine conventional museum experience. A cultural and architectural landmark in Singapore, the Museum hosts innovative festivals and events all year round-the dynamic Night Festival, visually arresting art installations, as well as amazing performances and film screenings-in addition to presenting thought-provoking exhibitions involving critically important collections of artefacts. The programming is supported by a wide range of facilities and services including F&B, retail and a Resource Centre. The National Museum of Singapore re-opened in December 2006 after a three-year redevelopment, and celebrated its 125th anniversary in 2012. The Museum refreshed its permanent galleries and re-opened them on 19 September 2015 for Singapore's Golden Jubilee.
Reviewed By NYKGMGTGSG - New York City, United States
The National Museum offered us a great tour of the history of Singapore, its people and the melting pot culture that co-exists. What a delightful surprise you will have, the staid, conservative exterior is an interesting contrast tot he modern tour you take through the Museum. We especially enjoyed the special exhibit, visual extravaganza to delight your senses! I would recommend planning to spend a long afternoon here.
5. Peranakan Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,237 reviews
This place is temporarily closed. The Peranakan Museum explores the culture of Peranakan communities in Southeast Asia. Installed in the former Tao Nan Chinese School, built in 1912, this intimate museum possesses one of the finest and most comprehensive collections of Peranakan objects. Galleries on three floors illustrate the cultural traditions and the distinctive visual arts of the Peranakans. The Peranakan Museum provides a stimulating and educational experience for all, while representing the living culture of the Peranakan community in the region. The museum is a component of the Asian Civilisations Museum, operating under the National Heritage Board.
Reviewed By DoricWanderer - Ellon, United Kingdom
This was the best museum we went to. it touched on the people who made this island their home. I was unaware so many cultures arrived, which made the island so multicultural.
6. Ode To Art
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 44 reviews
Ode To Art represents an international spectrum of artists with diverse collections of paintings, sculptures, photography, and installation art. Currently with spaces in Singapore and Malaysia, Ode To Art has in its portfolio some of the most distinguished names in contemporary art in the likes of Fernando Botero, Mauro Perucchetti, Qin Feng, Chen Wenling, Lee Jung Woong and Lim TzePeng. The gallery is also actively involved in the development of contemporary art and promotes many promising international emerging artists from their various genres of visual arts.
Reviewed By silograms77 - London, United Kingdom
Has a great collection and I always find something of interest which is different and reasonable in price - well worth a visit ...
7. National Gallery Singapore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,276 reviews
Situated in the heart of Singapore’s Civic District, National Gallery Singapore oversees the largest public collection of modern art in Southeast Asia. Housed in two beautifully restored national monuments – City Hall and former Supreme Court – are impeccably curated exhibitions that reveal the region’s cultural legacy and art histories. Come visit the Gallery today and discover Singapore and Southeast Asia’s rich heritage through stunning modern art masterpieces.
Reviewed By ahdrahm - Singapore, Singapore
The National Gallery at the Old Supreme Court displayed a huge myriad of Asian art pieces and the amazing colonial interior and exterior. I absolutely loved the choir in the old court room and the extensive collection of Javanese and Southeast Asian pieces throughout the museum. Would visit again, definitely.
8. Singapore Night Festival
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 31 reviews
Staying in Singapore over the last two weekends of August? You'll be in for a visual treat at the Singapore Night Festival. What's there to do in darkness? Plenty, as an extravaganza of performances and artworks that make use of light are dispersed in Singapore's premier art precinct, Bra Basah-Bugis. Most museums in the neighborhood are also opened for free till late at night, hosting local and overseas talents. Do not miss the display show that is screened on the facade of the National Museum — it's usually playful and thought provoking, plus it's super impressive that it's screened on an iconic national monument!
9. Armenian Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 111 reviews
Take a walk in the lush gardens of the Armenian Church before entering the church and admire the exterior architecture. Breathing history and rich heritage the Armenian Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator is the oldest Church of Singapore and is a gazetted National Monument.
Reviewed By jeanettem190 - Cairns, Australia
The Armenian Church, more correctly called St Gregory the Illuminator's Armenian Catholic Church is conveniently situated between Fort Canning Park, Orchard Rd and the Padang. The first thing you'll notice is how small the church is! Perhaps that's a reflection of the tiny size of the early Armenian population of Singapore. It was designed by George Coleman; an Irishman who was the best in the business in those days. Have a good look at the imposing Doric columns out front, and the handy (and typically Singaporean) covered drive through porch; ideal for letting the ladies and gents get out of their carriages in a pouring rainstorm. Inside you'll see the dome over the sanctuary; a typical Armenian architectural feature. Be sure to visit the graveyard (or perhaps 'memorial garden'; I think the remains have been moved). You can visit Miss Joaquin's gravestone. She's the young lady who is credited with creating the Vanda Miss Joaquin orchid; the national flower of Singapore. They have a nice example of this orchid climbing alongside Miss Joaquin's grave stone. Have a look at the other gravestones featuring traditional Armenian decorative art and lots of writing in the Armenian alphabet. You'll also see the church office tucked away in the back. This building was the original priest's residence.
