What to do and see in Singapore, Singapore: The Best Historical & Heritage Tours

February 26, 2022 Enedina Augsburger

As Asia’s undisputed capital of cool, Singapore’s street food, luxury lifestyle options, and sci-fi–like architecture entrance visitors from the very beginning. Top attractions such as the futurist feel of Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Sands casino symbolize the nation’s state of affluence.
Restaurants in Singapore

1. Evening Food and Cultural Tour of Joo Chiat

Paya Lebar MRT Station, 30 Paya Lebar Rd, Singapore 409006
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

Join this personalized walking tour by a local guide, kept to a small group size of no more than six people. Discover the eastern shores of Singapore via public bus to the first Heritage Town located at Katong and Joo Chiat, where over 800 decorative buildings in the area have been beautifully conserved and restored. Immerse in an evening of unique and colorful Peranakan (Straits Chinese) culture. In between, you'll also be introduced to some of Singaporeans' favorite food haunts. Transport fee and food items are all included for this tour.

Inclusions: Small-group walking tour, Bus fare, Dinner, Beverages, Professional local licensed guide

Exclusions: Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase), Gratuities, Hotel pickup and drop-off

2. Half Day or Full Day Private Custom Walking Tour of Singapore

Hello Singapore
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5.0 based on 47 reviews

Flexible walking tour designed around your interests. Hotel pick-up. Available day and night. 4 to 8 hours. Available in English and Chinese. Combine must-see sights with local neighbourhoods and hidden gems. See the best of Singapore on foot with content customised around your interests. If you have not been to Singapore before and have no preferences we will give you a comprehensive city tour. We cover the following topics on every tour, how much detail we go into depends on how interested you are in each topic: Colonial History, WW2 History, Politics, Current Affairs, The Day To Day Life Of The Average Singaporean, Housing, Religion, Education, Food, Architecture, Language. Popular locations to include in your tour: Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Arab Street, Little India, Marina Bay, Civic District, Tiong Barhu, Sentosa, Gardens By The Bay, Hawker Centre, Singapore River Cruise, Crazy Rich Asians locations, Traditional Chinese Tea Ceremony, Souvineer Markets, Raffles Hotel.

Inclusions: Professional guide, Private tour, Transportation costs by public transport (MRT and Buses), This tour is mainly walking and using the public transport such as bus and MRT

Exclusions: The costs of drinks / snacks / meals / souvenirs etc are not included and are payable by yourself., If you wish to use a taxi or Uber to travel around these costs are not included and are payable by yourself. Only public transportation costs are included., This tour does not include transportation in a private vehicle., Gratuities, Singapore River Cruise, Singapore Flyer and Gardens by The Bay, Battlebox tickets

Reviewed By Rachael S

Because we are currently not able to travel outside of Singapore, we decided to explore Singapore through someone else's perspective. We searched for some fun experiences on AirBNB and thought that this tour looked the best. Families should know that even if you have a child, through AirBNB, you have to pay full price for your child to join the tour. After paying, I realized that they would not give me the discount that is offered for children on their own site. I do think that something could be done about that situation and this is the only reason the rating is 'very good' and not 'excellent'. Richard was extremely kind and knowledgeable. We had a great time talking with him and experiencing some familiar and unfamiliar foods. The tour gave us a great range of foods found in Singapore and also some choices along the way. Richard also took some great pictures of us and he sent us promptly after the tour. We enjoyed his company and he was always willing to answer our questions as we ate or walked around; however, he also gave us some space during the tour to eat and talk as a family. I would be willing to check out some other tours with Richard as our guide, but I would definitely go through the company site so that I can get the child discount.

3. Authentic Local Neighborhood Tour - Journey across 2 interesting local towns

Yio Chu Kang, 3000 Ang Mo Kio Avenue 6 Singapore 569813 Ang Mo Kio Ave 8, Singapore 569813 Oriental Travel and Tours
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

Singaporeans originated from different countries and cultures, and this is what gives us our unique identity today. With this tour, we aim to take visitors beyond the city, on a cultural tour of the island. We begin in the local neighborhood of Ang Mo Kio, with a little known hobby that transcended the kampong era: Bird Singing. Brighten your morning with melodious chirps, followed by a visit to the local ‘Hawker Centre’ for coffee like a true local. The local exploration continues with a visit to a wet market and a hawker centre. After visiting the first neighborhood, we will proceed to another neighborhood, "Toa Payoh". Here, we will see the hustle and bustle of a local town centre. We will see an interesting "Tree Shrine" and we will also get to visit a HDB showflat. HDB Flats are public housings where 80% of the local population stays in. At the end of the tour, we can guarantee that all our guests will know everything about Singapore and the lifestyle of the locals.

Inclusions: Coffee and/or Tea, Air-conditioned vehicle, Licensed Local Tour Guide

Exclusions: Hotel Pick-Up

Reviewed By ernestdoe69

Fascinating and informative tour! Enjoyed accounts of history of the Occupation and anecdotes of ghostly encounters. The creepy atmosphere was definitely there especially after the rain !

4. BEST Singapore Private City Tour by Anna Ong (1 day or Multiple days)

Fort Canning, 170 River Valley Rd, Singapore 179038 Anna Ong
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5.0 based on 6 reviews

This tour is a 'MUST', if you want to: - Experience the REAL Singapore with not just any tour guide, but a true blue INSIDER, ME! - Challenge all your 5 senses! - Learn what make this 'Little Red Dot' super HOT & UNIQUE! - Know the interesting PAST, colorful PRESENT & exciting FUTURE of this Lion City! - Sample authentic local FOOD! =============== As your private tour guide, I can adjust the schedule, duration and activities to meet your interest, PACE & needs. You may choose to travel either by public transports (Taxi/Subway/Bus), OR select one of those options which include a private car/van. ONE day tour: pick 2~4 options from the 'What to Expect' list, which add up to 8hrs max. TWO days tour: pick 5~8 options from the 'What to Expect' list, which add up to 2 x 8hrs max. THREE days tour: pick 8~10 options from the 'What to Expect' list, which add up to 3 x 8hrs max. ** You may either drop me an email or WHATSAPP me, your preferred options in DESCENDING order **

Inclusions: Tour Guiding fee for ONE or TWO or THREE day/s

Exclusions: Public Transportation Fees, All admissions, rides and hands-on activities fees (if applicable), All Food & Beverages during the entire tour

5. Quaint Little Shops & Tiong Bahru

Tiong Bahru MRT Station, 300 Tiong Bahru Rd, Singapore 168731 Tribe
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5.0 based on 1 reviews

From quaint little shops to hipster cafes and iconic murals, Tiong Bahru is a treasure trove of inspiration. In one of Singapore's oldest housing district, the charming way where traditional merges with the new makes this an interesting place to spend your time. Let Tribe helps you to discover Singapore the artsy way where we visit shops with absolute local flair. Float into this art trail and understand the Singapore art scene. Appreciate the art deco architecture while learning about Singapore's housing story. Go mural hunting and visit traditional businesses to discover what life was like in the 1970s. Immerse into dainty books and words of local writers, poets and artists who help uncover more of local lifestyles and mannerisms through the beauty of literature. Do a local food crawl to discover Singaporean's favourite passion and local flavours. Let this 3 hours tour be filled with endless beautiful little things and memories.

Inclusions: Sample local lunch at a hawker centre

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Reviewed By Muff1nman14

Really hospitable guide and puzzles were tough enough even despite the covid restrictions. Good for all ages

6. Saturdays: WWII Japanese Surrender 75th Anniversary

30 Beach Rd, Singapore 189768 Jane's SG Tours
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5.0 based on 2 reviews

So often we associate these words with the ignominious surrender to the Japanese on 15 February 1942, but the surrender by the Japanese on 12 September 1945 is an equally important date in the story of WWII in Singapore. We will briefly explore the old 1930s Army buildings at Beach Road and cross to Raffles Hotel. It was often used by the Japanese during the Occupation—when it was known as Syonan Ryokan, incorporating ‘syonan’ (“Light of the South”), the Japanese name for occupied Singapore, and ‘ryokan,’ the name for a traditional Japanese inn and was the site of an infamous incident in August 1945. We will then walk to the far side of the Padang to see various war related memorials and look back to the old City Hall, now part of the National Gallery, where the actual surrender by the Japanese Lord Mountbatten and the other Allies took place on 12 September 1945. We will visit to actual “surrender room,” ie the City Chamber and the steps on which Mountbatten made his speech.

Inclusions: Your tour will be escorted by a passionate Singapore WWII team guide , Audio listen sets are used so everyone can hear their guide clearly and maintain social distance

Exclusions: Please note that a minimum of 2 guests is needed for the tour to operate

Reviewed By Eelos111

Shanti was am amazing tour guide of the Kampong Glam Evening Art & Architecture Walk. She was extremely knowledgeable about the area, artists, arts and architecture.

7. Singapore Uncut

Farrer Park MRT, Rangoon Rd, Singapore Offbeat Tours
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4.9 based on 11 reviews

Discover the best-kept secrets of Singapore, where there’s more than meets the eye! If you’ve ever wondered if there’s more to this island state’s efficiency and sleekness, this one-of-a-kind walk takes you to the fringes of the city centre, going off the beaten path to discover 'Singapore Uncut'. Hear stories of vices from the past (and present?), peep into forgotten places of worship, and have a chat with Hyperlocals on what’s happening. Let’s scratch off its bling to reveal what's actually beneath its surface. Jalan Besar - which means ‘Big Road’ in Malay - is an underrated treasure with its trove of cultural and lifestyle spots. We’ll take you to some of those nooks and crannies you may have missed. It's a light, leisure stroll with plenty of shade along the way, as we discover the paradox of Singapore's "hardware" developing at a lightning pace vs while some of the "software" are clearly trailing behind. We'll talk about anything under the sun!

Inclusions: Bottled water

Exclusions: Cost of public transportation, if any

Reviewed By peiyeo

Did the Vanishing Trades Tour. Jan is an engaging storyteller and shared a lot of things that I did not know about the city and the area. Highly recommend. Sign up for a tour now!

8. Create Your Signature Perfume At Goodman Art Center, Singapore

Goodman Arts Centre, 90 Goodman Rd, Singapore 439053 Perfume Workshop Singapore
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4.9 based on 118 reviews

Create your signature perfume for yourself or someone you love! Process starts with a fun personality test that helps you match the orchid scented fragrance oils to the results. A great way to enjoy orchid scent notes of Asia

Inclusions: Local taxes

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off

Reviewed By joycesmon

I had no idea asians use orchids as traditional medicine. I also didn't know they can smell so nice.. Or even that vanilla is an orchid! Learnt so much at the scent making workshop

9. Private Singapore City Highlights Tour By Car - Half Day or Full Day

Hello Singapore
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4.9 based on 16 reviews

Flexible tour designed around your interests. Hotel pick-up. Available day and night. 4 to 8 hours. Available in English & Chinese. Private air-conditioned mini van. Combine must-see sights with local neighbourhoods and hidden gems. See the best of Singapore with content customised around your interests. If you have not been to Singapore before and have no preferences we will give you a comprehensive city tour. We cover the following topics on every tour, how much detail we go into depends on how interested you are in each topic: Colonial History, WW2 History, Politics, Current Affairs, The Day To Day Life Of The Average Singaporean, Housing, Religion, Education, Food, Architecture, Language. Popular locations to include in your tour: Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Arab Street, Little India, Marina Bay, Civic District, Tiong Bahru, Sentosa, Gardens By The Bay, Hawker Centre, Singapore River Cruise, Crazy Rich Asians locations, Chinese Tea Ceremony, Souvineer Markets, Raffles Hotel.

Inclusions: All taxes, fees and handling charges, Professional guide, Hotel pickup and drop-off, Port pickup and drop-off, Private tour, Transport by air-conditioned minivan

Exclusions: The costs of drinks / snacks / meals / souvenirs etc are not included and are payable by yourself., Gratuities are not included (recommended), Singapore River Cruise, Singapore Flyer and Gardens by The Bay, Battlebox tickets

Reviewed By LuvPar

Our guide Daryll was knowledgeable and entertaining and the itinerary for the "Our Grandfathers Story" was well mapped. We discovered old school eating houses (i.e. restaurants) in Chinatown, learned about the cultural history of Singapore, and went for a Chinese tea tasting. I recommend the tour.

10. Singapore Battlebox and Fort Canning Hill Tour

Battlebox, 2 Cox Terrace, Singapore 179622 The Original Singapore Walks
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4.9 based on 53 reviews

Learn all about the storied history of Fort Canning Hill in the heart of the Singapore, dating back to the 14th century. With your guide, you'll venture deep underground into the Battlebox, a former World War II command centre where the decision to surrender Singapore was made and gain deeper insight into Singapore’s wartime history. Don’t miss this exhilarating journey back in time at the once “Forbidden Hill”!

Inclusions: English speaking licensed guide, Get admission to Battlebox, Bottled water

Exclusions: Hotel pickup and drop-off, Food and drinks

Reviewed By t08

Thank you to this tour company. Due to COVID-19 we were unable to travel to Singapore and they arranged a full refund. Much appreciated.

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