Encompassing many of Singapore’s most famous landmarks, the Central Area is a buzzing district that sprawls around the Downtown Core. It was here that Sir Stamford Raffles landed in 1819, with cultural museums, legendary shopping streets and innovative gardens among the area’s attractions.
Things to do in Central Area
Whether you want to delve into the history of Singapore or experience the city from lofty heights, the Central Area is the place to be.
Get your retail fix on Orchard Road. Lined with department stores, upscale boutiques and budget-friendly discount outlets, Orchard Road is a shopper’s paradise. When it’s time to eat, you can feast on Singaporean favourites at the Newtown Food Centre or settle in at one of the alfresco bars that occupy the Malacca-style houses of Cuppage Terrace.
Visit the ArtScience Museum. Designed to resemble a lotus flower, this innovative museum forms part of Marina Bay Sands and overlooks the DNA-inspired Helix Bridge. It regularly hosts touring exhibitions from internationally acclaimed museums, with previous shows focusing on artistic masters, dinosaurs and the Silk Road.
Explore the Gardens by the Bay. Encompassing more than 100 hectares across three waterfront spaces, Gardens by the Bay serves as a green lung for Singapore. Stroll through the Meadow and marvel at the soaring Supertrees before visiting the largest greenhouse in the world, the Flower Dome. In the Heritage Gardens, you'll find plants that have been economically important throughout South East Asia.
Soak up the views from the Singapore Flyer. Rising 165 metres in height, the Singapore Flyer is one of the world’s tallest observation wheels and offers sweeping views across the Central Area. Climb into one of its 28 air-conditioned capsules to experience a full revolution, with the wheel moving clockwise on the recommendation of Feng shui masters.
Getting around Central Area
Singapore’s Central Area is around 20 minutes’ drive from Singapore Changi Airport, which has flights to destinations across the globe. Subway services connect to the Downtown, Bayfront and Marina Bay Stations, as well as to Raffles Place and City Hall. Buses also travel throughout the Central Area.