This Singapore itinerary is a walking tour through all of the best sights in the colonial quarter, including Fort Canning Park, Sri Krishnan Temple and the Singapore National Gallery.
It begins on the Coleman Bridge between Chinatown and the Colonial Quarter and operates in a clockwise direction, although it can also be done backwards.
This walking tour will take the whole day to complete if you visit every attraction.
Tip: Have a sleep-in because most of the sights don’t open until 10am!
*This blog post was created without the use of artificial intelligence (AI) and all featured images are original and captured by the author unless otherwise stated to maintain an authentic and honest representation.*
*Some of the links included in this post may be affiliate. I may receive a small commission from purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you. Please know that I only recommend products and services that I 100% trust and believe in.*
Singapore Itinerary: Colonial District Self-Guided Walking Tour
Old Hill Street Police Station
140 Hill St, Singapore 179369
The Old Hill Street Police Station features 927 windows painted in the colours of the rainbow.
It was originally built to house the Hill Street Police Station and Barracks, but is now home to the Ministry of Communications and Information and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth.
The bright colours make the building a great photo op from across the street, just be careful of cars!
Fort Canning Park
Open 24 hours
Free
https://beta.nparks.gov.sg/visit/parks/park-detail/fort-canning-park
The Fort Canning Park is home to the last remnants of Singapore’s colonial hilltop fort and is one of the most iconic sights on this Singapore itinerary.
The park is home to 9 gardens featuring a variety of interesting trees and plants.
Head through the Raffles Garden and past the Fort Canning Reservoir until you reach the Fort Gate. When Fort Canning Park was an active fort, this was the main gate that soldiers entered through. Follow the fort wall until you reach the Battlebox.
The main attraction of Fort Canning Park is the bunker, Battlebox, used by the British military in WW2.
The Battlebox is open to the public from 10am-5pm Wednesday-Sunday. Entry is FREE.
National Museum of Singapore
93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897
10am – 6:30pm every day
S$10
https://www.nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum/
The National Museum of Singapore is a must-see sight on this Singapore itinerary through the Colonial District.
Established in 1887, is the city-state’s oldest museum. It displays artefacts illustrating Singapore’s vibrant multicultural history and has become an architectural landmark in Singapore.
The permanent exhibition of the Singapore History Gallery is divided into four sections:
1. Singapura (1299 – 1818) – Singapore’s earliest inhabitants.
2. Crown Colony (1819 – 1941) – The influence of Sir Stamford Raffles.
3. Syonan-To (1942 – 1945) – Occupation by the Japanese during WW2.
4. Singapore (1945 – present) Postcolonial features of Singapore.
There are usually other temporary exhibitions from artists local and international displayed in the museum.
The Peranakan Museum
39 Armenian St, Singapore 179941
10am – 7pm (Friday 9pm)
S$16
https://www.nhb.gov.sg/peranakanmuseum/
The Peranakans are an ethnic group of Chinese migrants that settled in Singapore and the coast of Malaysia.
The building that now houses the Peranakan Museum was originally the Tao Nan School, a school that was built in 1912 to educate migrant children from China.
It recently underwent extensive renovation, so if you visited prior to 2023 it might be worth checking it out again!
The Peranakan Museum begins with the Origin exhibition, a collection of objects and materials that highlight the diversity of Peranakan culture.
Level 2 has exhibitions of ceramics and furniture to depict the home life of Peranakan people.
Level 3 focuses on the intricate details and brightly coloured textiles of Peranakan fashion.
Chijmes
30 Victoria St, Singapore 187996
https://chijmes.com.sg/
Chijmes is a restaurant complex featuring European architecture (think white pillars, coloured tiles, courtyards) that is popular among locals for photos. Inside you’ll find some classy bars and restaurants serving Western-style Asian food.
Chijmes was originally known as the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus. It was an orphanage and girl’s school established by some French nuns.
Chijmes is probably one of Singapore’s most forgotten sights. In fact, one of the buildings in the complex, the Caldwell House, is Singapore’s second oldest building!
The architecture really is beautiful and it’s a little off the tourist radar, so you can get some good pictures in relative peace and quiet.
Apparently, there is a photo booth machine somewhere in the complex, but I didn’t find it.
Sri Krishnan Temple
152 Waterloo St, Singapore 187961
8 am–12 pm, 6–8:45 pm
Free
The Sri Krishnan temple was built in 1870, making it one of Singapore’s oldest temples.
It is dedicated to the Hindu god Krishna and features elaborate, colourful sculptures. The roof of the temple is decorated with statues of deities.
Sri Krishnan Temple and the nearby Kwan Im Hood Cho Temple are known for the uniquely Singaporean social practice of ‘cross-worshipping.’ Worshippers of one temple often attend the other temple too!
Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple
178 Waterloo St, Singapore 187964
7am-6:30pm every day
Free
Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple is a Chinese Buddhist temple dedicated to the goddess of mercy, Kuan Yin. It is said that it brings you good luck to worship here.
You’ll find it right next door to the Sri Krishnan Temple.
Unfortunately, photography is not allowed inside.
Travel Essentials
SIM cards: I swear by E-sims like Airalo and Gigago which you can install BEFORE travelling. This saves you the stress of running around to find one while jet-lagged or from being ripped off by local vendors. E-sims are perfect for backpackers who are travelling to multiple destinations in a short period of time.
Insurance: You should NEVER go overseas without getting travel insurance. We hope everything goes as planned, but there is always a chance you might get injured or your plans change. I personally always use Covermore, because the cover is super comprehensive and they were easy to work with when I needed to make a claim.
Banking: Free international transactions are a must when travelling. I use Up Bank, an online Australian bank, that allows fee-free overseas transactions, unlimited savings ‘pools’ and payments in any currency without needing to exchange. If you’re Aussie, join Up with my QR code we both get $14! Two similar and very popular options include Wise and Revolut.
Shopping malls
Bugis Street Shopping Mall
Singapore is known for shopping and its huge, luxury shopping malls.
You simply cannot leave Singapore without witnessing Singapore’s incredible ‘shopping mall’ culture and try a meal in a Singapore food court.
The Bugis Street Shopping Mall is actually two buildings on either side of Victoria Street; the smaller is known as Bugis+ and the larger is known as Bugis Junction. They are connected by a bridge across the road.
The Bugis Street Shopping Mall is the most worthwhile mall to visit on this Singapore itinerary.
Suntec City Mall
If you skipped the Bugis Street Shopping Mall, or maybe if you just love shopping, check out the Suntec City Mall.
It’s home to restaurants, shops, entertainment and a, children’s playground, as well as the famous Fountain of Wealth
Hindu and Chinese culture says that you will gain good luck if you make a wish and walk around the water fountain in a clockwise direction.
Raffles City
Just across the road is ANOTHER mall (Singapore loves their malls!).
You will find many of the same stores in Raffles City as as in other malls.
Raffles City is slightly smaller than the others already mentioned.
Raffles Hotel
1 Beach Rd, Singapore 189673
Long Bar open 11am-11:30pm
https://www.raffles.com/singapore/dining/
The Raffles Hotel is a relic of Singapore’s colonial era.
Although most of us don’t have the opportunity to stay in this historic hotel, you can visit for a drink at the Long Bar or for afternoon high tea.
I stopped by to snap a picture and enviously watch people arrive for their stay.
The Padang
As you continue on to the National Gallery, you will walk past the Padang.
Padang is a Malay word meaning ‘field,’ and that’s exactly what it is.
The Padang is the location of most sporting events or important announcements in Singapore, most notably the announcement of the World War II surrender in 1945.
National Gallery
1 St Andrew’s Rd, Singapore 178957
10am-7pm
S$20 for adults, S$15 for students
https://www.nationalgallery.sg/
The National Gallery is housed in both the historic former Supreme Court and City Hall, now linked by a bridge.
The building is almost as impressive as the artwork it houses.
The gallery displays over 300 artworks across 13 different exhibitions and 7 levels, depicting the art history of Southeast Asia in chronological order.
You can download their Gallery Explorer app for free to access their audio tour.
Asian Civilisations Museum
1 Empress Pl, Singapore 179555
10am-7pm (9pm Fridays)
S$25 for adults, S$20 for students
https://www.nhb.gov.sg/acm
The Asian Civilisation Museum explores the interlinked history and culture of Singapore and its neighbouring countries across 3 levels of exhibitions.
The Asian Civilisation Museum is similar in nature to the Peranakan Museum, except it explores the history of all cultures and religions in Singapore’s history.
Level 1 focuses on Maritime trade, Level 2 on Faith and Belief, and Level 3 on Materials and Design.
I personally consider this museum to be more comprehensive and higher value than the Peranakan Museum if you have limited time and/or money for this Singapore itinerary!
They offer 45-60 minute guided tours. Register your attendance at the Visitor Services counter.
Gardens of the Bay
Opening Hours: 9am-9pm
Price varies on exhibitions
https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg/
Head through the Esplanade Park and along Raffles Avenue to the Helix Bridge. Once you cross the Marina Bay, make your way under the bridges to reach the Gardens of the Bay.
The Gardens of the Bay is Singapore’s most distinctive national icon and must-see attraction on this Singapore itinerary.
This $1 billion dollar park was built for the city’s rebrand from Lion City to Garden City, because the mayor of the time wanted Singapore to be known as the ‘city in a garden.’
The Bay East Garden, Art Sculptures, Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes, Heritage Gardens, Serene Garden, Sun Pavillion, Supertree Grove, Canyon, and World of Plants exhibitions can be explored for FREE!
Ticketed Exhibitions:
- OCBC skyway (S$14) You can walk along the 128m suspension bridge between the supertrees. This is the main sight and the one I’d recommend if you’re on a budget.
- Cloud Forest and Flower Dome (combined ticket): S$32
- Floral Fantasy with Flight of the Dragonfly 4D Ride: S$20
- Supertree Observatory: S$14
Attend the free light and sound show, Garden Rhapsody. This takes place daily at 7.45pm and 8.45pm in the Supertree Grove and is completely FREE!
Dinner
Finish this Singapore itinerary with some dinner along the Boat Quay:
- Dumpling Darlings
- Little Saigon
- Song Fa Bak Kut Teh 11 New Bridge Road
How to Get To and From Singapore
Flights
Singapore’s Changi Airport is a major international travel hub. Many airlines use Changi as a layover between Southeast Asia/Australia and Europe. From Changi, you book a flight to almost anywhere.
Bus
Buses to and from most large Malaysian cities can be booked on 12AsiaGo or BusOnlineTicket. I used 12AsiaGo to book with the bus company 707.inc to travel to Melaka, Malaysia.
Ferry
How to Get Around Singapore
Singapore is a pretty compact city so you can easily walk to most of the best tourist attractions within each district.
To get between districts, the MRT is the most convenient and affordable option. You can tap on and off the metro using your bank card!
Use Google Maps to plan your journey.
Where to Stay in Singapore
$ Hostel $
Wanderloft Capsule Hostel
49 South Bridge Road Boat Quay, Singapore 058681
This hostel is perfectly located at Boat Quay, walking distance to both the Colonial Quarter and Chinatown. There are 10 single or double bed capsules in each room. They also offer free cancellation and fairly decent prices. Check availability or see other options.
$$ Hotel $$
Strand Hotel
25 Bencoolen St, Singapore 189619
This hotel offers comfortable and clean rooms right in the centre of the Colonial Quarter. Check availability or see other options.
$$$ Hotel $$$
Mondrian Singapore Duxton
16A Duxton Hill, Singapore 089970
If you’re looking for the best of the best, The Mondrian offers luxurious rooms, magnificent pools and a central location. Check availability or see other options.
Pin this!
Keep reading …
Destinations
join me on pinterest!
Latest Posts
- The Ultimate Singapore Itinerary for the Colonial District
- The Ultimate 7kg Southeast Asia Packing List for Backpackers
- How to Spend 10 Days in Bali: Seminyak, Ubud & Nusa Penida!
- How to Spend 48 Perfect Hours in Seminyak, Bali!
- TOP 5 FREE Things to Do and See on Nusa Penida!
Thanks for reading, I appreciate you!