Singapore Monuments: Discover the Landmarks That Define the Lion City

Singapore Monuments showcase a rich blend of history, culture, and modernity. From colonial-era buildings to futuristic sculptures, each monument tells a story of resilience, multiculturalism, and transformation. As a city-state that embraces its diverse past and ambitious future, Singapore’s monuments are more than tourist attractions—they’re key pieces of national identity.

In this article, you’ll explore the most famous monuments in Singapore, including both traditional heritage sites and modern architectural marvels. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or returning to uncover hidden gems, these are the best monuments in Singapore for tourists to experience.

1. Merlion Park

Merlion Park is home to Singapore’s most iconic statue: the Merlion, a half-lion, half-fish creature symbolizing the country’s maritime origins and strength. Located near Marina Bay, the statue spouts water into the bay and offers a scenic photo opportunity with the city skyline. It’s one of the most visited monuments in Singapore and ideal for day or night exploration.

• Location: One Fullerton, Singapore 049213
• Timings: Open 24/7
• Time Required: 30–45 minutes
• Entry Fee: Free
• Highlight:

• National icon with panoramic waterfront views
• Best viewed at sunrise or during Marina Bay light shows
• Surrounded by other top attractions like Esplanade and Marina Bay Sands

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2. Raffles Hotel

Raffles Hotel is a luxurious colonial-era hotel established in 1887, making it one of the most historical monuments in Singapore. The building is known for its white façade, tropical gardens, and famous guests, including authors and royalty. It’s also the birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail.

• Location: 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673
• Timings: Open to guests and public (shops, dining)
• Time Required: 1–2 hours (lobby, arcade, bars)
• Entry Fee: Free entry; dining and stays are chargeable
• Highlight:

• A national monument showcasing colonial grandeur
• Enjoy high tea or cocktails at Long Bar.
• A must-see cultural monument for history and hospitality lovers

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3. Fort Canning Hill

Fort Canning Hill has served as a royal palace, British command center, and WWII bunker. Now a public park, it’s a top monument to visit in Singapore for history, nature, and panoramic views. The Battlebox museum offers guided tours inside underground military bunkers.

• Location: River Valley Rd, Singapore 179037
• Timings: Open daily (Battlebox 10 AM – 5 PM)
• Time Required: 2–3 hours
• Entry Fee: Free for the park; ₹1,000 for Battlebox
• Highlight:

• Ancient history dating back to the 14th-century Malay rulers
• Hosts concerts and festivals in its open grounds
• Offers trails, spiral stairs, and heritage walks

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4. Thian Hock Keng Temple

Built in 1842 by Chinese immigrants, this temple honors Mazu, goddess of the sea. It’s one of the oldest and most traditional monuments in Singapore. Its elaborate dragon-topped roof and detailed carvings make it a peaceful yet intricate example of southern Chinese architecture.

• Location: 158 Telok Ayer Street, Singapore 068613
• Timings: 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM
• Time Required: 30–45 minutes
• Entry Fee: Free
• Highlight:

• Restored and maintained with original materials
• Declared a national monument in 1973
• Located within Chinatown’s heritage trail

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5. The National Gallery Singapore

This modern art institution is housed in two historical buildings: the former Supreme Court and City Hall. It combines classic architecture with contemporary exhibits, showcasing Southeast Asian art. One of the best monuments in Singapore for culture lovers and artists alike.

• Location: 1 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957
• Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
• Time Required: 2–4 hours
• Entry Fee: ₹1,200 (Adult), discounts for students and seniors
• Highlight:

• Over 9,000 pieces of Southeast Asian art
• Panoramic rooftop views and cafes
• Interactive exhibitions and children’s zones

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6. Civilian War Memorial

This solemn monument commemorates the thousands of civilians who perished during the Japanese occupation in WWII. Known locally as “The Four Pillars,” it represents the shared suffering of Singapore’s four major ethnic groups. Located in a serene park, it is a respectful and educational stop for understanding Singapore’s wartime past.

• Location: War Memorial Park, Beach Road, Singapore 189768
• Timings: Open 24/7
• Time Required: 30 minutes
• Entry Fee: Free
• Highlight:

• A national symbol of unity in grief
• Surrounded by peaceful gardens for reflection
• Often featured in heritage and remembrance tours.

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7. Sri Mariamman Temple

The oldest Hindu temple in Singapore, this Dravidian-style monument is dedicated to the goddess Mariamman. With its colorful gopuram and intricate sculptures, it remains a spiritual and architectural treasure in Chinatown. A must-see cultural monument in Singapore for anyone interested in faith, heritage, or photography.

• Location: 244 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058793
• Timings: 7:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
• Time Required: 30–45 minutes
• Entry Fee: Free
• Highlight:

• Known for its grand fire-walking ceremony during the Theemithi Festival
• Architectural details rich in symbolism and South Indian artistry
• Protected as a national monument since 1973

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8. Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan)

A cultural icon in Kampong Glam, the Sultan Mosque was built in 1824 and rebuilt in 1932. Recognizable by its golden dome and prayer hall, it remains one of the most visited monuments in Singapore. It’s a hub for Islamic culture and community activity.

• Location: 3 Muscat Street, Singapore 198833
• Timings: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM
• Time Required: 45 minutes to 1 hour
• Entry Fee: Free (donations welcome)
• Highlight:

• Golden dome topped with glass bottle ends, donated by the poor.
• Rich Islamic history in Singapore’s Arab Quarter
• Welcomes tourists with guided tours and cultural talks

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9. Old Parliament House (The Arts House)

Singapore’s oldest government building now functions as a multi-disciplinary arts venue. Once housing the nation’s first Parliament, The Arts House offers exhibitions, film screenings, and literary events. It blends colonial architecture with modern creative expression.

• Location: 1 Old Parliament Ln, Singapore 179429
• Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Time Required: 1–1.5 hours
• Entry Fee: Free; charges apply for performances
• Highlight:

• Singapore’s first Parliament House, built in 1827
• Now a venue for film, theatre, and literature
• Offers guided tours through historical interiors

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10. Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay

This durian-shaped arts center is one of the best monuments in Singapore for tourists who love music, dance, and design. Located by Marina Bay, it features world-class performances and art exhibitions. The rooftop terrace offers spectacular bay views.

• Location: 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
• Timings: 11:00 AM – 8:30 PM (venues vary)
• Time Required: 2–3 hours (or more for shows)
• Entry Fee: Free for public areas; ticketed shows vary
• Highlight:

• Unique design nicknamed “the durian”
• Free outdoor performances and rooftop views
• Premier venue for performing arts in Southeast Asia

11. Armenian Church of Saint Gregory

Singapore’s oldest Christian church, completed in 1835, is dedicated to Saint Gregory the Illuminator. The serene grounds and classical design make it a peaceful stop amid city bustle. A traditional monument in Singapore with deep cultural ties to early Armenian settlers.

• Location: 60 Hill Street, Singapore 179366
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Time Required: 30–45 minutes
• Entry Fee: Free
• Highlight:

• First building in Singapore to have electricity
• Surrounded by tranquil memorial gardens
• A national monument since 1973

12. Kranji War Memorial

This Commonwealth cemetery honors Allied troops who died in Southeast Asia during WWII. White gravestones, walls of names, and a serene setting make it a place of remembrance and reflection. It’s a top monument to visit in Singapore for history enthusiasts.

• Location: 9 Woodlands Road, Singapore 738656
• Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Time Required: 1–1.5 hours
• Entry Fee: Free
• Highlight:

• Over 24,000 names inscribed on memorial walls
• Peaceful hilltop setting with city and sea views
• Guided tours are available on select days

13. Tan Kim Seng Fountain

Erected in 1882, this Victorian-style fountain commemorates philanthropist Tan Kim Seng, who improved Singapore’s early water supply. Located in Esplanade Park, it’s a peaceful monument surrounded by greenery. Ideal for a brief heritage stop while exploring the Civic District.

• Location: Esplanade Park, Connaught Drive
• Timings: Open 24/7
• Time Required: 15–30 minutes
• Entry Fee: Free
• Highlight:

• One of Singapore’s oldest colonial fountains
• Honoring a Straits Chinese community leader
• Surrounded by benches and shaded trees

14. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

This Tang Dynasty-style Buddhist temple in Chinatown houses what is believed to be a relic of Buddha’s tooth. The richly adorned interiors, museum floors, and rooftop garden make it one of the most famous monuments in Singapore.

• Location: 288 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058840
• Timings: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Time Required: 1–1.5 hours
• Entry Fee: Free (donations welcome)
• Highlight:

• Sacred relic housed in a stupa made of gold
• Museum, prayer halls, and a rooftop orchid garden
• Hosts Vesak Day and other major Buddhist events

15. Lau Pa Sat

Lau Pa Sat is a Victorian-era market turned food haven, famous for its satay stalls and ornate cast-iron structure. Located in the financial district, it’s a traditional monument offering Singapore’s best hawker flavors in an elegant setting.

• Location: 18 Raffles Quay, Singapore 048582
• Timings: Open 24/7
• Time Required: 1–2 hours
• Entry Fee: Free entry; food cost varies
• Highlight:

• The iron structure was imported from Scotland in the 1800s
• Late-night satay street and local food stalls
• Fusion of colonial charm and culinary culture

16. Helix Bridge

Inspired by DNA strands, this pedestrian bridge links Marina Centre with Marina South. At night, it lights up with LED displays, becoming one of the most photographed and modern Singapore monuments.

• Location: Marina Bay, Singapore
• Timings: Open 24/7
• Time Required: 30–45 minutes
• Entry Fee: Free
• Highlight:

• Double-helix structure symbolizes life and continuity
• Viewing platforms with great skyline views
• Connects to Athe rtScience Museum and Gardens by the Bay

17. CHIJMES

Once a Catholic convent and school, CHIJMES is now a lifestyle complex with restaurants, shops, and event spaces. It retains its Gothic architecture and chapel, making it one of the best preserved traditional monuments in Singapore.

• Location: 30 Victoria Street, Singapore 187996
• Timings: Open daily; hours vary by establishment
• Time Required: 1–2 hours
• Entry Fee: Free
• Highlight:

• Historic chapel now used for weddings and concerts.
• Iconic white façade and tranquil courtyard
• Listed as a national monument since 1990

18. Lim Bo Seng Memorial

This pagoda-shaped structure honors war hero Lim Bo Seng, who led resistance forces against Japanese occupation. Located in Esplanade Park, it’s a solemn reminder of sacrifice and patriotism.

• Location: Queen Elizabeth Walk, Singapore 179037
• Timings: Open 24/7
• Time Required: 15–30 minutes
• Entry Fee: Free
• Highlight:

• Only the WWII memorial dedicated to an individual
• Clean, minimalist design with symbolic detailing
• Key stops on heritage walks and war history tours

19. Marina Barrage

Marina Barrage is a dam, recreational park, and sustainability landmark rolled into one. Visitors enjoy kite-flying, picnic lawns, and stunning views of the city’s skyline. It’s both a water management facility and a family-friendly destination.

• Location: 8 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018951
• Timings: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Time Required: 1–2 hours
• Entry Fee: Free
• Highlight:

• Rooftop lawn is perfect for kite flying
• Educational Sustainable Singapore Gallery
• Offers panoramic views of Marina Bay Sands

20. Jubilee Bridge

Opened in 2015 to mark Singapore’s 50th year of independence, this pedestrian bridge offers stunning Marina Bay views. It connects Merlion Park to the Esplanade and is a favorite for joggers and photographers alike.

• Location: Marina Bay area
• Timings: Open 24/7
• Time Required: 15–30 minutes
• Entry Fee: Free
• Highlight:

• Built for SG50 celebrations
• Perfect angle for capturing the city skyline and light shows
• Enhances walkability around the Singapore River and bay

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FAQs 

What is the most famous monument in Singapore?

The Merlion at Merlion Park is the most famous monument in Singapore. It’s a national symbol and a top tourist spot.

Are there any historical monuments in Singapore?

Yes. Raffles Hotel, Fort Canning Hill, and the Civilian War Memorial are among the top historical monuments in Singapore.

Which are the best monuments in Singapore for tourists?

Merlion Park, the National Gallery, and the Sultan Mosque are among the best monuments in Singapore for tourists seeking culture and heritage.

Is the Singapore Merlion open to the public?

Yes, Merlion Park is open 24/7 and free for all visitors.

Do Singapore monuments have entry fees?

Most traditional monuments are free, while some museums and galleries may charge a small fee for exhibitions.

Are guided tours available at cultural monuments in Singapore?

Yes. Guided tours are available at places like Fort Canning Battlebox, The National Gallery, and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

Which is the most visited monument in Singapore?

Merlion Park is the most visited monument, followed closely by Marina Barrage, Helix Bridge, and Sri Mariamman Temple.

Are Singapore monuments wheelchair accessible?

Many modern monuments and museums offer wheelchair access. Historical sites may have limited accessibility due to preservation.