Things to Do in Singapore
• Access seven themed zones: Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away and Minion Land.
• Express Pass upgrade lets you skip lines once per participating ride with dedicated entry in first three hours.
• VIP Tour upgrade gives unlimited skip-the-line access with a 5-hour guided tour and exclusive extras.
Discover the best of Singapore on foot with our Singapore City Free Walking Tour, the ultimate way for first-time visitors to experience the city’s top sights, stories, and skyline.
Follow our expert local guides through the city’s historic heart, tracing Singapore’s journey from a humble trading port to a modern global hub. Along the way, visit iconic landmarks like Merlion Park, Padang, and Victoria Theatre, plus hidden gems that even locals might overlook.
Perfect for first-timers and curious explorers, this immersive tour blends fascinating storytelling, beautiful photo stops, and easy pacing, all while being budget-friendly and sustainable.
Why Join This Tour:
1) See the City’s Icons in One Go
- Visit Singapore’s must-see landmarks efficiently while getting the full picture of its culture and history.
2) Learn Stories Beyond the Surface
- Hear insightful tales from our local guides, from colonial beginnings to modern-day marvels, plus hidden details most visitors miss.
3) Explore Smart & Sustainably
- Enjoy a budget-friendly introduction to the Lion City that helps you plan the rest of your trip with ease.
• Ride the Safari Tram Adventure with English audio commentary through wildlife zones.
• Walk the park’s trails to see animals like fishing cats, clouded leopards, and wallabies up close.
• Watch the Creatures of the Night presentation and learn about fascinating nocturnal behaviours.
• Upgrade to the Mandai Park Hopper for entry to Singapore Zoo, Exploria, Bird Paradise, and River Wonders, or choose a Night Safari ticket with a tram ride and a $5 Mandai F&B voucher.
Today, 75% of Singapore’s local population is Chinese. Many of their forefathers left China during difficult times in search of a better life, and their journeys, struggles, and resilience are etched into the streets, shophouses, and heritage of Chinatown.
Join us on this 2-hour-plus walking tour through the heart of Chinatown, where history and culture come alive. Step back in time as we uncover the origins of this vibrant community—how early immigrants lived, worked, and played after arriving on Singapore’s shores. Discover their dreams and aspirations, as well as the challenges that caused many of those dreams to fade.
Along the way, see how Chinatown has evolved into the lively district it is today, and learn the significance of its many historical landmarks. We will also explore how Chinatown gained recognition for its wide variety of delicious food, which continues to draw visitors from all over the world.
The Chinatown story also mirrors those of immigrants from other ethnicities, making it an essential chapter in Singapore’s multicultural heritage. This tour offers a personal and engaging glimpse into Chinatown’s rich past and dynamic present. Don’t miss the chance to walk through the stories that shaped one of Singapore’s most iconic neighbourhoods!
Dive into the Clarke Quay neighbourhood to discover some of its most classic dishes on this food tour of Singapore. You'll love it!
• Step into **Jurassic World: The Experience** at Cloud Forest, explore **Orchid Extravaganza** with over 7,000 orchids at Flower Dome, and enjoy panoramic views from the Supertree Observatory.
• Upgrade to **Floral Fantasy** to discover the **Disney Garden of Wonder** exhibit featuring larger-than-life Disney and Pixar-inspired topiary sculptures.
• You can also upgrade to a **20-minute Garden Cruiser** tour with audio commentary for a relaxing ride through Gardens by the Bay's outdoor landscapes.
• A great choice if you want the most complete Gardens by the Bay experience, combining immersive conservatories, seasonal floral displays, and spectacular skyline views.
How do we live?
Where do we play?
What are our favourite food?
Are you curious how Singaporeans 'Live, Work and Play'? In this walking tour through Chinatown, the Central Business District and down the shorelines of the Singapore River, you will step into the shoes of the locals immersing yourself in the Singaporean life while hearing inspiring stories on what shaped Singapore's success as an urban city.
Starting from Chinatown MRT station, we will visit the nearby housing estates and a food centre. Be inspired by Singapore's 'Housing Story' and get few recommendations for hawker food that meets Michelin-standards.
Next, transcend to the past and listen to personal stories of the guide who lives in the area where squatters and vices abound. Be intrigued by the designs of shophouses and skyscrapers at the same time.
While in the area, we will visit the Yueh Hai Ching Temple, Singapore's own Temple of Love. A national monument nestled among office buildings, the temple is a must-visit for anyone seeking divine favour in the voyage of love.
After seeing the tallest office towers in the city, we stroll along Singapore River. Listen to the stories of 'The River Clean Up' and the tales of old where the river was once the lifeline of the island. We will cover stories of how the river has been transformed to be relevant for us to live and play today.
We walk through the grand Fullerton Hotel and make our way to the Merlion Park, where we will capture the memorable moments of Singapore! Be awed by the infamous Merlion and we will finish the Singapore Story with the picturesome view of Marina Bay.
We accept payments with local and foreign currencies (USD and Euro dollars only). Payments wirh E-payments are also possible with PayPal,Wise,Revolut. We regret to inform we could not accept credit card payments.
Experience an unforgettable day at Singapore Universal Studios. Spend the day on rollercoasters and meet your favorite characters like Shrek, Elmo, and more!
• Take a journey through time and space with Shahbaz, a prehistoric creature, exploring eras from the Industrial Revolution to the African Savanna.
• Personalize your experience by choosing a Standard or Premium seat.
• Craving something delicious? Upgrade to enjoy an international buffet at Good Old Days in Sentosa, featuring salads, laksa, noodles, and so much more.
• Fun fact: The show has won the USA Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement, recognizing excellence in storytelling, technology, and guest experience.
Join me on this Chinatown walking tour, where we will trace the footsteps of our forefathers.
We begin at the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) Centre, visiting the City Gallery to admire the city model and get an overview of Singapore’s urban landscape. We’ll then explore Singapore’s history, starting with Sir Stamford Raffles’ arrival in 1819.
Next, we visit St. Andrew’s Mission Hospital, which provided care to impoverished women and children in the early 1900s.
From there, we walk along Erskine Road, admiring the conserved shophouses. I’ll explain the significance of the five-foot way, a unique feature once used by small businesses.
In Chinatown, we’ll see landmarks like the Statue of the Coolie at Smith Street, honoring past laborers. We’ll marvel at vibrant murals by local artist Yip Yew Chong on Temple Street. As we continue down South Bridge Road, we’ll pass Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. On Pagoda Street, we’ll stop at Unit 37, a former coolie house, and Unit 34, a former opium den, to glimpse early immigrant life.
Our tour concludes at Chinatown Complex, one of Singapore’s largest hawker centres. Here, I’ll introduce you to some of our famous street food, including Michelin-starred hawker dishes.
Come along on this journey through our history, heritage, and culture. I look forward to sharing Singapore’s stories with you!
• Explore **Jurassic World: The Experience** in Cloud Forest and admire over 7,000 orchids at Flower Dome's seasonal **Orchid Extravaganza**.
• Upgrade to the **Supertree Observatory** for panoramic views of Marina Bay and an optional audio-guided tour of the outdoor gardens.
• You can also upgrade to **Floral Fantasy**, featuring the **Disney Garden of Wonder** exhibit, with a shuttle service for added convenience.
• A great choice if you want to experience Gardens by the Bay's iconic conservatories while customizing your visit with optional add-ons.
*Should a certain date be “full”, please feel free to send us a text at info@offbeat.sg or dm us at @offbeatsingapore on Instagram/Facebook*
*Tour is in ENGLISH and is fast paced, we apologise for not being able to accommodate to requests for translation. Private tour requests in other languages may be available. Please enquire*
Multi-ethnicity, multiculturalism, multiracial and interracial.
Singapore celebrates it all.
This offbeat walking tour (IN ENGLISH) in turn pays tribute to this exceptionally unnatural occurrence; from hearing the good, not so good; to tasting ethnic bites & smelling the roses of flowers knotted into garlands. And here are the highlights!
- Top tips for how to enjoy Singapore within your short stay
- In not 1 or 2, but at all 3 ethnic quarters as our backdrop
- Engages your 5 senses all within one tour
- Ask away any question about anything of this melting pot
- We also hop onto public transport too!**
Background Story (to date):
With colossal buildings, hurried development, and incredible economic growth that thrives as much as its greenery, this bustling cosmopolitan Singapore overflows with opportunities, businesses, and trade. But what's pulsating within the city is beyond what most eyes see. Made up of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and various other ethnicities, cultural heritage is what makes Singapore, Singapore — a gathering of different cultures coexisting in one agreeable space.
Against this backdrop, we take you on a walk into 3 unique neighbourhoods in order to share with you our favourite tips. Got a preferred ethnic quarter that interests you more; tips on what to do for the rest of your remaining hours; food suggestions to tickle your palate, WE GOT YOU!
IMPORTANT notes.
i. We reserve ALL rights to our tours and will not stand for abusive language and/or unreasonable requests. We ask for your kind understanding pertaining to this basic right we have as the tour operator
ii. Please reply our messages otherwise we ignore your reservation and cancel them wherever we see fit
iii. There’s a minimum of 8 participants (keeping our groups small under 15p) in order for this tour to start. We do our best to combine groups, and/or start as many tours as possible
iv. Suggested tip amount: S$30 ~ S$50 per person (most of us are not crazy rich Asians, and life here is expensive, we really do appreciate your love)
v. This tour is designed to hit all the 3 ethnic quarters in a short & sweet manner providing you a clearer idea of what we are about. We are hopeful it'll give you a better idea where to spend more time in
vi. We're taking public transport for short rides. Participants need their own Visa/Mastercard. YES! Your own card allows you to travel with ease (costs about S$2.50 per ride) on this island's public transport system
vii. Photo of Meeting Point can be found in the photo slide show for reference.
viii. Bookings are subject to availability and minimum participation requirements. A tour is only confirmed upon our explicit confirmation via email, WhatsApp, or the booking platform — submission of a booking request alone does not constitute confirmation.
ix. Unfortunately, this tour is not designed for families with children below 12 years old; neither is it for folks with moving difficulty. The pace is medium to fast covering 3-4km; taking the train twice.
x. Last but not the least, we do not accept large group (> 6 persons) booking. The main reasons are, keeping our experience tight and intimate and we want to be fair to smaller group reservations. Thank you for your kind understanding.
• Enjoy buffet dining with free-flow non-alcoholic drinks and two alcoholic beverages, perfect for refreshing yourself between flights.
• Stay connected with high-speed WiFi, charging stations, and real-time flight info screens, along with access to TV, newspapers, and magazines.
• Relax in a calm, less crowded environment with comfortable seating, ideal for resting, working, or unwinding during transit.
• Customize your visit with 3, 5, or 10-hour access, and upgrade to include shower facilities for added comfort during your layover.
Delve deep into the history of Kampong Glam as we recount when the British arrived in Singapore, where they sought to control, how Kampong Glam became the Seat of the Malay Royalty, who Sultan Mosque is named after, and what became of him and his family.
Examine the Islamic roots of Kampong Glam, as we trace the origins of those who settled into the area, and learn about their traditions, customs and cuisines.
End the tour at hip and happening Haji Lane, where heritage meets contemporary. Vibrant street art adorn the walls of century-old shophouses which house popular thrift stores, indie boutiques, themed photo booths, and laidback cafes and bars.
Highlights:
- Crawford Bridge
- Heap Seng Leong, an old school coffeeshop from the 70s
- Hajjah Fatimah Mosque
- Istana Kampong Glam
- Gedung Kuning
- Peranakan architecture and culture
- Teh Tarik (Indian Muslim Pulled Tea) Demonstration
- Sultan Mosque
- Heritage shops along Arab Street
- Haji Lane, the most Instagrammable street in Singapore
• Admire city landmarks like Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Flyer, and Marina Bay as they stretch beneath the expansive SkyPark observation deck.
• Pick off-peak access to enjoy peaceful daylight panoramas or select peak hours for dramatic sunsets and sparkling nighttime skyline vistas.
Led by Ping, who made Little India her neighbourhood more than 2 decades ago, this walking tour takes you deep into the heart and soul of Little India as we explore one backstreet at a time. We look at Britain's colonisation of India, discover how the streets in Little India got their names, understand how affluence influenced the architecture of our heritage shophouses, and uncover how this enclave has always been multi-cultural.
Our tour starts and ends at the same location, giving you the opportunity to easily retrace your steps to eateries, shops and other hidden gems recommended along the way.
Highlights:
- Bustling Markets & Hawker Centre
- Little India Arcade & Campbell Lane
- Abdul Gafoor Mosque (1859)
- Church of the True Light (1911)
- Kampong Kapor Methodist Church (1894)
- Guanyin Gong Buddhist Vegetarian Hall (1954)
- Goldsmiths along Serangoon Road
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple (1855)
- House of Tan Teng Niah
• Enjoy rides, shows, and themed areas efficiently while bypassing the regular queues to make the most of your visit.
• Because lines at popular rides can reach 40 minutes or more in peak season, this pass helps you save significant waiting time.
• Combine the Express Pass with full park access to enter every zone and experience all attractions with priority access.
• Want more? Opt for the VIP tour to get a guided experience, unlimited express pass, complimentary perks, and more.
[Note: Tours are led by Paul or a carefully selected fellow guide, all trained in the same storytelling approach.]
Beneath the futuristic, modern city lies a rich history of an improbable country.
Join me on a journey through time as I share tales of Singapore's beginnings and the remarkable people who shaped this vibrant city. Explore an ancient hill and a transformed river, your classroom for today's extraordinary lesson.
My difference? I have been a teacher in Singapore schools for over 20 years - Come experience the Singapore teacher! This tour will be a 'lesson' you will not forget.
On this tour, we will bring back 700 years to discover the stories behind the Singapore that you see today. You will:
- explore Fort Canning Hill and the many stories connected to this hill
- visit an excavation site which rewrote Singapore's history
- learn how being a former British colony has impacted our country today
- discover the importance of the Singapore River in our history as a port
- see the past, present and future of Singapore
This is more than just a tour; it's a chance to step back in time and discover the heart and soul of Singapore.
Important Notes:
- Our tour will end at the heart of modern Singapore near the Marina Bay area (The Merlion is a very short walk from our ending point.)
- This is a 3 hour walking tour so come after a hearty breakfast and bring a bottle of water with you. Dress light and it helps to bring an umbrella or raincoat. We will walk, rain or shine! (unless it is a downpour).
- We will be going up and down multiple flights of steps so this tour is not recommended for families with prams or individuals with mobility challenges. If you are unsure, do check with me if the tour is suitable for you.
- Do note that this is a Pay-As-You-Wish Tour. If you enjoyed the tour, a recommended tip of SGD30-SGD50 is appreciated.
Note: If you do not see a tour available on a date which you would like attend, do contact us to see if we can open a tour on that date.
