The 10 Most Instagrammable Places in Singapore

Endless photo ops in the Lion City.

Singapore may be small, but it offers incredible photo opportunities at every turn. For this reason alone, the country is a dream destination for an explorer, photographer or someone who just likes to tease their friends with amazing photos from their travels. If you want to rack up those hearted double-taps, though, make sure to plan your travels around the 10 most Instagrammable places in Singapore. Considering this iconic town was named among the most Insta-worthy spots on the planet, with more than 60 million hashtags in 2018 alone, there are plenty of options of photo destinations to choose from—and we're here to help. From colorful enclaves and glitzy skyscrapers to idyllic beaches and vibrant street art, the city awaits you (and your camera!).

Below, we’ve rounded up 10 of the most Instagrammable places in Singapore. 

Marina Bay Sands: Take Your Instagram to New Heights

Look at pictures of Singapore’s skyline and you’ll find that most of them are dominated by the distinctive silhouette of Marina Bay Sands—an ultramodern, integrated resort whose three towers are connected by a cantilevered SkyPark (where you’ll find that Insta-famous infinity pool)—but it isn’t the only photogenic spot along the waterfront. 

Don’t forget to snap photos of the nearby Helix Bridge, too. This sinuous pedestrian bridge lights up at night and stands out as a staple in Singapore’s photography community. There’s also the nearby ArtScience Museum, which is recognized around the world for its unusual lotus-shaped structure. With so many top attractions in close proximity, the Marina Bay Waterfront emerges as a leader for one of the most Instagrammable places to take photos in Singapore.

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Gardens by the Bay: Illuminate Your Insta Feed

The iconic Gardens by the Bay is guaranteed to be featured on any list of the most Instagrammable places in Singapore. The futuristic 101-hectare park is dotted with towering Supertrees—lush vertical gardens fashioned from steel and concrete—which look straight out of a scene from Avatar. For the ultimate Instagram, wait for the light and music show, which is held twice a night at 7:45PM and 8:45PM. The Supertrees come alive in a rainbow of colors and it makes for a one-of-a-kind shot that’s guaranteed to brighten up your feed. Equally impressive is the nearby Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. These two domed conservatories play host to a vibrant array of tropical and subtropical plants; the latter even houses an indoor waterfall!

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National Gallery Singapore: Art in its Rarest Form

This sprawling art museum is undoubtedly one of the best places to take photos in Singapore thanks to its striking architecture. It's housed across two national monuments, the Supreme Court and the City Hall, which have been lovingly restored and seamlessly integrated via several link bridges. The gallery’s façade is dominated by 18 grand Corinthian columns, while its interiors exemplify both colonial and neoclassical British architecture. Of course, its artworks are equally Insta-worthy: on display are over 8,000 pieces of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art, including Impressionistic oil paintings by pioneering female artist Georgette Chen. 

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Merlion Park: A Roaring Good Instagram

If you’ve seen the movie Crazy Rich Asians, you’ll probably recognize Merlion Park. The Merlion—a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish—is the official mascot of Singapore and it’s used in everything from TV show sets to ads urging visitors to come see the great country. The head symbolizes Singapore’s original name, Singapura (meaning “Lion City”), while the body alludes to its roots as a fishing village. There are five official Merlions located across the city, but the 8.6-meter tall statue at Merlion Park, which spouts water from its mouth, is undoubtedly the most popular; in fact, it’s often cited as one of the most Instagrammable places in Singapore. When taking pictures, visitors will often position themselves strategically so that it looks like the water is pouring out of, or into, their mouths—all in the name of a funny photo! 

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Chinatown: A Taste of Authenticity

Without a doubt, Chinatown is one of the best places to take photos in Singapore! For one reason, its heritage shophouses are juxtaposed against the gleaming skyscrapers of the adjacent Central Business District, making for a great photo op. Additionally, there are the atmospheric places of worship: check out the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, which houses numerous religious artifacts, as well as the Sri Mariamman Temple, which is known for its ornate gopuram (grand tower entrance) embellished with sculptures of Hindu deities.

Wander the district’s narrow streets, where you’ll find hip bars and boutiques with traditional medicinal halls. And then finally, we recommend stopping by Chinatown Food Street for a taste of Singapore’s famed hawker food (and more #foodporn), with vendors dishing up everything from Hokkien mee (fried noodles) to oyster omelets and barbecued chicken wings. 

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Little India: Your Next Instagram is Hiding in Plain Sight

Like Chinatown, the ethnic enclave of Little India makes for one of the most Instagrammable places in Singapore. One of its most distinctive landmarks is the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, whose intricate façade is adorned with numerous statues, making it a favorite among photographers. Another popular photo spot is the House of Tan Teng Niah, which stands out with its brightly painted shutters. Plus, don’t miss the bustling Little India Arcade. This cluster of 1920s-era shophouses sells everything from floral garlands and intricate saris (traditional Indian garments) to fragrant spices and street food. It’s a feast for the senses—and for your camera, too.

If you’ve exhausted yourself on food photography, we recommend venturing over to the Crawford Center. Have a friend go over to the Textile Center building staircase and then stand on the 20th floor of the Crawford Center. From there, you’ll be able to capture your friend on the minimalist staircase that resembles a giant strand of DNA. It’s one of the best places to take photos in Singapore, but it’s very unknown. You’ll definitely make an impression that will have all of your followers wondering where you found such a unique spot!

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Jewel Changi Airport: The Flyest Instagram You Can Get

Ever since it opened in April 2019, Jewel Changi Airport has been the talk of the town—and it seems like it’s set to be one of the most Instagrammable places in Singapore for years to come. Taking pride of place in the center of the complex is The Rain Vortex; cascading from a height of 40 meters, it’s purportedly the world’s tallest indoor waterfall (perfect for a Boomerang on Insta!). To top it off, it’s surrounded by a four-story indoor forest with over 900 trees. Other photogenic attractions include the Hedge Maze (an enormous indoor labyrinth) and the Petal Garden (which showcases flowers from around the world), both of which promise abundant Instagram opportunities.

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Sentosa: Fun in the Sun (and on Your Feed)

Self-proclaimed as “The State of Fun”, Sentosa is a resort island that has theme parks, luxury hotels, spa services and beachside dining options. With its picturesque features, there’s no wonder that Sentosa has a reputation for being one of the most Instagrammable spots in Singapore. The islet is the perfect place to soak in the sun and start snapping away at the beautiful golden-sand beaches, lush rainforests or lively scenes at the amusement parks.

If you want to take a break from the average Instagram selfie or boomerang, try droning in this area. It’s a great way to see the island from above and you won’t believe how clear the water is—even from a bird’s eye view. To get approved for droning on Sentosa, (trust us, it’s worth it!), you’ll need to contact the government at least 10 days before your trip. Once you’ve been approved, we recommend capturing Paradise Island. The name speaks for itself—Paradise Island is a quaint, yet intricate, inlet where the houses are built on small coves. Less known than other islands, Paradise Island is a sure winner as one of the best places to take photos in Singapore.

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Singapore Botanic Gardens: A Tropical Insta Paradise

The combination of fresh air and lush greenery provides the perfect backdrop for a classic portrait shot at the Singapore Botanic Garden. You’ll forget you’re standing in the city as you’re surrounded by the garden’s 161-year-old tropical flora in a verdant landscape. Walk around and take in the various species of flowers and you’ll have ample opportunities to photograph one of the most Instagrammable places in Singapore. Before visiting the gardens, check their website to see their seasonal events. You can even take a guided tour of the grounds!

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Nanyang Primary School: A Vibrant Place to Learn

Unlike most schools, Nanyang Primary School is painted in an array of energetic colors that stimulate your creative senses. Walk around the educational center and take in the rainbow hues that are on display as you're met with one of the most Instagrammable places in Singapore. The options are truly endless here, so get in touch with your inner child and let your ideas run wild!

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