Discover Singapore’s modern glittering side at Marina Bay, a waterfront district of luxury hotels, world-class dining and striking architecture.

The development of Marina Bay in the 1980s transformed Singapore’s skyline forever. Hotels and shopping centres were built in this new waterfront area, followed by some of the city’s most iconic architectural landmarks, including Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay. But beyond these unmistakable icons, this modern enclave is home to an array of exceptional dining, world-class shopping and some of Singapore’s best hotels.

What is Marina Bay, and why visit?

This 38-hectare parcel of reclaimed land was developed in the 1980s, becoming home to landmark hotels such as The Fullerton and The Mandarin Oriental and the large Marina Square shopping centre, transforming the former anchorage for ships and bumboats into a dazzling hub. But it wasn’t until the turn of the century that some of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks began to rise here. The stratospheric Marina Bay Sands building and Singapore Flyer redefined Singapore’s skyline, while Gardens by the Bay and its unique Supertrees became a global symbol of sustainability and innovative urban design. Beyond these headline attractions, Marina Bay is a hub for waterfront dining and luxury shopping. It’s also home to The Merlion, Singapore’s national symbol, which was relocated here from the mouth of the Singapore River in 2002.

What to do in Marina Bay

Merlion Park

With the head of a lion and the body of a fish, the Merlion is one of Singapore’s most recognisable symbols, representing both the island’s fishing-village roots and its namesake, Singapura, meaning ‘lion city’. Created by local craftsman Lim Nang Seng and unveiled in 1972, the Merlion was relocated here from the Singapore River in 2002. Today, it stands proudly overlooking Marina Bay, in front of the Fullerton Hotel.

Gardens by the Bay

The first thing you’ll notice about Gardens by the Bay is its 18 futuristic Supertrees, towering up to 50 metres above the Marina Bay waterfront, especially when they’re illuminated spectacularly after dark. These sustainable vertical gardens are home to more than 160,000 plants representing over 200 species, and they’re just a taste of what lies beyond in this 101-hectare garden.

Explore the Flower Dome, a vast glass conservatory filled with plants and flowers from five continents, or venture into the misty Cloud Forest, home to a spectacular indoor waterfall. There are themed outdoor gardens, a childrens’ playground, as well as the elevated OCBC Skyway, suspended between the Supertrees. Throughout the year, exhibitions and events add to the experience, such as an ongoing Jurassic World dinosaur display.

Singapore Flyer

Take in the city’s spectacular skyline from 165 metres above on the Singapore Flyer. With 360-degree views, you’ll see the Marina Bay skyline, Singapore River and Raffles Place, and on a clear day, views stretching as far as Sentosa Island. Operating day and night, upgrade your experience to include a Singapore Sling, Champagne or a 90-minute dining experience as the sun sets. You can also add the Time Capsule, an immersive pre-flight experience that tells the story of Singapore’s history.

Esplanade

Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is one of Singapore’s most iconic architectural landmarks. While not intentional, its distinctive twin domes are often likened to the tropical durian fruit. Visitors can admire the architecture from Jubilee Bridge or along the waterfront promenade. Inside, the performance halls and public spaces combine striking aesthetics and an exceptional setting for world-class performances. Esplanade hosts an impressive programme of concerts, theatre and dance throughout the year, including free performances every day.

ArtScience Museum

Another distinctive landmark in Marina Bay, the ArtScience Museum is shaped like an open lotus flower with each frond housing a separate gallery. It is home to immersive exhibitions, such as the permanent Future World, in collaboration with renowned international art collective teamLab, which is a digital exhibition that celebrates Singapore’s biodiversity and the cosmos.

Shopping

Singapore is renowned for its shopping, and while Orchard Road gets most of the limelight, Marina Bay doesn’t disappoint. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands offers a luxury experience from the moment you step inside, from its designer shopping to world-class dining, with more than 170 boutiques and 18 international flagship stores, including Fendi, Tiffany & Co. and Louis Vuitton, whose boutique appears to float on the bay.

Next door to each other is the first shopping centre in the area, Marina Square, and the large Suntec City Mall – both have an array of everyday stores. While in between, Millenia Walk is home to a range of local designers and creatives.

Where to eat in Marina Bay

Waku Ghin by Tetsuya Wakuda

Within The Shoppes of Marina Bay Sands, this intimate omakase serves just 25 guests at a time in an elegant Japanese-inspired space designed by Yohei Akao. Helmed by celebrity chef Tetsuya Wakuda, the one-Michelin-starred Waku Ghin offers a choice of a five-course tasting menu, à la carte dining or the Chef’s Table’s 10-course degustation. Seasonal ingredients from around the world are prepared with refined Japanese culinary artistry, complemented by Japanese sakes and inventive cocktails. At a super-high price-point, it’s certainly one for a special occasion—or the serious foodies among us.

Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, The Shoppes, Marina Bay Sands

CUT by Wolfgang Puck

Another international name within The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, the one-Michelin-starred CUT by Wolfgang Puck is renowned as one of Singapore’s best steakhouses. Premium cuts on the menu include USDA Prime, Australian Angus and Wagyu, and Japanese Wagyu, which are grilled over hardwood and charcoal and finished under a 1200-degree Fahrenheit broiler to give the steaks a dark, caramelised texture. Pair with a wine from the 500-plus selection, a handcrafted cocktail or browse the extensive whisky list.

Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, The Shoppes, Marina Bay Sands

LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar

You can’t really go wrong with restaurants in Marina Bay Sands, but this one is a stand-out for its location, sitting atop the iconic building – an eye-watering 57 stories above the city. LAVO is an Italian restaurant and bar serving everything from brunch and lunch to late-night snacks. Expect Mediterranean flavours and fresh, quality produce, from antipasti such as calamari fritti and grilled octopus to brick-oven pizzas, pastas and larger dishes, including a very large 1.2-kilogram tomahawk steak. A Mediterranean-inspired cocktail menu and extensive wine selection round things out. The open-air terrace is a coveted spot to sit, especially at night with views overlooking Gardens by the Bay and its illuminated Supertrees.

Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, The Shoppes, Marina Bay Sands

Black Tap

If your stomach is growling, make your way to Black Tap, which brings its famous New York energy to Singapore. With a 10-metre-tall mural by local graffiti artist Has.J and hip-hop beats, Black Tap is a cool restaurant serving juicy burgers and craft beers. Go all-American with their signature burger, or try the award-winning Wagyu Steakhouse Burger, loaded with a Wagyu patty, pepper jack cheese, bacon, crispy onions and roasted garlic aioli. Chicken sandwiches and salads are also available. Save room for one of the CrazyShakes – loaded milkshakes with cotton candy and whipped cream or made with peanut butter cups and pretzels.

Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, The Shoppes, Marina Bay Sands

Palm Beach Seafood

Established in 1956, Palm Beach Seafood is a Singaporean institution, located beside the Merlion. Its founders are credited with creating Singapore’s famous chilli crab, said to have originated when Cher Yam Tian added chilli sauce to stir-fried crabs instead of her usual tomato sauce and began selling the dish from a seaside pushcart with her fisherman husband. Today, the renowned restaurant serves a selection of crab dishes alongside fish, lobster, prawns and cold seafood platters, with live seafood available from its tanks, as well as a range of non-seafood options.

Address: 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore

Labyrinth

For 10 consecutive years, Labyrinth has retained a Michelin star for its refined, contemporary Singaporean cuisine. Drawing on childhood memories and often-forgotten recipes, Chef Han uses seasonal produce to reimagine local flavours using modern techniques, presenting each dish as an edible work of art. Located within Esplanade, the space is moody and intimate, with an eclectic display of Asian-inspired décor.

Address: 8 Raffles Ave, Singapore

PS. Cafe

One of 10 outposts, PS. Café at One Fullerton is a relaxed eatery serving Western-style dishes such as club sandwiches, classic roast chicken, pastas and Caesar salad. Its signature truffle fries are a favourite starter or side, while an indulgent dessert menu features sticky date pudding and red velvet cake. The elegant monochrome interior, complemented by lush greenery, creates a stylish yet relaxed setting for all-day dining.

Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, The Shoppes, Marina Bay Sands

Jypsy

By the same folk behind PS. Cafe group, Jypsy at One Fullerton has developed a bohemian vibe, with coastal-inspired interiors and views across Marina Bay. The all-day menu includes small and large plates designed for sharing, including sushi and sashimi options and house signatures such as tiger prawn and crab gyoza, Hamachi tacos and green tea soba salad. Pair your meal with an osake flight or a signature cocktail, such as the Yuzu Gin Fizz or Honeydew Melon Sour.

Address: 1 Fullerton Road, Singapore

Makansutra Gluttons Bay

While there are no traditional hawker markets in Marina Bay, Makansutra Gluttons Bay is the next best thing, an upscale open-air market where you can enjoy Singapore’s favourites street food. Founded by food expert KF Seetoh, its handpicked stalls serve local classics including Hainanese chicken rice, Hokkien prawn mee, chilli crab and sambal stingray. With 11 stalls offering a range of Singaporean and international flavours, it’s great for a casual meal and if you come at night, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy the nightly Marina Bay Sands light show.

Address: 8 Raffles Ave, Singapore

Where to stay in Marina Bay

The Sands Collection at Marina Bay Sands

One of Singapore’s top stays, both figuratively and literally, The Sands Collection at Marina Bay Sands offers elegant rooms and suites with sweeping views of Gardens by the Bay or the sea. Luxurious yet understated, the interiors feature earthy tones, polished marble and spacious bathrooms with double vanities and premium amenities. Guests enjoy exclusive access to the iconic SkyPark Infinity Pool, fitness centre and wellness classes, including Yoga in the Sky, plus The Club, serving complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea, evening canapés and beverages.

Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore

PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay

This was the first hotel within the reclaimed Marina Bay area and now PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay claims Singapore’s first ‘garden in a hotel’, with 2400 plants and a 13-metre-high Green Wall at the heart of its biophilic design. Sustainability is woven throughout the hotel, from energy and water conservation to responsible food practices. Most of the contemporary guest rooms feature private balconies overlooking the bay or city skyline and there’s a dedicated wellness floor that comprises a day spa, fitness studio and swimming pool.

Address: 6 Raffles Blvd, Singapore

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore

Mandarin Oriental, Singapore is an elegant hotel combining classic interiors with vibrant colour, botanic and Peranakan elements. Multiple dining options span Cantonese, Teochew, Italian, Japanese and international cuisine. MO BAR is an ideal spot for cocktails as the sun sets over the surrounding skyline, while Bay@5 has great views of Gardens by the Bay. The day spa, outdoor pool, fitness centre and holistic wellness programmes offer guests the chance to unwind.

Address: 5 Raffles Ave., Singapore

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia

The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore is a design-forward hotel filled with museum-quality art. Its signature suites and exclusive Club Lounge boast some of the best views in Marina Bay, looking out to the Marina Bay Sands building and the Singapore Flyer. Club guests enjoy complimentary culinary offerings throughout the day, dedicated concierge service and exclusive limousine transfers. Dining includes Cantonese cuisine at one-Michelin-star Summer Pavilion, all-day dining at Colony and cocktails at 1960s-inspired Republic, and there is also a gym, outdoor pool and luxurious spa.

Address: 7 Raffles Ave., Singapore

Pan Pacific Singapore

Pan Pacific Singapore is a great option for families, with rooms ranging from studios to two-bedroom suites, plus a family-friendly Urban Jungle with a fun playroom for kids. The hotel also has an outdoor swimming pool, fitness centre, tennis courts and day spa, while the dedicated indoor play centre is a welcome respite for children staying in the city. Dining options include Japanese and Cantonese restaurants, a steakhouse and poolside dining.

Address: 7 Raffles Blvd, Singapore

Conrad Singapore Marina Bay

Conrad Singapore Marina Bay is home to some of the city’s largest rooms, at 40 square metres or more, with natural light, elegant interiors and sweeping city or Marina Bay views. It offers connecting rooms and thoughtful amenities for children making it a great choice for families. Dining ranges from Chinese cuisine at Golden Peony to local specialities at Oscar’s, afternoon tea at Lobby Lounge and drinks at The Terrace. The hotel houses 3400 pieces of Asian contemporary art, has an outdoor pool with a view of the Singapore Flyer, a spa, and fitness centre with complimentary wellness classes.

Address: 2 Temasek Blvd, Singapore

The Fullerton Bay Hotel

Unlike its sister hotel, which is housed in a 1928-built neoclassical landmark, The Fullerton Bay Hotel is a sleek, modern build that blends contemporary luxury with Singapore’s heritage. Guests can join Yoga by the Bay, play pickleball, swim in the 25-metre rooftop pool or unwind in the Jacuzzis. For further relaxation, spa treatments are available at the award-winning Fullerton Spa nearby, offering a convenient wellness escape just a short walk from the hotel.

Address: 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore