The center of colonial rule in Singapore features reminders of British supremacy. The Padang, or cricket field, is surrounded by Empress Place Building, the original Parliament Buildings and the Singapore Cricket Club. Colonial Singapore can be recaptured with a Singapore Sling under the ceiling fans at Raffles Hotel.
Singapore's ancestral cultures of China, Southeast Asia, India and West Asia are traced and presented in this museum. Of note are superb Buddhist artifacts, imperial porcelain and a collection of 17th C Ming-style furniture. Rare objects from as far back as the Neolithic Period (5000 - 1600 BC) can also be viewed.
The gothic architecture of this national heritage site offers great photographic opportunities. CHIJMES is an attraction offering dining, shopping and entertainment.
The former Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, CHIJMES (pronounced "chimes") was established in 1854 and was also a girls school and orphanage. CHIJMES Hall, the restored chapel, provides a venue for musicals, recitals and other theatrical performances.
Address: CHIJMES, 30 Victoria Street, Singapore, Singapore 187996, Singapore
Singapore's only suspension bridge was constructed in 1868 and named after a governor of Singapore. Families of Singapore river cats, Kucintas, live on the river banks.
Constructed in 1865 and named after Queen Victoria, Empress of India, this building, typical of the Neo-Classical style, was used by the Government Secretariat and by arts organizations in the 1980's.
This performing arts center completed in 2002, comprises a 1,600-seat concert hall, a 2,000-seat theater, three studios, outdoor performing spaces and the three-level Esplanade Mall.
Address: Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore, Singapore 038981, Singapore
The Fullerton Hotel, built in 1928 represents the height of Palladian architecture in Singapore and was built on the site of Fort Fullerton, named after Governor Sir Robert Fullerton.
The statue of Singapore's founder, Sir Stamford Raffles, marks the spot where Raffles is believed to have first stepped ashore in 1819.
On first seeing Singapore, then a small fishing village, Raffles, a progressive and benevolent agent of the East India Company, understood Singapore's potential as port. After purchasing the island from the Sultan of Johor, he invited Chinese and Indians to immigrate to the new town, establishing Singapore's present multi-cultural society.
Transit: A short walk from Raffles Place MRT Station
Dedicated to the collection and display of 20th C Singapore and Southeast Asian art, the Singapore Art Museum's state-of-the-art galleries feature paintings, sculptures and installations drawn from its 4,000-strong permanent collection. Housed in a beautifully restored school building (the former St. Joseph's Institution), the Singapore Art Museum has the largest collection of 20th C Southeast Asian held by a public institution.
Address: Singapore Art Museum, 71 Bras Basah Road, Singapore, Singapore 189555, Singapore
Hours:
10am-7pm; Fri:10am-9pm
Tips: Free admission every Friday 6pm to 9pm.
Guides: Guided tour included with admission.
Facilities: Gift shop, Restaurant or food service
Transit: Take the MRT to Dhoby Ghaut or City Hall Station and walk towards Bras Basah Road.
Parliament House is home to Singapore's democratically elected Parliament. Built in 1999, the building's architecture blends old and new, incorporating a modern design with the distinctive colonnade details of other historical buildings in the colonial district. During Parliament sittings, which are open to the public, simultaneous interpretation of proceedings are available in English, Malay Mandarin and Tamil.
With a red pillar mailbox at its entrance this museum houses local and international stamps, and first day covers. Stamps and postcards depict multi-ethnic Singapore. The intricate stamp making process is vividly illustrated.
St Andrew's Cathedral was built in 1856 to replace a church destroyed by lightning. The Visitors Centre at the South Transept has a showcase of artifacts, pictures and a video of the cathedral's history.
Address: St Andrew's Cathedral, 11 St Andrew's Road, Singapore, Singapore 178959, Singapore
Guides: Guided tour included with admission.
Transit: Take the MRT to City Hall MRT Station and then exit in the direction of St Andrew's Cathedral. The cathedral is directly above the station.
Built to meet the growing needs of Singapore's Catholic population, this Cathedral's architecture, designed 1846, was inspired by two English churches of the time, St Paul's in Covent Garden and St Martin-in-the-Fields.