Discover the best things to do at Gardens by the Bay, including Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, Garden Rhapsody and family-friendly attractions.
No first visit to Singapore is complete without a trip to Gardens by the Bay.
Home to the iconic Supertrees, the spectacular Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories, and one of the city’s most magical things to do in Singapore at night, this futuristic garden has become one of Singapore’s most famous attractions.
But Gardens by the Bay is much more than just a place to snap a few photos. With free gardens to explore, family-friendly attractions, waterfront walks and places to eat, it’s somewhere you can easily spend half a day or more.
And while the gardens are beautiful during the day, don’t rush off too quickly. As the sun sets and the Supertrees begin to light up, Gardens by the Bay takes on a whole new atmosphere. Watching the city skyline sparkle and the trees come alive during the nightly Garden Rhapsody show is one of our favourite experiences in Singapore.
Whether you’re visiting with kids, escaping the midday heat or simply looking for one of Singapore’s most memorable attractions, here’s our insider guide to Gardens by the Bay.
Insider Tip: You can access free WIFI at most of the main attractions within the gardens.
Click here to buy tickets online for Gardens by the Bay.
Why You’ll Love Gardens by the Bay
- Home to Singapore’s iconic Supertrees.
- One of Singapore’s most famous attractions.
- Beautiful by day and magical after dark.
- Family-friendly with plenty for children.
- Home to the spectacular Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories.
- Free areas mean you don’t need a ticket to enjoy the gardens.
- Located in the heart of Marina Bay and easy to combine with other attractions.
- One of the best places to escape the heat.
Things to Do at Gardens by the Bay
One of the things we love most about Gardens by the Bay is that there is something for everyone. Whether you’re interested in spectacular architecture, family-friendly attractions, beautiful flowers or simply escaping the heat, it’s easy to spend half a day here.
Many visitors combine Gardens by the Bay with Marina Bay Sands and the waterfront promenade, but don’t be surprised if you find yourself returning more than once during your trip.
You can read more about the Marina Bay area in our Insider Guide to Marina Bay.
Insider Tip: Gardens by the Bay is just as magical after dark as it is during the day. If possible, plan your visit so you can stay for the free Garden Rhapsody light and sound show beneath the Supertrees.
Click here to buy tickets online for Gardens by the Bay.
Here are some of our favourite things to do at Gardens by the Bay:
Visit the Cloud Forest
If we had to pick just one ticketed attraction at Gardens by the Bay, this would be it. Home to one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls, Cloud Forest recreates the cool, misty environment of tropical mountain regions and is one of the best places in Singapore to escape the heat.
Follow elevated walkways past lush vegetation and dramatic viewpoints as you make your way to the summit before descending through a series of immersive exhibits.
Don’t Miss: Jurassic World: The Experience, where life-sized dinosaurs are hidden among the vegetation, making Cloud Forest even more exciting for families and dinosaur fans.
Explore the Flower Dome
Officially the world’s largest glass greenhouse, Flower Dome showcases plants and flowers from the Mediterranean and semi-arid regions around the world.
The ever-changing seasonal displays are one of the highlights and may feature everything from cherry blossoms and tulips to elaborate Christmas decorations.
Seasonal displays mean there is always something new to see, making repeat visits worthwhile.
Admire Supertree Grove
No visit to Gardens by the Bay would be complete without seeing the iconic Supertrees. Standing between 25 and 50 metres tall, these futuristic vertical gardens have become one of Singapore’s most recognisable landmarks.
The grove is free to visit and is particularly beautiful after dark when the trees are illuminated.
Visit the Supertree Observatory
For some of the best views in Singapore, head to the top of the tallest Supertree.
The Supertree Observatory offers panoramic views across Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands and the city skyline, and is particularly beautiful at sunset and after dark. In fact, we think it’s one of the best places to watch the sunset in Singapore.
Unlike the OCBC Skyway, which offers a close-up perspective of the Supertrees themselves, the observatory provides a higher vantage point and a chance to appreciate the scale of the gardens and the surrounding city.
Insider Tip: If you’re visiting in the evening, try to time your visit for sunset and stay for the Garden Rhapsody light show below. Watching the city lights come on from above is pretty special.
Walk the OCBC Skyway
Suspended 22 metres above the ground, the OCBC Skyway offers fantastic views of Supertree Grove, Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore skyline.
It’s not particularly long, but the elevated perspective makes it well worth the small admission fee.
Watch the Garden Rhapsody Light Show
Held nightly beneath the Supertrees, this free light and sound show is one of our favourite things to do in Singapore after dark.
Watching the trees come alive against the backdrop of the Marina Bay skyline may well become one of your favourite Singapore memories.
Insider Tip: Arrive at least 15-20 minutes early if you want a good spot.
Cool Off at the Far East Organization Children’s Garden
Travelling with younger children? This free attraction is one of the best places in Singapore for kids to burn off some energy.
There are playgrounds, water play areas and plenty of shaded seating for parents. Bring swimmers and a towel if your little ones are planning on getting wet.
Visit Floral Fantasy
Often overlooked, Floral Fantasy combines flowers, art and creative displays in a smaller attraction that is ideal if you’re short on time or visiting with younger children.
The current and recent exhibitions have included Disney and Pixar themes, making it particularly appealing to families.
Explore the Heritage Gardens
Discover Chinese, Malay, Indian and Colonial-themed gardens showcasing the plants and traditions that helped shape Singapore’s multicultural heritage.
Stroll Around Dragonfly Lake and Kingfisher Lake
These peaceful lakes are perfect for escaping the crowds and are a favourite spot for photographers (Instagrammers!) and birdwatchers.
Enjoy Satay by the Bay
One of our favourite places to eat near Gardens by the Bay, Satay by the Bay is a relaxed hawker centre serving local favourites in a breezy waterfront setting.
It’s the perfect place to refuel after a busy day exploring.
Click here to buy tickets online for Gardens by the Bay.
Gardens by the Bay with Kids
Gardens by the Bay is one of our favourite attractions in Singapore for families. Between the cooled conservatories, playgrounds, water play areas and ever-changing exhibitions, there is plenty to keep children entertained.
Insider Tip: Kids got tired legs? A shuttle bus runs between Bayfront MRT, the Active Garden and the Flower Dome every 10 minutes. Tickets cost $3 per person for 2 rides and can be bought online or in the Gardens by the Bay app.
Far East Organization Children’s Garden
This free attraction is a huge hit with younger children. As well as playgrounds and climbing structures, you’ll find one of the best water play areas in Singapore, making it the perfect place to cool off on a hot day.
There’s a dedicated Toddler Playzone, perfect if you are visiting Singapore with toddlers, while older kids will love the rainforest treehouses.
The Children’s Garden is only open Thursday – Sunday (plus public holidays) during term time, and Tuesday – Sunday (plus public holidays) during school holidays.
Insider Tip: Bring swimmers, towels and a change of clothes if your children are planning on getting wet.
Cloud Forest
Children love the dramatic indoor waterfall and elevated walkways, while special exhibitions such as Jurassic World: The Experience make it even more exciting for dinosaur fans.
Floral Fantasy
Often overlooked by adults, Floral Fantasy frequently hosts family-friendly exhibitions and themed displays. Current and recent themes have included Disney and Pixar favourites, making it especially popular with younger visitors.
Garden Rhapsody
Don’t underestimate the appeal of the free nightly light and sound show. Watching the Supertrees come alive beneath the stars is a magical experience for children and adults alike.
Family-Friendly Dining
There are plenty of family-friendly dining options at Gardens by the Bay. Jurassic Nest Food Hall is a convenient choice with a wide range of local and international dishes, while Finnwood in the Far East Organization Children’s Garden serves pizzas, burgers and other kid-friendly favourites.
You’ll also find familiar names such as Shake Shack, McDonald’s and Starbucks, making it easy to keep even the fussiest eaters happy.
Nursing Rooms
Travelling to Singapore with a baby? You’ll find several nursing/changing rooms in Gardens by the Bay, including inside Cloud Forest and Floral Fantasy, and at the Children’s Garden.
Family Tip
If you’re visiting with younger children, we recommend arriving in the late afternoon. You can escape the heat in Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, let the kids cool off in the water play area and then finish the day with Garden Rhapsody after sunset.
Want more family-friendly ideas and tips? Read our Ultimate Guide to Singapore with Kids.
Tickets and Opening Hours
The outdoor gardens, Supertree Grove and Heritage Gardens are free to visit, making Gardens by the Bay one of the best free attractions in Singapore.
However, there is an admission charge for the main attractions, including Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, Floral Fantasy, the OCBC Skyway and Supertree Observatory.
Tickets are available in various combinations, so you can choose which attractions you want to visit, and which to skip.
We recommend purchasing tickets online in advance to save time and avoid queues. Click here to buy tickets.
Opening Hours
These opening hours were correct at the time of writing. To check latest opening times, visit the Gardens by the Bay website here.
Outdoor Gardens and Supertree Grove
- Daily: 5am – 2am
Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, Supertree Observatory & OCBC Skyway
- Daily: 9am – 9pm
Floral Fantasy
- Daily: 10am – 9pm
Garden Rhapsody
The free Garden Rhapsody light and sound show takes place every evening at:
- 7.45pm
- 8.45pm
Insider Tip: If you’re planning to visit the conservatories, try to time your visit so you can stay for Garden Rhapsody. Watching the Supertrees come alive after dark is one of the highlights of any trip to Singapore.
Click here to buy tickets online for Gardens by the Bay.
Restaurants and Food at Gardens by the Bay
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a family-friendly meal or a special dining experience, there are plenty of options at Gardens by the Bay. You’ll also find familiar favourites such as Shake Shack, McDonald’s and Starbucks, making it easy to keep everyone happy.
Satay by the Bay
If we had to pick just one place to eat, this would be it. Located on the edge of the gardens overlooking the water, Satay by the Bay is one of our favourite hawker centres in Singapore.
You’ll find everything from satay and chicken rice to seafood and local desserts, making it a great place to sample local Singaporean cuisine without breaking the bank.
If you’re new to hawker dining, our guide to what to eat at a hawker centre will help you decide what to order.
Jurassic Nest Food Hall
Located next to Cloud Forest, Jurassic Nest Food Hall is a convenient option for families and anyone looking for a quick meal between attractions. There are several stalls serving both local favourites and international dishes, and the dinosaur theme is always popular with younger visitors.
Finnwood
Located in the Far East Organization Children’s Garden, Finnwood is a great option for families with younger children. Serving pizzas, pasta, burgers and other crowd-pleasers, it’s the perfect place to refuel while the kids take advantage of the playground and water play area.
Hortus
Located inside the Flower Dome, Hortus serves Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a beautiful setting overlooking the gardens. It’s a lovely spot for a leisurely lunch or dinner and one of the more unique dining experiences in Singapore.
Marguerite
For a special occasion, Michelin-starred Marguerite is one of Singapore’s finest restaurants. Set within the gardens themselves, this elegant fine-dining restaurant offers beautifully presented tasting menus in a stunning setting.
Conservatory Café
Need a coffee break? The Conservatory Café offers takeaway light meals, cakes, ice cream and drinks, making it a convenient place to recharge between Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.
Insider Tip: If you’re planning to stay for the Garden Rhapsody light show, consider having dinner first and then finding a spot beneath the Supertrees afterwards. Watching the trees come alive against the night sky is one of our favourite ways to end the day.
Tips for Visiting Gardens by the Bay
- Arrive early or late in the day. Singapore’s heat and humidity can be intense, so visiting in the morning or late afternoon is generally more comfortable.
- Stay after dark. Gardens by the Bay takes on a whole new atmosphere in the evening, and the free Garden Rhapsody light show is one of the highlights of any visit.
- Allow at least half a day. While you can see the Supertree Grove in an hour or two, it’s easy to spend half a day or more exploring the gardens and conservatories.
- Wear comfortable shoes. The gardens are much bigger than many visitors expect, and you’ll do a lot of walking.
- Buy tickets online in advance. This will save time and help you avoid queues, especially during weekends and school holidays. Buy tickets here.
- Bring swimwear and towels if you’re visiting with children. The Far East Organization Children’s Garden has one of the best free water play areas in Singapore.
- Bring a refillable water bottle. There are refill stations around the gardens, meaning you will save money on bottled water and be kind to the environment at the same time.
- Combine your visit with Marina Bay. Gardens by the Bay is within walking distance of Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum and the waterfront promenade, making it easy to spend an entire day in the area.
- Don’t forget insect repellent. Mosquitoes are usually not a major problem, but they’re more active around dusk and near the lakes.
- Be prepared for rain. Afternoon showers are common in Singapore, but the conservatories provide the perfect place to escape if the weather turns.
Insider Tip: If we had to choose, we’d arrive in the late afternoon, visit Cloud Forest and Flower Dome during the hottest part of the day, then explore the outdoor gardens before staying for Garden Rhapsody after sunset. It’s one of our favourite ways to experience Gardens by the Bay.
Click here to buy tickets online for Gardens by the Bay.
How to Get to Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is located in the heart of Marina Bay and is easy to reach by MRT, taxi or on foot from many of Singapore’s major attractions.
Need help with public transport? Read our guide to Public Transport in Singapore here.
By MRT
The nearest station is Gardens by the Bay MRT Station on the Thomson-East Coast Line. Exit 1 brings you directly to Bay South Garden and is the most convenient option.
You can also use Bayfront MRT Station (Downtown and Circle Lines), which is connected to Gardens by the Bay via an underground linkway. This is the best option if you’re combining your visit with Marina Bay Sands.
On Foot
Gardens by the Bay is within easy walking distance of many Marina Bay attractions.
- From Marina Bay Sands: Around 10 minutes via the overhead bridge (Garden Bay Bridge), located at Marina Bay Sands Hotel or using the underground walkway via Bayfront MRT.
- From the Marina Bay waterfront promenade and Merlion: Around 20-25 minutes.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing Apps
Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Grab are readily available throughout Singapore and are a convenient option if you’re travelling with young children or visiting during the hottest part of the day.
There are several drop-off points around the gardens, including near the Main Entrance, Flower Dome and Satay by the Bay.
By Bus
Several bus routes serve Gardens by the Bay and the surrounding Marina Bay area, although most visitors find the MRT to be the easiest option.
Insider Tip: If you’re visiting Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum or the waterfront promenade, it’s easy to combine them with Gardens by the Bay in a single day without needing additional transport.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Gardens by the Bay free?
Yes and no. The outdoor gardens, Supertree Grove and Heritage Gardens are free to visit, while attractions such as Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, Floral Fantasy, the OCBC Skyway and Supertree Observatory require a ticket. Click here to buy tickets online.
How long do you need at Gardens by the Bay?
We recommend allowing at least half a day. If you’re just visiting Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, 2-3 hours is usually enough. Families or anyone wanting to explore the outdoor gardens and stay for Garden Rhapsody could easily spend most of the day here.
Which is better: Cloud Forest or Flower Dome?
If you only have time for one, we’d choose Cloud Forest. The dramatic indoor waterfall, elevated walkways and immersive exhibits make it one of Singapore’s most impressive attractions.
Is Gardens by the Bay worth visiting at night?
Absolutely. In fact, some people would argue it’s even more beautiful after dark. The Supertrees light up, temperatures are cooler and the free Garden Rhapsody light and sound show is one of the highlights of any trip to Singapore.
Is Gardens by the Bay good for children?
Definitely. Between the Children’s Garden, water play area, playgrounds, family-friendly exhibitions and cooled conservatories, Gardens by the Bay is one of our favourite attractions in Singapore for families.
What should I wear to Gardens by the Bay?
Lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes are best. If you’re planning on visiting the Children’s Garden, don’t forget swimwear and towels for the water play area.
What is the best time to visit Gardens by the Bay?
Late afternoon is our favourite time to visit. You can escape the heat in the conservatories, explore the outdoor gardens as temperatures begin to cool and then stay for the Garden Rhapsody light show after sunset.
Can you visit Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands on the same day?
Yes, and we highly recommend it. Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum and the waterfront promenade are all within easy walking distance of each other, making them easy to combine into a fantastic day out.
Need ideas? Our Insider Guide to Marina Bay covers the area’s top attractions, restaurants and hotels.
Do I need to buy tickets in advance?
We recommend it, especially during weekends, school holidays and peak travel periods. Buying tickets online in advance will save time and help you avoid queues.