7 Best Sights in Marina Bay, Singapore

The government-funded, large-scale gardens next to Marina Bay Sands opened with much well-deserved pomp in 2012. Highlights include a futuristic grove of "Supertrees"—giant vertical gardens—and two armadillo-shaped conservatories. The Flower Dome is home to plants from the Mediterranean and subtropical regions, while the Cloud Forest is veiled in mist and houses the world's largest indoor waterfall. The OCBC Skyway is a 420-foot (128-meter) walkway that connects several of the Supertrees and offers a great view from above. While hefty fees apply for the Skyway, the SuperTree Observatory, and conservatories, visitors can wander around the Gardens until 2 am free of charge.

One of the most iconic structures on the Singapore skyline, Marina Bay Sands includes the biggest hotel in Singapore; The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, a glitzy mall filled with top fashion brands and its own casino; celebrity-chef restaurants; and the cavernous Marquee nightclub. Don't miss out on the atelier Louis Vuitton, set on an island accessible via a tunnel, and the state-of-the-art Apple Store Marina Bay Sands, an all-glass dome sphere floating on water and offering 360-degree views of the city's skyline. There's also the SkyPark, an observation deck that's 660 feet (200 meters) high and home to the hotel's much-Instagrammed, 150 meter-long infinity pool—the world's largest outdoor elevated body of water.

Part of Marina Bay Sands, this Moshe Safdie–designed structure is often compared to an open hand or a lotus flower. Inside, the exhibitions combine—you guessed it—art and science. Since its opening in 2011, major international exhibitions have been set up within the 21 gallery spaces, totaling 50,000 square feet. Guided tours leave at 4 and 5 pm from the Exhibition Entrance on basement level 2. Upstairs, the Sweet Spot has excellent coffee, cakes, and snacks.

Land reclamation projects throughout the 19th century pushed the seafront several blocks away from Collyer Quay. At that time, the view from here would have been a virtual wall of anchored ships. Today, you look out onto Marina Bay. European traders once arrived by steamship and Chinese immigrants arrived by wind-dependent junks at Clifford Pier, a covered jetty with high, vaulted ceilings that ceased operations in 2006. Nearby, the Customs House building once facilitated the arrival of leisure seekers and traders. Now, the historical buildings host some of the trendiest restaurants and bars in town, with The Fullerton Bay Hotel nestled between.

A second physical location of the Red Dot Design Award (one of the world's largest displays of contemporary design, first held in Germany) occupies a quiet corner of Marina Bay. The striking full-glass and geometrical facade of its pavilion packs over 300 design works on exhibition. The annexed design shop is a good place to buy peculiar mementoes, and the museum café serves good desserts and coffee.

One of the largest observation wheels in the world, and the biggest in Asia, the Singapore Flyer offers one of the most exciting ways to soar over Marina Bay and capture its best views. The 30-minute journey provides unparalleled day and night views that, with good weather, stretch up to 45 km away to Changi, Sentosa, and parts of Indonesia and Malaysia. Packages that include dinner are available.