Singapore’s skyline is a captivating blend of futuristic designs and rich historical charm. The city-state boasts some of the world’s most iconic buildings that showcase its cultural diversity and technological innovation.
From soaring skyscrapers to beautifully preserved colonial structures, Singapore’s architecture offers something for every enthusiast.
These buildings don’t just define the city’s silhouette—they tell stories of its past and its ambitious future. Whether it’s the striking Marina Bay Sands or the lush Gardens by the Bay, each landmark reflects Singapore’s unique spirit.
1. Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is a premier performing arts center located along Singapore’s waterfront. Known for its distinctive durian-shaped twin domes, this architectural marvel combines function and aesthetics.
It houses a concert hall, theater, and outdoor performance spaces, hosting a diverse range of events from classical concerts to contemporary plays.
The building’s innovative design incorporates acoustic excellence and sustainable features, making it both a cultural hub and an example of environmentally conscious architecture in Singapore.
2. Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands stands as Singapore’s most iconic resort, featuring three cascading hotel towers linked by a massive boat-shaped SkyPark.
This SkyPark offers an infinity pool, observation deck, and lush gardens, providing breathtaking views of the city skyline.
The complex includes one of the world’s largest casinos, a convention center, the ArtScience Museum, theaters, and numerous shops and restaurants.
Its design uniquely blends luxury and innovation, making it a symbol of Singapore’s architectural excellence and urban culture.
3. Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall
Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, located in Singapore’s Civic District, blends rich history with neoclassical elegance. Originating as the Town Hall in 1862, it evolved into a landmark featuring a 614-seat theatre and a 673-seat concert hall.
The complex, notable for its iconic clock tower, underwent a SGD 158 million restoration between 2010 and 2014, preserving its heritage façade and modernizing facilities.
Its main concert hall hosts orchestral performances with a rare 2,012-pipe Klais organ, while the theatre stages diverse cultural events, cementing its role in Singapore’s performing arts scene.
4. Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore
Recognized as Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple, Sri Mariamman Temple opened in 1827 and remains a key cultural landmark.
Built by South Indian craftsmen, it features intricate carvings dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, revered for her healing powers.
The temple’s current structure dates largely to the 1860s and reflects traditional Dravidian architecture.
Located in Chinatown, it serves as both a place of worship and a heritage site, showcasing Singapore’s religious diversity and rich history.
Visitors appreciate its colors and detailed sculptures, making it a must-visit among the city’s architectural gems.
5. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore stands as a grand symbol of the city’s colonial heritage and contemporary luxury.
Originally the General Post Office built in 1928, this neoclassical building boasts iconic Doric columns and a majestic façade.
It has been meticulously restored into a five-star hotel, blending historic elegance with modern comforts. Positioned at the mouth of the Singapore River, The Fullerton offers panoramic views of Marina Bay and the city skyline.
Its rich history and prime location make it a beloved architectural landmark that bridges Singapore’s past and present.
6. Raffles Hotel
Opened in 1887 as a 10-room bungalow, Raffles Hotel is a historic symbol of Singapore’s colonial past and luxury hospitality.
Designed by Regent Alfred John Bidwell, its main building was completed in 1899, showcasing elegant colonial architecture.
Known as the “grande dame” of Singapore hotels, it combines timeless charm with refined service, maintaining its reputation for over a century.
The hotel’s lush courtyards, spacious suites, and iconic Long Bar, birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail, make it a must-visit landmark that beautifully bridges history and modern elegance.
7. St Andrew’s Cathedral, Singapore
St Andrew’s Cathedral, the largest Anglican church in Singapore, stands as a striking example of neo-Gothic architecture.
Built between 1856 and 1861, its white façade and soaring spires dominate the Civic District skyline.
The cathedral combines its colonial heritage with a spiritual presence, featuring intricate stained glass windows, pointed arches, and ribbed vaults.
It remains an active place of worship and a significant heritage site, symbolizing Singapore’s religious diversity and historic roots in the heart of the city.
8. The Interlace
The Interlace redefines residential architecture in Singapore with its innovative design of 31 six-story blocks stacked in a hexagonal arrangement.
This award-winning complex, named World Building of the Year in 2015, maximizes natural light and airflow while creating expansive green spaces.
Designed by Ole Scheeren, it resembles interlocking Lego blocks and offers residents unique garden terraces and communal areas.
The Interlace stands out for seamlessly blending urban living with nature, setting a new standard in sustainable architecture within a dense city environment.
9. Golden Mile Complex
Golden Mile Complex stands out as Singapore’s most daring mixed-use building, often likened to a typewriter for its unique design.
Completed in 1973, it pioneered the concept of integrating residential, commercial, and retail spaces vertically.
Its stepped terraces and horizontal lines embody Brutalist architecture, making it a rare example in the city.
This complex captures Singapore’s architectural boldness and urban vibrancy, continuing to influence mixed-use development in dense urban environments.
10. Old Hill Street Police Station
Completed in 1934, the Old Hill Street Police Station stands out with its 927 louvred windows, symbolizing Singapore’s architectural heritage.
This six-story Neoclassical landmark features symmetrical elements like balconies, arcades, and columns.
Once the city’s largest government building housing the police and their families, it now hosts the Ministry of Communications and Information.
Situated near the Singapore River, its colorful façade offers excellent photo opportunities while recalling Singapore’s rich colonial past.
Alicia Richards