City: Colonial District/Civic District
Top Things to do in Colonial District/Civic District
The 10 Best Sights & Landmarks in Colonial District/Civic District, Singapore
The Singapore cityscape looks like it was ripped from the pages of a science fiction comic book. If you’re hungry for a true Singapore experience, sample the myriad street foods or take a cultural cooking class. The Botanic Gardens and the Gardens By the Bay offer a slice of horticultural heaven, and the observation deck of the Sands SkyPark makes you feel like you’re high above the clouds. The banks and walkways along the Singapore River bustle with local activity.
Restaurants in Singapore
1. Battlebox
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 2,477 reviews
A former underground command centre in Fort Canning Hill, the Battlebox was part of the Malaya Command Headquarters during World War II. It was here that Lt-Gen Percival made the fateful decision to surrender Singapore to the Japanese on 15 February 1942. Journey back in time to 1942 and discover the true causes of the Fall of Singapore and learn how an underground command centre functioned during the war.
Reviewed By RNoonan - Calgary, Canada
February 15, 1942 was the fateful day that British Officers surrendered Singapore to the invading Japanese Armed forces. The Battle Box complex located in Fort Canning Park was part of the British Command Headquarters during World War II and provides a very real reenactment of the events that lead up to and during that fateful day. The guide we had was very knowledgeable and provided insight and commentary on the invasion of both Malaya and Singapore. Well worth taking in for both history buffs and those wishing to be better informed on the tragic events that occurred in Singapore during that period.
2. National Gallery Singapore
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,276 reviews
Situated in the heart of Singapore’s Civic District, National Gallery Singapore oversees the largest public collection of modern art in Southeast Asia. Housed in two beautifully restored national monuments – City Hall and former Supreme Court – are impeccably curated exhibitions that reveal the region’s cultural legacy and art histories. Come visit the Gallery today and discover Singapore and Southeast Asia’s rich heritage through stunning modern art masterpieces.
Reviewed By ahdrahm - Singapore, Singapore
The National Gallery at the Old Supreme Court displayed a huge myriad of Asian art pieces and the amazing colonial interior and exterior. I absolutely loved the choir in the old court room and the extensive collection of Javanese and Southeast Asian pieces throughout the museum. Would visit again, definitely.
3. Armenian Church
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 111 reviews
Take a walk in the lush gardens of the Armenian Church before entering the church and admire the exterior architecture. Breathing history and rich heritage the Armenian Church of St. Gregory the Illuminator is the oldest Church of Singapore and is a gazetted National Monument.
Reviewed By jeanettem190 - Cairns, Australia
The Armenian Church, more correctly called St Gregory the Illuminator's Armenian Catholic Church is conveniently situated between Fort Canning Park, Orchard Rd and the Padang. The first thing you'll notice is how small the church is! Perhaps that's a reflection of the tiny size of the early Armenian population of Singapore. It was designed by George Coleman; an Irishman who was the best in the business in those days. Have a good look at the imposing Doric columns out front, and the handy (and typically Singaporean) covered drive through porch; ideal for letting the ladies and gents get out of their carriages in a pouring rainstorm. Inside you'll see the dome over the sanctuary; a typical Armenian architectural feature. Be sure to visit the graveyard (or perhaps 'memorial garden'; I think the remains have been moved). You can visit Miss Joaquin's gravestone. She's the young lady who is credited with creating the Vanda Miss Joaquin orchid; the national flower of Singapore. They have a nice example of this orchid climbing alongside Miss Joaquin's grave stone. Have a look at the other gravestones featuring traditional Armenian decorative art and lots of writing in the Armenian alphabet. You'll also see the church office tucked away in the back. This building was the original priest's residence.
4. City Hall Building
5. Old Supreme Court Building
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 75 reviews
Supreme Court
Reviewed By ChristopherE159 - Truro, United Kingdom
The former City Hall and Supreme Court Building are effectively one attraction! The first thing that strikes one about this attraction is the stunning architecture. We took advantage of one of the free guided tours to gain the maximum information about this beautiful building so sensitively modernised and adapted. It retains many original features and the architectural brief is carefully explained by the excellent guide. So interesting was the tour that our one hour tour quickly became, with our permission, a two hour tour! There is so much to see it deserves this amount of time at least to fully appreciate the extent of the building. The views from the top over Marina Bay and the Padang are amazing! A genuinely fascinating visit!
6. Chijmes
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 755 reviews
CHIJMES (pronounced “chimes”) stands for the Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus, a Neo-Classical style building which houses one of Singapore’s most aesthetically-pleasing dining and entertainment venues.
Reviewed By TalDarkLeanMean - Staines, United Kingdom
Chijmes with a silent J is a mouthful word to say unless you wanna spell and spread out the whole "Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus Middle Education School Singapore" that its short of. And with that gothic architecture and spire it can only be an European designed Catholic Church. Except it's not. But it did used to be the nun run sister act girls school as well as orphanage where people would leave their unwanted infant girls for nuns to raise. Now this glittering, glamorous shopping and dining complex is serving the community in much more modest way by providing a wedding venue, high end shopping, dining experience and allows leaving only tips and good reviews behind. It's still a national monument and heritage landmark though and very distinctive among all other modern buildings.
7. Hill Street Building
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 66 reviews
Reviewed By ByEljay - Sunshine Coast, Australia
I stumbled across this building whilst walking around the Clarke Quay/ Dhouby Ghaut area. (Hill Street) I had to wait for the traffic to clear to get my photo, but definitely worth the wait
8. St Andrew's Cathedral
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 402 reviews
St Andrew’s Cathedral is one of Singapore’s most treasured works of architecture. Gazetted as a national monument on 1973, you’ll stand in awe at its majestic facade, with extended pinnacles and a glossy white exterior. Take a coffee break and enjoy our free wifi at The Cathedral Cafe which is conveniently located beside the City Hall MRT entrance (North Bridge Road).
Reviewed By GroverR - Pensacola, United States
In the center of Singapore is the cornerstone of British colonialism, a gorgeous, sparkling white, neo-gothic Anglican church. As an Episcopalian, we had to visit for a service and we greatly enjoyed. While the exterior is stunning white against a lush green environment, the interior is a beautiful balance of shades of blue with natural wood and white. I will also say the service was truly worldly with a English rector, Nigerian associate and a congregation of Chinese parishioners. For us it was one of the highlights of our visit to Singapore. However, even if you are not an Anglican, it is an impressive house of worship.
9. Istana
10. Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 99 reviews
The grand old dames of Singapore’s performing arts scene, Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall (VTVCH), returns after a three-year refurbishment to Singapore's growing arts and cultural landscape. Its elegant Victorian facade is well-preserved, so are its famed clock tower and original passageway connecting the theatre and concert hall. Walk through this charming building to see its heritage elements carefully conserved, namely its 152-year-old twin domes. Providing mid-sized performance venues, VTVCH fills a gap in the local arts scene, and now has improved acoustics, music and dance rehearsal rooms and state-of-the-art facilities.
Reviewed By ReyanshTravellerLove - Kaithal, India
It is situated close to empress place. Enjoyed the enchanting performances. Includes public events , exhibition and musical performances
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