This thought-provoking museum is part of the Marina Bay Sands complex and is housed in a wild structure that looks like an open hand (it’s meant to resemble a Lotus flower). Many of the touring exhibitions are crowd-pleasers (like “Titanic” or “Harry Potter: The Exhibition”), and the permanent show is a very cool, multi-disciplinary take on the questions of how we define arts and science, what they mean to us and how they influence our world.

This is a fascinating museum with a gorgeous collection of art and crafts from different cultures throughout Asia. It’s like doing a whirlwind tour of all of Asia, without the jet lag. Plus, they have a lovely restaurant where you can sit by the river outside.

Work began in 2005 to construct the Gardens by the Bay, a massive sprawl in downtown Singapore that boasts nearly 250 acres of gardens and conservatories. Constructed with the aim of beautifying the city and increasing citizens’ quality of life,the complex is home to three different gardens. Bay South Garden is the largest, and boasts a number of exhibits including a Flower Dome, which contains plants and flowers found in the Mediterranean, and a Cloud Forest, which mimics the ecosystem of tropical regions in Southeast Asia. The beautiful waterfront setting is such lauded-after real estate that special events have been limited to three per week. Don't miss the evening light show, when the gardens's trees light up with music (themed nights include classic, retro and Disney soundtracks).

The National Museum of Singapore is housed in two national monuments, the former Supreme Court Building and City Hall. Opened in 2015, the museum features the world’s largest collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art. After touring the museum, enjoy lunch at Odette (book far in advance), an upscale French restaurant that is one of Singapore’s most revered establishments. For something more casual, pop by the hip rooftop bar, Aura, where visitors are treated to a beautiful view of the Marina’s electric skyline.

Here’s a fascinating little museum that focuses on this culture found only in Singapore, Malacca and Penang. The Peranakans are well known for their beadwork and lace kebayas, and – most importantly – their food. The acclaimed True Blue restaurant is also on the premises.

It’s not so much a “park” as a large platform with incredible views on top of the Marina Bay Sands. The best way to get the perspective is by visiting Ku dé Ta restaurant (also on the roof here) or Sky on 57. Of course, architecture and design aficionados will be deeply impressed by architect Moshe Safdie’s engineering feat within this multi-billion-dollar development.

Established in the 1850s, the city’s Botanic Garden is one of Singapore’s loveliest green spaces. But the truly extraordinary place within is the National Orchid Garden, where more than 1,000 species can be seen in all their colorful, magnificent glory. From the gardens, it’s a short ride to Yan Ting, the Cantonese restaurant in the St. Regis Hotel, whose weekend dim sum brunch is one of the city’s best.

This massive Ferris wheel (at 541 feet high, it’s even taller than the London Eye) spins so slowly that you can barely see it moving from the ground. A full rotation takes 45 minutes (apparently people got motion-sick when it moved faster) and offers stunning views. Those with vertigo need not apply, but everyone else will love the elevated vistas, especially at night, when the neighboring Marina Bay Sands hotel presents its light show.

This unique open-air zoo is open at night and holds more than 1,000 animals (from flying squirrels to tigers). It can be explored via a tram or, in certain parts, on foot; tickets can be booked online. Open 7:30 P.M. to midnight (last entrance at 11 P.M.).