Experience Grand Luxury: What to Do in Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands is arguably one of the most iconic landmarks in Singapore. It’s an Instagram-worthy place with its striking architecture, and it just oozes grandeur.
So, if you’re coming to this island any time soon, you might want to add this destination to your own list.
To make your trip even more fun, I wrote this article! Here, I’ve detailed all the things you should know about Marina Bay Sands—what to do, where to eat, and more.
All About Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort that sits in front of Marina Bay. Owned by Las Vegas Sands in an agreement with the Singapore government, this resort comes with three towers, and inside, you can find a hotel, mall, casino, restaurants, and more.
The standout has to be the boat-shaped structure on top of the three towers, and it contains a deck and an infinity swimming pool. A fourth tower for the resort is currently in construction and set to be finished by 2028.
How do I get to Marina Bay Sands?
Marina Bay Sands is located at 10 Bayfront Avenue, and it’s pretty easy to travel here via public transportation. Here’s a breakdown of your various transit options:
- Via the MRT. The closest station is the Bayfront MRT station, which is part of the Circle and Downtown Lines. To get to Marina Bay Sands, you should take exits C, D, and E because they’re connected to the attractions within the resort.
- Via the bus. Ride the bus services 97, 106, 518, 133, and 502, and disembark at bus stop 03509 (which is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel). Other bus stops you can disembark at are 03501, 03511, and 03519.
- Via taxi. If you’re coming by taxi, be sure to stop at any of these drop-off points: Sheares Link outside Hotel Tower 1, Bayfront Avenue outside Hotel Tower 3, outside the convention center, and outside The Shoppes.
- Via car. If you have your own car, the parking lot entrances are near the ArtScience Museum, outside Hotel Tower 3, and next to the convention center. The rates are S$14 for the first hour and S$1.50 for every half-hour.
- Via airport transfer. To make things more convenient if you’re coming straight from the airport, you can book an airport transfer. The prices will depend on the kind of vehicle you book, but the ballpark is somewhere between S$120 and $225.
What to Book in Marina Bay Sands
If you want to experience the very best of Singapore, you’ll want to stay for a night or two at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. This hotel comes with 2,561 rooms, and they’re categorized into three collections.
To help you decide which one to book for your vacation, here’s a breakdown of its rooms and suites.
The Classic Series
The Sands Collection
The Paiza Collection (Coming Soon)
The Best Things to Do in Marina Bay Sands
Cherish the view at the Skypark Observation Deck
— From: angel_chhavs
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +65 6688 8826
Prices:
- Adult (non-members): $32
- Adult (residents): $24
- Adult (Sands Rewards Member): S$23.60
- Family Package for Non-Residents (2 adults, 2 children): S$98
- Family Package for Residents: S$74
The Skypark Observation Deck is probably the resort’s most popular attraction. The deck sits on top of 56 stories, which means you’ll get an unprecedented view of the Singapore cityscape.
I’ve been here numerous times, and I’ve yet to grow tired of the views of the Gardens by the Bay and the durian-shaped domes of the Esplanade. I prefer coming here at night because the lights make the sight even more ethereal.
Marvel at the sight of Spectra
— From: mini_vibes
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—8 pm and 9 pm
- Friday and Saturday—8 pm, 9 pm, and 10 pm
Price: Free
Another highlight of Marina Bay Sands is its nightly showing of Spectra—A Light and Water Show. It’s held at the Event Plaza and lasts for about 15 minutes.
You’ll be in awe as the fountain jets, colorful visual projections, lasers, lava, and mist effects are choreographed to a dramatic orchestra soundtrack that will keep your heart pumping. The world feels utterly magical in those 15 minutes.
You can watch the show at the Event Plaza, but for a better view, I suggest heading up to the Skypark Observation Deck.
Immerse yourself in art like no other in ArtScience Museum
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 7 pm
Price: starting from S$11
If you’re interested in hitting up unique museums, the ArtScience Museum might be right up your alley.
What I love about ArtScience Museum is that it focuses on the intersection of art, science, magic, and metaphor, and you can really see that in their displays and exhibitions.
There are VR galleries that let you interact with the artwork, and the exhibitions feature things you never expect in a museum (for example, a sneaker sculpture that celebrates the history of sneakers).
These displays and exhibitions change every few months too, so there’s always something new and unique to see here.
Wander in the beautiful world of Digital Light Canvas
— From: killian.tran
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 9 pm
Prices:
- Entry with Badge: S$15
- Entry with Tote Bag: S$30
- Entry with a T-shirt (Child): S$30
- Entry with a T-shirt (Adult): S$35
Speaking of attractions that make use of art and technology, another one that you should check out is Digital Light Canvas. This space is presented in collaboration with teamLab, which is also the same team behind Future World: Where Art Meets Science.
Digital Light Canvas is a nature-based adventure, so you can explore the area and interact with the colorful ecosystem of flora and fauna. It’s particularly beloved among children since they love running around and seeing their surroundings change.
If you have an artistic talent, you can also draw your own creations inspired by the Digital Light Canvas and take them home with you. I personally can’t draw to save my life, but my nieces and nephews do, and it’s fun seeing them embrace their creativity.
Go on a shopping spree at The Shoppes
Since you’re already in Marina Bay Sands, why not treat yourself and go on a shopping spree at The Shoppes?
The Shoppes is the grand shopping mall within Marina Bay Sands, and it’s really dripping with opulence. There are 19 duplex and flagship stores and over 170 boutiques here, and you can also find coveted luxury brands (e.g. Louis Vuitton and Chanel).
Take a sampan ride
— From: sandeelyl
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 9 pm
Price: S$13 per person
While we’re on the topic of The Shoppes, one thing I suggest you do while you’re inside the mall is book a sampan ride.
The experience reminds me of boat rides on the canals of Venice, but instead of a gondola, you ride a sampan (a flat-bottomed Chinese and Malay boat).
My family and I like doing this to let our feet rest for a bit and enjoy the luxurious view around us.
Try your luck at the casino
— From: needholidaynow
Aside from a luxurious hotel, a grand shopping mall, and an observation deck with a breathtaking view, Marina Bay Sands comes with a lively casino. It has four levels of gaming space, more than 2,300 slot machines, and over 200 games!
If you’re a casino enthusiast, you’re guaranteed to have fun here. Try your hand at the betting levels, and you might win big bucks!
Catch a show or a concert at the theatre
Marina Bay Sands occasionally hosts various events in its Sands Expo and Convention Center. These events range from award-winning Broadway plays and musicals to concerts by famous artists like Ellie Goulding, Andy Hui, and The 1975.
So, if you’re interested, check out the events page of the Marina Bay Sands’ website and see if there’s an event you’d like to see. Personally, I can’t wait for Sabrina Carpenter’s concert and the Mamma Mia! musical in the near future.
Party while the night is young at Marquee Nightclub
Operating Hours:
- Friday and Saturday—10 pm to 6 am
- Closed from Sunday to Wednesday
If partying is your thing, then you’ll love the Marquee Nightclub at Marina Bay Sands. At first glance, this nightclub may seem like your typical club: it has a spacious dance floor with talented performers and DJs playing all kinds of music.
But there are other cool features inside this club: bars with interesting themes (my favorite is the gilded cage bar with peacock displays) as well as a massive indoor Ferris wheel!
The latter is the perfect place to hang out if you’re tired from dancing but don’t want to leave yet.
Where to Eat in Marina Bay Sands
Bread Street Kitchen
— From: jejjean
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—12 pm to 12 am
- Saturday and Sunday—11:30 am to 12 am
Pricing: $$
If you can only try one restaurant in Marina Bay Sands, let it be Bread Street Kitchen. After all, it’s a restaurant by the legendary chef Gordon Ramsay himself!
As you can expect from Gordon Ramsay, Bread Street Kitchen boasts a delightful selection of traditional British and European cuisines. The bestselling dishes are beef wellington and fish and chips, and personally, my favorite is the Sunday roast.
Choose a seat on the al fresco terrace. That way, you get to enjoy the view of Marina Bay Sands while dining.
DB Bistro & Oyster Bar
— From: nicholaslgl
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 to 3:30 pm, 5:30 to 9 pm
Pricing: $$
Speaking of restaurants by celebrity chefs, another one that might strike your fancy is DB Bistro & Oyster Bar. This one is by Daniel Boulud, who has won several James Beard awards and is regarded as one of America’s leading culinary authorities.
DB Bistro & Oyster Bar boasts authentic French homestyle dining, so you’ll feel like being transported to Paris when dining here. Oysters Vanderbilt is the bestselling dish, and I highly recommend you try it.
Other seafood dishes you might want to try include roasted Maine lobster and the classic New England lobster roll.
Waku Ghin
— From: aye_sarun
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 to 11 pm
Pricing: $$$
Waku Ghin is one of the two restaurants run by world-famous chef Tetsuya Wakuda, and it really takes fine dining to a whole new level.
The seasonal ingredients are sourced from all over the world, and they’re always fresh. Plus, the dishes are prepared through deft and complex techniques, so their flavors take the stage front and center.
Because of the popularity of Waky Ghin, it’s almost always fully booked. To ensure that they can accommodate as many people as possible, there are only a few tables for groups, and reservations are only for groups with up to four members.
Wakuda
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—12 to 2 pm, 5 to 12 am
Pricing: $$$
Wakuda is the second restaurant run by Tetsuya Wakuda, and this one specializes in high-quality Japanese cuisine. The dishes here are a blend of traditional and modern and executed in a bold and thoughtful way.
The menu is quite extensive, so you might get overwhelmed with all the options. If you’re looking for suggestions, I’d say order the spicy tuna tartare as the appetizer, followed by the tempura soba and wagyu yaki udon as the main dishes.
I also really liked the sautéed Canadian lobster.
CUT
— From: wang_14887
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—5 pm to 10 pm
Pricing: $$$
If you’re a massive steak lover, then CUT by Wolfgang Puck is for you. This restaurant is almost like a mecca when it comes to steaks, and since it’s Michelin-starred, you can expect nothing but greatness from it.
Their menu is impressive since it features exclusive first-to-Singapore premium cuts, such as the Kagoshima wagyu and Hokkaido snow beef. No matter which cut you pick, it will be expertly seasoned and grilled over charcoal and apple wood.
To make your dinner even more scrumptious, order from their selection of house-made sauces.
Don’t miss out on the wine bottles as well. You have over 450 labels to choose from, so pick wisely!
Blossom
— From: sheeatsshecooks
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—11:30 am to 4:30 pm, 6 to 11 pm
- Friday to Sunday—11:30 am to 4:30 pm, 5:30 to 11 pm
Pricing: $$$
Blossom is a fine-dining restaurant that aims to elevate Chinese cuisine to new heights. For that reason, the dishes you see here are modern and innovative twists to the classic ones you know and love.
I’ve only been here once, but I still think about the baked Chilean cod and the American black Angus beef ribs glazed with wild honey from time to time.
Another great thing about Blossom is its elegant dining area. The backdrop of lush greenery makes the experience much more soothing.
If you prefer a more intimate dinner, you can book one of the restaurant’s private rooms.
Punjab Grill
— From: stormscape
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11:30 am to 3 pm, 6:30 to 11 pm
Pricing: $$$
Punjab Grill is one of the best Indian restaurants I’ve ever had the pleasure to try.
The great thing about this restaurant is that its dishes are inspired by the cuisine in various cities in the Indian subcontinent, especially Lahore, Peshawar, Rawalpindi, Kabul, Amritsar, Multan, and Patiala.
I’m a big fan of the Punjab Grill butter chicken, but I also quite liked the coastal prawn curry.
As for dessert, the kesar pista kulfi is a showstopper. The saffron and pistachio blend really well!
Lavo Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar
— From: se7en_dancer
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 10:45 pm
Pricing: $$
Lavo Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar is casual dining at its finest. It boasts a cozy ambiance, and it also has a gorgeous view of the city, so you can take photos while waiting for your meals.
The menu features a variety of your favorite Italian dishes—from hearty pizza to delectable pasta.
I also recommend that you try out any of their grilled offerings. Personally, I love the filet mignon and the bone-in rib eye.
If you’re dining at night, you’ll be able to enjoy a couple of handcrafted cocktails. What a great way to spend the evening—sipping a house-aged negroni while watching the city lights twinkle in the distance.
Rise Restaurant
Operating Hours:
- Breakfast—6:30 to 10:15 am
- Lunch—12 to 1:45 pm, 2:15 to 3:30 pm
- Dinner—5:30 pm to 10:15 pm
Pricing: $$
Take a metaphorical trip around Southeast Asia when you eat at Rise Restaurant. This dining spot features time-honored like the Singaporean chili crab and the Australian wagyu beef cheek rendang.
For seafood lovers, the fresh free-flow seafood on ice, which includes crustaceans and shellfish, is a treat to have. And if you’d like to try cuisines other than Southeast Asian, you might want to order the slow-cooked Iberico pork ribs.
If you’re coming for breakfast or lunch, one way to spice up your meal is to have a glass of Mimosa or make your own Bloody Mary. These drinks will truly liven you up in no time!
Origin + Bloom
— From: carol.eats
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—7 am to 8:30 pm
Pricing: $
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly dining spot, Origin + Bloom is one that you might want to consider. It’s a cozy little cafe in the heart of a beautiful garden oasis, and it features a menu of timeless gourmet loaves of bread, sandwiches, and salads.
I usually come to this cafe whenever I’m in need of a midday snack or if I just want to take a break from exploring The Shoppes. My go-to order will always be the salted chocolate orange cake, but I do love the opera cake as well.
Sometimes, I pair my order with a contemporary cold-drip coffee.
Rasapura Masters
— From: mms_ora
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 11 pm
Pricing: $
Another great affordable dining spot in Marina Bay Sands is Rasapura Masters, which is a food court that features a variety of quintessential Singaporean cuisines.
Before I talk about the food, I just want to say that I really like how the food court looks. It truly screams “Singapore!” with its trishaw chairs and fun murals.
As for the food, you have so many options! I suggest you stop by every stall just to see what they offer and order something small to try. My favorite things to eat in this food court are dim sum and some of the local desserts like chendol and cheng tng.
Sweetspot
— From: syloft
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 6:30 pm
Pricing: $
If you’re a dessert lover like me, then you should drop by Sweetspot in Marina Bay Sands. It’s right by the ArtScience Museum, making it the perfect place to go and hang out after immersing yourself in innovative artwork.
What I love about this cafe is that it’s so bright and charming.
And their food offerings are great, too. I really like their coffee cake and delectable tarts.