If you love history, art, and not forgetting a good story too, then Singapore’s Civic District is definitely the destination for you. For the perfect stay, find a hotel right in the heart of this area, so you can explore at your own pace and easily visit the attractions below.
singapore flyer view | Image via Wikimedia Commons
Peranakan Museum
Housed in a beautifully conserved neoclassical building, the Peranakan Museum can be found just a 4-minute walk from Grand Park City Hall. At this museum, you can find out about the rich heritage of the Peranakan people, who are descendants of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian immigrants. Apart from a section on their origins, you will also find galleries covering aspects like family and community life, ceramics and food culture and fashion, brought to life through various exhibits.
National Gallery Singapore
Art lovers, don’t miss this chance to explore the largest visual arts museum in Southeast Asia, easily accessible from a City Hall hotel in Singapore. It’s housed within the city’s former City Hall and Supreme Court, which are colonial-era masterpieces. Inside, you will find a stunning collection of Southeast Asian art that traces the region’s evolution from the 19th century to current times.
Pro tip: If you are pressed for time, join the “Highlights of the Gallery” guided tour to see key masterpieces and architectural features.
The Arts House
The Arts House at the Old Parliament is a hub for creativity and artistic expression. Home to the nation’s first parliament building, this venue is where literary, performing and visual arts come together with everything from musical performances to dance and art exhibitions. It is also a venue for atmospheric candlelight music concerts featuring live classical music, not only covering pieces from famous composers but pop, rock and movie soundtracks too!
National Museum of Singapore
On your adventures in the Civic District, make time to visit the National Museum of Singapore. It offers a journey of discovery, from the country’s early beginnings to the dynamic destination it is today, combining ancient artefacts with modern technology, as well as engaging storytelling. Explore sections like the Singapore History Gallery (keep in mind this gallery will be closed for an extended upgrade from 17th November 2025) and Once Upon a Tide. Also, don’t miss the Wings of a Rich Manoeuvre, unique chandeliers, which move in union overhead!
