Gardens by the Bay (GBTB) in Singapore | Destination Ideas

Interested in visiting Singapore? Have you heard of their most famous outdoor attraction, Gardens by the Bay?

Gardens by the Bay, also known as GBTB, is a staggering 250+ acre garden and park located in Central Singapore, overlooking the Marina Bay.

This beautifully manicured collection of indoor and outdoor garden attractions is one of Singapores biggest tourist attractions, and is also home to the world's largest indoor waterfall.

In this blog post, we'll uncover everything you need to know as a tourist visiting this attraction during your travels through Singapore. If you have a long layover in Singapore and want to explore the city before your next flight, this is a great layover activity for everyone!

Planning Your Visit

You can visit GBTB during a long layover in Singapore or during your extended stay in this city-state. The comprehensive train system allows you to plan a quick stop to this unique outdoor garden so it's easy to fit into your other plans during the day.

Try to attend the garden when the weather is clear and sunny, this makes the plants shine their best. Cloudy days are plentiful in Singapore, which makes it difficult to look out at the view from the infamous towers and bridges in the park.

Although you can walk around the garden for free, attractions like the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, and OCBC Skyway require tickets so you'll need to book those in advance or purchase at the welcome desk (more on that later).

Getting to the Gardens

The most convenient and affordable way to get to the gardens from anywhere in the city is by taking the MRT or Mass Rapid Transport. You'll need to purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass at any train ticketing station, and use it to enter and exit the stations.

If you take the train, get off at the Bayfront MRT station and follow the underground linkway to the garden entrance. You'll know you're in the right place if you see flowers and mirrors on the wall of the tunnel.

A 1-day pass with unlimited rides cost about $17 USD (2025). Purchase your pass here!

Tickets & Admission

Admission is free if you're only planning to walk around and not go inside any attractions. Check the official Gardens by the Bay website for the updated prices on attractions. You can also buy tickets from 3rd party websites, like KKday and Klook. They might have better deals than buying directly from GBTB.

If you're hoping to see more than one attraction during your visit, buy a bundle ticket that allows you entry to multiple for a fraction of the price.

Garden Attractions

Below is a list of ticketed and free attractions at GBTG. Buy your tickets here!

Main Attractions (Ticketed)

Flower Dome – The world's largest glass greenhouse with seasonal floral displays.
Cloud Forest – A misty indoor rainforest with a towering waterfall.
OCBC Skyway – A 128-meter-long aerial walkway among the Supertrees.
Supertree Observatory – A viewing deck atop one of the tallest Supertrees.
Floral Fantasy – A magical, immersive floral experience with creative garden displays.

Free Attractions (No Ticket Required)

Supertree Grove – Iconic towering tree-like structures that light up at night.
Garden Rhapsody – A free nightly light and sound show at Supertree Grove (7:45 PM & 8:45 PM).
Sun Pavilion – A collection of over 1,000 desert plants and cacti.
Heritage Gardens – Four themed gardens showcasing Singapore’s cultural influences (Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Colonial).
World of Plants – A lush green area highlighting plant biodiversity.
Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes – Scenic lakes with rich aquatic life and eco-walkways.
Serene Garden – A peaceful Japanese-inspired zen garden.

Dining Options

If you're hungry, you're in luck! GBTB has over 10 different dining options spread across the garden. Whether you enjoy a hot cup of coffee and pastry or a traditional Singaporean meal, you'll find what you're looking for when it's time to eat! Below is the full list of dining options.

🌿 Fine Dining & Full-Service Restaurants

Marguerite – Michelin-starred restaurant, European cuisine with a garden-inspired tasting menu.
Majestic Bay Seafood Restaurant – Chinese seafood restaurant.
SuperTree by IndoChine – Rooftop bar and restaurant serving Asian and Western fusion dishes with panoramic views.

🍽️ Casual Dining & Cafés

Hoshino Coffee – Japanese-Western fusion dishes and coffee.
Fennel Café – Mediterranean-inspired café and vegetarian-friendly options.
Mylo’s – A pet-friendly café serving artisanal gelato, pastries, and specialty coffee.
Cafe Crema – Specialty coffee, sandwiches, and light bites with a scenic view.
Marguerite Patisserie – Elegant pastries, desserts, and coffee.
Conservatory Café –Sandwiches, salads, and baked goods.

🍔 Food Courts & Quick Bites

Jurassic Nest Food Hall – A dinosaur-themed food court.
McDonald’s – Classic fast food, budget-friendly meal.
Shake Shack (Marina Bay Sands, Nearby) – Burgers and shakes.

Cultural Significance

Gardens by the Bay embodies Singapore’s vision of blending nature with urban, city life. By promoting environmental sustainability in a modern city, it is a testament to Singapore's efforts to maintain and grow green spaces within their cities.

The gardens feature a diverse collection of plants from around the world, so visitors have the opportunity to learn about flora and their significance, globally. For example, the Heritage Gardens showcase cultural landscapes representing the Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Colonial influences in Singapore's history. Additionally, the Sun Pavilion and Cloud Forest preserve endangered plant species, raising awareness and highlighting the importance of biodiversity.