Splendour of Colonial Singapore Walking Tour with Lunch
Active
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
On this walking tour, we cast our minds back more than 200 years to a time when Sir Thomas Stamford Bingley Raffles of the British East India Company arrived in Singapore, started a British trading post in 1819, became part of the Straits Settlements in 1826, and eventually a separate colony of the British crown in 1867.
We’ll visit well-preserved structures from the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian eras, and stately neo-classical style buildings, which have all been restored to showcase the splendour of Colonial Singapore.
We pay tribute to our former colonial masters who left behind their legacy of careful town planning, sound legal system, good education system, solid infrastructure, impressive architecture, etc, which have certainly played a significant part in the development of modern Singapore.
At about midday, we’ll kick back and enjoy lunch by the Singapore River at Boat Quay, before we resume our tour of the Civic District and Old European Town.
Available options
Splendour of Colonial Singapore Walking Tour with Lunch
What's included
Licensed tourist guide and disposable poncho in the event of rain.
3-course lunch by the river, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Our story begins with how the British started their trading post in Singapore in 1819, where the early European settlers built their homes, and how the first Anglican church came to be constructed in 1836.
2
We explore the 2 colonial buildings which now make up the National Gallery Singapore, namely the Former Municipal Building (later renamed City Hall Building) and the Former Supreme Court Building. Step into the chamber where Lord Louis Mountbatten accepted the surrender of the Japanese on 12 September 1945, the holding cells of the former Supreme Court, etc.
3
Discover the hidden gems in the oldest surviving building in Singapore, dating from 1827.
4
Discover how 2 buildings, one formerly the Town Hall and the other the Memorial Hall for Queen Victoria, built more than 40 years apart, were amalgamated to form one. We also take a look at the original bronze statue of Sir Stamford Raffles and learn about its association with football!
5
Stop 5
Pass by
Formerly the Government Offices of Colonial Singapore.
6
Stop 6
Cross the oldest surviving suspension bridge in Singapore, and learn about what life was like along the Singapore River about 200 years ago.
7
Formerly the General Post Office, the building now houses The Fullerton Hotel, a luxurious 5-star hotel with a heritage gallery well worth visiting.
8
Stop 8
Stop for a 3-course lunch at a riverside restaurant. Non-vegetarian and vegetarian options are available.
9
Stop 9
Ever wonder what it's like inside the maximum security building with the spaceship-like structure on top? Come explore with us.
10
Stop 10
Pass by
Iconic neoclassical style colonial building with its rainbow-coloured windows.
11
Visit the oldest surviving fire station in Singapore. Come face-to-face with an antique horse-drawn fire truck, and climb aboard a vintage fire engine.
12
Stop 12
Step inside the oldest church in Singapore, dating back to 1835, and learn more about significant contributions made by the Armenian community to Singapore.
What's not included
Gratuities.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
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5.0
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5★
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Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Please meet us at City Hall MRT Station Exit B (Street Level) at 0955 hrs. We start our tour at 1000 hrs.
About Singapore
Singapore is a vibrant, multicultural city-state known for its futuristic architecture, lush green spaces, and diverse culinary scene. It's a blend of modernity and tradition, offering everything from ultra-chic shopping districts to historic temples and serene nature reserves.
Top Attractions
Gardens by the Bay
A stunning 101-hectare nature park featuring iconic Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome.
Nature
3-4 hours
Moderate
Marina Bay Sands
A world-famous resort with an infinity pool, luxury shopping, and stunning city views.
Architecture
2-3 hours
Expensive
Chinatown
A vibrant district with traditional shophouses, temples, and a bustling street market.
Cultural
2-3 hours
Free to explore, budget for food and shopping
Singapore Zoo
One of the world's best zoos, known for its open-concept habitats and night safari.
Nature
4-5 hours
Moderate to Expensive
Sentosa Island
A resort island with beaches, theme parks, and luxury hotels.
Entertainment
Full day
Expensive
Must-Try Local Dishes
Hainanese Chicken Rice
Poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken stock, often accompanied by chili sauce and ginger paste.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains chicken, gluten, and soy
Chili Crab
A iconic Singapore dish featuring mud crabs stir-fried in a sweet and savory tomato-based chili sauce.
Dinner
Contains shellfish, gluten, and soy
Laksa
A spicy noodle soup with a rich, coconut-based curry broth, topped with shrimp, fish cakes, and cockles.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains seafood, gluten, and coconut
Satay
Grilled skewers of marinated meat, typically served with a peanut sauce and ketupat (rice cakes).
Snack/Appetizer
Contains peanuts, gluten, and soy
Popular Activities
Kayaking
Hiking
Ziplining
Beach lounging
Spa treatments
Garden strolls
Temple visits
Museum tours
Best Time to Visit
February to April, and July to September
These periods offer the best weather with less rainfall and plenty of sunshine. It's also when major events and festivals take place.
26-32°C
79-90°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, Malay, Mandarin, Tamil
- Widely spoken: English, Mandarin, Hokkien, Teochew, Cantonese
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Singapore Dollar (SGD)
Time Zone
GMT+8
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Very safe
Singapore is one of the safest cities in the world, with low crime rates and strict laws. However, petty crimes like pickpocketing can occur in tourist areas.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure
- • Use licensed taxis and ride-hailing services
- • Be cautious of strangers offering help or services
Getting there
By air
- Changi Airport • 20 km from city center
By train
Woodlands Train Checkpoint
By bus
Queen Street Bus Terminal, Jurong East Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Efficient, clean, and air-conditioned. Easy to navigate with English signage.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Marina Bay
Orchard Road
Chinatown
Little India
Kampong Glam
Day trips
Universal Studios Singapore
15 km from city center • Full day
A world-class theme park with thrilling rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and characters.
Sentosa Island
15 km from city center • Full day
A resort island with beaches, theme parks, and luxury hotels.
Johor Bahru, Malaysia
30 km from city center • Half day to Full day
A bustling city across the causeway from Singapore, known for its shopping malls, street food, and cultural attractions.
Festivals
Chinese New Year • January/February (dates vary)
Hari Raya Puasa • Dates vary (Islamic calendar)
Deepavali • October/November (dates vary)
Pro tips
- Use the EZ-Link card for convenient and discounted public transport fares
- Download the MyTransport.SG app for real-time updates on public transport
- Visit hawker centers for affordable and delicious local food
- Explore the city on foot or by bicycle to discover hidden gems
- Book tickets for popular attractions in advance to avoid long queues
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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