Famous Buildings in Singapore

Walk around Singapore and you’ll see many buildings and skyscrapers forming the country’s beautiful skylines. Singapore is home to some 59 skyscrapers, all above 140 metres in height. Some of these buildings have even become icons of Singapore and are recognized internationally. These buildings are known for the architecture and history.

Raffles Hotel

Established in 1887, this now five-star hotel was named after the founder of Singapore, Sir Stamford Raffles. The building features a pristine white colonial architecture, with high ceilings and large windows, heavily inspired by the British rule of Singapore during that period. The history and beauty of Raffles Hotel has won over the hearts, and words, of famous writers, such as Rudyard Kipling, Ernest Hemmingway and Alfred Hitchcock. Despite the age of this building, Raffles Hotel has been maintained to exude a luxurious vibe without compromising the distinct colonial flavour and has drawn travelers from afar to visit or stay the night. Raffles Hotel is also the home to the popular Singapore Sling, so no visits to this building is complete until you head down to the bar and knock back the iconic drink.

Address: 1 Beach Road, Singapore 189673

Fullerton Hotel

Yet another five-star hotel, the Fullerton Hotel stands to be an iconic building that one will not miss across the city skyline. In comparison to the many tall buildings that surround it, the Fullerton Hotel draws attention not for its height but rather for its majestic façade of white columns. Prior to being transformed into a hotel, the building, located at the mouth of the Singapore River, stood as a General Post Office. Despite the building’s transformation to a prestigious hotel, the exterior has been maintained to how it was in the 1900s.

Address: 1 Fullerton Square, Singapore 049178

Esplanade – Theatres by the Bay

Affectionately known to the locals as “the durians” (the famous king of fruits), the Esplanade is home to a world-class concert hall and theatre. The art centre is referred to as “the durians” due to the spiky aluminum sunshade paneling that covers the two domes along the Singapore River. The building was opened in 2002 and cost about S$600 million. The concert hall boosts state-of-the-art acoustics and magnificent sounds. Internationally known performers have performed at the Esplanade, and world-known musicals, such as We Will Rock You and Avenue Q, have been staged within the halls of this theatre.

Address: 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981

Marina Bay Sands

One of the latest additions to the Singapore skyline, the Marina Bay Sands is considered an integrated resort that has been developed by Las Vegas Sands. The building, which features three identical 57-storey towers topped with a 340 metres long SkyPark, is home to a five star hotel, a casino, a theatre, a museum, and many top brands boutiques, such as Louis Vuitton and Prada. The Marina Bay Sands has been touted as a must visit for those visiting or are new to Singapore as it has slowly become an icon of the country. According to the designer of the building, Moshe Safdie, the concept for Marina Bay Sands was initially inspired by a deck of cards, thus explaining the slightly slopping structure of the three hotel towers.

Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956

Old Supreme Court Building

Though this building is currently empty, as the Supreme Court has been relocated, the Old Supreme Court still draws attention for its architecture and also its history of sentencing convicts to prison, or even death. The Old Supreme Court building stands opposite the famous Padang (a green open field) in City Hall. The classical inspired building is hard to miss, with its significant now green dome (originally copper-coloured), Corinthian columns and pediment sculptures symbolizing the concept of justice sculpted into the façade. To utilise the iconic building, plans have been made to transform it into an arts and cultural centre in the very near future.

Address: Saint Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957