Welcome to Singapore - Self-Guided Tour of Singapore's history

Overview

Start the tour on Elgin Bridge as we explore the founding and early history of Singapore. Legend says that a prosperous prince from Indonesia was sailing across the ocean in search of a site to build a new city. He arrived on the sandy shores of this very island and caught sight of a strange animal named a Singa… which means Lion. The Prince felt that was a good omen and decided to build his new city here and named it Singapura or Lion City.

Stop by three iconic conservation buildings: the Capitol Building, Capitol Theatre and Stamford House. Stamford House’s architecture creates a distinctive European ambience. The architect in charge of this project, Regent Bidwell, is also the person behind other prominent buildings such as Raffles Hotel, Teutonia Club, Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall.

Visit St Andrew’s Cathedral, Singapore’s oldest surviving Anglican place of worship. The building owes this English gothic influence to its designer, MacPherson. He originally designed the new Anglican church in Neo-Gothic style. Wander around Singapore to absorb some of the city’s astonishing architecture.

Wander in the Padang, a beautiful field, as we explain Singapore's significance during WW2. The Malay word for Padang literally means “big field”. Learn how Singapore was designed as a formidable fortress during the war, with the British believing the island was impenetrable. However, it’s this very arrogance that contributed to the eventual downfall of the British forces.

Learn about Singapore’s history in the 20th century by visiting Singapore’s former City Hall which served as an important government building to house the Municipal Council. Then visit the second half of Singapore’s National Gallery, the Former Supreme Court Building.

Stop by the Arts House, Singapore's oldest surviving building has had a pretty tumultuous past. Much like the National Gallery, it wasn’t originally intended as an artistic institute. As well as being a beautiful heritage building with a very impressive concert chamber, it also prides itself on its community appeal, bridging art and audiences together with various volunteering programmes and a diverse collection of shows.

Explore the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, which once served as a venue for public meetings, dances and other social functions. In 1980, it became home to the newly formed Singapore Symphony Orchestra. The Singapore Symphony Orchestra are known for their fantastic performances of classical music, bringing works like Beethoven’s Symphony No. 9, Mahler’s Third Symphony and Berlioz’s Damnation of Faust to the people of Singapore

Fans of Formula 1 are probably familiar with Anderson Bridge as its part of the Singapore Grand Prix Marina Bay Street Circuit, which debuted in 2008. In 2018, it also appeared in the movie Crazy, Rich Asian which was based in Singapore.

Finish the tour at the iconic Marina Bay and discover how Singapore evolved from a trading port to a global economic powerhouse. Spot alotus flower looking building across the bay, which Singapore’s ArtScience Museum, and just behind sits Marina Bay Sands, a bizarre building that looks like a floating ship that dominates Singapore’s skyline. That’s a truly iconic hotel 55 storeys in the air with, unsurprisingly, some of the best views of the city you can imagine.

The Vidi Guides experience is enriched with on-screen photos and videos. We also point out where to take the perfect Instagram photos during the tour, and include recommendations for food, drinks, and local attractions. Don't worry, none of our recommendations are sponsored - they are simply favourites of the locals who helped craft the experience.

Vidi Guides creates immersive audio experiences that are like podcasts. This is a self-guided audio tour that can be started or stopped at your own convenience. Download the Vidi Guides app & explore the area independently and safely! Make sure to download your tour before your visit to streamline your trip!