Splendour of Colonial Singapore Walking Tour with Lunch
Overview
Available languages
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
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.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
St Andrew's Cathedral
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.
National Gallery Singapore
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.
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.
Gratuities.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
87 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
A Must-Do Introduction to Singapore’s History
516sanjayv,Jul 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I thoroughly enjoyed this tour—it was informative, engaging, and a lot of fun from start to finish. It provided an excellent overview of Singapore’s colonial history and gave me a much deeper appreciation for how the country’s past has shaped the vibrant city it is today. Ping was an outstanding guide. Her extensive knowledge, engaging storytelling, personal anecdotes, and thoughtfully curated stops brought the history to life and made the experience truly memorable. She struck the perfect balance between education and entertainment, and the time flew by. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Singapore, especially if it’s your first visit. It’s a fantastic way to gain historical context, discover places you might otherwise miss, and better appreciate everything you’ll see during the rest of your stay.
Getting to know Singapore
suehP6983LC,Jun 30, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A fabulous tour with very a knowledgeable guide Ping. Lots of history about Singapore’s early development and culture. A delicious lunch too. Thank you Ping it was a very memorable experience. We highly recommend.
Must do tour!
Rebecca D,Jun 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ping was an amazing tour guide; excellent historian, great story teller, and very passionate about the history of her country. She took special time to keep us shaded and keep the tour very interesting throughout.
Execellent walking tour with guide Ping
63debrah,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent walking tour, very informative guide named Ping who was able to answer many diverse questions from our group. Food good very enjoyable!
Excellent tour
Anna S,Jun 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ping was an outstanding guide. She remembered everyone’s names, came prepared with wet wipes and umbrellas, was energetic and enthusiastic and knew her subject backwards. She answered every question the group asked unhesitatingly and comprehensively. The route was well planned to make the most of shade and air-con. I learned heaps and am so pleased we did this tour.
Easy to Understand
X4449YKdouglasm,Jun 17, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ping was great. Very knowledgeable about the tour theme and other aspects of Singapore, fun disposition and her delivery was excellent - good English and easy to hear and understand. Five stars.
Relaxed, Fascinating Tour
SueG556,Jun 12, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely do it! This tour hosted by Ping is fantastic.Her knowledge,personal experiences,and insights into Singapore's history make it truly unique.Ping makes learning about the country's history and culture both engaging and easy to understand. The walk itself is easy, flat and relaxed, Ping is a wonderful tour guide with plenty of fascinating details and stories,to bring this wonderful place to life. We thoroughly enjoyed this experience. Highly recommended
Excellent and thorough and historical
Henry J,May 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Excellent and fascinating tour around multiple sites, with historical relevance. Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guide who gave great insights to history and culture.
Colonial tour with Ping….amazing!!
Elizabeth H,May 14, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Our guide Ping was extremely knowledgable and we had such a great tour with her. She answered lots of questions and made the tour so enjoyable
Ping is an amazing tour...
Christine G,May 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ping is an amazing tour guide! She is so knowledgeable and enthusiastic and clearly is passionate about her job. I loved that she took photos throughout the tour and sent them to us at the end. I learned a lot and had a great time!
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