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
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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.
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.
Options
Splendour of Colonial Singapore Walking Tour with Lunch
Reviews
68 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Excellent Tour!! Ping was a joy! She is professional, kind, helpful and extremely knowledgeable of the history. THX!
jdeloach330,,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Wonderful tour and leader! If you are lucky, you will get Ping who is one of the best Tour leaders we have ever had. Thank you.
Brilliant tour
CathyC625,,Feb 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely brilliant tour, Ping was friendly, knowledgeable, engaging and shared some very poignant family history which really brought the situations to life. History, geography, economy...got to go in some buildings you would never normally go in to. But most of all great fun! It's just her, not a big tour operator, it really does get that personal insight and I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Fabulous walking tour, learned so much
Andy C,,Feb 16, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Such an excellent tour! Ping was so informed, easy going and had great insight into the history, economy and present day Singapore. We learned so much and got inside buildings and discovered places we would never have thought of! She also told us some of her family history in the context of WW2 which really struck home. Thoroughly recommended. Pic is of our group in the holding cell of the Supreme Court (we're innocent m'lud!!)
Great Tour, Lovely Guide, Great Lunch!
gillianlf,,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fabulous tour around Singapore with Ping. She was so friendly and we were impressed with her knowledge of Singapores’ past history. The included lunch was excellent with several options to choose from. Definitely recommend!
Excellent
Kevin L,,Feb 7, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a lovely guide who was knowledgeable, informative and explained to us during the well planned tour the history and development of Singapore and visiting important sites in the history of this country. Had a lovely lunch by the sea. A very memorable day. Our guide showed us to the MTL stop and helped us plan our onward journey Thanks
Great walking tour of Singapore
Gail K,,Feb 6, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was an in depth overview of Singapore, its history and economy. Ping had a wealth of knowledge to share and was very personable. If you want to learn about Singapore, this is a must do tour. A nice lunch with a choice of meals is included. Thanks, Ping for a wonderful few hours!
Ping does a great job...
Rebecca G,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Ping does a great job telling the history of Singapore. She is easy to understand and can spin a good tale!
Highly recommend the tour and Ping!
Stay47867070092,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a wonderful experience on this tour! Ping is very friendly and extremely knowledgeable about many topics! We learned so much and enjoyed the opportunity to ask questions and get insights from a true multigenerational local! If we had more time here, we would take any tour she offered! She is a gem of a guide.
Recommended historical tour
David M,,Feb 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely pace of walking with an educated guide who explained things well and answered all our questions. Good lunch included.
A must do Singapore Experience
Sibsyhunter,,Dec 12, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Ping was an amazingly knowledgeable guide. We wanted to learn some history but also understand how Singapore runs now. Ping had the answers to all of our questions. The organisation of the tour was so slick and the timing perfect. I cannot recommend this tour enough. Ping’s company is called On a Roll Tours and she has other tours that she does. I would definitely do some more with her. If you come to Singapore then this is a must do tour. It’s very gentle walking and you get to sit down plenty for anyone worrying about that.
From SGD 68.88
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by On-A-Roll-Tours