Singapore’s modern skyline may define it today, but look closer and you’ll find traces of its colonial past woven throughout the city. From the time Sir Stamford Raffles landed in 1819 and claimed Singapore as a British trading post, the island was shaped by over a century of British influence—visible in its architecture, institutions, and even street names.

Colonial-Era Landmarks in Singapore

Raffles Hotel

Opened in 1887, this grand colonial-era hotel is a lasting symbol of British opulence in the Far East. It’s also the birthplace of the iconic Singapore Sling cocktail, served in its elegant Long Bar.

Fort Canning Hill

Once the seat of Malay royalty, Fort Canning became the location of the British command centre during World War II. Today, it’s a heritage park where visitors can explore underground bunkers and colonial structures.

Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall

An architectural gem in the heart of the Civic District, this neoclassical building dates back to the mid-19th century and continues to serve as a cultural venue.

National Gallery Singapore

Set in the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings—both relics of British colonial rule—the gallery beautifully marries historic architecture with Southeast Asian art and history.

Street Names and Institutions

Roads like Queen Street and Victoria Street, along with Singapore’s legal and education systems, reflect the ongoing legacy of its time as a British colony.

A Shared Heritage

For those curious about the wider British colonial story, the journey doesn’t end in Singapore. The British monarchy played a central role in shaping the colonial era, and sites like Windsor Castle in the UK offer a glimpse into the traditions and authority that influenced British territories around the world. Visiting such places can provide deeper historical context for what you see here in Singapore.

Singapore’s colonial past is far from forgotten. It lives on in the grand buildings, public spaces, and subtle daily details throughout the city. Exploring these places offers not just a glimpse into the past, but a deeper understanding of the shared history between Singapore and the UK.