Istana

Official residence and workplace of Singapore's president, this magnificent neoclassical landmark (istana.gov.sg; adult/child S$20/$10) is set on over 40 hectares of manicured grounds. Known as the Istana (Malay for "palace"), the grand whitewashed building was constructed by the British between 1867 and 1869 and served as Government House. The building was renamed Istana Negara Singapura (Palace of the State of Singapore) when the Lion City achieved internal self-government in 1959, and then shortened to Istana on 9 August 1965, when Singapore separated from the Federation of Malaysia to become an independent nation. This date is celebrated annually as the National Day of Singapore. Most visitors will only see the heavily guarded main gates fronting Orchard Rd, but five times a year these are flung open and the public is welcomed inside. Open-house days are set to coincide with public holidays, but check the website to confirm before you set off. Bring your passport and get here early; queues build quickly.