FINANCIAL DISTRICT. Designed by architect George Coleman and built in 1835, this was Singapore's first church. From the outside, it's attractive in its simplicity, with Doric columns and pilasters. The theme continues inside, where arched windows let the breeze flow through the circular, white-painted congregation hall. Recognized as a national historic landmark, the church was also the first to install electricity (1909). Today, the church holds occasional religious services, and functions as exhibition space for public events such as the Singapore Bienniale.

FINANCIAL DISTRICT. The objective of this fascinating museum, the first of its kind in the region, is to present the history of the different cultures of Asia. Throughout the eleven galleries you'll see exhibits focusing on the Singapore River, China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and West Asia. It's a comprehensive collection, including even the smallest countries, such as Java. The historically significant building once housed government offices ­ today, in addition to the museum, it also hosts several food and beverage venues operated by the IndoChine Group: Bar Opiume, IndoChine Waterfront Restaurant, and Siem Reap II Café.

CHINATOWN. Shophouses are two- or three-story buildings unique to Asia ­ most are found in Malaysia and Singapore. Primarily built during the early 1900s, the structures housed businesses on the ground floor and living quarters on the upper floors. This museum occupies three of these structures, displaying different time periods in the history of Singapore's Chinatown. Dioramas are based on the recollections of former residents, and using authentic period details, depict the cramped quarters people shared with extended families and sometimes even strangers. Interesting and inspiring to say the least!

With its Moorish, Chinese and European architecture and Islamic, Chinese and Christian symbols, this beautiful and unique mosque definitely stands out, and is recognized as a national monument. Although there have been many additions and renovations since the initial construction in 1846, the onion-domed main prayer hall with yellow and green stained glass windows remains true to its original look. The complex is comprised of a number of buildings, such as a school and a minaret that was noted for its six-degree tilt (fixed during the 1990s). Named for a Malay-born businesswoman who donated the land and is interred in a special room at the back of the mosque. Visitors are welcome outside of prayer times; note that shorts are not permitted, and shoes must be removed before entering. Women should avoid wearing short skirts or sleeveless, backless or low-cut tops.

Hua Song, which means "in praise of the Chinese," opened to much acclaim in the spring of 2006. The museum details the inspiring stories of Chinese immigrants, not just those who came to Singapore but those who made their way to distant locales such as Canada, the US and South America. Some well-known individuals are documented, but mostly this is a museum dedicated to the average man and woman and their struggles and successes as they settled in new lands. A series of dioramas depict various scenes of Chinese migrant life, and there are plenty of vintage photos and artifacts to round out the exhibits. Quite fascinating.