Review: Merlion Park

Let’s start big picture here.
This promenade overlooking Marina Bay is home to Singapore's iconic 28-foot Merlion statue, a half-fish, half-lion stone carving that shoots water into the bay. The fish symbolizes Singapore's beginnings as a fishing village while the lion head is a nod to Singapura, which means "Lion City" in Malay. Erected in 1972, it remains one of the nation's most popular tourist attractions.

Any standout features or must-sees?
Don’t miss the Merlion Cub, a mini (6.5-feet) statue that sits in a fountain behind the big guy.

Was it easy to get around?
The park is mostly wheelchair- and stroller-accessible, but if you use either you may need to ask for assistance in some spots. There are a lot of concrete steps to sit on, but also tourists sitting on them. The blazing-hot sun can be debilitating, so those who are sensitive to heat might consider visiting after dark, when the Merlion and skyline are both lit up.

All said and done, what—and who—is this best for?
It doesn’t matter when you go—there will always be people milling about the statue and taking photos. (Lining up to snap a picture with the Merlion can take 20 minutes or longer.) As a major tourist attraction, it's surrounded by mediocre restaurants and souvenir shops, so if that sort of thing rubs you the wrong way, it’s best to steer clear.