The Civic District is in downtown Singapore city. This is the birthplace where early settlers worked and lived. The British Colonial Government built many landmark buildings during that time. The area used to be an activities hub until new developments drew attention away.

In 1988, the Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA) introduced the Civic District Master Plan. Sidewalks are improved to present a pleasant walking experience. Specially designed street furniture were added to create a unique character of the District.

Singapore's most valuable and historic landmarks are found within this 105 hectares. These have been preserved, refurbished and restored with new uses. To enhance the beauty of the district, the Civic District Lighting Plan was launched in 1995 to illuminate historic landmarks for a unique night scene.

There are two trails in the Civic District, designed by the National Heritage Board. These trails are educational outreach programmes which helps Singaporeans and tourists alike to know more about and understand Singapore's history better, and through this, be united with the different communities.

This shorter trail starts from Raffles' Landing Site at Singapore River, and ends at Old Parliament House.

Distance: about 2.7km (about 7 rounds of a stadium track)
Duration: 1.5 hours
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Trail 1 Markers/Checkpoints (in order):

1. Raffles Landing Site
2. Asian Civilisations Museum (Empress Place)
3. Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall
4. Dalhousie Obelisk
5. Lim Bo Seng Memorial
6. Esplanade Park
7. Indian National Army Monument
8. Cenotaph
9. Tan Kim Seng Fountain
10. Civilian War Memorial
11. City Hall (and the Padang)
12. Supreme Court
13. Old Parliament House

This is the longer trail. It starts from Raffles Hotel and ends at St. Andrew's Cathedral (near City Hall MRT Train Station).

Distance: about 3.7km (about nine rounds of a stadium track)
Duration: Two hours to complete.
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Trail 2 Markers/Checkpoints (in order):

1. Raffles Hotel
2. CHIJMES
3. Cathedral of the Good Shepherd
4. Singapore Art Musuem
5. Singapore History Musuem
6. Fort Canning Park
7. National Archives of Singapore
8. Asian Civilisations Museum (Tao Nan)
9. Armenian Church
10. Central Fire Station
11. Ministry of Information, Communication and the Arts (MITA)
12. St. Andrew's Cathedral

Optional Detour:

13. Cathay Building
14. MacDonald House
15. Istana Park
16. Young Men's Christian Association (YMCA)

Additional information can be found at the National Heritage Board's website at http://www.nhb.gov.sg