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What To Do In Singapore – A 3 Day Singapore Itinerary

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There is a lot of things to do in Singapore, being both a modern metropolitan city and a tropical island country. Singapore is very different compared to the rest of Southeast Asia, and it is by far the easiest country we have ever traveled to in Southeast Asia. It is a modern, well-organized, and spotless city where everyone speaks perfect English. In some ways, it is more comparable to cities in the USA and western Europan towns than to other Asian cities.

Singapore is probably best known as “the country that banned gum and spitting” as it is illegal to spit on the street, sell or own chewing gum, and gum can only be bought with a prescription from a doctor.

We first visited Singapore on a backpacking trip in 2005. It is a city we keep coming back to almost every year as it is such a fresh and comfortable city to visit. Singapore has a well-functioning public transport system, high-quality restaurants and cafes, beautiful architecture and art, great shopping, and stunning parks. There is never a dull moment in Singapore.

Singapore also has some of the best hotels and boutique hotels in the world with very high quality and standards. It is a popular city to visit, not just for tourism but for business and conferences, so you should consider booking your hotel in Singapore in advance. The most popular hotels tend to be fully booked especially during peak seasons: January – February, June – July, and September – October.

If you are wondering where to stay in Singapore have a look at ourΒ Where To Stay In Singapore Guide here.

The Quays Singapore
The Quays (Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay) is packed with nice bars and restaurants

Singapore is a very safe city to visit as the crime rates in Singapore are some of the lowest in the world. There are lots of different food to try at high quality and hygiene standards, it is very tourist-friendly, and many languages are spoken as the city is very international with inhabitants from all over the world.

The downside is, however, that Singapore is more expensive than its neighboring countries in Southeast Asia. Budget wise Singapore can be compared to Europe, Australia, Japan, and the USA.

Street art Singapore
Street art in the Kampong Glam district of Singapore

Even though Singapore is a rather compact city, it is divided into several districts each with a unique and very different atmosphere, culture, people, and food. A visit to Little India feels like being in real India, while Sentosa Island makes you wonder if you have come to California, and walking around Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay feels like having stepped into the future.

The diversity of Singapore`s attractions is one of the reasons why we love this city so much and why I`m confident that you will too!Β β™₯

Here we give you our Singapore travel guide with what to do in Singapore for an amazing 3-5 days packed with all the highlights.

We hope you find it useful when planning your own Singapore itinerary! πŸ™‚

What To Do In Singapore

– The Ultimate 3 Day Singapore Itinerary

3 day Singapore itinerary
Singapore Itinerary – Click the map for a larger view

What To Do In Singapore – A Singapore Itinerary: Day 1 = Pink, Day 2 = Yellow, Day 3 = Green, Day 4 = Blue, Day 5 = Violet


DAY 1 – Exploring the Past & Future of Singapore

Colonial District, The Quays & Marina Bay

Morning Walking Tour Day 1

See our recommended Morning Singapore Walking Tour – Day 1 in the map below:

Singapore Walking Tour Day 1 Morning
Singapore Walking Tour – Day 1 Morning –Β Click the map for a larger view

1. Old-school Singapore Breakfast

If you donΒ΄t have breakfast included at your hotel, start your sightseeing walk of the Colonial District with breakfast at one of the cozy cafes inΒ Killiney Road (A on the map above).Β 

Start your first day in Singapore like a real old-school Singaporean and visit the Killiney Kopitiam (cafe). For breakfast, order kopi (coffee) or tea, Kaya toast (toast with coconut jam), and a soft-boiled egg. The right way to eat it is to crack open the egg, add some soy sauce and pepper, and dip your toast with Kaya in the egg, and eat it with your fingers. Delicious! πŸ™‚

Killiney Kopitiam Singapore
Traditional Singapore breakfast at Killiney consisting of kopi (coffee) or tea, Kaya toast (toast with coconut jam), and soft-boiled eggs

Killiney KopitiamΒ is one of the most authentic places that still serve this kind of old-style-Singapore breakfast.

You will find Killiney cafes in many places in Singapore, but the original one is this one at 67 Killiney Road. I must admit that the atmosphere here is still the best even though newer and posher branches of this cafe keep popping up all over Singapore and at the airport as well.

Killiney Kopitiam also serves delicious Laksa, Chicken Curry, and Nasi Lemak if you rather prefer that.

Killiney Singapore
The popular Killiney Kopitiam (cafe) in Killiney Road has been serving delicious Malaysian food since 1919

2. Fort Canning Park & Colonial District

After this filling traditional Singapore breakfast, it is time to explore the heart of Singapore; the Colonial District.

The Colonial District area is packed with stunning grand colonial buildings, a relaxing park, and several awesome museums. It is the perfect area to explore on foot as everything is within a rather small geographical area.

From Killiney Road (A on the map above), walk east to Fort Canning Park (B) for a morning stroll in the shade of the gigantic green trees.

Walk east and out of the park and into the Colonial District of Singapore.Β See the beautiful colonial-style buildings:

  • National Museum (C on the map above)
  • Peranakan Museum (D)
  • St AndrewΒ΄s Cathedral (E), which was built in 1862
  • National Gallery (F)
  • Asian Civilisations Museum (G)
  • Raffles Hotel (H)
  • End your morning walk with lunch in Purvis Street (I)

♦ Estimated time for this morning walk: 2-3 hours

3. Visit a Museum and The National Gallery

Visit the National Gallery and one of the many brilliant museums of Singapore, which are all within walking distance of each other (my favorite is the National Museum so I would pick that one if I were you):

  • National Museum of SingaporeΒ (C on the map above)
    Shows six centuries of Singapore history, also the recent history of the city. We loved the digital 3D artwork presented in the Glass Rotunda, Story of the Forest.Β 
  • Peranakan MuseumΒ (D)
    Tells the story of the rich heritage of the Peranakans which are the Chinese descendants in Singapore, their culture, arts and crafts, spirituality, and food.
  • National Gallery SingaporeΒ (F)
    This is the most stunning national gallery we have ever visited. The building in itself is impressive (the old City Hall and Old Supreme Court buildings), housing more than 8000 pieces of 19th-century and modern Southeast Asian art pieces. Make sure to head up to the rooftop bar/ restaurant for a fantastic Singapore skyline view.
  • Asian Civilisations MuseumΒ (G)
    Located in a beautiful yellow and white colonial building, its galleries give you a great insight into SingaporeΒ΄s heritage as a port city of trade between Southeast Asia, China, India, and Europe. One of the highlights is the Tang shipwreck that sunk more than 1000 years ago, where lots of the ceramics (the ship had over 60 0000 ceramics) are on display. We joined a free guided tour of the museum which was awesome! Highly recommended!
National Gallery Singapore
The stunning National Gallery Singapore which used to be the old courthouse with a cool rooftop bar and restaurant
National Gallery Singapore
Loved this fun, interactive digital art exhibition on display at National Gallery Singapore

The museums have opening hours: 10:00 – 19:00, although some of them close later on Fridays and Saturdays (21:00 or 22:00, check their web pages).

♦ Estimated time visiting museums: 2-3 hours

4. Lunch in Purvis Street

Purvis Street (I on the map above), next to the Raffles Hotel, is filled with excellent restaurants and cafes.

Here you will find something for every taste and budget, like Garibaldi serving Italian food (a bit expensive), Jai Thai that has mouth-watering and cheap Thai food, Killiney Kopitiam where you can get old Malaysian inspired food, Mexican food (we had some delicious tacos here), and French food at Saveur. Plenty to choose from and I promise that you will not leave Purvis Street hungry! πŸ™‚

♦ Estimated time for lunch: 1 hour

Afternoon Walking Tour Day 1

After lunch, it is time to head towards the waterfront for another walking tour through the Marina Bay district and the Quays district.

This part of Singapore is filled with modern architectural masterpieces, some spectacular light-and-music shows, and lively restaurants and bars by the river.

See our recommended Afternoon Singapore Walking Tour – Day 1 below:

Singapore Walking Tour Day 1 Afternoon
Singapore Walking Tour Β – Day 1 Afternoon –Β Click the map for a larger view

5. Merlion

Merlion
Merlion, a half lion and half fish, the mascot of Singapore

From Purvis Street where you had lunch (A on the map above), walk south to the river and the Quays district.

Cross the Esplanade Bridge to the Merlion Park where you find the famous Merlion statue (B) – the official mascot of Singapore.

Merlion is a statue of a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. It was created as a PR-stunt by the tourism board back in the 1980s, and it soon became the icon of Singapore.

Enjoy the view of Marina Bay with the iconic Marya Bay Sands and the glittering The Esplanade Theatres on The Bay.
You can also jump on a boat cruise to get a full guided tour of Marina Bay and the SingaporeΒ River.

♦ Estimated time for this afternoon walk: 1-2 hours


6. Gardens by the Bay

Head north along the Esplanade Bridge towards Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, and continue to walk east along Marina Promenade to the Helix Bridge (C).

Take in the stunning view of the Singapore skyline while you cross the Helix Bridge. Have an ice cream at the ice-cream vendor (an old man) standing at the end of Helix Bridge.

When you get to the Marina Bay Sands side, take a left and walk over to Gardens by the Bay (D).

Gardens by the Bay Singapore
The spectacular Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay doing their light-and-music show every night at 19:45 and 20:45

Spend at least a couple of hours wandering around the Gardens by the Bay, and donΒ΄t miss the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest Dome, and Supertree Grove with its OCBC Skyway (a 22 m high walkway between the Skytrees) as they are awesome!

If you want to avoid the long ticket queue and save money, buy your discounted e-tickets here in advance. The tickets are flexible, so you can book them now and use them any time within the next 180 days.

And last but not least, see the daily light-and-music show Garden Rhapsody at 19:45 and 20:45 when the Supertrees come alive in a spectacular colorful light show. It is a real must!

β‡’ Read more about Gardens by the Bay and what you should not miss here

  • Opening hours: The Gardens is open every day 05:00 – 02:00, the Domes and OCBC Skyway is open 09:00 – 21:00 (last ticket sale is 20:00)
  • The Gardens by the Bay show: 19:45 and 20:45 every day
  • Ticket price Gardens by the Bay: Free
  • Ticket price Flower Dome + Cloud Forest Dome: S$28 (adult) = US$20, and S$15 (child 3-12 years old) = US$11
  • Ticket price OCBC Skyway: S$8 for an adult = US$, S$5 for a child (8-12 years old) = US$4

♦ Estimated time at Gardens by the Bay: 3-4 hours

7. Marina Bay

From Gardens by the Bay, walk over to the nearby Marina Bay Sands (E) along the bay promenade.

Marina Bay Sands looks like a gigantic stranded ship, but itΒ΄s an architectural masterpiece by an Israeli-born architect housing a hotel, casino, theatre, exhibition, museum, and a huge shopping mall. The price for building this glittering architectural star was S$5,7 billion!

The “ship” on top of the three 55-story towers is the Marina Bay Sands HotelΒ΄s infinity pool. Yep, the view from the rooftop swimming pool is A-M-A-Z-I-N-G! Sadly, only guests staying at the hotel are allowed to use the infinity pool, but you can head up for a drink in the CΓ© La Vi Skybar and enjoy the same view just not with the same Instagram-wow-factor. πŸ™‚

You can pay the S$30 entrance fee to the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck, or just go to the bar and order something to drink and enjoy the same kind of view but with a drink in hand. Supersmart if you ask me πŸ˜‰ You enter the bar via the lobby of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel.

Marina Bay Sands Singapore
The gigantic Marina Bay Sands – a hotel, casino, museum, and shopping mall

But the real reason why should head over to Marina Bay Sands is to catch another impressive light-and-music show, called Spectra.

The show is shown at the outside and on the actual Marina Bay Sands building every night at 20:00 and 21:00 + 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

Light show Marina Bay Sands Singapore
The fantastic light-and-music show Spectra in front of Marina Bay Sands every night at 20:00, 21:00 + 22:00 every Friday and Saturday

Grab a seat at the benches in front of the shopping mall Marina Bay Sands and take in the lights, water fountain, and music that will appear in front of you. The show lasts about 15 minutes and is free. You can also watch it from the other side, the city side, but I think it is more spectacular from the Marina Bay Sands side of the bay.

♦ Estimated time at Marina Bay Sands: 1-2 hours

8. Dinner at Makansutra Gluttons Bay

End your great sightseeing day with some delicious food at the Makansutra Gluttons Bay hawker stall market (F) on the other side of the bay (outside the Esplanade Mall).

If you want to have dinner at the Marina Bay Sands shopping mall, head to the excellent hawker-style food court in the basement serving local Singapore food.

Gluttons Bay Food Market Singapore
Delicious and cheap street food at MakansutraGluttons Bay food market
  • Opening hours Marina Bay Sands food court: 07:00 – 22:00
  • Opening hours Makansutra Gluttons Bay street food market: 17:00 – 02:00 Monday – Thursday, until 03:00 Friday and Saturday, and 16:00 – 01:00 on Sundays

9. Clarke Quay Nightlife

If you have more energy left, head over to Clarke Quay (G) to wind down at one of the many bars and pubs and enjoy the Singapore nightlife.

The Quays is the area by the riverfront and consists of three quays connected by the Singapore River: Boat Quay, Robertson Quay, and Clarke Quay. Clarke Quay is the most popular and lively part of the Quays, lined with restaurants, bars, and clubs. Have some drinks and dance the night away.

Or you can end your night a more sophisticated way by heading up in the sky to the previously mentioned “CΓ© La Vi Skybar” at Marina Bay Sands or the rooftop bar “Smoke and Mirrors” on the top of National Gallery. Both have an excellent view of the Singapore skyline.

Clarke Quay
The popular and lively Clarke Quay, lined with restaurants, bars, and clubs

DAY 2 – Shopping & Wild Life

Orchard Road, Little India, Kampong Glam & Night Safari

1.Shopping Bonanza In Orchard Street

Take the MRT to Orchard Station or Somerset Station and start your day in the famous shopping mecca Orchard Road. Here you can shop till you drop or till your credit cards are empty.

Shopping Orchard Road Singapore
SingaporeΒ΄s Orchard Road is the best place to go shopping, probably in the world!

Orchard Roads is packed with huge shopping malls. Here is the best shopping in Singapore, in my opinion:

  • ION Orchard Mall
    SingaporeΒ΄s poshest and biggest megamall with the observation deck ION Sky on level 56. This shopping mall is located directly above Orchard MRT Station. The basement floors have brands like Zara, Esprit, Uniqlo while the upper floors have more posh and expensive brands like SingaporeΒ΄s famous fashion label In Good Company.
  • Paragon
    A see and be seen kind of shopping mall with very posh and expensive upper-class brands like Burberry, Prada, Gucci, Armani, and Jimmy Choo.
  • Ngee Ann City
    An old mall that looks a bit old fashion on the outside, but itΒ΄s great on the inside with seven floors of shopping bonanza and a cinema. It has the best bookshop in Asia, the Kinokuniya,Β and also houses the best food court in Orchard Road, the Takashimaya Food Village.
  • Orchardgateway
    A shopping mall that spans on both sides of Orchard Road and is connected by an underground walkway as well as an above-ground bridge. It has a dedicated floor for men’s clothes and stuff. It has big brands like Zara and H&M and lots of nice restaurants and cafes.
    There is a hotel, the Jen Orchardgateway Hotel on the upper floors (reception is on the 10th floor of Orchardgateway mall). We stayed at this hotel and loved it, especially their rooftop swimming pool which is gigantic with a fantastic view of the Singapore skyline.
  • Tanglin Shopping Centre
    A retro mall that has Asian art and antiques like carvings, jewelry, paintings, furniture and so on.

♦ Estimated time for shopping in Orchard Road: 3 hours (can, of course, be much, much longer….)

2. Wind down In Emerald Hill Road

Have a well-earned break and something cold to drink at one of the bars in the renovated shophouses in the cozy and atmospheric Emerald Hill Road.

Emerald Hill Road Singapore
Go for a stroll along the cozy Emerald Hill Road, a side street from Orchard Road

Go for a short stroll along this road and admire SingaporeΒ΄ s most beautiful terrace houses, some of them dating back to early 1900. Although this road is just a stone throw from the busy Orchard Road, it feels like a completely different area.

♦ Estimated time for cafe/ pub and walking around in Emerald Hill Road: 1 hour

3. Little India

The Little India district of Singapore is excellent to explore on foot. Here is our recommended walking tour of Little India Singapore:

Singapore Little India Walking Tour
Little India Walking Tour –Β Click the map for a larger view

Take the MRT to Little India Station (A on the map above), where you start your walking tour of Little India.

Once you step out of the station, it is like you have teleported yourself to India! It is just completely different from the rest of the posh, clean, and glossy Singapore.

Walk around in the small lanes between Serangoon Road and Jln Besar and take in the smells, sounds, and the bustling and vibrant atmosphere. The area gets very crowded on Sundays.

Little India Singapore
A fruit seller in Little India Singapore

Although Little India has some beautiful temples, we come to this part of Singapore for the delicious and authentic Indian food. So make sure to grab some Indian food along the way.

Our favorite Indian restaurant is theΒ Shish Mahal Restaurant next to Village Hotel Albert Court just on the outskirts of Little India (close to Little India MRT Station). Try their butter chicken with naan bread; it is heavenly good.

If you are a coffee addict and like hip and cool cafes, visit the coolΒ Chye Seng Huat Hardware cafe (in Jalan Besar, close to Lavender MRT Station).

Housed in an old shophouse, this was originally one of many hardware stores in the Jalan Besar area (a part of Little India). It has now been restored into a cozy hipster cafe selling delicious coffee, tea, cakes, and other small dishes. You can also take home a bag of coffee beans roasted in the cafe.

They also arrange coffee workshops and a one-hour coffee tour where you can learn about the process of roasting coffee beans.

After coffee and cakes at the atmospheric Chye Seng Huat Hardware Cafe, it is time to go for a walk and burn off some calories. This walking tour takes you to the best things to do in Little India Singapore:

  • Tekka CentreΒ (B on the map above)
    A bustling shopping center with lots of spices, saris, Indian textiles, shoes, and so on. It also has a street hawker section that serves some excellent and cheap Indian street food like Murtabak (stuffed pancake), Roti (dough-flour pancake), Biryani, Dosa (very thin lentil-flour pancake), and Teh Tarik (pulled tea, my favorite). The perfect place to grab something to eat!
  • Indian Heritage CenterΒ (C)
    A relatively new (opened in 2015) museum and cultural center, costing S$12 million to build. It shows the heritage of Singapore`s Indian community and people and has artifacts, maps, and photos on display, as well as multimedia and a lovely rooftop garden. The building in itself is pretty cool where the facade becomes transparent at night where you can see a colorful mural.
  • Sri Veeramakaliamman TempleΒ (D)
    The most impressive and colorful Hindu temple in Singapore, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, and constructed in 1881.
  • Mustafa Centre (E)
    A 24/7 shopping mall that has absolutely everything! So if you canΒ΄t sleep at night due to for instance jetlag, head of to Mustafa Centre and go shopping. πŸ™‚
  • Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya TempleΒ (F)
    A Buddhist Temple with a huge 15 m tall Buddha weighing 300 tonnes. You will also find Hindu gods Brahma and Ganesh, which is a bit odd for a Buddhist Temple. The entrance is flanked by two big yellow tigers and a huge mother-of-pearl footprint of Buddha (to your left when entering the temple) which is a replica of the footprint on the top of AdamΒ΄s Peak in Sri Lanka.

End your walking tour of Little India at Farrer Park Station (G). From here, take the MRT to Bugis Station to explore the next district of Singapore – Kampong Glam & Bugis.

♦ Estimated time for this walking tour of Little India: 2-3 hours

4. Kampong Glam & Bugis

Kampong Glam district, also called Arab Street, is located right beside Little India. You can either walk here from Little India or take the MRT to Bugis Station.

Our recommended walking tour of Kampong Glam & Bugis:

Kampomg Klam & Bugis - Singapore
Kampong Glam & Bugis –Β Click the map for a larger view

Start your walking tour of Kampong Glam and Bugis at Bugis MRT Station (A on the map above).

Kampong Glam area has a great mix of hipster cafe, trendy restaurants, cool shops, and IslamicΒ culture and mosques.

The most famous and fashionable street in Kampong Glam is theΒ Haji Lane (B on the map above).

Haji Lane is a walking street full of street art murals, packed with relaxed cafes and trendy boutiques selling everything from hipster clothes, design stuff, shoes, backpacks, and third-wave jewelry. I love walking around in this area, popping into the small boutiques and cafes.

Haji Lane Singapore
Haji Lane is packed with cool shops and cafes

There are lots of cool shops in Haji Lane selling everything from clothes, shoes, hipster backpacks, jewelry, and souvenirs. Also, check out these nice shops:

  • Supermama
    Local designers, excellent for souvenirs and gifts to bring back home
  • Scene Shang (next to Supermama)
    Cool furniture, stone wear, and art
  • The textile and silk shops along Arab Street
  • Kapok, located in the National Design Centre
    Sells cool designer clothes and sandals
Sultan Mosque Singapore
The beautiful Sultan Mosque in the heart of Kampong Glam

Make sure to visit the Sultan Mosque (C on the map above) with its beautiful golden topped dome sparkling in the sun. The mosque is the signature building of Kampong Glam.

If you are hungry, Kampong Glam is the perfect area to eat or grab some snacks, coffee, or a cup of tea. You will find Malay, Italian, Chinese, Indian, and Middle Eastern food. We had delicious woodfired Italian pizza at cozy Cicheti.
Make sure to grab some pastries at the Konditori, a Swedish bakery and cafe. They have the best pastries in Singapore in my opinion! I loved it!

If you have the time and love movies like us, then a visit to the independent and supercool cinema ProjectorΒ (D on the map above) is a must. We saw a very cute animated film here. They also have a cool cafe in the lobby of the cinema.

Bugis is a small part of Kampong Glam where you among other shopping centers will find Bras Basah Complex (E on the map above) with some cool shops like the Basheer Graphic Books (fourth floor). They sell lots of film books, art books, photography books, as well as books on design, typography, interior and architecture. The bookshop also has SingaporeΒ΄s best selection of international niche magazines. Love this bookstore!

♦ Estimated time for this walking tour of Kampong Glam & Bugis: 1-2 hours (more if you want to eat here or see a movie at the cinema Projector)


5. Night Safari

After all this city sightseeing, it is finally time to leave the urban jungle and head into the wilderness in the north of Singapore.

Jump in a taxi or use the Grab app and head north to the famous Night Safari, which is located next to the Singapore Zoo. The drive takes about 30 minutes.

The Singapore Zoo area has recently rebranded and is now called Mandai Wildlife Reserve. It consists of four wildlife areas/ parks:

  • Singapore Zoo
  • River Wonders
  • Bird Paradise
  • Night Safari
Night Safari Singapore
The entrance to the Night Safari part of the Singapore Zoo opens at 19:15 and closes at midnight. Jump on the tram to get a guided tour of the park.

The Night Safari part of Mandai Wildlife Reserve opens at 19:15/ 7:15 pm and closes at midnight. Last entry is at 23:15/ 11:15 pm.

If you want to see the animals in daylight, you should visit the Singapore Zoo (opening hours: 08:30 – 18:00), or you can visit both the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari.

To skip the ticket line and save money, I recommend that you buy e-tickets for the Night Safari in advance here.

You can also go for this ticket, where an entrance ticket to the Night Safari, the tram tour inside the park, plus transport from/ back to your hotel is included. It’s very convenient and a good deal.

At Night Safari, you take open-sided shuttle trams that drive you on a guided park tour through six of the world’s geographical zones. You can see animals like leopards, babirusas, Malay tigers, and giant flying squirrels, to name a few. You can also walk specific trails through the park.

DonΒ΄t miss the Creatures of the Night Show, an interactive 20-minute show that is great fun, especially for kids. The show is at 19:30, 20:30, and 21:30 every day at the Night Safari Amphitheatre. The show is awesome, and I loved it! It is included in your entrance ticket for the Night Safari.

Show Night Safari Singapore
The Creatures of the Night show is great fun. It is shown at 19:30, 20:30, and 21:30 every day.

β‡’ Read our experience of the Singapore Zoo here

♦ Estimated time at Singapore Night Safari: 3 hours


DAY 3 – Beach, Entertainment & Dining

Sentosa Island & Chinatown

After all that city sightseeing, museums, temples, and shopping, it is time to head to the “tropical beach” and have some fun on Sentosa Island.

Beach Sentosa Island Singapore
Sentosa Island has stunning beaches and many things to do, like Universal Studios and SEA Aquarium.

There are several ways to get to Sentosa Island from Singapore City: Cable car (take the MRT to HarbourFront Station, where the cable car runs from between 08:45 to 21:30), The monorail Sentosa Express (goes from VivoCity beside HarbourFront Station), taxi, or just walk across the Sentosa Boardwalk from VivoCity (the walk takes about 15 minutes).

1. Universal Studios & SEA Aquarium

There are plenty of fun activities to join on Sentosa Island. Head there early in the morning toΒ beat the crowd.

Jurassic Park Universal Studios Singapore
The Jurassic Park part of Universal Studios on Sentosa Island

Here are the best things to do in Sentosa Island:

  • Universal Studios
    A gigantic theme park packed with activities, rides, and shows. Great fun, especially for the kids!
Ancient Egypt Universal Studios Singapore
The Ancient Egypt part of Universal Studios on Sentosa Island
Shrek Castle Universal Studios Singapore
The fantastic Shrek Castle at Universal Studios on Sentosa Island
  • SEA Aquarium (SoutEast Asia Aquarium)
    The worldΒ΄s biggest aquarium with sharks, mantas, octopus, jellyfish, seahorses, and lots of colorful fish.
Lots of colorful fish, turtles, sharks, and manta rays at SEA Aquarium on Sentosa Island
  • Wave House
    An artificial wave where you can try out your surfing skills.
  • MegaZip Line
    Is it tempting to go at 60 km/h on a zip line 75 m above the ground through the jungle and down to the beach? Then this is it!

You can easily spend a couple of days exploring everything on Sentosa, but since this is your last day in Singapore, you should try to wrap up your time in Universal Studios and SEA Aquarium during the afternoon.

The Beaches At Sentosa Island

Wind down and relax at one of the three beaches on Sentosa:

  • Palawan Beach
    A relaxed part of Sentosa popular among families with kids, as you will find a children’s playground here
  • Siloso Beach
    Singapore’s hippest beach with bars discos and parties in the evening
  • Tanjong Beach
    Relaxed and quiet, a nice place to chill. It has beach hammocks, Tanjong Beach Club, and FOC Sentosa. This beach is very romantic in the evening with candlelit tables where you can have dinner, and also infinity pools with comfortable daybeds.

And best of all, visiting the beaches is free! Yay! πŸ™‚

Sentosa Island Singapore
The beautiful white sandy Palawan Beach on Sentosa Island

♦ Estimated time at Sentosa Island: A full day. It depends on what you want to do, but after 8 hours, you will be pretty exhausted.

2. Chinatown

In the evening, head back to Singapore City and take the MRT to Chinatown Station (A on the map below).

Walk around Chinatown where the best things to do in Chinatown Singapore are (in our opinion):

Chinatown Walking Tour - Singapore
Chinatown Walking Tour – Click the map for a larger view
  • Chinatown Heritage Centre (B on the map above)
    This museum tells the story of Chinatown’s colorful and chaotic history. There is an excellent audio tour included in the ticket.
  • Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (C)
    A beautiful and huge five-story temple that has the left canine tooth of the Buddha. The tooth is kept inside a 420 kg heavy gold stupa on the 4th floor. TheΒ temple is packed with Buddha figures and has a nice rooftop garden. (opening hours: 07:00 – 19:00, free entrance)
  • The mural by Yip Yew Chong on Thian Hock Keng TempleΒ (D)
    A 44-meter-long mural is painted on the rear wall of Thian Hock Keng Temple. It is painted by the famous Singaporean artist Yip Yew Chong. The mural is beautiful and tells the story of Immigrants to Singapore, from leaving China to arriving at their new home in Singapore. Start from the right end to “read” the mural.
Mural Chiang Hock Heng Temple Singapore
The stunning 44 m long mural by the artist Yip Yew Chong on Thian Hock Keng Temple in Chinatown
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple Singapore
The huge and iconic Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown

After a stroll around Chinatown, you must be hungry and thirsty. Grab some street food at the hawker center Maxwell Food Centre (E on the map above) or Chinatown Complex (F). If you want some more up-class dining, head to Amoy Street (G) or Telok Ayer Street (H).

Time to finish off your time in Singapore with a drink or two in one of the many cool rooftop bars in Club Street (I) or Ann Siang Rd (J), which becomes a walking street after 19:00 on Fridays and Saturdays.

♦ Estimated time walking tour of Chinatown: 2-4 hours (depending on how many drinks you want to drink…. πŸ™‚ )


DAY 4 – Wild Life, Greenery & Flowers

Singapore Zoo & Botanic Garden

1. Botanic Garden

Orchid at Botanic Garden Singapore
A beautiful orchid at Botanic Garden Singapore

Start your day with breakfast at the lovely PS Cafe before heading over to Botanic Garden for a morning walk.

Or stack up on delicious hawker dishes at the Holland Village Market & Food Center (address: 1 Lor Mambong) like chicken rice and prawn noodles, or buy food at one of the many gourmet delis on the streets of Holland Village and Dempsey Hill and head to the Botanic Gardens for a picnic.

There is also a nice collection of hawker food stalls outside the Botanic GardenΒ΄s Healing Garden called Food Canopy (next to the Raffles Building). There you find everything from the old traditional Singapore breakfast kaya toast (toast with coconut jam) and kopi (coffee), to Indian roti (bread), noodles, and roasted duck.

For me, the highlight is the National Orchid Garden (opening hours: 08:30-19:00), the largest display of orchids in the world. Orchid is my favorite flower, so I love walking around in this part of the Botanic Garden.

Botanic Garden Singapore
We love going for a stroll in the stunning Botanic Garden of Singapore

The Ginger Garden part of the Botanic Garden is also beautiful and houses the atmospheric Halia restaurant with several ginger-based dishes on the menu. The Learning Forest, with its elevated walkways and boardwalks, is the newest part of the Botanic Garden. It has a cool canopy web where you can lie down and listen to the sounds of the forest. If you have kids, head to the Jacob Ballas ChildrenΒ΄s Garden.

β‡’ Read more about our visit to the Botanic Garden HERE

♦ Estimated time at Singapore Botanic Garden: 3-4 hours

2. Singapore Zoo

If you have done the Night Safari part of the Mandai Wildlife Reserve and have more days in Singapore, you should visit the Singapore Zoo part (open during the daytime).

We bought our Singapore Zoo tickets here and got huge discounts. We could also skip the very long ticket line once we got to the Zoo and could walk straight into the park. Very easy and convenient!

β‡’ Read more about our visit to the Singapore Zoo here

  • How to get to Singapore Zoo: It is easiest to take a taxi or Uber (a 30-minute ride)
  • Opening hours Singapore Zoo: 08:30 – 18:00
  • Ticket price Singapore Zoo: S$33 for an adult and S$22 for a child under 13 years old. I recommend that you buy your discounted e-tickets here in advance, which will save you a lot of money and time.

♦ Estimated time at Singapore Zoo: 5-6 hours


DAY 5 – Cafes & market in a cool hipster neighborhood

Thiong Bahru

Take the MRT to Thiong Bahru Station, and you will find yourself in the hippest residential neighborhood of Singapore with hip boutiques, cool bars, and cozy cafes. You will not see any high skyscrapers here; you will see mostly low-rise buildings, as this was SingaporeΒ΄s first public housing area. The apartments now have an Art Deco vibe and are very popular among young hipster Singaporeans and expats.

Thiong Bahru is said to be where rich Chinese businessmen housed their mistresses. Now, you will find a refreshing mix of chic cafes and old Chinese restaurants and shops.

Go for a walk in the neighborhood and visit:

  • To Market or Thiong Bahru Market & Food Centre
    Dating back to 1955. Here you will find a wet market on the ground floor selling vegetables, fruits, flowers, fish, and meat. They sell some delicious Thai mangoes! Upstairs, however, is a hawker stall center with all kinds of Asian dishes and drinks. (opening hours: 08:00 until late)
  • BooksActually
    A cool independent bookstore. There is a small museum in the back. (opening hours: 10:00 – 20:00 Tue-Sat, until 18:00 Mon & Sun)
  • Tiong Bahru Bakery
    Love this cozy bakery that sells delicious and cute French pastries and coffee of high quality. It has a nice sitting area both inside and outside. (opening hours: 08:00 – 20:00 Sun-Thur, until 22:00 Fri-Sat)
  • Merci Marcel Cafe
    Another cool hipster-like cafe (French) selling quality coffee and pastries. Located next to Thiong Bahru Bakery. They have a lovely back garden area with tables.
  • Plain Vanilla Bakery
    We first fell in love with this bakery at the ION Orchard Mall, but they have a bigger cafe and bakery in Thiong Bahru. They sell SingaporeΒ΄s best and cutest cupcakes, along with other delicious temptations. (opening hours: 08:00 – 19:00 Mon-Sat, 09:00 – 18:00 Sundays)
  • Nana & Bird
    A cool little boutique next to Plain Vanilla Bakery that sells independent fashion clothes, shoes, and accessories.
  • Creamier
    On the other side of the street from Nana&Bird, they make delicious handmade ice cream and coffee.
  • Forty Hands
    Close to the ice cream place Creamier, a small cafe serving excellent brunch and coffee.

There you have it, our recommended Singapore Itinerary with all the coolest things to do in Singapore. In our opinion, you need at least three days to explore the highlights of Singapore fully. With five days, you donΒ΄t have to rush around that much and can spread out this itinerary over more days.

Where To Stay In Singapore

There is no getting around that Singapore is a pretty expensive city when it comes to accommodation. But on the plus side, the hotel standard is very high, and there are some genuinely wonderful hotels here. Below are some of our favorites hotels at different price ranges.

Top End

Fullerton Hotel

Fullerton Hotel Singapore
The grand and stunning Fullerton Hotel Singapore

The Fullerton is widely regarded as Singapore’s most luxurious hotel. While the Raffles hotel is under renovation, the Fullerton Bay Hotel is the best choice for old-school five-star colonial-style luxury and world-class service.
If it is within your budget, staying here is an experience in itself. The 25m rooftop swimming pool overlooking Marina Bay is truly spectacular!
Click for the latest prices

Hotel Fort Canning

Surrounded by the green and peaceful Fort Canning Park this beautifully restored old colonial fort-made heritage boutique hotel is a quiet oasis in the heart of the city. The rooms are large and beautiful with high ceilings, hardwood floors, and super comfortable beds. We loved the spacious bathroom with its stylish bathtub.

There are two large swimming pools and a well-equipped gym. It has a very central location, within walking distance to both the main shopping street Orchard Road and the Colonial District with all the main museums and sights.
Click for the latest prices

Parkroyal on Pickering

Parkroyal on Pickering is something as rare as an eco-conscious five-star hotel. It shows through in everything from the small touches like the daily refilled glass water bottles to pens made of bamboo to the architectural marvel of the green hanging terraces that decorate its facade.

The rooms are modern, spacious, and very comfortable. The view of the Singapore Skyline from the room and also the bathtub is amazing! There is an infinity pool as well as a well-equipped gym. The breakfast buffet is spectacular, and the location is excellent with both the Chinatown MRT Station and the Clarke Quay MRT Station very close by.
Click for the latest prices

Mid Range

Jen Orchardgateway

If you want a modern, comfortable hotel that is close to the shopping along Orchard Road, then look no further. Jen Orchardgateway is it! Occupying the top floors of the Orchard Gateway mall the location just simply can’t be beaten. The rooms are very comfortable, but the real standout is the enormous infinity rooftop swimming pool with its spectacular evening views of the city. We also loved the room service robot (yes, indeed a robot!) πŸ™‚
Click for the latest prices

AMOY by Far East Hospitality

Amoy Hotel Singapore
The entrance to Amoy Hotel used to be an old Chinese Temple

If you are looking for something unique, then the Amoy Hotel might just fit the bill. This renovated old temple building at the edge of Chinatown has become a world-class boutique hotel.

Every room is unique, and the old building creates a special and cozy atmosphere.

The staff is always friendly and helpful. There is an MRT station, Telok Ayer MRT Station (blue Downtown Line), right across the street, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes around.
Click for the latest prices

Budget

Lloyds Inn

Swimming pool at LloydΒ΄s Inn Singapore
The beautiful garden and pool at LloydΒ΄s Inn Singapore

Located in a quiet residential neighborhood only a few minutes walk from the main shopping street of Singapore, Orchard Road, Lloyd’s Inn has a perfect central location and is excellent value for the money.

The rooms are small but stylish and well decorated like out of an Ikea catalog with some unique touches. Our room had a fantastic open-air shower. It is worth paying a little extra for a garden-facing room.

The garden is beautiful and contains a lovely wading pool and resting area. Breakfast is served in a local Kopitiam (coffee shop), Killiney Kopitiam, on the adjacent road, Killiney Road. This road has plenty of affordable restaurants serving everything from Vietnamese to Indian food.
Click for the latest prices

Hotel G

Hotel G Singapore
Our nice room at Hotel G

Hotel G was a positive surprise to us! While the rooms are tiny, the standard is excellent for the price with clean, modern, and comfortable rooms with flat-screen TVs and private bathrooms with rainwater showers. Loved the hipster-like design.

We opted for a slightly larger room since we were traveling with a lot of luggage and we were extremely comfortable.
Downstairs is a classy and cool wine bar, and the burger bar “Twenty Five Degrees” on the corner serves some of the best burgers in Singapore. Try the truffle chips, they are heavenly!
Click for the latest prices

β‡’ Click here to read our complete guide on Where To Stay In Singapore, with tips on how to find the best hotel and area to stay in for you


PIN IT FOR LATER!Β 
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Have you been to Singapore? Have we missed something on this itinerary? What are you most looking forward to for your next trip to Singapore? Please leave a comment in the comment area below. We would love to hear from you! If you find this article useful, please share it on social media. Thanks! πŸ™‚Β 

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About The Writer Maria Wulff Hauglann

Maria is a Norwegian travel nerd who has explored more than thirty countries on four continents. She holds a master's degree in Computer Science, as well as an MBA. In 2014 while on a year-long trip across South East- Asia, Maria co-founded the travel blog Nerd Nomads to help others get out and explore the world. In 2018 she left her day job permanently for a life of full-time travel. See our about page for more about Maria.

Leave a Comment

48 Comments

    • Hi Wilfred,

      Thanks a million! Singapore has so much to offer and has so many cool sights. I just never get tired of this city, there is always something new to see and do. And the food is awesome too! πŸ™‚

      Happy travels!

      -Maria-

      Reply
    • Same here, I’ve been to Singapore several times but your review makes me want to explore Singapore again!

      Thanks for the review.

      Reply
      • Hi Chris,

        Thank you so much for your nice comment! Yeah, I agree, one can never get enough of Singapore. And thankfully there are so many reasons to head back to Singapore!

        -Maria-

        Reply
    • Hi Aris,

      Hehe, yeah I know what you mean! I only manage to eat one soft-boiled egg. Toast with Kaya jam, however…..I love it and eat way too much! πŸ™‚

      -Maria-

      Reply
  1. hey Maria,

    if you can tell me how far this all can be from Changi Airport? I mean this is all in near by distance or do we have to get any car for travel? I have no idea about Singapore

    Reply
    • Hi Parth,

      Changi Airport is 20 km northeast of Singapore city. You can get from Changi Airport to the city by:

      – Train: The MRT is the best low-cost option, and takes about 40 min. The MRT station is located below Terminal 2 and 3 at Changi Airport, and the fare is S$1,69 = US$1,5.
      – Taxi: A taxi ride into the city takes about 20 minutes depending on the traffic. It cost between S$20 – S$40 (US$15 – US$30) depending on the time of travel (it is most expensive between 17:00/5 pm and 06:00/6 am).
      – Bus: Public bus no. 36 goes from Terminals 1,2, and 3 to Orchard Road and the Colonial District in Singapore center. The bus ride takes about one hour and costs S$1,78 = US$1,5. The Airport Shuttle Buses are faster and more convenient. They leave from the arrival halls at Terminals 1,2, and 3 and drive you to most downtown hotels. The airport shuttle bus ride takes about 20-40 minutes, and costs S$9 = US$6,7 (adult), and S$6 = US$4,4 (child).

      Have a great trip to Singapore!

      -Maria-

      Reply
  2. Hi Maria, We’ve been to Singapore a couple of times, mostly outlet mall shopping ???? Because of your nice review, we’re trying the walking tours this time. Many thanks.

    Reply
    • Hi Alvin,

      Ah, thatΒ΄s great! πŸ™‚ So nice to hear that we could inspire you to do our DIY walking tours! Hope you had a wonderful time in Singapore and that you enjoy the walking tours!

      Cheers,
      Maria

      Reply
  3. Hello! Thanks for the amazing article! I am really looking forward to my trip now. The link for the Chinatown Walking Tour isn’t working- can you share the link again? Thanks!

    Reply
    • ThatΒ΄s the good thing about leaving something out when you visit a place. That way you have a good reason to go back! And there are so many reasons to head back to Singapore, like the food! πŸ™‚

      Thanks for commenting!

      Cheers,
      Maria

      Reply
    • Hi Pam,

      Great to hear that you are visiting Singapore in October! You will love it! Singapore is awesome and feels almost like several cities within one city as its neighborhoods are so different and unique.

      Have a fantastic time in Singapore!

      -Maria-

      Reply
  4. hi there, love your 3 day itinerary as it covers most of what I want to see – not too keen on sentosa or the zoo, so was thinking of adding in a bike ride around palau upin? and maybe along east park … what is your opinion and ideas on this … thanks so much πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Hi Michelle,

      Thank you so much!

      Sounds like a great idea to visit Pulau Ubin island just outside of Singapore! We have unfortunately never been there, but I’ve heard it’s beautiful! It is like Singapore was bak in the 1960s, relaxed and quiet with green and lush forest, local villages, and wildlife (especially lots of birds). The mangroves of the Chek Jawa Wetlands is one of the highlights of the island. There is also the Jejawi observation tower and a connecting boardwalk with great views of the island and surrounding landscape.

      You will find lots of nice cycle trails and footpaths all over Pulau Ubin island, so getting around should be easy. You can rent a bicycle on the island.

      East Park is a fantastic and beautiful park and sport activity area especially popular for bike riding, skating, and rollerblading. You can also go cable skiing and other kinds of water sports. The area has restaurants, cafes, and bars along the beaches. Or you can bring your own food and have a picnic. The coast/ beach along East Coast Park is 15 km long.

      East Coast Park is easier to get to and closer to downtown Singapore, you can easily walk or ride a bike from downtown Singapore to East Coast Park. To get to Pulau Ubin Island you have to take the ferry from Changi Point Ferry Terminal (a 10-min ferry trip). It takes about 45 min with a taxi to get from Singapore to Changi Point Ferry Terminal, or you can take the train or bus.

      Have a fantastic trip to Singapore and enjoy your bike ride around Pulau Ubin Island and East Park!

      -Maria-

      Reply
  5. Hi Maria,

    Excellent guide. I am off to Singapore tomorrow and I will definitely follow at least a couple of your walking tours.

    Also, looks like your Day 1 – Morning Map actually links to your Day 1 – Afternoon map incorrectly in Google Maps.

    Cheers.

    Reply
    • Hi Aaron,

      Thank you so much! And thank you sooooo much for pointing out the error in the linking of the morning walk map on day 1! Really appreciate it! I have fixed it now.

      Awesome that you are going to Singapore tomorrow and that you plan on following some of our recommended walking routes! Hope you like them.

      Have a fantastic time in Singapore!

      -Maria-

      Reply
      • Hi Maria,

        Thank you for this. I am off to Singapore tonight and will definitely be following your walking tours.

        I am also having problems with the map. The Day 1 afternoon walk tour link points to the morning one.

        Hope you can fix this.

        Joy

        Reply
        • Hi Joy,

          Thank you so much for letting me know about the error in the linking of the maps on the afternoon walking tour. So sorry about that! I have fixed it now.

          -Maria-

          Reply
      • Hi Maria,

        May I have the link of day 1 afternoon map? The one you posted links to the morning–actually both morning and afternoon maps link to the same one.

        Thank you,
        Aia

        Reply
        • Hi Aia,

          Thank you so much for pointing out the error on the afternoon walking tour map. I have fixed it now.

          -Maria-

          Reply
  6. Hello Maria,
    I haven’t been to Singapore, the city where East meets East since 1984. My Crazy Rich soulmate and I are leaving the hubbies home and doing our own Crazy Rich Asians tour. For our last night which is a Saturday, we have booked the Marina Sands. However, I am struggling to decide where to stay the first 4 nights in January. Back when LP was SE Asia on a Shoestring we stayed at the Kam Leng which is still there. To me that was the far northeastern part of the main area in the city. The Raffles was the other side and Orchard was US hotels too far away that now look run down. I think a location near the Raffles is good; maybe Bencoolen or on Clarke Quay (Marina Bay is even off central to me). Do you think those locations are central? If not what other couple of locations do you think are better? Thanks for any help. Great information.

    Reply
    • Hi Kitty,

      Thank you so much! Awesome that you and your friend are going to Singapore on your own Crazy Rich Asians tour! I love that movie! πŸ™‚

      Wow, I can’t believe that you haven’t been to Singapore since 1984! It has probably changed a lot since then. We have actually also stayed at the Kam Leng Hotel once, in 2015. They have renovated it and the design is actually quite cool and a bit shabby-chic. It is a good value for the money.

      Have you seen our Where To Stay In Singapore guide? If not, you can find it here: https://nerdnomads.com/where-to-stay-in-singapore

      Yeah, I agree, the colonial/ historic area near the Raffles Hotel is a very nice and central area to stay in. Here you are within a short walking distance to the fantastic National Museum and National Gallery of Singapore, as well as the lovely Fort Canning Park. You also have several MRT stations in the area, making it easy to get around the city.

      In this area, we love the Swissotel The Stamford. It is located just next to the Raffles Hotel, and close to the City Hall MRT Station.

      We also like the InterContinental Singapore Hotel, which is in Bugis area (very close to the colonial area, and just a 5-min walk from the Raffles Hotel).

      The Clarke Quay area is a cool area to head to in the evening, with plenty of bars, restaurants, and clubs. It is, however, not my favorite place to stay in as it is a bit too noisy and crowded in the evening especially at the weekends. Although I wouldn’t mind staying at the Fullerton Hotel, of course. πŸ™‚

      Have a fantastic trip to Singapore in January!

      -Maria-

      Reply
  7. I went to Singapore to study English and explore the city for three weeks. My school is located in Clerk Quay, so I couldn’t go to all museums, churches and local shops. Your review is so wonderful. Did you go all of them which you wrote as the Day 1? Where is your favorite place? In addition, I’m planing to go to Singapore again to improve English and Chinese. If you know the places where travelers can communicate with local people in English and Chinese, please tell me.
    I’m looking forward to your next post.

    Reply
    • Hi Mako,

      Awesome that you have been to Singapore for three weeks to study English! I hope that you got to see the city as well and not only study.

      Yes, we have seen and done everything in our recommended itinerary, even all the museums. πŸ™‚

      My favorite things to do in Singapore are the Gardens by the Bay, the light show at Marina Bay Sands, and the National Gallery. Also, I love walking around in Kampong Glam and Bugis area, have a seat at one of the many cozy cafes and watch the people and street life. Botanical Garden is also fantastic, to escape the city and people for a short while and experience some green and lush nature. The orchid garden in the botanical garden is stunning!

      Thanks for commenting!

      All the best,
      Maria

      Reply
  8. Hi Maria! I leave for my first trip to Singapore tomorrow and would love to print this article to read on my flight… do you have a printer-friendly version, by chance?

    Thank you!
    -Dave

    Reply
    • Hi Dave!

      So sorry, but we do unfortunately not have a printer-friendly version of our recommended Singapore itinerary yet. But it is high up on my to-do list.

      Have an awesome time in Singapore!

      -Maria-

      Reply
  9. Hi Maria,
    Thank you for the very detailed list of things to do. I love walking and this was perfect. I came here with my brother before heading on to meet a group of friends in Bali. We fell in love with Singapore and many thanks to you. I would add… for people whole love outdoors and don’t want the β€œtouristy” things like universal studios / safari we did the Tree Walk at the national park instead and found it absolutely relaxing and a must if you’re looking to get out do the hustle.
    Thanks again!!

    Reply
    • Hi Tanya,

      Thank you sooooo much for your nice comment and kind words about our blog!!! Really appreciate it!!

      And thank you for the tip on the Tree Walk! It sounds fantastic and right up our alley. We will definitely check it out on our next trip to Singapore!

      Thanks again for commenting! You made my day! πŸ™‚

      Take care,
      Maria

      Reply
  10. Hi Marie really loved your article on Singapore.
    We are going too our first overseas holiday which is Singapore for the first time in April for 10 days as a family, with my wife and two teenager boys and
    Our daughter and her husband and there one year old daughter.
    We are staying at the Grand Orchard Court.
    Do you know this place?
    Would love some other tips of what to see and do that might be helpful to get the most from our holiday. Thank you

    Warm regards
    Peter

    Reply
    • Hi Peter,

      Thank you so much! Awesome that you are going to Singapore for the first time in April with your big family!

      We have never stayed at the Grand Orchard Court, but it seems like it is located in Killiney Road which is a great location. Killiney Road is one of our favorite streets to go for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as it is lined with restaurants and cafes.

      Killiney Road is actually where our recommended Singapore Itinerary starts – with breakfast at the old cafe Killiney Kopitiam. So you can just step out of your hotel and start this itinerary right away. πŸ™‚

      I think your two teenage boys will especially enjoy:

      – Gardens By The Bay
      – The light show outside Marina Bay Sands (it is free, lasts for 15 min, and is shown every night at 20:00 and 21:00 + 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays)
      – Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck
      – The digital 3D artwork “Story of The Forest” at the National Museum of Singapore
      – Singapore Zoo (maybe the Night Safari?)
      – Sentosa Island (maybe Universal Studios and SEA Aquarium?)

      Have a fantastic family-trip to Singapore!

      -Maria-

      Reply
  11. Hi Maria. Your articles on Singapore are extremely informative & helpful! We are planning to visit Singapore in May 2021 for our 30th anniversary but it can be overwhelming trying to figure out where to stay & what to see in 7days. Your break down of the different areas, accommodation suggestions & itinerary has taken away some of the guesswork & made it easier to start planning our holiday. Thanks a million!

    Reply
    • Hi Jill,

      Thank you so much for your awesome words about our Singapore articles!!! I really appreciate it and it means a lot!!

      Have an amazing trip to Singapore in May and congrats on your 30th anniversary!!! I’m sure you will love Singapore!

      Best regards,
      Maria

      Reply
  12. First of all, thank you so much for this amazing site.
    I did my first solo trip to Singapore in January 2020. It was like a piece of cake all thanks to this guide.
    Being a first time solo traveller one could not ask for a better guide, step by step instructions, places to visit, charges, timings etc.
    Singapore is amazing, going through your Hong Kong articles as my destination is HK.

    Best,
    Hitesh

    Reply
    • Hi Hitesh,

      Wow, thank you so much for your comment! Really appreciated it! ❀️ So happy to hear that our guide on what to do in Singapore was of help to you on your first solo trip!

      All the best,
      Maria

      Reply
  13. This sure does make me miss Singapore! And I honestly feel like 3 days is not even enough to explore all of it. Thanks for sharing all those fun activities and pictures.

    Reply
    • Hi Denise,

      Awwww, I really miss Singapore a lot too! I miss traveling in general. Hopefully, the Covid-19 vaccine will be available soon so that we can all travel again.

      Thanks for commenting!
      Take care and stay safe,
      Maria

      Reply
  14. What a brilliant read. We have been twice as a stopover to Australia but clearly there is so much to see and do. Going again in 2022 and after reading this I’m changing my itinerary to spend more time here. I was excited before; now I can hardly wait. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Hi Stephen,

      Thank you so much! Singapore has so much to offer. Sounds like a great idea to spend more than just a stopover in this beautiful city/ country. I would say that 3-5 days in Singapore is the optimal number of days to see the highlights.

      Crossing my fingers that you get to visit Singapore next year. Hopefully, Singapore will reopen its border to visitors soon.

      Thanks for commenting!
      All the best,
      Maria

      Reply
  15. My daughter and I followed this itinerary in lockstep. We really enjoyed every spot; leaving the zoo and botanic gardens for next time, your guidance made our trip much more easier. Thank you.

    Reply
    • Hi Alexia,

      Thank you so much for your nice comment! So happy to hear that you used our itinerary and that it worked out for you on your Singapore trip! You made my day! πŸ™‚

      All the best,
      Maria

      Reply
  16. Hi Maria,

    I love this itinerary! I plan to travel for the first time to Singapore with my husband and 3 month old baby for 4 days. We will stay between the quarks and Chinatown area, close to the downtown core. Any particular recommendations for traveling with an infant? Also, do they accept credit card in most places or should I bring cash?

    Thanks again! πŸ™‚

    Reply
    • Hi!

      Thank you so much! Awesome that you are visiting Singapore with your husband and baby! Singapore is a fantastic city/ country, very clean and well organized. Singapore is extremely modern and comfortable; it almost feels like being in the USA, not Asia. πŸ™‚ I’m sure you will love it.

      I don’t have children, but we traveled to Singapore together with my brother, his wife, and his baby (he was 8 months old then) in January. Being a tropical climate, it does get pretty hot in Singapore in the middle of the day, so we took a break indoors in the air-con at the hottest. We also kept the baby in the shade whenever possible and ensured that the baby drank lots of water.

      You can easily go around Singapore with Grab (download the app) or by public transport (MRT and bus). Everybody in Singapore speaks perfect English.

      Yes, you can pay with credit cards everywhere in Singapore. A little cash is, however, always nice to have. There are ATMs everywhere in Singapore (also at the airport), so you can easily withdraw cash.

      Have a fantastic trip to Singapore!

      Cheers,
      Maria

      Reply
  17. This is a really comprehensive list of things to do in Singapore. A lot of people only stay overnight because they think Singapore is boring. I’ve easily been able to keep myself occupied there for a week. I’m really glad you included the Asian Civilisations Museum in your list. Its a great way to spend a couple hours and the colonial building is interesting itself and is great to photograph at night. Most people are walking along the river in Clarke Quay but I quite like walking on the other side of the river. Its more quiet for sure and great photography.

    Reply
    • Thank you so much, David! I totally agree, Singapore has so much to see and do. It is one of our favorite Asian cities. We also love the Asian Civilisations Museum.

      Thanks for commenting! Happy travels!

      All the best,
      Maria

      Reply
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