I LOVE Singapore. It’s one of my absolute favourite cities in the world and given my husband’s job often takes him there with work, we’ve visited quite a few times between us now. So, I thought it was about time I collated my experiences in to a series of posts on this wonderful tiny nation.
Singapore is a small country, and whilst a lot of people use it purely as a stopover on the way to another destination, it really is worth giving it more time if you can. There is so much to see and do, so whilst 2 days is the minimum to take in the main sites, I actually think it’s worth at least 3-5 days depending on your interests.
I’ve included a full 2 day itinerary and then lots of recommended optional extras at the end of this itinerary if you have longer!
In Singapore for less than 2 days? Read my Singapore Layover Guide instead (coming soon)!
Contents
- Contents
- Important Visitor Information
- Itinerary Day 1: Marina Bay & Chinatown
- Itinerary Day 2: Little India, Kampong Glam & Civic District
- Have a little longer?
- Where to Eat, Drink & Sleep in Singapore
Important Visitor Information
- Visa: Visas are required to enter Singapore from numerous countries, though most only need an arrival card. Be sure to complete one!
- Cost: Singapore is an expensive city. If you’re on a budget, consider eating in the Hawker markets for cheap and delicious food, plus consider skipping costly attractions like Gardens by the Bay and prioritise free ones like the Botanic Gardens.
- Language: English is widely spoken in Singapore.
- Time Difference: GMT +7 or +8, depending on time of year.
- Getting around: Singapore is small, so Day 1 and 2 of this itinerary are all walkable. The Metro is your cheap friend for anything further afield, and Grab is the taxi app of choice if you want to prioritise speed.
- Temperature: Singapore has two temperatures; hot and hotter. It’s a standard 30 degrees year round, so be sure to have lightweight clothing, sun screen and a hat. The UV here is not to be messed with.
Insider Tip: Pack an umbrella; you’ll either need it for the tropical downpours, or use it to protect yourself from the sun like a local! I never visit without one now.
Itinerary Day 1: Marina Bay & Chinatown
Gardens by the Bay
Read my full Guide to Gardens by the Bay: HERE
Start your day off in one of the most iconic areas in Singapore, Gardens by the Bay, which are something not to miss on a visit to the city. Overall, a visit will take around 3 hours if you want to explore the outdoor and dome gardens.
Helix Bridge
To get to the gardens, try to walk across the Helix Bridge, for some incredible views out across the Bay to start your day.
Outdoor Gardens
Start your visit to Gardens by the Bay early, and explore the outdoor gardens before it gets too hot. I recommend visiting the themed gardens, Supertree Grove and the Sky Garden.
- Themed Gardens: 10+ small gardens outside, with stunning views out and around Marina Bay (free)
- Supertree Grove: home to the famous futuristic “trees” (free)
- OCBC Skywalk: to walk between the “trees” for panoramic views (ticketed)
- Sky Garden: to head to the top of a “tree” for more great views (ticketed)
Insider Tip: When in the outdoor gardens, head towards the “Meadow”. When you reach the giant white baby sculpture (you can’t miss it), take the path down to the water for a beautiful boardwalk across the Dragonfly Island.
Garden Domes
- Cloud Dome: built to replicate the tropical mountain regions of Asia and South America and with a massive waterfall in the middle, it really is spectacular (ticketed)
- Flower Dome: the largest greenhouse in the world, slightly more tailored to children with displays and themes. I’ve visited during a Wizard of Oz theme and a Dutch Windmill theme before. Both were a lot of fun! (ticketed)
- Floral Fantasy: more amazing floral displays well worth some time to enjoy (ticketed).
Marina Bay Sands
Another Singapore icon, Marina Bay Sands Hotel is one of the most famous images of Singapore. There are numerous things to do here:
- Infinity Pool: you can only use the infinity pool if you’re staying in the Hotel.
- SkyPark Observation Deck: for the views without getting the pool to go with it.
- Shoppes at MBS: a great Mall at the base of Marina Bay Sands, and perfect for a spot of lunch and shopping. I recommend trying:
- Dim Sum at Tim Ho Wan
- Kaya Toast at Toast Box
- Coffee at Bacha
- Rain Oculus at MBS: in the Mall is a beautiful water feature and indoor canals, which you can even ride along on a gondola!
- ArtScience Museum: a fascinating museum home to design, science and technology exhibits which is always interactive and fun to explore.
China Town
China Town is just a short walk south from the Marina Bay Sands area and is a wonderful cultural addition to any Singapore Itinerary. Be sure to check out at least a few of the main sites, and DEFINITELY make sure you hit up one of the Hawker food markets:
- Hawker Centres: for amazing and cheap street food – Lau Pa Sat and Maxwell Food Centre are both great options. Make sure you try the famous local dish of Chicken and Rice, or whatever else takes your fancy!
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: a striking Tang dynasty style temple with ornate rooms.
- Thian Hock Keng Temple: an historic Taoist temple, full of red lanterns and incense.
- Singapore City Gallery: a museum focused on the city development of Singapore from a small settlement to gleaming metropolis.
- Chinatown Heritage Centre: restored shophouses displaying the living spaces and items of early Chinatown settlers in Singapore.
- Mohamed Ali Lane: a cute little street nice for a stroll to see the murals.
Merlion Park & The Singapore River
After finishing in China Town walk north to the water and you’ll reach Merlion Park. It’s home to the famous Merlion fountain; a symbol of Singapore, with Singapore itself literally meaning ‘Singa Pura’ or ‘Lion City’. Half fish, half lion, this sculpture spits out water from its mouth with the Singapore skyline as a backdrop, facing Marina Bay Sands.
From the Merlion, you can then follow the river east by foot, or take a traditional “bum boat”, and enjoy a few of the sights along the Singapore River. Particular buildings to look out for include The Fullerton Hotel, Asian Civilisations Museum, Arts House, and the buildings along Boat Quay. Lovely.
Evening: Clarke Quay and Garden Rhapsody lightshow
Clarke Quay is one of the most lively areas of Singapore, full of bars and restaurants, and it’s cool to arrive by boat in to the quay. It’s a perfect spot for a delicious Korean BBQ and a few Singapore slings before heading back on a boat to the Promenade Jetty to end the day where it started, in Gardens by the Bay, for the wonderful Supertree Grove lightshow.
As night descends, the trees light up in a myriad of colours and song. The show is free lasts around 15 minutes and runs at 19:45 and 20:45 daily. There are also numerous special shows throughout the year; I visited while Borealis, mirroring the Northern Lights was on. It was spectacular!
Bonus Extras for Day 1: Urban Gardens Galore
If gardens are your thing, then I’ve found some hidden gems for you. Visit them before they become mainstream, by sneaking them in between Gardens by the Bay and China Town if you have time.
- Sky Garden @ Capita Spring: a stunning urban rooftop garden with glorious views out to Marina Bay Sands hotel. Entrance is free but tickets need to be purchased in advance.
- Green Heart @ Marina One: another beautiful urban garden built in to the centre of a tower block, with a waterfall carving through the middle. Wow. Entrance is free and no booking is required.
- Park Royal Collection Pickering Hotel: a garden built in to the side of a hotel is one not to miss as you walk past. Entry not permitted for non hotel residents.
Read my full guide to Singapore’s best gardens: HERE (coming soon)
Itinerary Day 2: Little India, Kampong Glam & Civic District
Little India
Little India is one of my favourite areas in Singapore and easily worth a couple of hours on any visit to the city. Start the day with breakfast chai or a tasty brunch at Main Street Commissary before heading to check out some of the sights including:
- Tekka Lane: to see the kaleidoscopic House of Tan Teng Niah (Tan House).
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple: for its lovely exterior.
- Indian Heritage Centre: to learn more about the Indian origin settlers in Singapore
- Tekka Centre: to see a traditional wet market.
- Singapore Mobility Gallery: a museum focused on Singapore’s transport system.
Kampong Glam
Just down the road from Little India is another lovely area of Singapore, Kampong Glam. It’s well worth at least an hour or so to check out:
- Sultan Mosque: with its golden onion dome (which interestingly was partly made from donated glass bottles).
- Malay Heritage Centre: to learn more about the history of the area, and the Malaysian settlers to Singapore.
- Arab Street and Haji Lane: for an array of shops, bars and restaurants.
- Street Art: there are lots of beautiful lanes filled with murals, including the famous “Beautiful Boat” wall painting.
Civic District
By this point in the itinerary, you’ve seen China Town, Little India and Kampong Glam, learning about the history of the Chinese, Indian and Malaysian settlers in Singapore. Heading to the Civic District, it’s time to learn more about the Colonial Era in the country, when the British ruled the island.
Again there are so many things to see and do, so take your pick from:
- Fort Canning Park: a lovely place for a stroll. The famous Singapore “Tree Tunnel” is situated here, and there are numerous other lovely gardens to stroll around.
- Battlebox: Within Fort Canning Park is a WW2 Bunker which now serves as a Museum telling the story of Singapore during the War.
- St Andrew’s Cathedral: a personal favourite of mine, as my great grandfather was Bishop of Singapore here during the Colonial era.
- War Memorial Park: to stroll around and see the memorials.
- Old Hill Street Police Station: one of the most beautiful buildings in Singapore with lots of colourful shutters.
- Armenian Church: Singapore’s oldest Christian church, behind which you can stroll through a lovely little memorial garden.
- Raffles Landing Site: The spot where Sir Stamford Raffles landed in Singapore, commencing the start of Colonial interference.
- Chijmes: A perfect stop for lunch, with dozens of food stalls within an old converted church.
Insider Tip: For something a bit special in Fort Canning Park, head to Sang Nila Utama Garden, to feel like you’ve stepped straight on to the set of Tomb Raider.
National Museum of Singapore or Another Museum
I know not everyone wants to learn about the history of a country when they visit it, but Singapore’s is really fascinating. From the pre-British area, to colonisation, to Japanese invasion, to becoming part of Malaysia to full independence. This museum tells the whole story and it’s both horrific and full of hope at the same time. We spent about 3 hours in the museum and were so glad we spent the time learning about it.
If history isn’t your thing, the National Gallery is a wonderful art museum housing some absolute treasures just across the road. The Asian Civilisations Museum is also just round the corner and absolutely incredible.
Evening: Raffles Bar for cocktails
Raffles is a Singapore institution, and home of the original Singapore Sling cocktail. Tradition is, you peel the peanuts and sling the shells on to the floor. I’m allergic to peanuts so this wasn’t an option for me and we sat in a side bar, with no nuts, instead. The Singapore slings are still epic though. The Long Bar is walk in only so be prepared to queue!
Bonus Extra for Day 2: Peranakan Houses
Southeast Asia has long been a crossroads of the world, where trade has stimulated cultural exchange. Merchants and other travellers have connected the region to China, India, the Middle East, and Europe. Many of these people settled in Southeast Asia and intermarried into local communities, creating vibrant hybrid cultures which today are widely referred to as Peranakan.
If you want to see some beautiful Peranakan heritage houses, all lovely colours and perfect for a photo, then you *may* be able to squeeze in a trip to them today by taking a short Grab Taxi ride out and back.
Have a little longer?
If you manage to explore all of the above areas in Singapore in 2 days, but have longer in the city, then there is also so much more for you to explore. Here are just a few ideas of awesome things to do in the city!
Singapore Botanic Gardens & National Orchid Garden
Read my full Botanic Gardens Guide: HERE.
Heaven. On. Earth. Anyone who knows me knows I adore a Botanic Garden, and this one is no different. Full of beautiful flowers, walkways and water features it’s truly magical. And the National Orchid Garden is something else. I spent a whole day exploring on my most recent trip! And it’s FREE!
Mount Faber & The Southern Ridges
Read my full guide to The Southern Ridges hike: HERE (coming soon)
My favourite walk in Singapore is a lovely tree top walk which takes you from Mount Faber, with its views down to the Singapore islands and sea, through secondary rainforest along a treetop walk which really makes you feel out amongst nature. In total the walk is around 10km and takes c.4 hours so is the perfect way to spend half a day (do it early morning or evening to avoid the heat).
Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is a lovely island off the coast of Singapore. It’s home to so much to see and do, but its main draws are:
- Universal Studios: who can resist the Minions and Muppets Spaghetti Chase!?
- Palawan Beach: a lovely section of pristine beach, perfect for a sunbathe or walk.
- Adventure Cove Waterpark: I can’t swim but my husband LOVES a waterpark and was raving about this one for a while!
- Fort Siloso and Skywalk: an old defensive fortress now converted in to a military museum, complete with sky walk out over the water.
- KidZania: the one item on this itinerary I haven’t been to, but it’s meant to be one of the best Children’s amusement centres in the world!
Jurong Lake Gardens
Read my full Jurong Lake Gardens Guide: HERE (coming soon)
Jurong Lake Gardens are one of Singapore’s hidden gems. Free to enter, the gardens are themed in to three areas (Chinese, Japanese and Lakeside). They are so beautiful that I managed to spend 4 hours wondering around and could have stayed longer!
Jewel at Changi Airport
Read my full Singapore Changi Airport Layover Guide: HERE (coming soon)
It’s really not often that I would recommend an itinerary includes the airport, but if you have time you really must see Jewel at Changi Airport as you enter or exit the country. It’s land-side, meaning you have to pass through immigration to visit it (i.e. you must leave transit), so I think it’s perfect to do on your return to the airport, before checking in. There’s even baggage storage so you can drop your stuff off and see the star of the show – the incredible indoor waterfall – before grabbing a bite to eat and checking in to your onward flight.
Changi Chapel & WW2 Museum (& other WW2 sites)
Read my full Singapore WW2 Guide: HERE.
Whilst not everyone’s cup of tea, I find Singapore’s War history absolutely fascinating. My husband’s ancestor, Percy Peacock, was stationed here and captured by the Japanese in 1942 (he went on to work on the Burma Death Railway and died) and then my own great grandfather was part of the group that commissioned Singapore’s WW2 Civilian War Memorial in 1966 as part of his role as Bishop of Singapore. Changi Chapel & Museum tells the story of Singapore’s occupation by the Japanese from the prisoner’s perspective.
Other
The above includes only places I’ve been myself, but there are a number of other things I’d love to check out in Singapore (I really should become a Singapore travel consultant) on my future trips which may be of interest:
- Night Zoo: for a night time safari
- Pulau Ubin: for a day trip out in nature
- MacRitchie Treetop walk: for a walk with canopy views away from the tourist trail
- Sungei Buloh: an area of wetlands, known for its bird and nature opportunities
- Haw Par Villa: for a Chinese mythology themed park full of sculptures.
Where to Eat, Drink & Sleep in Singapore
There is an endless choice for food, drink and hotels in Singapore. Below I recommend some of the places I have been and enjoyed, in case any appeal to you.
Eat
- Hawker Markets: for cheap and delicious plates in a communal setting. These markets are icons of Singapore and I recommend trying as much as you can!
- Maxwell Road Food Centre
- Lau Pa Sat
- Tiong Bahru Market
- Old Airport Road Food Centre
- Market Street
- Chijmes: lots of little pop up stores, set around an old Colonial style convent. Anglo Indian and Lebua Thai are my favourites.
- KOMA: brilliant Japanese (the sushi is soooo good) in a lovely setting.
- Tim Ho Wan: delicious Dim Sum.
- Burma Social: perfectly spiced South East Asian curries, noodles and rices.
Insider Tip: Make sure you try local food in the hawker centres. If you want something less adventurous, try a Curry Puff (like a curried Cornish pasty), or if you’re feeling more adventurous try Hainanese chicken rice, Char Kway Teow, Hokkien Mee or Laksa.
Drink
- Raffles Long Bar: for old style luxury
- Atlas Bar: for cocktails in the most incredible building. Dress smart post 5pm!
Sleep
- Conrad Marina Bay: for newly refurbished rooms in a prime central location
- Shangri-La Orchard: for a beautiful hotel outside the main tourist trail hustle and bustle
.Read my full Conrad Marina Bay Hotel Review: HERE (coming soon)
And that’s a wrap on my beloved Singapore. It offers so much to see and do, and I could return time and time again – I can’t recommend it highly enough and hope my post has done some justice and given you a few ideas to enjoy this wonderful place.
Have you been to Singapore? Would you like to visit? Let me know what you think in the comments below – and if you are planning a trip and have questions, let me know! I love this country and am always happy to share more information if I can. Stay safe and happy travelling!
Saasdia Travel Gid
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