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Home » Southeast Asia » Singapore » Itinerary

Check out our EPIC 4-Day Singapore Itinerary! (2024)

Singapore, the little island hub of energy just off the coast of Malaysia, is a beautiful place to spend your time in with its perfect blend of futuristic designs and natural gardens and parks. Whether you have a short layover, on your way to another destination, or you are arriving determined to spend a vacation in this multicultural city, you are spoilt for choice on things to do.

So spoilt, in fact, that it can seem impossible to properly plan a trip – there are so many things you can see and do, it can be quite overwhelming! You might also be asking yourself “how many days should I spend in Singapore?”

That’s why we’ve put together this Singapore itinerary! It will ensure you make the most of your time – however long or short that may be – and that you get to experience the best of the city.

A Little Bit About this 4-Day Singapore Itinerary

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Singapore is one of the most modern and culturally unique cities in the world. As a city-state, it is one of the smallest nations in the world, yet offers more than enough to fill out an itinerary.

Singapore is known for its melting pot of cultures, its towering skyscrapers, and its squeaky clean reputation. Backpackers visiting Singapore for the first time often do remark that it can be a little stifling, due to its extreme civil rules and sometimes sterile attractions e.g. theme parks.

But there is plenty to like about Singapore. Here, you’ll find some immensely unique sites and experiences, like the ethnic smorgasbords of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam or the futuristic super trees at the Gardens by the Bay. Singapore is a city that looks to the future and strives to be different and, in a lot of ways, it succeeds.

4 days in Singapore will be plenty of time. One can see all of the city’s major attractions without being rushed. For those who want to see as much as possible with the time allotted could even fit in a bit more. We’ve made sure to provide a couple of extra suggestions at the end of our standard 4-day Singapore itinerary.

Traveling in Singapore is also made easy thanks to the MRT (or Mass Rapid Transit). It runs throughout the city and can connect you from one attraction to the next fast, efficiently, and without hassle. Most of the major attractions are a short walk from the MRT stations.

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4-Day Singapore Itinerary Overview

• Day 1 in Singapore: Arab Street , Little India , Tekka Centre , Singapore National Museum , River Cruise , Rooftop Cocktails
• Day 2 in Singapore: Esplanade Center , ArtScience Museum , Lunch , Gardens by the Bay , Biodomes , Supertree Grove Skywalk
• Day 3 on Singapore: Sentosa , Skyline Luge , Palawan , Chinatown
• Day 4 in Singapore: Treetop Walk , Adam Road Food Centre , Botanic Garden , Orchard Road
• More Places to See in Singapore: Night Safari , Universal Studios , Marine Life Park

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Singapore, although small, has many different areas for you to stay in. From bustling city centers to cultural hubs and even beach resorts, there’s a spot on this island for every kind of traveler!

Apart from Sentosa – a beach resort island just off the coast of Singapore – the districts are all quite close to each other. So wherever you stay, you won’t be far from the other great places on offer.

Places like Chinatown and Little India are fantastic neighborhoods in Singapore for experiencing the many cultures available in Singapore. While Orchard Road is a hub of activity during the day, it turns into shopping opportunities galore in the evening!

If you’re looking for the best place to experience Singapore’s nightlife, we suggest staying in Clarke Quay. It’s also the perfect place for travelers on a budget. Backpackers in Singapore can find great accommodation and there are happy hour specials on food and drinks throughout the day.

Alternatively, enjoy fine-dining at some of Singapore’s best restaurants in the Civic District. Immerse yourself into the culture as well by visiting the many art museums in the area, and relax in some of the large green spaces – great for picnics!

Best Hostel in Singapore – Fisher BnB

Fisher BnB can be found within convenient distance from everything important in Singapore. Visitors can even walk to places such as Little India and Chinatown!

Offering ladies only, mixed and family dorm types, you can comfortably sleep with whichever group fits you best. With your comfortable bed, you’ll also get free WiFi and a scrumptious breakfast included in the rates.

Backpacker tip:  If you’re traveling Singapore on a budget, then check out our roundup of the cheapest and best hostels in Singapore !

Best Airbnb in Singapore – Attic Hideaway @ Heart of Town

Walking distance to Singapore’s hottest neighbourhoods and attractions, this clean and contemporary attic hideaway is the best Airbnb in Singapore. With modern amenities and a full kitchen, this one-bedroom condo comfortably sleeps up four people and is perfect for anyone looking for a place to stay in the heart of the city.

Best Luxury Hotel in Singapore –  Marina Bay Sands

Situated in Marina Bay, this iconic hotel has become a Singaporean landmark. It has 20 dining options inside its walls, and its own private, world-class casino.

Enjoy luxury rooms, which all have floor-to-ceiling windows, giving you breathtaking views of Marina Bay and its surrounds. There is also an infinity rooftop pool and a spa inside the hotel.

• Best Airbnbs in Singapore
• Best VRBOs in Singapore
• Best Homestays in Singapore

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Today we visit a few of the most interesting neighborhoods in Singapore including the Arab Quarter (Kampong Glam) and Little India. We’ll top off the day with a river cruise and perhaps a rooftop cocktail.

Every map that you see in this article includes a hyperlink to an interactive version on Google Driving. After clicking the map image, the interactive version will be opened in a new tab.

9:00 AM – Arab Street and Kampong Glam

Exploring Arab Street and the surrounding neighborhood of Kampong Glam is a very unique cultural experience. This is the beating heart of Singapore’s Islamic community!

Start your first day early by taking the MRT and hopping off at Bugis station, making your way to Arab Street. While you’re at it, consider having breakfast when you arrive as well. Check out all Things Deliciousere, which is arguable serves the best in the area.

Once you’re ready, just start walking around. As you do, you will find a hub of Islamic culture. From fantastic cafes to quaint boutiques, you will find fabrics, souvenirs, spices, and more than a couple of hookah bars to chill at. Haji Street is one of the best places to become familiar with Kampong Glam.

There are many stores that offer products not found in your local supermarket. There is also the Trippies and Little Children’s Museum, which shows life as a young child in Singapore during the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Once you’ve tasted and shopped your way down the street, be sure to visit Sultan Mosque. It opens every Saturday to Thursday from 10 am to 12 pm (and again from 2 pm to 4 pm). Fridays are only open from 2:30 pm to 4 pm.

Remember when visiting the mosque, as with most temples in Singapore, be sure to show the appropriate respect and ensure that you are correctly clothed – otherwise, you will not be let in.

• Cost –  Just the cost of food and souvenirs.
• How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours.
• Getting there –  Bugis Street is the nearest MRT stop.

11:30 AM – Little India

Next is Little India, a bright and colorful neighborhood full of Indian culture, from shopping and food to friendly faces! Here, you will find an array of Indian-inspired shops, restaurants, and places of interest. Wind your way down the busy, colorfully decorated streets and experience the sights, sounds and delicious smells along your way!

In addition to the many food options – the Tekka Centre, which we visit next, has the most culinary options – you’ll find plenty of shopping opportunities, such as Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour shopping center.

Browse through the Little India Arcade and pick up Indian-inspired souvenirs to take home with you. Make a stop at the Jothi Store & Flower Shop, too, and you’ll find ethnic products spread over 5 floors.

Little India also has a collection of temples that you can visit. A definite not-to-be-missed is Sri Veeramakaliamman, the most beautiful temple in the area according to popular opinions. You can also visit the Indian Heritage Center, a four-story building blending Indian history and heritage with modern architecture – entrance costs $5.

• Cost  – Again, free unless you give in to the shopping temptation.
• How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours.
• Getting there –  Ride two stops away from Bugis on the MRT to Little India or walk 30 minutes from Kampong Glam.

1:00 PM – Lunch in the Tekka Centre

The Tekka Centre is a cornerstone of the Indian community in Singapore and is probably the easiest place to find good Indian food in the city. There’s a pretty dizzying array of Indian food on offer here, from rich Southern fare to firey northern dishes and tandoori to roti to naan and every other type of Indian bread you can imagine. For lovers of curry and other Indian staples, it will be love at first sight.

One of the best cheap eats you can have in Singapore is biryani. It is a simple dish – essentially chicken, rice, and spices usually baked in a banana leaf – but packs a tasty punch.

If you’re not in the mood for Indian food, you can still find lots of other types of Asian cooking. Thai, Malay, Chinese, and, of course, Singaporean food are all on offer here.

• Cost  – $5 per dish.
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours depending on your rush.
• Getting there –  The Tekka Centre is on the edge of Little India, near the Little India MRT stop.

2:30 PM – National Museum of Singapore

It’s time to walk off all that food we had back at the Tekka Centre. The National Museum of Singapore is the perfect place to go to do just that.

The National Museum is the oldest museum in the city and features an impressive collection of art, crafts, and modern showcases. Its primary focus is the preservation and retelling of Singapore’s national history, for which it is not lacking for exhibitions, but there are also some pretty cool interactive exhibitions as well. The latter is usually temporary though so be sure to check on the official website for what’s currently going on at the museum.

If you need a bit more chill time before or after entering the museum, Fort Canning Park is right next to the museum as well. Feel free to find a nice spot of grass or a good tree to lean and just contemplate your navel. Photographers should also be on the lookout for the spiral staircase in the park; it’s one of the most Intragrammable spots in Singapore.

• Cost  – $10 for adult entry.
• Getting there –  From the Tekka Centre, it’s a 15-minute walk down Selegie Road.

5:30 PM – River Cruise

Why not enjoy a leisurely cruise along Singapore’s waterfront? Departing from Clarke Quay, you can enjoy exploring the streets a bit while you wait for your boat. Once you’re aboard the boat, you will then travel down the river to view the other quays, the Boat Quay and Robertson Quay, as well as many other landmarks along the way!

All through your trip, the captain of your boat will educate you on the history of the places you are floating by. Your captain will also know the importance of stopping long enough for you to get those perfect holiday photos! You’ll want to have your  travel camera ready for shooting  because you’re sure to want to take some of the memories home with you. From the water, you’ll also get a clearer view of some of these amazing landmarks.

You’ll go past attractions such as the Merlion, the Esplanade, and the Marina Bay Sands Resort. Getting a good look at these places is sometimes much easier from the water, further away than if you were to explore them on foot – and no foot traffic to compete with!

While on the boat, be sure to look out for the bronze statues dotted along the waterfront. You’ll find statues of children playing, olden-day cart-and-horses and other historical moments. Each statue is there to tell a story of Singaporean life long ago. There are also statues of animals exclusive to Singapore, such as the  Kucinta cats.

• Cost  – $19 per adult.
• How long should I stay here?  45-60 minutes.
• Getting there –  There are multiple launching points on the Quay.

6:30 PM – Rooftop Cocktails

Let me be frank: alcohol is usually prohibitively expensive in Singapore. Most travellers visiting Singapore on a budget will only be able to afford cheap beers in Chinatown and most will find that even these are not worth the price.

But sometimes, the juice can be worth the squeeze.

There are several rooftop bars in Singapore that offer both amazing vistas and pretty damn good drinks. The views are so good in fact that a couple could even rival many of the city’s dedicated viewing platforms and those aren’t cheap to get in either. So why not pay for a view and a drink? Most bars will let you loiter, take photos, and soak in as much as you want for the cost of one drink.

For great views of Marina Bay and some good drinks, Smoke & Mirrors is a no-fail. If you’re looking for a more laidback vibe with a less expansive view, LOOF is a local legend in the city. There are lots more where this came from though – check out any one of these  awesome rooftop spots in Singapore .

After splurging on those cocktails, you may want to resort to some cheap eats. Head back to Kampong Glam and eat at the Golden Mile if you missed it before.

• Cost  – $12-$20 per drink (yikes)
• How long should I stay here?  As long as it takes to finish your drink and soak in the views.
• Getting there –  Most of the best rooftop bars in Singapore are in the Central Area, which is right next to Clark Quay.

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On the second day of our Singapore itinerary, we’re mostly going to hang around the Marina Bay District. This is where many of the most iconic places in Singapore are found, including the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, ArtScience Museum, and Gardens by the Bay.

9:00 AM – Visit the Esplanade Center

The Esplanade center is a large and busy art center, offering guests nearly 3000 performances each year. It is a non-profit center, run by a dedicated team of art professionals who have kept the center going for the past 16 years!

If you’d like to view all that the center has to offer, and a bit behind the scenes, take a guided tour for just $15 per person! Or go up to the third floor and get lost in the vast shelves of music, art and theatre books in the center’s library.

You can watch a free performance every day on the waterfront, giving you a taste of the magic that happens inside. If you’d like to purchase tickets to performances in the concert hall or theatre, you can do so online or at the center’s ticket box.

There are a number of shops available in the center’s ‘mall’, where you are able to shop as your heart’s desire. Stop off at one of the many eateries for a bite to eat. From Asian cuisine to delectable ice creams and crafts beers, you can find it all inside!

• Cost  – Free to enter + free performances! A guided tour is $15.
• How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours depending on if you shop or eat.
• Getting there –  The nearest MRT stop is City Hall.

11:00 AM – ArtScience Museum

The ArtScience Museum is one of the most iconic points of interest in Singapore . The building’s distinct lotus design is unmistakable and it’s location at the base of the even more imposing Marina Bay Sands Hotel make it one of the places that you simply can’t miss.

The outside of the building is worth seeing on its own and most people settle for a couple of photos in front of it. Inside the ArtScience Museum is just as cool though! Exhibitions here are a lot more futuristic and, as the name implies, technologically driven. There is often an infinity room featured as well, which seems to be all the rage these days. If you’ve wanted to take a photo inside one of these kaleidoscopic spaces, this is a good opportunity.

• Cost  – $10-$24 depending on how many exhibitions you want to see.
• How long should I stay here?  2 hours
• Getting there –  The ArtScience Museum is just across the Bay from the Esplanade. It’s a 15-minute walk across the scenic Helix Bridge.

1:00 PM – Lunch

Lunch today is really up to you. There aren’t many hawker centres or cheap eats anywhere around Marina Bay unfortunately so your options might be limited. You can eat back at the Esplanade, inside the shops at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, or at a couple of restaurants inside the Bay Gardens. None of these will necessarily be cheap though.

If you want to save the most money on food during your second day in Singapore, pack a lunch or bring something to go.

• Cost  – The offerings around Marina Bay will be more expensive
• How long should I stay here?  As long as you need to.
• Getting there –  Depends where and what you eat.

3:00 PM – Gardens by the Bay

The Gardens by the Bay is a large space in Marina Bay that has been designed as a natural oasis in the middle of the busy bay area. This futuristic botanical garden attracts many tourists and locals alike! It’s free to enter and explore most of the Gardens.

The Garden is a hub of ecological growth, and it is full of resources and educational information. Not only is it the perfect spot to go and enjoy an afternoon surrounded by nature, but it’s a great way to learn about plants, flowers, and wildlife from all over the world!

Inside the Gardens, you will find lush greenery and a variety of wildlife. Take a walk past Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes, taking in the beauty of nature around you! Spend some time in the Serene Garden, a Japanese-inspired zen garden. Enter the World of Plants and learn all about the many types of plants located in the Gardens.

Then, check out the Sun Pavilion, a desert-inspired space with over 1000 desert plants! Afterward, make your way to the Heritage Gardens and learn about the diverse history and culture of Singapore – told through plants, of course! You also don’t want to miss the Canyon, a large collection of sculptured rocks that lay across a 400-meter dragon’s tail.

Insider tip:  The Gardens is also home to more than 40 unique art sculptures! Find them along your walk through the Gardens.

• Cost –  Free.
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours.
• Getting there –  The Gardens by the Bay is behind the Marina Sands Tower. You can either walk around the monolithic hotel or through the lobby.

5:00 PM – The Gardens’ Biodomes

Once you’re done checking out the main Gardens, make sure you stop off at the Biodomes! These consist of a Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. Both of the greenhouses are made from a complex design of glass and a steel grid. They are the world’s largest columnless greenhouses!

The Cloud Forest dome houses a 35-meter tall mountain, which is covered in lush, tropical vegetation. It’s from the top of this mountain that you will be able to see the world’s tallest indoor waterfall!

The Flower Dome is the largest glass greenhouse in the world! This dome showcases flowers and plants that are found in the Mediterranean and semi-arid regions. Find African Baobab trees, desert succulents, an olive grove, and more.

• Cost –  $21 per adult per dome.
• Getting there –  The biodomes are a part of the Gardens by the Bay park and are located closer to the bay itself.

7:00 PM – Supertree Grove Skywalk & Garden Rhapsody Light and Music Show

Finally, visit the Supertree Grove, where the movie “Crazy Rich Asians” takes place . The man-made “supertrees” are solar-powered structures that act as vertical gardens – with tropical flowers, various ferns, and other plant life found growing along their steel frameworks. You can view 12 of the 18 supertrees found in the Gardens!

The supertrees also act as air venting ducts, rainwater collectors, and solar power generators! Aside from their useful functions, though, they are also a sight to behold and provide an amazing show of light and sounds through the Gardens each night.

Take a trip up the 16-story high supertrees and experience the exhilarating skywalk for just $6 per person. Then, settle into a comfy spot on the grass and wait for the 8 pm Lights and Music Show, which shows off the beauty of the Supertree Grove!

When you’ve gotten your fill of the gardens, start thinking about dinner. There are a couple of places in and around the gardens that you can eat at: there’s Pollen, a Mediterranean restaurant located inside the Flower Dome or Indochine, a restaurant inside the tallest supertree. These will be expensive and you will probably need to book a table ahead of time.

If you have the time and energy, head over to Chinatown for dinner. We were saving this neighborhood for day 3 of our Singapore itinerary but you could easily visit it twice. Between the Maxwell Centre, Chinatown Complex Market, and everything in-between,  you will not be lacking for culinary options.

• Cost –  $6 for the skywalk, the show is free.
• How long should I stay here?  The show itself is short – stay as long as you like.
• Getting there –  The trees are pretty unmissable. Look for them in the distance and start walking.

Planning on staying longer than a weekend holiday in Singapore ? Time to take a vacation away from our vacation.

On the third day of our Singapore itinerary, we’re going to Sentosa Island and the beach! (Not a real beach per se as it’s man-made but, hey, a beach is a beach.) Afterward, we’re going to spend some time arguably the most delicious spot in Singapore: Chinatown.

10:00 AM – Sentosa Island

After spending your first day engaging in the cultural side of Singapore, take this second day to bring out your fun side – Sentosa Island being “The State of Fun”. Man-made beaches, water parks, roller coaster rides and so much more bring crowds of people to this man-made island!

Sentosa is full of fun and playful things to do. Whether you’re looking for a bustling day heaped with adventure or a more chilled day seeing the sights and lazing on the beach, you’ll find your perfect fit here! Once you have reached the island, there are a few stops you should definitely make, which we’ve mentioned below.

Be on the lookout for the large Merlion statue as well. The “Merlion” is a mythical creature with the body of a fish and the head of a lion. Merlions are such a big part of Singapore culture that you can even find them on the currency! There are many Merlion statues around Singapore, but the largest and most interesting is the one on Sentosa Island. This specific one is 15 stories tall, and you can walk around inside the statue!

Inside, you’ll find interactive games, videos, and other informational activities that give you the history of the Merlion. Climb up to the mouth and get a birds-eye view of Sentosa.

Insider tip:  Wondering how they came up with the Merlion? Singapore was originally named Singapura, meaning “lion city” and it used to be mainly a port and fishing city. So they took their lion and added ‘mer’ – meaning sea.

• Cost –  $3 for Sentosa Express and entrance.
• How long should I stay here?  4-5 hours in total
• Getting there –  Take the MRT to the Sentosa Station at VivoCity Level 3, Lobby L, and from there take the Sentosa Express.

11:00 AM – Skyline Luge

Said to be one of the activities you absolutely shouldn’t miss, the luge and Skyride is the best way to end your Sentosa visit! Take a seated Skyride up to the top of the luge track, where you can then zoom down the track in a luge.

Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of the Singapore skyline as you slowly reach the luge track in your 4-seater Skyride seat. Once at the top, get into your luge and choose from their four tracks to go down.

The tracks are all around 1.6 miles long and all have tunnels, twists, and turns to make the ride down as exhilarating as possible! The greatest care has been put into making sure the luges are safe, and they are equipped with safety brakes and steering.

The company’s saying is ‘Once Is Never Enough’ and that seems true for the majority of their customers! Luckily, tickets are sold in pairs so you know you’ve got at least two rides to go.

After you’ve had your fill, grab some food. There are plenty of places to eat around Sentosa: Breadtalk has delicious and freshly-baked goods, Bikini Bar offers drinks on the beach and some bar snacks, FOC Sentosa is famous for its cocktails.

• Cost –  $18 per person for two luges and Skyrides!
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours
• Getting there –  There’s a shuttle stop right in front of the luge.

1:00 PM – Palawan Beach

This beach is essentially Sentosa’s family beach. Great to bring kids to as there are safe, family-friendly spots to chill and adventures to be had. But it’s not just for families with kids; couples and even solo travelers are bound to find something to do here!

Stop in at the Animal & Bird Encounters and get to meet and interact with the island’s inhabitants. From monkeys to reptiles and birds, there are daily shows that take place and you should be just in time for the Parrot Encounter show at 3 pm.

From Palawan Beach, take a short walk across the rope bridge to reach the very bottom tip of Asia – a small islet. Here you can climb one of the two view towers and stand on the decks to overlook the seemingly endless Singapore China Sea! Watch as the ships float by on the water and get a good view of the beach as well.

• Getting there –  You can take the shuttle to Palawan or you can walk from the Luge – the two are very close to one another.

5:00 PM – Chinatown

Now that you’ve gotten your fill of Singapore’s more “Disney” side, it’s time to wash all of that kiche down with a stop in the eclectic Chinatown! Much as the name suggests, it’s a hub of Chinese culture mixed with Singaporean life. It’s a  great place to find lots of shopping, with many temples and museums to explore!

There is, again, an abundance of things for you to do. There are many temples here, which you can visit during opening hours. The most noteworthy of the temples being the Buddha Relic Temple which displays Buddhism and religious relics.

The biggest attractions, though, are the many shopping malls. Shopping in Chinatown is an experience few would want to miss! Find everything from clothes to home decor, and gifts to take back home.

Start at the Chinatown Complex Market (home of  Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle ) and make your way through hawker stalls galore. You’ll be able to find many curious and gifts at different stalls. Then, navigate down the streets of Chinatown and explore the many boutique stores on offer as well. You really can shop ‘til you drop here!

For dinner, stop by the famous Maxwell Hawker Centre or return to the Complex Market. Both are among the best places to eat in Singapore.

• Cost –  Free to explore.
• How long should I stay here?  For the rest of the day if possible.
• Getting there –  Take the Sentosa Express back to the mainland and then take the Northeast MRT line to the Chinatown stop.

Need a place quick? Here’s the best neighborhood in Singapore:

Perhaps best area to stay in Singapore for tourists. Located in the centre of the city, Marina Bay overlaps with the Central Business District, the Civic Quarter, and trendy Clarke Quay, so you’re never far from the action.

• Take in the stunning views from the Sands Skypark, a platform perched 55 stories above the ground.
• Marvel at the indigenous flora and the towering mechanical trees that make up Garden by the Bay. Visit at night for an awesome 15-minute light and water show.
• Walk the Marina Bay Art Trail exploring the area’s best sites while seeing art and sculptures by world-renowned artists.

We’re going to wrap up our 4-day Singapore itinerary with a series of parks and greenspaces, followed by a little shopping. We’re almost to the end so let’s get to it!

9:00 AM – Treetop Walk at the Central Catchment Nature Reserve

Visit the Central Catchment Nature Reserve and get to walk next to the high treetops. Right in the center of Singapore, the Nature Reserve spans over 2000 hectares of forest cover, with some of the world’s richest forests in terms of biodiversity!

It’s in this reserve that visitors are offered the opportunity to walk across a suspension bridge, nestled in the treetop canopies. This suspension bridge was built to help forest canopy researchers reach the canopies in order to study them.

The MacRitchie Reservoir Park is a popular starting point for those who are eager to do the Treetop Walk. The entrance to the bridge is at the ranger station, and the bridge only allows for one-way traffic. The bridge itself is only around 850 feet long, with the highest point being around 82 feet!

This walk is perfect for avid bird-watchers, or general nature lovers who wish to get a higher view of the park and hiking trails. The bridge is open from 9 am to 5 pm, but is closed on Mondays (unless it’s a public holiday).

• Cost  – Free
• How long should I stay here?  3 – 5 hours depending on your walking pace.
• Getting there –  You’ll need to use the bus to get here. The 166 and 167 both stop right outside the park.

1:00 PM – Lunch at the Adam Road Food Centre

After a long walk in the park, refuel yourself with some good ol’ hawker centre comfort food. The most convenient centre near Central Catchment is the Adam Road Road Food Centre. Like most hawker centres, Adam Road has a pretty diverse selection of food options. Good time to get some traditional nasi goreng or satay if you haven’t already tried some.

If you’d like some suggestions on where to eat in the Adam Road Food Centre, Miss Tam Chiak has written on a guide on the local food stalls .

• Cost  – $5 per plate.
• How long should I stay here?  1-2 hours
• Getting there –  The 165 goes directly from the park and stops in front of the Adam Centre.

3:00 PM – Singapore Botanic Garden

Following the underlying theme of this 4-day Singapore itinerary – that is, eat lots of delicious, unhealthy food at the hawker centres and then go for a walk – we next pay a visit to the lush Singapore Botanic Gardens, one of Singapore’s National Parks . These gardens are widely considered to be some of the most impressive in Asia and have even been declared a UNESCO heritage site. The Singapore Botanic Gardens are huge, well-kept, and are a testament to a city that strives to be one of the greenest in the world.

There are lots of places to visit in the Botanic Gardens, including several man-made lakes, greenhouses, and small natural exhibitions, like the orchid garden. Explore at a leisurely pace.

• Cost  – $3.75 entry
• Getting there –  The Botanic Gardens are literally across the road from the Adam Food Centre.

5:00 PM – Orchard Road

The shopping in Singapore is considered some of the best in the world and Orchard Road is the epicenter of it all. Here you’ll find Singapore’s megamalls, its clearance warehouses, and its superstores. You can buy just about anything here from designer brand clothing to electronics to cheap souvenirs. Considering that our 4-day itinerary for Singapore is over soon, this is a good time to pick up any gifts or gadgets that you may have had your eyes on so far.

TANGS is the oldest department store in the area is considered iconic by many locals. In contrast, the ION is the new, ultra-contemporary store on the street and makes for some cool abstract photos.

If shopping is not your thing, then there are plenty of places to eat and drink around Orchard Road. Lots of these offer happy hour as well, which by now should be a welcome sight given how expensive Singapore may have been so far. Alley Bar is a good place to duck into for a quick gin and tonic. Lovers of suds will also be glad to hear that there is a craft beer bar nearby called Takumi.

If you’re out late, grab some dinner or small bites while you’re at it or seek budget refuge in one of the hawker centres back in Chinatown or Kampong Glam.

• Cost  – Depends on how much you shop and eat.
• How long should I stay here?  As long as you want.
• Getting there –  It’s a 15-minute walk from the southern entrance of the Botanic Gardens to Orchard Road, via Tanglin Road.

If you’re lucky enough to be spending more than 4 days in Singapore, here are a few more ideas on how you can spend your time.

Night Safari

Meet creatures of the night as you navigate through the wild enclosure with only nocturnal animals around! The Night Safari departs from the Singapore Zoo, and there are sideshows you can attend before and after your guided tour. There is a fire dancing show, which takes place every day (except for Wednesdays) at 7 pm, 8 pm, and 9 pm.

There’s also a Creatures of the Night show which you can watch, showing the many nocturnal creatures that inhabit the zoo, these shows can be seen every day provided the weather is good, at 7:30 pm, 8:30 pm, 9:30 pm, and 10:30 pm. The shows are included in your Safari ticket price.

The main event, however, is the guided tram ride, that will take you through all six geographical zones! The guide will provide live commentary as you go, giving you information on all the animals you see. You can, if you prefer, take a self-guided walking tour instead. This will take you along trails where you can see animals such as leopards, wallabies, tigers, and even hyenas!

Before you go, you can stop in at the gift shop and find many souvenirs to take home with you. Whether you want a plush version of your favorite night-dwelling animal or a simple keyring to carry around with you.

• Cost  – $33 per adult for the Safari experience.
• How long should I stay here?  2-3 hours
• Getting there –  Buses 138 and 927 stop in front of the park but be aware that buses in Singapore usually stop running around midnight.

Universal Studios

Situated on Sentosa Island, Singapore’s Universal Studios is a magical place to be. With 7 zones, all themed differently, you can enjoy a wide range of rides, sights, and attractions!

This theme park is a great hit for many visitors and it’s hardly one of Singapore’s hidden gems . Because of this, it gets quite busy and crowded, which means long queues and waiting times. This is why we suggest you plan this activity as the main part of your day.

If you have kids with you (or even if you don’t), you’ll love the meet and greet opportunities. Shake hands with the big names like the minions from Despicable Me, Sesame Street characters, Autobots, and even Jurassic Park dinos!

There are many shows available each day as well, such as the 4D Adventure with Shrek which is a hit with all Shrek lovers. As you walk through the park, you’ll come across many street shows as well. Look out for the Cruisers and the Madagascar Boogie!

If you need a slightly more adventurous experience, check out the bigger, faster, and slightly scarier rides. These include a 3D Transformers battle ride, the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, and the Battlestar Galactica!

One thing that no one visiting the park should miss, is the Lights, Camera, Action Show, directed by Steven Spielberg! The show is a magnificent display of special effects, shown to the audience inside a boathouse.

• Cost  – $79 for adult.
• How long should I stay here?  As long as you like.

Getting there –  Take the Sentosa Express from the mainland to reach the island.

Marine Life Park – S.E.A Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark

Start your day with a visit to the aquarium. There are more than 100, 000 animals that call the aquarium home, made up of over 1000 different species! These are spread across 50 habitats which can be viewed and visited while you are there.

At the aquarium, you can take advantage of the special experiences, such as walking with marine animals and swimming with sharks! Or simply enjoy watching the many sharks, fish, and other marine life from the outside.

• Cost  – Entrance to both attractions costs $56.

Stash your cash safely with this money belt. It will keep your valuables safely concealed, no matter where you go.

It looks exactly like a normal belt  except for a SECRET interior pocket perfectly designed to hide a wad of cash, a passport photocopy or anything else you may wish to hide. Never get caught with your pants down again! (Unless you want to…)

Singapore sits only 1 degree north of the equator: it is characterised by a hot and humid climate. Rainfall is very common and usually refreshing and won’t dampen too many traveling plans. Singapore is well prepared for rainy days.

There aren’t really any distinct seasons in Singapore – temperature and rainfall is pretty consistent year round. This means that there really isn’t a bad or good time to visit Singapore. The dry season is technically from February-April but the difference in rainfall is marginal.

Rain usually comes in the form of afternoon bursts. If it starts to rain, you’ll want to duck undercover quick before it turns into a downpour. Wait 10-15 minutes and all should be well.

Mornings are the best time to be outdoors in Singapore. It’s cooler, calmer, and more often clear.

Being one of the cultural and financial capitals of the world, there are lots of Singapore festivals going on year-round. Consider planning your trip to Singapore around one of these events if you want to make it a little more special.

Singapore benefits from a very effective and easy-to-use public transport system. Between the many bus and train options, you can get just about anywhere in Singapore.

The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and LRT (Light Rail Transit) are the two main forms of rail transport in Singapore and both interact flawlessly. Those backpacking in Singapore should definitely consider buying a commuter card (EZ-Link or Nets FlashPay) or a Tourist Pass, which acts as a temporary version of the former.

Note that fare is calculated based upon distance traveled and that these commuter cards are interchangeable e.g. you can use them on the MRT, LRT, and buses.

Buses are ubiquitous in Singapore and are conveniently available 24 hours/day on Friday and Saturdays. Should you be out late or burning the midnight oil, the bus will be your best option when it comes to public transport. Note that the night bus (officially called NightRider) does not yet accept tourist passes – you’ll have to use an EZ-Link card or change.

If you need to be more proactive about getting around Singapore, taxis are widely available. Taxi rates are affordable and drivers are usually very honest. Should you prefer ride-sharing, Grab is the most popular company in Singapore. Should you use Grab, you may even find yourself the passenger in “ driverless car .”

Renting your own car in Singapore is not a good idea as self-driving driving is completely unnecessary. Hitchhiking is probably a fruitless effort as well because a) it’s very illegal and b) public transport is cheap enough.

Walking is, of course, a very reasonable means of getting around as Singapore is a very pedestrian-friendly city. Biking is also becoming quite popular though bikers may feel threatened often by harsh weather and lack of bike lanes.

Since Singapore is subject to a tropical climate, you’ll want to make sure that you have the right clothing. Try to bring loose-fitting clothing when packing for Singapore but also bear in mind that you may need to dress more conservatively when entering temples. Anything that you miss you can buy when you arrive.

Singapore has very strict laws and takes a zero-tolerance approach to those who disobey them. For the most part, there is no great risk for travelers to Singapore, and even solo travelers have found it a pleasant experience.

We’ve created a dedicated safety guide filled with travel tips for Singapore and some of the (crazy) things you need to look out for. Here are a few common things you need to guard yourself against.

• Pick-pocketing : It almost goes without saying that when walking in the streets you should keep your valuables close to you and out of reach of long fingers.
• Scams and fraud: from fake taxi cabs charging you more than their worth, to men posing as female prostitutes in order to obtain money and gifts from other men with the promise of sexual favors later on. Many of these scams are easy to avoid if you know what you are looking for.
• Breaking the law: certain offenses – such as possession of cannabis – can be punishable by the death penalty. As a foreigner, you want to make sure that you are accustomed to the stricter laws and ensure you obey them while you are visiting.

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance for Singapore

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

Find out what people want to know when planning their Singapore itinerary.

How many days are enough for Singapore?

With so much to discover, we recommend spending at least 3 full days in Singapore.

What should you include on a 4 day Singapore itinerary?

Don’t miss out on these top Singapore highlights: – ArtScience Museum – Supertree Grove Skywalk – Palawan Beach – Arab Street

Where should you stay if you have a full Singapore travel itinerary?

Marina Bay’s proximity to other areas makes it an ideal base for exploring Singapore.

What should you budget for a trip to Singapore?

Singapore is one of the more expensive destinations in Southeast Asia. Depending on where you stay and how many attractions you visit, you can spend anything from $50-$200 USD per day.

There sure is a lot to do with 4 days in Singapore but you should be ready to tackle everything now that you’ve read this itinerary!

Be sure to take lots of photos, Singapore is a city filled with sights you won’t often see anywhere else in the world! Enjoy the many cultural experiences, from religious buildings to food and even crafts – take it all in and embrace the journey. And, of course, don’t be afraid to try new things while you’re there, it’s all part of the adventure!

Buy Us a Coffee !

A couple of you lovely readers suggested we set up a tip jar for direct support as an alternative to booking through our links. So we created one!

You can now buy The Broke Backpacker a coffee . If you like and use our content to plan your trips, it’s a much appreciated way to show appreciation 🙂

Monique MacPhail

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How to Plan a Trip to Singapore

Marianne Rogerson

May 5, 2023

Want to know how to plan a Singapore trip ? You’ve come to the right place! We walk you through step by step everything you need to do to plan the best trip to Singapore.

In this article, I will take you step by step through planning your trip to Singapore.

From deciding when to go and how much it will cost, to where to stay , how to get around and everything else you could possibly need to know for the perfect city break.

It’s all here in this article, to help remove the overwhelm and simplify your trip planning.

Because Singapore is just one city, it’s easy to plan a Singapore trip all on your own. There are no internal flights or trains to worry about or complicated itineraries for travelling around. It’s all right here.

Are you ready to start your Singapore travel plan? Let’s go!

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. If you make a booking using these links, we may receive a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

Got questions? Come join our Singapore Travel Tips Facebook group . It’s the perfect place to ask questions and get inspiration for your trip!

Table of Contents

Step 1: Decide When to Go to Singapore

The good news is – there really isn’t a bad time to visit Singapore! It is a year-round destination.

Singapore is situated near the equator and therefore has a typical tropical climate. You can expect it to be hot and humid all year round, and you can expect both sunshine and rain on any given day. The average temperature is around 26-29°C (80-84°F) all year round.

It does not have distinct seasons like summer or winter, although the monsoon seasons (Northeast Monsoon in December to early March, and the Southeast Monsoon in June to September) will bring more rain. 

• The wettest months are November to mid-January.
• The driest month is February. 

It does rain an average of 167 days of the year in Singapore, but don’t be put off! Sunny days are also plentiful and you will find plenty of opportunities to hit the beach, swimming pool and sightsee.  

Thanks to its multi-cultural population you can always expect there to be some kind of festival taking place in Singapore. From  Chinese New Year , to Deepavali to Hari Raya Puasa or the Singapore Grand Prix, there is always something culturally or socially exciting going on in Singapore. 

Big events, such as the Singapore Grand Prix will affect flight and hotel prices, restaurant availability and also the ease of getting around some parts of the city, so it is a good idea to check what is going on before you set your dates.

Step 2: Work Out Your Travel Budget

So how much does it cost to travel to Singapore? Obviously this will depend on your expectations, interests and travel style. 

But yes, Singapore is an expensive city, so it is important to set a budget to stop those expenses from spiralling out of control.

If you want to stay in a top luxury hotel, go to all the main attractions and eat in Michelin-starred restaurants every night then the sky is really the limit when it comes to cost.

However, there are also plenty of ways you can save costs when visiting Singapore . Here are a few things to bear in mind when setting your budget and some tips for keeping costs down.

All example costs given are in SGD.

• Accommodation costs can vary from around $25-50 per night for a hostel, to a minimum of $400 per night for a luxury hotel.
• Both Public transport and taxis are cheap in Singapore. MRT rides range from $1-2.50 per ride and a taxi ride across town should only cost you $5-10 depending on the time of day.
• The most popular attractions in Singapore (eg. Universal Studios, Gardens by the Bay, Singapore Zoo) tend to come with high ticket prices. Booking tickets via Klook will often get you discounts.
• Eating out can range from the very cheap (eg. $5 for a dish in a hawker centre) to the very expensive ($400+ for a degustation menu in a Michelin-starred restaurant).
• Singapore has one of the highest taxes on alcohol in the world. Expect to pay around $15 for a pint of beer in a bar, and $12-18 for a glass of house wine in a restaurant.

Step 3: Planning List and Countdown

From our experience, Singapore doesn’t tend to get fully booked out much in advance. This, of course, is dependent on big events such as the Singapore Grand Prix when accommodation and incoming flights are in high demand.

Also bear in mind that Singapore is a popular conference and events destination, so some of the more popular business hotels and high-end hotels can get block-booked months in advance.

If you have your heart set on a certain hotel, book it as soon as possible. We recommend booking with booking.com as we have found they have the best cancellation terms, in case you change your mind or have to rearrange your travel dates later.

From a cost point of view, you are generally best off booking flights 6 – 12 months in advance for the best deals. Flights tend to get more expensive as time goes on, so booking in advance is advised, especially if you want to travel during school holidays.

Here’s our recommended countdown for planning your Singapore trip:

6-12 months in advance:

• Check passport validity – your passport needs to be valid for at least six months from the date of your arrival in Singapore.
• Book international flights
• Get travel insurance
• Consider booking accommodation

3 – 6 months in advance:

• Book accommodation
• Book any in-demand restaurants

1 month in advance:

• Get visa, if necessary (read our article about Singapore Visa requirements here)
• Book attractions and tours
• Book restaurants
• Work out how you will access money

Final Week:

• Complete SG Arrival Card (within 3 days of travel)
• Pre-book your Singapore SIM card
• Download Singapore apps for your phone
• Get some Singapore dollars for arrival

Step 4: Book flights

Singapore’s Changi Airport is one of the world’s busiest transport hubs and so you have a huge choice of air carriers to choose from when flying to Singapore.

Singapore Airlines is one of the best airlines in the world, but it is also an expensive option. If you are flying in from a neighbouring Asian country, you can also take advantage of the variety of budget airlines offering flights to Singapore.

I recommend using Skyscanner to compare all the available options. You can also use it to look for the cheapest days to fly and set up price alerts to receive and email if the price changes.

Step 5: Buy travel insurance

As soon as you have booked your flights (or paid for anything) I highly recommend getting travel insurance. Given the number of cancelled trips, delayed or cancelled flights and lost luggage we have experienced over the past few years, we always make sure we have travel insurance now.

Additionally, be aware that medical and hospital expenses in Singapore are very expensive . This is another reason we always recommend travel insurance for your Singapore trip.

If you are travelling from Australia, we always use CoverMore for our travel insurance. If you are travelling from elsewhere, we suggest you look at Hey Mondo .

Step 6: Book Accommodation

Singapore has accommodation to suit everyone, from some of the world’s most expensive and luxury hotels to hostel dorm rooms and everything in between.

We prefer to use booking.com to book our accommodation, as we find they have the best cancellation terms.

Here are a few things to bear in mind when choosing accommodation in Singapore .

• Hotel room rates in Singapore are subject to a 10% service charge and 8% GST. These surcharges are often not quoted in hotel prices, so be sure to check.
• Try to choose a hotel close to an MRT station to make travelling around Singapore quick, cheap and easy.
• Airbnb is illegal in Singapore . You may see Airbnb properties advertised but know that you and the host will be breaking the law if you choose to book one.
• Hotel rooms tend to be small in Singapore, particularly in the budget category. So be prepared!

Singapore is a pretty small city and you can get to most places in around 20 minutes in a taxi no matter where you are. If you are staying centrally, you can access most popular attractions, shopping and restaurant areas quickly either via public transport or taxi.

Step 7: Create your Singapore itinerary

Now that you have flights and accommodation sorted, it’s time to sort out what you are going to do!

What you can do in Singapore is obviously highly dependent on how long you have in the city. The good thing about Singapore is that, as it is small, you can fit a lot into a day, as you don’t need to build in much travel time.

Having said that, however, remember that it will be hot and humid for sightseeing and so we always recommend building in some time to chill by the pool or take some time out indoors in the air conditioning!

You can easily plan an activity for the morning and another for the afternoon, and even another for the evening if you have the energy. Don’t forget to plan your lunches and dinners too, as there is a lot of amazing food in Singapore and you won’t want to miss out!

You can check out our itinerary suggestions to help build your own Singapore itinerary:

• 2 Day Singapore Itinerary
• 3 Day Singapore Itinerary
• 5 Day Singapore Itinerary
• 7 Day Singapore Itinerary

Step 8: Book your attractions, tours and activities

It’s not usually necessary to book ahead for most attractions, so if you can be flexible, you can wait to see what the weather is like in the morning before booking.

I still prefer to book my tickets online to save queuing at the ticket kiosk. Additionally, some attractions have capacity limits with time slots allocated (eg. the ArtScience Museum), so it is a good idea to book ahead before turning up, or at least check the website.

Click here to read my pick of the best things to do in Singapore to help you with your planning. Visiting with kids? Check here for lots of fun things to do with kids in Singapore .

I am a big fan of taking at least one guided tour in Singapore. This way, you’ll be guided by local Singaporeans who are knowledgeable, fun and keen to share their love of their hometown with you.

There are loads of excellent sightseeing tours in Singapore , including food tours, bike tours, hop-on-hop-off bus tours and more.

Our two favourite websites for booking attractions and tours are Klook (you can often get good discounted tickets for attractions) and GetYourGuide (we mostly use them for tours, but they have some attraction tickets too).

Step 9: Book restaurants

Singapore food is legendary and one of the highlights of visiting Singapore is definitely the delicious food you can find here. 

The melting pot of cultures in Singapore has led to an incredible variety of food on offer and you will be spoilt for choice when it comes to cuisines and restaurants. 

And no matter what your budget, you can eat well in Singapore. A dish in a hawker centre will cost you just around $5.00. We definitely recommend visiting at least one hawker centre during your visit to enjoy some of the amazing local Singaporean food .

If you are a fan of fine dining, then you have that in abundance in Singapore too, with a total of 52 Michelin-starred restaurants to choose from.

If you have your heart set on a particular restaurant, I recommend that you book well ahead. Some of the most popular fine dining restaurants, or restaurants with a view , can be booked up months in advance. Even some of the more popular mid-range restaurants can require bookings a few weeks in advance.

So if you don’t want to be disappointed – be organised!

Of course, if you are not too particular about where you eat, you will find plenty of casual restaurants where you can just turn up and ask for a table too.

Step 10: Organise your money and credit cards

The local currency in Singapore is the Singapore dollar. It is a good idea to get some Singapore dollars before you arrive in Singapore, as you may need cash to pay for your transport from Changi airport to the city .

It is also a good idea to carry some cash with you while in Singapore. While credit and debit cards are widely accepted, some taxis will only accept cash (or their card machine may not be working), and you will need cash to pay at most hawker stalls.

You can use a debit or credit card to tap on and off public transport. Note that foreign-issued cards can incur extra charges though, so if you plan on using a lot of public transport, it can work out cheaper to get an EZ-Link card. Read more in our Singapore public transport guide here.

Prior to your trip, you should review the cards you are taking with you and check foreign currency charges and ATM withdrawal fees when overseas. You may want to consider a foreign currency card like the  Wise Travel Money Card , where you can convert Singapore dollars easily and cheaply from other currency accounts.

It is always a good idea to inform your bank before you go so that they don’t block your card due to unusual activity.

Step 11: Organise phone coverage and internet access

You will find many places in Singapore offer free WiFi. However, it is still a good idea to sort out some sort of roaming or buy a Singapore tourist SIMcard , particularly if you plan to use your phone to order taxis etc.

Check with your phone provider at home if they have a day-charge for Singapore. Otherwise, our favourite option is to buy a Singtel Tourist SIM card for$12 SGD. This gives you the following over 14 days:

• 100GB 4G data
• 500 mins local calls
• 30 mins IDD calls

Click here to buy your Singtel Tourist SIM card now and pick it up at Changi Airport on arrival.

Step 12: Get ready for departure!

It’s time to get ready to travel! Here are a few last-minute reminders of what you need to do in the week before you travel.

• Submit your SG Arrival Card – all visitors to Singapore must fill this in 3 days prior to your date of arrival (including the date of arrival). You can  fill it in online here .
• Download some Singapore Apps – there are a few apps that we recommend using in Singapore. These include Grab or Gojek for booking taxis and the MyTransport.SG app for using public transport.
• Suncream – it’s always hot in Singapore, and even on a cloudy day, we recommend applying sunscreen before you head out for the day or head to the pool.
• Insect repellent – You will definitely need to include bug spray. As well as being a nuisance, Singapore has dengue fever so be sure to protect yourselves from the mosquitos.
• Umbrella – even when a day starts out with bright sunshine, it can soon turn into a thunderstorm, so it’s always a good idea to have an umbrella in your bag.
• Travel adaptor – The standard electrical voltage in Singapore is 220V and most electrical sockets take the standard UK style 3-prong plugs.
• Refillable water bottle – Due to the humidity, you should be sure to drink plenty of water in Singapore. Tap water is safe to drink here and so a refillable water bottle is essential.

Click here to read our full article on packing for Singapore .

Raffles Hotel Singapore Sling

How much does a trip to singapore cost.

11 things to know before visiting Singapore

Mar 9, 2024 • 6 min read

Plan for your trip to Singapore with these things you should know and insider tips © Jakub Zajic / Getty Images

Singapore has a well-cultivated image of being a safe country .

Too safe perhaps for some, who balk at its infamously strict rules and fines for flouting them, and find the gleaming modern city too sanitized for their liking. Others appreciate the clean streets and manicured gardens amidst the tall buildings along with the intriguing mix of people that make up Singapore’s multifaceted culture.

As a Singaporean who’s lived here all her life (and who has always had to explain the country to fellow travelers in foreign hostel common rooms) here’s what you need to know about Singapore, its cultural landscape, and its local customs and quirks, to help you plan your trip to the Little Red Dot.

1. Singapore is small, but with lots to see and do

Compact Singapore takes less than an hour to drive from end to end but there’s a lot packed into this small country. For a first-time visitor, three to four days is usually sufficient to see the main highlights and get a feel of the top things to do in Singapore .

If you’re really short on time, plan a layover with at least 5.5 hours and you can join one of three free transit tours organized by the excellent Changi Airport for a quick taster of what the country has to offer.

2. Pack for the tropics

Practically located on the equator, expect hot tropical weather ranging from 25 to 35ºC (77 to 95ºF) every single day in Singapore. A small umbrella is essential in case of scorching rays or sudden downpours.

What can be tough for those used to temperate climates is Singapore’s high humidity – 60 to 90% on average throughout the year, so be prepared to sweat it out. Pack light materials or bring a small fan or hankie around with you. Anyone basking under the afternoon sun who’s not on the beach is definitely a tourist – be sure to slap on the sunblock!

Funnily enough, it tends to be a lot colder indoors than outdoors because shopping malls and central cooling overcompensate for the heat.

A scarf or a light jacket will keep you warm, offer extra sun protection and are the perfect cover-up if you plan to visit religious buildings.

3. Singapore is an independent country

With a majority Chinese population, some people mistakenly assume that Singapore is a part of China, which is not the case. Most Chinese Singaporeans are descendants of southeastern Chinese immigrants who sailed across the seas decades ago.

Singapore may be hard to spot on a map, but you’ll find it just south of the Malaysian peninsula in Southeast Asia, four hours away from China by plane. On that note, despite its proximity and commonalities in shared culture and history, Singapore is also not a part of Malaysia, though it was very briefly back in 1963 before Singapore became fully independent in 1965, making next year – 2025 – the 60th anniversary of the republic.

4. Most Singaporeans speak excellent English

Singapore is an easy place for Western tourists to explore on their own because of the widespread use of English here. Fun fact: Singapore actually has four official languages: Mandarin, Bahasa Melayu and Tamil represent the three major ethnic groups found here (Chinese, Malay and Indian respectively), and English is the main language used in schools and for business, which also allows for conversation across ethnicities.

5. Natural disasters are unlikely in Singapore

Singapore may not have scenic mountain ranges or awe-inspiring topography, but it’s also out of the path of any major tectonic movement. You are unlikely to face any major natural disasters – no earthquakes, volcanos, typhoons or sandstorms here.

In the worst case, there may be flash floods during particularly rainy periods or haze blanketing the island from forest fires around the region, but these are usually temporary and minor inconveniences.

6. Singapore is a safe and stable place to visit

Singapore is also well-known for its generally stable political and business climate, often ranked as one of the least corrupt countries in the world. Strikes that can disrupt travel plans are practically nonexistent here.

The crime rate in Singapore is also relatively low with lots of surveillance and a police force that people trust in. As a single woman, I’ve never been too worried about wandering around Singapore on my own even at night, but do maintain some common sense for your own safety as one of our popular slogans here goes: low crime doesn’t mean no crime.

7. Carry both cash and credit cards

How many Singapore dollars you change before your trip largely depends on where you plan to go . Most major tourist attractions and shops in shopping malls will accept credit cards, and other cashless options like contactless payments and smart wallets are also common.

Those planning to take public transport in Singapore can use their credit cards on the public buses and MRT card readers for convenience, but purchasing a local EZ-Link card or transport pass may be more worthwhile depending on how much travel you plan to do. However, do carry some cash around with you as it remains the prevalent method of payment for most small businesses, eating at hawker center stalls, or taking a taxi. Try to break notes of larger denominations ($50/$100) into smaller ones ($2/$5/$10) when possible.

8. Prebook attractions to avoid waiting in line

There’s a joke that a Singaporean’s favorite pastime is to queue for things, but that’s not something you want to waste time on. If there is an option to prebook tickets online or make a reservation, just do it. This is key on busy weekends and peak vacation periods like the mid- and year-end school holidays.

An attraction’s official website is usually the best place to get tickets, but browse other booking platforms before you check out as these sites may offer special seasonal discounts or multi-bundle prices. Also check the Visit Singapore website as it sometimes runs incentive programs for tourists.

9. Tipping is not expected

Tipping is not expected in Singapore. If you’re eating out in a restaurant or cafe, there is usually a 10% service charge included in the bill. Some places may have a tip box but otherwise, additional tips are not mandatory or expected, though they are appreciated in the service line.

10. Understand the art of "chope-ing"

If you are eating at food centers or working at co-working spaces, particularly within the central business district, you may notice empty tables with strategically placed items like umbrellas, tissue packets or lanyards on the seats. This is a local practice to "chope" or reserve a seat while everyone is queuing up at the stalls. Most people honor this informal reservation system and will look elsewhere for available seats.

11. Yes, you can drink the tap water

There's no need to buy bottled water in Singapore. The tap water here is treated and perfectly safe to drink. You'll find that most attractions have water coolers where you can refill your reusable bottles while you're out and about during the day.

This article was first published Sep 22, 2023 and updated Mar 9, 2024.

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The Perfect 4 Day Singapore Itinerary For First Time Visitors

By: Author Lotte

Posted on Last updated: November 29, 2023

Categories Singapore

Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia, small in size but so much fun to visit!

From colorful Little India to the beautiful views of the Singapore skyline, the lovely Gardens by the Bay, bustling Chinatown, hidden green pockets like the Mount Faber Loop, and much more.

Singapore has been one of our most treasured destinations for as long as we can remember, and we use this post as a tribute of our personal undying love for this magical place.

On our recent trip back to Singapore in spring of 2023, we managed to polish off all the details that were bound to change since the original version was written: That first stay in the City of Gardens blew our minds away, leaving us smitten with every nook and cranny of the green megapolis. So, get ready for the new and improved Singapore travel guidebook!

Read this 4 day Singapore itinerary with lots of tips to make the most of your first-time visit to Singapore!

Singapore itinerary

Disclosure: Some links in this post are affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you!). We're very grateful when you use our links to make a purchase:-).

Things to know when planning a trip to Singapore

If you are wondering when to visit Singapore: Singapore is a great year-round destination as it never gets cold. We visited in May when average temperatures are around 27 degrees Celsius. The average daily temperature in Singapore is very stable throughout the year and generally only fluctuates between 25-30 degrees Celsius. If you are looking to avoid the rainy season, stay clear of November, December, and January (when most of the rain falls).

For 80% of the world's countries, the answer is no, as lots of nationalities can visit Singapore for a period of 30 days or 90 days without a visa. More information can be found on the Singapore Visa information website .

The Singapore tourist pass includes entry to many of the most popular attractions in Singapore, including Universal Studios, Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Flyer, and many more! With a Singapore Pass, you can get a discount of up to 52% . That being said, it depends on your itinerary if the Singapore Pass is value for money. My recommendation is to make a list of the Singapore main attractions you want to visit and add all the entrance fees. Compare this amount with the cost of the Singapore Pass and you'll know if the Singapore Pass is worth getting. Click here to get your Singapore Pass .

Plan your Singapore trip like a pro with these tools: ✅ Get your Singapore tourist pass for a discount of up to 52% on Singapore's top attractions. ✅ Find your dream accommodation on Booking.com or Agoda . ✅ Book the best tours with Klook and Get Your Guide . ✅ Stay connected with a  Singapore SIM card . ✅ Plan your journey with the  Singapore Lonely Planet . ✅ Travel safely and get reliable travel insurance from Safety Wing .

Is Singapore worth visiting?

Yes, wholeheartedly yes! While Singapore was very different than the other countries we visited in Southeast Asia ( Philippines , Vietnam , Cambodia , Thailand , Laos , and  Malaysia ), I loved our trip to Singapore.

You may wonder how Singapore is different from its neighboring countries. Well, just a couple of things off the top of my head… (and 21 things more in this article )

Singapore is very organized!

From the moment I arrived at the airport it became very clear that Singapore is extremely organized:

• Information is listed in 4 languages (English, Mandarin, Tamil, and Malay).
• Getting through customs and getting a passport stamp is effortless because of the ingenious system of automatically opening gates with red and green lights.
• There is a free shuttle train taking us to the terminal where the MRT (Mass Rapid Transport) departs to the city center. What a difference with Manila, where the absence of a free shuttle and a total lack of cash had me in tears .

Singapore is very clean!

Southeast Asia is great, really, I loved it! But it’s not clean… There is so much (plastic) trash lying next to the roads, floating in the water, and piled up on the city streets.

Not in Singapore though, the city is spotless! Bins everywhere, grass that looks so straight as if it has been cut with nail clippers (I wouldn’t be surprised if it actually is;-), clean and maintained buildings, the newest cars, and the shiniest shopping malls…

(Public) transport in Singapore is very reliable!

Everyone who has been to Southeast Asia knows that even though the driver of the minivan/bus/tuk-tuk/etc. says he’ll take you from point A to point B, you never know exactly where you are going to end up.

Like the time I bought a bus ticket from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng and was dropped off at Vang Vieng’s new bus station.

Which is ‘conveniently’ located 2km out of town. And obviously jam-packed with friendly tuk-tuk drivers willing to take you to the city center. For a friendly price that is…

Or the time I thought I booked transportation from Hue to Hoi An and it turned out to be a full-blown tour taking the entire day.

Or that time in the Philippines , when I booked a ticket with Roro bus that was supposed to be so many things and turned out the be the complete opposite of those things.

None of this ‘nonsense' in Singapore. In Singapore, there is the easy to understand-communicated-in-4-languages-always-on-time-super-reliable-MRT.

The MRT will get you to all Singapore tourist attractions without any hassle!

I could probably go on for a while, but let’s just say it was a nice change of pace. And funnily enough, I found myself missing the chaos of Southeast Asia after a couple of days in structured Singapore!

If you’re scared about navigating a vast metro system in a new and foreign country (although you don’t ever have to worry about getting lost in Singapore’s underground, it’s that easy to find your way inside MRT), we encourage you to stick with the good old Grab — one of the most vastly used taxi services in Singapore (and the most reliable, might we add). To give you the approximate rundown, our ride from Changi Airport to Chinatown cost us S$20, — from which you can gather that shorter inner-city movements will cost you much less.

Best hotels in Singapore

One of the most important things when planning your Singapore trip is finding the perfect place to stay.

As you will learn further down in the article, both Chinatown and Little India are perfect for a short stay in Singapore. They are practically overflowing with tourist attractions and top-notch eateries, and, thanks to MRT stations peppered in the neighborhoods, you can easily reach Singapore’s Downtown in record time.

During our last trip to Singapore, we decided to follow our own advice and stay in Chinatown. Our choice fell on one of the cheapest (but still well-reviewed) options in the area — Wink Capsule Hostel . The private room that we got had its issues (like zero wiggle room and thin walls, that can result in all kinds of noises disturbing your sleep), but the pros definitely outweighed the cons: The closeness to the MRT station, followed by a mere 5-minute ride to Marina Bay Sands, and the price of $85 per night compensated for a less-then-desirable sleeping experience.

Of course, if you look hard enough, you can manage to find great hotels with adequate pricing (adequate by Singapore’s standards, at least) in almost any neighborhood of the city . We have managed to create the list of our top recommendations for Singapore accommodation, and we’re more than happy to share it with you!

Note: Prices for these hotels depend on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices mentioned above are a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Use ‘click here' to see the latest prices on Agoda and Booking and book ahead to get the best deal.

Singapore 4 day itinerary with the best things to do in Singapore

There are so many places to visit in Singapore, you could easily spend weeks and not run out of places to see (or things to eat ).

However, I only spent four days in Singapore, involving a lot of sightseeing, walking, and sweating.

With temperatures over 30 degrees Celsius and a humidity of 90%, it is impossible not to sweat. Unless you stay indoors all day.

I guess this is actually quite possible because of the MRT and the countless air-conditioned malls. But that would mean you'll miss all the fun, so I say: walk, walk, walk!

If you don't want to (or can't) walk everywhere, have less than 4 days in Singapore or if you're traveling with small children, the best way to see many of the highlights mentioned in this post is by booking a (1 or 2 day) ticket for the Hop-On, Hop-Off bus .

What to do in Singapore in 4 days

• Singapore day 1: admire the Singapore skyline, visit Gardens by the Bay , marvel at the Marina Bay Sands ( click here to find out how much spending a night will cost you ),  stroll around Chinatown , visit the Singapore City Gallery, take a picture of the Merlion, and watch the Singapore skyline by night.
• Singapore day 2:  explore colorful Little India, check out the Raffles Hotel, and explore Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay, and walk around Fort Canning Park.
• Singapore day 3:   visit Sentosa Island , admire the views from The Pinnacle@Duxton and the Marina Bay Sands observation deck .
• Singapore day 4:  either hike the Mount Faber Loop, the Henderson Waves, Alexander Arch, and Canopy Walkway, or spend the day at Singapore Zoo. Alternatively, start your day off at Singapore Botanic Gardens and then finish it with the TreeTop Walk.

Below you can find all the nitty gritty details: where to go in Singapore, a Singapore tourist map, and pictures of all the highlights in Singapore.

Singapore itinerary day 1

Itinerary : Singapore Skyline by day – Gardens by the Bay – Marina Bay Sands – Chinatown – Singapore City Gallery – Merlion and Singapore skyline by night

Click here for the interactive map on Google

Now, we know that not everybody planning a trip to the Lion City is counting on staying in Singapore for four days straight, since layovers and short stays are so widely advertised and encouraged here. Because of that, you can actually take all the places we mention in this post and rearrange them to best suit your Singapore timeline.

However, why go through all the trouble of researching the itineraries yourself, when we went ahead and did it for you: Click to get the tried-and-tested One Day Singapore Itinerary that covers all the touristy bases, while also providing you with priceless information on how to get the most out of your stay in Singapore if you only have 24 hours in the city.

If you’re blessed with more time in Singapore (you lucky dog!), then follow along our Four Day Singapore Itinerary: It’s much more laid-back and comprehensive. So, without further ado, here’re the things to see during your day one (not to be confused with one day) in Singapore:

Singapore skyline

Singapore has one of the most famous skylines in the world which can be found in Singapore's downtown core. This should be one of the first places to go in Singapore! Day or night, the Singapore skyline is beautiful and impressive.

One of the best places to admire the skyline is from the Marina Bay Sands observation deck (more information can be found below).

Alternatively, if paying to witness the sprawling vistas of this wonderful city alone doesn’t cut it for you, you can always pop into CÉ LA VI SkyBar and add a boozy touch to the whole experience (a Mai Tai in hand (S$25) usually makes everything better).

Located on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands, this hidden gem of a bar has a terrific terrace with truly unbeatable views. The bar requires a general entry fee of S$30 that can be redeemed on food and drinks, but we have a handy tip for an average Scrooge descendant: At evening rush hour, the servers tend to get really overwhelmed, thus they can miss a couple of tourists who are only there for a photo and nothing more. So, you might get a spectacular free (if lucky) viewing experience. You didn’t hear it from us!

When it comes to a truly free viewing point to enjoy Singapore skyline, we can think of a stunning boulevard that connects two of the city’s iconic landmarks:

• The Helix Bridge — constructed to resemble a human’s DNA strand, the bridge is a destination in and of itself; and together with a few viewing platforms, it becomes one of the best places to enjoy the panoramas of the city;
• The Esplanade — durian-shaped theater on the bay that is considered the heart of Singapore’s art scene, with great shows and performances and unobscured views of the skyline.

Actually, there are SO many beautiful views in Singapore — both paid and free — that we've even come up with an idea of creating a detailed post about the best viewpoints in the city !

The Singapore Flyer

The Singapore Flyer is definitely one of the most famous Singapore attractions. Standing 165 meters tall, this is the world’s second tallest Ferris Wheel, offering great 360° views over Singapore.

A ride in one of the wheel’s pods is guaranteed to be the one for the ages, and the added combo access to Time Capsule — a multimedia exhibition that draws you into Singapore’s past, present, and future — gives a profound meaning to an otherwise superficial attraction.

The whole shebang will cost you S$40, and there are plenty of upgrades: If you want to add booze (either a flute of sparkling bubbly or a signature Singapore Sling), the experience will go up in price (S$79 for the champagne and S$69 for the iconic cocktail).

Click here to book a ticket online.

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is one of the best places to visit in Singapore. You could easily spend an entire day exploring this wonderful green oasis located in the very center of Singapore.

With an impressive 1.5 million (!) plants, it’s a dream of any nature lover. Every nook and cranny of this vast space has some unique green-adjacent attraction that can entertain children and adults alike. We’re here to highlight the parts of the gardens that you should absolutely never miss if you find yourself in this inexplicably verdant slice of Singapore:

• Supertree Grove — a grove of 12 supertrees (steel structures that resemble giant trees (and even act like them, collecting rain, water, and sunlight), with a free (!) entry and a spectacular light show happening each night (more on this later). The space is also home to a 22-meter high OCBC Skyway — a bridge that connects two supertrees. Because the point of view from up there is more unique, this attraction requires a fee of S$12 for a 15-minute experience. The Skyway activity is highly dependent on the weather, so if you see clouds starting to gather, hurry up before the rain comes: As soon as it begins to drizzle, visitors get escorted off the bridge, with no refunds in sight.
• Flower Dome Conservatory — one of the largest greenhouses in the world, a celebration of all plants: Both blooming and other, weirder, subcategories. An olive grove, a flower field, a succulent garden, and even bottle-shaped and bootylicious baobabs, — your camera roll will be boasting with color, that’s a guarantee!
• Cloud Forest Conservatory — our personal favorite part of Gardens by the Bay, this domed conservatory is home to the second largest artificial indoor waterfall (second only to the one inside Changi Airport). As you enter the space, you’re immediately hit with misty air, strongly affirming the “cloud” part of the attraction’s name. A tall luscious mountain in the center of the conservatory is clad with all kinds of ecosystems; you can explore them up close or from high above by doing one of the two walks: The Cloud Walk and The Tree Top Walk. A combo ticket to Cloud Forest and Flower Dome costs S$53.

Buy your tickets for Gardens by the Bay here.

Families should also check out the Children’s Garden, which is a great (and free) place in Singapore to visit with kids .

New attractions are the Floral Fantasy, a dream-like garden landscape, and the Serene Garden, which was inspired by the minimalist concept of Japanese Zen gardens. Don’t forget to also check out the giant Floating Baby structure that can be found on the hills of Gardens by the Bay.

Marina Bay Sands

You probably have seen pictures of the world-famous Marina Bay Sands , which was completed in 2010.

When looking at this iconic Singapore building, you'll find yourself wondering how one comes up with an idea like this. It wasn't cheap to build either, costing a whopping $8 billion (SGD).

The Marina Bay Sands complex houses a hotel, an upscale mall with indoor canals, two theaters, lots of fancy restaurants, and the world's largest atrium casino.

If that weren’t enough, on top of the building you can find a large infinity swimming pool. While incredibly sought-after, the pool is off-limits to anyone but the hotel’s guests (the rule is strictly enforced, so don’t think you’re one of the sly untouchable tourists that can wiggle in the place you’re not allowed).

Still, the panoramas opening up from the top floors of Marina Bay Sands are worth paying for: But you don’t have to be a Rockefeller to get the experience. Apart from the aforementioned option of going to a bar inside the hotel, you can also do the most touristy thing ever and buy a ticket to the SkyPark Observation Deck for S$30. The views of Singapore’s Skyline, with a massive green patch of Gardens by the Bay and the unique-looking Esplanade are worth every penny, that’s for sure!

Marina Bay Sands is one of the places in Singapore that should be on any Singapore sightseeing itinerary.

Book your observation deck ticket online to skip the queues.

Or, if you have something very special to celebrate, consider spending the night at the amazing Marina Bay Sands. Be warned, this doesn't come cheap…

Singapore's Chinatown

In Singapore's Chinatown, you will find quaint little streets, colorful houses, historic low-rise buildings, boutique shops, and many restaurants. Pictures of Chinatown are bound to take up at least half of your camera roll, and for good reason: It’s here that charming little houses built in Sino-Portuguese style sit beside soaring futuristic skyscrapers, creating a dichotomy that is so pleasing to the eye.

Don't try to follow a particular route, it's more fun to get lost in the maze-like streets of this great neighborhood in Singapore.

Alternatively, join this walking tour by a former Chinatown resident and listen to her wonderful tales about life in this vibrant neighborhood.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

A relatively young addition to Chinatown’s neighborhood (the temple is only 15 years of age), this Buddhist place of worship is an important landmark to visit when in the area.

It’s name is no joke: They say that the actual Buddha tooth is located within its walls. It’s technically available for public viewing, but it’s so small and shown in such an inconvenient manner, that you probably won’t catch a glimpse of this sacred relic.

Don’t worry though, there’s plenty more things to see both inside and outside the temple. It’s a five-story, grandiose structure that has the most inviting (and dare we say, embellished to a tee) interiors. Expect to see lots of gold and tons of Buddha statues!

The temple is a working place of worship, so please be considerate and dress modestly. And while the entry to the temple is free, it’s good to have a few coins on you to give out as donations.

The Sri Mariamman Temple

In Chinatown, you can find the Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore's oldest Hindu temple. Try to count how many people and animals are displayed at this intricate and colorful entrance!

You can enter the temple free of charge (remember to dress properly!), however, a small donation is requested if you want to take pictures inside.

Food in Chinatown

If you feel hungry after walking around the temple, head down to the (almost secret) Lian Xin Vegetarian Food Court, which is located just below the temple. Not a lot of tourists know about this quite tasty and affordable eatery, but still, avoid it at lunch hour: The lines will be long. However, if you come at around 11 a.m., you’re guaranteed all the vegetarian and vegan options to stuff your face with (you can’t even imagine what spin this restaurant places on their rice and noodle dishes — you will never be the same after eating here). One last thing to note is that the place closes quite early, at 2:30 p.m.

Speaking of food, Chinatown is “the” place to eat well and cheap. We understand the appeal of stumbling on a great place yourself, but unfortunately, if you have only four days in Singapore, the risk is not worth it (just imagine your disappointment of having a less-than-average meal instead of a top-notch experience in a tried-and-tested place). So, we went ahead and did all the dirty work for you, coming up with a short list of places you absolutely must visit to grab a bite in while in Chinatown:

• ☕ Homeground Coffee Roasters — located on a charming Teo Hong Road, this coffee shop serves the best breakfast experience in all of Singapore. Their coffee is roasted and brewed to perfection, so go ahead and get a hearty dish (like Homies Breakfast (S$28): Eggs, sausage, all the works) and pair it with your caffeinated drink of choice. You will have enough energy to last you through an entire day of sightseeing and exploring Singapore.
• 🍸Papa Doble — with an aura of exclusivity like nowhere else in Singapore, this speakeasy bar and restaurant has the most immaculate vibes ever known to man. Awarded a place among World’s 50 Best Bars, coming here won’t be a mistake. Take the edge off with one of their craft cocktails (their iconic Papa Doble (S$26) for the win) and definitely don’t drink on an empty stomach: Pulled pork burger or their delectable Basque cheesecake (whatever you’re in the mood for) will get your body through a little day drinking, as a treat!
• 🍦Apiary — a small-batch creamery that will play along with your sweet tooth cravings. Among the big variety of ice-cream flavors, we encourage you to go outside your comfort zone: Definitely try their lavender and blue milk ice-cream (and don’t forget to pair it with a freshly made waffle). A single scoop (S$5) definitely won’t be enough, so maybe forget about your diet for a moment and get a double (S$9) or a triple (S$12) scoop. And grab some kombucha for the road — Singapore’s hot and humid weather requires round-the-clock hydration!

The Singapore City Gallery

In the Singapore City Gallery, an 11-meter scale model of the city is on display.

You will be truly impressed by the amount of planning involved to maximize the use of the limited number of square meters available in this tiny country.

What’s even more exciting is that you get to learn all of the interesting facts that went into creating the urban background of the city (starting from its humble beginnings as a fishing village) for free! Even if you aren’t that fond of city planning, you will still appreciate the made-to-scale model of Singapore’s Downtown.

The Merlion

The Merlion is one of the Singapore landmarks you can't miss. This water-spewing stone lion with a fishtail is a bit weird and perhaps even a little ugly…

However, the Merlion is a Singapore icon and definitely one of the places of interest in Singapore.

The Merlion Park surrounding the statue (do not get your hopes up, it’s not a park-park, just a small piece of land with manicured hedges and clean pavement) has free entrance, so try and come here in the early hours of the day. That way, you won’t have to fight crowds of tourists for the chance to get the best shot of this mystical creature.

Singapore skyline by night

The Singapore skyline may look even more beautiful by night than by day! Be sure to time your visit so you can watch Spectra , a daily light show on the water happening right in front of Marina Bay Sands Mall.

Each night, there are two 15-minute long light and water shows (think lasers and water jets, but even more impressive than you could ever imagine!) starting at exactly 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. On Fridays and Saturdays, there’s an additional, third, show happening at 10 p.m. The spectacle is completely free of charge and can be enjoyed from various viewpoints (you can decipher the best ones by the amount of tourists hanging out in clusters). Though even ample viewing spaces still can get crowded, so try and call dibs on a good spot beforehand.

However, Spectra isn’t the only lightshow brightening up the Singapore skyline each night. Garden Rhapsody — another lightshow, this time at Supertree Grove, is just as exciting as the aforementioned spectacle. The giant trees come alive with thousands of rainbow-colored lights, and their movement (that is married to a music chosen for that particular show) makes the whole experience that much more mesmerizing: Hypnotic, even!

This performance is also free to all who want to watch it, and the best way to enjoy the show is by laying on the grass right beneath the supertrees and looking up at the colorful spectacle. Remember that plenty of onlookers come to watch the shows (there are two of them, starting at 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.), so claim your patch of greenery in advance.

The great thing about these two shows is that they’re located super close to each other. So if you can’t decide on what program to choose for your first day in Singapore evening viewing, then try these steps:

• Come to watch the Supertree show at 7:45 p.m., but not from the hill beneath them: Choose the viewing deck of Marina Bay Sands (otherwise it will take you close to an hour to reach your other destination).
• Then, before watching the Garden Rhapsody in its entirety, run on over to enjoy Spectra. Its four-part program hasn’t changed a bit since the first time we witnessed it (since 2018 — the simpler times!), but it still manages to leave you awe-stricken and amazed, every time!

This is pretty much it for you first day in Singapore (your legs are already sore, aren’t they?), but if you don’t have more days in the city, remember to consult with our post , where we give you a more packed one day itinerary (after that one, you’ll sleep like a baby after a shift at Bath&Body Works during Black Friday).

For all of you who allotted a little bit more time to explore this magical city, get a good night’s rest: You will need all the energy you can gather to take on our Singapore day two itinerary. Here we go!

Singapore itinerary day 2

Itinerary : Little India – Raffles Hotel – Boat Quay – Clarke Quay – Robertson Quay – Fort Canning Park

Little India

Little India is another neighborhood that should be on your Singapore must-see list. In this area, you can find one of the most colorful houses in the world (pictured above).

There are also many great restaurants (especially on Serangoon Road and Race Course Road), lots of tailors and jewelry shops, and the famous Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.

To highlight one of our favorite places in Singapore (food-wise), Komala Vilas Restaurant is, coincidentally, just a stone’s throw away from the aforementioned lavish Hindu place of worship — Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. The restaurant should be your ultimate go-to for some hearty authentic Indian dishes when in Singapore. Don’t forget to get some Masala chai to go with the giant portions of whatever it is you’re in the mood for: Be it curry, dosay, biryani, — all the works!

The Raffles Hotel

The famous Raffles hotel opened its doors in 1887 and has just been reopened after a thorough restoration.

Known as the place where the Singapore Sling was invented, this hotel was featured in several movies and hosted many celebrities (such as Charlie Chaplin, Ernest Hemingway, and even Michael Jackson) throughout the years.

What’s a Singapore Sling, you might wonder? It’s a gin-based, fruity, and rose-hued cocktail that was originally created so that the ladies could consume alcohol in public (since it looks like there’s no liquor inside, due to it’s color and general presentation).

There are many places in Singapore where you can give this drink a try, but the Raffles Hotel’s very own Long Bar (the birthplace of this national cocktail) is the way to go, hands down! Just be ready to spend S$39 (around S$47 after tax and service) for the Singapore Sling — after all, you’re not only paying for the drink, but also for the authentic experience!

Even if staying at the Raffles is above budget, it's one of Singapore's famous places worth passing by.

Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay

Visiting Clarke Quay is definitely one of the things to do in Singapore at night, as this area is famous for its riverside restaurants and bars.

However, this is also a popular Singapore activity by day as it's an area with lots of history. Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay have been the center of trade since the founding of Singapore.

While Clarke Quay takes the reigns as the most popular area with tourists compared to other two quays, it still doesn’t mean you should discard the lesser known ones from your Singapore itinerary altogether.

Boat Quay’s general area is home to one of the coolest-looking multi-use developments in Singapore — the CapitaSpring building. Not only does its façade catches your eye with all the sci-fi-esque green openings on what would otherwise be considered a normal wall of a skyscraper, but the building also provides one of the best free viewing points in Singapore!

The Sky Garden, which is located on the 51st level of CapitaSpring offers a spectacular (and pretty unique) view of the Marina Bay Sands and its surroundings. Note that the “free” part comes with an asterisk: The opening hours, when the garden is accessible to the general public, are quite limited. You can explore the venue Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., and then from 2:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.

When it comes to Robertson Quay, apart from being the largest out of the three, it is also sporting a more upscale and grown-up aura, compared to young and fun Clarke Quay. You should come here for a leisurely walk along the river, followed by a dinner at a nice restaurant.

If, however, you’re still not ready to call it a night and want to grab a quick bite and a caffeinated pick-me-up drink, then Robertson Quay has just the place for you — Common Man Coffee Roasters. While this particular chain has plenty of coffee shops all throughout Singapore, the one near Robertson Quay is a true flagship store, the first one to be opened here 10 years ago! Pick up a cold brew (S$8.5) and dessert (their signature churros for S$14), and you’re ready to take on a few other Singapore spots to finish up the eventful and exciting second day in Singapore!

The area around the three quays features lots of Singapore sites, such as the colonial-style Central Fire Station, and a buzzing Raffles Place.

There are plenty of things to do here until the evening falls, which is perfect because you can enjoy dinner along the Singapore River at one of the excellent restaurants.

Fort Canning Park

A great place to end your day with: Take a walk along the neatly paved paths of Fort Canning Park after dinner you’ve grabbed at one of the aforementioned quays.

Fort Canning Park is an ultimate Singapore destination: It combines the beautiful nature with the rich history of the place. It was once home to royal palaces, then a fort and a base for British soldiers, and now it is the area tourists come when they want to hide out from the sun and learn a few interesting facts in the meantime.

While the remnants of the original fort are definitely all the rage with history buffs, the iconic Tree Tunnel is what draws hundreds of visitors to the park every single day. You’ve probably seen the coveted shot online: A person standing on a spiral staircase, with the crazy beautiful tree branches and a blue sky opening up above them.

Tree Tunnel is completely free, but you might want to come here very early in the morning: Otherwise, you will have to wait in line for the opportunity to get this one-of-a-kind (at least for you) shot.

Singapore itinerary day 3

Itinerary: Sentosa Island – The Pinnacle @ Duxton – Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck

Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is the playground of Singapore. With artificial beaches, rain forests, the Adventure Cove Waterpark, and Universal Studios Singapore you could easily spend a couple of days on Sentosa Island.

If you only have a couple of hours, bring a towel and your swimwear and dip your toes in the fresh seawater. To do that, head on over to one of three of Sentosa’s artificial beaches (yup, you’ve read that right: They were created with the sand bought by Singapore from Indonesia and Malaysia):

• Palawan Beach, which is famous for being home to the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia — a small inlet connected to the beach by a bridge. A perfect spot to watch the sunset: It’s just you, the sun, and the open sea;
• Siloso Beach — the bigger one, also the most crowded beach;
• Tanjong Beach — the most remote beach, it’s here that you can enjoy the peace and quiet that is promised in the island’s name (Sentosa literally translates to peace and tranquility from Malay).

If you want to learn more about the plentiful attractions of the island (aquarium, casino, gold courses, — this place has everything) and the unique ways to get on it (a bus or a cable car ride, you decide), make sure to consult with our One Day in Singapore article , where we offer you an alternative to a usual city escape — a day spent on Sentosa Island.

Before you go to Sentosa Island though, you have to fuel up while on the main land: Grab a bite at Ya Kun Kaya Toast and support the long-standing Singaporean coffee and toast tradition. Personally, we recommend you try their Steamed Bread Set (S$6) — served with either regular butter or peanut butter, whatever you’re in the mood for.

To make the most of your time on Sentosa Island, it's worth checking out the Sentosa Fun Pass for (considerable) discounts.

Pinnacle @ Duxton

The Pinnacle @ Duxton is a residential building with the world's longest sky garden (500 meters) on the 50th floor. Residents of this building arguably have the best 360° views over the Singapore skyline.

The structure itself is unique and was a pretty grandiose undertaking by the architects: The construction consists of seven tall towers connected by two bridges on different levels.

However, you don't have to live here to enjoy these views, for a mere S$6 you can enjoy the rooftop terrace and accompanying views as well!

Listen up, because the steps leading up to the experience can be quite tricky: Locate the 1G Tower, take an elevator ride to its basement level, and then follow the markers to find a small office that sells tickets. Keep in mind that the S$6 you have to pay need to be in bill form, so get those notes ready! Only when you complete this little side venture, you can go up to the Sky Bridge located on the 50th level. Trust us, the views are worth the hoops you have to jump over to get up there!

If all the walking has made you hungry, pop into Nylon Coffee Roasters — we recommend you order a cold white (S$7) to beat the Singaporean heat and get energy at the same time.

The Marina Bay Sands observation deck

If you are a fan of bird's-eye views (like us!) you won't mind going from one tall high building to the next. If you time your visit right, you can watch the sunset from the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck. Located on the 56th floor of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the space offers unmatched views of the Singapore skyline.

Remember that SkyPark Observation Deck ticket price is S$30, so budget your day accordingly.

Tickets can be bought online , I highly recommend booking ahead so you'll avoid the (sometimes very long) queue.

Of course, you cannot ever predict with certainty how your day in Singapore is going to turn out. If:

• it’s a rainy day (the odds of that happening in Singapore are higher in the period between November and January, or the monsoon season);
• it’s a cloudy or foggy day (high humidity really affects visibility in Singapore);
• you’re simply not excited about going to two viewpoints in one day,

then we have an alternative activity to close off your third day in Singapore with — Future World exhibition at the ArtScience Museum (yes, that quirky structure that resembles a lotus flower), located not too far from Marina Bay Sands. For that same price of S$30, you will get to experience a multi-sensory journey through time and space.

It’s easier to understand the scope of the exhibition when you learn that the team that created it (teamLab) was also behind Tokyo’s Planets: You’ve probably seen the videos of people walking through thousands of multicolored garlands in complete dark online. The vibes are the same in Singapore, but even more elevated (pun intended): Here, you will get acquainted with flying (!) through multimedia installations. We don’t want to spoil anything, you will just have to trust your gut and go in as open-minded as you can: You won’t regret it!

Singapore itinerary day 4

Day four in Singapore, in our opinion, should be spent doing whatever it is you feel like doing. You’ve already experienced all the major Singapore attractions, so why not take the time and fool around a little bit? We’ve decided to give you three options of Singapore’s fourth day, entirely laid-back, itinerary. Give your instincts a free reign: They’ll know how to finish your Singapore vacation strong!

Itinerary: Mount Faber Loop – Henderson Waves – Alexander Arch – Canopy Walkway — Singapore Zoo — Singapore Botanic Gardens – TreeTop Walk

The Southern Ridges Walk

First up, we can’t let you take on yet another day in Singapore on an empty stomach. Not too far from this first itinerary option sits the acclaimed Keng Eng Kee Seafood Restaurant @ Alexandra Village. We admit, it’s a weird breakfast choice, but traveling has its own rules (remember the two daiquiris you had at an airport lounge at 10 a.m.?), so suck it up and enjoy some seafood at dawn. For just such occasion, they serve Butter Cereal Squid (S$23). We didn’t have the guts to try it, but if you do, please leave your notes in the comments below!

If you are up for another day of walking, I highly recommend the Southern Ridges Walk. This easy 10-kilometer trail will make you forget you are still in a busy city.

Leading through Mount Faber Park and Hort Park you will walk through the tropical rainforest and even spot a monkey if you are lucky.

Notable sights along the way are the Henderson Waves, Alexander Arch, and the Canopy Walkway. Combine visiting all these places by joining this tour with a passionate guide – click here for more information .

Important: Singapore is hot and humid, be sure to bring enough water, sunscreen and a wide brimmed hat !

The closest MRT station is the Harbor Front station. Alternatively, you can take the cable car up (or down) from Mount Faber station.

Singapore Zoo

Located further in-land (in-island? we’re confused on the semantics here), Singapore Zoo is the ultimate family-friendly destination in Singapore.

Coined one of the best rainforest zoos in the world, Singapore Zoo certainly lives up to the hype! With many different zones and more than 4 200 (!) animals, this attraction can take up the whole day (especially if you count the time it takes to get to the zoo and back to your hotel).

The grounds of the zoo are vast, and there are plenty of markers and informational stands , so you always know where you are and what you’re looking at. And trust us, there’s plenty of curious sights to see here: A small otter playing with its favorite rock, a red-butted macaque showing you its crimson bottom, a giraffe pointing its long tongue at you in hopes of treats, — your camera roll is truly not ready!

The zones are plentiful inside the zoo, but our favorites certainly are the elephant enclosure and the reptile garden. And yes, we know that a lot of people feel strongly about zoos in general, but here, the animal habitats are tidy and spacious, and the animals look like they’re being nicely taken care of.

Plus, the zoo provides a lot of activities (like shows, feedings, and keeper talks) that are all aimed at bringing the knowledge about these animals closer to the general public. We know that your kids will learn more about the importance of conservation efforts here than online, since being in the actual presence of these creatures brings on a more powerful and pressing vibe to the learning process.

A one day entrance ticket (that includes a tram ride inside the zoo) will cost you S$48, so make the most out of your time here!

The closest MRT station to the zoo is Khatib, followed by a short ride on a Mandai Khatib Shuttle (S$1 one way); so the zoo, albeit located further away from all the city action, is still easily reachable.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Imagine Gardens’ by the Bay Flower Dome Conservatory, but on uppers. The gardens are sprawled over 82 hectares and are home to thousands of different plants. The attraction has been appointed a UNESCO World Heritage Site status, which can give you the scope of beauty and importance this natural oasis has not only to the city of Singapore, but to the whole world!

You can walk around the gardens’ premises by yourself (the walk can take hours if you get lucky with a slightly overcast day), or you can take one of free walking tours that are carried out by volunteers each Saturday.

Check out the on-site gallery and learn why the gardens played such a big part in the latex industry of the times past (a hint: It has something to do with rubber trees). The entry to the Botanic Gardens is free, but you will have to shell out S$15 or so to get into the coveted National Orchid Garden that is located on the premises (every 35 year old woman’s dream!).

Before heading over to your second location of the day, pop into Dempsey Hill — a revamped space containing countless shops and eateries. What were once British army barracks are now trendy places where you can relax and fill up your belly with good food. From upscale restaurants to simple hole-in-the-wall eateries, — Dempsey Hill has it all!

TreeTop Walk

A hiking trail at MacRitchie Reservoir, TreeTop Walk is one of the most unique ways to enjoy the views of Singapore’s greenery.

The TreeTop Walk suspension bridge stats are impressive: The free-standing bridge’s length is 250 meters, and the height is at 25 meters (at its tallest point). So basically, you’re at a tree canopy level and can see everything that is going on in the lives of its natural inhabitants (be it crazy monkeys or cute flying foxes, it’s just as exciting as ever).

If you want to connect with Singapore’s nature, then this walk is for you: Although challenging at times (the entire walk to and from the bridge takes about three to five hours, depending on your pace), it can be easily done by people with no previous training. Just remember to bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and bug spray, and you’ll be okay!

Important info to remember: The bridge is supposed to have 30 trekkers on it at a time, tops; plus, it’s one-way traffic only, meaning you will have to complete the walk in its entirety and come back to ground zero on the forest level (which is great, as you get to experience all the different levels of the Singapore’s rainforest).

Top things to do in Singapore: printable PDF

Singapore best place to stay

There is no single best area to stay in Singapore, the most important thing is to find accommodation close to an MRT station. There are many nice neighborhoods in Singapore and accommodations suitable for any budget.

Where to stay in Singapore on a budget

Let’s address the elephant in the room right away: The overarching fact about Singapore’s hotels is that they are not exactly fit for budget-conscious travelers; as they are disproportionately expensive compared to lodging options in other cities of South-East Asia. However, there are some hotels in Singapore that are pretty accessible to people without a trust fund: From what we’ve gathered, the cheapest accommodation in Singapore can be found in Chinatown and Little India neighborhoods.

When we visited Singapore for the first time, we traveled on a tight budget and stayed at the Vintage Inn. Which happened to be the only dorm room we stayed in during our 5-month trip .

It’s not that I don’t like staying in dorms, but I found that traveling as a couple, prices for a private room are similar to or even cheaper than the price for two beds in a dorm.

During our last trip to Singapore, we’ve decided to try out a new budget-friendly accommodation, and our choice fell on the Wink Capsule Hostel . Located in the colorful and bustling Chinatown (super close to the MRT station), it was an excellent option for our short stay in the city. We got a private room here (there are dormitory-style options as well) for $85 a night.

We always forget about the hotel situation in Singapore (that being one of the most expensive in the world), so the price and the size of the room definitely shocked us at first.

After getting used to it though, we felt right at home there: Everything was clean and in working condition. The only downside were super thin walls (which is actually an upside for keen eavesdroppers), but a couple of ear plugs did the job.

Location-wise, it’s one of the best budget hotel options in Singapore. However, if you can afford something a little bit more upscale, consider trying one of the places we list below.

Check prices on Agoda | Check prices on Booking

Good hotels in Singapore for a medium budget

If you are looking for medium-budget hotel rooms in Singapore, there are many good options!

Before you dive in, please note that the prices for these hotels depend on the time of year and how far in advance you book. Therefore, the prices we mention are nothing more than a rough indication of the price per night to help you compare the different options. Use ‘click here’ to see the latest prices on Agoda and Booking and book ahead to get the best deal.

The Carlton City Hotel

The Carlton City Hotel is an excellent value hotel. Singapore hotel rooms are generally quite small, but the Carlton City Hotel is a rare exception. The spacious rooms are much larger than the average Singapore hotel room.

There is a swimming pool (indoor and outdoor), fitness facilities, room service, and a bar and it's only a short walk (2 minutes) to the nearest MRT station (Tanjong Pagar).

You can take advantage of the location and have your meals outside the hotel, at Whole Earth — a vegetarian restaurant where chefs take plant-based food to astronomical levels. We recommend you start with simple olive rice or crispy golden oats, and work your way up to more exclusive (and thus weirder) dishes.

The Village Hotel Albert Court

Made up of restored historic shophouses, the Village Hotel Albert Court is a lovely Singapore boutique hotel in the Bugis area.

Rooms are modern with a touch of Chinese decor, there is an onsite (Indian) restaurant and this is one of the few hotels offering free parking.

However, the Rochor MRT Station is only a 1-minute walk so you'll be better off traveling by public transport!

When it comes to having an amazing breakfast, we advice you venture off outside the hotel (even though room service is so very tempting after a long travel day) to Apartment Coffee — get yourself one of their specialty brews and either relax before a packed day of exploring Singapore or get some work done if you fall more into the category of a digital nomad. The coffee shop’s minimalist interior is perfect for both scenarios!

Luxury hotels in Singapore

Just as with Singapore budget hotels and mid-range accommodations, there is no shortage of luxury hotels in Singapore!

Because hotel prices aren't cheap in Singapore in general, be prepared to pay for your luxury stay in Singapore.

That being said, Singapore does offer some splendid 5-star hotels that will guarantee an unforgettable Singapore travel experience.

Parkroyal on Pickering

The Parkroyal on Pickering hotel is located in Chinatown and boasts a beautiful design, a 300m garden walk, an outdoor swimming pool, and comfortable luxurious rooms.

From the Orchid Club rooftop lounge, you can admire the city skyline while enjoying a drink or two. Breakfast is extensive and there is an excellent onsite restaurant as well (LIME).

Fairmont Singapore

Another top hotel in Singapore is the Fairmont . This hotel has not one but six onsite restaurants plus a spa, a gym, a hot tub, AND a pool. Rooms have a private balcony, some with a view of the Marina Bay waterfront.

You can join the afternoon tea or play a game of tennis. Or you can simply relax in your comfortable 45m2 suite with a king-size bed and city view.

Regardless, you will feel like a princess (or prince) during your stay at the Fairmont.

How to visit Singapore on a budget

Let's make one thing clear: Singapore is not a cheap country to visit. At least, not compared to its neighboring countries in Southeast Asia.

However, a Singapore budget trip doesn't mean staying in a dirty hostel and eating a defrosted piece of toast for dinner.

There are a few ways you can significantly lower your spending when in Singapore:

• Since the majority of Singapore’s most notable tourist attractions are free to visit, you can fill your itinerary with simply walking around Singapore’s Downtown and looking up and around at the wonderful scenery and architecture the city is so blessed with (we see you, Supertree Grove and Marina Bay Sands);
• You also don’t need to shell out plenty of cash to enjoy the views of Singapore skyline, as there are a few free (or almost free) viewing points scattered all around the city (like Sky Garden at the top of CapitaSpring complex, or one of the viewing decks on the Helix Bridge);
• If your hotel is located in either Chinatown or Little India, you can easily bypass using taxis or any other type of public transport altogether (not that it’s very expensive in Singapore, but still, money is money) and walk on one of the many scenic routes connecting these neighborhoods to Singapore’s city center;
• When it comes to food, you should mainly rely on Singapore’s hawker centers for the majority of your meals: It’s here that you can get a hearty authentic meal for an adequate price. The city is rich with hawker centers and other types of street food spaces (food courts and the like), but our personal favorites are Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown (you absolutely must try the popular Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice — a stall so famous it has been awarded the Michelin Bib Gourmand title every year since 2016), Makansutra Gluttons Bay near the Esplanade, and Tiong Bahru Market;
• If you have a short layover in Singapore (more than 5.5 hours but less than 24 hours), then you might be eligible for a free tour of the city from the Changi Airport! You can pre-book your tour here , but keep in mind that apart from the time requirement, there’s a lot more that goes into planning this fun activity than meets the eye, so read the fine print closely. There are three city bus tours you can choose from (and a free walking tour of the Jewel — the most wonderful part of the Changi Airport), but you are eligible for just one of them (and you cannot go out of the airport twice, per the transition law). Anyway, it’s a unique opportunity, and if it’s something you might be interested in, you should take it!

Below you can find our Singapore trip budget, which includes all the activities mentioned above. So, you can visit many of the top things to do in Singapore without breaking the bank!

Our Singapore travel budget

If you are wondering ‘How much money do I need for 4 days in Singapore?' , in the infographic below you can see exactly how much we spent during our trip.

Budget for Singapore: the nitty-gritty details

The expenses pictured in the infographic are for me and my husband together and include all expenses of our four-day trip to Singapore.

In total, we spent 560SGD (€372/$400) during our 4-day trip in Singapore, which is an average of 140SGD (€93/$100) a day .

Prices are quoted in Singapore Dollars (S$) as well as € and US$. The S$ is a pretty stable currency, but of course, there are some variations in the exchange rate, you can find the latest rates here .

Singapore budget

Our Singapore expenses were divided between costs for accommodation, transport, food, and activities.

• Accommodation: 43% of daily costs
• Transportation: 9% of daily costs
• Food and drinks: 34% of daily costs
• Paid activities: 14% of daily costs

Despite the long list of Singapore's top attractions we visited, we did not spend much money on activities. The only paid activities in this Singapore itinerary are:

• The Pinnacle @ Duxton sky garden (6SGD per person)
• The observation deck of the Marina Bay Sands building (30SGD per person)
• The Singapore Flyer (40SGD per person)
• OCBC Skyway at Supertree Grove (12SGD per person)
• Gardens’ by the Bay Cloud Forest and Flower Dome combo (53SGD per person)
• Future World Exhibition at ArtScience Museum (30SGD per person)
• Singapore Zoo (48SGD per person)
• Movie ticket (10,50SGD per person)

These expenses are based on a 4-night stay in a budget hotel, eating at street food stalls and cheap restaurants, and exploring the city mostly on foot (except for larger distances).

How to get around Singapore?

The MRT in Singapore is extremely efficient and very cheap, check MRT info and map here . And if there is no MRT station close to your hotel, there is an extensive bus network as well.

The plus side of the bus is that you can some Singapore points of interest along the way, though it usually takes a lot longer to get somewhere by bus than by MRT.

More info about buses in Singapore can be found on this site.

What to eat in Singapore?

Singapore is all about food! There is a mixture of cultures and cuisines, ranging from typical Singaporean dishes like chili crab to Peranakan dishes like laksa and Chinese-influenced food such as Wanton Mee.

Though, I have to admit I ate a lot of Indian when I was there (which is yet another culture present in multifaceted Singapore).

I am ‘slightly' addicted to Indian food and there aren’t many places in my home country where you can get proper Indian so I ate as much paratha, dosa, and curry as I could find.

I also tried and really liked the previously mentioned laksa (a spicy noodle soup), but stupidly enough forgot to try out the famous Singapore chili crab…

Next time, definitely next time!

During our last trip to Singapore, we finally came around to trying out the food of the world famous hawker stall — Liao Fan Hawker Chan in Chinatown. It has long been on our radar due to the fact that it was the first hawker stall to be awarded one Michelin star (the outrageously long queues at any point of the day also added to the allure of this place). However, when we finally tried their noodles and chicken rice, we were thoroughly disappointed: The food wasn’t as tasty as the reviews made it out to be. Maybe for that very reason, in 2021, the stall’s Michelin star was taken away. So, from now on, if you see this stall mentioned countless of times in Singapore’s food guides , you can confidently leave it out of your personal itinerary and fill its place with some other hawker food stalls we’ve mentioned above.

Also read this awesome post by a true Singaporean which dishes you cannot miss during your Singapore visit!

Best places to visit in Singapore: in conclusion

So, is 4 days in Singapore enough? We believe that it is: You get the most well-rounded tourist experience in the first three days, and then leave your final day for free roaming to your heart’s desire. If you don’t have the luxury of four whole days in Singapore and are only working with a 24-hour layover, then remember to click here  for our most detailed One Day in Singapore Itinerary.

I hope you have enjoyed this Singapore tour guide. Have fun in Singapore and let me know if you have any questions!

Also read my other posts about traveling in Southeast Asia :

• Cambodia : Cambodia travel budget , Cambodia itinerary , Siem Reap itinerary
• Indonesia : Bali itinerary , Best luxury resort on Bali , Live like a local in Sebatu)
• Laos : Laos travel budget , Laos itinerary , Luang Prabang itinerary , Hiking in Vang Vieng
• Malaysia : Malaysia travel budget , Malaysia itinerary , Scuba diving on Tioman , Guide to the Perhentian Islands , Guide to Langkawi
• Philippines : Philippines travel budget , Philippines itinerary , Guide to El Nido , El Nido scuba diving , Rice terraces of Batad
• Thailand : Thailand travel budget , Thailand itinerary , Koh Samui itinerary , Kimpton Kitalay Hotel review , Where to eat in Maenam (Koh Samui)
• Vietnam : Vietnam travel budget , Vietnam itinerary , Phu Quoc island itinerary

This post was updated in November 2023.

Thursday 7th of April 2022

Where to buy Singapore attractions tickets?

Sunday 10th of April 2022

Hey Kalpesh,

Well that depends on the attraction you'd like to visit. You can purchase tickets online (Get Your Guide, Klook or Viator are good places to book) or at the site itself.

Kind regards, Lotte

Wednesday 8th of January 2020

Will be there in a few weeks. I have been putting together my own 4 day itinerary but this helps a lot. we won't be interested in Sentosa but everything else is being included. Wish I had seen this before!

Friday 10th of January 2020

Happy to hear you like the Singapore itinerary:-) Enjoy your trip there, it's a beautiful city!

Monday 25th of November 2019

Loved reading your article. The best that I've seen so far. We've planned for a trip to Singapore this Feb. Confused whether to take baby with me or leave at home in India. She'll be nearly 2 yrs old by the time we go. With all those activities in Sentosa Island, the Flyer, Cable car, etc. Can we manage with the baby ?

Tuesday 26th of November 2019

Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoyed the article:-) Regarding your question, we have done several trips with our son (who is now almost one and a half) and haven't experienced any issues traveling with him. Sure, sometimes you have to adjust your plans and activities, but (depending on how easy your kid is;-) many things can be done together. If I were to travel to Singapore in the near future, I'd definitely take my son. Perhaps not all activities on Sentosa Island are suitable, but the Flyer and Cable Car are perfectly fine to do with a small kid:-) Have a wonderful trip!

Friday 8th of November 2019

WOWWWWWW. What an amazing travel guide. I’m a full time traveler so I spend a lot of time looking at guides. This is the best I’ve EVER seen. Love the sightseeing map by day.

Unbelievable amount of work you put in here! Can’t wait to check out your other guides

Saturday 9th of November 2019

Hi Chester,

Thank you very much, I really appreciate your kind words and I'm happy to hear you love my Singapore post so much. I have indeed put in a lot of effort but it's worth it when it helps people plan their trip:-)

Happy travels, Lotte

Thursday 22nd of August 2019

Hello Lotte, I can't thank you enough for this post. So so....sooo enlightening. My wife and I are travelling to Singapore in some weeks and we have been CHAOTIC (lool..).. from accommodation plans to itinerary, I mean we were lost looool... The information captured here has helped a WHOLE lot.. Apart from the accommodation options mentioned above, is there any hotel/ airBnB option within the range of 50-80 USD per night that you'd recommend?

Wednesday 28th of August 2019

Dear Beany,

You're most welcome! I hope you and your wife have a wonderful trip to Singapore. Regarding the hotels, Hipster City (https://www.booking.com/hotel/sg/hipstercity.en.html?aid=1186903&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) is around $75 per night (shared bathroom). Alternatively, in Hotel Mono you have an ensuite bathroom (https://www.booking.com/hotel/sg/dragon-court.en.html?aid=1186903&no_rooms=1&group_adults=2&room1=A%2CA) for around $100 a night.

Hope you can find a nice place and enjoy your trip:-) Lotte

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The one-week itinerary to Singapore

Tick off all – if not most – items in your bucket list with this handy guide

Singapore’s a relatively small country, meaning you can easily cover most of the major tourist spots during a full week’s stay. But with a plethora of things to do and see, organising this vacation might not be as straightforward as you think. If planning isn’t your strong suit, we’ve got you covered with this meticulous guide that features the best of our sunny island. All you have to do is book your flight and pack your suitcase.

RECOMMENDED: The three-day itinerary to Singapore and the ultimate guide to Singapore’s offshore islands

Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.

After landing at the world’s best airport, kickstart your trip at Singapore's newest shopping mall, Jewel Changi Airport . This futuristic dome houses over 280 dining and retail outlets, enabling you to kill time before checking into your hotel. Keen on trying local dishes the second you touch down? Head to food court Five Spice for local brands like Boon Tat Street BBQ seafood where you can enjoy Singaporean favourites like chilli crab and sambal stingray. If not, drop by NYC-born Shake Shack  and try local exclusives like the Pandan Shake – a pandan, coconut and vanilla ice cream shake topped with gula melaka crumble. Before you step out of the airport, get a headstart by shopping at  Foot Locker , Nike , and Pokémon Center Singapore .

After freshening up at the hotel, head to the Singapore Flyer for a 30-minute ride with amazing views of the cityscape. Pay a visit to the Esplanade  to admire its unique architecture which resembles the king of fruits, durian. This performing arts centre also hosts a plethora of performances, so get yourself a ticket if any piques your interest. Then walk over to the Merlion Park to get that money shot of you and Singapore’s iconic mascot, the Merlion. There are two statues here – the original 8.6-metre tall one that spouts water from its mouth, and a two-metre tall Merlion cub.

• Singaporean
• Raffles Place

Take the train down to Telok Ayer MRT station to visit one of Singapore’s popular hawker centres, Lau Pa Sat , for dinner. It has several stalls selling local food, like Seng Kee Local Delights which serves up fried Hokkien prawn mee, and Chicky Fun which dishes out plates of Hainanese chicken rice. Retaining one of the oldest Victorian design structures in Southeast Asia, this historic building is also aesthetically pretty. So enjoy the elegance of this hawker while you enjoy your food.

Since you’re in the CBD, it's time to bar hop. Aside from being the country’s financial and commercial district, this area has notable watering holes like the award-winning  Employees Only ,  Operation Dagger and 28 Hong Kong Street .  For tipple with a view, head up to rooftop bars 1-Altitude and Cé La Vi  or spice things up  at retro arcade bar Nineteen80 where you can play games like PacMan and Street Fighter while sipping on classics like Long Island Tea and Blue Lagoon.

• Things to do

Start your day bright and early at Gardens by the Bay and visit the famed Flower Dome and Cloud Forest cooled conservatories for a diverse species of vegetation and floral gems. Continue exploring this 101-hectare nature park which comprises three waterfront gardens – Bay South, Bay East and Bay Central – all offering picturesque views of the skyline, to see more attractions like the Supertree Grove and OCBC Skyway, art sculptures, and the nearby Marina Barrage .

Saunter down to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel to get close-up shots of this iconic building before you cross over to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands . Be treated to dining options ranging from restaurants owned by world-renowned chefs like Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen and CUT by Wolfgang Puck , to casual ones like Black Tap Craft Burgers and Beer , Yardbird Southern Table & Bar , and Din Tai Fung . After feasting, shop around at retail stores like Jimmy Choo, Chanel, Sephora, and Limited Edt Underground, or go on a relaxing sampan ride along the mall’s canal. There’s also the ArtScience Museum for museum lovers and a casino for the high-rollers.

Have a meal at one of Singapore's best restaurants . The city is a hotspot for innovative chefs who are pushing the restaurant scene forward by leaps and bounds. There's Nouri , a new entry to this year's 50 Best Restaurants list, which offers boundary-blurring cuisine that celebrates the culinary diversity of the world. Or if you're up for Japanese, Lo and Behold's latest venture Esora will leave you in peaceful contentment. And for those among you who want to splash some cash, there's Zén , an offshoot of three-Michelin-starred Frantzen in Sweden, which serves Nordic meets Japanese cuisine.

Clarke Quay is the place to be if you’re looking to do something after the sun goes down, specifically, party. Whether you’re a chill drinker or an avid raver, let loose and be wild at popular nightclubs like Zouk and F. Club , chug shots at dedicated shooters bar Chupitos , mini-golf at golf-themed bar Holey Moley or play at games at arcade bar Level Up .

• Tiong Bahru

Sample a local breakfast at Tiong Bahru Market & Food Centre . Located on the second floor, this hawker is packed with stalls selling popular local dishes, like chwee kueh, chicken rice, and fried kway teow, at reasonable prices. For a classic Singapore-style breakfast, give either of these a shot: chwee kueh – oily rice cakes accompanied with fried chye poh (Chinese dried radish) or a breakfast set which typically includes a cup of coffee, kaya (coconut jam) toasts, and soft-boiled eggs.

Venture off to your first ethnic neighbourhood, Chinatown . Learn more about the Chinese’s history, food, culture and religion at attractions like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple , Chinatown Heritage Centre , Chinatown Food Street and Chinatown Complex . Visit the rooftop carpark at People’s Park Complex for instagrammable shots of you and the streets of Chinatown.

Take the train down to Little India for your next cultural stop and get a taste of Singapore’s Indian culture and history at the Indian Heritage Centre . Some of the popular Indian dishes are here, like at Komalas Vilas , Kailash Parbat Restaurant and Blue Jasmine . Get your retail therapy on at 24-hour Mustafa Centre , where you can find anything and everything for cheap, from clothing and accessories to souvenirs and electronics. For Insta pictures of and with murals, head to Clive Street, Upper Dickson Road, Kerbau Road, Hindoo Road, and Dunlop Street.

Lastly, experience the Malay culture at Kampong Glam (nearest MRT Station – Bugis ). Start from the landmark Sultan Mosque and the Malay Heritage Centre , then head out to the side streets where you’ll find lots of cafes and restaurants like I Am… and The Hangar , and art and murals, especially along Haji Lane.

No trip to Singapore is complete without trying the durian. This fruit is known for its spiky appearance, strong odour and acquired taste. So, you’ll either indulge with pleasure or back away in disgust. We encourage you to be daring and sample our country’s unofficial fruit (you might like it, who knows?) at Geylang where stalls selling durian are plenty. For the uninitiated, there are different types of durians. Go for the Mao Shan Wang for a bittersweet taste, Black Thorn for sweet, and D24 for bitter.

Head along to theme park Haw Par Villa . But don’t expect roller coasters, bumper cars and carousels when you come here. This outdoor park features quirky and colourful statues depicting Chinese folklore, legends and history. It’s also rumoured to be haunted at night. Don’t miss the main attraction – the gruesome yet intriguing Ten Courts of Hell.

To learn more about the Little Red Dot’s history, make your way to the country’s oldest museum, the National Museum of Singapore . The exhibitions here focus on the nation’s history, like the Singapore History Gallery where it narrates the development of the country over the years and Modern Colony where it explores Singapore’s cosmopolitan nature as a British Crown colony from the late 1920s to 1930s. 

A couple of kilometres away is the country’s largest art museum, the National Gallery Singapore . It oversees over 8,000 artworks, making it the biggest public collection of modern art in Singapore and Southeast Asia. This art museum is also housed in two national monuments – the former Supreme Court building and City Hall. If you’re keen, the exteriors of these two buildings are great for pictures for the ‘gram as well.

Walk over to St Andrew’s Cathedral to admire its neo-Gothic architecture and know more about its history, like how it was named after the patron saint of Scotland in homage to the Scottish community who donated to the building fund. Besides being the country’s largest and oldest Anglican cathedral, the St Andrew’s is also a national monument and the cathedral church of the Anglican Diocese of Singapore.

Grab dinner and drinks at the nearby Chijmes , a former Catholic convent school turned lifestyle spot. There are loads of restaurants, bars and cafe here, like Harry’s , Privé , The Berlin Bar & Restaurant, Giardino Pizza Bar & Grill, and Almost Famous Craft Beer Bar . Chill on the bean bags or hammocks at the mini lawn area and gaze in awe at the view of the Gothic-style chapel once you’re done with your meal.

• Attractions
• Sightseeing
• Bukit Merah

Looking forward to an adrenaline-filled day at Singapore’s state of fun, Sentosa ? Instead of taking the train to Harbourfront and then the monorail into the island, opt for a cable car ride from Faber Peak at Mount Faber. The ride will treat you to beautiful aerial views of Sentosa itself, the harbour, and some of the heartlands.

Midday and evening

With so many things to do at Sentosa, expect to spend an entire day on this island. You can pop into Universal Studios Singapore to go on adrenaline pumping rides like the Battlestar Galactica, and Revenge of the Mummy or head to Adventure Cove Waterpark to go on thrilling slides. There’s also AJ Hackett where you can bungy jump off a 50-metre tower, and Mega Adventure Park where you zip-line over Siloso Beach . If you prefer not to tempt fate, head to the S.E.A Aquarium or Madame Tussauds Singapore , admire the tallest Merlion in the country or go on the Skyline Luge & Skyride .

There’s an array of dining options at Sentosa you could go to for dinner, like Chili’s American Grill & Bar , Din Tai Fung , Hard Rock Cafe , and Fratelli Trattoria. But if you prefer heading elsewhere, try Maxwell Food Centre . This hawker has a reputation for its cheap delicious food, like the Hainanese chicken rice from Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, and congee from Zhen Zhen Porridge.

• Parks and gardens

Be at one with nature at Singapore Botanic Gardens . This 160-year-old tropical garden features more than 10,000 species of floral and was honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015. Stroll through this 82-hectare park to take in the best of horticulture set in a lush landscape.

It’s time you head to our country’s major shopping district, Orchard Road. Shop until you drop at malls like ION Orchard , Paragon , Ngee Ann City , 313@Somerset , Orchard Central and Plaza Singapura . Items on sale range from apparel and cosmetics to tech and furniture and brands include both luxury and casual, and international and local. Once you’re done, make your wallet feel better at Bugis Street . This shopping area out of Orchard is known for its cheap bargains, with items going as low as $5 and under. You can also journey to the east (Jurong) to shop at outlet mall IMM where brands like Kate Spade and Coach sell products at a discounted price.

Cab down to Dempsey Hill to explore the array of dining and nightlife offerings. You’ll have the option to tuck into local delights at various restaurants like Jumbo Seafood , Long Beach Seafood, and Samy’s Curry, or check out RedDot Brewhouse for a hearty menu of burgers, charcoal grill, and beers.

End your final day with a trip to the country’s three zoos – Singapore Zoo, River Safari and Night Safari – all of which are unique in terms of its animals and exhibits. Beginning at the Singapore Zoo , a visit here will treat you to over 300 species of animals, of which 34 percent are considered to be threatened. Animals here include the Bornean orangutan, cotton-top tamarin, chimpanzee, African lion, and brown lemur. It also has animals shows like the Splash Safari Show where you get to witness the antics of the California sea lion.

The River Safari is the newest addition among the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. It’s also Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park. At this 12-hectare zoo, you can find over 400 types of plants and 240 species of aquatic and terrestrial animals, including threatened animals like the giant panda, manatee and Mekong giant catfish. Other highlights include the Amazon River Quest boat ride where you come face-to-face with some 30 wildlife species from the Amazon River, and a 15-minute Reservoir Cruise that travels along the Upper Seletar Reservoir.

The Night Safari – as its name suggests – only operates at night. Explore its seven geographical zones on foot via its four walking trails – Leopard Trail, Fishing Cat Trail, East Lodge Trail, Wallaby Trail – or by tram. While at it, observe close to 100 species of animals in their natural habits here, like the spotted hyena, white African lion, sloth bear and clouded leopard.

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