32 Best Things to Do in SINGAPORE Itinerary (3-Days)
Are you looking for the best things to do in Singapore? In this article, we will share the very best activities and locations that we experienced during our 3-day Singapore Itinerary. From innovative green spaces, futuristic architecture, diverse culinary experiences and more – every type of traveller will find something to love from the things to do in Singapore. Continue reading to find out more!
Singapore is a place of many superlatives. It is one of the greenest, safest and most expensive cities in the world. Being a city-state, Singapore is also among the 20 smallest countries, however, what it lacks in size it makes up in quality.
There is a plethora of things to do in Singapore. Get ready for an action-packed itinerary with some world-class sights such as the Gardens By The Bay and The Jewel, as well as iconic landmarks and foodie delights.
We fell in love with Singapore on our recent trip and even felt like we could live there. Unsurprisingly, Singapore is voted as one of the most livable destinations for ex-pats and we can see why.
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Contents
- Best Time to Visit
- How to Get to And Around
- Where to Stay
- Before You Go – Singapore Pass
- Map
- Itinerary
- Conclusion
Essential Travel Tools
📱E-sim: link
✈️ Flights: Skyscanner
🚆Transport: 12GoAsia
🏨 Accommodation: Booking.com
📸 Tours: Viator/Klook
🚗 Car hire: Discover Cars
Best Time to Visit Singapore
One of the main draws of Singapore is the reliable weather, making it an enticing travel destination all year round. Typically, the city is a humid 30 degrees. If this sounds too warm for you, don’t worry as there are plenty of opportunities to escape the heat to that sweet sweet AC.
The months of mid-Janurary to April are known as Singapore’s dry season where the country has the least amount of rainfall and more sunshine. These months also fall into the shoulder season meaning there will be fewer tourists than in the high season which is June to August.
🎉 Singapore’s Festivals
Pongal: Usually mid-January
Chinese New Year: Usually late January/early February
Thaipusam: Usually early February
How to Get to & Around Singapore
Singapore is home to Changi Airport, regarded as the best airport in the world (more on that later) and is the country’s international travel hub. For the best deals on flights to Singapore, we recommend that you use Skyscanner.
From Changi Airport, the MRT is a super cheap, efficient and easy way to get to the city centre. Unfortunately, the metro stops running between the hours of midnight and 05:30 am. If you arrive during these hours, we recommend ordering a Grab taxi which cost us S$33 (£20).
Thanks to the city’s amazing infrastructure, getting around Singapore is a breeze. The MRT will get you to most places on this itinerary. Conveniently, you can even use your debit card to tap in and out of the gates so no faffing at the ticket machines.
Where to Stay in Singapore
The Marina Bay area is hands down the best area to stay in Singapore. This is the centre of all the best things to do in Singapore and staying here will allow you to make the most of your time during your Singapore itinerary. Unfortunately, the convenience and luxury that can be found in this area come at a price and may not be suitable for those of us travelling on a budget.
Chinatown and Little India offer more affordable accommodation options and thanks to their MRT stations are great places to explore Singapore from. Both of these areas are also foodie paradises allowing you to explore the city’s diverse cultures.
We opted to stay in Boat Quay, which we highly recommend. It is located between Chinatown and Marina Bay which was perfect for us. We were able to stay in a budget hostel, enjoy the authentic food of Chinatown and have a pleasant stroll down the restaurant-lined canal to the heart of Marina Bay.
🏨 Hotels in Singapore
Luxury: Marina Bay Sands
Mid-range: Wanderlust, The Unlimited Collection by OakWood
Budget: Wanderloft Capsule Hostel (our pick)
…read our post for a more detailed guide on where to stay in Singapore.
Before You Start Your Singapore Itinerary! – Singapore Pass
Before you visit Singapore it can be highly beneficial to buy yourself a Singapore Pass. This pass includes entrance to the best things to do in Singapore and if utilised correctly can save you up to 40% compared to buying individual tickets.
There are a few different options for the pass so chose one that suits your needs. If you are following our Singapore itinerary, we recommend getting the all-inclusive 2-day pass and doing all the expensive things to do in Singapore (Day 1 and Day 3 below) in the first two days.
Map of The Best Things to Do in Singapore
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Singapore Itinerary
Things to Do in Singapore on Arrival/Departure
1. The Jewel at Changi Airport
Price: Free
Depending on the arrival and departure times of your flights, you will want to spend time at the number one ranked airport in the world, Changi Airport. Inside this airport, enter The Jewel where the famous HSBC Rain Vortex lies at its heart. This marvel is the world’s largest indoor waterfall that cascades down 7-storeys and performs a light and sound showcase daily at 19:30, 20:30 and 21:30.
Also to be found in the Jewel are the Mirror and Hedge Mazes, Canopy Park, Mastercard Canopy Bridge, the Walking and Bouncing Nets and Discovery Slides but these come at an additional cost. We recommend allocating 3-4 hours to the airport depending on how much you want to do.
Day 1 – Marina Bay and Gardens By The Bay
Day one of your Singapore itinerary is spent exploring the “big hitters”, those iconic things to do in Singapore that everybody knows about and everybody will enjoy. Chances are that you will be familiar with these famous landmarks and attractions or they are what has drawn you to Singapore in the first place.
2. Merlion, Esplanade, Helix Bridge
Price: Free
Known as the “Lion City” it is very fitting that this Singapore itinerary starts at the symbol of the country, the famous meet-up spot the Merlion statue.
The 8.6-metre-high landmark sits on the edge of Marina Bay and presents stunning views of Marina Bay Sands and the countless architectural masterpieces featured in the Singapore skyline.
Speaking of stunning architecture, from the Merlion take a walk around the bay, first heading towards the Esplanade, a durian-shaped concert hall. We loved how unique this building looks and is very photogenic. There is an outdoor stage which had free live music performances when we were passing by, creating a lovely atmosphere.
Continue your stroll around the bay where you will reach the Helix Bridge. The view of the famous Marina Bay Sands from this bridge is amazing. This super cool spiral passage will lead you over Marina Bay to your next stop on this Singapore itinerary.
3. ArtScience Museum
Price: from S$14 per person (S$39 (£24) for a non-local all displays ticket) purchase discounted tickets here.
Before you even enter the ArtScience Museum, the outstanding architecture of this lotus-shaped building captures your attention. The museum aims to explore where art, science and culture come together using technology and innovative methods in each exhibition.
The famous artists from teamLab are frequent collaborators amongst other names such as the Mori Art Museum in Tokyo and Australian Centre for Moving Images in Melbourne.
4. Marina Bay Sands
Price: Free
The iconic Marina Bay Sands is a must-see on any Singapore itinerary. We are extremely jealous of those who have the opportunity to call this hotel their home during their time in Singapore.
You can explore the famous landmark without paying a penny. The bottom floors of the building are where you will find a world-class luxury shopping mall. Although we didn’t do any shopping, it is worth going inside to appreciate the Marina Bay Sands’ architecture from within.
Side note, for those of you who fancy fulfilling an Italian fantasy, on the basement floor there is a man-made canal running the length of the mall offering gondola rides. That’s Amore!
5. SkyPark Observation Deck
Price: S$26 (£16) for non-residents, purchase discounted tickets here.
You have explored inside, now it’s time to explore the most unique feature of Marina Bay Sands. The rooftop deck appears to be floating on top of the building’s three pillars giving it its famous shape. The SkyPark Observation Deck allows you to explore the top of the building and take in unobstructed views of the cityscape.
The Marina Bay Sands rooftop has been made famous by its unbelievable infinite pool. Unfortunately, that is reserved for hotel guests only. If you don’t want to miss out make your reservation here.
For a cheaper alternative, you could also go to the Ce La Vie bar in the Marina Bay Sands hotel itself and enjoy a drink and the same view from just one floor below the observation deck.
6. Gardens By The Bay
Price: Free
The Gardens By The Bay is one of the most iconic things to do in Singapore. Let’s face it, this wouldn’t be a great Singapore itinerary if we didn’t include it. We think the Gardens By The Bay is Singapore’s top attraction and it is easy to see why.
There is just so much on offer in this tropical paradise. Aside from the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, there is also the Supertree Grove, Floral Fantasy dome, Dragonfly and Kingfisher lakes, two hawker centres and so much more. You can easily spend hours at Gardens By The Bay. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for otters too!
7. Cloud Forest
Price: S$53 (£32.50) for a non-resident ticket to Cloud Forest & Flower Dome. Purchase discounted tickets here.
Boasting one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls, the Cloud Forest is an atmospheric greenhouse filled with canopy walkways, rare plant species and a secret garden. The incredible misting that gives the Cloud Forest its name occurs every two hours starting from 10 am so make sure you time your visit to witness this enveloping event during your Singapore itinerary.
We recommend you spend 1.5 hours here to truly explore everything on offer. Follow the pathways around the base of the “mountain” before venturing high up into the canopy along the walkways for a bird’s eye view of the dome. As you climb higher, the plant species change to reflect those that would grow at higher altitudes. During our visit, the Avatar Experience was in full swing (ends 30th June 2023) which added an extra element of fun and immersion to our Cloud Forest adventure.
8. Flower Dome
Price: S$53 (£32.50) for a non-resident ticket to Cloud Forest & Flower Dome, purchase discounted tickets here.
Holder of the Guinness World Record for the largest glass greenhouse, the Flower Dome displays flora from all over the world under one roof. Sections include the Australian Garden, South African Garden, Baobabs, the Olive Grove and the Flower Field.
There are also clever animal sculptures dotted throughout the dome made out of wood. Try to find your favourite one as you pass between the continents. Our favourite ones were the dragon and the horses.
9. Satay By The Bay
One of the reasons the Gardens By The Bay is one of the best things to do in Singapore is because you don’t even need to leave when it comes to meals. Satay By The Bay is the perfect spot to grab some delicious chicken, prawn or beef satay for dinner. There are plenty more stalls in this hawker centre serving a variety of dishes to cater for all tastes but we recommend at least grabbing a few satay skewers.
If you fancy something more acclaimed, Jurassic Nest, the second hawker centre in the Gardens, serves food from Michelin-star awarded restaurants amongst robotic dinosaur sculptures. Or do what we did and eat at both.
10. Garden Rhapsody – 19:45
Price: Free
An absolute highlight on any Singapore itinerary and one of our favourite things to do in Singapore is watching the Garden Rhapsody at the Supertree Grove at night. We loved it so much that we actually watched it twice.
Gaze up as the Supertrees light up to music, performing a hypnotic dance overhead. For a more immersive experience, you could even pay to watch the performance from the Skywalk in the Supertree canopy.
The Garden Rhapsody shows every day at 19:45 and 20:45 with the dazzling display changing each month so even if you have been before, the likelihood is there will be a new performance the next time you go.
11. Spectra – 21:00
Price: Free
As if one light show wasn’t enough, we’re recommending squeezing in a second before calling it a night. Head back through the Marina Bay Sands to the waterfront where you can catch Spectra, a magnificent water and light show. Spectra makes use of music, fountains, lasers and light projects against the backdrop of the Singapore skyline to entertain viewers.
Go early to make sure you get a good spot. Be careful though as chances are you might even get splashed if you stand too close or the wind picks up. Spectra is performed nightly at 20:00 and 21:00 with a 22:00 showing on Fridays and Saturdays.
Day 2 – Cultural Neighbourhoods
Singapore is a melting pot of different cultures which is best seen by visiting the different neighbourhoods in this city-state. Day two of this Singapore itinerary is also a foodie day. We suggest sampling dishes from each area during your day to journey through different cultures via their food.
12. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (Chinatown)
Price: Free
Located in the heart of Chinatown, this five-storey lavishly decorated temple displays Buddha’s left canine tooth. Along with being a temple, there is also a well-curated museum within the grounds that holds sacred relics, cultural performances and a tranquil rooftop garden for meditation.
This Tang-style structure stands out amongst the surrounding Chinatown buildings. Whether you decide to tour the inside or merely admire the beauty from the outside, you are sure to be impressed by this item on your Singapore itinerary.
13. Chinatown’s Street Art
Price: Free
One of the best free things to do in Singapore for art lovers is to roam around Chinatown in search of incredible street art. From a child riding a dragon, a cart selling colourful masks and a scene of daily life from years gone by, there is so much variety in these captivating images.
Each piece is colourful, vibrant and detailed. Some even have 3D elements and are designed to integrate you into the scene for the perfect photo opportunity. A good starting point is South Bridge Street to see “Detective Conan at a stall trying durian”, “Cantonese opera”, “Kids & Dragon”, and “paper mask seller”. From there meander through the streets and down alleyways, keeping your eyes peeled for more incredible art.
14. Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre (Chinatown)
Price: Free
Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre perfectly blends striking architecture and mouth-watering food under one beautiful, cast-iron roof. With dishes from a variety of cuisines for reasonable prices, a visit to this hawker centre is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
There are 80 stalls to choose from and the centre is open 24 hours a day so you could come for breakfast, lunch and dinner if you wanted to. This market also has some Michelin-star stalls on offer so this could be your chance to enjoy some budget-friendly, critically-acclaimed food.
15. Tan Teng Niah (Little India)
Price: Free
From Chinatown, jump on the MRT to Little India. When you emerge from the metro you will feel completely transported amongst the Indian surroundings. Stalls selling heady spice mixes, exotic fruits, shiny bangles and vibrant saris overwhelm the senses.
The first Little India landmark of our Singapore itinerary is Tan Teng Niah. It’s hard to believe that in this colourful neighbourhood a building can stand out but Tan Teng Niah succeeds. This historical sight is popular with photographers due to the vivid colours whilst history buffs enjoy learning about its interesting background. Whatever your motives, you’re unlikely to find anywhere similar on your travels.
16. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple (Little India)
Price: Free
Continuing on our journey of cultural things to do in Singapore, our next stop is Sri Veermakaliamman Temple in Little India. This magnificent Hindu temple is one of the oldest temples in Singapore and is dedicated to Kali, the goddess and destroyer of evil. Admire the intricate, ornate details of the Sri Veermakaliamman Temple that depict Kali in various guises.
Perhaps most impressive is that during the Japanese bombings in WWII, not a single statue on this temple was damaged and it became a great place for those seeking refuge and protection from the attacks.
17. Eat Parata in Little India
Price: from S$1.30 (£0.80)
Our local friend told us one of his favourite things to do in Singapore is to grab a parata from Little India. And who are we to ignore a local?! Parata, prata or paratha, is a perfectly crispy yet fluffy fried pancake, usually served with a savoury curry.
We recommend either Mr and Mrs Mohgan’s or Casuarina Curry for your parata fix. Just make sure you check your timings because the former sells out fast and closes at 13:00.
18. Arab Street
Price: Free
Next, stroll over to Arab Street in the nearby Kampong Glam neighbourhood. Here you will find the best Middle Eastern delights that Singapore has to offer. From indie boutiques to traditional fabric stalls and drool-worthy eateries, Arab Street is a cultural wonder.
Browse the crafts and other curiosities sold by these talkative, friendly sellers. You might end up walking away with a Persian rug and a basket or two!
19. Sultan Mosque
Price: Free
Sultan Mosque, also known as Masjid Sultan, is a must-see attraction on any Singapore itinerary. The golden domes and huge prayer hall of this prominent mosque make it one of Singapore’s most impressive religious buildings.
We were outside just as the atmospheric call to prayer started and were able to observe as worshippers gathered in the building. It’s hard to miss the Sultan Mosque when you are in the Kampong Glam area. It seems that whatever street you look down, you can see it standing boldly amongst its surroundings.
20. Haji Lane
Price: Free
Afterwards, make your way to Haji Lane. Haji Lane has a hipster vibe to it as independent boutiques, cafes, bars and restaurants line the street. This funky walking street is an explosion of colour that partygoers flock to at night.
Tuck into Mexican at Rieda Negra Mexican Restaurant or pizza from MADD PIZZA. For something on the sweeter side try the French American Bakery, Shalaby Sweets Turkish & Arabic Delights or Momolato for ice cream.
21. Raffles for a Singapore Sling
Price: S$37 (£22.70) for a Singapore Sling
Finally, finish day two of your Singapore itinerary at Long Bar. Situated inside the iconic Raffles Hotel, Long Bar is famously the creator of Singapore’s very own cocktail, the Singapore Sling.
This gin-based cocktail was created to resemble a fruit punch, with flavours of cherry and pineapple mixed in. Long Bar is decorated in a colonial style, transporting visitors to a 1920s Malaysian plantation. Whilst the price tag is admittedly hefty, it appeals to those wanting a slice of Singapore’s history and the original Singapore Sling.
Day 3 – Adventurous Fun
22. Southern Ridges
Price: Free
Start day three of your Singapore itinerary by getting out early to beat the heat. Head over to the Southern Ridges for a hike around the 10 km trails that connect three parks along the southern ridge of Singapore.
This is a great place for outdoor enthusiasts or photographers to snap the panoramic views of the city. Do not miss Henderson Waves, the highest pedestrian bridge that in typical Singapore fashion is beautifully designed.
23. Singapore Cable Car
Price: S$35 (£21.50) Mount Faber Line (Round trip), discounted tickets here.
After hiking the Southern Ridges, head down to the Singapore Cable Car that links mainland Singapore to Sentosa Island. This aerial gondola ride is a fun method of transportation that provides incredible views of the city-state and the ocean beyond.
The crossing should take about 30 minutes and sets the tone for a fun day of adventures on Sentosa Island. Sit back and enjoy the panoramic views including spotting some of the best things to do in Singapore.
24. Sentosa Island
Once you reach Sentosa Island you can basically choose your own adventure. Some of the most family-friendly things to do in Singapore can be found on the island. Those big kids amongst us can also enjoy the fun Sentosa has to offer too. Find tickets to all the attractions here.
The most popular attractions include Universal Studios Singapore, the SEA Aquarium, and the Skyline Luge. The island is also home to Singapore’s only beach so why not add a beach day to your Singapore itinerary?
25. Singapore Zoo Night Safari
Price: S$55 Adult (£34), S$38 Child (£23), discounted tickets here.
Singapore Zoo is one of the best zoos in the world and was the first nocturnal wildlife park. This means the zoo is open to visitors between the hours of 19:00 to midnight allowing you to experience animal activity at night.
Emulate a night safari by taking a guided tram ride on a journey through six of the world’s geographical regions. This is easily one of the best things to do in Singapore for families. Buy discounted tickets in advance here.
Optional Things to Do in Singapore – Instagram Spots in Singapore
Here are some more things to do in Singapore we recommend for aspiring photographers. If you are looking to get some snaps for Instagram make sure you add these places to your Singapore itinerary.
26. Old Hill Street Police Station
Price: Free
Quite possibly the most colourful police station in the world, the Old Hill Street Police Station is an extremely photogenic building next to Clarke Quay. The rainbow of windows against the white exterior makes it a perfect backdrop for your next photoshoot. Just be careful of the traffic!
27. Fort Canning Tree Tunnel
Price: Free
We saw Instagram influencers posing on the stairway of Fort Canning Tree Tunnel and decided to go and take a look for ourselves. The tunnel is located in a really pleasant park which makes the journey over there more worthwhile.
Once inside Fort Canning Park, you will find signposts that will lead you to the tunnel where you can get your Instagram shot. Shockingly, when we arrived there was a queue of people with the same idea. Decide for yourself whether you want to wait around to capture that image before moving on to the many other cool things to do in Singapore.
28. Libray@Orchard
Price: Free
We had seen pictures of the wavy bookshelves of this design-focused library on Pinterest and thought it would be a cool place to photograph. And we were right.
The library@Orchard can be found within the Orchard Gateway mall and is located on floors 3 and 4. We found it a bit difficult to figure out how to get to it, we entered by the giant woman statue’s head (if that helps). This is a public library so please be quiet and respectful of those around you.
29. Museum of Ice Cream
Price: from S$36 (£22) on weekdays, get discounted tickets here.
This fun museum is like the Willy Wonka of ice cream. You can convince us to learn about anything if it involves unlimited free ice cream!
Featuring 12 multi-sensory installations that provide pastel pink photo ops that will brighten up any Instagram feed. Buy your tickets here.
30. Singapore Botanic Gardens
Price: Free
This is a fantastic free alternative to visiting the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome at Gardens By The Bay. Singapore Botanic Gardens is the first and only tropical botanic garden on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and offers a huge array of things to see.
You are guaranteed to get some stunning photographs from these gardens so we recommend that you consider adding them to your Singapore itinerary.
31. Boat Quay
Price: Free
Riverside restaurants and bars leading up to Marina Bay, Boat Quay is a great area to explore in Singapore.
The bridges that connect the two sides of the river present perfect photo opportunities. Furthermore, there is a cool, unusual statue of boys jumping into the river that is definitely worth a quick snap. We also recommend checking the area out at night when the bridges are lit up and less crowded.
32. Clarke Quay
Price: Free
Continue along the river from Boat Quay and you will find the nightlife area of Clarke Quay. Another area with plenty of bars and restaurants to make for a fun night.
The area is famous for its rainbow of pastel-coloured buildings that line the riverside. You will definitely be able to take some stylish snaps here.
Singapore Itinerary Conclusion
As you can see there are so many amazing things to do in Singapore that it is hard to fit them all in. You could easily add a few more days to your Singapore itinerary and not get bored.
We absolutely loved our time in Singapore and would say it is one of our favourite cities in the world. We love how liveable the city feels with the best modern architecture and green spaces we have ever seen.
This is a perfect travel destination for any type of traveller and would make an ideal gateway to Asia if you have not been before. We couldn’t recommend it enough!
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