Asia’s greenest city has it all: exquisite nature, UNESCO-listed heritage sites, world-class shopping, beaches, a bustling nightlife and mouth-watering cuisines that all reflect Singapore’s diversity!
Constantly listed as one of the top three most visited cities in Asia, we’ve compiled a 3 day Singapore itinerary for first-timers, covering all you need to know for planning, from where to stay, eat, shop and things to do in Singapore.
Technically an island, connected to the mainland is Sentosa Island, and thanks to Lion City’s size, you’re able to clock in its iconic landmarks and attractions in a few days.
Drink in skyscraper views, discover magical indoor gardens (and waterfalls), go beach-hopping, shop til you drop in Chinatown or at fancy malls, learn new things at the museum and ride the cable car across the island!
Wine and dine at Michelin establishments and stylish bars with views, and dive into the local street food scene (amazing)! Oh, and did we mention you’ll be flying into the best airport in the world (fact)?
When is the best time to visit Singapore? June and July are the busiest months here (but it’s the peak of summer). February to April is also lovely with fewer tourists. Although Singapore has a winter, it doesn’t get cold, but this is its rainy period (December to March).
Here’s everything you need to know about getting around, what to do, where to stay and what to eat in Singapore!
Day 1
After arriving at Jewel Changi Airport, it’s finally time to stretch those legs and explore Asia’s Greenest City! Hail down a taxi, use the airport MRT to travel into the city or, for added convenience, consider a private airport transfer from Changi Airport.
Travel tip: Check-in is typically from 2 PM onwards. You can head straight to your hotel if they offer luggage concierge services and will keep your bags until then, or with private transport, keep things safely stored whilst you explore until it’s check-in time.
First up, explore and grab lunch at the breathtaking Gardens by the Bay (2.5hrs)
Kick off your Singaporean vacay with a floral-y bang! Not only is Gardens by the Bay one of the most iconic attractions of Singapore, but the garden-inspired wonderland is simply mesmerizing!
Comprising indoor and outdoor gardens, it’s the perfect introduction; cue the indoor waterfalls (inside the Cloud Forest), canopy walkways and spaces overflowing with flower arrangements and art (inside Flower Dome and Floral Fantasy).
Admire the Supertree Observatory’s famous purple and green structures across the 22-meter OCBC Skywalk, and other pretty spaces outside include the Kingfisher Wetlands, the Heritage Gardens and more.
Hungry? There’s an awesome mix of dining options at Gardens by the Bay, from fine-dining to casual.
Fancy Marguerite runs lunch service from 12 PM to 3 PM; Hortus is run by a Michelin star chef and serves easy Mediterranean cuisine; TungLok Seafood has beaut garden views. Something less formal? There’s Satay by the Bay for local bites, or Shake Shack for an old-faithful.
Cross the Southern Ridges and walk above the city (1hr)
Now that you’re checked in, bellies are full and you’re feeling refreshed, get an extra helping of freshness while simultaneously breathing in the city surroundings along the 10-kilometer-long Southern Ridges.
Connecting various parks and attractions along the way, decide from here if you want to break at any of them. Plus, this elevated vantage point provides plenty of views of your city surroundings.
The parks accessed from the Southern Ridges are Telok Blangah Hill Park, Kent Ridge Park, Hort Park, Labrador Nature Reserve and Mount Faber Park.
Cool architectural features include the rolling Henderson Waves, the Alexandra Arch on the 1.6-kilometer-long Forest Walk and the Canopy Walk (perfect for wildlife spotting).
Explore the traditional Chinese afterlife at Hell’s Museum Haw Par Villa (1.5hrs)
You’ve got to experience at least one uniquely Singaporean attraction, and the Haw Par Villa’s Ten Courts of Hell is unlike any other museum in town.
Technically dubbed a theme park, the unusual outdoor gallery was created by the inventors of Tiger Balm. Formerly known as the “Tiger Balm Garden,” the main feature is the Hell’s Museum. Built in 1935 by the philanthropic Aw family, it’s littered with weird and wonderful figurines, 150 dioramas and 1,000 sculptures.
Chronicle Chinese mythology, history and literature, and there are guided tours for extra insights, for example, ‘Tiger Tiger Burning Bright: The Legacy of the Aw Family.’
- Daily from 9 AM to 8 PM
- Hell’s Museum opens Tuesday to Sunday from 10 AM to 6 PM
Read more: Best Tourist Attractions in Singapore
Drink in the Singaporean skyline from Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck (30mins)
Is it a bird? A plane? A train in the sky? Wooing you on the first day with the city’s standout features, the Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck towers over Singapore like an out-of-space model!
Designed across three skyscrapers 56 stories high, the panoramas from up here are unparalleled, sweeping across all of the island.
Before heading back to your hotel to get ready for dinner, drink in the views from the observation deck, or a cocktail from its CÉ LA VI rooftop bar!
(For an added moment of romance during Golden Hour, consider booking the ‘Sunset in the Sky’ ticket, topped with champagne and artisanal chocolates by Wolfgang Puck. It also includes priority entry and private seating.)
Dine at a Michelin Restaurant (2.5hrs)
Singapore is Southeast Asia’s largest metropolitan city, and unlike some of its neighbors, getting dressed up is always a good idea!
End off Day 1 in style and treat yourselves to dinner at a Michelin-listed restaurant. Take your pick from one, two or three-star winners, with plenty of options on the cuisine and budget fronts.
Three-star options include Odette, Zén and Les Amis. Two-star accolades are Jaan by Kirk Westaway, Saint Pierre, Thevar, Shoukouwa, Cloudstreet and Waku Ghin.
There are 46 one-star awardees, ranging from innovative restaurants to French, Korean, Singaporean, contemporary, the list goes on.
P.S. Take advantage while you’re here. Although pricey by SEA standards, the restaurants are often more affordable than American options.
End off the night with drinks at a stylish bar
If you’ve flown a long journey, you may want to get straight back to the unwinding comforts of your stay, or if you’ve still got the energy for it, enjoy the buzzing nightlife scene with a nightcap.
A jazz bar is a fabulous way to ease into the night. The Whiskey Library and Jazz Club and Maduro are firm favorites.
Tantalize your drinking palettes at award-winning cocktail bars such as Jigger & Pony or MO BAR. Or, for something inspiring, sample tea-infused cocktails from Tokyo’s local Mixology Salon.
Day 2
With a great night’s rest under your belt, it’s time to make the most of your second day in Singapore, jam-packed with activities from beach hopping to shopping.
In a city where the sun never stops shining, Day 2 is divided into two parts: time on Sentosa and sightseeing on the mainland.
Did you know that connected to the mainland is Sentosa Island? It’s easily reachable via cable car, and many of the must-see things to do in Singapore are on Sentosa.
There are two Singapore Cable Car lines: one from Mount Faber across to Sentosa and one that runs across Sentosa Island.
Book your Singapore Cable Car tickets now!
Start your day with breakfast at Common Man Stan (1hr)
If your accommodation doesn’t include brekkie, or you’d rather eat out for your first meal (foodies, talking to you), there are so many incredible breakfast cafes in Singapore!
Common Man Stan is a fantastic all-rounder, doubling as artisanal roasters for our coffee snobs!
The menu is amazing! Think your standard dishes with a twist! Umami mushroom avocado toast, classic Croque Monsieur, Turkish breakfasts, eggs benny with braised oxtail, a Veggie Wonderland, and and and.
Pair it with a cold brew (appreciated in the Singaporean heat), a nitro honey oat latte or handcrafted tea.
We also have to mention PUNCH’s earl grey pancakes for those who l.o.v.e. a sweet time treat in the morning.
Catch the cable car to Sentosa and go beach-hopping (3hrs)
Remember, Singapore is an island, and that equals fun in the sun!
The most beautiful beaches are on Sentosa Island, and you get to experience another side of the Green City at the same time. Enjoy a scenic journey over land and sea 100 meters above ground from Mount Faber to Sentosa Island, then it’s time to hit the beaches!
Swanky Siloso Beach is a haven for watersport enthusiasts, from kayaking to SUPing, and vibey Ola Beach Club is here.
Hang ten at peaceful Tanjong Beach, working on your tan — couples especially favor this one because it’s very peaceful. There are two beach clubs here: Tanjong Beach Club and FOC Sentosa.
Splattered across postcards, cross the famous hanging bridge at Palawan Beach, and families prefer to chill out around this bay.
If the weather isn’t looking so good, or you’re not the biggest beach fan, there’s always Universal Studios bringing the excitement! (The only one in SEA.)
Siloso Beach
Tanjong Beach
Palawan Beach
Head to the waterfront for a seafood lunch at Mykonos on the Bay (1.5hrs)
Sentosa has a real stylish feel to it, and its waterfront quay is a prime spot for lunch — and people-watching!
Feel transported to (the flavors of) Greece at this Quayside Isle locale. In a picturesque setting for it, feast on fresh seafood and plates from around the Med at award-winning Mykonos on the Bay.
Headed up by Executive Chef Mauro Muroni, he brings his Michelin-star restaurant experience to the table and inspirations from the Hellenic Islands. The food is playful, the flavors are extra authentic and the setting adds the cherry.
Now that you’re all beached out, catch the cable car back to the mainland.
- Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday: from 12 PM to 3 PM and from 6 PM to 10.30 PM;
- Thursdays: from 6 PM to 10.30 PM
- Saturday, Sundays: from 12 PM to 10.30 PM
Dive into local history, art and culture at the National Museum of Singapore or the National Gallery Singapore (1hr)
For first-time travelers in Singapore, you kinda want to get a feel for your surroundings, as well as get to know the lay of the land better, and with that, its history and culture, right?
Founded in 1849, deep dive into local archives at Singapore’s oldest museum. The National Museum of Singapore chronicles the nation’s past, including its history and culture, through permanent collections and rotating exhibitions.
If you’re more of an art fundi than history buff, head over to the National Gallery Singapore instead, appreciating its displays of contemporary Singapore and Southeast Asian art.
Hot tip: Are you on a family vacation? Swap these educational institutes for ones that appeal to the little ones. For example, the delicious Museum of Ice Cream (the only one outside of the USA) or the one-of-a-kind MINT Museum of Toys (there are loads of cool vintage toy collections for both young and old, as well as activities like fighter plane-making workshops).
National Museum of Singapore
National Gallery Singapore
Explore Orchard Road for a round of shopping! (1.5hrs)
Is it really a holiday without some shopping? Brimming with shopping malls, major department stores, fancy boutiques and discount outlets, the 2.2-kilometer-long Orchard Road is where you’ll want to do most of your dollar-dropping.
Design Orchard, ION Orchard, Orchard Central, Ngee Ann City, Far East Plaza, Paragon Shopping Centre, Mandarin Gallery, Knightsbridge Mall, The Centrepoint, Wisma Atria and Palais Renaissance are some of the shopping centers and malls here.
Another super cute section of Orchard Road is Emerald Hill, where traditional Chinese shophouses have been converted into funky bars and trendy eateries.
Refuel at an artisanal coffee roaster (30mins)
After a morning in the sunshine, then using brain power at the museums and a couple of hours on your feet at the malls, you’re probably craving a pick-me-up by now. Singapore has a buzzing coffee scene and is blessed with many artisanal coffee roasters.
Coming in second at the 2022 World Brewers Cup, Homeground Coffee Roasters is pretty exceptional and even offers classes like “Brewing Basics” and “Homebrewing Tryout”. In a beautiful setting, Glass Roasters changes their menu daily, from beans to specialty drinks, like a taro latte, to coffee art!
Bringing you specialty coffee from Kyoto, the hand-drips from Kurasu Singapore use seasonal blends, as well as beans from around the globe (and the decor gives you all the feels of Japan). Or, get an early start for evening festivities with a coffee cocktail from Kings Cart Coffee Cafe.
Then, head back to your accommodation and get ready for the night.
Eat your way through the UNESCO-listed vendors in Chinatown (2.5hrs)
Change things up from your first evening in Singapore, swapping formal settings for vibey Chinatown!
The atmosphere is palpable: red lanterns swinging across the streets, grand temples adding spirituality (like Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Thian Hock Keng Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple), and colorful Chinese-style houses loading extra authenticity.
Browse the shops selling all sorts of unique trinkets and traditional goods, then move on to the food offerings! Chinatown is one of the best places for sampling the Singapore street food scene (there are over 70 hawkers, vendors and hyper-local shops with the Michelin Bib Gourmand status).
Join a night food tour, or discover the best eats on your own. Must-try bites include satay skewers, roast duck, curry, grilled stingray and char kway teow (a stir-fry noodle dish).
In between Chinatown and Marina Bay is the Lau Pa Sat food center (also known as Telok Ayer Market) — the most famous spot in Singapore for street food! Close to 80 hawker stalls set up, offering the most mouth-watering dishes.
Party your way into the night, or enjoy drinks with a view
From rooftop bars to dance clubs, Singapore has an up-and-coming nightlife scene. If you’re flying out late the next day (or can still function after a big night out), put on your dancing shoes and boogie the night away at the clubs.
Appealing to all music tastes, international and local DJs control the decks at Zouk, from trance to electronic beats!
Marquee is your quintessential big nightclub vibes, with VIP tables available; Headquarters is where the (underground) cool kids hang and is all about the music (not the crowds); and YANG (inside a transformed heritage building) is a firm local favorite.
Not keen on crawling into bed in the early hours, but are still up for a few rounds of drinks after dinner? The rooftop bars are calling your name! CE LA VI (at Marina Bay Sands) does a mean cocktail, and LeVel 33 is a microbrewery, both boasting insane panoramas!
Day 3
As your days come to an end, can you believe how quickly the time has flown? Now you’re all packed, have checked out before 10 AM, and are ready to fly home, see if your flight schedule affords you a few extra hours for one more round of sightseeing.
If not, organize a transfer directly to award-winning Jewel Changi Airport and get ready to fly home or to your next destination. Voted the best airport in the world, there’s plenty to keep you occupied if you need to kill some time.
Breakfast at the innovative Bearded Bella (1hr)
For guests without an inclusive breakfast, fill up at Bearded Bella. They’re renowned for their ever-improving brunch menu, and dishes take classics and add a creative twist.
Avo toasties are elevated with pomegranate sprinkles and sweet potato crisps, there are honey-glazed donut burgers (!!!), or try the pancakes with bacon done three ways.
The plating is imaginative, and the food pops with color and flavor bursts!
Coffee connoisseurs, this cafe has got your back! With its co-owner a National Barista Championship Winner, you know the Coffee Game is gonna be on point! Order one of their signatures: a coffee slushie or a citrus coffee spritz!
- Monday to Wednesday from 7.30 AM to 5 PM;
- Thursday to Saturday from 7.30 AM to 10 PM
- Sundays from 7.30 AM to 6 PM
If you have time, visit the imaginative ArtScience Museum (1hr)
Around the corner from Bearded Bella is the visionary ArtScience Museum!
Combining art, science and technology, prepare to be mind-blown within its futuristic walls, with exhibitions and displays designed as interactive features.
Imagine crystal universes, entrancing sketch art illusions, spaces lit up in floor-to-ceiling, dripping digital florals and other-worldly installations.
There are rotating expos changing every few months, as well as permanent features, for example, the VR Gallery with its virtual realities and the immersive ArtScience Cinema.
Flying out at night? There are guided tours to join, artist talks, creative workshops (like a creative writing session) and masterclasses (for example, a Clay Bouquet Masterclass).
Explore and play at Jewel Changi Canopy Park (1hr)
There’s a good reason why Jewel Changi Airport keeps winning the title for World’s Best year after year! Comprising ten levels of activities, shops and restaurants, there’s plenty to keep you busy before boarding time.
The exciting Jewel Changi Canopy Park is located on level 5 (how convenient) and is the perfect way to end your Singaporean holiday.
Start along the 23-meter-high Canopy Bridge, where parts of the walkway are made from glass and are completely transparent. Then move to the indoor playground, where you’ll find a mirror maze, bouncing net, hedge maze and walking net.
The fun doesn’t end there, and the Canopy Park is home to the Petal Garden, Topiary Walk, Discovery Slides and Foggy Bowls.
On level 4 is the Changi Studio experience — an immersive digital attraction combining interactive games and shows. Or, kids especially love the Jewel-rassic Quest (an ‘augmented reality experience with dinosaurs’) available from the concierge counter at level 1.
Where to stay in Singapore?
The stays in Singapore match its diversity. Catering for all budget types, here are a handful of the best places to stay in Singapore.
Useful to know: the city’s accommodation isn’t the cheapest, so unless you’re staying at a hostel, the country’s idea of affordability is a little higher in comparison to other destinations in Southeast Asia, for example, Thailand.
Budget-friendly
Featuring comfy, cozy and clean rooms in the heart of Little India, The Great Madras by Hotel Calmo boasts an outdoor pool and concierge services.
As its name suggests, Hotel Mono is a stylish monochromatic dream situated in Chinatown.
Mid-range
An Instagram favorite a couple of years back (pre-Covid), trendy Lloyd’s Inn is modern and tranquil, and the boutique hotel boasts a rooftop terrace and garden swimming pool.
Funky yet refined, the 5-star Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is a few minutes from the beach; Maxwell Reserve Singapore Autograph Collection is set within a heritage building; and the Mondrian Singapore Duxton is treasured for its central location.
Fancy schmancy
Feel like a total celebrity when checking into the famous Marina Bay Sands, with its iconic infinity pool only reserved for hotel guests!
Couples fall in love with Amara Sanctuary’s one-bedroom villa with a private pool, but any of the room or suite options are gorgeous!
Singapore has an overload of expensive luxury hotels living up to their five-star reputation. Other jaw-dropping options include The St. Regis Singapore, The Fullerton Hotel, The Ritz-Carlton and the iconic Raffles Singapore.
How to get around Singapore?
From local transport to private rides, the transport systems in Singapore are super reliable and efficient. Here are your options for how to get around the island.
Private transfers: Consider pre-booking airport transfers in Singapore with a private driver for the moment you land, conveniently traveling from the airport to your accommodation (or first destination) comfortably.
Car rentals: Hiring a car for the next three days is a convenient way to get around Singapore. Rent a vehicle and drive yourselves (if you have an international driver’s license), or book a car rental with a private driver instead.
MRT, LRT & local buses: The MRT lines run throughout the city, and it’s one of the most affordable ways to travel in Singapore (operating daily from 6 AM to 12 AM). The LRT (Light Rail Transit) covers 13 stations.
Purchase a three-day Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) for unlimited rides on public transport, also including the local buses.
Local taxis: There are local taxi services in Singapore, and you can hail one down or order one online on apps such as Gojek, Grab, Ryde or TADA.
Final thoughts
As one of the most modernly unique destinations in Southeast Asia, it’s hard not to fall in love with all the things to do in Singapore!
With your 3 day Singapore itinerary sorted, it’s time to book your flights!
Have you traveled to the Lion City before? If so, what were some of your favorite memories or activities? Let us know in the comments; we love hearing from our readers.
As always, happy travels!