This ultimate Singapore itinerary takes first-time tourists to various neighbourhoods that showcase Singapore’s varied background. Your itinerary will include colorful historic shophouses, futuristic skyscrapers, and interesting activities.
You could spend a week in Singapore to see the sights, but three days is enough.
Day 1: Colonial District and Gardens by the Bay (Buy Ticket)
Day 2: Night time Marina Bay and Singapore’s Multicultural Heritage
Day 3: Universal Studios Singapore (Buy Ticket)
Where to Stay in Singapore
Staying centrally will maximize your city experience. We recommend a hotel in one of these convenient neighborhoods for this Singapore itinerary:
Marina Bay has Great views, riverfront, close to Gardens by the Bay. A bit pricey.
Bugis is convenient to Marina Bay, Kampong Glam, and Little India. Luxurious and budget accommodations both are available.
Chinatown has affordable motels near Marina Bay.
Orchard Road is close to retail malls and embassies (we received Thailand and Indonesia visas here). While the Singapore Botanic Gardens are nearby, they are less handy for this itinerary.
Recommended Singapore Hotels
Bugis, Andaz, Singapore
Low-cost accommodation
Beary Best and The Hive Singapore Hostel are among many Bugis and Kampong Glam hostels and capsule hotels. Chinatown has cheap hotels. Hotel Mono features charming ensuite double rooms and the Bohemian Chic is a chic hostel.
Singapore Transport
Singapore is accessible. Walking in this walkable city is usually rewarding, although the heat makes it tiresome and sweaty in the middle of the day.
A S$34 Singapore Tourist Pass provides unlimited rides for three days (with a $10 refundable deposit).
Best Time to Visit Singapore
You may visit Singapore year-round. There are lively events like Chinese New Year in January or February or Little India Diwali in October or November.
If you are planning a trip to Singapore check for local holidays and festivals.
Day 1: Colonial District and Gardens by the Bay
Visit Colonial District
The National Museum of Singapore introduces Singapore’s history and multiculturalism.
A magnificent Neo-Palladian structure from 1887 houses it, with a huge Indian rubber tree outside.
After seeing the National Museum, stroll through Singapore’s Colonial District to see 150-year-old St Andrew’s Cathedral and Fort Canning Park.One of Singapore’s biggest tourist destinations is nearby. In the Long Bar of the historic Raffles Hotel, the Singapore Sling cocktail was invented and peanut shells are brushed over the floor.
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a top Singapore attraction. It is crowded on weekends, so avoid them. Since the gardens are beautiful at night, plan your visit to be completed before sundown. You should have time if you come by 2 or 3 pm.The huge outside gardens are free, but at this time of day, you’ll undoubtedly want to enter the excellent paying conservatories.
Buy discounted tickets for Gardens by the Bay here
The Cloud Forest is the most distinctive climate-controlled dome and has a massive waterfall, so if you have limited time, visit it. Tickets cost S$53 adults/S$40 children.
Transport: Gardens by the Bay is a 30-minute walk from the Colonial District or Bayfront on the Downtown and Circle lines.
Marina Bay Sands Sunset Cocktail
The most famous building in Singapore is Marina Bay Sands. A boat-shaped edifice with the iconic infinity pool, gardens, and an observation deck above three 55-story towers. The structure has a hotel, stores, and restaurants.
Transport: Marina Bay Sands is a 10-minute walk from Gardens by the Bay.
Supertrees Light Show
The steel trunks of these 25–50-metre futuristic trees are covered in orchids, ferns, and climbing tropical blooms. Many trees provide solar power and collect rainwater.
The Supertrees look best at night, and the free Garden Rhapsody light and sound performance happens daily at 7.45pm and 8.45pm.
Day 2: Night time Marina Bay and Singapore’s Multicultural Heritage
In multicultural Singapore, Chinese, Malay, and Indian are the main ethnic groupings.
Visit three ethnic neighborhoods in Singapore on your second day.If you have limited time, this Private Chinatown, Little India & Kampong Glam Tour sounds good.
Little India
Singapore’s Indian community lives in Little India, a vibrant, bustling neighborhood that smells like India and plays Bollywood music.
Transport: Stay in Bugis and stroll to Little India or take the Downtown or North East MRT.
Kampong Glam
Muslims and Arabs live in Kampong Glam, Singapore.Singapore’s oldest urban sector was given to Malay and Arab communities by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1822.Mosques, colorful shophouses, and hipster cafes and bars dot the area.
Transport: Walk 15 minutes from Little India to Kampong Glam or take the MRT Downtown to Bugis.
Chinatown
Chinatown, originally home to Singapore’s Chinese immigrant community, today has historic temples and hip eateries. Only one Chinatown in the world has a Buddhist, Muslim, and Hindu temple on one block.
Transport: Take the MRT Downtown from Bugis to Chinatown.
Riverside/Marina Bay Walk
Marina Bay is worth two nights because there’s enough to see. See the Spectra Light from Merlion Fountain.
Day 3: Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore
Movie-themed rides and attractions make Universal Studios Singapore a fantastic day out.
The park is small, so if you come at 10 am (to avoid crowds), you can finish by midafternoon and return to your hotel for a refreshing dip.
Buy discounted tickets for Universal Studios Singapore here
Transport: MRT to HarbourFront station, then Sentosa Express monorail to Waterfront station, a short walk from the park. The monorail costs S$4 for one trip, although you can use your MRT card to board. You’ll travel 30 minutes from Bugis.
Singapore: Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Diverse neighborhoods, fun attractions, and wonderful food make Singapore special. This Singapore travel guide should help you plan.
