Itinerary for Singapore in 3 Days

A melting pot of cultures in a picture-perfect setting, Singapore has it all. Situated beside Malaysia, it has become one of the most visited cities in the world, and it’s easy to see why!

With exciting attractions, some of best food in the world and a one-of-a-kind culture, Singapore is an Asian destination that you just can’t miss. Most travelers choose to spend a few days exploring the city during a stopover, since the Changi Airport is a big hub for destinations throughout Asia.

Whether you have a few hours, or are trying to explore Singapore in 3 days, you can build an awesome itinerary and hit all the top things to do.

Want to maximize your time here? Check out my itinerary for 3 days in Singapore.

Getting Around Singapore

Singapore is a small country, and it’s easy to get around thanks to its well-connected network of transportation. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is a simple and affordable way of getting wherever you want to go.

If you’re trying to see as much as possible in a short time, the Singapore Tourist Pass is a great deal and will give you limited rides on any type of public transport. A one-day pass costs $10 SGD ($7.50 USD), a two-day pass costs $16 SGD ($12 USD) or you can get a three-day pass for $20 SGD ($15 USD).

Before you go, be sure to download the Grab app! Uber is disappearing here, and taxis can get pricey — especially at night. The Grab app works just like Uber and is an excellent alternative to the MRT.

Where to Stay in Singapore

Budget Hotels in Singapore

Hotel Mono: A little boutique hotel located in the heart of the city, Hotel Mono has ongoing deals running all of the time. They offer single rooms, doubles, and family rooms for up to four people.

Hotel Yan: All about the industrial-chic aesthetic, Hotel Yan is ideally located next to Little India and offers double rooms for around $120 USD.

Hotel Kai: A lovely spot with a dream location, Hotel Kai gives you a personal Wi-Fi device that’ll give you a 24/7 connection all over the country. Single rooms start at $80 USD.

The Bohemian Chic: This hostel offers stylish social accommodations in the bustling Chinatown in Singapore.

 

Luxury Hotels in Singapore

The Ritz Carlton, Millenia Singapore: With an iconic location in Marina Bay, immerse yourself in a canvas of views at The Ritz-Carlton, Millennia Singapore. This one is a super-luxe favorite! Read the review of my stay here.

Marina Bay Sands: If you have ever seen pictures of Singapore, you have likely seen shots of the Marina Bay Sands hotel in the background. This place is easily one of the most famous hotels in Asia, if not the world. If you want to swim in their rooftop infinity pool, you need to be a guest. Read the review of my stay here.

The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore: In a perfect location on the waterfront right off the MRT, the Fullerton Bay Hotel has a swanky rooftop bar and first-class service.

Day One in Singapore

Start at the Marina Bay Area

Start your day at the Gardens by the Bay! You will want to get there right at 9 a.m. to get ahead of the crowds. I was absolutely mesmerized by the Supertree Grove, Flower Dome, and Cloud Forest. I’d recommend giving yourself at least two hours to take it all in.

I opted to spend a night at Marina Bay Sands, but you don’t have to have a room at the hotel to take in the view from this iconic spot. Head over to Marina Bay Sands and get a ticket for the SkyPark Observation Deck. The panoramic views of the cityscape from the 57th floor here are unreal.

Eat Up the Foodie Culture

Bring your camera and spend some time wandering around the markets of Chinatown before making your way over to Buddha’s Tooth Relic Temple. Once you have worked up an appetite, go for lunch at Chinatown’s Maxwell Hawker Centre.

The food markets here are made up of “hawker” stands or stalls. If you want a true taste of Singapore, you have to visit the markets. There are so many incredible local dishes that it’s impossible to narrow it down to a fave, but some of the best Singaporean food includes chili crab, prawn mee (noodle soup with prawns) and laksa (a spicy noodle soup that can have different proteins). There’s even a Michelin-star chicken rice stand!

The Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice stand in the food court is a local institution!

Check out this Hawker Center Food Tour + Neighborhood Walk for a more in-depth experience!

Walk Bugis Street Market

The Bugis Street Market was once a red-light district famous around the world, and now it’s famous with tourists and locals alike as the largest and cheapest place to shop in Singapore. If you’re on the hunt for souvenirs or just love wandering foreign markets, this is a must.

There are a great selection of Singapore walking tours if you’d like to learn more about local life.

Hop on Singapore Flyer

Another local icon, you have to get on the Singapore Flyer for your first sunset in the city. While it is undoubtedly touristy, it is worth it to take a thirty-minute ride one of the world’s most enormous Giant Observation Wheels.

At Night Out in Clarke Quay

This buzzing neighborhood along the river is where Singaporeans and travelers in the know go when the sunsets. Come here for dinner then stick around to explore the countless bars and clubs.

Day Two in Singapore

Start Early Tiong Bahru Market

Get an early start on day two at the Tiong Bahru Market. Opening at 6 a.m., this is a local market with all kinds of fresh seafood, fruits and veggies. For hungry travelers, it’s all about the hawker food stalls.Eat your way through the market then hit the streets ready to take on another day in Singapore!

Chill at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

This 158-year-old property is the only tropical garden to be honored as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Be sure to check out the orchid gardens!

Explore Arab Street

While they call it Arab Street, this famous neighborhood actually extends through Bussorah Street, Haji and Bali Lanes and Muscat Street. It’s full of shops, cafés, restaurants and photo opportunities. Just be sure to avoid the area on Sundays as most places are closed.

Visit the ArtScience Museum

An iconic cultural landmark in Singapore, this museum combines art, science, culture and technology. Check out the impressive exhibitions filled with beautiful displays of lights and sculptures. There are lots of different experiences to be had here, so be sure to check out their website for more info.

Indulge in Ultra Fresh Seafood

\If you love seafood as much as I do, Jumbo Seafood’s flagship restaurant in the East Coast Seafood Centre is a must. Their award-winning Chili Crab has a cult following in Singapore! I also had an amazing dinner at Po Restaurant at The Warehouse Hotel, that I’d recommend — they have a great lineup of craft cocktails too!

Check out the Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan)

This prominent mosque is one of the cities’ most impressive religious buildings. You can take a guided tour to learn more about the history of the mosque or just take a quick look around on your own.

See the Gardens at Night

Get back to the Gardens by the Bay for their magical nighttime Garden Rhapsody Show. It’s usually on at 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. every night, but double-check their site for a current schedule before you go.

See the City from Above

Singapore is all about rooftop bars! In the heart of the city, I stumbled onto Smoke & Mirrors, a cool cocktail bar with a view that’s well worth checking out. I also stayed a night at Marina Bay Sands, which boasts an epic rooftop infinity pool and bar!

Day Three in Singapore

Take a Trip to Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is where Singaporeans and people from around the world head to have a frolic in the sun and sand. This island resort has beautiful beaches, spas, outdoor activities and theme parks like Universal Studios.

Have more than three days in Singapore? Lucky you! While Singapore is a small country, you could easily spend a week exploring it all.

More Recommendations for Singapore!

If you have more then three days in Singapore, or get through some of your Singapore itineraries quicker then expected, check out these highlights:

• Consider a full-day tour of the highlights if you don’t want to worry about getting around — you can sit back and relax with this Full-Day Tour of Singapore with River Cruise!
• Joo Chiat is another historic neighborhood that I adored! The Peranakan’s colorful houses are so cute and picturesque, so be sure to plan for plenty of time there to snap photos.
• Back along the river, Boat Quay and Roberstons Quay are top hangouts. You can spend hours exploring the area, which boasts an eclectic mix of alfresco dining, art houses, bazaar shopping and much more.
• Last but certainly not least, just keep eating your way through the city! Another spot I loved was Neon Pigeon. It’s a hip restaurant that offers delicious Asian fusion cuisine.