When deciding where to visit during our 6 month Asia trip, Singapore was a non-negotiable for me. It's been a destination high on my bucket list for years now, somewhere I just knew I would get on well with. First and foremost, it's known as one of the world's best food destinations. And I promise, it does not disappoint on that front! But it also offers that enticing mix of culture, heritage, design and architecture that ultimately endear me to a city. In fact, it is the unique blend of cultures that make Singapore so interesting, with a number of different communities making their mark on the city-state. Admire the Islamic architecture of Kampong Glam, discover Peranakan culture in Joo Chiat, visit a temple in Little India or stop for noodles at a Michelin-lauded street food stall in Chinatown. For those seeking a cultural city break, it's a fine choice.
Singapore is the kind of city you could take weeks, if not months, getting to know. Plenty of excellent sights, numerous interesting neighbourhoods, endless food options. However, it's also compact enough to comfortably explore as a mini-break destination. This 3 day Singapore itinerary offers an overview of the city's best sightseeing, dining, and cultural experiences for first-time visitors. Though by the end of your trip, I can't guarantee you won't decide that 3 days just isn't enough!
I've designed this itinerary to followed day by day, grouped around different geographic areas of Singapore. It's very much based around my own experiences and travel preferences, however it's intended to be malleable. You can easily switch things around depending on your own inclinations, and I've included alternative suggestions where relevant.
Planning a Singapore trip? Check out my ultimate Singapore Travel Guide
Hotels in Singapore
BUDGET HOTELS IN SINGAPORE
The Sultan: Rooms under £100 a night are hard to come by in Singapore, but The Sultan is one of the few. The building itself is a stylish heritage property in Kampong Glam, conveniently located for exploring the neighbourhood and further afield.
Stories Joo Chiat: If you're going to stay in a shoebox, it may as well be a stylish one. Stories has recently been beautifully refurbished, and is conveniently located on Joo Chiat Road.
KēSa House: A basic stay with small rooms, however the Chinatown location next to Maxwell MRT makes this a prime base for exploring Singapore.
MID RANGE HOTELS IN SINGAPORE
Capri by Fraser China Square: Clean, modern serviced apartments in an excellent central location.
The Clan Hotel: Moody, minimalist interiors, and an enviably central location make this a stylish choice for those looking for a stay that channels Singapore's urban sophistication.
Oasia Hotel Downtown: A good stay for those looking for comfort and a range of amenities, with two pools and a fitness centre on site.
LUXURY HOTELS IN SINGAPORE
Pan Pacific Orchard: This towering Orchard spot (pictured) boasts great views, ample bedrooms, and one of the coolest pools in the city. It’s particularly sexy lit up at night. Read my full Pan Pacific Orchard review.
Capella Singapore: A sleek resort stay away from the bustle of the city, on Singapore's Sentosa Island.
The Fullerton: The Fullerton’s plush position on the waterfront would be enough of a draw, but the property itself is a breathtaking old world luxury gem.
Raffles Singapore: An icon of Singapore, Raffles is THE luxury hotel in the city. As such, the prices are fairly eye-watering, but if you’re looking for a signature Singapore experience, it’s hard to beat. Or, just swing by the bar for an iconic Singapore Sling!
PARKROYAL Pickering: It’s hard to walk past the awe-inspiring edifice of Parkroyal Pickering without stopping to stare. Swathes of greenery spill out from the sides of one of the best pools in the city. A very quintessential Garden City stay.
Artyzen: A unique design stay with elegant Art Deco interiors and a standout rooftop pool.
Day 1 in Singapore: Chinatown and Marina Bay
If there are three things you absolutely have to do in Singapore, it's eat hawker food, see Chinatown, and explore Gardens by the Bay. So, we're starting our first day in Singapore off with all three! These neighbourhoods are the beating heart of Singapore, packed with sights, activities, and some of the best food in the city. It's the perfect way to get acquainted with quintessential Singapore.
Morning: Gardens by the Bay
Singapore has a wealth of sightseeing, but if there's one sight you just cant miss, it's Gardens by the Bay. The sprawling urban park is a green oasis, with a number of different themed garden spaces to explore. At its heart is The Supertree Grove, a collection of towering plant structures in the centre of the park. Though it’s spectacular enough from the ground, you can also purchase tickets to walk through the OCBC Skyway ($14), or see it from the Supertree Observatory ($14).
In fact, the very best thing about Gardens by the Bay is the fact that the grounds themselves are free to wander. That said, there are a number of ticketed greenhouses that are well worth doing. These include the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, and Floral Fantasy. The three greenhouses feature a range of floral installations and immersive experiences. These are often child friendly, with tie ins to popular characters and brands. On our visit, the Cloud Forest was Jurassic Park themed, whilst the Flower Dome showcased a Peranakan inspired orchid festival.
I'd recommend allocating around 3 hours to explore Gardens by the Bay, more if you want to visit all the greenhouses. I should flag that I've recommended visiting in the morning as it's quieter and cooler. I visited around 8am, and we enjoyed the gardens largely to ourselves for an hour, before heading in to the greenhouses when they opened. Personally this was preferable as I'm not a fan of crowds - particularly as a photographer, I like to explore early! I've also included returning to the Super Tree Grove in the evening for the daily light show (more information below). However if you don't fancy visiting twice, then simply move visiting to the late afternoon, and stay for the light show. It'll be more crowded, but if you don't mind that, it'll save you time.
Lunch: Hawker food in Chinatown
Singapore has a number of it's famous hawker centres all over town. These centres are largely found in commercial properties, where a curation of vendors serve up street food dishes, often honed over decades. Over the years they've earned a reputation for delicious, affordable dining, with many vendors receiving Michelin recognition.
Many of the most iconic and accessible of these hawker centres can be found in Chinatown. A centre we ate at multiple times was Hong Lim Food Centre, a somewhat unassuming food hub is hidden away in an apartment block. It's not somewhere you'd necessarily stumble upon, but is sought out by foodies in the know thanks to the wealth of prime dining spots within a small radius.
There are a couple of particularly popular vendors and dishes, the most famous of which is Ji Ji Wanton Noodle, and their signature Char Sui Wanton Noodle (pictured in the purple bowl). There's usually a decent queue, but I felt it was worth the wait! However don't just stick to the hyped spots - it's worth trying a few different dishes, most of which come in under $10.
Maxwell Food Centre is another main Chinatown hawker centre, that tends to draw big tourist crowds thanks to it's prime location. Here it's the Haianese Chicken Rice (pictured on the blue tray) that draws crowds, thanks to Anthony Bourdain once having reviewed the spot. Again, you'll find queues, and again, it's worth trying more dishes than just the hyped ones!
The last main hawker centre in Chinatown is Chinatown Complex, a bustling market with both product and food vendors. I didn't end up eating here myself, so can't recommend anything particular. But there's plenty of stalls for souvenirs and clothing too, if you fancy a spot of shopping!
Read more about Singapore Hawker Centres in my guide to the best Things To Do In Singapore
Afternoon: Explore Chinatown
Once you've indulged in lots of tasty street food, it's time to walk it all off with a wander around Chinatown! It's one of those Singapore neighbourhoods I never tire of exploring, with something new to unearth around every corner. Yes, it's got great hawker food, but there's also plenty of cool cafes and chic restaurants that call the area home. You'll find playful murals on otherwise unassuming walls, or explore Chinatown's religious architecture at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, or the Masjid Jamae. I'll let you take the lead here - get lost wandering the streets of Chinatown, and who knows where you might end up...
Evening: Gardens by the Bay Light Show
As the sun sets, we head back to Gardens by the Bay. Every night, at 7:45pm and 8:45pm, an evening light show called Garden Rhapsody commences at the Supertree Grove. The towering structures become the canvas for a glittering multicoloured light show set to music, the theme of which changes daily. This is one of my favourite things to do in Singapore - there's a great atmosphere, and it's a lot of fun! It's free to attend, and attracts big crowds - so arrive early to nab a prime spot.
Dinner: Satay Street at Lau Pa Sat
Lau Pa Sat is a covered Victorian-era hawker centre nestled in between Chinatown and Marina Bay. It's one of the city's glossier centres, a standalone property as opposed to the many hawker centres hidden in apartment blocks. As such, it's a more sanitised affair, with larger tourist crowds and often higher prices. Whilst there's a hefty portion of vendors serving up food from all over the world, we're actually going to head to Boon Tat St, just behind, where you'll find Singapore's famous "Satay Street".
Satay Street was one of our favourite Singapore dining experiences, so much so that we make sure to visit whenever we're in the city. Every evening the street is filled with long communal tables, and a row of vendors grill up heaving portions of skewered meats and fish, served alongside dipping bowls of thick, flavourful satay sauce. It's often packed out with tourists and locals alike, washing down their satay with beers also on offer along the street.
The stalls are numbered, with 7 and 8 rumoured to be the best (with queues to match). We actually tried both their satay and another stall, and though marginal, I'd say their sauce was slightly richer. There are various platter options, but you can also order smaller portions if you're not too hungry after all the street food earlier in the day!
Satay Street operates 7.00pm to 3.00am on weekdays, and 3.00pm to 3.00am on weekends.
Day 2 in Singapore: From Museums to Cocktails
For our second day in Singapore, we're swapping out street food for sightseeing, and delving into Singapore's museum district. With beautiful architecture, parks, and some great dining and drinking options, there's plenty to explore in this central neighbourhood. The day ends with cocktails in one of Singapore's many aesthetic bars - cheers!
Morning: Discover Singapore's Museum District
Singapore is home to an excellent museum and art gallery scene, many of which are located in the downtown district between Bras Basah and Chinatown. As such, we're starting our second day in Singapore exploring this neighbourhood, with a museum or two along the way.
It can be overwhelming trying to whittle down which to visit, so I’d recommend checking updated listings of current exhibitions. My top pick is the Peranakan Museum, which hosts a range of permanent and temporary exhibits showcasing the Peranakan culture of Singapore. Peranakans are those who have migrated to Singapore and assimilated with local communities, leading to the resulting mixed heritage and developing a unique Peranakan culture through food, design, and dress.
The National Museumis another great place to learn more about Singaporean culture, hosting in-depth permanent exhibition charting the country's history from the 14th century, through colonial rule and into the present day. It’s very well documented, balancing historical information with immersive experiences and exhibits. There’s also a number of temporary exhibitions further exploring the national history, identity, and other key themes.
There are many more beyond these, so I recommend doing your research depending on your interests to find the perfect spot for you!
Afternoon: Fort Canning Park & Old Hill Street Police Station
Once you've sufficiently immersed yourself in all things Singapore culture and history, it's time for a wander. There are two places of interest on our route, starting with Fort Canning Park. Singapore is known as the Garden City, and the lush hilltop park is a prime example of it's urban greenery. There's a few small sights within the complex, including the Fort Canning Heritage Gallery and Raffles House. It's also home to one of Singapore's most popular Instagram locations, the Fort Canning Tree Tunnel. Note that this spot is incredibly busy, with long queues at pretty much any time of day. We visited soon after sunrise and still ended up giving up after queuing for a good 45 minutes (breakfast was calling...)!
From Fort Canning Park, it's worth wandering by the Old Hill Street Police Station. The former police station, now a government building, is a picturesque sight, with brightly coloured rainbow windows (pictured). It's another popular photo spot, but the building is so vast that you should be able to find a decent angle if you're keen to take snaps.
There's not masses in terms of dining in this neighbourhood (relative to the surrounding areas, at least), however if you're getting peckish try Lean and Rich bakery for baked goods, or Punch for modern international brunch dishes. Or head back in to nearby Chinatown to delve in to more hawker food eats!
Evening: Finish the day with a classic cocktail
At the end of a long day exploring, it's time to put your feet up. And where better to do it, than in one of the city's most beautiful cocktail bars? Here, you're pleasantly spoiled for choice. If rooftop views are your vibe, head back towards the Marina and nab yourself a table at chic rooftop bar and microbrewery LeVel33 (pictured). Book in advance if you're keen for a prime table, especially at sunset.
My personal pick of the bunch is Atlas (pictured), an elegant bar and restaurant in Bugis. With ornate Art Deco interiors, it's one of the most opulent spots in the city - with a decadent cocktail menu to match. Note that cameras aren't allowed - in my defence I snapped this shot before I found out!
Lastly, I'd be remiss to write a Singapore itinerary and not mention Raffles, a true Singapore institution. Known as the home of the Singapore Sling, a visit to the Long Bar for a tipple is something of a Singapore ritual. That said, I've yet to do it myself - so try it, and report back?
More Singapore: View my Guide to Singapore's Most Aesthetic Photography Locations
Day 3: Exploring Singapore's Cultural Neighbourhoods
Our final day in Singapore, and we're delving deeper into three of my favourite Singapore neighbourhoods - with plenty of eating along the way, of course. Let's explore the sights, streets, and cuisine, of Kampong Glam, Little India, and Joo Chiat. There's going to be plenty of walking involved, so make sure to wear comfy shoes!
Breakfast: Mother Dough Bakery
If we're going to get our steps in, some breakfast fuel is a must. Thankfully, Kampong Glam, where day 3 starts, has plenty of options. My top pick is Mother Dough bakery, a great spot for fresh baked goods paired with a morning coffee. They offer a wide selection of sweet and savoury buns and pastries. Think flaky croissants filled with gooey almond, or topped with cheese. The perfect thing before a full day of exploring, if you ask me. There's a small downstairs, or head up to the first floor for plenty of seating.
Morning: Kampong Glam and Little India
On my second trip to Singapore, we based ourselves in Kampong Glam, and I got to know this vibrant neighbourhood that bit better. It's known as the Malay-Muslim district of Singapore, the icon of which is the gold domed Sultan Mosque on Arab Street. The surrounding streets are filled with vintage stores, souvenir shops, and Middle Eastern restaurants, making them a popular tourist haunt. Start your explorations along bustling Haji lane, filled with street art, independent boutiques, and cool cafes and bars.
From Kampong Glam, head to Little India - around 20 minutes by foot, or 2 stops on the metro from Bugis to Little India on the Downtown Line. Here you can discover the heart of Singapore's South Asian community, more information about which can be found at the Indian Heritage Centre. The area is also home to the striking Sri Veerakaliamman Temple, a traditional Hindu temple decorated in ornate style. You also can't miss the Tan Teng Niah House (pictured), a 2-storey Chinese villa decorated in bright rainbow hues. If you're starting to get hungry, pop into one of the laidback Indian style canteens, or indulge in more hawker food at the Tekka Centre.
Afternoon: Discover Peranakan Culture in Joo Chiat
On my first visit to Singapore, I called Joo Chiat home for several days. At first the area appears fairly unassuming, but dig a bit deeper and there's plenty of draws well worthy of an afternoons exploring. The area is one of the best places in Singapore to discover more of the city's Peranakan culture. There's another Peranakan Museum here, if you're keen to learn more about the history and heritage of the area. This one is a beautifully preserved Peranakan Mansion, filled with unique artefacts and decor. For an immersive experience, you can even rent Nyonya kebaya, traditional Peranakan dress.
The Peranakan Mansion sits at one end of Koon Seng Road (pictured), one of Singapore's prettiest streets. Here you'll find a row of pastel Peranakan homes, with stained glass arched windows and ornate tiled detailing. They're unsurprisingly very popular for photos, so don't forget your camera!
Once you've snapped away, take time to explore more of Joo Chiat Road. Home to various boutiques, it's a great destination for a spot of shopping. If you fancy a coffee break, Common Man Coffee Roasters is my go-to.
Dinner: 808 Restaurant
Most of my mealtimes in Singapore were spent exploring the many hawker centres, and very happily so. However there was one restaurant that became a firm favourite on Joo Chiat Road, and that was 808 Eating House.
The menu is a mix of small and big plates, designed for sharing, with hints of Singaporean and modern Asian flavours. The duck fat financiers are a must, such delightfully moist morsels akin to a French madeleine, served up freshly warm with a pate that makes me question my long-held dislike of pate. The kailan and bacon makes eating your greens a pleasant experience. Then the flower crab dip is loaded with meaty crab morsels on slender hand cooked chips, a healthy dose of lemon cutting through the fishiness. It's a delicious break from all that hawker food, and the perfect place to end your final evening in Singapore.
Alternative 3 Day Singapore Itinerary Suggestions
If something on this itinerary isn't taking your fancy, here's a few alternative suggestions to slot in:
- Fancy more nature? Head to Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO Heritage listed and free to visit botanical gardens. I haven't included this in the main itinerary as it's a bit further out of the centre, and you may be all gardened out after Gardens by the Bay! However for those looking to escape the cityscape, it's the perfect break in nature. It's relatively near the Orchard neighbourhood, Singapore's glossiest shopping address, if you fancy combining with a spot of retail therapy.
- Travelling with kids? Then you can't miss Mandai Wildlife Reserve, a vast nature and wildlife destination including Singapore Zoo. There's a number of different themed regions, each with plenty of animals, flora and fauna to explore through immersive activities and experiences.
- Need a day to chill? Sentosa Island is Singapore's slice of beach paradise, with a number of beaches and resorts just a short journey from central Singapore. Find luxury beach resorts and clubs here, or if you're looking for an adrenaline rush, there's theme parks and adventure activities such as Universal Studios, and the Singapore Oceanarium.
If you're planning a 3 day Singapore itinerary, I hope this guide has given you plenty of ideas for where to start. If you have any questions, do feel free to pop them in the comments below. And lastly, don't forget to check out my full Singapore travel guide, with plenty more practical tips and activities for your ultimate Singapore trip.
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