While many people only see Singapore as a quick stopover, we discovered that this vibrant city-state deserves more than a fleeting visit. Spending three days here lets you dive into Singapore’s iconic landmarks, explore lively cultural neighborhoods, and experience its diverse entertainment options. Singapore is so much more than a visa-run destination! We’ve put together the perfect 3-day itinerary to help you experience the best of Singapore and make the most of your visit.
3-day Singapore itinerary overview
Short on time? Check out our top hotel picks in Singapore:
Day 1: Iconic sights
Start your day at the Merlion Park
A visit to Merlion Park is the perfect way to kick off your Singapore adventure. This iconic spot features the Merlion statue, a unique blend of a lion’s head and a fish’s body. You can admire it from afar if you’re standing on the Jubilee Bridge, or more upclose from the platform in front of it. Merlion Park in general is also an excellent place to soak in the city’s atmosphere and enjoy spectacular views of the ArtScience Museum and Marina Bay Sands. Since it can get quite busy, visiting early in the day helps you beat the crowds and get those perfect photos.
Window shopping at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
A short 20-minute stroll from Merlion Park brings you to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, a stunning luxury mall that’s more than just a shopping destination. In addition to housing all brands you could possibly wish for, the mall also features a dazzling interior, a lively food court, a casino, and even an indoor canal with gondola rides. You’ll find plenty to do and see here, and it’s a great place to escape the Singapore heat!
Pro tip
Looking for good, affordable food? Head over to Rasapura Masters on floor B2. It’s the perfect place to sample both local and regional dishes at affordable prices. On top of that, you’ll find teamLab’s Digital Light Canvas right next to it!
Visit the ArtScience Museum
Directly across from The Shoppes, you’ll find the ArtScience Museum, a building that stands out with its lotus-inspired design. Inside, the museum features a variety of intriguing art and science exhibitions. You can opt for a ticket to explore the entire museum or just choose a single exhibit that catches your interest. It’s a great spot to visit and see what’s currently on display. For the latest on what’s currently showing, be sure to check out their exhibition page.
You can buy your ticket to the ArtScience Museum here.
Explore Gardens by the Bay
A quick 5-minute walk from the ArtScience Museum takes you to Gardens by the Bay, a stunning blend of nature and futuristic design. This expansive park features incredible attractions like the Cloud Forest, a greenhouse with a dramatic indoor waterfall, and a diverse array of plants. Stick around until 7:45 PM for the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show at the Supertree Grove. It’s an amazing experience and completely free! For a bird’s-eye view, you can also get tickets to walk the OCBC Skyway, a suspended bridge 22 meters up between two supertrees.
Catch a Spectra Show in front of Marina Bay Sands
Leave the Garden Rhapsody a bit early and head over to the Spectra Show, just a 10-minute walk away (even less if you walk really fast). The Spectra Show begins at 8 PM, so if you time it right, you can enjoy both shows with just a few minutes of overlap. This spectacular event features a mesmerizing mix of lights, water fountains, lasers, and projections. Truly impressive!
Dinner at Makansutra Gluttons Bay
End your first day with a tasty dinner at Makansutra Gluttons Bay, only a 15-minute walk from the Spectra Show. This bustling hawker center is a local favorite, with stalls offering a diverse range of cuisines. We recommend trying the Pad Thai, Tom Yum fried rice, and arancini. The range of cuisines here is absolutely amazing so you’ll definitely find something you like!
Day 2: Cultural neighborhoods
Explore Chinatown
Start your second day by exploring Chinatown, one of Singapore’s oldest and most lively neighborhoods. Stroll through its vibrant streets, where you’ll find colorful temples, bustling street markets, and impressive street art. Be sure to visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, and Masjid Jamae. When you get hungry, the Chinatown Complex Food Centre and Maxwell Food Centre are perfect spots to sample some delicious dishes.
Admire Old Hill Street Police Station
A short 18-minute walk from Chinatown will lead you to the Old Hill Street Police Station, Singapore’s most colorful building. Adorned with over 900 vibrant windows, this old police station stands out as one of the city’s most distinctive landmarks and makes for a fantastic photo spot. Looking for some greenery to escape Singapore’s hustle and bustle? Right behind the Old Hill Street Police Station you can find Fort Canning Park. It’s a green hub full of historic artifacts like cannons, bunkers, and gates. You’ll also find a spice garden here!
Stroll through Little India
Next, make your way to Little India, just a 30-minute walk from the Old Hill Street Police Station. Exploring this vibrant neighborhood is best done on a self-guided walking tour. The Little India Walk will take you through key spots like the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple. It’s a fun way to soak up the lively atmosphere and colorful culture of the area.
And if you’re feeling a bit hungry, head over to Tekka Centre where you can find amazing Indian food at reasonable prices.
Wander Kampong Glam
A 17-minute walk will take you to Kampong Glam, a vibrant area brimming with trendy boutiques, colorful street art, and tasty Middle Eastern cuisine. Don’t miss the stunning Sultan Mosque, known for its impressive golden dome. Arab Street is great for exploring cute shops and restaurants, while Haji Lane is ideal for vintage finds and unique shopping experiences.
Dinner and drinks at Bar Stories
Wrap up your second day with a visit to Bar Stories, nestled in Haji Lane. This cozy spot is renowned for its exceptional cocktails! There’s no fixed menu, so just share your preferences with the bartender and they’ll craft a drink tailored to your taste. We tried a few too many of these amazing cocktails during a night out with an amazing couple from the US, and let us tell you: they’re all oh so good! The bar also serves up delicious sharing dishes like hummus, burrata, and octopus. Bar Stories is the perfect place for a romantic evening or a relaxed night out with friends.
Day 3: Universal Studios Singapore
Visit Universal Studios Singapore
Wrap up your Singapore trip with a visit to Universal Studios Singapore, located on Sentosa Island. This world-class theme park offers a mix of thrilling rides, captivating shows, and attractions for all ages. To make the most of your day, check out our Universal Studios Singapore guide for tips on transportation, ticketing, and experiencing everything the park has to offer. Be sure to book your USS tickets ahead of time or consider Klook for USS Express Passes to skip the lines and enjoy more of the fun!
Italian dinner at Fiamma
End your last day in Singapore with a memorable Italian dinner at Fiamma, just a short 30-minute walk from Universal Studios. Their pizzas are among the best we’ve had in Asia! If you’re not in the mood for pizza, the gnocchi is absolutely delicious too!
Prices here are, well, what you’d expect from Singapore. However, if you knew that this place was opened by a 3-Michelin-starred chef you’ll quickly forget all about that. 😉
More helpful Singapore posts
- Singapore on a budget: 9 free things to do
- Ultimate 2024 guide to Universal Studios Singapore
- 1 week in Singapore: Budget Breakdown
No time to read now? Pin it for later!
We may earn a small commission when you make a purchase through our links at no extra cost to you. This helps us maintain our site and create more useful content for you. We appreciate your support! ❤️
