In this article, we will present a packed itinerary for 3 days in Singapore. We guide you through some of the top sights and neighbourhoods and even include suggestions for a riveting day trip.
Singapore is an island city-state just south of Malaysia that is a hub for travel around southeast Asia. The city is remarkably clean and has some of the lowest crime rates in the world, making it a haven for eager adventurers.
When you arrive in Singapore, you will be astounded by the city’s seamless blend of metropolitan luxury and lush greenery. We recommend seeing some of the top sights in Singapore to help get you immersed. From the gorgeous views at Marina Bay Sands to the bustling streets of Orchard Road, your first day in Singapore promises to amaze.
To start your first day in Singapore, head to the stunning Marina Bay Sands. This iconic resort is one of the most recognisable buildings in Singapore, made up of 3 towers that are connected by the Sands Skypark, which resembles a boat perched high above the skyline.
The resort is home to a wide range of entertainment options, including a world-class casino, a shopping mall with luxury boutiques and stellar nightlife venues, so there is plenty to discover.
The appeal of Marina Bay Sands comes from its breathtaking panoramic views of the city from the Sands Skypark Observation Deck, located on the 57th floor. You can purchase tickets to the Observation Deck even if you aren’t a guest at the resort. The skyline unfolds before your eyes from the top of Marina Bay, so it’s a great place to get amazing pictures of your Singapore trip.
From Marina Bay Sands, take a short walk to Gardens by the Bay, a futuristic garden spanning 101 hectares. The garden is famous for its intricate architecture and innovative horticultural displays, and the Supertree Grove in particular is one of the best things to do in Singapore and an absolute must-visit attraction.
On your visit, you can stroll through the mesmerising Flower Dome; the world’s largest glass greenhouse. The seasonal displays inside the Dome change regularly, making every visit unique.
Next to the Flower Dome, you will find the Cloud Forest; a conservatory that emulates a misty mountain rainforest, complete with orchids and ferns. It features a 35m tall indoor waterfall, lush vegetation and a spiralling walkway that takes you through the different levels of the forest.
The Gardens are an exceptional way to spend a day in Singapore, offering a verdant escape right in the heart of the city. Nature lovers should get tickets to the gardens early to jump straight into the sights and avoid waiting in long lines.
Within the Marina Bay Sands Complex, you can find the ArtScience Museum, known for its distinctive lotus-shaped architecture and its unique approach to exploring the intersection of art, science, culture, and technology. Be sure to get your tickets in advance to skip the queues.
The exhibitions at the museum often feature interactive displays, immersive installations and multimedia presentations, making them engaging and educational for visitors of all ages. In addition to its permanent collection, the ArtScience Museum also hosts touring exhibitions from around the world. These exhibitions cover a wide array of subjects, from ancient civilizations and natural history
The ArtScience Museum in Singapore is not only a place for learning and exploration, but also a testament to the city’s commitment to promoting creativity, innovation and the fusion of diverse disciplines.
For the evening, we suggest heading to Orchard Road. This urban wonderland is a hub for shopping and eating and is the perfect place to end your first day. The tree-lined boulevard stretches for approximately 2.2 km and is flanked by numerous high-end malls, department stores and restaurants.
Orchard Road is synonymous with luxury shopping and is home to some of Singapore’s most prestigious malls and boutiques. ION Orchard is an upscale shopping mall that boasts a wide range of international luxury brands, designer boutiques, and high-end dining options. The Food Opera within ION offers a selection of Singaporean dishes and Asian cuisine in a stylish setting.
Another highlight of Orchard Road is Ngee Ann City. The Japanese department store, Takashimaya, anchors this shopping complex. It offers an extensive selection of luxury brands, cosmetics and Japanese goods.
There are a variety of entertainment options on Orchard Road, like cinemas, rooftop bars and street performers. It captures the essence of Singapore in the most superb way and is the best place to go to experience the bustling city culture.
For your second day itinerary in Singapore, we suggest you visit some of the charming neighbourhoods and landmarks that will leave an indelible impression on your visit.
From the colourful streets of Little India to the riverside elegance of Clarke Quay, your second day in Singapore will show you the very best that the Lion City has to offer.
The first stop of the day is Chinatown, where you’ll be greeted by vibrant streets, historic temples and buzzing markets. You can opt for a guided tour of the area or you can start your visit with a trip to the Chinatown Heritage Centre, a museum that provides an in-depth look at the history, culture and heritage of the Chinese immigrants who settled in Singapore.
We then suggest you explore the many temples dotted around the neighbourhood. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is nestled right in the heart of Chinatown and houses an alleged tooth of the Buddha.
Chinatown is famous for its street markets, particularly Chinatown Street Market and Pagoda Street. Wandering the stalls and haggling with vendors is a great way to get involved with the local community. You can shop for souvenirs, traditional Chinese handicrafts, clothing, jewellery and so much more.
From Chinatown, make your way to Little India; a spirited neighbourhood that immerses you in the rich Indian culture of Singapore. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by the scent of spices and vivid buildings. It’s one of the best places in Singapore for photographers who want to capture candid moments and unique scenes.
The centrepiece of Little India is the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. This stunning Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali is one of the oldest and most significant temples in Singapore. It features intricate sculptures, a wide palette of colours and a sense of serenity amidst the thronging streets.
There is so much to do in the striking neighbourhood, from savouring traditional Indian cuisine on a food tour to shopping for textiles and jewellery at independent establishments. If you’re eager to pick up souvenirs, head to the Little India Arcade on Serangoon Road. Here, you will find colourful facades and numerous shops selling traditional Indian clothing, jewellery, and handicrafts.
If you want to experience the lavish nightlife of Singapore then Clarke Quay is the place to go. This riverside area is known for its diverse dining and superb bars. The waterfront promenade along the Singapore River is perfect for a leisurely evening stroll. You can take in the sights and sounds of Clarke Quay and enjoy the cool breeze off the river.
Many of the bars and restaurants in Clarke Quay offer riverside seating, providing a picturesque backdrop as you enjoy your meal or drinks. The view of the Singapore River, especially at sunset, is breathtaking.
To elevate your visit, take a leisurely boat ride along the river and be treated to a unique perspective of Singapore’s colonial and modern architecture illuminated against the night sky.
For the final day of this Singapore 3 day itinerary, we suggest you take a day trip outside of the city. We recommend a day on Sentosa Island with its extensive tourist offering and Pulau Ubin for those who want to see another side of Singapore and spend time in nature.
You will likely only have time for one of these trips if you’re only spending 3 days in Singapore, so it’s important to consider what kind of experience you want to have.
This resort paradise is located just minutes from mainland Singapore. Head to Harbourfront MRT Station and get the cable car to Sentosa. When you reach the idyllic island, a whole world of thrills awaits.
One of the main attractions on Sentosa is Universal Studios Singapore, where you can enjoy riveting rides and meet beloved movie characters. It’s one of the best things to do in Singapore for families and thrill seekers. The amusement park is split into distinct areas including Sci-fi City, Ancient Egypt and The Lost World, each with its own unique rides and restaurants.
After a heart-pounding time at Universal, you can wind down with a relaxing evening on Sentosa’s pristine beaches. Siloso Beach and Palawan Beach are popular choices for chilling out by the sea and feature exquisite palmed-lined sands. Enjoy a drink at one of the many beach bars and take in the fabulous sunset as it dips below the horizon.
For a more peaceful outing, take a short ferry ride to Pulau Ubin. This island is the best place to experience the natural beauty and rustic charm of a traditional Singaporean island village. You’ll notice that the island has a laid-back atmosphere that is best explored on foot or by renting a bicycle at one of the rental shops near the jetty.
A great way to explore the island is by taking a boat tour of the mangroves and Kelongs. Your knowledgeable guide will be able to give you more context about the fishing villages found here and will even take you to an abandoned resort.
Pulau Ubin is known for its rich diversity of wildlife, including birds, monitor lizards, wild boars and monkeys. For a magical experience, head to Butterfly Hill, where you can find a dedicated sanctuary for these insects that attracts hundreds of different species.
With so much natural wonder and so many paths to explore, Pulau Ubin is a great day trip in Singapore for travellers who prefer to connect with the great outdoors and want to see a different side of the lavish Lion City.
To help you make the most of your visit, we’ve come up with some top tips that will ensure your visit runs smoothly.
The best time to visit Singapore is during the spring from February to April. During this time the weather in Singapore is warm and fairly dry with low humidity, which makes for excellent sightseeing conditions. Singapore is a timeless destination that can be visited year-round, but it is worth noting that it gets very busy in the peak summer months so you may want to visit outside this time of year.
There are so many places to stay in Singapore that will suit a range of budgets. Below, we’ve compiled some recommendations that will suit a variety of travellers and keep you right in the centre of the city.
Budget: For travellers seeking affordable accommodation in Singapore, the Ibis Budget Singapore Ruby is an excellent choice. The hotel is conveniently located just 10 minutes from Orchard Road by car and is very close to Aljunied MRT Station, giving you access to the entire city.
Mid-Range: Alternatively, travellers who wish to spend slightly more on accommodation should consider a few nights in the Mercure Singapore Bugis. Situated in the heart of the Bugis district, the hotel features good access to public transport and has a variety of eateries nearby. The Skydeck and infinity pool are free for guests to use and offer exceptional views of the city skyline.
Luxury: For a lavish 3 days in Singapore, travellers should opt to stay in Pan Pacific Orchard. This luxury hotel is right on Orchard Road which gives you unlimited access to vibrant nightlife and also features 4 sensory spaces for optimal relaxation. The attentive staff will be happy to help with any of your travel arrangements and will ensure you have an exceptional stay.
We recommend packing light clothing and shorts for a trip to Singapore. The weather in Singapore is hot and humid year round and if you are doing lots of exploring you will want to have breathable clothing.
You should also pack a light rain jacket as there can be occasional showers, but fortunately, these don’t last very long. You can pack swimwear if you plan on visiting Pulau Ubin or Sentosa, and don’t forget your camera for those amazing photo ops!
When you fly to Singapore you will arrive at Changi Airport, one of the best airports in the world. This travel hub opens up the entirety of Southeast Asia to travellers who are looking to extend their trip and visit other countries, like Thailand and Vietnam.
Singapore boasts an exceptional public transport system that is both cheap and efficient. You should make the most of the MRT, Singapore’s underground metro system, as it’s very accessible and connects the entire city. It’s a good idea to purchase an MRT card for your visit as you can top up the balance as needed and it even works on buses too.
Singapore is a city that leaves an indelible mark on every traveller. From the modern marvels of Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay to the cultural immersion in Chinatown and Little India, your three-day adventure in the Lion City promises an unforgettable experience. Embrace the blend of tradition and modernity, savour diverse cuisines and capture breathtaking moments in this remarkable city-state.
If you’re keen to find more itineraries for trips in Asia, check out our posts on Chiang Mai and Tokyo. Alternatively, if Singapore is just a stop on your journey, be sure to check out our blogs on neighbouring destinations like Kuala Lumpur.
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