3 Days in Singapore: Everything You Need To Know
The Southeast Asian country of Singapore may be less than half the size of London, but you'll find an astonishing range of things to do packed into this tiny city-state. Located on the Singapore River, the city offers some amazing attractions like Gardens by the Bay, the stunning Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Singapore Botanic Gardens, and the urban wilderness of Sentosa Island. In fact, there's so much to do in Singapore that from the moment you arrive at Changi Airport, you'll be absolutely spoiled for choice.
To make the most of a packed Singapore itinerary, you're going to have to move fast. With only 3 days in Singapore, you can't hope to see everything the country has to offer. Therefore, this Singapore itinerary is best seen as a jumping-off point to give you some pointers on what to explore further.
Drop off your bags at a Bounce luggage locker in Singapore, and you'll be ready to get a taste of what the city has to offer. You may not get to see it all, but no matter what Singapore attractions you do make it to, you'll get a sense of just what makes this nation so special.
Day One
Morning
If you only have 3 days in Singapore, there's no time to waste. After you've grabbed your things from a luggage storage near Singapore Changi Airport, it'll be time to start exploring. The best place to start is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Singapore Botanic Gardens.
Get there early to avoid the heat and the crowds, and spend a couple of hours strolling through this peaceful oasis in the heart of the city. With more than 60,000 plants from around 3,000 species on display, there's plenty to see and smell here. Stop for a coffee at one of the cafes, or take a break in the cooling Shade House.
Once you're done at the gardens, walk to Orchard Road, Singapore's famous shopping street. You'll find everything here from high-end designer boutiques to more affordable local and international brands. If you're looking for souvenirs, this is the place to find them. Home to the best shopping in Singapore, this is the perfect place to find unique gifts for everyone back home - or to get something for yourself.
After all that, you may find yourself in need of refreshment. Treat yourself at one of Orchard Road's many cafes, restaurants, and bars. If you want to experience some local flavor, try a Singaporean breakfast of kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs at Ya Kun Kaya Toast.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, head to Marina Bay for a spot of sightseeing. Start at the impressive Marina Bay Sands Hotel, an iconic building with three 55-story towers connected by a ship-shaped platform that houses a huge infinity pool, restaurants, bars, and shops. If you're feeling brave (and have deep pockets), you can even take a dip in the pool.
Next, walk to Gardens by the Bay, a 101-hectare park consisting of two cooled conservatories (the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest), an outdoor garden with supertrees (tall tree-like structures covered in plants and flowers), and the OCBC Skyway, a 128-meter-long aerial walkway that offers great views of the park and beyond. Gardens by the Bay is a truly unique place to visit and will leave you feeling like you've taken a step into the future. This sci-fi wonderland will give you a glimpse of another world that you only get by visiting Singapore.
Evening
As night falls, make your way to Clarke Quay, a popular spot for dinner and drinks. Located on the Singapore River, this former warehouse district is now home to a host of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs. Grab a bite to eat at one of the riverfront restaurants, then spend the rest of the evening bar-hopping through the different bars and clubs. If you're looking for something a little more low-key, there are plenty of pubs and bars offering live music.
Day Two
Morning
Start your second day with breakfast at one of the many hawker centers in Singapore. These food courts are found all over the city and offer a cheap and delicious way to try some of the local food. There's no shortage of choices, but if you're looking for something specific, head to Chinatown Food Street, where you'll find a range of Chinese dishes on offer.
After breakfast, it's time to do some sightseeing. Make your way to the Merlion Park, where you'll find the iconic Merlion statue, a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. This 8.6 meter tall statue is one of Singapore's most popular tourist attractions, so be prepared for crowds.
Nearby, you'll find the Helix Bridge, a pedestrian bridge in the shape of a double helix that offers great views of Marina Bay. This is a great place to take some photos and soak up the atmosphere of this vibrant city.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, head to Little India for a taste of Indian culture. This colorful neighborhood is full of spice shops, sari stores, and Indian restaurants. It's the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs or try some of the local food. Be sure to try a plate of roti prata, a type of flatbread that is often served with curry.
On the other hand, if you'd prefer something a little more relaxing, check out Singapore's National Orchid Garden, the largest orchid garden in the world. With over 60,000 orchids on display, this is definitely the place to go for flower lovers.
Evening
As night falls, make your way to Marina Bay for a spectacular light show. Every night at 8 pm, the water in the bay is lit up by a dazzling display of lights, lasers, and fountains. The show lasts for 15 minutes and is well worth a watch.
Another great nighttime activity is to visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. This magnificent temple is a great place to visit at any time of day, but seeing it lit up at night will give you an unmissable photo opportunity to prove you've visited Singapore. Also, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is surrounded by some excellent Chinese restaurants where you can grab some delicious food in true Singapore style. Singapore's Chinatown is an attraction all by itself, and exploring the busy streets is a fantastic way to get a deeper sense of the multicultural nature of the country. Plus, you'll find some of the best street food in Singapore here — and that's saying an awful lot.
Day Three
Morning
On the last of your 3 days in Singapore, take a trip to Sentosa Island. This resort island is a must-visit on any Singapore itinerary, as it provides the perfect place to take a break from the noise and chaos of the city and reconnect with nature.
There are plenty of things to do on Sentosa Island, but one of the most popular is to visit Universal Studios Singapore. This movie-themed amusement park has rides and attractions based on some of your favorite films and TV shows. If you're a Harry Potter fan, be sure to check out the new Wizarding World of Harry Potter, which opened in 2019. If you're traveling with kids, you probably won't be able to avoid visiting one of the biggest theme parks in Southeast Asia. But even if you're not, Universal Studios is a great place to have some fun while you visit Singapore, and while it may not be completely authentic and true to the culture of this unique country, it's still worth a visit while you're on Sentosa Island.
But if theme parks aren't your thing, skip Universal Studios and head instead to one of Sentosa Island's magnificent beaches. Palawan Beach is a great option, as it offers stunning views of the surrounding islands, clear water for swimming, and plenty of beach activities like parasailing and jet skiing. It's the perfect addition to your Singapore itinerary if you want to cram some activity into your 3 days in Singapore.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, continue your exploration of Sentosa Island with a trip to Tanjong Beach. This beautiful stretch of sand is the perfect place to relax, swim, or sunbathe. When you're ready for something more active, there are plenty of water sports on offer, from kayaking to parasailing.
For those who want to stay on dry land, there's plenty to do as well. The Sentosa Luge is a great option for thrill-seekers, while the Butterfly Park & Insect Kingdom is perfect for nature lovers. Or you could head to Fort Canning Park, one of Singapore's most iconic green spaces. From there, you can explore the historic architecture of the Colonial District and visit some of the best museums in Singapore. It's a great way to get to know a little bit more about this fascinating country during your 3 days in Singapore, and if nothing else, it may inspire you to plan to visit Singapore again in the future.
Evening
Singapore is easily one of the greatest food cities in the world. Therefore, no Singapore itinerary is complete without checking out the hawker stands and other fantastic places to eat Singapore offers.
One of the best places to start is at Maxwell Food Centre, where you can sample some of the best hawker food in Singapore. Be sure to try the chicken rice, which is a national dish, as well as the chili crab and laksa, two other local favorites.
If you're looking for something a little more upscale, make a reservation at one of Singapore's many Michelin-starred restaurants. There are plenty to choose from, but if you can't decide, opt for Burnt Ends, which serves up fantastic Australian-style BBQ. Or for something truly unique, head to Restaurant Andre, where chef Andre Chiang creates French dishes with Asian influences.
Alternatively, if you want to try a bunch of different things and be guided to some of the best places to eat in Singapore, you could always book a guided food tour. Tours operate throughout the city in districts like Little India, Chinatown, Arab Street, and Clarke Quay, so you can focus on different aspects of Singapore's rich culinary traditions. You'll need to bring your walking shoes and your appetite, but it's the perfect way to say goodbye to the city, with some delicious local delicacy in one hand and a Singapore sling cocktail in the other.
Conclusion
With only 3 days in Singapore, don't wear yourself out trying to see all the most popular Singapore tourist attractions. Instead, choose a Singapore itinerary that will let you see a little bit of everything. From tropical gardens to futuristic resorts to theme parks to ancient temples, Singapore has something to offer just about everyone. Enjoy the nightlife on the aptly named Club Street, learn more about the intriguing history of the country at the National Museum, or lose yourself in the Cloud Forest at Gardens by the Bay, and you'll be glad you chose to explore Singapore for yourself.
And don't forget to take advantage of the convenient luggage storage locations in Singapore. Traveling light will make it much easier to get around and enjoy whatever it is you want to do in the city. Singapore is just waiting to be explored. Traveling light means you can see the very best of what this fascinating city has to offer.
