Last Updated on September 6, 2022 by Nellie Huang
Planning to spend 3 days in Singapore? See one of the best of my metropolis with this final 3-day Singapore itinerary!
Of the 140 nations I’ve been, Singapore might be the nation I do know greatest as I used to be born there. Even although I’ve lived overseas for the previous 17 years, I’m going residence yearly and I nonetheless have a particular reference to my hometown.
What makes Singapore distinctive is that it is a metropolis, an island and a rustic abruptly. For a rustic, it’s tiny and it solely takes 1 hour to drive from one finish to a different. But it certain packs a punch on the subject of cultural sights and sights.
Over the previous 10 years, I’ve seen Singapore shed its sterile concrete jungle picture to grow to be an thrilling vacation spot. These days, it’s studded with loads of inexperienced areas (of which you’ve most likely heard the well-known Gardens by the Bay) in addition to leisure complexes and nature trails.
Interesting Facts about Singapore
Singapore is a really younger nation, having gained independence solely in 1965. We are a multi-racial nation: our ancestors got here from neighboring Malaysia, India and China and introduced with them their meals and cultural traditions. That’s what I really like about rising up in Singapore.
If you’re coming from different elements of Southeast Asia, you’ll discover that Singapore may be very straightforward to journey. We are comparatively developed, with an environment friendly public transport system, high quality inns and eating places, and nice infrastructure. At the identical time, it’s much more costly than different Southeast Asian nations like Thailand or Indonesia.
Singapore can be a really protected metropolis: that’s partly because of the notoriously strict legal guidelines that govern the nation (it’s unlawful to spit and also you’ll be fined for littering). English is certainly one of its 4 languages and is extensively spoken. Plus, Singapore’s repute for orderliness and cleanliness is just not a fable.
My 3-Day Singapore Itinerary
Most individuals spend 3 days in Singapore and that’s sufficient to get an excellent really feel for it. But you probably have the time, I like to recommend 1 week in Singapore. I additionally recommend combining a weekend in Singapore with a visit to Malaysia (only a causeway away).
For these with 3 days in Singapore, this itinerary will assist you to benefit from your time there and see as a lot as attainable. I’ve included one of the best of the town, in addition to one of the best locations to eat and keep in Singapore. If you’re trying to see Singapore like a neighborhood, this Singapore itinerary will certainly convey you to native spots and never vacationer traps (like Boat Quay)!
Summary of my Singapore Itinerary:
More Information on Singapore:
Singapore Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Singapore
Hang Out at Singapore Jewel
If you’re not too drained out of your flight to Singapore, kick begin your journey proper on the airport! Jewel Changi Airport is a model new leisure space and the most well liked place to go to in Singapore. The advanced contains gardens, museums, retail, F&B eating, a lodge, and extra.
Its iconic centerpiece, generally known as Rain Vortex, is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall surrounded by terraced forest settings. Admire the doughnut-shaped exterior framed in metal and glass from the highest degree, the place you’ll discover the plush gardens and enjoyable kids-oriented park.
Almost all of Jewel is free to get pleasure from, apart from the Canopy Parok on the highest degree. With an admission ticket, you’ll achieve entry to all 4 completely different areas: Play round on the Discovery Slides and mess about within the mist of the Foggy Bowls; Appreciate the creative ability on the Topiary Walk and revel in flowers from the world over within the Petal Garden.
Explore Gardens by the Bay
Catch the MRT (subway) or ebook an airport switch to your lodge. We advocate staying on the landmark lodge and Singapore’s crown jewel, Marina Bay Sands, because it’s received an excellent location and most locations are inside strolling distances. Cross the overhead bridge and end up on the iconic Gardens by the Bay, residence to over 16,000 plant species and floral shows, all tastefully assembled in a pure manner.
Walking across the park gained’t price you a cent however there’s a charge if you wish to step contained in the climate-controlled conservatories. The iconic Supertree Grove is the primary cease for most individuals. You can even pay to stroll on the Skyway, a community of walkway that hangs over the gardens. The Flower Dome is among the two world’s largest columnless greenhouses, whereas the Cloud Forest homes the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
Enjoy Local Food at Satay by the Bay
Have dinner at Satay by the Bay, an enormous open-air meals court docket inside the gardens itself. It might sound touristy, however the meals right here is simply nearly as good as any Singaporean hawker centre and also you’ll discover all of the greatest Singaporean dishes right here. Get some satay (bbq meat skewers drenched in peanut sauce), grilled stingray and hokkien mee, for the quintessential Singaporean expertise.
Watch the Rhapsody Light and Sound Show
After dinner, head again to the Supertree Groves for the sunshine present. Every night, the Supertrees are lit up in technicolor rays, with music within the backdrop. My daughter was particularly impressed by the Rhapsody Light Show — it felt like Mother Nature was placing on a musical.
The present takes place on a regular basis at 7.45pm and eight.45pm. Best of all, the 15-minute present is totally FREE. Drop by early to seize a great place to benefit from the efficiency!
Watch the Marina Bay Sands Light Show
After that, stroll again to Marina Bay Sands for an additional spectacular gentle and water present at its waterfront. Known as Spectra, the sunshine present is a FREE nightly occasion which you could catch from the boardwalk. There are a number of seating area on the boardwalk and steps. The 15-minute present takes place each evening at 8pm and 9pm (and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays).
Drink in to a View the Rooftop of Marina Bay Sands
To finish your first night in Singapore with a bang, head as much as the highest degree, 57th flooring, of Marina Bay Sands. Here is the place you’ll discover the long-lasting infinity pool (solely open to visitors) and three rooftop bars that gives you a 360-degree view of Singapore’s skyline.
Feast on views of the pool and skyline at Spago Bar & Lounge, helmed by superstar chef Wolfgang Puck, earlier than transferring on to stronger cocktails at CÉ LA VI, which transforms right into a pumping nightclub after midnight. Reserve a desk right here.
????TIP: It is FREE to go as much as the highest flooring of Marina Bay Sands for those who’re staying there OR heading to one of many rooftop bars or eating places. Otherwise, the admission charge for the SkyParok Observation Deck is S$19.90.
Day 2: Explore Singapore’s Ethnic Enclaves
Visit the ArtScience Museum
Start your day on the museum proper in entrance of Marina Bay Sands. Housed in certainly one of Singapore’s most spectacular architectural constructions is the ArtScience Museum with its equally spectacular vary of displays. Located subsequent to Marina Bay Sands is a novel constructing that resembles a water lily rising from the Singapore River.
The title ArtScience is actually apt right here because the completely different galleries spotlight the connection between the humanities and the sciences. It has the identical exhibition as Tokyo’s MORI Digital Museum, with fascinating digital art work and interactive shows for each youngsters and adults. Different exhibitions have completely different costs however I like to recommend getting a reduced All-Access ticket.
Visit the National Gallery Singapore
A ten-minute stroll away, the newly opened National Gallery Singapore is housed in two spectacular colonial buildings overlooking the inexperienced open Padang subject. They gallery has the world’s largest public assortment of Singaporean and Southeast Asian artwork, consisting of over 8,000 artworks. There’s a cool rooftop space right here that’s free to go to, and even a horny rooftop bar named Smoke and Mirrors that has a beautiful view.
Hang out on the Hipster Haji Lane
About a 15-minute stroll away is Haji Lane, which has not too long ago reworked from a standard Malay quarter to a classy hipster neighborhood. It’s tons of enjoyable because of the colourful cafes and museums, excellent for Instagram-addicted teenagers.
First, find out about Singapore’s Malay tradition on the Malay Heritage Centre and go to the gorgeous golden Sultan Mosque or Masjid Sultan. Then take a look at the authentically Singaporean ‘Children Little Museum‘, a spot that showcases Singaporean retro collectibles, vintage toys and old-school gramophones. Stepping into the shop is nearly equal to you stepping right into a time machine that travelled again in time.
Get Cultured in Little India
Take an Uber to Little India (which gained’t price greater than US$10 or S$15). Of all of the ethnic enclaves in Singapore, Little India might be my favourite. Introduce your youngsters to Hindu temples steep in historical past, take in genuine Singaporean Indian meals and go to the well-known shops for Indian knick knacks.
The greatest temple to go to within the space is Sri Veeramakakaliamman Temple, devoted to goddess Kali. Tekka Market is a senses-assaulting place with spice stalls and retailers promoting saris and jewellery. Don’t miss Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour mall that sells the whole lot from Indian elements to electronics and residential home equipment.
Also you should definitely cease by for an Instagram shot on the rainbow-colored Tan Teng Niah’s former home, the one surviving Chinese villa within the space. For these thinking about traveling India, it will give your youngsters a teaser.
Explore Chinatown
Catch the MRT (subway) only a few stops to Chinatown and provides your youngsters a crash course in Singapore’s Chinese tradition. You’ll not solely discover the greatest Singaporean meals right here, but in addition a vibrant market, vintage retailers and spectacular Buddhist temples. Chinese New Year is one of the best time to go to Chinatown as a number of of the streets listed below are closed off to make manner for an enormous out of doors festive market.
Head straight to the Chinatown Heritage Centre, an interactive museum that showcases the Chinese historical past of Singapore. Continue your stroll alongside the open-air market on Pagoda Street, the place you’ll discover colourful cheongsams (conventional costume), lion dance puppets and Singaporean souvenirs. Don’t miss the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple for a religious expertise.
Have Dinner at Maxwell Food Centre
After an extended day of exploring, get pleasure from some healthful, genuine native meals on the Maxwell Food Centre, simply throughout the road from Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Maxwell is thought amongst locals as the most effective locations in Singapore for meals. It’s renown for having one of the best Hainanese Chicken Rice in Singapore, rice congee and rickshaw noodles. Check out my Singapore meals information for one of the best dishes to attempt in Singapore.
Have Drinks at Club Street
Just just a few blocks away from Maxwell is Club Street and Ann Siang Hill. The space is lined with bars and golf equipment and so they get fairly busy on weekends. Gem Bar is among the greatest bars for individuals watching, however you should definitely ebook a desk for those who’re approaching a weekend. You gained’t miss it as hordes of individuals often spill out onto the streets proper outdoors the bar.
Then head to The Screening Room for a novel mixture of films and booze. Catch traditional flicks on the large display screen on the third degree earlier than transferring as much as the fourth flooring for drinks (and gorgeous views of the town) on the La Terraza Rooftop Bar.
Day 3: Venture Beyond the City Centre
Day Trip to Sentosa Island
On your final day in Singapore, we advocate heading out of the town boundaries to Singapore’s personal tropical playground, Sentosa Island. Those traveling Singapore with youngsters could be blissful to know that is the place is jam-packed with theme parks and seashores.
To get there, simply take the MRT (subway) to Harbourfront station and switch to the Sentosa Express tram, cable automotive or bus 123. There is critically A LOT to do right here, in addition to household resorts the place you keep for the evening. If you wish to go to just a few sights, I like to recommend reserving combo tickets that’ll you save a couple of dollars.
Here’s an inventory of the kid-friendly sights on Sentosa:
OR Day Trip to Pulau Ubin
Alternatively, if Sentosa is simply too commercialised on your liking, go off the crushed path and discover nature on the relatively-untouched islet of Pulau Ubin.
Getting there’s half the enjoyable: take the MRT to Tanah Merah MRT Station, then board Bus No. 2 to Changi Village bus interchange. Changi Point jetty is just not removed from the bus interchange. From the jetty, take a bumboat journey (S$2 per grownup a method) to Ubin. The island itself is bucolic bliss – lease bikes and go exploring.
This small, comparatively flat island is the right place to spend a day biking and exploring. Bike the Sensory Trail and Chek Jawa Wetlands, each crammed with loads of wildlife.
Treat Yourself to a Singaporean Feast
To finish your 3 days in Singapore along with your bang, deal with yourselves to an enormous Singaporean feast at No Signboard Seafood Restaurant positioned within the Esplanade (live performance corridor at Marina Bay that includes a particular structure).
There are fairly just a few well-known seafood eating places in Singapore – together with Jumbo and Palm Beach – however No Signboard is my favourite. It’s received just a few eating places in Singapore, however this one on the Esplanade has probably the most central location and nice views of the water.
Be certain to attempt their signature Chili Crabs (cooked in a wealthy, thick lava of chili gravy) or the Black Pepper Crabs that are equally fashionable with locals. Other Singaporean dishes price making an attempt are the cereal prawns, salted fish fried rice and low ribs.
Enjoy the Nightlife at Clarke Quay
If you’re not too drained, stroll alongside the Singapore River to get to the colonial quarter of Boat Quay and Clarke Quay. The stroll takes about 20 minutes, however you can even take a Singapore River Cruise on a bumboat (40 minutes, S$25). You get to see the town from new views and it’s notably nice at evening. Book your river cruise upfront to save cash.
This space has a whole lot of historical past: you’ll see rows of restored, colonial shophouses, in addition to the statue of founder Sir Stamford Raffles. By evening, Clarke Quay transforms into Singapore’s busiest nightlife hub, with countless eating places, bars and nightclubs. One of my favourite locations to go to for a drink right here is Highlander, a whisky bar proper within the coronary heart of Clarke Quay. Other nice spots are the Japanese fashion bar La Terre and reside music bar The Crazy Elephant.
TIP: Go straight to Clarke Quay and keep away from Boat Quay which is brimming with annoying vacationer touts!
How to Get to Singapore
Singapore’s airport is an enormous hub in Southeast Asia, and serves many main cities all over the world. Singapore Airlines is among the greatest on the planet, with glorious carriers and customer support.
You can get flights from New York to Singapore for round US$800 return (with transits in Tokyo or HongKong). Flights from Los Angeles to Singapore are barely shorter (round 20 hours) and value $700 return.
Flying London to Singapore is kind of inexpensive and often takes not more than 16 hours. I at all times fly Qatar Airways or British Airways as each have nice observe file and good costs.
Search for Flights to Singapore
Best Time to Travel Singapore
Thanks to its location near the equator, it’s HOT all yr spherical in Singapore. The common temperature ranges from 26 to 30°C (or 78 to 86°F) all year long. Check out these moist actions to chill off along with your youngsters!
The greatest time to go to might be through the dry season (June to August). It is often when the nation has the least quantity of rain, the bottom humidity, and probably the most sunshine. Another nice time to go to Singapore is through the festivities, corresponding to Chinese New Year, Hari Raya and Deepavali. There are a number of celebrations, cultural performances and parades throughout these intervals.
Be warned: Singapore will get a whole lot of thundershowers. The monsoon season (November to January) is when Singapore receives probably the most rain. Fortunately, they often don’t final lengthy, and the solar returns to lift humidity.
How to Get Around Singapore
By Public Transport
The environment friendly MRT prepare system is a straightforward and low-cost method to get round Singapore with youngsters. It often prices round US$1.50 to 2 per journey. Almost each a part of the town is linked by the MRT. It’s air-conditioned and cozy, though it will get crowded at rush hours (attempt to keep away from it round 7-9am and 6-8pm).
I undoubtedly advocate shopping for an EZ-Link card, a pay as you go sensible card that permits you to use the general public transport (subway and buses) in Singapore. You can get this at any MRT station. Children beneath 90cm tall journey free on trains and buses.
By Taxi/Uber
Taxis are fairly priced in Singapore, particularly for those who’re simply touring across the metropolis centre space. Uber can be a straightforward and handy method to get across the metropolis island. But for those who’re taking the taxi from the airport to the centre, it could price greater than S$30.
The airport has an MRT station and it takes round 45 minutes to succeed in the town centre. You can even ebook an airport shuttle that can convey you to any downtown inns for lower than $10.
By Car
If you’re touring with a child or toddler, take into account renting a automotive as that could be probably the most handy method to get round. You can ebook a 3-day automotive rental in Singapore for US$250 or S$350. I at all times use UncoverCars.com as they’ve persistently given one of the best charges and customer support.
Driving is straightforward in Singapore as roads are huge and effectively signposted. Also Singapore is a small island, and driving from one finish to the opposite takes not more than 1 hour. But word that there may be a whole lot of visitors at peak hours and parking is dear.
Where to Stay in Singapore
Hotels in Singapore aren’t the most cost effective, as property costs are excessive. That stated, there are a lot of upscale 5-star inns and household resorts that may make your 3 days in Singapore particular. Those with restricted price range can even go for hostels in Chinatown or Haji Lane space.
The Best Areas to Stay in Singapore
Choosing the suitable space to remain will assist you to take advantage of out of your 3 days in Singapore. For this Singapore itinerary, I like to recommend staying within the Marina Bay space if price range permits. Otherwise, listed below are the next areas you may take into account:
- Marina Bay – The coronary heart of the town with a good looking riverfront space, near Gardens by the Bay.
- Bugis – Walking distance from Marina Bay, with extra inexpensive inns.
- Haji Lane – A classy hipster space strolling distance from centre, with good hostels.
- Chinatown – A extra cultural space with bustling markets, good meals, and price range inns.
Marina Bay Sands
Dominating the town’s skyline, Marina Bay Sands is an iconic landmark of the town now and undoubtedly the most effective inns in Singapore. We’ve stayed right here 3 occasions and it’s by no means dissatisfied. The rooftop pool is just open to visitors, so that you’ll have to remain right here if swimming on the infinity pool is in your bucket listing. Check charges right here.
Capella Singapore
Located in Sentosa, this can be a premium resort housed in a colonial advanced. Capella Singapore boasts a good looking three-pier swimming pool and upscale eating places that serve a unbelievable breakfast unfold. We stayed right here with our daughter when she was simply 6 months in the past, and have been actually impressed. Read my evaluation and examine the charges.
The Clan Hotel Singapore
We not too long ago stayed at The Clan Hotel Singapore and have been actually impressed by the brand new lodge’s location and modern design. I notably love how the lodge pays tribute to the Singaporean heritage by way of particulars like a welcome tea ceremony, fashionable Chinese decor, and native dishes of their breakfast menu. Read my full evaluation and examine charges right here.
Furama Riverfront
Located near Chinatown, Furama Riverfront has themed bedrooms specifically designed for youths. The rooms even embody bean luggage, child sized desk / chairs and a ps. This is certainly appropriate for toddlers and tweens. Check charges right here.
Where to Eat in Singapore
The greatest locations to eat in Singapore are in hawker facilities: open-concept meals courts however an establishment of their very own. They serve what you’ll name Singapore avenue meals, with every hawker stall specializing in a single dish. Some of those hawker stalls have even been awarded the celebrated Michelin Star!
Prices are actually inexpensive: A plate of noodles prices round S$3 (or US$2), whereas a full seafood meal units you again lower than S$30 (US$21) per individual. They are clear and arranged, and distributors have to stick to sure hygiene ranges by legislation. Check out the greatest locations to eat in Singapore.
There are additionally meals courts, which might be air-conditioned eateries often positioned in purchasing malls. If your youngsters aren’t adventurous eaters, there are many fast-food shops and worldwide eating places, like Burger King, Shake Shack and Black Angus Steakhouse.
Best Hawker Centres in Singapore
Best Singaporean Restaurants
Internet and Data in Singapore
It’s straightforward to search out free WiFi all over the place in Singapore. Most malls and public areas have free WiFi networks. You simply must register along with your overseas cell quantity at any [email protected] hotspot and obtain your login particulars by way of SMS.
Alternatively, for those who favor web knowledge in your telephone, you may simply get a 5-day vacationer sim knowledge card for $15 on the airport upon arrival. For a less expensive deal, get this pay as you go SIM card (100GB of knowledge for $8.50) upfront and choose it up on the airport.
Cost of Travel in Singapore
Singapore is costlier than its neighboring capitals like Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur, however it’s nonetheless fairly inexpensive. Food, admission tickets and transport are literally fairly priced.
With 3 days in Singapore, anticipate to spend round US$250 per individual, together with 3-star lodging and admission tickets. Accommodation may be costly, although there’s a variety of hostels and Airbnb in Singapore.
Singapore meals is extremely good and low-cost all over the place. You can get $5 a meal at a neighborhood hawker centre (which is present in each neighborhood), or $30-40 per meal in a restaurant. Getting round Singapore by public transport is reasonable. You gained’t spend greater than $3 every manner on the MRT or bus.
Planning Your Trip to Singapore
A visit to Singapore may be enjoyable and insightful, particularly in case your first time in Asia. It kind of eases you into Southeast Asia, quite than plunging you deep into tradition shock. Singapore could also be fashionable and developed, however you can even discover pockets of older, extra conventional Southeast Asian tradition, in addition to inexperienced areas each inside the metropolis and simply outdoors.
With 3 days in Singapore, you need to be capable to get an excellent sense of the town nation and expertise one of the best it has to supply. I hope my Singapore itinerary will assist you to discover your manner across the metropolis, whereas tasting one of the best meals and experiencing one of the best sights on the town.
If Singapore is simply part of your Southeast Asia journey, these articles could be helpful that can assist you plan your journey:
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