Singapore, a city-state nestled between Malaysia and Indonesia, is often visited as a stopover during trips to other Southeast Asian countries or Australia and New Zealand. However, its rich cultural heritage, stunning architecture, and vibrant atmosphere make it a destination that deserves at least three days of exploration.
As a seasoned travel blogger, I’ve put together this ultimate 3-day itinerary to help you experience the best of Singapore. From the majestic Marina Bay Sands to the colorful streets of Little India, we’ll take you on a journey through the city’s hidden gems and iconic landmarks.
The Value of Your Time: Why Singapore All Inclusive Pass is a Must-Have
Before we dive into the itinerary, let’s talk about the value of your time in Singapore. With so many attractions to explore, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go first. That’s why I recommend purchasing the Singapore All Inclusive Pass, which grants you access to the main attractions like Gardens by the Bay with Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, Universal Studios, Sentosa, and its giant slide, Marina Bay Sands observation deck, tourist bus tour, river cruise, and many more experiences.
Day 1: Discovering Marina Bay and Beyond
Distance traveled: 4.2 km
Places visited: Marina Bay, ArtScience Museum, Marina Bay Sands Resort, Gardens by the Bay
Where to eat:
* Lunch at Dallas Cafe & Bar (get directions), Dinner at Satay by the Bay (get directions)
If you’re visiting Singapore for the first time, consider starting your journey with a private welcome tour of the city or taking a bus tourist plan to get familiar with the city’s layout and attractions.
- Marina Bay: A Futuristic Oasis
Spend the morning exploring Marina Bay, following all the pedestrian walkways. Cross the Helix Bridge, a futuristic bridge with a spiral architecture that is a must-see. Stop at the small terraces to take some photos, until you reach the other side of the bay.
Enjoy the entire promenade, cross the Esplanade Bridge and you’ll find yourself at the feet of the Merlion, symbol of Singapore. This 8.5-meter tall statue has the body of a fish and the head of a lion, representing the city’s origins: the fish represents Singapore when it was still a small fishing village, the lion refers to the original name, “Singapura”, which means City of Lions.
Time of visit: 1 hour
Reach The Promontory@Marina Bay: perhaps the most beautiful point from which to admire Marina Bay. From here, you’ll have one side with the Merlion, the other with the Helix Bridge and the Singapore Flyer in the background, while you’ll be completely surrounded by skyscrapers.
- Marina Bay Sands: A Nautical Marvel
To reach this stop: 20 minutes on foot (get directions).From the Merlion continue following the entire walkway around the bay until you arrive at one of the most famous places in Singapore: Marina Bay Sands.L’iconic hotel Marina Bay Sands Resort, one of Singapore’s symbols, has a unique nautical-shaped platform: here you can find the famous sand beach, accessible only to hotel guests, and the observation deck with panoramic views of Singapore. Climb up and enjoy the show!
Time of visit: 1 hour
Buy the ticket online for the observation deck: enjoy the 360° view of Singapore from the SkyPark Observation Deck, located at the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands, and avoid waiting in line at the entrance.
And so on…
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Day 2: Unveiling the Diverse Faces of Singapore
Distance traveled: 10.4 km
Places visited: Arab Street, Little India, Orchard Road, Chinatown, Clarke Quay
Where to eat:
* Lunch at JiBiru Yakitori & Craft Beer (get directions), Dinner at Holey Moley Clarke Quay (get directions)
- Arab Street: A Vibrant Haven
Start the second day of your trip in Singapore by exploring the diverse personalities of the city. Here you can find neighborhoods completely different from each other, fascinating and colorful, that will make you live a journey.
Begin with Arab Street, the Arabic quarter of the city (get directions). This area is located between Bussorah Street, Haji Lane, Bali Lane and Muscat Street, while its pulsating heart is Haji Lane. Enjoy a stroll among the shops, spice stores, and small workshops, without forgetting to admire the exterior of the Sultan Mosque.
Time of visit: 1 hour
Take a food tour that takes you also to Little India, to discover Singapore through its flavors.
- Little India: A Taste of India in the Heart of Singapore
To reach this stop: 15 minutes on foot (get directions).The second morning activity is Little India, the Indian quarter of Singapore. You can easily walk there from the Arabic quarter in less than 15 minutes by walking along Upper Weld Rd and Arab St. Don’t miss a visit to the Sri Veerkamaliamman Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore.
Time of visit: 1 hour
- Orchard Road: A Shopping Paradise
To reach this stop: 20 minutes on foot (get directions).In late morning, you’ll arrive at Orchard Road, Singapore’s shopping street and one of its main arteries. From Little India it’s just a 20-minute walk or take the metro line North East Line (2 minutes).
We recommend moving around with public transport, as the humidity in Singapore is really suffocating.
Stop for lunch at Marina Bay Sands, where you can enjoy the digital light show and take a stroll through the shopping center.
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Day 3: Exploring Sentosa and Beyond
Distance traveled: 15.6 km
Places visited: Sentosa, Universal Studio Singapore
Where to eat:
* Lunch at Hard Rock Cafe (get directions), Dinner at The Food Republic (get directions)
- Sentosa: A Theme Park Haven
Spend the day exploring Sentosa, a small island connected to mainland Singapore by bridges and tunnels. Visit Universal Studios Singapore, one of the most popular theme parks in Southeast Asia.
And so on…
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Conclusion: Unforgettable Experiences in Singapore
Singapore, a city-state that seamlessly blends tradition with modernity, has something to offer for every kind of traveler. From its stunning architecture to its vibrant atmosphere, this little red dot is sure to leave you in awe. With this 3-day guide, you’re one step closer to experiencing the best of Singapore.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: What is the best time to visit Singapore?
A: The best time to visit Singapore is during the dry season, from February to June and September to November, when the weather is pleasant and sunny. - Q: How do I get around Singapore?
A: The easiest way to get around Singapore is by using public transportation, such as buses and trains, which are efficient and affordable. - Q: What should I wear in Singapore?
A: Wear light and breathable clothing, and don’t forget to bring sunscreen and a hat to protect yourself from the sun. - Q: Can I drink tap water in Singapore?
A: No, tap water is not safe for drinking in Singapore. Stick to bottled or filtered water instead. - Q: Are there any cultural restrictions in Singapore?
A: Yes, Singapore is a conservative country, and you should dress modestly when visiting temples or mosques. - Q: What are the must-try foods in Singapore?
A: Try popular dishes like chili crab, Hainanese chicken rice, and laksa, which can be found at hawker centers or street food stalls. - Q: Can I use credit cards in Singapore?
A: Yes, most businesses in Singapore accept major credit cards, including Visa, Mastercard, and American Express. - Q: Are there any safety concerns in Singapore?
A: Generally, Singapore is a safe city, but be aware of pickpocketing and petty theft in crowded areas.
Bonus Tips
- Try to avoid visiting during peak tourist season (June-August) if possible, as it can get very hot and humid.
- Be prepared for crowds and long queues at popular attractions.
- Bring a reusable water bottle and refill it at public water fountains.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help or directions from locals, who are generally friendly and willing to assist.
By following this 3-day guide, you’ll have a chance to experience the best of Singapore, from its stunning architecture to its vibrant atmosphere, and create unforgettable memories of your trip.
