Singapore isn’t very big; in fact, with a map in hand and a list of places to check out, you can jolly well go the shank’s pony route, walking and using the MRT and the bus service to explore all of Singapore. All you need is a pre-paid EZ-Link card which helps you avoid the lines at ticket counters. Using the EZ-Link card not only helps you to avoid the lines at the ticket counters and affords you a 15% discount on top of it. Use our 3-day itinerary to get the very best out of Singapore; you’ll love it!
Day 1: Morning and Afternoon – Civic District
Make your way to the Civic District and enjoy lunch at Raffles Hotel on Beach Road. Stroll around the hotel to admire its incredible colonial-era architecture. The Singapore National Gallery is nearby, so pay a visit to it to check out the largest public display of modern Southeast Asian art in the world.
While in the area, pay a visit to the beautiful colonial St Andrews Cathedral, the first and the largest Anglican Church in Singapore. The architecture is simply mind-blowing, and definitely one of the highlights of our 3 days in Singapore itinerary. Then check out Fort Canning Park for some tranquil greenery and wonderful scenery. Also be sure to visit the Central Fire Station & Civil Defence Heritage Gallery, a fascinating museum detailing fire fighters’ lives and their triumphs. You’ll find firefighting artefacts from a century ago in this museum.
Finally be sure to visit the Asian Civilisations Museum which presents artefacts and dioramas to depict the Asian civilizations in Singapore. Make the time to visit the Chijmes, one of Singapore’s most recognizable landmarks. This old convent school has a classic gothic exterior. The building now serves as a lifestyle venue, comprising several fine-dining restaurants, boutique shops and bars. The main chapel can be used for weddings and private events.
Day 1: Evening – Singapore River
Hop on a traditional bumboat and cruise down the Singapore River. Get to know key areas such as Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, and Robertson Quay. The bumboat has seats both inside and outside. Evenings in Singapore are relatively mild, so go ahead and sit on the outside seats. The 40-minute cruise shows most of the must-see highlights of Singapore.
Admire the landmarks as you pass them – Raffles Landing Site, The Merlion, The Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands and others. Take a look at the lit up skyscrapers of Singapore’s Central Business District and Marina Bay. The traditional shophouses of Clarke Quay and Boat Quay are lit up and fully visible from a distance. Hop off the cruise at Clarke Quay and head out to see the colourful array of nightlife offerings and dining options there. Head over to Highlander Bar & Restaurant for some great single malt whiskies and live music to end your evening in style.
Day 1 – Night – Singapore Night Safari
Sign up for the Singapore Night Safari, next to the Singapore Zoo. Get on the guided tram and traverse 40 hectares full of lush forests and animals in their natural habitats. The night safari park is divided into seven geographical zones, each populated with creatures from that geographical zone. You can explore these zones via a walking trail where you can come up close to leopards, badgers and civets. The newest trail in the Night Safari is The Wallaby Trail, which takes you right through the Australian outback to spot some nocturnal Australian creatures. The Singapore Night Safari alone is worth the effort to obtain a Singapore Tourist Visa.
Day 2: Morning and Afternoon – Chinatown and Little India
Begin your day with a culture study of Chinatown and Little India. In Chinatown, have a fabulous breakfast of chicken rice from the Maxwell Food Centre’s Tian Tian stall. Visit the majestic Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum and the little streets that sell herbs, Chinese tea, silk cloth in bolts and other souvenirs. Chinatown is home to the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore – the Sri Mariamma Temple.
The ethnic enclave of Little India has tons of spice shops, flower vendors, jewellery stores and much more. It’s the place to pick up some Indian clothing, pretty brocade and silk sarees and scarves for your family back home. Little India has several wonderful eateries for lunch. We recommend the Banana Leaf Apolo for a delicious south Indian fish head curry lunch. Post lunch, head over to Mustafa Centre for a delightful shopping experience. The store has five storeys of shopping and it is open 24/7. Each floor has a delightful array of goods from all over the world. Whatever item you’re looking for, you’re bound to find it at Mustapha Centre.
Day 2: Evening – Universal Studios Sentosa
Head out to Sentosa Island and explore the S.E.A Aquarium at the Sentosa Marine Life Park, once the world’s largest aquarium. The Underwater World is a packed with sharks, manta rays, and many-hued large fish plus octopi and dolphins. Fort Siloso is an authentic colonial-era fort where you can see the journey of a British soldier during WWII through various exhibits. Sentosa Island has 3D and 4D theatres, an amusement park, a water park and many amusement options that the entire family can enjoy.
Day 3: Early Morning – Singapore Botanic Gardens
Get up with the sun and head out to the best park in Singapore 0 the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Celebrate the tranquillity of lush green gardens and flowers of every description at this 150 years old gardens. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has an incredible orchid garden that all nature lovers must see. The National Orchid Garden is home to the world’s largest orchid display, with more than 60,000 orchid plants.
Day 3: Afternoon and Evening – Orchard Road
Give a day over to shopping, at one of Singapore’s major shopping districts – Orchard Road. The entire road is chock full of department stores, independent retail outlets and boutique shops selling high-end international brands, designer goods and local brands.
Get to Paragon Mall if you want to pick up something from Gucci or Yves St. Laurent. If you’re into thrift shopping, head out to *SCAPE and shop for all you are worth. Head to the Marmalade Pantry at ION Orchard for an excellent truffled field mushroom risotto and some great desserts.
Conclusion
Use our 3-day itinerary in Singapore to navigate the many attractions in this wonderful city. You can alter the schedule as you want, and include or remove trip destinations as per preference. Just keep in mind that we want you to enjoy Singapore and keep returning for more.
About the author
A postgraduate in Mass Communications, Neha loves everything about life. Traveling is extremely close to her heart and writing came to her naturally.
An avid trekker & explorer, who often takes off some time from her busy life for mountaineering, she loves meeting new people & gets attached to their culture very easily. Her ambition is to explore as many places as she can in her life. She strongly believes in Gandhian principle – “simple living high thinking”.