Singapore is a glittering metropolis that often gets overlooked by first-time southeast Asia travelers eager to explore Thailand, Vietnam or Bali. But this city-state, known as the “Lion City,” packs a lot of punch for its diminutive size.
Cosmopolitan yet multicultural, manmade yet green, Singapore beckons the urban explorer who seeks out equal measures of adventure and luxury.
Follow this ultimate 3 day Singapore itinerary to discover the highlights of this dynamic destination.
We’ll explore futuristic supertree groves in the day, feast on delectable hawker fare at night and relax in an infinity pool high above the city with a view. This journey through Singapore reveals all the reasons to visit this Asian hub.
Day 1 Morning: Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands
Get ready for an Instagram-worthy start to your Singapore trip at the sprawling Gardens by the Bay.
Cross the dragon-shaped footbridge from the Bayfront MRT station to access these 101-hectare gardens, opened in 2012, that integrate technology and greenery in visionary ways.
Don’t miss the massive cooled conservatories housing exotic plants from Mediterranean and tropical environments.
Then, take the elevator up to the Supertree Grove to walk on the skybridge between the iconic tree-like vertical gardens covered in over 200 species of blooms.
Cap it all off with a visit to the adjacent Cloud Forest Dome featuring the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
Next, cross Marina Bay Sands shop-lined skybridge to the three-tower hotel and casino complex instantly recognizable from pictures.
Even if you’re not staying at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, you can experience the same awesome city panoramas from its skypark observation deck, located 200 meters in the air.
The $8 ticket gains you access to the boat-shaped infinity pool with unrivaled infinity pool views overlooking downtown.
Day 1 Afternoon: Merlion Park, Clarke Quay and More
Work up an appetite while seeing the city’s top sights by following the Singapore River inland to Merlion Park. Posing in front of the iconic half-lion, half-fish creature statue representing Singapore’s humble fishing village beginnings is an essential photo opp.
From Merlion Park, it’s an easy walk over the river to Clarke Quay, a revitalized warehouse district buzzing with bars, clubs and restaurants.
Enjoy a traditional Tandoori chicken lunch at one of the Indian restaurants lining the riverbank before browsing the area’s colorful boutique shops.
Culture vultures can walk further upriver to the Asian Civilisations Museum for insight into Singapore’s migrant roots from China, India and Southeast Asia.
Wind down your first day exploring downtown Singapore’s City Hall district. Gaze up at the imposing Neoclassical-style City Hall and St Andrew’s Cathedral facing the Singapore River before hitting up Raffles Hotel’s courtyard.
Treat yourself to a signature Singapore Sling cocktail at the Long Bar where this pink gin drink was first concocted.
Day 2: Sentosa Island & Night Safari
Escape the city on day two with a trip to Singapore’s pleasure island getaway just 15 minutes from downtown.
After arriving by MRT subway or taxi, start at Images of Singapore Live museum for an engaging primer about the country’s history told through life-size dioramas with light and sound effects.
Next, take the Skyline Luge down from Fort Siloso to whizz through the jungle on a wheeled sled along downhill tracks. Alternatively, you can glide over Sentosa’s coastline suspended on the SkyNetwork cable car.
Adrenaline seekers can try iFly, the indoor skydiving simulator, or the exhilarating 90-meter Bungy Jump, one of the highest in Asia.
End your time on Sentosa with some fun in the sun at Tanjong Beach Club, which lets nonmembers pay for day access. Here, you can relax in a trendy infinity wading pool overlooking sand and sea before heading back to the city center.
After dinner at one of Chinatown’s famous dining establishments, experience Singapore after dark on a unique Night Safari.
On this guided open tram tour, encounter endangered nocturnal wildlife like tigers, leopards and elephants roaming freely under subtle manmade lighting. It’s an adventure not to miss during a short trip to Singapore.
Day 3: Singapore’s Best Hawker Centers
On your final day savor Singapore’s famed hawker food scene at markets serving an array of culinary delights.
Start off amid the frenetic atmosphere of Tiong Bahru Market known for its array of breakfast dishes like soft kaya toast and warm soya bean milk.
Order a plate of Hainanese Chicken Rice, touted as Singapore’s national dish, paired nicely with a sweet nutty dessert of bubor cha cha.
Next, head to Maxwell Road Food Center alive with cooking sounds and smells. Sample authentic, inexpensive Chinese noodle and porridge specialties passed down through generations.
Be adventurous and try durian fruit known for its off-putting aroma but sweet, creamy flavor that locals revere.
Top off your Singapore food tour at Lau Pa Sat in the middle of the business district. Under its wrought iron Victorian-era structure, savor rich, thick coconut curry and crispy stingray grilled to order.
Watch the city lights come up around you in one of the island’s iconic outdoor dining venues.
Three days provides enough time to discover Singapore’s diverse neighborhoods, innovative architecture, nature parks and fusion food.
This Singapore itinerary can be adapted based on your personal travel style, but hits the top things to do for a memorable first visit to the lion city.
Just scratching the surface here means you’ll definitely be back to continue your Singapore adventure.
