Explore Singapore in 2-3 Days

Singapore may be small, but it’s packed with incredible experiences. From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, we’ve got you covered. We have also included plenty of delicious food stops along the way! If you’re stopping by for a shorter layover, check out our Guide to a Layover in Singapore.

We will be recommending local food as much as possible, but part of the reason why Singapore is a foodie haven is because of the cuisine diversity we have. We love Japanese cuisine and we will recommend some for Day 3.

Singapore weather is generally humid and hot with rainy seasons. It is always best to check the weather forecast with the official NEA website nearer to your trip.

Day 1 - Iconic Singapore 🇸🇬

Morning - Ya Kun and Gardens By The Bay

Start your day early with breakfast at Ya Kun Kaya Toast. Order their signature kaya toast set paired with a cup of kopi (local coffee) or teh (tea). It’s the perfect way to fuel up for a day of exploration.

After breakfast, head to Gardens by the Bay (GBTB), one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions. Spend your morning exploring:

• Cloud Forest: A misty wonderland with a towering indoor waterfall and lush vegetation.

• Flower Dome: A climate-controlled conservatory showcasing exotic plants from around the world.

• Supertree Grove: Walk among these futuristic tree-like structures and don’t miss the Supertree Observatory for stunning views.

From GBTB, take a leisurely walk across the overhead Garden Bay Bridge to Marina Bay Sands (MBS) for lunch.

Skip the Food Court - Rasapura Masters, we will recommend other places for hawker fare for Day 2. Check out these local-brand restaurants instead:

• Canton Paradise - Classic and modern Cantonese dishes. Try their Dim Sum and Roast Meat Platter.

• Putien - A Michelin-recommended restaurant specializing in Fujian cuisine. Try their Fried Heng Hwa Bee Hoon or Signature Lor Mee.

• So Pho - Authentic Vietnamese dishes in a casual setting at reasonable prices. It’s Halal too.

If you prefer lunch with a view, check out MBS Rooftop Restaurants. It is best to reserve beforehand as they are popular dining places. Many restaurants use Chope or check out their websites for reservation methods.

• CÉ LA VI: Offers contemporary Asian-inspired dishes with panoramic views of the city.

• LAVO: Italian-American cuisine accompanied by rooftop views of downtown Singapore.

After lunch, take some time to explore the luxury shopping mall at MBS. Check out Apple and Louis Vuitton stores “floating” in the Marina Bay.

Afternoon - Museum Visit and Merlion Park

After lunch, avoid the afternoon heat and immerse yourself in Singapore’s culture and history with a visit to one of these museums:

• Asian Civilisations Museum - Explore the rich cultural heritage of Asia through artifacts and exhibits. Highlights include Southeast Asian, Chinese, and Indian galleries. Check out Supermama store when you are there.

• ArtScience Museum - Known for its futuristic architecture and interactive exhibits. Current exhibitions often include digital art and immersive experiences.

Spend 2-3 hours at the museum, then take a scenic walk along the Marina Bay waterfront to Merlion Park. Snap Instagram worthy photos with the iconic Merlion statue spouting water into the bay. The park also offers stunning views of Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade, and the city skyline.

At around 6 PM, hop on a Singapore River Cruise at Clarke Quay jetty. This 40-minute boat ride takes you along the historic Singapore River, passing landmarks like Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Robertson Quay. It’s a relaxing way to see the city from a different perspective.

Evening - Singapore River and Light Show

For dinner, head to one of these local dining restaurants near the Singapore River:

• Jumbo Seafood (Riverside Point) - Their famous chilli crab is a must-try. Pricey but worth it. Remember to order their buns to dip in the chilli sauce too!

• Aston Specialities (Clarke Quay Central) - Affordable western cuisine. Try their chicken grill with mac and cheese.

• Song Fa Bak Kut Teh (New Bridge Road) - Famous pepper-based pork bone soup. Get adventurous and try their braised pork intestines too.

After dinner, make your way back to Marina Bay area for the Spectra – A Light & Water Show. This free 15-mins outdoor show combines water jets, lasers, and music to create a mesmerizing display. There are two shows nightly at 8PM and 9PM. Watching it from Marina Bay Sands’ Event Plaza (recommended) offers a front-row seat to the show. Or catch it from Merlion Park for a unique perspective with MBS as a backdrop.

Day 2 - Singapore Food and Heritage 🕌

Morning - Chinatown

Our day of feasting begins at one of the best hawker centres to have breakfast - Chinatown Complex Market & Food Centre. There is a wet market on the 1st floor and the hawker centre on the 2nd floor (many stalls open before 8am). There is so much to choose we can’t even begin to recommend. Let your eyes and nose guide you, everything is worth trying there. Some unique stalls for breakfast (ask owner for recommendations):

• Ah Kong Wa Kuih 阿公碗粿 #02-116

• Tai Wah Cooked Food #02-115

• Ann Chin Popiah #02-112

• Fatty Ox HK Kitchen #02-84

• Wen Kiang Kee Porridge #02-82

For those who would like an alternative to Ya Kun’s Kaya Toast, head down to Nanyang Old Coffee for their Kaya Toast and Kopi and head up to the 2nd floor to the free Nanyang Old Coffee Museum for some nostalgia coffee exhibits.

After breakfast, explore Chinatown on foot. Check out:

• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple - A stunning four-story temple housing a sacred relic. Don’t miss the rooftop garden and the museum inside.

• Singapore City Gallery (URA Centre) - Discover Singapore’s urban planning journey through interactive exhibits and scale models.

• Sri Mariamman Temple - Singapore’s oldest Hindu Temple.

• Tong Heng Traditional Cantonese Pastries - Local egg tarts.

• China Street Hum Jin Pang #01-28 at Maxwell Hawker Centre.

Afternoon - Little India

Take the MRT to Little India for lunch. Our first choice is Mr Biryani to get away from the noon heat. The 8-time Michelin Bib Gourmand Award winner, Bismillah Biryani, comes a close second. Or you can continue your hawker feasting at Tekka Centre.

After lunch, explore Little India on foot. Check out:

• Sri Veermakaliamman Temple - This gorgeous place of worship is dedicated to Kali, goddess and destroyer of evil.

• Indian Heritage Centre - A newly opened museum showcasing the history and contributions of the Indian community in Singapore. It’s a great place to beat the heat while learning something new.

• Mustafa Centre - A 24-hour shopping mall where you can find everything from electronics to spices.

Evening - Kampong Gelam (Glam)

Before the sun sets, make your way to Kampong Gelam, a trendy neighborhood known for its Malay-Arab heritage and hipster vibes. Our first stop is to check out Sultan Mosque. It closes at 4pm, so we can only view it from the outside, and the best photo spot of the mosque is the walkway between Bussorah and Subhan Street. And while you are there, let the divine bakes at Konditori Artisan Bakes & Pastries tempt you.

Near the mosque is the Rich & Good Cake Shop, known for their rich swiss rolls. Buy a roll there to sample (we like the Kaya one) and if you decide to buy one back for your friends, Jewel Changi Airport has an outlet there. The swiss rolls at Jewel sell out pretty early.

After that, pop by to the free Children Little Museum, a small private collection of knick knacks and nostalgic toys kids used to play. Then take a stroll along Haji Lane for some pictures, thrift shopping and more food.

Our local food recommendations at Kampong Gelam:

• The Coconut Club - Famous for their chicken nasi lemak, made from responsibly sourced ingredients.

• KULON - A cozy little Bakmi joint serving IndoJava comfort food.

• Blanco Court Prawn Mee - Flavourful prawn noodles in pork ribs broth.

• Fatt Choy Eating House - Modern take on Singapore comfort food.

Day 3 - Shopping and Hidden Gems 🛍️

Singapore is a shoppers’ paradise, and the best place to start is Orchard Road. The whole stretch between Orchard Road MRT to Dhoby Ghaut MRT is full of retail therapy options for everyone. We are gonna give a quick fire of local brands and hidden gems you should not miss.

• Design Orchard - Your one-stop shop for all things local, Design Orchard boasts a trove of wares proudly made in Singapore. Must go!

• TANGS - Basement and Level 3 showcase assorted local gifts and local popup stores.

• Love, Bonito (313 Somerset) - Started as a blogshop online to the fastest growing women fashion brand in the region.

• TWG and Bacha Coffee (ION Orchard) - Boutique tea and coffee infused with exotic flavours. Perfect gifts to bring home.

• Bynd Artisan (ION Orchard) - Personalize leather goods and gifts.

💎 Enjoy a complimentary welcome drink at the 56th floor ION Sky from Atico Lounge when you flash any same-day receipt of minimum $50 spend from ION Orchard.

Orchard has many Japanese dining options. Here are some casual dining places we enjoy:

• Nakajima Suisan Grilled Fish - Tasty and well-grilled fish.

• Tenya - Simple and delicious cold udon and tempura.

• Dulcet & Studio - Cakes made from imported ingredients from Japan.

• Warabimochi Kamakura - One of the smoothest warabimochi we had.

• Tonkatsu ENbiton - Value for money tonkatsu with free flow rice and salad.

• % ΔRΔBICΔ - One of the best iced latte.

💎 Emerald Hill is a hidden gem that few tourist know about. Even the nearby Apple Store uses the space there to conduct their classes on photography.

💎 Fancy a visit to our President’s House - Istana? The Istana Open House is a unique experience and happens 4 to 5 times a year. Check the Istana website for the next Open House.

If time is tight on your last day, Jewel Changi Airport is a perfect place to do your last minute shopping and have delicious food too. We wrote about what you can do and eat in our previous post.

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