The Perfect 3 Days in Singapore Itinerary

Exploring Singapore for the first time or the 3rd time is exciting. There are so many things to see and do in the city, so we recommend this 3 day Singapore itinerary to get the most out of your next trip to Singapore. Singapore is often called the “Little Red Dot.” Despite its size, this once small fishing village paved its way to being one of the most prosperous nations in the world.

Though the city is small, it’s populated with many high-end shops, sky-high structures, and then accentuated by beautiful gardens. It is clean and organized and we found it was the perfect combination of a bustling city and a tropical island.

Singapore Itinerary in 3 Days

Your first day in Singapore is all about hitting the main attractions. From the amazing views of the city at Marina Bay Sands to one of the most amazing gardens in the world (Gardens by the Bay) and a cloud forest! We have included an interactive map that will help you see what kind of distances you will be covering. Plus where everything is in relation to each other.

Click here for the Interactive Map

Morning: Marina Bay

The best place to start your 3 Days in Singapore is at one of the most popular attractions in the city; The Marina Bay Area. Home to thousands of plants and rare species in an amazing man-made tropical forest. The famous Gardens by the Bay spans a total of 101 hectares in the heart of the city and is an integral part of a “City in a Garden” concept where the wonders bloom.

Everyone who visits Singapore loves to spend some time taking pictures of the beautiful Supertree Structures in the Gardens by the Bay. You should make sure to explore the indoor Cooled Conservatory domes, and stroll along the 22-meter-high skyway that offers panoramic views of the Garden. We were completely blown away by the artistry that has gone into this whole area.

We do think you should know that this place is extremely popular, so if you want to avoid the long queues for tickets we recommend that you buy your discounted tickets here in advance.

There’s a connecting overhead bridge (Lions Bridge) between Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands. It’s easy to find, just ask the staff working there!

**Local Tip: Every night (at 19:45 and 20:45) there is a beautiful light and music show at the Supertree Grove. Don’t miss this free light & music show when you are at the Gardens of the Bay.**

• Hours: Open from 5am – 2am all week
• Cost: Ticket cost around $18 USD for an adult.

Afternoon: SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is one of the most renowned hotels in the world. It has a beautiful infinity pool on the 57th floor! There is no better way to take in the beauty of Singapore and its glittering city skyline.

If you are not wanting to fork out that kind of money for a night at the Marina Bay Sands, you can visit the Skypark and catch the 360-degree view of the city instead. From here, you have an unobstructed view of the Gardens of the Bay, the Singapore Flyer and the Iconic Merlion. It really gives you a good overview of the whole city.

However, do note that this infinity pool is only available to Marina Bay Sands Guests. Click here to see how much a night costs at Marina Bay Sands! The Skypark has one of the best views of the city and well worth the price of admission. Just make sure you book your ticket in advance.

If you are looking for a place to catch the sunset, this is it. Marina Bay Sands is also a place you may want to visit at night and take in the light and music Spectra show. This takes place right out in front of the building, is free and is only about 15 minutes long. But if you are in the area at 20:00, 21:00 or 22:00 on Fridays and Saturdays it is something you don’t want to miss.

• Marina Bay Sands Hours: Opens from Monday to Sunday, 9:30 am to 10 pm and until 11 pm during weekends.
• Cost: The ticket cost around $15 USD for adults. Buy your ticket here or if you have the iVenture Singapore Pass it is included.

Merlion Park

The Merlion is the official Mascot of Singapore and is probably one of the most recognizable icons of the city. Therefore you should expect a lot of people around the statue and in the park.

I have placed this in the evening part of this Singapore itinerary as that is when it is the most beautiful. Around sunset, the lights come on in the Business district, which makes for a perfect backdrop to the statue. It is also a little cooler at this time of the day. Combine that with the breeze off of the water and you might not want to leave.

This National icon depicts a lion head with a fish’s body and spouting water from its mouth. It is believed to guard Singapore’s Prosperity. After visiting the Merlion, you can take a stroll along the river and enjoy the business district zone of Singapore mixed with leisure, work, and fun!

If you would like a complete Singapore experience, you can stroll along the promenade for 15 minutes and you will end up at the next destination: Clarke Quay.

• Hours: Open to the public 24/7.
• Cost: Visiting this amazing structure is free of charge

Evening: Clarke Quay

This is the bustling nightlife hub of Singapore. Located just across from Fort Canning Park, in Clarke Quay,  you will find excellent restaurants with a mix of Asian and European cuisine. If you are into nightlife and partying you are in the right area. With a lot of clubs this is the place to be to party the night away.

If it is your very first time in Singapore, I recommend you take the cruise along the Singapore River.

You can take in the nightlife of the city, catch the spectacular views of the Marina Bay at night, and discover the rich history of the city while passing through some of Singapore’s most popular tourist spots.

This Boat ride takes about 40-minutes round trip and is a guided tour. You can check out more details about the cruise here.

For dinner, I would recommend eating at the popular steamboat and hot-pot at Hai di Lao, Clarke Quay. It is situated right in front of the cruise center in the boat quay. The food is delicious here and the service is the best in town!

If you would western cuisine instead, you can dine at any of the restaurants along the river and enjoy the breeze and views of the Singapore River. If you have time and want a little more culture, try to make your way over to Haji Lane and the Sultan Mosque. It is only about a 30min walk and they are worth the visit if you have time.

** Tip** Take the boat ride at 8:30 pm and you will be able to catch the water and light show at the Marina Bay area! Queue at least 15 minutes before as it gets really crowded at this time!

• Hours: Open Mondays thru Sundays, 10 am to 10 pm
• Cost: River Cruise starts at $18 for Adults

#1 Money Saving Tip in Singapore

The iVenture Singapore Pass is the most efficient way to save money and time in Singapore.

You can order this online before your trip and pick it up at the airport. This includes:

• 3 or 5 attraction Singapore Flexi Attractions Pass with the option to add a Premium attraction.
• Save up to 50% on admission to Singapore’s most popular attractions
• Save time and skip the line at popular attractions
• Use your pass to sightsee at your own pace over five days
• Includes a fold-out colorful guide with maps and attraction details
• Includes a colorful guidebook with maps and tips

I highly recommend this Singapore tourist pass, it not only offers a great discount, but it also allows you to customize which attractions you like to visit and gives you access to tours that are not available with other passes.

Get your iVenture Singapore Pass now to save yourself some money.

Day 2 – Sentosa Island and some Beach Time

On the second day in Singapore, we will spend a day in Sentosa Island where you will find lots of fun things to do and see!

If you are up for an adventure, (or if you have an extra day)  you can spend the entire day in Universal Studios! Alternatively, you can use the below guide!

Click here for the Interactive Map!

Morning: Cable Car from Mount Faber Park to Sentosa Island

There are several ways to get into Sentosa Island. The first would be to drive in and the second would be taking the cable car from Mount Faber Station or Harbourfront Station.

This unique gondola lift is a perfect way to experience Singapore and see the panoramic aerial views of Mount Faber Park and the Island. The trip is 5km long and if it is Instagram-worthy views you are looking for, this is how to get them. I recommend taking the cable car from Mount Faber as you get to complete the entire ride. It is more value for money as well.

Do note that there is no one-way service for the Cable car ride. It is a 2-way service!

Alternatively, you can hop off the Metro Station at Harbourfront Station, buy a 2-way $4 ticket for the Sentosa Express Ticket! It is the easiest and fastest way to access the Island!

Note: There is no MRT service to the island and taxis will have to pay an entry ticket between S$3 and S$7 depending on day/ time.

• Hours: Singapore Cable Car: Daily 08:35 – 18:00 (Last Boarding at 21:30, Last Ticket Sale: 21:15)
• Cost: Tickets cost 35 USD for adults and 25 USD for children for a round trip.

Afternoon: Sun-tanning on Palawan or Siloso Beach

Bask under the sun while you are in Sentosa and get that beautiful sun-kissed skin. This is a perfect place for the whole family. You can get active and enjoy some water sports or you can just kick back, relax and unwind at one of the beach clubs. There is something for everyone on Sentosa Island.

There are 3 different beaches; Palawan, Siloso and Tanjong beach. Each one caters to a different crowd.

Siloso is the busiest of the three and has the best selection of water sports. Palawan is a little quieter and better suited to people looking to relax and soak up some rays. Finally, Tanjong is probably the classiest beach in Singapore. The Tanjong Club is the place to be.

If you are looking to escape the hustle and bustle of the city and do it in style make sure you book a bed for the day with minimum consumption and chill. This place is quite busy on the weekends but it is quiet on weekdays.

The transportation within the island is very convenient and accessible. The train is free of charge with unlimited rides to Resorts World Sentosa and Imbiah Station. But the cable car ride within Sentosa Island has a fee of $2 which can be bought when purchasing the Cable car tickets at Mount Faber / Harbourfront.

Adventure Cove Water Park, Madame Tussauds, Sea Aquarium

If you have kids, this is the place to take them (Universal Studios is also great if you have the time). The Adventure Cove Water Park gets you up close with marine life and you can also take a high-speed water slide, drift on a lazy river, or snorkel with tropical fish over a colorful reef. Fun for the whole family.

They have many packages to offer but I would personally recommend Adventure Express to skip the line so that you can explore more places on the Island!

• Hours: Opens from 10 am to 6 pm every day.
• Cost: Adventure Express costs about $12 and is the cheapest option.
• This is included in the iVenture Singapore Pass and it allows you to skip the line as well.

Madame Tussauds

Visit one of the most popular museums in the world and see your favorite stars and well-known leaders in their life-like wax figures. This museum never disappoints. I always love to see the artist’s interpretation of the stars. Some of them look just like the real thing and others maybe not so much. Regardless, it is a great place to spend an hour or so.

• Hours: Opens from 10 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday and until 7:30 pm during weekends.
• Cost: Only $20 USD when you book online, or get it for free with the Singapore Pass.

The S.E.A. Aquarium

The S.E.A. Aquarium is definitely one of the highlights. Explore the wonders of the aquatic realm that is home to more than 100,000 marine animals of over 1,000 species, across 50 different habitats. How amazing is that!

They offer different passes and tour packages. The one-day ticket (included in your iVenture Singapore Pass) is the best option and the most economical.  There’s a map provided in Resorts World Sentosa, just visit the link and enter the name of the place.

• Hours: Opens from 10 am to 7pm Monday thru Sunday
• Cost: One day ticket for Adult (Age 13 – 59) – $30. Book your ticket here.

Evening: Resorts World Sentosa

Resorts World Sentosa holds Singapore’s World-class attractions, exquisite hotels, and the finest dining. It is the 1st integrated resort where you can experience everything at its best!

You will find a huge array of distinctive brands, a huge Casino to gamble the night away, luxurious hotels where you can enjoy the night or even have an adventurous day at the Universal Studios Singapore!

If you are not too adventurous, you can hit up the more relaxed activities like the Sea Aquarium or the Maritime Museum!

In regards to dining, there are a ton of options. You can choose to dine at high-end restaurants or at the food court, depending on your budget and time!

You can have your dinner here before ending your day, enjoying the rest of your evening at Sentosa Island.

• Hours: Opens from 7am to 12 midnight.
• Cost: Rides within Sentosa island and outbound rides exiting at Sentosa station are free of charge for all commuters, regardless if they have entered Sentosa island using the Sentosa Express.

Cable Car back to Mount Faber / Harbourfront Station.

To end your day off, grab a ride back on the cable car and enjoy the night lights of beautiful Singapore. See the captivating scene while riding atop this charming city.

Alternatively, you can take a stroll along the Sentosa Boardwalk to Vivocity where you can find a wide variety of retail, entertainment and amusement options, a one-stop shopping destination. However, do note that purchasing a cable car gives you a return ticket. There are no one-way tickets available for sale.

Day 3 – Shopping And Culture

We start off our final day in Singapore exploring a Buddhist temple then head into Chinatown for some amazing food and finish things off with a little shopping therapy on Orchard Rd. No trip to Singapore would be complete without some shopping right? This is the perfect way to wind down your 3 days in Singapore.

Click here for an interactive map!

Morning: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is located in Chinatown and is probably one of the most beautiful temples in Singapore. It is a large museum complex and a four-story-high Buddhist Temple.

The Museum houses a massive stupa that is made from 320kg of gold and the 10,000 Buddha Pavillion which houses a large prayer wheel. The main attraction here though is Buddha’s Sacred tooth located in the relic room on the 4th floor.

It can only be accessed at certain times and, as with all Buddhist temples, you will have to take your shoes off before entering.

When you are in the temple, you can buy a token for $8, write your name on it and place it inside the collection containers. The Monks will bless it and many believed that it will bring good karma and fortune.

After visiting the Museum, make sure to take a stroll up to the rooftop garden and enjoy the peace and quiet.

After exploring the Temple, it is time to explore one of Singapore’s largest Historic and Oldest Districts: Chinatown. If you are into more temples you can stop in at the Thian Hock Keng temple for more amazing architecture.

• Hours: Opening hours are from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
• Cost: No entrance fee

Eat, shop, have fun in Chinatown!

No visit to Singapore would be complete without a visit to Chinatown. Once a place for the Chinese immigrants, it has now been transformed into a bustling neighborhood full of great shops.

You will find streets lined with antique shophouses, souvenir shops, indie boutiques, and chic clubs. You will also find food houses serving traditional cuisines and stores offering trendy clothes, some crafts, and antiques.

As you stroll along the labyrinth of small roads, enjoy the fusion of different cultures as well and the vibrant ambiance it exudes.

Be sure to try out the food along these streets and the hawker centers, you will fall in love with the Chinese cuisine! I highly recommend it as it can give you an insight you might miss on your own.

• To fully understand the history of Singapore, you can try this Singapore walking tour itinerary with Viator Tours.
• It includes food tasting samples of 5 traditional Singaporean dishes, a walking tour around Chinatown to learn about its rich cultural history.

• Hours: Chinatown Street Market regular hours of operation 07:00 AM – 10:00 PM
• Cost: You can find the cheapest and affordable food here, or jump on a Food Tour for an even better experience.

Afternoon: Singapore Botanic Gardens

Housing an over more than one-hundred-year-old tropical rainforest, this centennial old tropical garden is nestled near Orchard Road Shopping District.

It is home to one of the best and most breathtaking tropical floral displays in the world.

The Singapore Botanical Garden is the city’s only UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the major reasons why Singapore garnered the title “City in a Garden”.

With grounds that cover 82 hectares, you can understand why this is the place to stroll around or have yourself a picnic.

You can spend as much or as little time here as possible. If you are a nature lover, make sure to check out some of the lakes, waterfalls, and ponds that are housed in the garden.

You might also witness people getting their wedding photos taken here as this is a popular spot.

• Hours: 5 am till midnight.
• Cost: There’s no entrance fee unless you intend to visit the National Orchid Garden within the Botanical Gardens.

Shopping along Orchard Road

You can’t come to Singapore without doing a little shopping right? Orchard Road is one of Singapore’s top visited spots by both locals and tourists as it houses some of the world’s most famous brands, luxury items, designer shops, and distinctive stores scattered along this boulevard.

You can find something for every taste here. It is definitely my favorite place to shop in Singapore. There are higher-end malls like Paragon and more affordable options like Lucky Plaza. No matter what your budget this area has you covered.

• Hours: Most shops open from Sunday to Thursday at 10 am and closes at 10 pm, they extend their shopping hours till 11:00 on weekends.
• Metro: The nearest station 7B Dhoby Ghaut Station

If you follow this route and take the metro or bus where needed, you can see a lot of Singapore’s top sites during a short visit. Singapore is a small city and its main attractions are located very close to one another. Whether you are a nature lover (Gardens by the Bay) or into the more cultural side of things (Chinatown and Little India) Singapore has something for every type of traveler.

What you need to know when planning your Singapore Itinerary

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