Singapore, so-called the "Lion City," is a dazzling fusion of cultures, traditions, and cutting-edge architecture. From the iconic Marina Bay Sands to the historic streets of Chinatown, this vibrant city-state offers a rich array of experiences that cater to every traveller. Whether you're looking to marvel at futuristic gardens, indulge in world-class cuisine, or immerse yourself in its diverse neighbourhoods, Singapore has something for everyone. Whether you have just three days or more to explore, this guide will help you uncover the best the city has to offer.
Singapore: did you know?
A compact city, made up of 63 islands with 4 nature reserves and 300 parks, almost half of Singapore is covered in greenery, leading it to be known as a 'city in a garden'.
A cultural melting pot; Singapore is one of the most multicultural cities in the world, with four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil.
Singapore Changi Airport has consistently been rated as one of the best airports globally, with features like a butterfly garden and movie theatres.
Singapore is a leader in sustainable urban living, home to award-winning green buildings and the futuristic Gardens by the Bay. Even the otters love it!
Changi Airport: More Than Just an Airport
Changi Airport isn’t just a gateway to Singapore; it’s a destination in itself. Regularly ranked as one of the world’s best airports, Changi offers travellers an unparalleled experience with its stunning architecture, world-class amenities, and entertainment options. From the breath-taking Jewel Changi with its indoor waterfall and lush gardens, a butterfly garden, to a rooftop pool (T1) & massage, for families there is a slide and a free movie theatre (T3). There's over 300 retail outlets.
Many locals even head to Jewel Changi to spend an afternoon, imagine popping to Heathrow for a wander and a bite to eat? Jewel is especially good for transit passenger with 5 hours+ transit time or stopover passengers with 1 to 2 days. With 5.5hr to 24hrs layover time you can take a Jewel walking tour, a Changi Precinct tour, city sights or a heritage tour. This sounds like a good excuse for a long layover!
Where to visit & Stay in Singapore
1. Marina Bay - Super stylish & trendy dining destinations.
Luxury Hotels: Stay at the iconic Marina Bay Sands for its infinity pool and breath taking views or the Fullerton Bay Hotel for a luxury iconic stay. The nearby Fairmont Singapore is another of our firm favourites.
Attractions Nearby: Gardens by the Bay, ArtScience Museum, and Merlion Park.
2. The Precincts
Chinatown: Stay in the heart of Chinatown for cultural immersion. Explore heritage shophouses turned into boutique hotels. One of our favourite hotels here is The Clan Hotel
Little India: A colourful and vibrant area with a mix of affordable hotels and authentic eateries.
Singapore River: a precinct of boundless energy and bustling nightlife entertainment.
3. Orchard Road
For Shoppers: Orchard Road is perfect for those who want to shop till they drop, with options ranging from luxury hotels to mid-range stays.
Try the Shangri-La Singapore for a calm urban retreat, with it's spa & outdoor pool.
Dining and Entertainment: Orchard Road is also home to world-class dining and nightlife.
Whilst exploring the area, we'd recommend heading over to Raffles Singapore, home of the Singapore sling for an afternoon tea or to enjoy a cocktail in the courtyard.
4. Sentosa Island
For adventurers and beach lovers: sun, sand and surf await!
For an iconic stay try the Amara Sanctuary Sentosa or Capella Singapore.
Our favourites are Village Hotel Sentosa and the Outpost Hotel
Wherever you stay, you’ll be well-connected by Singapore’s efficient public transport system, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), and an extensive bus network, making it easy to explore the city.
How to Spend 3 Days in Singapore
Day 1: Iconic Singapore
Morning: Start your trip with the iconic Marina Bay Sands. Head up to the SkyPark Observation Deck for panoramic views of the city’s skyline, the Marina Bay area, and beyond.
Midday: Walk over to Gardens by the Bay to explore the Supertree Grove and the conservatories. Don’t miss the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome, which showcase breathtaking indoor gardens.
Afternoon: Visit the futuristic ArtScience Museum for immersive exhibitions blending art, science, and technology.
Evening: Marina Bay Waterfront & Light Shows - Stay in the Marina Bay area for a waterfront dinner, then catch the Spectra Light & Water Show at the bay. You can also explore the Merlion Park for an up-close look at Singapore’s iconic lion-fish statue.
Day 2: Cultural exploration
Morning: Visit the lush Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll through the National Orchid Garden and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Midday: Head to Chinatown to explore its rich heritage. Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, then wander through the narrow streets for local street food and boutique shopping.
Afternoon: Make your way to Little India, a vibrant neighbourhood filled with colourful temples, fragrant spice shops, and delicious Indian cuisine. Stop by the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and explore Mustafa Centre for 24-hour shopping.
Evening: End the day at Clarke Quay, known for its lively nightlife. Enjoy dinner by the river, then explore the area’s bars and clubs for a fun night out.
Day 3: Adventure and relaxation on Sentosa Island
Morning: Spend your morning on Sentosa Island. Choose between relaxing on Siloso Beach, visiting Universal Studios Singapore.
Afternoon: Continue exploring Sentosa with attractions like Adventure Cove Waterpark or the Fort Siloso Skywalk. For thrill-seekers, try the AJ Hackett Sentosa bungy jump or the Mega Adventure Park zipline.
Evening: Head to Mount Faber for a scenic cable car ride over the harbour. Enjoy stunning evening views of the city as you glide between Mount Faber and Sentosa.
If You Have Two More Days in Singapore...
Day 4: Off-the-Beaten-Path Adventures
Morning: Explore Kampong Glam, a historic district with a rich Malay heritage. Visit the Sultan Mosque, and wander through the trendy Haji Lane for street art, cafes, and unique boutiques.
Midday: Head to the National Gallery Singapore to admire Southeast Asian art. The gallery is housed in two national monuments: the former Supreme Court and City Hall.
Afternoon: Spend your afternoon at East Coast Park, a local favourite for outdoor activities. Rent a bike, rollerblade along the coastline, or relax at one of the beachside cafes. Sample fresh seafood at a nearby hawker centre.
Evening: Return to Gardens by the Bay for the evening Garden Rhapsody light show at Supertree Grove. The garden takes on a magical glow at night, offering a different vibe from your day visit.
Day 5: Shopping, Food, and Wildlife
Morning: Begin your day on Orchard Road, Singapore’s famous shopping district. Visit high-end malls like ION Orchard or the more unique Orchard Gateway for a mix of global brands and local designers.
Afternoon: Satisfy your cravings with a trip to one of Singapore’s famous hawker centres. Newton Food Centre or Maxwell Food Centre are great spots to try local delicacies like chili crab, laksa, and Hainanese chicken rice.
Evening: End your Singapore adventure with an incredible meal in one of the 51 Michelin restaurants. Head to Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle for one of the world's cheapest Michelin meals, or Candelnut, the world's only Peranakan restaurant, Odette has 3-Michelin stars. From here head to a rooftop bar to soak up the views, our favourites include Mr Stork and LeVel33, Ce La Vi & Smoke & Mirrors.
This combined 3- and 5-day itinerary offers a mix of iconic sights, cultural exploration, and unique experiences, ensuring you make the most of your time in Singapore. Whether you have a long weekend or nearly a week to explore, there’s always something new and exciting to discover in this vibrant city.
Some tours not mentioned but definitely worth your time: Singapore's Sidecars Vespa Tour, Historical Singapore Bicycle Tour, Kayaking or a Local street-food and nightlife tour.
Tips for Your Singapore Trip
Download the Visit Singapore App: Get personalised itineraries, interactive maps, and up-to-date events by downloading the Visit Singapore app. It’s your handy digital guide.
Check Travel Advice: Before travelling, check the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) website for any updated travel advice on Singapore.
British citizens: You can visit Singapore without a visa for tourism or business. To enter Singapore, your passport must have an ‘expiry date’ 6 months after the date you arrive.
Apply for SG Arrival Card: Ensure you apply for the SG Arrival Card online up to 3 days before departure. This online form asks for travel details and a health declaration. Beware there are unofficial websites that will charge you a fee to apply, to be safe always follow the link from the FCDO website.
Weather and Packing: Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate, meaning it's hot and humid year-round with occasional rain. Pack lightweight clothing, sunscreen, an umbrella, and stay hydrated. The average temperature ranges between 25°C (77°F) and 31°C (88°F). May & June are the hottest months and December & January the coolest.
Get a SIM Card or Wi-Fi: Pick up a local SIM card or rent a pocket Wi-Fi at Changi Airport. SIM cards are available from local providers like Singtel, M1, or StarHub at convenient stores or mobile shops. They offer affordable data plans, perfect for staying connected during your trip.
Currency: The official currency is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). You can exchange currency at the airport, hotels, or money changers in popular areas like Orchard Road and Chinatown. Cards are widely accepted.
Public Transport: Use Singapore’s highly efficient MRT and bus network to get around. You can purchase an EZ-Link card for seamless travel on public transport or use contactless payment via credit/debit cards.
Respect Local Laws: Singapore is known for strict laws on littering, jaywalking, and chewing gum. Respect local customs and rules to avoid fines or penalties.
Tap Water: Singapore’s tap water is safe to drink, so there’s no need to spend extra on bottled water. Bring a refillable bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day.
A Journey Through Singapore
Whether you're drawn to the futuristic skyline of Marina Bay, the vibrant cultures of Chinatown and Little India, or the thrill of Sentosa Island, Singapore offers a dynamic mix of experiences that make it a top travel destination. With world-class attractions, mouth watering cuisine, and seamless public transport, this city-state is perfect for both short getaways and extended stays. As you explore its streets, gardens, and cultural hubs, you’ll quickly discover that Singapore is more than just a stopover—it’s a city that leaves a lasting impression.
I'd like to thank the Singapore Tourist Board for their excellent training in all things Singapore.
Ready to plan your visit to Singapore, just give me a call or email:
Contact:
01728 850024
Let's get social!
Instagram: @helenbatemantravel
Facebook: @helenb.travel
Comments