I’ll be frank. You’re going to want to spend more than 48 hours in Singapore.
A steady buzz emanates from the tech-forward city-state, sweeping up all its visitors, however brief, in the excitement. If the astonishing architecture doesn’t seduce you, its glorious melting pot of culinary splendor and lush urban greenery will. There’s far more than a weekend’s worth here.
But, as the compact city-state is often viewed as a glorified long layover, there’s a good chance you’ve only given yourself a couple of days to explore. That’s okay. Everyone’s got to start somewhere.
To help, here’s a jam-packed itinerary detailing how to spend 48 hours in Singapore.
Day 1, 8 am: Breakfast and Botanic Gardens
Assuming you’ve just stepped off your flight, head to your accommodation and drop your bags. If you’re an elite member, you might even be able to check in early. Still need a place to stay? Check out our list of accommodations for any budget.
Once settled in, stretch your legs at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Opened in 1860, the beautiful UNESCO World Heritage site was the first in Asia and is still an important place today. Embodying Singapore’s reputation as an eco-conscious city-state, it’s located in the heart of the city and is the perfect introduction to Singapore’s charm.
After an hour of enjoying the plants, grab a traditional Singaporean breakfast at the nearby Adam Food Center. kaya toast, a simple toast with coconut spread, is served with soft-boiled eggs to dip and a cup kopi (coffee).
10 am: Hit up a museum
Once you’ve breakfasted, grab the metro back into the city center and spend a couple of hours exploring one of Singapore’s world-class museums. The city has been adding to its ranks in the past years, so if you have any personal tastes go for the one that speaks to you.
If you’re happy to explore, I’d recommend one of the big three: the National Gallery of Singapore, the National Museum of Singapore, or the ArtScience Museum. The Gallery is a spectacular glimpse into Southeast Asian art, the National Museum leans into the diverse history of the city-state, and the ArtScience Museum is an interactive setup designed by the minds behind TeamLab.
All three are worth your time, but with two days, you’re gonna have to make some sacrifices.
1 pm: Explore Kampong Glam and Little India
Hopefully, you’ve built up an appetite by the time you arrive in some of Singapore’s most exciting areas.
Start in Little India, where you’ll get a first taste of the city’s diversity. Stop for lunch at Komala Vilas, one of the oldest Indian restaurants in the city. Food is served on banana leaves, and it’s authentic (I never use that word lightly) flavors are famous worldwide.
Once you’re done, head off to explore the rest of the neighborhood, taking in the vibrant colors, quaint little lanes, and eclectic temples. Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is a particular highlight, owing to the staggering number of statues dedicated to Hindu Gods.
A short walk from there, you’ll find Kampong Glam, or the Muslim district. It’s one of the most popular spots in the city, and nowhere highlights the odd juxtaposition between old and new Singapore. Taking center stage is the Sultan Mosque, a startlingly beautiful building, its golden dome rising above the traditional townhouses. But as much as it’s the perfect place to step back in time, it’s also got its front foot firmly in the future. It’s a hub of modern, international cafes and restaurants, Instagram-friendly murals and museums, and endless lanes full of quirky little shops.
You could spend a long time here, and you’ll probably want to come back at night to soak up the atmosphere.
6 pm: Marina Bay Sunset Cruise
You’re probably exhausted by this point, but sunset is the perfect time to hop on a boat to explore the stunning Marina Bay from the water. Many companies offer rides around the bay, from simple out and backs to full dinner experiences.
Either way, you’ll never forget your first glimpse of the futuristic skyline reflected on the water and how it springs to life as night falls. There’s no other city like it.
8 pm: Hawker Stalls and bed
If you didn’t take one of the pricier dinner cruises, it’s time for some food.
You’ve already been to one Hawker Market for breakfast, so you’ll know what to expect. These buzzing culinary hubs are where the local food scene plays out daily. Absurdly cheap and dizzyingly varied, there’s nowhere better to expand your palette.
Chinatown Complex, Old Airport Road, and Amoy Street Food Center are among the best. Take your time, wander through the stalls, and try a few things if you’re hungry enough. Some local dishes you need to try include Hainese chicken and rice, laksa, and char kway teow.. But you’ll not be able to try everything in just two days.
Remember the golden rule. Long lines of locals = a safe bet.
Once you’re full, head back and get some rest before your next day.
Day 2, 6 am: Singapore Zoo
It’s a zoo. You could do that anywhere I hear you say.
Wrong. Singapore’s zoo is astounding. Constantly mentioned in the argument over the best in the world, it’s a momentous achievement in the fight for animal conservation. Some highlights include the breathtaking white tigers and the incomparable orangutan enclosure.
It opens at 8:30 am, so arrive as early as possible to ensure you have time later in the day. You could easily spend the entire day here, but limit yourself to four hours and head back to the city for lunch.
1 pm: Singapore Slings and lunch at Raffles Hotel
Grab a spot of lunch at Raffles Hotel. The iconic hotel has been recently renovated and better than ever. If you’ve got the budget, it’s one of the best historical hotels on the planet and well-deserving of a place on your bucket list. There’s a wide selection of places to eat here, but it’s not why we’re here.
Enter the Singapore Sling. It would be rude not to squeeze one of the iconic cocktails into your 48 hours in Singapore. Raffles Hotel is where the drink was created, and it still uses its multi-shaker machine to prepare many drinks at once. If you still fancy more, the hotel’s Writers’ Bar is also excellent.
3 pm: Marina Bay Sands Sky Observation Deck
Make a quick pit stop at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel; you know the one. Its monumental boat-shaped skywalk supported by three towers is a masterpiece of modern architecture and offers one of the best views of Singapore.
While it does boast an unbelievable infinity pool on the top deck, you won’t be able to take a dip unless you’re a guest–not a cheap thing to be.
But it’s more than worth the entry fee to enjoy Singapore’s spectacular skyline. You’ll also be able to look towards your final stop, the Gardens by the Bay.
4 pm: Gardens by the Bay
Singapore’s premier attraction, Gardens by the Bay is the perfect place to wind up your whirlwind visit to the city.
Head for the Cloud Forest first and immerse yourself in a unique ecosystem controlled and balanced using groundbreaking, eco-friendly technologies. There’s even an Avatar experience, simulating the bioluminescent life on the fictional planet of Pandora. Don’t miss the world’s largest indoor waterfall, either.
As the sun starts to fall, head outside towards the supertrees. These ingenious manmade structures are actually vertical gardens housing over 160,000 plants, demonstrating how the natural world can co-exist in an urban setting. Some of them are solar-powered and absorb moisture and heat from the sticky Southeast Asian air, helping provide water for other conservation efforts like the Cloud Forest.
When the sun goes down, you’ll be treated to the supertree light show, where the structures explode into life to the sound of classical music. It’s a tremendous sight, best experienced lying on one of the provided benches.
If you’re feeling up to it, you can head along the harborside and grab dinner and drinks at one of the world-class restaurants in the bay before heading back to bed for the final time.
6 am: Changi Airport
The airport might not be your idea of a good time, but you’ve never been to an airport like Changi. Try and arrive a few hours early to explore its unbelievable quirks. Its centerpiece is the stunning waterfall room, but there’s also rock climbing, suspended trampolines, art exhibits, interactive video games, butterfly gardens, cocktail bars, and a ton more.
You’ll have no issues falling asleep on your flight.
by travelers, for travelers.
