Whether it’s your first time in Singapore or your hundredth time, we have you covered with this 3 day Singapore itinerary! This small country certainly packs a punch when it comes to travelling.
For us, Singapore was the first country we ever visited in Asia and the memories have stayed with us ever since. Luckily for us (and you as readers), we were able to visit again recently and create this Singapore guide!
There is so much to do in this 3 day Singapore itinerary and we are excited to show you what Singapore has to offer! From arriving at Changi Airport, rated one of the best airports in the WORLD, to wandering along Singapore’s futuristic waterfront where you can see Marina Bay Sands, the Merlion and Gardens by the Bay.
Not to mention, chowing down some of the best tongue-tingling street food Asia has to offer at Singapore’s unique and awesome Hawker Centres! Without further ado, let’s plan your 3 days in Singapore!
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Planning a 3 Day Singapore Itinerary
- Currency – Singapore Dollar, SGD. Compare here (compare the currency here)
- Cuisine – Malay, Chinese, Indonesian, Indian and Western
- Apps – Grab, Food Panda, Lazada, Google Maps, Whatsapp
- Sim cards – Purchase a convenient eSim from Airalo to get online quickly!
- Convenience stores – 7-eleven, Buzz, Hao Mart, Cheers
- Official languages – Malay, English, Tamil, Singaporean Mandarin
- Travel Insurance – Check out Safetywing for your flexible adventures!
- Accommodation – Take a look on Booking.com / Agoda on where to stay in Singapore!
Popular Tours and Attractions for 3 Days in Singapore
- Klook Pass Singapore – This multi-attraction pass is perfect if you plan to visit more than a few of Singapore’s top-paid attractions! When booking, you can choose a pass from 2-10 activities.
- Singapore River Cruise – Enjoy a 40-minute boat ride, cruising along Singapore’s waterfront soaking in its history and culture!
- Singapore City Tour – Why not take a city tour in Singapore if you prefer being guided by a local!
- Big Bus Singapore Hop On Hop Off Tour – Taking the open top Hop on Hop Off bus tour is always a fun way to experience a new destination.
The Best 3 Day Singapore Itinerary
3 days in Singapore is enough time to cover the main attractions and eat your heart at all of the best food spots, but keep in mind this small country has a lot to offer so it will be a fast-paced trip!
If you have an extra day, feel free to spread a few activities out but 3 days is perfectly doable to see this awesome Asian mega city!
🛏️ Take a look on Agoda on where to stay in Singapore
Day 1 – Changi Aiport, Chinatown, Waterfront and Little India
First things first, let’s help you get from Changi Airport to the city of Singapore! Before you depart for Singapore, be sure to fill out the Singapore arrival card online before your arrival (even if you’re only visiting for the day while you’re transmitting!). The form shouldn’t take any longer than 5 minutes to fill out.
How to get to Singapore city centre from Changi Airport
Now that you’ve made your way through immigration, you have a few ways to get into the heart of Singapore from Changi Airport!
Option 1: Take a Grab taxi from the ride-hailing pickup area of the airport. Download the app ‘Grab’ from the Apple Store / Google Play and log in. Grab is similar to Uber, you can order rides and food in a click. It’s a very affordable platform widely used across Southeast Asia. We took a Grab taxi from Changi Airport for around £15, the ride took 30-40 minutes to reach Chinatown.
Option 2: Ride the MRT to Singapore city centre. If you have a bank card that allows foreign payments, you can tap on tap off through the ticket gates. Each journey will only cost around £1 or less, depending on the distance travelled. You can also get an ‘ezcard’, a reloadable travel card with exclusive use in Singapore. Considering you’re only planning to spend a few days in Singapore, this probably isn’t worth the investment!
Changi Airport
You can either include a tour of Changi Aiport at the beginning or the end of your itinerary, but make sure to allow a few hours to have a good look around. Singapore offers an airport experience unlike any other in the world, and we will give you a quick rundown on why just below!
HSBC Vortex – Changi Airport is home to the world’s largest indoor waterfall. Dropping a whopping 40m, rainwater is collected and flows dramatically through a cone-like hole in the roof. It’s a great place to relax as it’s surrounded by a dense green indoor jungle! You can get great views from the multiple boardwalks of display, and even beneath the falls! You can also catch a spectacular night show in the evenings.
💡 IMPORTANT: The water only flows from the hours of 11:00am – 10:00pm, so plan your visit accordingly.
Changi Airport swimming pool – You might have heard that Singapore is also well known for having an airport swimming pool in the departure area of T1. Open daily from 12:00pm – 10:00pm. Costs SGD $25 per person.
Check out the airport gardens – It’s hard to believe, but Changi airport has 10 gardens for visitors to enjoy while they are travelling through. Sunflower garden, cactus garden and butterfly garden are just a few to name, another reason Singapore’s airport is simply amazing.
Viewing malls – Across all 3 terminals, Changi Airport offers clear viewing areas from within the airport to enjoy unobstructed views of aircraft landing and taking off from the tropical tarmac. Fun for regular travellers and aviation enthusiasts!
Discover Chinatown in Singapore
First stop from the airport, make your way to Chinatown. Maxwell Food Centre and Chinatown Complex are some of Singapore’s most popular Hawker Centres! What is a Hawker Centre you might ask? These are open-air, warehouse-style food markets cooking up delicious foods from all over the continent!
It’s a great place to try Chinese, Indian and other cuisines. It’s a great place to start your 3 day Singapore itinerary with a hearty breakfast!
➤ Prefer to have a guide? Take a look at this Chinatown walking tour on GetYourGuide!
Here are some of the main highlights to see in Chinatown:
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple – Here lies what is believed to be the left canine tooth of the Buddha, recovered from his resting place in India and showcased here in Singapore. This is an important religious place within the Buddhist community.
Sri Mariamman Temple – The oldest Hindu temple in all of Singapore has played an important role within Hinduism for almost 200 years. It has played the important role of housing Tamil immigrants over the decades and hosts important cultural Hindu festivals and events. Always remember to dress modestly when visiting temples.
Thian Hock Keng Temple – As one of Singapore’s oldest Hokkien temples, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural heritage of early Chinese settlers while providing a peaceful escape from the buzz of the city. Nestled in the heart of Chinatown among the towering, modern skyscrapers, be sure to check out this beautiful temple during your Singapore 3 day itinerary.
Chinatown shopping – Check out the street markets and shop for Chinese gifts and herbal medicines. Chinatown Complex is also great for shopping! Be sure to check out the street art murals down Chinatown’s side streets.
Visit the famous Merlion
From Chinatown, take the time to walk over to Singapore’s iconic Merlion statue. This is roughly a 20 minute from Sri Mariamman Temple in Chinatown. The Merlion is a huge half-fish, half-lion statue towering on the edge of Singapore’s waterfront, and it is a symbol of Singapore’s origin.
The fish half of this peculiar statue pays homage to Singapore’s origin as a fishing village, and the lion’s head gushing water from its mouth refers back to Singapore’s former name, Singapura, meaning ‘lion city’ in Sanskrit!
Singapore Waterfront and Marina Bay Sands
From the Merlion, take your time walking along the waterfront to Marina Bay Sands. Along here, you can take some amazing photos. On one side of the waterfront, you have Singapore’s very modern banking sector skyline, and on the opposite side, you have the unique ArtScience Museum and Marina Bay Sands towering tall.
When you reach Marina Bay Sands, you can indulge in high-end shopping in the modern mall, specialising in expensive brands.
If you fancy taking in some of the best views Singapore has to offer, you can book a ticket to Marina Bay Sands Skypark observation deck or grab a drink at CE LA VIE bar. Just so you know, only guests of the hotel are allowed to swim in the pool so don’t get your hopes up!
💡 Tip: Skypark observation deck and CE LA VIE are both accessed from Marina Bay Sands Tower 3.
Get Lost in Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is just one of many attractions that make Singapore such a unique destination, inviting millions of visitors every year. It’s a must when spending 3 days in Singapore! The park is self is free to visit, with some additional attractions like the boardwalk which require a paid ticket.
A dense, lush botanical garden mixed with science fiction comes to mind when wandering below the ginormous artificial trees.
Here are some of the highlights you can enjoy in Gardens by the Bay:
Supertree Grove – This futuristic supertree system is designed to tackle climate change by capturing carbon directly from the air. Picture a cluster of sleek, artificial trees working together to help clean the atmosphere and help make the world a cleaner place to live in! They also collect rainwater too! The boardwalk through the top of the trees will require a paid ticket, but walking below is free!
Cloud Forest – Picture stepping into a magical misty jungle, with a towering indoor waterfall cascading down exotic jungle plants, all within one huge conservatory…that’s the Cloud Forest! An activity to be done at least once if budget allows. Tickets can be purchased online here on Klook!
Flower Dome – Step inside the world’s largest greenhouse by visiting the Flower Dome in Singapore! With over a staggering 1.5 million plants on show in this beautiful glass structure, your mind will surely be blown. Admission to the Cloud Forest also includes the Flower Dome.
Why not finish your day with one of Singapore’s best nighttime shows (more on this topic later). As the daytime sun begins to fade to night, the Supertree Grove comes to life! Garden Rhapsody attracts thousands of tourists every day as it lights the night sky.
Admission is free and performance times vary depending on the time of season, so be sure to check Gardens by the Bay’s official website for the latest up-to-date information.
Day 2 – Singapore Botanic Gardens, Little India and nighttime shows
On to day 2 of 3 of this awesome Singapore itinerary! This day consists of lush green botanical gardens, a visit to Singapore’s diverse Little India and enjoying a beautiful nighttime light show on the famous waterfront. Keep reading to learn more!
Explore the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore’s Botanic Garden is a lush, 160-year-old green gem right in the city. It’s a mix of history, beauty, and fun, with highlights like the National Orchid Garden offering thousands of vibrant flowers and the peaceful Swan Lake.
Whether you’re here for a picnic, a stroll, or just to relax in the tropical oasis, it’s the perfect escape from city life, and a great place to start your day!
Entrance to the park is free, and opening hours are 5:00am to 12:00am daily. It’s popular to see people exercising early morning in this amazing botanical park.
Wander around Little India
Next up on our 3 day Singapore itinerary, grab lunch in Little India’s largest Hawker Centre, the Tekka Centre! Here you will find an amazing array of Asian food from around the content. From India, to China, to Indonesia and Pakistan, there’s something for everyone here.
We picked up a masala dosa for only SGD $2.50 (£1.60) each, they were both huge and delicious. On the ground floor is where you will find the food and drink vendors, upstairs you find clothing and textiles.
➤ Check out this guided tour of Little India and Chinatown!
Here are some of the main sights to see in Little India:
Former House of Tan Teng Niah – This beautiful colonial-era building is a rainbow explosion right in the heart of Little India! Built in 1900 by Tan Teng Niah, a local Chinese businessman, this quirky villa is a mix of Chinese and colonial styles, with intricate carvings and bold, cheerful colours that make it stand out.
It’s no longer a home, but it’s a little slice of history and a must-see spot for anyone wandering through Little India, especially if you love snapping some photography.
➤ Check out this half-day tour, including some areas of Little India!
Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple – Along the main strip in Little India you will find the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dedicated to the fierce goddess Kali. Built in the 1800s, it’s dressed with intricate sculptures and vibrant details that make it impossible to miss.
Step inside, and you’ll find a peaceful atmosphere perfect for soaking up the culture and history of this beautiful spot. As mentioned previously, always make sure to dress modestly in temples.
Serangoon Road – This road is the main shopping street that runs through the heart of Singapore’s Little India. Here, you can find jewellery shops (a lot of gold!), traditional clothes shops, Indian supermarkets and fresh produce. And let’s not forget the amazing Indian restaurants. Take a look for yourself and enjoy the diverse culture.
Head to the Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam
Officially turning 200 years old, the Sultan Mosque is Singapore’s largest and oldest Islamic mosque. Come and gaze in awe at its unique design, with its golden domes glowing in the sun. Entrance is free, and tourists are welcome to come inside and appreciate its history and culture.
Be sure to cover up and dress appropriately. A general rule is to cover shoulders, chests and legs. Shoes need to be removed before entering the mosque, covers are provided at the entrance. It’s definitely worth a visit during your 3 days in Singapore.
➤ Experience Singapore on 2-wheels, take a look at this unique guided tour!
See the Spectra Water & Light Show
Singapore’s water and light show is something we will never forget from our first visit to Asia. Watch the water dance on the waterfront as light projections and lasers bring this show to life. Gentle orchestral music helps tell this magical story of Singapore, all while being enjoyed with the dramatic backdrop of the skyline.
Head to the Event Plaza for this 15-minute spectacle, with performances starting daily at 8:00pm, 9:00pm and 10:00pm. Be sure to arrive here early to grab yourself a spot! Double-check the official website if you need further information.
This show was one of our favourite moments during our 3 days in Singapore – the music is so beautiful!
Day 3 – Sentosa Island + Optional Universal Studios Singapore
What to do on Sentosa Island
As the name suggests, Sentosa Island is a small island on the southern tip of Singapore, and let us tell you that it is PACKED with activities. Some of which are paid and free. For the last day on this 3 day Singapore itinerary, you can pick and choose how you would like to spend your time on Sentosa Island as there are so many things on offer! Let’s take a look at the highlights below:
Free things to do on Sentosa Island
Relax on Sentosa’s man-made beaches – Palawan beach, Siloso beach and Tanjong beach are all free to access public beaches, and for us, it was the first time we stood barefoot on a beach in Asia! You know the drill with beaches, have fun, swim, sunbathe and relax! Sounds good, right?
Sentosa Boardwalk – Walk along the boardwalk that connects mainland Singapore to Sentosa Island. Dense, lush forest and astonishing views.
Fort Siloso Skywalk – Stroll above the trees along this scenic 11-storey tall skywalk, offering amazing views accessible for all. This is a great way to reach the historical Fort Siloso mentioned below!
Step back in time at Fort Siloso – A well-preserved WWII fort now reopened as an educational museum. There are lots of interesting exhibits and war machinery on show. And it’s totally free!
Paid things to do on Sentosa Island
Universal Studios Singapore – I’m not sure Universal Studios needs an introduction, but Singapore has its very own park! Take a look at what the park has to offer, and book tickets here. Expect to spend your entire day here if you want to fully experience the park. Tickets are around £50 and can be booked on Klook.
Adventure Cove Waterpark – What more can we say, it’s a waterpark! Everyone loves a waterpark, and it’s a great way to spend time splashing around on a hot day. Find tickets here on Klook.
SkyPark Sentosa – Are you an adrenaline junkie looking for a thrill? At Skypark Sentosa on Siloso beach you can experience Singapore’s one and only bungy jump! They also have a GIANT swing and a Sky bridge. Take a look on Klook!
Skyline luge – Race friends or family downhill on this adrenaline-filled luge track! Similar to go karts and sometimes called toboggans, this track only uses downhill force to propel riders to the finish line! Take a look here on Klook.
iFly Singapore – Visit iFly for an exhilarating indoor skydiving experience that simulates the thrill of free-fall in a safe and controlled environment. Tickets can be find here.
Mega Adventure Park – Visit this awesome rope and zipline adventure park for the ultimate thrill. With its signature 450m long zipline through a luscious green canopy, why not check it out on your day on Sentosa Island? Find tickets on Klook here.
As you can see, Sentosa Island has an immense amount of activities to offer, so filling a days worth of fun will be a breeze. We personally enjoyed spending time on the beaches, walking the Sentosa Boardwalk and visiting the most southern point of Asia!
Next time, we will definitely be adding Fort Siloso and the nature trail to our list next time!
And that brings our 3 day Singapore itinerary to an end! We really hope you found this guide insightful, and that you love Singapore as much as we do!
It’s such a unique country, offering a futuristic Asian mega-city experience like no other. From food to activities, transport and culture, there’s no place quite like Singapore!
Alternative things to do in Singapore
There are so many things to do in Singapore, so here’s a few more ideas if you have more time or want alternative ideas – here’s more ways to plan your Singapore 3 day itinerary:
- Go mall shopping – VivoCity, City Square Mall and Paragon Shopping Centre are all great options.
- Southern Ridges – 10km of nature trails linking up 3 of Singapore’s parks. Enjoy the modern bridges that take you through some of Singapore’s greenest spaces!
- Fort Canning Park – Bang in the heart of Singapore, Fort Canning Park sits quietly within the metropolis. The Fort dating back over 150 years, its a great way to spend some time relaxing.
- National Museum of Singapore – Dedicated to all things Singaporean, come and learn about art, history and culture in this impressive colonial-style building.
- Kwan Im Thong Hood Cho Temple – If you have some spare time while you’re in Chinatown, check out this historical Buddhist temple.
- Orchard Street – the best place to shop in Singapore with incredible Christmas decoration!
3 Day Singapore Itinerary Overview
Day 1 – Arrive, Changi Airport, Chinatown, Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay.
Day 2 – Singapore Botanic Garden, Little India, Sultan Mosque, Spectra Water & Light show.
Day 3 – Sentosa Island
Where to stay in Singapore
The best areas to stay in Singapore are Clarke Quay, Marina Bay, Orchard Street, Little India, Chinatown and Bugis. We stayed in Little India for our 3 day Singapore itinerary and loved the diverse atmosphere in the city!
Park View Hotel – Park View is an affordable hotel with private rooms for your 3 days in Singapore – Find it on Agoda!
Cube Social Boutique Capsule Hotel – Stay in a capsule hostel in the heart of the city – Find it on Agoda here!
Hotel Mi Bencoolen – Another great location in Singapore, this hotel has lovely decorated private rooms and breakfast included – Find it on Agoda!
💤 Find more hotels to stay in Singapore on Agoda! Or if you prefer, take a look at booking.com. Both have great deals!
Where to eat in Singapore
One of the best places to eat in Singapore is at Hawker Centres – a large hall filled with street food-style vendors. They’re almost always under cover so it’s the perfect spot no matter the weather!
Our favourites are Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre, Tekka Centre, and Maxwell Food Centre. You can find roti, laksa, noodles, nasi lemak and food from all over Asia! We ate the best food during our 3 days in Singapore.
- Kunthaville – amazing plant-based Sri Lankan food!
- Yi Xin Vegetarian – tasty vegan food with a hint of Asian fusion in the heart of Chinatown.
- Makan Vegan – incredible Asian cuisine in Singapore
- Tekka Centre in Little India – amazing Indian food including masala dosas!
- The Boneless Kitchen – vegan Korean food, Singapore has it all.
How to get around Singapore
Grab – The most popular option in most of Southeast Asia. Similar to the Uber platform, you can order rides and food using Grab. Very affordable and easy to use. The app works perfectly in English. A great option to get around quickly in a snap, and it’s very safe too.
MRT – Singapore has an extensive and highly modern metro system, getting you pretty much anywhere across all of Singapore. It’s very affordable, costing less than £1 per ride, depending on the distance travelled. You can either tap on and tap off at the electronic gates using a bank card that supports foreign currency, or purchase and load an ezcard.
Walking – Some of the tourist spots in Singapore can be easily covered on foot, we love walking most places as you might otherwise miss hidden gems while stuck on transport. Of course for longer distances, hop on the MRT or take a Grab!
Buses – We didn’t get the opportunity to take a bus in Singapore as we used the other 3 options above, but from what we have heard they have a reliable and easy-to-use bus system!
How to get to Singapore
Fly – As we’ve mentioned quite frequently throughout this 3 day Singapore itinerary, Changi Airport is somewhat of a tourist attraction in itself. With this in mind and Singapore’s geographical location, the most common way to reach Singapore is by flying!
Buses from Malaysia – Despite flying to Singapore being the most common option, you can In fact catch a bus from Malaysia if you happen to be travelling nearby. The closest we travelled to Singapore in Malaysia was Malacca, check out our other Malaysia guides!
Best time to visit Singapore
The best time to visit Singapore is pretty much anytime! With its warm and consistent tropical climate, there’s no bad season to explore the city. If you love festivals, head over in February for the Chinese New Year or August for the National Day celebrations. Just pack light clothing, and maybe an umbrella for those quick tropical showers!
On average, you can expect temperatures around 25–31°C (77–88°F) all year round. Rain is possible anytime in Singapore, so be sure to pack something waterproof, or at least an umbrella!
February to April: This is the driest period with lower humidity and fewer rain showers. Ideal for outdoor activities and exploring the city!
November to January: The northeast monsoon season brings more frequent and heavier rain, but there are still usually dry spells during the day!
That’s the end of our 3 Day Singapore Itinerary! Check out our other Asia travel guides to plan your trip!
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- 4 Day Shanghai Itinerary
- 5 Day Seoul Itinerary
- 3 Day Bangkok Itinerary
- 2 Day Manila Itinerary
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