Day 1 AM: Culture, Temples & Iconic Hawker Food

Start your morning at a bustling hawker centre, where the clatter of woks and the aroma of sizzling garlic fill the air. Locals swear by a breakfast of kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and a strong cup of kopi; the perfect blend of creamy coconut jam, runny eggs seasoned with soy sauce and pepper, and coffee brewed Singapore-style.

I’m a big fan of Singapore’s hawker centres: they have clear pricing, plenty of seating, staff swiftly clearing and cleaning tables, and an incredible variety of dishes. For convenience, try Maxwell Food Centre – it’s right next to your first stops.

After breakfast, it’s time to start exploring! We’ll begin by heading into Singapore’s bustling Chinatown, known for its colourful buildings, beautiful art murals and lively atmosphere. Make your way to Pagoda Street, a colonial-era passageway that was a key settling point for Chinese immigrants. Here you can find an abundance of shops selling Chinese teas, embroidered bags, paper lanterns, spices, and herbs used in traditional medicine. It’s a feast for the senses – colourful, fragrant, and chaotic in the very best way.

To delve further into the history of Chinese immigration to Singapore, I strongly recommend a visit to the Chinatown Heritage Centre. This small but immersive museum recreates the cramped living quarters of early Chinese immigrants who arrived in Singapore looking for job opportunities. Expect dimly lit rooms, creaking wooden staircases, and displays that paint a vivid picture of the hopes and hardships of 19th-century settlers.

Just a few minutes’ walk away from the Heritage Centre stands Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple and one of its most eye-catching. The ornate tower at its entrance is covered in vibrant, intricately carved deities, each telling a story from Hindu mythology. Step inside and you’ll hear the rhythmic ringing of bells, smell incense drifting through the halls, and see worshippers offering prayers. Visitors are welcome, but dress modestly, covering your chest, shoulders, and knees. 

Keep strolling through Chinatown, making your way to the majestic Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Inspired by Tang dynasty architecture, the temple is a really impressive structure with a peaceful, calming atmosphere. Inside, you can find glittering gold statues lining the walls, ornate Buddha statues, and monks chanting in the prayer hall. Don’t miss the rooftop garden, with unexpected greenery and great views of Chinatown’s rooftops.

By the time you finish exploring Chinatown, it will probably be time for lunch. Luckily, there are plenty of great places to eat here, from traditional restaurants to hawker stalls. I recommend trying a Singaporean classic like Hainanese chicken rice, smoky char kway teow, a spicy bowl of laksa, or a delicious, crispy curry puff.

Day 1 PM: Gardens by the Bay & Marina Bay Sands

From Chinatown, take the Downtown Line MRT to Bayfront Station. As you emerge from the underground station, you’ll be greeted by one of Singapore’s most futuristic landscapes.

Gardens by the Bay is my personal highlight in Singapore. This huge 101-hectare nature park looks like it belongs in a sci-fi film: towering steel trees, biodomes the size of football fields, and lush gardens overflowing with plant life.

Start indoors at the Cloud Forest to beat the heat. The cool mist hits you instantly, followed by the roar of the world’s tallest indoor waterfall cascading down a mountain of tropical plants and flowers. Elevated walkways let you wander among orchids, ferns, and rare plants from forests around the world. In total, there are more than 70,000 plant species here to admire! 

Next door, the Flower Dome showcases plants from Mediterranean and arid regions. There are some really creative, whimsical sculptures, and vibrant floral arrangements which change seasonally. Aim to spend at least two hours in these areas.

Afterwards, walk over to the Supertree Grove, where the Supertrees rise up like 16-storey giants wrapped in living plants. When the weather is clear, you can head up to the Supertree Observatory (OCBC Skyway) which sits on top of the tallest Supertree. At 50m above ground, the 128-metre-long skyway delivers fantastic views over the surrounding area, letting you admire sparkling ponds, manicured gardens and the Marina Bay skyline.

Tip: Buy your entrance tickets in advance to skip the queues; you can get combined tickets for the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome and the Supertree Observatory here.

From the Supergrove, walk 15 minutes across the scenic Dragonfly Bridge toward Marina Bay Sands – an architectural marvel shaped like a ship perched across three towers. Ride up to the SkyPark Observation Deck on the upper floors. Yes, it’s touristy, but the sweeping views over the Marina Bay skyline and the Singapore Strait are unbeatable. Secure your entry with an advance ticket and try to time your visit to catch a spectacular sunset.

If you head up to the SkyPark Observation Deck, make sure you head back to Supertree Grove for the nightly Garden Rhapsody at 7:45pm or 8:45pm. As night falls, the Supertrees come alive in a dazzling display of light, choreographed to classical and operatic music. It’s absolutely worth timing your day around.

For dinner, you could treat yourself to dinner at the Marina Bay Sands restaurants – perfect if you’re celebrating or want to treat yourself to some of Singapore’s fine dining (expect premium prices!). For a more affordable option, check out Satay by the Bay, which serves up smoky satay skewers, seafood BBQ, noodles, and fresh juices. Casual, lively and better for those on a budget! 

DAY 2 – Arab Quarter, Little India, Museums & Night Strolls

Day 2 AM: Little India’s Colours & Culture

On the morning of Day 2 make your way to Kampong Glam, Singapore’s vibrant Arab Quarter. Here you can find bold murals, quirky boutiques, bright textiles, and the majestic Sultan Mosque with its golden dome. The mosque welcomes visitors, including non-Muslims, but visiting hours are limited. If you want to go inside, remember to follow the conservative dress code. 

The mosque is located on Muscat Street, which has some great art murals to check out. It can be busy here, especially during services, so don’t be disappointed if some views are obscured! 

Another place you shouldn’t miss here is Haji Lane, a narrow street full of cafés and indie shops – perfect for vibrant street photos. Be sure to stop off for a cup of teh tarik, a strong black tea with sweetened condensed milk that is poured back and forth between two cups to create a light and frothy top!

Kampong Glam is a really cool place to explore, especially if (like me) you love street photography. You can easily spend a couple of hours here people-watching and soaking up the atmosphere. You can also race around the neighbourhood as the passenger in a Vespa sidecar!

After exploring this photogenic area, head up Arab Street to immerse yourself in the chaos of Little India – one of the most colourful corners of Singapore. The streets here buzz with energy and you won’t be able to take your eyes off the pastel-coloured shophouses, vibrant murals, and shops overflowing with jasmine garlands, glittering bangles, and aromatic spices.

Stop by Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dedicated to the goddess Kali, where intricate sculptures decorate the entrance and prayer bells chime in the background. Then head onto Tekka Centre, a lively wet market and food court where you can try South and North Indian classics. It’s also a great place to browse textiles and saris in every colour imaginable. I suggest having lunch here; treat yourself to fragrant biryani, crispy dosa, or a hearty thali set served on stainless steel trays. Portions are generous and prices are very reasonable. Do as the locals do and eat with your hands. It’s messy but fun!

Day 2 PM: Museums, Shopping and Riverside Strolls

After a nice filling lunch, it’s time for a bit more culture. Make your way to Little India MRT station and take the short trip to Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station.

From here, walk to our next stop, the National Museum of Singapore. Dating back to 1887, it’s Singapore’s oldest museum, blending history, multimedia installations, and interactive storytelling. It’s beautifully curated and you’ll learn about everything from daily life to the rapid development of this island nation from a humble fishing village to a global hub (Get your National Museum of Singapore ticket here).

If you’d rather visit an art gallery instead, check out Singapore’s National Gallery. Housed in two beautifully restored historic buildings – the former Supreme Court and City Hall – the gallery has an impressive collection of Southeast Asian art, plus plenty of temporary exhibitions. Give yourself at least two hours here; it’s much bigger than it looks, and the cool, calm atmosphere is a welcome break from the city’s busy streets. (Buy your National Gallery tickets here to take advantage of special offers and bundle rates)

Once you’ve finished in the museum/gallery, head down to Clarke Quay for some shopping and river views. Here you’ll find riverside cafés to relax in, boutique shops, and brightly painted warehouses. You can take a leisurely boat ride along the river (which takes around 40 minutes) or enjoy a peaceful stroll along the riverside towards Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade.

After checking out the beautiful views, head back into Chinatown for a delicious dinner at Maxwell Food Centre or a local restaurant.

DAY 3 – Sentosa Island or Nature Spots

While I was perfectly happy wandering around Singapore eating snacks and admiring skyscrapers, there’s plenty more to experience. Here are several options, depending on what you enjoy most.

Singapore Zoo

Widely considered one of the world’s best zoos, it stands out for its lush rainforest setting, spacious open enclosures, and up-close wildlife encounters. With swinging orangutans, impressive biodomes, and the family-friendly Rainforest Kidzworld, it’s an excellent option – especially for visitors with children.

You may also be interested in visiting Singapore’s unique Night Safari, which is located next to Singapore Zoo. The world’s first nocturnal wildlife park allows visitors to wander through dimly lit trails or hop on the guided tram to see tigers, elephants, hyenas, and other nocturnal animals roaming in open-concept habitats.

Tip: Book your Singapore Zoo tickets and Night Safari ticket and tram ride bundles early – tickets sell out fast.

Getting there: Take a Grab taxi (about 30 minutes) to save time.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

If you’re looking for a peaceful, nature-filled day, make a beeline for Singapore’s Botanic Gardens. There’s a lot to see here, including a beautiful variety of plants and flowers. The highlight is the National Orchid Garden, home to 1,000+ orchid species (Pre-order your National Orchid Garden tickets here).

While you’re strolling through the botanic gardens, keep an eye out for the resident otters. Although these animals are super cute, they’re surprisingly unfriendly in Singapore. Keep your distance and don’t touch or corner them or you might get a very unwelcome bite! 

Getting there: Take the Downtown Line to Botanic Gardens MRT.

Southern Ridges Hike

If you enjoy hiking, the Southern Ridges trail is a beautiful 9km walk connecting Mount Faber, Kent Ridge, and Telok Blangah Hill. My husband and I didn’t manage the full trail (Singapore’s humidity is no joke!), but crossing the undulating Henderson Waves – the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore – was a highlight. If you’re fitter than we are, you’ll be rewarded by elevated walkways, lush forests and panoramic city views along the whole trail.

Where to Stay in Singapore

Singapore has got a well-deserved reputation for being a pricey location, especially when it comes to accommodation. Here are great-value options in convenient neighbourhoods:

• Cube Boutique Capsule Hotel (Boat Quay) (£) – Stylish capsules right by the river – clean, comfortable and sociable, making it an ideal choice for solo travellers. 
• YOTEL Singapore (Orchard Road) (££) – This hotel offers compact but cleverly designed rooms with great communal amenities like a pool and gym, and an unbeatable location near the MRT.
• Lloyd’s Inn (££) – Stylish boutique hotel with a minimalist aesthetic, peaceful garden terraces and a gorgeous swimming pool, offering a calm retreat near Orchard Road.
• Heritage Collection on Chinatown (£££) – Beautifully restored shophouse studios with kitchenettes, compact but well-equipped and perfect for longer stays.

Getting Around Singapore

• MRT: Singapore’s metro is fast, clean, cheap and extremely efficient – best for most journeys. For convenience, you can pick up a NETS card to make quick, contactless payments on Singapore’s MRT, LRT, and buses.
• Grab taxis: Great for the zoo, Night Safari, or when your feet are aching.
• Walking: Ideal for Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay and Chinatown.
  

I hope this 3-day itinerary has given you lots of ideas about what to see and do in Singapore. Whether you’re wandering under the glowing Supertree Grove, sampling laksa at a hawker centre, or exploring the colourful lanes of Little India, I’m sure you will have a lot of fun!

Ciao for now

Izzie, the Curious Sparrow