5 Days in Singapore: Itinerary with Top Things to Do

5 Days Singapore Itinerary with Top 30 Things to Do

Planning to visit Singapore, Southeast Asia? Looking for what to do in Singapore?

So, this is where it’s happening!

To help you organize your visits quickly and easily, I have prepared the complete city guide with the 30 things to do and see during your stay in Singapore.

You will find all the must-see places of interest to discover, with the added bonus of links to book your guided tours or your entry tickets for the most popular attractions.

I also give you my advice for visiting Singapore in 1, 2, 3, 4 or 5 days and even a week, as well as my selection of the best accommodation.

So what to do and see in Singapore? 

Visit Singapore: the must-sees

1. Gardens by the Bay

This is Singapore’s must-see tourist site : Gardens by the bay.

If the name does not mean anything to you, there is no doubt that you have already seen the famous Supertrees that are there.

These giant metal trees over 20 meters high, covered with vegetation and LEDs, are the main attraction of the Gardens by the Bay. And we must admit that they are particularly impressive!

When they light up after dark, it’s one of Singapore’s best photo spots. In addition, every evening (at 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m.), there is a very nice free sound and light show .

It is also possible to climb the footbridge (OCBC Skyway) which connects the trees to each other, more than 22 meters high. You will be able to enjoy the view of Singapore , if the vertigo does not take over!

Gardens by the bay, Singapore

In addition to the Supertrees, there are 2 other must-see places in Gardens by the bay:

Don’t hesitate to take a free walk in the Gardens by the Bay of Singapore to admire the spaces laid out with different plants. You can also enjoy the view of the famous Marina Bay Sands (see just after) and the Ferris wheel (details a little later).

At Garden by the bay, you will also find several bars, restaurants, playgrounds for children and toilets.

Tips for your Singapore itinerary:

To avoid queuing at the entrance to the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest, I recommend that you buy your tickets in advance.

If you also want to ride the OCBC Skyway, you can buy your tickets on site for $8.

To reach the Gardens by the Bay, the easiest way is to take the metro to the Bayfront station.

Supertree, a must see in Singapore!

2. Marina Bay Sands

The Marina Bay Sands is the other must-see place in Singapore.

It is nothing less than the most famous luxury hotel in town! Made up of 3 buildings of more than 50 floors, it has the particularity of housing the longest and highest infinity pool in the world at its summit!

Nicknamed the Infinity Pool, it is located 200 meters high and offers an unobstructed view of all of Singapore and the giant trees of the Gardens by the Bay. But to get there, only one way: book a night in the hotel. The use of the swimming pool is only reserved for customers.

If you want to spend a night in Singapore’s emblematic hotel , do not hesitate to consult the rates directly here: 5* Hotel Marina Bay Sands.

But rest assured, if you can’t afford a night at Marina Bay Sands during your trip to Singapore, you can still access the viewing platform next to the pool.

The Sands SkyPark will allow you to contemplate a splendid panorama of the bay. 

But as there are crowds, it is better to buy your tickets in advance to be able to go up to the observation platform.

In addition to the hotel complex, the Marina Bay Sands also houses a large shopping center with several luxury boutiques and a casino. And for the kitsch, you can even take a gondola ride in the canals that cross it.

Tips for your Singapore itinerary:

From Marina Bay Sands, take the elevator to Tower 3 level to reach Gardens by the Bay. The bridge that connects them offers a nice view of the hotel, the Ferris wheel and the Supertree Grove.

If you want to visit Marina Bay and the Gardens of the Bay in an original way while enjoying the viewpoints, I advise you to book this 3-hour segway tour with a guide.

Marina Bay Sands

3. The Merlion

As long as we are in the emblematic and popular places, I now suggest you discover the Merlion.

This statue with the head of a lion and the body of a fish that spits water, is one of the major tourist attractions of Singapore and one of the symbols of the city. 

The fish serves as a reminder that Singapore was originally just a fishing village, and the lion refers to the very name of the city, “Singapura” which can be translated as “the city of the lion” in Malaysian .

Taking a selfie in front of the Singapore Merlion has now become a must-see for all tourists. You will find it in the business district at the level of the esplanade, and at the edge of the Singapore river.

From there, you will also have a nice view of the Marina Bay Sands and the ArtScience Museum building.

The Merlion, the symbol of Singapore

4. Singapore Colonial District

Mandatory step during your tour in Singapore: the colonial district.

This is where the city of Singapore was founded by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819. The former fishing village quickly transformed into an important trading post for the British East India Company.

From this period, there are still some colonial buildings to admire.

During your walking tour in the colonial district of Singapore, I recommend that you do not miss:

Tips for your Singapore itinerary:

To not miss any of the monuments of the colonial district and to benefit from detailed explanations, the best way is to opt for a guided tour. The guide is really interesting and you will know everything about the history of Singapore.

This guided tour of the Old Colonial District of Singapore can be booked directly here.

Padang District, Singapore

5. Raffles Hotel

The Raffles Hotel is the legendary hotel to go to in Singapore. It is also located in the colonial district.

As much as the Marina Bay Sands is known for its modernity, the Raffles has a historical character. A true institution of the city, it is one of the most famous hotels in Singapore and is considered a very important part of the architectural and cultural heritage.

Opened in 1887, the colonial-style palace has hosted many personalities, politicians and writers.

Raffles’ bar, the Long Bar, is ranked among the best in the world for its signature cocktail, the “Singapore Sling”. A must try during your trip to Singapore!

To stay in one of the sumptuous suites at this iconic property, simply click on the following link: Raffles Hotel Singapore.

Raffles Hotel, Singapore

6. Chinatown

Among the neighborhoods to visit in Singapore, I recommend that you take a trip to Chinatown.

Getting off at the “Chinatown” subway station, you will come directly to the main street with many shops and restaurants.

Not to be missed in Singapore’s Chinatown:

If you are peckish, you can also head to the Coconut Club to enjoy a Bib Gourmand Nasi Lemak, recommended by the Michelin Guide!

Singapore’s Chinatown district

7. Little India

We continue this guide to Singapore with another district to discover: Little India.

The main places of interest to see in the Indian district of Singapore:

As for the colonial district or Chinatown, guided tours of Little India are also possible.

Little India, the Indian district of Singapore

8. Kampong Glam: The Malay Quarter

Kampong Glam is one of the oldest neighborhoods to see in Singapore. It was in 1822 that Sir Stamford Raffles allocated this area to the Arab and Malay community.

Today the district has remained quite authentic and picturesque with many traditional stalls and beautiful houses.

What to see in Singapore, in Kampong Glam:

For all the historical details, you can also choose a guided tour to walk the streets of the Malay Quarter.

Kampong Glam, Singapour

9. Katong District

I end this tour of the essential districts of Singapore with Katong.

Located to the east of the city, the Katong district is one of the oldest and is home to beautiful houses with colorful facades and old shophouses. To admire them, walk down Koon Seng Road.

Most of these stores have belonged to Peranakans, Chinese immigrants who intermarried with locals and from this mixture a new culture was born.

Katong is also known to be home to lots of very nice little restaurants where you can taste local cuisine.

Koon Seng Road, Katong district

10. Singapore Botanic Garden

Where to go in Singapore to enjoy some greenery and have a nice walk?

At the Singapore Botanic Garden, which you can reach directly by metro. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the place is super pleasant and perfectly maintained and cared for.

It’s the most visited botanical garden in the world and it’s free (except the entrance to the national orchid garden at $5).

There are several thematic gardens to see, lakes, museums on the history of the garden or temporary exhibitions. You will also find several cafes and restaurants.

Allow 2 to 3 hours for the visit because it is really big. It is an ideal place to walk, very quiet and relaxing.

Singapore Botanic Garden

11. Museums to Visit in Singapore

If you fancy doing some cultural sightseeing in Singapore, you will find plenty of museums to visit:

Artscience Museum Singapore

12. Go Shopping in Singapore

Going to Singapore and coming back without having done a bit of shopping? Unthinkable!

Direction Orchard Road for a little shopping session in one (or more) of the huge shopping centers that border it. H&M, Victoria’s Secret or luxury boutiques (Louis Vuitton, Hermès…), the choice is vast.

Small precision, although you are in Asia, do not expect to find low prices like in Bangkok (in Thailand ) for example. Singapore remains one of the most expensive cities in Asia, even counting the tax refund.

If you haven’t found what you’re looking for in Orchard, don’t worry, you can always continue via VivoCity (HarbourFront metro station), one of the largest malls in Southeast Asia, or via the shopping center located at Marina Bay.

And for affordable accessories or souvenirs, I advise you to go to Bugis Street, an indoor market where you will find everything and anything in a happy bazaar!

Tips for your Singapore itinerary:

For your purchases of photo or electronic equipment, avoid Sim Lim Square at all costs, scams guaranteed! I will not dwell on the subject but if you do a little research, you will quickly realize that it is to be avoided.

Shopping in Singapore

13. Singapore Flyer

A little idea of ​​a nice activity to do in Singapore to contemplate the city: a ride on a Ferris wheel. It is located not far from Marina Bay.

At 165 meters high, the Singapore Flyer has long been the tallest Ferris wheel in the world. During the tour, you can enjoy the view of the buildings, the bay and the Supertrees.

To book your ticket for the Singapore Flyer, nothing could be simpler, click here.

Singapore Flyer

14. The Southern Ridges

I continue my Singapore tourist guide by offering you a walk in the middle of nature.

The Southern Ridges is a 10 km long trail connecting several parks in Singapore, located south of the city. Arranged with footbridges passing between the trees and the canopy, the place allows you to discover the local fauna and flora.

You can notably go through Kent Ridge Park, HortPark, Telok Blangah Hill, Labrador Nature Reserve and Mount Faber Park. 

You don’t have to do the whole path because there are several places to join it. For example, I got off at the Telok Blangah metro station to reach the park of the same name and walk on the walkways up the hill.

From there, you won’t be far from the Henderson Waves Bridge and the cable car to Sentosa Island. I explain everything below.

The Southern Ridges, Singapore

15. Henderson Waves Bridge

Taking the Southern Ridges Trail will take you over the Henderson Waves Bridge.

This futuristic-looking wooden bridge is Singapore’s tallest pedestrian bridge and a popular photo spot. It must be recognized that its shape, all in waves and curves is really original and also allows you to admire the view of the city, 36 meters high.

Henderson Waves Bridge

16. Sentosa

Sentosa is an island entirely dedicated to leisure, there are many tourist attractions in Singapore (click on the links in orange to book your tickets):

You can also indulge in a number of activities: segway, toboggan, bike, surftree climbing, skydive (indoor free fall) or even bungee jumping.

A word of advice: avoid the Butterfly Park Insect Kingdom which contains 3 poor butterflies and a few animals.

Tips for your Singapore itinerary:

To reach Sentosa Island, you can take the metro to Harbourfront station and then opt for a cable car ride.

The start is at Mount Faber, a little before the Henderson Waves Bridge and offers time to admire the view of the entire south of the city. It is possible to book your tickets for the Singapore cable car directly by clicking here.

Take the cable car to Sentosa

17. Singapore Aquarium

As I told you, you can also visit the Singapore Aquarium during your day in Sentosa.

Jellyfish, colorful fish, rays, sharks, there really is a lot of underwater species to see! The aquarium is also well designed and maintained.

To avoid queuing at the entrance, I advise you to take your tickets in advance by clicking directly here.

It’s really a must if you’ve decided to go to Singapore with your family.

Visit the Singapore Aquarium

18. Singapore Zoo

To stay in animals and family outings, if you no longer know what to do in Singapore, you can visit the city zoo.

With its 28 hectares and more than 2,500 animals, the Singapore Zoo is one of the most famous in Asia. You can see tigers, lions, leopards, giraffes and more. Tickets on sale here.

Right next to the zoo (but at an additional cost to visit it) is the River Safari park, which is more dedicated to the different ecosystems of the aquatic world.

But strangely, it is in the River Safari, that you can admire the giant pandas. We quickly understand why they are not in the zoo strictly speaking: to “force” you to buy entrance tickets for the 2 parks.

So, if you want to see the pandas, you must also buy your pass for the River Safari. They are available here.

White Tiger, Singapore Zoo

19. Singapore River Cruise

During your holidays in Singapore, you can also treat yourself to a relaxing moment by taking a cruise on the Singapore River.

Departing from Clarke Quay, embark on a wooden boat to discover the skyscrapers of the financial district, the Merlion, the theater or even the monuments of the colonial district.

A pleasant outing of about 40 minutes to observe the city from another angle.

Singapore Cruise

20. Singapore Rooftops

What could be better than a rooftop (rooftop terrace) in one of the tallest buildings in Singapore to contemplate the city at night and enjoy an excellent cocktail.

Here is my selection of the best rooftops in Singapore:

Tips for your Singapore itinerary:

Most of these rooftops are quite chic, so you will have to take your best outfit out of the suitcase for tonight!

Cocktail prices are quite high and usually start around $20.

Contemplate the city of Singapore from a rooftop

21. Night Safari

If you have decided to visit Singapore with your family, you will certainly have to forget the option of the rooftop for your evening. But don’t worry, I found you a more suitable activity: a night safari.

The Night Safari is one of the main tourist attractions in Singapore by night. You will be able to discover many animals such as lions or elephants.

The first part of the visit is done on foot and then you will get on the tram to visit and benefit from the audio commentaries.

Book your Singapore Night Safari tickets here.

Tips for your Singapore itinerary:

If you are planning to visit Singapore Zoo and do the Night Safari, I would advise you to opt for a combo ticket. This saves money.

The zoo + night safari entry ticket can be booked here.

Singapore Night Safari

22. Bird Park

To finish with animal-centered activities, in Singapore you can also visit the largest bird park in the world.

The Bird Park hosts no less than 5,000 birds of 400 different species. Like the zoo, the River Safari and the Night Safari, it is managed by the NGO Wildlife Reserves Singapore. Most of the birds are kept in large aviaries and the park is quite well designed.

To avoid queuing at the entrance, don’t hesitate to book your Singapore Bird Park tickets in advance.

Singapore Bird Park

23. The Beaches of Singapore

And if you take advantage of your visit to Bangkok to go to the beach?

Well, I warn you, don’t expect the paradisiacal beaches and wild surroundings that can be found around Koh Lanta or Phuket, Thailand. Singapore’s beaches are less pretty but if you feel like cooling off, this will do.

The most accessible beaches in Singapore are on Sentosa Island:

In the South of Singapore, you can also reach the East Coast Park, the largest park in the city where there is a large sandy beach.

Siloso Beach, Singapore

24. Taste the Local Cuisine

During your trip to Singapore, you will obviously have the opportunity to taste the local cuisine.

Among the specialties to test, I recommend:

To discover the typical dishes of Singapore, you can also choose a guided tour with tasting of several specialties such as Nasi Lemak and Dim Sum.

This food tour is very nice and includes about ten tastings in the Malay Village, Chinatown and Little India.

The Durian, known for its foul smell!

25. MacRitchie Reservoir Park

Another nice park to take a walk in Singapore: the MacRitchie Reservoir Park.

Total change of scenery guaranteed in this park with its lush vegetation populated by many monkeys.

To walk it, you will have the choice between several marked trails (the longest is 11 km) but do not miss to pass by the Treetop Walk, a suspension bridge offering a pretty panoramic view of the whole park.

You will find signs of the possible routes at each entrance to the park. Remember to bring water, good sneakers and mosquito repellent!

MacRitchie Reservoir Park

26. Ubin Island

To conclude this top things to do and see absolutely in Singapore, I recommend that you go to Pulau Ubin.

This island is located northeast of the city and easily accessible by boat (only 10 minutes for the crossing). The boat picks up at the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. No timetables, it leaves when full but it’s quick as it can only accommodate a dozen passengers.

Spending a day at Pulau Ubin during your stay in Singapore is a great way to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city and a bit of a change from the skyscrapers.

You can go around the island on foot or by bike, to discover the traditional village, the old quarries, the jungle and the mangrove.

Tips for your Singapore itinerary:

I also advise you to climb to the Puaka Hill viewpoint, which offers a clear view of the surroundings!

Ubin Island

What to do around Singapore?

After seeing all these places of interest in Singapore, it’s time to find out what you can do around.

And in reality, there is not much to do in the immediate vicinity of Singapore, but on the other hand you can reach other destinations very easily in just a few hours by flight or by boat.

27. The islands of Indonesia

Batam Island and its neighbor Bintan, are the closest islands to visit around Singapore. Located in Indonesia, they are only 1 hour by boat from the city.

In Batam, you can enjoy several beaches for sunbathing and swimming. Golf enthusiasts can also indulge their passion on one of the world-renowned golf courses.

Fairly touristy, the islands also offer duty-free shopping, luxury hotels and resorts, and water activities.

It is the ideal destination for a relaxing weekend around Singapore.

And if you want to push a little further Bali is only 2h30 flight away , so your trip to Singapore can be an opportunity to discover this magnificent island of Indonesia!

Bali, Indonesia

28. Thailand

From Singapore, you can also easily fly to Thailand.

If you are looking for an island with sublime beaches, then choose PhuketKoh LantaKoh Yao Noi or Krabi.

If you’re not tired of the city, then head to Bangkok, the Thai capital.

To help you organize your trip to Thailand, do not hesitate to read my articles dedicated to the country: Destination Thailand.

Discover Thailand

29. The Vietnam

Another country to discover around Singapore: Vietnam.

In 2 hours of flight, you can reach Ho-Chi-Minh, formerly called Saigon.

Not to be missed in Ho Chi Minh:

And once in Vietnam, nothing prevents you from exploring the wonders of the country, such as the famous Halong Bay or the rice terraces of Mu Cang Chai.

Mu Cang Chai Rice Terraces, Vietnam

30. Cambodia

Cambodia is also one of the destinations near Singapore that is easily accessible by plane.

You can visit the capital Phnom Penh (the royal palace, the national museum) or of course go to Angkor Wat to discover the temples, the most touristic site in Cambodia.

Cambodia

Visiting Singapore with the family

Here is a summary list of the best things to do in Singapore with your children:

Singapore zoo pandas

How many days to visit Singapore?

Given the number of places to see in Singapore, I recommend that you stay there for at least 3 days. It’s a good time to discover many of the places of interest I’m talking about in this top.

I give you my examples of itineraries to visit Singapore in 1, 2, 3 days or more just below.

Tips for your Singapore itinerary:

If you intend to chain paid visits during your stay in Singapore, there is a city pass which allows you to save a lot of money.

It entitles free access to more than 35 tourist attractions and activities in Singapore which are all in my top. On the other hand, you will have to plan your visits in advance to group together those that are included and be sure to make it profitable.

Indeed, as it is valid for a period of 2, 3 or 5 consecutive days, this leaves little room for maneuver in the event of bad weather or unforeseen events: for example, you will have to count one day if you want to go to the zoo, the River Safari and the Night Safari and another day for Sentosa. This imposes a sustained visit rhythm.

If you plan to really visit the city thoroughly, you must book your unlimited attractions pass to visit Singapore by clicking here.

And if you want to be less rushed, it is better to book your skip-the-line tickets one by one for each attraction through the links I have given you throughout the article.

1 Day Singapore Itinerary

If you only have one day to visit Singapore, during a long layover for example, you can easily reach the district that interests you the most by metro and then explore it on foot.

Everything will depend on your interests, but the most spectacular place in the city remains the Gardens By the Bay and the surroundings of Marina Bay and the Merlion.

A good quick and inexpensive solution to get an overview of the city and its main districts is also to choose the Singapore hop- on hop-off bus tour .

Tickets can be booked directly here.

2 Days Singapore Itinerary

If you have 2 days in Singapore, I suggest the following program:

Day 1:

Day 2:

Singapore’s Supertrees

3 Days Singapore Itinerary

In 3 days in Singapore, in addition to the program of the previous 2 days, I offer you:

You also have a second option for this 3rd day in Singapore:

4 Days Singapore Itinerary

For a 4-day stay in Singapore, you can choose the option you did not choose on day 3.

5 Days Singapore Itinerary

If your trip to Singapore lasts 5 days, I advise you to choose between:

Visit Singapore in a week

In 7 days in Singapore, you won’t have to choose, resume the program until day 5.

On the sixth and seventh day, you can do the other 2 places. You will then have visited the majority of Singapore’s tourist sites!

Accommodation in Singapore

We’re not going to hide it, unlike other Asian cities, Singapore is not really the place to stay for cheap.

Accommodation prices are quite high and it is better to go as far in advance as possible to have fairly reasonable rates. The good news is that you will still have plenty of choice as there are hundreds of hotels in Singapore.

In terms of location, it does not matter as long as your hotel is not far from a metro station, since this will be the means of transport you will use to get around.

To help you choose, I have prepared my selection of the best hotels to sleep in Singapore, depending on your budget:

Capsule hotels (hostel style) – the cheapest accommodation in Singapore:

The best hotels for a budget between 100€ and 200€:

Singapore luxury hotels:

Visit Singapore

Where to eat in Singapore

I don’t really have any specific recommendations for a particular restaurant to do in Singapore.

It will really depend on where you are staying and where you are at meal times. But everywhere you will find places to eat at any time of the day.

I recommend the food courts in shopping centers, or the hawker centers, open-air or semi-covered spaces (more typical, let’s say) that bring together all the cuisines of the world.

Choose what you want to eat from any of the stalls and you can sit at the tables in the center to enjoy it. Be careful, if you see a packet of tissues on the table or on the chair, it’s because it’s reserved!

A super practical option if there are several of you and everyone wants to eat a different dish.

Where to go out in Singapore at night

In addition to all the rooftops I told you about, if you want to party in Singapore or have a drink in a relaxed atmosphere, I recommend:

Pub crawls are also offered in Singapore. Ideal if you are visiting Singapore on your own but want to meet other travelers for an evening.

The tour includes free shots, discounts on other drinks and VIP club entry.

Book your pub crawl in Singapore by clicking here.

Singapore by night

How to get around in Singapore?

To get around Singapore, the best way is undoubtedly the metro. The network is super developed and you will avoid all the inevitable traffic jams if you travel by bus or taxi.

When arriving at Singapore airport, I recommend that you take the Singapore Tourist Pass which gives unlimited access to public transport for 1, 2 or 3 days for $10 per day or $30 for 3 days.

The price includes the $10 deposit which will be returned to you when you bring back your transport cards. This is the best pass for using transport.

Singapore Tourist Map

To help you visualize the city a little better, I made you a tourist map of Singapore listing the places to visit that I talk about in this top 30 things to do in Singapore and the surrounding area. You can display the map legend by clicking on the top left button with a small arrow.

And you, what are you planning to visit during your trip to Singapore?

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