How We Spent 3 Days in Singapore: The Ultimate Itinerary
Singapore may be small, but it’s packed with world-class attractions, incredible food, and unique experiences. Whether you’re visiting for a visa run like we were, a quick layover, or an extended trip, here’s how we recently spent three amazing days in the Lion City. From Changi Airport to Sentosa Island, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Singapore!
Day 1: Arriving and Exploring Changi Airport
You have probably heard a lot about Changi Airport, but experiencing it firsthand is something else. It’s no wonder it’s ranked as one of the best airports in the world—it’s practically a destination on its own! We have a whole blog post about the airport HERE. If you have time before heading into the city, here are a few things we recommend checking out:
Changi Airport Highlights:
- Jewel Changi: You can’t miss the world’s tallest indoor waterfall surrounded by lush gardens. It’s a perfect way to relax after your flight.
- Butterfly Garden: We found this peaceful spot to be a great place to escape the airport hustle and recharge.
- Free movie theaters: Yes, Changi has movie theaters where you can watch free films—perfect for killing time during a layover!
Once you’ve explored the airport, it’s time to head into the city.
Afternoon: Marina Bay Sands & Gardens by the Bay
After dropping off our bags at the hotel, we couldn’t wait to see Marina Bay Sands. Even if you’re not staying there, it’s worth visiting just for the incredible views.
From there, it’s an easy walk to Gardens by the Bay, one of our favorite places in Singapore. The Supertrees are even more impressive in person, and we loved wandering through the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. Don’t forget to come back at night for the Garden Rhapsody light show—it’s magical, and free!
Evening: Singapore Flyer & Dinner at a Hawker Centre
To end our first day, we hopped on the Singapore Flyer for a bird’s-eye view of the city. The sunset was stunning from up there! Afterward, we headed to Lau Pa Sat, one of Singapore’s iconic hawker centers, for dinner. I highly recommend trying the Hainanese chicken rice or laksa—you really can’t go wrong with anything here!
Day 2: Sentosa Island Fun and Orchard Road Shopping
Morning: Sentosa Island Adventures
For day two, we made our way to Sentosa Island, and wow, this place is a playground for everyone! Whether you’re craving some relaxation or thrill-seeking excitement, there’s something for everyone. We started our day by checking out the white sandy beaches, soaking up the sun, and dipping our toes in the clear waters. Afterward, we took the cable car ride, which offers stunning panoramic views of the island and the Singapore skyline. If you’re looking for adventure check out Universal Studios Singapore – a must for anyone who loves rides and immersive experiences. There is also a S.E.A. Aquarium, ziplines, luge rides, indoor go-karts, a floating aqua park and more! There’s no was to see it all in one day. But we thought that Sentosa Island had an incredible balance of tranquility and action, making it a perfect getaway from the city’s hustle.
Afternoon: Shopping on Orchard Road
After a fun morning, we were ready to explore Orchard Road, Singapore’s famous shopping street. It’s a shopper’s paradise with everything from luxury boutiques to smaller, unique shops. Even if shopping isn’t your thing, the experience of strolling through these malls is worth it.
Evening: Clarke Quay and Riverside Dinner
As the sun began to set, we headed to Clarke Quay for dinner by the river. This is the cutest area! We couldn’t get enough of the brightly painted buildings with shutters. Shayne had his heart set on trying Singapore chili crab at Jumbo Seafood, and it did not disappoint! Afterward, we took a romantic boat ride along the Singapore River, which offered beautiful nighttime views of the city.
Day 3: Cultural Exploration in Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam
Morning: Chinatown and Little India
Our final day in Singapore was all about immersing ourselves in its vibrant cultural neighborhoods. We started in Chinatown with a visit to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. After exploring the markets and grabbing a snack, we headed to Little India. The colors, spices, and energy here are contagious—don’t miss the stunning Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.
Afternoon: Kampong Glam and Haji Lane
In the afternoon, we wandered through Kampong Glam, Singapore’s Malay-Arab quarter. The Sultan Mosque is a must-see, and Haji Lane is an Instagrammer’s dream with its vibrant street art and eclectic shops. We found the perfect souvenirs here!
Evening: Maxwell Food Centre & Night Safari
For our last evening, We couldn’t resist one more hawker center meal, so we made our way to Maxwell Food Centre for dinner. We went straight for the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, and it was every bit as good as we had heard. Afterward, we visited the Night Safari at the Singapore Zoo, which was such a unique way to see nocturnal animals in their natural habitats.
Where to Stay in Singapore
- Marina Bay Sands: This is a splure, but we think it would be worth it for the pool and the views alone.
- Sheraton Towers Singapore Hotel: We stayed here on our recent stay in Singapore and loved the location. Close to the MRT, with a beautiful outdoor pool and luxurious rooms and amenities.
- YotelAir at Changi: If you’re traveling on a budget or have a long layover, YotelAir is a futuristic and affordable choice right at the airport. We stayed here a few years ago on a 24-hour layover and it was perfect for our needs. A nice clean room with a super comfortable bed. Located in the Jewel at Changi Airport.
Our Favorite Places to Eat in Singapore
- Lau Pa Sat: You can’t leave Singapore without trying satay at this iconic hawker center.
- Jumbo Seafood: If chili crab is on your list, this is the place to go!
- Din Tai Fung: Shayne loved their famous xiao long bao (soup dumplings).
- Maxwell Food Centre: Hands down, the best place for Hainanese chicken rice.
Getting Around Singapore
Singapore’s MRT system is efficient, clean, and super easy to navigate. We used a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides, which was perfect for our stay. The few times we did not take the MRT, we used Grab, Singapore’s version of Uber, or walked—the city is very pedestrian-friendly.
Final Thoughts on Spending 3 Days in Singapore
Singapore might be small, but it packs a punch when it comes to things to see and do. We loved every minute of our three days in this dynamic city, from marveling at the futuristic Gardens by the Bay to tasting all the amazing street food. Whether you’re here for a quick stopover or a longer trip, you’ll leave wanting more!
