3 Days in Singapore: The Ultimate Itinerary for Your Trip

Recently, some of our team members had the incredible opportunity to spend 3 days in Singapore, exploring the vibrant city-state. Inspired by their journey, we've crafted this guide to share the exact 3-day itinerary they followed, complete with their personal experiences. Whether you're a first-time visitor or returning to rediscover Singapore's beauty, this article will help you make the most of your 3 days in this captivating destination. Read on and start planning with TravelThru!

Singapore pre-trip essentials

Before we dive into what to do in Singapore for 3 days, let's make sure you're well-prepared for your Singaporean adventure. After all, a little pre-trip planning goes a long way in ensuring a smooth and stress-free journey!

When to go

Singapore enjoys a tropical climate, meaning it's warm and humid year-round. However, we found that visiting during the shoulder seasons (February to April or September to November) offered a pleasant balance of good weather and fewer crowds. We were lucky to experience clear skies and comfortable temperatures, perfect for exploring the city's outdoor attractions.

>>> Click here to choose the ideal time to visit Singapore!

Visa requirements

Most nationalities, including ours, can enter Singapore visa-free for a short stay. However, it's always wise to double-check the latest visa requirements for your specific country before booking your flights. The official Singapore immigration website is a reliable source for this information.

Currency & budgeting

Singapore uses the Singapore Dollar (SGD), and we found it readily available at ATMs and currency exchange counters throughout the city. While Singapore is known for being a bit pricier than some Southeast Asian destinations, we were surprised to find that it's possible to travel on a budget. Expenses for food, attractions, and transportation in Singapore are generally reasonable.

When planning your budget for 3 days in Singapore, you should allocate approximately US$250 per person, covering 3-star accommodation and entrance fees. While accommodations can be pricey, there's a good selection of affordable hostels and Airbnb options available.

Singaporean cuisine is both delicious and affordable, with meals costing around $5 at local hawker centers (present in every neighborhood) or $30-40 at restaurants. Public transportation in Singapore is also inexpensive, with MRT or bus rides typically under $3 per trip.

Where to stay

You should stay in a central location to maximize your 3 days in Singapore. We suggest finding accommodation in one of these convenient areas, all ideal for this itinerary:

Marina Bay: This area offers stunning vistas and a picturesque riverfront setting. It's in close proximity to major attractions like Gardens by the Bay but tends to be on the pricier side.

Bugis: Situated ideally between Marina Bay and the vibrant neighborhoods of Kampong Glam and Little India, Bugis offers great accessibility. During our recent visit, we found it easy to walk to most destinations on this itinerary. The area caters to various budgets, offering both affordable and high-end accommodations.

Chinatown: If you're looking for good-value lodging not far from Marina Bay, Chinatown is an excellent choice.

Orchard Road: Perfect for those who prioritize shopping malls and embassy access. While the Singapore Botanic Gardens are nearby, accessing other areas mentioned in this itinerary is slightly less convenient.

>>> Confused with so many options? We have a list of the best hotels in Singapore for you.

Essential packing list

Packing light is always a good idea, but there are a few essentials you won't want to forget for your Singapore trip:

Comfortable walking shoes: You'll be doing a lot of walking, so make sure your feet are happy.

Lightweight, breathable clothing: Singapore's humidity can be intense, so opt for loose-fitting clothes made from natural fabrics.

Rain gear: Even during the dry season, occasional showers can occur, so pack a compact umbrella or raincoat.

Sunscreen & sunglasses: Protect yourself from the strong tropical sun.

Universal adapter: Singapore uses the Type G electrical plug, so bring an adapter if your electronics don't match.

Reusable water bottle: Stay hydrated while reducing plastic waste.

With these pre-trip essentials taken care of, you're ready to explore Singapore in 3 days! In the next section, we'll share our day-by-day itinerary, filled with iconic landmarks, cultural experiences, and unforgettable moments.

Itinerary for 3 days in Singapore

Day 1: Exploring iconic landmarks

Try Kaya Toast

To kick off our 3-day itinerary for Singapore, we set out to sample the city's most popular breakfast – Kaya Toast. For those unfamiliar, Kaya is a pretty sweet coconut jam. Locals typically enjoy it generously spread on toast with a hefty helping of butter. It's commonly served alongside soft-boiled eggs and an overly sweetened coffee. We tried Kaya Toast at Ya Kun Kaya Toast, a coffee shop chain in Singapore. Honestly, it's a delectable treat, but albeit sugar-laden. We stayed on a delightful sugar rush for the remainder of the day.

Gardens by the Bay

Our first destination is Singapore's crown jewel, Gardens by the Bay. Stretching across 250 acres of reclaimed land, it offered a welcome respite from the urban hustle and bustle. (Though the crowds were unavoidable!)

Gardens by the Bay boasts a variety of indoor and outdoor gardens. While the outdoor areas are free to explore, the indoor gardens require purchased tickets. These include the Flower Dome, showcasing diverse gardens representing different global regions, and the Cloud Dome, home to a 35-meter waterfall and a stunning collection of tropical plants.

Both are captivating, but if you're short on time, prioritize the Cloud Forest for its distinctive design and impressive waterfall. A combined ticket for both domes costs S$53 for adults and S$40 for children.

Marina Bay Sands

From Gardens by the Bay, we took a leisurely stroll along the bay promenade to the iconic Marina Bay Sands.

This architectural marvel, resembling a massive stranded ship, is the brainchild of an Israeli-born architect. It houses a hotel, casino, theater, exhibition space, museum, and a sprawling shopping mall. This glittering landmark came with a hefty price tag of S$5.7 billion!

Perched atop the three 55-story towers is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel's infinity pool. But it comes with a quite pricey tag, so we opted to skip it. Instead, we enjoyed panoramic vistas from the Sands SkyPark Observation Deck. The 360-degree views of Singapore were simply stunning, and we spent a good amount of time taking photos and soaking in the atmosphere. It costs S$30 to enter, but you can get the same view by ordering a drink from the bar instead.

Merlion Park and Singapore River

After a quick lunch break, we headed to Merlion Park to meet the mythical creature that symbolizes Singapore. The Merlion statue, with its lion head and fish body, is a must-see for any visitor.

From there, we hopped on a Singapore River Cruise. Gliding along the river, we enjoyed a unique perspective of the city's landmarks, from the historic Fullerton Hotel to the modern skyscrapers of the Central Business District. It was a relaxing way to soak in the sights and learn a bit about Singapore's history.

Garden Rhapsody light show

As dusk settled, we returned to Gardens by the Bay for the captivating Garden Rhapsody light show. 

We were surprised that it’s powered by 68 independent audio speakers. This "live performance" by the Supertrees is an absolute must-see! You will be dazzled as these colossal structures illuminate in perfect harmony with specially curated soundtracks. The show takes place daily at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm, and it's completely FREE.

You can witness the magic from below the Supertree Grove for free – hundreds of people lie down on the ground to enjoy the show. It's truly enchanting. Alternatively, if you purchase tickets for the Observation Deck, you can experience the show from above.

Having dinner at Satay by the Bay

After the light show, we indulged in Singapore's vibrant hawker culture at Satay by the Bay. This popular waterfront food center is located right next to Gardens by the Bay.

While it may attract many tourists, the food at Satay by the Bay is as delicious and authentic as any local hawker center. You'll find a wide array of the best Singaporean dishes here. Don't miss out on the satay (barbecue meat skewers coated in delicious peanut sauce), grilled stingray, and Hokkien mee for a true taste of Singapore.

Day 2: Cultural immersion

The second day of our Singapore travel itinerary was dedicated to exploring the city's vibrant cultural tapestry.

Chinatown

We started our day in the bustling heart of Chinatown. The streets were lined with traditional shophouses, vibrant lanterns, and enticing aromas. We wandered through the narrow alleys, marveling at the intricate architecture and soaking in the lively atmosphere.

The highlight of our Chinatown visit was undoubtedly the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Its stunning architecture left us in awe - the ornate gold and red exterior was a sight to behold. We took our time exploring the various halls and chambers and learning about the temple's history and cultural significance.

China Town Hawker Center

We decided to have lunch in the renowned Chinatown hawker center. This is one of our favorite hawker centers in Singapore, as it has an incredible and diverse food selection. It has at least 100 different stalls, ensuring you'll never tire of the options!

Our favorite Singaporean dishes are Char Kway Teow, Laksa, Nasi Lemak, and Bak Kut Teh. You'll quickly discover that the food is not only delicious but also remarkably affordable, especially considering Singapore's reputation as an expensive city. A typical plate of chicken rice will only set you back $4-5 SGD.

Little India

In the afternoon, we take a taxi to Singapore's Little India (it shouldn't cost more than US$10 or S$15). Of all the ethnic enclaves in this city-state, Little India is our favorite.

The best temple to visit in the area is Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, which is dedicated to the goddess Kali. Tekka Market is a feast for the senses, with its spice stalls and shops overflowing with saris and jewelry. And don't forget to check out Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour mall that sells everything imaginable, from Indian ingredients to electronics and home appliances.

Be sure to pause for an Instagram-worthy photo at the vibrantly colored Tan Teng Niah's former house, the sole surviving Chinese villa in the area. For those dreaming of traveling to India, this offers a tantalizing glimpse for your next trip.

Arab Street and Haji Lane

As the evening approached, we visited the trendy Arab Street and Haji Lane district. These charming alleyways were lined with independent boutiques, quirky cafes, and street art murals. We couldn't resist popping into a few shops and picking up some unique souvenirs along the way. The blend of traditional Middle Eastern influence and modern hipster vibe created an atmosphere unlike anything we'd experienced before.

For dinner, we treated ourselves to a mouthwatering meal at the historic Zam Zam Restaurant. This iconic eatery has been serving authentic Indian Muslim cuisine since 1908. We savored their signature murtabak (stuffed pancake) and biryani (fragrant rice dish), which were bursting with flavor. It was the perfect ending to our culturally enriching day.

Day 3: Nature & wildlife

The final day on our 3-day itinerary for Singapore was all about embracing nature and encountering some of the world's most fascinating wildlife.

Singapore Zoo and River Safari

We kicked off our final day in Singapore with an early start, eager to immerse ourselves in the city's natural wonders. 

Our first stop was the world-renowned Singapore Zoo, and it didn't disappoint. The open-concept design was a refreshing change from the traditional zoos we've visited elsewhere. We found ourselves face-to-face with a diverse array of wildlife, from playful orangutans swinging overhead to majestic white tigers lounging in their spacious habitats. The lack of visible barriers made us feel like we were truly in the animals' natural environments.

After spending a good portion of the morning at the zoo, we headed to the nearby River Safari. This river-themed wildlife park was a unique experience, especially for my friend, who's a big fan of aquatic life. We took a leisurely boat ride along the "Amazon River," spotting creatures like giant river otters and manatees. The park's star attraction, the giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia, were absolutely adorable and definitely worth the visit.

Sentosa Island

After lunch, we made our way to Sentosa Island, often referred to as Singapore's playground. The island was bustling with activity and offered a wide range of attractions. While we didn't have time for Universal Studios Singapore, we did enjoy a stroll along the pristine beaches and took in the lively atmosphere.

One of the highlights of our Sentosa visit was the S.E.A. Aquarium. It truly lived up to its reputation as one of the world's largest aquariums. We were mesmerized by the enormous open ocean habitat, home to countless species of fish, sharks, and rays. The walk-through tunnel, where marine life swam above and beside us, was particularly awe-inspiring.

Wings of Time show

As darkness fell, we decided to stay on Sentosa for the Wings of Time show. This outdoor spectacle was a feast for the senses, combining water fountains, lasers, fire effects, and fireworks to tell a captivating story. It was the perfect way to wind down our nature-filled day.

To cap off our incredible Singapore adventure, we treated ourselves to dinner at Quayside Isle. The waterfront setting was romantic and relaxing, offering stunning views of the marina. We indulged in a delicious fusion of Asian and Western cuisines, reflecting on our favorite moments from the past three days.

From savoring local delicacies to marveling at architectural wonders, we discovered that even a short trip can leave a lasting impression. We hope this itinerary, inspired by our own journey, empowers you to create your own remarkable 3 days in Singapore. So, go forth and start planning your trip to this captivating city-state now!