Located in Southeast Asia, Singapore is a city-state known for its modern and futuristic architecture, multicultural heritage, vibrant hawker culture, and clean, efficient city planning. It’s a fantastic destination for travelers who love exploring diverse neighborhoods, unique attractions and experiences, and cities that blend tradition and innovation. Do you have an upcoming trip to Singapore? Check out this overview of the best things to do and an itinerary of how you can spend 5 unforgettable days discovering Singapore.

Things to Know Before Visiting Singapore

The View from the SkyPark Observation Deck at Marina Bay Sands

It’s a city-state. This means Singapore is both a country and a city, making it super compact and easy to get around.

It has a rich history. From its early days as a trading post, to British colony, and then to becoming a global financial hub, Singapore’s history is rich and diverse, just like its population.
Visa requirements vary. Visa requirements vary by nationality, so check before you go. Different travelers can enter visa-free.
It’s expensive... but doesn’t have to be. Yes, drinks can be expensive at a rooftop bar or groceries too. But you can also eat incredibly well at hawker centers, many of which are Michelin-rated. There are also various free attractions (hello Garden Rhapsody light show!).
It’s small and well connected. In Singapore you’re never far from anything, and the MRT (metro) is clean, affordable, and easy to use.
It’s super diverse. Singapore is home to Chinese, Malay, Indian, Eurasian, and expat communities, making it a cultural and culinary melting pot.
They plan decades ahead. With limited land and a growing population, urban planning in Singapore happens 40 years in advance. This is a country that’s intentional (we love to see it).
The economy drives Singapore. It’s driven by finance, trade, tourism, and tech.
Plan 3 days minimum, but more is better. At minimum 3 days should be sufficient to explore major attractions like Gardens By the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, and Sentosa Island. However, 5-7 is ideal for more in-depth exploration and getting off the beaten path.

What To Expect in This Itinerary

View of the Super tree Grove at Gardens by the Bay

Below are some of the best things to do in Singapore that you’ll find incorporated into this itinerary. However, keep in mind that this is only scratching the surface and there’s so much more to do in Singapore that’s not covered here.

🌿 Gardens by the Bay – Home to a variety of attractions, including the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, and Floral Fantasy. As well as the Supertree Grove, OCBC Skyway, and Supertree Observatory. Don’t miss the free Garden Rhapsody light and sound show by the Supertrees in the evening!
🏙️ Marina Bay Sands – Visit the Shoppes, tour the iconic SkyPark observation deck, and stick around for the waterfront light & water show in the evening.
🌴 Sentosa Island – Home to a variety of activities, head to Sentosa for a day trip or getaway. Reach the island via cable car for outstanding views of Singapore (views are truly stunning!). While there, lounge beach‑side, dine, do activities such as Zipling, and hit up attractions including Universal Studios or Madame Tussauds.
🏛️ Museums – Learn city history at the interactive Singapore City Gallery and admire art and views at the National Gallery.
🍜 Hawker centres – Check out: Lau Pa Sat, Maxwell, and the Chinatown Complex, and of course foods include chili crab, laksa, and chicken rice.
🏮 Chinatown – Explore Singapore's cultural heritage through historic temples, bustling streets, colorful murals, and vibrant food stalls.

🪷 Little India – Wander through this colorful neighborhood filled with beautiful temples, vibrant street art, bustling markets, and learn about Indian spices.

🍹 Clarke Quay – Head to this lively riverside neighborhood for dining, nightlife, and scenic views along the Singapore River. It's a great place to spend an evening.

✈️ Jewel Changi Airport – Truly more than just an airport. Explore the impressive indoor waterfall and lush forest, and explore many shopping and dining options. Make sure to give yourself enough time to explore before your flight.

How to Spend 5 Days in Singapore

Arrival Day - Settle In

Hilton Orchard Singapore

CHANGI

You’ll likely land at Changi Airport, which is consistently voted the best airport in the world (and for good reason). It has a rainforest, waterfall, and activities such as the canopy sky park with a walking net, endless food options, shopping, and more. Build time to explore Changi after your arrival, before your departure, or any other time during your stay.

SETTLE IN

Head to your accommodation and get settled. I stayed at the Hilton Orchard and absolutely enjoyed it. The room and bathroom were spacious and clean. The hotel was located next to prime shopping, restaurants, and public transportation.
Depending on your energy levels and time of arrival, go for a neighborhood stroll and grab your first bite of local food.
Call it a night and rest up, you’ve got a big week ahead!

Day 1 – City & History: Get to Know Singapore

Use this day to get your bearings and to learn about Singapore.

Morning

Walking Tour of Singapore City: To kick off your trip, start with a free guided walking tour of Singapore City. This tour provides insight into the city’s history and culture, so you can have an understanding of what shaped Singapore.

Personally, I booked this Monster Day Tours and enjoyed it. The guide was very knowledgeable and covered Singapore’s history and hidden corners. The tour I took ended at the National Gallery roof garden, which provides a great view of Marina Bay Sands.

Afternoon

Grab lunch at a Hawker Centre: Closeby to your next destination (the Singapore City Gallery), is Maxwell Food Centre. It has a variety of food options and if you’re interested in a famous local dish, try the chicken rice.
Singapore City Gallery: For the afternoon, we’re continuing on this learning train (plus beating the peak heat) and checking out the Singapore City Gallery. This museum provides you with insight into how Singapore was built, literally. With interactive exhibits, a massive scale model of the city, and hands-on design games, it’s urban planning made fun. I highly recommend it! Great for both solo travelers and families. I especially enjoyed the scale model of the city and design games.
Break & refuel: The day has been busy and Singapore is hot and humid, so build in time for a break. If you’d like, go back to your hotel, grab a bite, and get energized for the evening ahead.

Evening

SkyPark Observation Deck: For the evening we’re at Marina Bay Sands, the one and only, and iconic building. Head to the Observation Deck for panoramic views of the city skyline. Visit right before the sun sets to get views of the city in the day time and then at night.

Alternatives: If you’re interested in cost effective and free alternatives to the Observation Deck at Marina Bay Sands that provide similar great views of Singapore’s Skyline, check out the Sky Garden at CapitaSpring.
Spectra: Once you’re done at the Observation deck head downstairs and find a place by the water to catch the free light and water show. It’s a nice way to end your day and especially great for families and children.

Grab dinner: There are plenty of spots around Marina Bay or walk towards Clarke Quay for a meal.
Clarke Quay: Located by the riverside, it’s home to dining spots and nightlife.

Day 2 – Culture, Art & Light Shows

Use this day to explore Chinatown and in and around Marina Bay Sands.

Morning

Chinatown Walking Tour: We’re starting the morning learning about Chinese heritage, culture, and history in Singapore by exploring Chinatown.

I booked this free walking tour through Monster Day Tour and enjoyed it. No, this is not sponsored. I just took their trips throughout my stay, since they worked well with my schedule, covered a topic I was interested in, and had good reviews. They’re good but on the longer side, so keep that in mind. There are other walking tour companies available, so do your research and book what works best for you.

Afternoon

Grab Lunch at a Hawker Center: After you’re done with the tour in Chinatown, grab lunch in the area, or head to a nearby Hawker Center called Lau Pau Sat, which is on the way to your next destination. I enjoyed the fresh juices and Portuguese tarts, which you can find at various stands in Le Pau Sat.
ArtScience Museum: Located next to Marina Bay Sands, this lotus-shaped museum blends art, science, and tech in creative ways. I didn’t get to visit it on this trip but it came highly recommended, and I look forward to stopping by on my next trip.
Explore The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands: After the museum, head next door and explore the wonders and shoppes of Marina Bay Sands.

Evening

Break & refuel: The day has been busy and Singapore is hot and humid, so build in time for a break. Grab a bite, or if you’d like, go back to your hotel to rest, and get energized for the evening ahead.
Explore Gardens by the Bay: OCBC Skyway and Garden Rhapsody Light Show: Head over to the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay and walk the OCBC Skyway for incredible elevated views of the Supertrees.
In the evening, the Supertrees come alive during the free Garden Rhapsody light and sound show (typically around 7:45 and 8:45 PM). For an extra-special experience, time your OCBC Skyway tickets with the show, so you can watch Garden Rhapsody from above while walking among the illuminated Supertrees. It’s an extremely fun experience. If the timing doesn’t work out, you can also watch the show from the ground for free. Either way, it’s a magical way to end the day!

Supertree Grove

Dinner: Feel free to check the variety of food options at Gardens by the Bay, around Marina Bay Sands, or explore elsewhere.

Day 3 – Nature & Wildlife: Gardens by the Bay & Night Safari

Another exciting day! Use today to visit Gardens by the Bay and Singapore’s night safari.

Morning - We’re heading back to Gardens by the Bay, but this time to explore it’s indoor gardens. Depending on your time, energy, and budget, feel free to visit one or all of the following attractions:

Cloud Forest: It’s home to one of the tallest indoor waterfalls! I really enjoyed visiting the cloud forest and highly recommend it. It’s a great activity for solo travelers, groups, and families.
Flower Dome: It’s home to beautiful flowers and plants from around the globe. The Flower Dome features gardens inspired by different regions and seasonal floral displays, making it a lovely place to explore, especially if you enjoy flowers and photography.
Floral Fantasy: A whimsical indoor garden filled with colorful flowers, creative floral arrangements, and artistic displays. It's smaller than the other two attractions but offers a unique experience, especially for anyone who enjoys immersive exhibits and photography.
If you're short on time or only want to visit one attraction, my personal recommendation is Cloud Forest!

Afternoon

Food: Grab some lunch nearby! As I mentioned yesterday, there are plenty of food options in the area. You can check out the food spots at Gardens by the Bay, head over to Marina Bay Sands, or explore other nearby restaurants.
Singapore Flyer Or Explore a Museum: If you still have time and energy after lunch, head to the Singapore Flyer for panoramic views of the city, or spend some time exploring a museum. The National Gallery Singapore, which we ended the city walking tour at earlier in the week, is another great option if you haven't had a chance to explore it yet.
Break & Refuel: You know the drill, it’s time for a break! Use this time to refuel. You can head back to your hotel to relax, freshen up, and (maybe) squeeze in a nap before tonight's adventure.

Evening -

Grab dinner! Enjoy an early dinner before heading to the Night Safari. You can eat near your hotel or check out the dining options at the park.
Night Safari: End the day with a unique wildlife experience at Singapore's Night Safari! This nocturnal wildlife park offers the opportunity to observe animals after dark. Hop aboard the tram for a journey through different wildlife habitats, or explore the walking trails for a closer look. Although I didn't get a chance to visit during my trip, the Night Safari came highly recommended, and it's an experience I'd love to check out on a future visit.

Day 4 – Cultural Neighborhoods: Little India & Kampong Gelam

Use today to dive deeper into Singapore's culture and history through exploring some of its vibrant neighborhoods. With two walking tours planned, remember to pace yourself, refuel and take breaks! These tours were high on my list, but I didn't get to experience them during my trip, and look forward to on the next. If you’re strapped for time or not interested in a tour, you can opt to explore these neighborhoods on your own time.

Morning

Kampong Gelam Walking Tour: Explore Singapore's historic Muslim Quarter, known for its colorful murals, beautiful mosques, and bustling Arab Street. I was interested in this Monster Day Tour, which looks like a great way to learn more about the neighborhood's history and culture.

Afternoon

Grab lunch at a Hawker Centre: Refuel with some delicious local food. You could check out a hawker centre like Tekka Centre in Little India or explore other food spots along the way.
Afternoon Break: With two walking tours on the itinerary, take some time to recharge. Head back to your accommodation for a quick nap or simply relax before heading out again.
Little India Walking Tour: Spend the afternoon exploring Little India, a vibrant neighborhood filled with colorful buildings, temples, markets, and shops. I was also interested in the Little India walking tour by Monster Day, which also looks like a great way to learn more about the neighborhood.

Evening

Dinner: What are you in the mood for? Trying something new or revisiting a meal you can't stop thinking about? Either way, enjoy your dinner and get some rest after all that walking!

Day 5 – Sentosa Island Escape

For your last full day in Singapore, today’s all about island vibes and beachy fun, without leaving the city. Spend the day exploring the endless possibilities on Sentosa Island.

Morning -

Cable Car to Sentosa: There are a variety of ways to get to Sentosa island, including by cable car, Sentosa Express (monorail), bus, taxi/grab/car, and by cycling or walking. For scenic and breathtaking views, I recommend taking the cable car from Mount Faber or HarbourFront station to Sentosa.

During my ride I had the cable car all to myself and enjoyed beautiful views of Singapore. It’s a very quick ride and even if you may not be interested in exploring Sentosa, the cable car ride itself is an enjoyable activity and worth the money.

Cable Car

Morning to Afternoon

Explore Sentosa: There’s so much to do in Sentosa. I cannot emphasize this enough, you’ll be spoilt with choice. Remember their new slogan? Where discovery never ends. Below are a couple things you can get up to.

Endless activities: While there you can have a relaxing day chilling on the beach, or explore activities such as, visiting Madame Tussauds, Universal studios, the aquarium, Skyluge or zip line at Mega Adventure Park.
Endless food: There’s a variety of restaurants and casual beach bars throughout the island. You’ll have plenty of options.
My experience: When I visited Sentosa, it was extremely hot, so I opted to have a chill day and enjoy fresh coconut by the beach.

Chillen by the beach, Sentosa

Coconut by the beach, Sentosa

Evening

Dinner at Sentosa or Back to the Mainland: Feel free to stay on Sentosa for sunset drinks and dinner, or head back to the mainland, where you can grab a meal there. This is your last night, so make it memorable!

Departure Day – Changi Magic

Changi Airport

Your Singapore trip ends where it began, at Changi Airport, which is honestly a destination in itself.

Be sure to visit the Jewel Changi complex. Grab food, admire the indoor waterfall, and maybe squeeze in some last-minute shopping before your flight. Safe travels!