Singapore may be a small nation, but it’s packed with loads of attractions, museums, and monuments. There’s a perfect blend of modern cloud-scraping buildings and well-preserved historical sites. Plus, a fair share of amusement parks and acclaimed restaurants. Whether you’re stopping by for a quick or extended visit, there are plenty of things to see and activities to enjoy.
To make sure you see the best of what the Lion City has to offer, we’ve put together this fun Singapore itinerary for your long-awaited international trip:
Day 1
Kick off your Singaporean holiday with a relaxing cruise to some of the country’s highlights. See the Merlion statue, Marina Bay Sands, and Clarke Quay in a different light as you sail along the Singapore River. Opt for a bumboat ride during the day to appreciate the sites in full glory, or go on an evening cruise to see the city lights illuminate the monuments and skyscrapers. You can also alight at any of the jetties — like the Esplanade, Read Bridge, and Bayfront — to continue the tour at your own pace!
If you feel hungry after your cruise, get off at Merlion Park, where the Maxwell Food Centre is just a stone’s throw away. You can take your pick at one (or two) of the 100 hawker stalls. It houses the Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, the only food stall that has received a Michelin star. It’s where you can get yourself a delicious serving of (you guessed it!) Hainanese chicken rice.
Day 2
After your laid-back first day, up the ante for the second day of your Singapore itinerary with an action-packed time at Universal Studios! Make sure you buy your Universal Studios tickets online to spend less time in line and more time on the rides.
Whether you’re travelling with kids, friends or going solo, you’ll have a blast exploring the sprawling amusement park. Daredevils will love the Battlestar Galactica ride, the tallest duelling roller coaster in the world! You’ll get to choose whether you want to team up with the humans or Cylons and ride in parallel tracks. If the Singaporean heat is getting to you, you can cool off at the Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure™. Escape dinosaurs aboard a water raft-like ride and experience an exhilarating water drop.
Not a fan of rides? Not a problem. You can fill the time by watching some fun shows instead! Kids will get to see the Sesame Street gang at Elmo’s TV Time, while teens and adults will enjoy the Lights, Camera, Action!™ show. The indoor feature, hosted by Steven Spielberg, shows the magic behind Hollywood effects by reenacting a flood, hurricane, and fire all in one stage!
If you go on a Friday or Saturday, make sure to stay until the night to witness the stunning fireworks display. Accompanied by great music, you’ll feel like you’re in Hollywood as you take in the colourful show. It’s the best way to end your exciting day at the theme park!
Day 3
Cap off your 3-day Singapore itinerary with a visit to two of Singapore’s iconic attractions.
Begin the day at the ArtScience Museum, where you’ll see fascinating works of art in modern showcases. Its most famous exhibition is undoubtedly the Future World: Where Art Meets Science installation by teamLab. The artworks are visually stunning and interactive, making them an excellent museum visit for kids of all ages. They also feature commentary on climate change and the current state of the environment. It’s not just a great spot to take your Insta photos; it’s thought-provoking, too!
After your museum visit, continue your day at Marina Bay Sands right next door. Boasting over 170 luxury stores, you can shop until you drop, enjoy a cup of coffee or grab lunch at any of the fine dining restaurants.
No Singapore itinerary is complete without a stop at the Gardens by the Bay! The park embodies the city-state’s mission to be the greenest city globally by showcasing a variety of flowers and plants. No matter what time of the year you visit, it always feels like spring at Flower Dome, thanks to the stunning floral displays imported from different parts of the world. The Insta-worthy park is crawling with fantastic photo spots, from the hanging flowers at Floral Fantasy to the towering indoor waterfall at Cloud Dome.
End your visit on a high note at the Supertree Grove. Home to more than a dozen 50-metre tall trees, the garden is a great place to rest and take in the view. Plus, there’s a show every night at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm where the trees’ lights are synchronised with orchestral compositions for an unforgettable audiovisual experience.
Day 4
After exploring the country by land, why not see it from the sky? Continue your Singapore itinerary with a memorable cable car ride and take in the uninterrupted views of the cityscape. You can choose the sites you want to see depending on the line you take. Keen on getting another look at Merlion Park? Opt for the Sentosa Line to appreciate the skyscrapers from above. Prefer to see Mount Faber? Choose the aptly-named Mount Faber line.
Resume your day at the S.E.A. Aquarium™, one of the largest aquariums in the world. You’ll feel like you’re under the sea as you’re surrounded by giant octopuses, sea nettles, and manta rays.
You can level up your visit by swimming with the sharks and fish. With all the necessary safety equipment and guidance from an expert, you’ll come face-to-face with animals and get to take photos underwater!
Day 5
5-day Singapore itineraries are a great chance to travel and explore neighbouring cities, and Batam is just the place to be.
Take a day to experience the Indonesian city and discover its rich history. Visit Maha Vihara Duta Maitreya Temple and learn about the prosperity of Buddhism in the city. You'll get to immerse yourself in the local culture and cuisine. End the Batam day trip with a relaxing massage for the perfect close to your tour.
Day 6
After seeing the modern parts of the country, take some time out of your Singapore itinerary to discover its historical sites. Head to the Battlebox in Fort Canning, where you can explore a (formerly) hidden command centre from World War II underground. The entire complex is made up of 29 rooms, all full of secrets from the war.
Wrap up the day with a bang on a luxurious dinner cruise aboard a fully-equipped yacht. Take in the mesmerising panorama of the city at night as you enjoy a 3-course dinner complemented with a delicious mocktail. Make sure to take your cameras with you to capture the sight as the sun goes down.
Exchange stories with friends and family or mingle with new people while you sail along the Singaporean waters.
Day 7
What better way to end your 7-day Singapore itinerary than with a relaxing day at the spa?
After days of walking and exploring, you're bound to have some aches and pains. A 60-minute massage at Joyre TCMedi Spa is just what the doctor ordered! Before you head back home and return to your daily routine, treat yourself and feel pampered, thanks to an expert masseuse and the laid-back charm of the spa.
Recommended Hotels
Now that you know where to go, it’s time to decide where to stay. We’ve gathered the finest hotels in town to make sure that you enjoy Singapore the way it’s meant to be — comfortably and in style.
- Grand Hyatt Singapore - $200 per night
- Andaz Singapore - $240 per night
- Carlton Hotel Singapore - $260 per night
- The Warehouse Hotel - $320 per night
- Fairmont Singapore - $359 per night
- PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay Singapore - $386 per night
- The Capitol Kempinski Hotel - $388 per night
- Shangri-La Singapore - $418 per night
- The Fullerton Hotel - $480 per night
- Sofitel Sentosa Resort & Spa - $670 per night