The Ultimate 3-Day Singapore Itinerary: Modern City, Culture & Food Guide
So, you've landed in Singapore and have no idea what to fill the next three days with, fear not!
We rounded off our 2024 travels in Singapore, somewhere that had been on our bucket-list for a number of years and a country we’re so glad to have had the opportunity to visit.
Whilst it is a great transport-hub for South-East Asia, the vibrant city itself has so much to offer beyond a stopover, and to truly get the most out this modern city a few days are needed. It’s worthy of a pause and a breather before heading further afield when exploring SEA.
In 1819, Sir Stamford Raffles established Singapore as a British trading post. Its strategic location made it a key hub for trade. As a result immigration to the island was strongly encouraged, leading to a diverse population of Chinese, Malaysians, Indians, and Europeans, a diversity which you can still to see today in their unique “towns”.
However, Singapore now sits as a great example of a modern city, which originated as a vision in the 60s to integrate nature with urban development. The "City in a Garden" concept was born and has formed the basis of the architectural development there ever since.
Having visited a lot of modern cities, I can say with confidence that Singapore has got this right. It is quiet, clean, and refreshing to experience. A sharp contrast to the starkness of Dubai and the chaos of London.
The 3-day Singapore itinerary below takes in a lot of the architecture old and new, the city’s green philosophy, and some of the food-concepts that make Singapore a Jewel. It is a full-on and action-packed few days, so if you have longer, you’d be able to take a slower pace or, if you’re so inclined, cram even more in.
Accommodation Suggestions
If you’re in need of a place to rest your head, check-out the options below, including the one we chose to call home for New Years.
Luxury
Marina Bay Sands – Iconic, best views & world-famous infinity pool.
Raffles Singapore – Historic & colonial luxury, plus peanuts.
Mid-Range
Capri by Fraser – Stylish aparthotel stay near Chinatown – This was our choice for the trip to Singapore and would go back in a heartbeat. The rooms are well equipped, rooftop pool is a great size, and the gym is one of the best equipped. Access to The Den is a great touch for somewhere to escape to and has a complimentary happy hour.
PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering – Famous green hotel featured in the walking tour above.
Budget
The Pod Boutique Capsule Hotel – Modern, affordable, and near Bugis.
Hotel 81 Chinatown – Budget-friendly in a central location.
Day 1: Marina Bay & Colonial District
Morning: Marina Bay Sands
Given the nature of arriving into Singapore is a 24hr affair, I’m going to assume starting your travels in a morning, but feel free to shuffle the agenda around to make it work.
Leaving your hotel (we have a few cover-all suggestions below, including where we stayed), head to Marina Bay Sands first thing. Walk around the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, there is a great selection of food here and the usual shopping destinations.
At the centre of the mall there the Rain Oculus, a whirlpool waterfall that lands in the waterway that crosses the heart of the mall. From here, you can head to the roof for panoramic views of the skyline. You have two options; visit the SkyPark Observation Deck, or chance a walk-in reservation at CÉ LA VI SKYBAR.
The cost of entry is redeemable against food and beverages with no minimum spend, making this a relaxed way to enjoy the skyline. I’d recommend the truffle fries as a snack. Sadly, the famous infinity pool is for hotel residents only, so its back down to earth and towards the business district.
Lunch: Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre
A 15-minute walk alongside the Bay takes you to the oldest market building and now one of the best Hawkers in Singapore; Lau Pa Sat. This historic hawker centre in the heart of the business district and has cuisine and beverages to cover all bases. We were able to re-live the South-East Asia culinary experience in this one Hawker and had great fun sampling a few of our favourites.
The communal dining experience is a great way to enjoy a Hawker, it works well, everyone is welcoming and warm so make sure to embrace it – people expect to share a table so it is fine to say “hi”.
Try the Satay or Laksa for an authentic Singaporean meal.
Afternoon: Colonial & Civic District Walk
A 20-minute walk from the Hawker, crossing the iron Cavanagh Bridge (stop and check-out the statue depicting kids jumping into the water before you cross) is Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall – One of Singapore’s architectural gems, and home of the Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
Just beyond is the National Gallery Singapore, which is housed in stunning colonial-era building. The outside is a typically impressive structure from Singapore’s past and fits well with the Fullerton, nearby.
Only 10-minutes further up the road is the famous Raffles Hotel, here you can visit the legendary Long Bar for a Singapore Sling and a bag of peanuts. You have to overcome every usual instinct and throw their shells on the floor to fully appreciate the history à la Rudyard Kipling and kin.
If time permits (depending on how many Slings you have), Fort Canning Park is 10-minutes away by foot. Here there are several historical sights; from the lighthouse to the old Canning fortifications. Oh, and the now Insta-famous Tree Tunnel can be found at the Northern-most edge of the park here too.
Evening: Gardens by the Bay & Light Show
Have an early dinner at Satay by the Bay which offers casual hawker-style dining with seafood and grilled satay on offer, before heading behind the Marina Bay Sands.
Here, there are several options to pick from or even ace the sequencing by following our tips:
The Supertree Grove Light Show can be seen at 19:45 and 20:45 daily. This illuminates the Supertrees in the gardens to a variety of music and beats.
After this you can also take an evening stroll through the futuristic Cloud Forest & Flower Dome. These were well worth an evening visit, with the darkness adding to the contrast of the plants. If you time it right, misting in the Cloud Forest takes place every 2-hours between 10:00 and 20:00, this adds an extra dimension to the walk around the layers of vegetation.
And if one light show isn’t enough, there is another in the Bay itself, Spectra, with images projected onto water fountains accompanied by music. This runs daily at 20:00 and 21:00, with bonus shows on Friday’s and Saturday’s at 22:00.
The perfect running order to catch them all is to finish dinner and head to the Flower Dome by 18:00. Into the Cloud Forest by 19:30 before the last misting of the day. Head out for the 20:45 Supertree Light Show and then enjoy a stroll back to the Bay on a Friday or Saturday for the last Spectra show at 22:00.
Day 2: Chinatown, Tanjong Pagar & Little India
Morning: Chinatown Walking Exploration
Along and around South Bridge Road, there are numerous murals painted along the side of buildings, their realism makes them blend in seamlessly and can easily be missed, so keep an eye out. These paintings beautifully depict the history of Chinatown and make a great photo opportunity whilst navigating the backstreets.
Behind is the People’s Park Complex, an impressive structure rising above Chinatown. It makes a great photo opportunity looking down Temple Street, the complex standing prominently at the end. I’ll make a special note for Nanyang Old Coffee on the top corner, it is the perfect place for a mid-morning caffeine boost and spot of people watching.
At the heart of Chinatown is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, standing across the street you can really appreciate the stunning architecture of this religious site. Within the temple, there are thousands of Buddha adorning the walls. As ever, make sure you are appropriately dressed for a temple. Sarongs are available before entering, so be considerate. Entrance is free and it is open from 07:00 to 17:00.
After spend a little time in the temple, take a short walk along Keong Saik Road and you will encounter colourful shophouses & hip cafés. They’re the perfect place to pick up a memento of the trip.
Oh and make sure you pickup a Curry Puff from a vendor along the way, they’re a great snack!
Lunch: Maxwell Food Centre
Lunch can be taken at Maxwell Food Centre which is situated right opposite the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. This is another of Singapore’s most famous Hawkers. Try Hainanese Chicken, Dim Sum, or Char Kway Teow for an authentic flavour. Not every stall is open every day, so have a browse around before finding a seat.
Hawkers are such an affordable way to dine you quickly forget that you’re in a bustling city, anywhere else in the world food would be double the cost.
Alternatively, dive down the side of Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and enjoy some of the delights that Food Street has to offer.
And if, like us, the rain arrives out of nowhere, this is a great way to dodge the afternoon downpour, by the time you’re finished, so is the rain.
Afternoon: Architecture Old & New
First up is Discover Tanjong Pagar Community Green which sits at the base of a modern high-rise home to the Oasia Hotel and built to embrace the “city in a garden” philosophy, being covered from top to toe in greenery.
Second is one of Singapore’s most famous modern buildings, PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering. This is again designed to blend architecture and nature seamlessly. Standing in the park opposite it feels like it has succeeded in doing that.
Throwing back in time, the Old Hill Street Police Station is a colourful delight, sat on the corner of Fort Canning, this is best appreciated from the riverside bridge. The 927 windows and shutters span the full rainbow, making this one of the most iconic buildings in the city.
Finally, the National Museum of Singapore. This is the nation’s oldest museum, dating back to the 19th century, where its colonial architecture design originates.
This walking route is approximately 40-minutes in total, covering less than 3km and giving enough time to stop and appreciate along the way, or escape the heat in a café.
Bonus: If you venture back towards Marina Bay, check out Green Heart at Marina One. It’s a hidden oasis in the city. It is slightly out of the way, but worth a visit.
Evening: Little India & Kampong Glam
Take the MRT away from the centre and to Kampong Glam. Visit Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple a Hindu temple in Little India who’s history dates back to the mid-1800’s and is renowned for it’s highly ornate entrance.
Whilst in the area, root out the House of Tan Teng Niah. This is a remarkably colourful building, popping out from the comparatively bland landscape. Although it’s not open to the public its façade is the real reason to visit. Built in 1900, this is the last surviving Chinese villa in Little India.
Crossing to the other side of Kampong Glam, you can walk along Haji Lane is a delight, famous for its street art decorating both sides of the alleyway. It has recovered from abandonment in the 70s and is now home to trendy shops and cafés. Good Luck Beerhouse offers the best of Singapore’s Craft Beers, if you fancy a tipple!
For Dinner you could consider Zam Zam which has been operating for over 100-years. It is a quaint Indian restaurant which has stood the test of time (try Murtabak or Biryani). Alternatively, Alaturka offering Turkish food in a shophouse (try the charcoal-grilled meats or Pide).
Day 3: Sentosa or Katong & East Coast
Depending on how you prefer to round off the Singaporean adventure, there are two options:
Option 1: Sentosa Island
Morning: Cable Car & Fort Siloso
Perfect for those who want stunning views, fun attractions, and a relaxed beachside experience.
Take the Cable Car across to Sentosa and enjoy breathtaking views of Sentosa, the Singapore skyline, and ships in the harbour.
Visit Fort Siloso and the new Skywalk (historical coastal defence site). Here you can explore Singapore’s only preserved coastal fort, with World War II bunkers, cannons, and historical exhibits. Then, take a walk along Skywalk, a 36m-high treetop bridge offering amazing panoramic views.
Lunch: Malaysian Food Street
Yes, it is another Hawker, but one with a twist, enjoy some delicious food at Malaysian Food Street. Located inside Resorts World Sentosa, this hawker-style eatery serves authentic Malaysian and Singaporean classics:
Afternoon: Beach Relaxation or Thrill-Seeking
If you want to unwind before the flight, Tanjong Beach Club is a great option. Simply lounge by the beach with a cocktail. Soft white sand and a relaxed vibe make it a great spot to relax.
Alternatively, if you have a head for heights then SkyHelix Sentosa is a rotating, open-air ride offering 360-degree views of Sentosa and the mainland. Follow this up with iFly Singapore an indoor skydiving destination, perfect for adrenaline junkies.
Option 2: Katong & East Coast
Ideal for those interested in Singapore’s Peranakan culture, colourful shophouses, and authentic local food.
Morning: Peranakan Culture & Shophouses
Starting with the Joo Chiat & Katong Heritage Walk, this serene walk takes you through Joo Chiat Road & Koon Seng Road to admire pastel-coloured Peranakan shophouses. Stop off to visit the Eurasian Heritage Gallery to learn about Singapore’s Eurasian community and its history in the founding of the city.
Mid-morning stop for a coffee break at Birds of Paradise Gelato Boutique. Here you can try Try botanical-inspired gelato like Lychee Raspberry and Pandan, which is sweet and refreshing.
Lunch: Authentic flavours
Stop off for lunch at 328 Katong Laksa, one of Singapore’s most famous laksa stalls. Enjoy the rich coconut-based broth, thick noodles, and fresh seafood.
Alternatively, Kim Choo Kueh Chang, you can try Nyonya rice dumplings and Kueh which are traditional Peranakan sweets.
Afternoon: East Coast Park and Chek Jawa Wetlands
The rest of the day can be spent in East Coast Park where you can rent a bicycle and enjoy sea views.
If time permits, then it is possible to take a short ferry to Pulau Ubin for a rustic nature escape. This is the Chek Jawa Wetlands, home to mangroves and coastal wildlife. It’s hard to believe that this is on the doorstep of the city and how Singapore has risen.
Departure
Make the time at the airport to explore Jewel Changi Airport before your flight. There are a few stunning sights to see within the airport itself, which makes passing time prior to boarding a pleasure. Why aren’t all airports this good?
Here’s a shortlist for the top sights in the airport:
Rain Vortex (follow signs for Jewel / Terminal 1)
Shiseido Forest Valley (follow signs for Jewel / Terminal 1)
Wonderfall (Terminal 2)
Enchanted Garden (Terminal 2)
Butterfly Garden (Terminal 3)
and even a water park (Terminal 3)
When leaving, I managed one last Hawker-esque experience at one of the great dining options in the food hall of T2.
Why Visit Singapore?
For us, celebrating New Years Eve 2024 overlooking the Marina Bay Sands hotel was a magical experience and a great way to finish off 24’s travelling adventure. Whatever time of year, Singapore is the perfect destination for a short yet unforgettable trip. In just 3-days, you can experience a stunning skyline, world-class architecture, vibrant cultural districts, and legendary street food—all within a compact, efficient, and walkable city.
✔ Iconic Landmarks – Marvel at Marina Bay Sands, the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, and the historic Raffles Hotel.
✔ Incredible Food – Eat your way through Hawker centres like Lau Pa Sat and Maxwell Food Centre, tasting world-famous cuisines at affordable prices.
✔ Architectural Wonders – From colonial-era buildings to green skyscrapers like PARKROYAL Pickering and Marina Bay, the city blends history and modernity beautifully.
✔ City in a Garden – Enjoy lush nature in an ultra-urban setting, with parks, sky gardens, and the marvellous Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
✔ Seamless Exploration – Singapore’s efficient public transport and compact size make it easy to explore multiple neighbourhoods in a short time.
A 3-day visit offers the perfect mix of sightseeing, culture, and relaxation, making Singapore an ideal stopover or city break. It is impossible to cover everything Singapore has to offer in a few days.