Three days itinerary in Singapore

If you plan on spending a few days in Singapore and want to make the most of it, here’s the best three days itinerary in Singapore. 

From the futuristic Gardens by the Bay, to Chinatown and Little India, including the incredible Marina Bay, I’ll show you the ultimate circuit around the city. If you need a longer itinerary, I’ll also indicate which activities and sightseeing can be added when coming for a few more days.

I also made an article about everything to know before coming to Singapore, you can find it here.

Moving on to this itinerary !

Day One

Start your first day by exploring the traditional side of Singapore. Almost everything can be done by foot, or by taking the MRT.

Circuit : 1h30 of walk, then take the MRT to the Botanic Gardens (20 minutes journey)

Little India

First stop of the day : Little India.

Little India is a colorful neighborhood reflecting the rich culture and heritage of the Indian community in Singapore. It is famous for its vibrant streets and murals, aromatic spice shops, and traditional temples, as well as cultural festivals, such as Deepavali, where the streets come alive with lights and decorations.

Here are the must-see in Little India :

  • Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple is a 1927 Buddhist temple famous for its massive Buddha statue, also known as the “Temple of 1,000 Lights.

Entrance fee : Free

Opening hours : Everyday from 8am to 4:30pm

  • Mustafa Centre is a huge shopping mall built in 1973. Here you can find absolutely everything from spices to electronics, including groceries.

Opening hours : Previously open 24/7, it is now open from 9:30am to 2am daily since the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore, was built in 1881 by Indian immigrants who worshipped the goddess Kali.

Entrance fee : Free

Opening hours : Everyday from 5:30am to 12pm, and from 5pm to 9pm

  • Tekka Centre for shopping and for the delicious local food.

Opening hours : Open daily from 6:30am to 9pm

  • The Indian Heritage Centre is a cultural institution showcasing the heritage and histrory of the Indian community in Singapore.

Entrance fee : Free for Singaporean, 8 SGD for adults (5,5€) and 5 SGD (3,45€) for students and 60+ years old).

Opening hours : Closed on Mondays. From 10am to 6pm every other day.

Take some time to stroll in the streets of Little India, there are many street vendors and murals that are worth the detour :

arab street

Arab Street is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood known for being the hub of Middle Eastern culture and cuisine.

Here are the must-see in Arab Street :

  • Sultan Mosque, built in 1824, is an iconic mosque, known for its majestic golden dome, and is able to host 5000 worshippers.

Opening hours : Closed on Sundays. Open every other day from 9am to 5:30pm

  • The numerous carpets and textiles boutiques,
  • Haji Lane, a creative and trendy street with colorful street art, cute cafés, unique shops, vintage fashion and many photobooth :

Chinatown

Chinatown is a lively, historic neighborhood rich in Chinese culture and heritage. Don’t miss Singapore’s Chinatown because it has beautiful murals, great food, and a nice atmosphere.

Here are the must-see in Chinatown :

  • Sri Mariamman Temple is the city’s oldest Hindu temple, established in 1827. Dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, it is known for its striking tower adorned with vibrant sculptures. Make sure to walk in the adjacent little streets to see the beautiful murals.

Opening hours : Everyday from 6am to 12pm and from 6pm to 9pm

  • Chinatown Street Market is a lively area filled with stalls selling souvenirs, traditional goods, and street food. It’s also a nice spot to experience local culture and cuisine :

  • Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a prominent Buddhist temple renowned for its striking architecture and its display of a sacred relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha.

  • Maxwell Food Centre is a popular hawker center in Singapore’s Chinatown, known for its wide variety of affordable and delicious local dishes. Opened in 1986, it is a go-to spot for both locals and tourists craving classic Singaporean dishes, including famous stalls like Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.

  • Thian Hock Keng Temple is a taoist temple built in 1839 dedicated to the Taoist goddess of the sea.

  • Lau Pa Sat : Lau Pa Sat is a historic hawker center, originally built in the 19th century as a market for fresh produce. It is known for its Victorian architecture and unique octagonal design. I find it to be the best food court in Singapore, it has a lot of amazing food options, and is famous for its satay street. Vendors set up in the evenings to serve grilled skewers in an open-air setting. Personally, I would recommend Lion City Dim Sum stall (see third picture below), for their amazing baos (the sweet custard one is also delicious !).

botanic garden

End your day by taking the MRT to visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens.

It is a beautiful, large park in the city, known for its lush greenery and diverse plant life. Established in 1859, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site with highlights like the stunning Orchid Garden (home to over 1000 species of orchids), a peaceful lake, and a tropical rainforest. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy nature, right in the heart of Singapore.

Entrance fee : The park is free, but the entry to the National Orchid Garden is 5 SGD (3,45€) for adults and 1 SGD (0,7€) for students.

Opening hours : The gardens are open daily from 5:00 AM to 12:00 AM.

Day Two

This second day is all about discovering the impressive, futuristic and modern Singapore.

Circuit : 50 minutes walk

merlion

Start of your day at the Merlion, Singapore’s symbol. This statue completed in 1972, featuring the head of a lion and the body of a fish, symbolizes Singapore’s history as a fishing village and its strength and courage.

esplanade – theatres by the bay

Next, you’ll see, Esplanade – Theatres by the Bay which is an art complex hosting a wide range of art performances such as concerts, theater, dance and opera. You will easily spot it with its distinctive durian-shape design. The two large domes are covered with thousands of triangular to mimic the spiky shell of the tropical fruit. By using this design, the building connects to local culture and traditions while standing out as a modern architectural piece. Plus, the shape helps with natural ventilation and shading, making the building more functional.

Check out the official website for the programmation if you are interested to attend an event.

helix bridge

Now take the Helix Bridge to get to Marina Bay. This stunning pedestrian bridge with a double-helix design is inspired by DNA and lights up beautifully at night.

Marina bay

First stop of the day will be the Marina Bay. It is a dynamic waterfront area renowned for its stunning skyline and iconic landmarks. It offers a mix of modern architecture, luxury shopping and a pleasant waterfront promenade.

Make sure to also take a stroll at night it is beautiful :

It features the futuristic Marina Bay Sands resort with its three interconnected towers topped by an oservation deck that offers panoramic views of the city and the famous rooftop infinity pool. The resort also features a high-end casino, an extensive shopping mall, and a variety of dining options.

The promenade makes also for a nice stroll under the palm trees and facing the marina :