Singapore is the smallest country or city-state in Southeast Asia, but it’s one of those cases where size doesn’t really matter… Despite being small in size, there are many world-class attractions in store for anyone who visits.
This is a cosmopolitan city-state that gained independence from Britain in 1965. Since then, Singapore has transformed itself to become one of the most powerful economic centers not just in Asia but in the world. It’s a center for banking, finance, and commerce, and also one of the top five most visited destinations in the world!
The popularity of Singapore as a tourism destination is attributed to its melting pot of cultures. It has varying influences from the British, Malay, Chinese, and Indian cultures, and it shows (especially in its cuisine, yum!)
The city also has a deep-rooted Peranakan culture that is still evident and beautifully preserved despite the fact that it is now a buzzing, modern metropolis, making Singapore a magnificent blend of tradition and history with futuristic endeavors.
You could spend days on end discovering everything it has to offer, but if you only have a weekend to spare, don’t fret! In this article you’ll find the perfect 2 days in Singapore itinerary to plan your jam-packed days smartly, and get to see it all. Check it out!
Table of Contents
How to Get Around Singapore
Singapore boasts one of the most efficient transport systems in the world, which makes it super easy to get around, and it’s very convenient when you want to squeeze in as many sights as possible in two days. These are all your options.
➤ Metro: This is the best way to get around Singapore – it’s fast, cheap, and convenient. The rail network in Singapore is highly extensive, so you can pretty much get anywhere. Most of the attractions in Singapore are easily accessible to and from the MRT station.
An average trip will cost around $3 (4 SGD) but if you purchase the Singapore Tourist Pass, you can travel anywhere via MRT for one full day, or up to three. The pass costs $17 for a day, $24 for two days, and $29 for three days.
➤ Bus: This is another great transportation option in Singapore, especially if you want to sightsee while moving around. Just like the rail network, the bus system is efficient and extensive.
You can also use your Singapore Tourist Pass on buses, not just on the metro. You can pay the bus in cash but make sure to provide the exact change. Most bus trips would cost you anywhere from $1 to $2 (SG 1.5 to 2.5).
➤ Taxis: If you want comfort and convenience when traveling, taxi is a great transportation option and there are many of them. Be warned though – taxis are not cheap in Singapore!
They have metered cabs that might have surcharges, too (it varies on the time and destination). In my opinion, Grab provides much better value for money for the same kind of service- see below.
➤ Grab: Uber in Southeast Asia got sold to Grab a couple of years ago, and now Grab is the largest transportation network company operating in Singapore. This ride-hailing app is a convenient way for tourists to get a ride from anywhere in Singapore and to any destination.
The best part about using Grab is that you can see the estimated fare on your ride based on your starting point and destination. That way, you know exactly how much a single trip will cost prior to confirming your booking, no haggling needed.
If you want to skip the hassle of walking to and from the MRT station, then Grab is a good option, and much cheaper than taxis.
➤ Trishaws: While these are no longer popular or common in Singapore, you can still find them in some tourist routes. A 30-minute ride will cost you around $30 (SG 40). Not recommended, to be honest.
➤ You can always opt for the Hop On Hop Off Bus Sightseeing Tour, a fun and informative way to get around. You’ll get a pass for a full day, and get to hop off in all the stops you find interesting to explore landmarks and attractions, then hop on to explore a new part of town.
2-Day Itinerary in Singapore
To be honest, there is so much to see and do for such a small city-state! Spending two days in Singapore is not really enough to experience the best of what it can offer.
But if that’s all the time you have to spare, you should be able to have a fun, memorable, and enriching experience, and get to check out the most important landmarks.
➤ You have just one day? Check out my one day in Singapore itinerary!
A two-day itinerary in Singapore consists of a mixture of iconic landmarks, heritage architecture, rooftop bars, shopping, and plenty of local food. Known as a ‘Garden City’, Singapore is also perfect for those looking for urban green spaces. It has everything you could look for in a tourist destination…and more.
If you prefer to start with a guided tour of Singapore before exploring the city on your own, these are the tours I deem to be the best:
▶️ The Private Singapore Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems 100% Personalised is for groups of up to 8 people. You’ll join a professional guide to explore the major landmarks in Singapore, as well as secret attractions and places only known to locals. You can customize the tour to last anywhere from 3 to 8 hours. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Lion City Bike Tour of Singapore is a half-day excursion that takes you riding around the backstreets and main attractions of the city. You’ll learn about Singapore’s history and culture from your guide as you explore the Marina Bay and other iconic districts. Refreshments are included. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Day 1 in Singapore
8 AM: Walk Around Chinatown
Start off your first day in Singapore with some cultural exploration in Chinatown, home to rich heritage and some of the most colorful, vibrant areas of Singapore. It’s one of the unmissable parts of town, and the first stop on your itinerary.
Chinatown makes up about three quarters of the entire population of Singapore. It boasts delicious street food, magnificent Buddhist and Hindu temples, and jaw-dropping street art that will make you fall in love with the local culture.
There’s plenty to see and do in Chinatown, so I recommend you start by fueling up at one of the popular Hawker Centers, which are open food courts with a great variety of food stalls selling all sorts of bites and international cuisines.
The Complex Food Court and the Maxwell Food Center are the top hawker centers, sought after by both tourists and locals, so you’re guaranteed great quality and authentic flavors.
You can get a tasty brunch, fresh fruit juices, snacks, or a proper lunch before you set off to explore. Let the aroma guide you as you navigate your way through different food stalls in search of the best dishes!
At the Maxwell Food Center you’ll find Tian Tian Chicken Rice, a Michelin-starred restaurant that serves the best Hainanese Chicken Rice in the city! There’s always a line (understandably) but it goes really fast, so don’t let that put you off.
If you opt to visit the Chinatown Complex instead, don’t fret because there are over 260 food stalls to choose from. Located on the second floor of the building, you can indulge your taste buds in a variety of Singapore street food dishes, from the famed Hainanese Chicken Rice and char kway teow (stir-fried rice cake strips).
▶️ You can also make it more fun by going on The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour: 10 Tastings of 3 Cultures. You’ll join a local foodie to explore Singapore through its flavors, sampling various bites and dishes from Malay, Chinese, and Indian traditions. The menu can be adapted to any diet or food restrictions you may have. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Once your belly is full from all the delicious food in Chinatown, burn off some calories by going temple-hopping. The Chinatown area is filled with a few important temples that are open to the public.
Sri Mariamman Temple is arguably the most popular of them all, and it’s the first and oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. It might not be what you’re expecting when visiting Chinatown, as it’s completely covered with ornate sculptures of Hindu mythological figures.
The temple was established in the early 19th century by immigrants from Southern India, and it’s believed to be as old as the city itself! Admission is free, and you can enter to walk around it. If you visit again in the evening, you might get to witness Hindu rituals.
Another landmark of Chinatown is the Thian Hock Keng Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore, built during the mid-19th century to honor the Chinese sea goddess.
It showcases spectacular architectural styles from the Southern region, but the most impressive aspect about it is that it was built without using a single nail!
Complete your temple-hopping experience in Chinatown with a visit to one of the most photographed temples in the area, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. This temple is hard to miss as it’s built on the corner of the South Bridge Road.
This is not an ancient temple, having been built in the late 20th century, but it holds religious significance for the locals. It features the traditional Tang-style design, with red lacquered walls, and it houses the sacred Buddha tooth relic. There is also a museum you can explore within the temple, which is free to visit.
The Chinatown MRT Station is the nearest MRT station.
10:30 AM: Check Out the Peranakan Shophouses
Next up is one of my favorite attractions in Singapore, the traditional Peranakan shophouses that line Craig Road and Blair Road.
These colorful colonial buildings reflect the influence of Chinese, Malay, and European communities in their architectural styles, and they’re a testament to the rich cultural heritage of the city.
Originally built as shops (hence their name), the beautifully preserved houses will take you back in time, and they make for the perfect background for lots of Instagram photos! Nowadays, they’re home to fancy boutiques, cafés, tea houses, and other stores.
Craig Road is located within the Tanjong Pagar historic district, and it’s a great street to stroll along and admire the vibrant shophouses.
Another street to check out is Blair Road, also lined by rows of beautiful colonial shophouses that showcase intricate sculptural details.
Another must-see destination for the same kind of attraction is Joo Chiat Road, one of the most photographed locations in Singapore.
In my opinion, the shophouses in Joo Chiat Road are the best ones for pictures, but if you’re coming from Chinatown, it’s much farther away than Craig Road and Blair Road, approximately 5.5 miles (9 km).
The nearest MRT station to Joo Chiat Road is the Paya Lebar MRT Station.
12.30 PM: Explore Singapore’s Creative Hub: Arab Street
Singapore’s longtime creative hub, Arab Street, is a hip neighborhood with a rich blend of culture and history, where traditional stores live together with fancy cafes and fashionable boutiques.
Arab Street, however, isn’t only a street but an area that also includes the culturally-rich Kampong Glam, Haji Lane, and Muscat Street.
With its collection of fabric and textile shops, aromatic Arabic tea shops, and rows of Indian and Middle Eastern restaurants, it’s clear that this is Singapore’s unofficial Muslim quarter.
At the heart of Arab Street is the Masjid Sultan Mosque, the major landmark of the district. With over two centuries worth of history, this beautiful religious building is a special place not just within the Muslim community but the entire nation, as it was built during the early years of Singaporean history and it’s considered the National Mosque of Singapore. Plus it’s absolutely stunning!
The nearest MRT Station to Arab Street is the Bugis MRT Station.
3 PM: A Few Alternatives for Your First Afternoon in Singapore
In the afternoon, you can choose between three destinations, depending on your preferences and mood. They’re all astounding attractions, so you can’t really go wrong with any, and they’ll keep you busy for the remainder of the day.
Have Fun at Universal Studios Singapore
The first option is the Universal Studios Singapore. This is a popular themed park located in Sentosa Island, boasting 28 rides to choose from within 7 themed zones. You could spend hours on end trying them all!
The park also showcases various shows and attractions throughout the day, entertaining adults and children alike, and features plenty of dining opportunities to refuel between rides.
▶️ I suggest booking your Universal Studios Singapore Entry Ticket online so you don’t have to wait in line. It grants you access to all the zones and rides for a full day. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The nearest MRT Station to Universal Studios is the Harbourfront MRT Station in Sentosa Island.
Singapore Botanic Gardens: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
Would you rather enjoy a more laid back experience? Head to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a perfect example why Singapore is known as the Garden City.
The tropical garden is 160 years old, and it was developed on reclaimed land. It’s the only garden in the world that is named UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the only heritage site in Singapore.
While exploring the gardens, you cannot afford to skip the National Orchid Garden, filled with over 1,000 species and 2,000 hybrids of orchids on display. There are also larger-than-life installations that are photo-worthy spots.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens are open from 5 AM to 12 AM. Entrance is free, but there’s a small charge of $3,7 (SG 5) for the National Orchid Garden.
The nearest MRT Station to Singapore Botanic Gardens is Botanic Gardens MRT Station.
Discover the Historical City Hall Area
If you prefer to stay closer, head to the city hall area. You will find a rich collection of attractions to fill your time, especially if you’re into history.
First on the list is the popular Raffles Hotel. Together with Marina Bay Sands, this is the most famous hotel in Singapore. It’s one of the first luxury hotels built during the colonial era, which inspired many other luxury hotels.
When you are here, don’t forget to sample the famous Singapore Sling at the Long Bar in Raffles Hotel, or have a luxury afternoon tea… it’ll almost feel like you’re in London!
The nearest MRT Station to Raffles Hotel is the Raffles Place MRT Station.
Another historical landmark in the area is Fort Canning Park. Steeped in history, this green space has played an important role throughout the centuries, from being the seat of Malay royalty to the military base of the British in the colonial era.
Throughout the hilltop park grounds you’ll find historical monuments, entertainment areas, and benches with great views. Entrance is free.
The Old Parliament Building in Singapore is now known as The Arts House. The building itself is historic as it was built in 1827 and is known as the oldest government building in the country.
This used to be the home of the Parliament of Singapore until it moved to the adjacent building in 1999. Today, it’s been converted into an arts venue for multiple disciplines to which it owes its new name.
Another historic building within the central business district of Singapore is the St. Andrew’s Cathedral. This is an Anglican cathedral and the largest cathedral in the country, which was designated as a National Monument of Singapore in 1973.
Another important historical building that is worthy of a visit is the Old Hill Street Police Station. It features 927 windows with different colors for each. The colors of the windows for the first four stories are of the same intensity but it gradually intensifies the higher the floors get.
This building has recently become a mecca for Instagrammers because it’s so colorful that makes for fun pictures.
7 PM: Food & Drinks at Clarke Quay
When night falls, head back to Clarke Quay. This is the riverside district of Singapore known for its vibrant nightlife and great dining selection. You’ll find a great mix of restaurants offering various cuisines and fun bars to relax with a cocktail.
You can simply wander along the riverfront and pop into any restaurant that catches your eye, but if you need some inspiration, here are a few recommendations.
If you want to enjoy Chinese hotpot, head to Haidilao. For those in search of Mexican flavors, find your favorite taco dish at Señor Taco, a food stand that has been around for a decade.
If you are looking for dining options that combine great food with chic ambiance, head to FOC Restaurant, a Michelin Spanish restaurant.
There are also numerous Japanese restaurants in Clarke Quay for all budgets, including Mitsuba, Marutama, Tomo Izakaya, and Shinzo Japanese Cuisine.
And of course, you can’t leave Singapore without trying the famous chili crab dish. In Clarke Quay, there are a few options to taste them including Jumbo Restaurant Clarke Quay and Red House Seafood Restaurant.
If you want to stay a little longer, enjoy a few rounds of cocktail drinks at any of the bars and pubs along the river.
▶️ Another way you can explore the area is by taking a 40-minute Singapore River Cruise from Clarke Quay. You’ll see the city from a different perspective, admiring the waterfront buildings and restaurants bustling in the night. The last cruise departs at 10.30 PM, so you can hop on one after dinner. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
The nearest MRT Station to Clarke Quay is the Clarke Quay MRT Station.
Day 2 in Singapore
9 AM: Visit the Iconic Gardens by the Bay
Start off your second day in Singapore with a lovely stroll at the most famous attraction in this city-state: Gardens by the Bay. This 101-hectare massive garden is a nature park located next to the Marina Reservoir, divided into various different areas that showcase a variety of displays.
Stand in awe as you witness the beauty of the iconic SuperTree Grove, which resemble towering trees in a beautiful combination of nature and technology.
Aside from the SuperTree Grove, there are two cooled conservatories where you can explore more about the flora from all over the world, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.
The Flower Dome is known as the largest greenhouse in the world according to Guinness World Records. The displays of flora species change throughout the year with the seasons, so you could visit a few times and admire a completely different attraction. The indoor temperature at the Flower Dome is 23-25° Celsius (73 – 77 F).
Walking into Cloud Forest will transport you to a world full of floral gems and diverse vegetation. It offers the opportunity to learn more about rare plant species, and it boasts a 35-meter tall mountain wrapped in thick vegetation with a waterfall.
There are two more attractions at Gardens by the Bay: Floral Fantasy and Serene Garden.
Floral Fantasy is a dreamy thematic attraction with up to 4 diverse landscapes, each of which offers different concepts and installations. There’s also a 4D ride that you can enjoy! The Floral Fantasy is open from 10 AM to 7 PM daily.
The Serene Garden is an outdoor attraction inspired by the Japanese Zen minimalist concept (hence its name). It aims to highlight a unique horticultural gardening technique, showcasing various water features and different plant and tree species. The garden is open 24 hours, so you can visit at any time.
Finally, get up the OCBC Skyway, which is 22 meters high and provides panoramic vistas of the nearby Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay.
Now, a little warning. This might not be for you if you have a fear of heights. The platform moves a little when you walk on it, and Fran who doesn’t like heights was terrified.
The OCBC Skyway is open daily from 9 AM to 9 PM. There is an admission fee of SG 8 ($6) per adult.
The nearest MRT Station to Gardens by the Bay is the Bayfront MRT Station.
12 PM: Discover the Child in You at the ArtScience Museum
If you have seen all there is to see at Gardens by the Bay, head to the ArtScience Museum next. These two attractions are located close to each other so getting to the museum is quick and easy.
It offers an immersive virtual adventure in which art meets science. I find science museums to be fascinating (the one in Lisbon is one of my favorites!), and I loved this one.
There are multiple exhibitions held throughout the year to showcase how both art and science are used in different fields including architecture, design, and technology. It’s hard to miss this museum, because its lotus-inspired architectural design stands out in the city!
The museum is open from Sunday to Thursday 10 AM to 7 PM, and Monday & Saturday from 10 AM to 9 PM. The admission fee is SG 53 ($39.5) for 2 exhibitions, or around SG 20 ($15) for one.
▶️ I recommend buying your ArtScience Museum Admission Ticket online so you don’t have to wait in line. ➥ BUY IT HERE
Another way to get your tickets and save some money on admission is by signing up for the Marina Bay Reward program before heading to the museum. It’s free to join, and it will get you 30% off on the entrance fee, while sometimes they offer a buy 1 get 1 free promo. It’s a good option if you’re at least 2 adults traveling together!
3 PM: Shop ‘Till You Drop at Orchard Road
It’s now time for some shopping in Orchard Road, home to tens of malls and hundreds of shops to choose from. It’s heaven on Earth for shopping lovers! And for those who are just accompanying someone else… Well, Fran (my husband) wants you to know he understands your pain.
I suggest starting from ION Orchard Mall, one of the best locations to shop for luxury brands and high-end products. The mall is also renowned as an architectural wonder, and if you spend a minimum of SG 20 ($15), you have the change to go up to ION Sky, a deck on the 56th floor which offers incredible views over the city.
Then there’s Paragon Shopping Centre, also home to designer brands, while 313@Somerset Mall features more affordable brands and attracts a younger crowd.
If you’re looking for a place to eat, head to the food court inside Ngee Ann City mall. Here you’ll find all kind of options that cater to all budgets and tastes. It’s really a foodie’s paradise, and it took Fran and me over half an hour to decide what we wanted to eat!
The nearest MRT Stations to Orchard Road are Orchard MRT Station and Somerset MRT Station.
7:30 PM: Go Wow at the Garden Rhapsody Light Show
At night, head back to the Gardens by the Bay to catch the bedazzling and magical Garden Rhapsody light show. This is one of the most spectacular music and lights show you will ever witness.
If you enjoyed marveling at the SuperTrees during the day, these transform as the lights come alive at night. I went wow the first time I saw this show, it’s absolutely magical.
This is a free show so that’s one more reason not to miss it. The daily light show starts at 7:45 PM and there’s another one at 8:45 PM, but you should go to the first show so you can combine it with the Spectra Show.
8:30 PM: Check Out the Spectra Light Show
When the Garden Rhapsody is over, head to Marina Bay Sands to witness another spectacular show, the Spectra Light Show. This free outdoor light and water show is one of the many attractions available at Marina Bay Sands, and it takes place in the waterfront at the Event Plaza.
Each show takes place for about 10-15 minutes and is a dazzling showcase of fountain jets, lasers and mist effects, and colorful visual projections. If you have to choose one of the two shows, I personally enjoy the Garden Rhapsody show better, but it really makes sense to see them both one after the other.
The Spectra Light Show is scheduled at 9 PM and is also free to enjoy.
Where To Stay in Singapore
Book your accommodation by using the map below ⬇
When it comes to booking a place to stay in Singapore, many people are shocked about how expensive it is. The thing is, even if Singapore is technically in Southeast Asia, forget about finding the same prices than in Thailand or Vietnam.
Most hotel rooms in Singapore cost a minimum of $100 a night, but if you want a good location on top, be prepared to shell out a few hundreds a night… or choose YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road.
YOTEL Singapore: A Full Review
Space comes at a premium in Singapore, so YOTEL Singapore found a way to make the most out of a small space. You know those hyper-cool, minimalistic hotels? YOTEL is that, without the hefty price tag. The rooms, called cabins, are in fact inspired by the first class cabins that you’d find on planes.
We’ve stayed in other minimalistic, smart hotels in the past and loved the concept, so when we found YOTEL Singapore we knew it was the perfect hotel for us.
Guests can check in and check out at the traditional desk, or speed things up and do everything by themselves thanks to the self-service kiosks. If you’re checking out but your flight is later in the afternoon, you can leave your bags at no extra charge.
We stayed in a Premium Queen View room. These rooms are just 16 sqm but pack everything necessary. Wherever you look there’s some hidden compartment with some extra accessory, for example an iron + ironing board, a folded table, a stool, and a mini fridge. It’s a lot of fun to arrive in the room and go on a treasure hunt to find all there is!
And the bed! Let’s talk abut the bed cause it’s so comfy! Every room comes with an adjustable SmartBed that goes up and down, so you can easily watch TV and use your laptop without breaking your back.
The view from the 27th floor where our room was located was just incredible. Definitely a toilet with a view thanks to the floor to ceiling window.
However, there are double curtains to protect your privacy when you shower or use the bathroom, so no issues there… although it’s nice to just use one curtain and be able to enjoy a shower with a view (and both the rain shower and the Urban Skincare products are so good that you never wanna get out!).
One of the coolest parts about the hotel is the presence of two resident robots, Yoshi and Yolanda. These two are able to navigate the hotel, go up and down with the elevator, and deliver amenities to the guests.
We needed to try it out to see how it worked (Fran was excited like a kid!) so we called housekeeping and asked for some extra water and toilet paper, and 10 minutes later… ta dan! The magic happened.
The phone rang and it was Yoshi telling us to open the door and to deliver the goodies. Once we got our things, Yoshi told us Hasta la vista! and left. I can see how incredibly fun this would be for kids!
If you have breakfast included in your room rate, head to KOMYUNITI, the social hub of YOTEL. Here it’s where you eat and drink, sweat at the gym, relax at the pool, or use the coworking area to get some work done.
Breakfast is buffet style. You’ll find anything from fresh pastries, cheese and cured meat, pancakes and bacon. You’ll also find Asian breakfast items such as curry or dim sum and noodles, and an egg station to get a fresh omelet or eggs your way.
You probably didn’t come to Singapore to lay down by the pool, but it’s cool to have one to cool down (it gets hot in Singapore!) or relax by located right by KOMYUNITI.
There’s also a gym open 24/7 with modern equipment if you want to stay fit during your stay – however, you might just get all your exercise done by walking all over town like we did!
After a long day of sightseeing, if your feet hurt too much (I know something about it!) you don’t even need to get out again for dinner. KOMYUNITI is open from 6:30 AM to midnight every day, and till 1 AM on Thursdays and Fridays, and it’s open to non guests as well.
For our dinner we opted for the Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl with a soft-boiled egg and Beef Skewers with mashed potato and chimichurri sauce, and both plates were very good. Prices are in line with other mid-range restaurants in Singapore.
Right behind the restaurant, there’s a coworking area that is perfect to get some work done while you are in Singapore. There are even 2 separate call rooms that gives you some extra privacy for phone calls, in fact Fran used one of them for his meeting with a client.
The location of YOTEL Singapore couldn’t be any better. The hotel is located right on Orchard Road, the main shopping area in Singapore.
Just get out of your room and you’ll be surrounded by millions of stores, malls, and eateries. The Orchard MRT Station is just a 5-minute walk from the hotel, so moving around is definitely not an issue.
All in all, we thought YOTEL Singapore offered great value. Its location is unbeatable and we liked the well-organized, minimalist concept, and we’d definitely recommend it.
Rates at YOTEL Singapore start at $160 for a Queen Premium Room.
CHECK RATES & AVAILABILITY FOR YOTEL SINGAPORE HERE
We were guests of YOTEL Singapore, but all the opinions expressed here are exclusively our own. As always.
