Singapore is only two-thirds the size of New York City. Despite its small size, the Garden City sure packs a big punch! Over 18 million people cannot be wrong, and this is the average number of tourists who visit Singapore on a yearly basis – which is a huge increase from twenty or thirty years ago!
The reason for its popularity is clear: there is a wide variety of things to see and do in Singapore. You can spend a week or a month here and you will have something different to try, taste, or experience.
But if you only have a day in Singapore, don’t fret. It’s possible to enjoy the city and see the best of it in 24 hours. Singapore enjoys moderate weather throughout the year; so you can set out for a full day of explorations regardless of when you visit.
Have more time in Singapore? Check out my detailed 2 days in Singapore itinerary instead!
The attractions and sights in Singapore can be divided into four distinct categories: sightseeing, shopping, dining, and nightlife. We’ll be diving into all of them so you can make the most of your time in the Lion City, bracing yourself for a diverse array of attractions and experiences. Read on!
Table of Contents
One Day in Singapore Itinerary
You may want to join a comprehensive tour around the city to maximize your time there, and learn about it in the process. These tours cover most of the attractions in this itinerary, so they’re a good alternative to wandering on your own.
▶️ This Private Singapore Tour with a Local, Highlights & Hidden Gems 100% Personalized accommodates groups of up to 8. You can customize it to last anywhere between 3 and 8 hours, and you’ll have an expert guide by your side as you visit the most iconic landmarks in the city. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Check out the Lion City Bike Tour of Singapore, that lasts 4 hours. You’ll cycle through the Marina Bay, the Colonial District, Chinatown, and Little India, checking out major attractions and local backstreets. Learn about Singapore’s history from your guide, and stop for refreshments along the way. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Have the Traditional Singapore Breakfast
Start your day early to squeeze in as many sights as possible during the day, and fuel up with a traditional Singaporean breakfast. It mainly consists of kaya toast, a sandwich of two slices of toast filled with butter and coconut jam (kaya), served with soft-boiled eggs and coffee.
You’ll find it in most coffee shops around Singapore, so head to any one that’s close to your hotel, and get your carbs in before heading to the first destination of the day: Chinatown.
Photograph the Shophouses
The Chinatown district in Singapore is known for its history and cultural heritage. To say that Chinatown is buzzing is an understatement – this part of Singapore is very lively and colorful.
As you wander around the district, you’ll get a glimpse into the city’s Chinese roots, walking past traditional markets, Chinese restaurants, and iconic landmarks such as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple (more on these later!)
The star of Chinatown, however, are the colorful colonial shophouses that line its streets. These enchanting shophouses were established in the 19th and 20th centuries by sellers of various products, and they remain beautifully preserved with their ornate facades and wooden shutters.
They reflect the architectural influences of the Chinese, Malay, and European, and are home to modern and stylish boutiques and cafés. You can find some of the prettiest ones along Craig Road and Blair Road.
You can get to Chinatown by traveling to the Chinatown MRT Station via the North East Line Downtown Line.
Visit the Temples in Chinatown
The Sri Mariamman Temple is a Hindu temple, which is notable for its entrance tower made up of Hindu cultural and mythological figures. This is the oldest and first Hindu temple built in Singapore, believed to be as old as the city itself!
Along the same stretch of road, you will also find the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. As the name suggests, this temple prides itself in housing the Buddha tooth relic inside a magnificent stupa made of over 300 kg of gold. The temple features a beautiful red lacquered wall finish and Tang-style architecture.
If you have more time, make sure to drop by Thian Hock Keng Temple, a smaller and charming temple built in the early 1800s to honor the Chinese goddess of the sea.
Check Out the Chinatown Street Art
You still have another attraction to check out before leaving Chinatown, and that is its street art! The bustling district is very lively with the art and murals that adorn its walls.
They depict the way of living of Chinese families, and the old Chinatown very vividly and in vibrant colors. I loved them!
I recommend heading to Temple Street, to Lucky Chinatown, and to South Bridge Road to be mesmerized by the amazing murals painted by artist Yip Yew Chong. You’ll hear his name come up again and again, since he’s done most of the striking designs around the area.
Eat at a Hawker Center
One of the best things to do in Chinatown is to sample local dishes and delicacies, and there’s no better place to do that than in hawker centers, large food courts with independent food stalls that sell all sorts of local and international fare.
The Chinatown Complex Food Court and the Maxwell Food Center are two of the most popular hawker centers in the area. They’re popular among both tourists and locals, so you’re guaranteed a great culinary experience – no tourist traps!
Hawkers centers are your best bet for eating for cheap in the city, so a great choice if you’re visiting Singapore on a budget!
Make sure to try the world-famous Hainanese Chicken Rice from Tian Tian Chicken Rice, char kway teow, and the chili crab. Let your aroma guide you or look for the stalls with a long queue!
Another fantastic way to sample the local cuisine is by joining a food tour.
▶️ The Award-Winning PRIVATE Food Tour: 10 Tastings of 3 Cultures is exclusive to your group of 8. Throughout the 3-hour experience, you’ll sample a great variety of foods and drinks traditional from the Chinese, Indian, and Malay cultures. The menu will be adapted to your dietary restrictions. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ The Cultural & Food Experience of Chinese, Indian & Malay Quarters is a 5.5-hour tour that will introduce you to the rich cultural and gastronomic scene of Singapore. You’ll pass by the grand Sultan Mosque and other key attractions as you sample your way through the city, trying various foods and drinks with a local guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Shopping in Orchard Road
Orchard Road is a haven for shopping lovers because it teems with malls and shops of all sorts where you can fulfill your shopping dreams.
Orchard Road is over 1.2 miles (2 km) long so there is plenty to explore. The ION Orchard is one of the best places to shop but it is also an architectural wonder. It is a go-to option for luxury shoppers.
Paragon Shopping Centre is another great option for those in search of designer brands and luxury shopping and dining opportunities. Here you’ll find Boss, Saint Laurent, Gucci, and Givenchy stores, as well as high-end restaurants.
For those looking for affordable brands and a young and hip vibe, check out 313@Somerset Mall.
While in Orchard Road, you also have plenty of dining alternatives to suit every budget. Din Tai Fung is a must if you want to indulge in delicious Taiwanese dishes, particularly the popular xiaolongbao. There’s a branch at Paragon Shopping Centre, and another one at Wisma Atria in 435 Orchard Road.
If you are looking for vegetarian fare, dine at Joie in Orchard Central. Other highly recommended places to grab lunch include The Curry Culture and Taste Paradise.
Travel to Orchard Road via either the Orchard MRT Station or the Somerset MRT Station.
Feast Your Senses in Arab Street
Time for your next destination, which is known as the creative hub in Singapore: Arab Street. No matter what time of day you visit, it’s always vibrant and alive.
Located in the Kampong Glam neighborhood, the area is packed with tourist attractions that include the Masjid Sultan Mosque, a striking Islamic architectural gem with a massive golden dome that’s one of the most important religious sites in the city.
There’s also Haji Lane, the narrowest street in Singapore, and picturesque streets lined by textile shops that sell Persian rugs and fabrics, shophouses, and restaurants with cuisines from all over the world.
It offers a fascinating cultural tapestry that will immerse you in the colors, flavors and sounds of Singapore in the most authentic way, so don’t skip it!
Visit Gardens by the Bay and/or the ArtScience Museum
Did you go to Singapore if you didn’t visit Gardens by the Bay? It’s arguably the most famous attraction in the city! You can choose to spend your afternoon exploring this unique nature park, located along Marina Gardens Drive.
Gardens by the Bay is 101 hectares, and it was developed on reclaimed land, adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. It’s made up of three waterfront gardens, and features five major attractions, all of which are worth the visit. It’s no wonder people spend hours there!
Two of them are cooled conservatories that you can visit for a fee: Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Both of them offer a vast collection of rare plant species from all over the world.
Then there’s the Supertree Grove, which is a unique vertical garden shaped to look like giant trees and it’s free to visit. The OCBC Skyway consists of a 22-meter high skyway with panoramic vistas of the gardens and Marina Bay, and it requires a small fee (less than $10).
Finally there’s Floral Fantasy, a magical display of flower arrangements and hanging bouquets.
If you are traveling via the MRT, alight at Bayfront MRT Station, and exit via the Meadow Bridge to reach Gardens by the Bay.
If you’d rather skip the conservatories at Gardens by the Bay, another great attraction to visit after a walk around the park is the ArtScience Museum.
This museum is located within the integrated resort of Marina Bay Sands. It’s a visual spectacle that showcases arts and sciences through technology, media, science, and design.
There are various exhibitions held at the museum throughout the year. Some of the best ones at the time of writing are Future World, Altered States, and The World of Studio Ghibli. While Future World is a permanent exhibition, the others change seasonally, so make sure to check which are the current ones when you visit.
Standard ticket prices start at 20 SGD (15 USD) per exhibition, or 53 SGD (39 USD) for all exhibitions.
Marvel at the Garden Rhapsody Show
Around 7:30 PM, make your way back to the Gardens by the Bay Supertree Grove area. Set up a picnic in the garden and get ready to enjoy a spectacular musical and light show – the Garden Rhapsody Show.
The show starts at 7:45 PM and lasts for 15 minutes, and it’s available daily for free. You will be dazzled by the great symphony of lights and sounds.
There’s also another show at 8:45 PM but I recommend seeing the first one so you can also make it to the next thing on the list.
▶️ An alternative is spending the evening on a Private Tour: Nighttime Sightseeing with River Cruise, which will allow you to see the show as you explore various districts and landmarks of the city with a professional guide, and convenient transfers. Cap off the night with a river cruise, admiring the lit-up skyline. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Catch the Spectra Light Show
When the show is over at the Supertree Grove, check out the Spectra Light Show. As you can see, there’s no shortage of night events in this city, and they’re all spectacular!
Spectra takes place in front of the Marina Bay Sands, showcasing a beautiful light and water show every night at 9 PM. It’s free to watch, and you can catch it right after the Garden Rhapsody for another splash of colors, visual projections, lasers, water jets, and mist effects.
The experience lasts merely 15 minutes, so you’ll be ready to cap off your day with drinks right after its done.
End your Day in Singapore with Drinks at Clarke Quay
After a fun-filled day exploring the best sights that Singapore has to offer, there is no better way to end it than by enjoying a few cocktail drinks in Clarke Quay.
There is a wide range of pubs and bars to experience the best of nightlife in Singapore. There are a few restaurants to choose from, too, if you want to grab a late-night bite.
But if you are in the mood to join the party revelers and the hip crowd, you won’t be disappointed. Crazy Elephant is the perfect place to unwind if you want to enjoy live gigs featuring jazz, rock, and blues. It is one of the favorite places to hangout for expats in Singapore.
The Chupitos Bar is another highly recommended bar for night drinking in Clarke Quay. This bar is unique because it is dedicated solely to shots. You can choose from over 130 shots from the bar’s menu.
And then there is Hooters. This bar needs no introduction – it is an iconic American brand that established its presence in Singapore. Whether you want to enjoy the best burgers and classic chicken wings, or a mug of beer as you watch your favorite sports team play, this is the quintessential sports bar in Clarke Quay.
Where to Stay in Singapore
Looking for a place to stay? Check out these incredible hotels in the city, or browse for alternatives using the map below.
LUXURY: The Clan Hotel Singapore by Far East Hospitality is a fabulous 5-star hotel boasting an infinity pool overlooking the city, a top-notch restaurant with a terrace, modern rooms with all the amenities, a fitness center, and a buffet or continental breakfast.
MID-RANGE: Ji Hotel Orchard Singapore is a 4-star accommodation in the heart of the city, featuring Superior and Deluxe rooms with a minibar, coffee making facilities, a fully-equipped bathroom, and a fitness center.
BUDGET: CapsulePod@Aljunied is a capsule hostel featuring a shared lounge and kitchen, and modern capsule beds equipped with charging ports, lights, and a mirror. You can book a double pod to share with your partner, or single beds.
Look for more accommodation options here ⬇
How to Get Around Singapore
Singapore boasts a highly efficient and cheap transport system. This means that tourists will enjoy convenient, cheap, and fast method to get around the city, regardless of where you need to go. It is even considered as one of the best transport networks in the world.
There are a variety of transport options in Singapore so you can select the one that is most convenient to you, depending on your intended destination.
▶️ The metro network is the best way to get around in Singapore. The rail network will let you travel for cheap as a single trip could cost approximately 4 SGD (3 USD). There is also a Singapore Tourist Pass available for purchase. This pass lets you travel unlimited on the train for one full day, or up to three days. If you want to squeeze in as many sights into your one-day itinerary, it makes sense to buy that pass so you can save on your train ticket.
▶️ Another option for you to getting around in Singapore is the public bus system. It is equally as efficient as the rail network but has the added advantage of being able to sightsee as you travel. You can also use the Singapore Tourist Pass on the bus. A single bus trip could cost anywhere from 1.5 SGD to 2.5 SGB (1-2 USD) depending on the distance traveled.
▶️ Taxis are also highly available in Singapore. They offer a convenient way to get from point A to point B in Singapore. This is especially convenient when you want to reach your destination in a hurry, or if you cannot find a nearby MRT station. The only downside is that taxis are the most expensive transportation option. They should be your last resort when getting around.
▶️ Just like taxis, Grab is another convenient way to hail a ride. You can book a Grab ride to get picked up from your location to a specified destination. One advantage that Grab has over taxis is that you can see the estimated fare prior to booking. The cost of hailing a Grab ride will vary depending on the time booked and the destination.
And when you are done in Singapore, check out down here what’s the best way to get to your next destination.
The Bottom Line
Spending one day in Singapore might not seem enough. And with so much to see, that might be true, but it’s the right amount of time for an introduction to the city.
And if you decide to stay more, check out what else to see in Singapore in 48 hours!
Whether you are traveling in the city-state as a leisure or business traveler, you will have a great time as there is something for everyone. Use the itinerary above for your 24 hours in Singapore so that you can experience the best there is to enjoy!
