Singapore in 3 days: a day-by-day itinerary

Singapore is compact and very easy to get around, so three days go a long way: one day for Marina Bay and its futuristic gardens, one for the Chinese, Indian and Malay quarters, and a third for the Botanic Gardens, Orchard Road and Sentosa. It's hot and humid all year: alternate walks with air-conditioned stops.

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Day 1. Marina Bay

  1. Merlion Park

    The lion-fish statue, the city's symbol, with Marina Bay Sands across the water. A good starting point.

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  2. Marina Bay Sands

    The hotel with three towers topped by a ship. The SkyPark observation deck has one of the best views of the bay.

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  3. Gardens by the Bay

    The illuminated Supertrees are free to see; the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories charge admission. Stay into the evening for the light and music show.

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💡 In the evening there are free light and sound shows at Gardens by the Bay and in front of Marina Bay Sands: check the day's times.

Day 2. Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam

  1. Chinatown & Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

    Streets of traditional shops and the great Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Shoulders and knees must be covered.

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  2. Maxwell Food Centre

    One of the most famous hawker centres: have Hainanese chicken rice for a few dollars.

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  3. Little India

    Colours, spices, flower garlands and Hindu temples. Try a curry served on a banana leaf.

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  4. Kampong Glam & Sultan Mosque

    The Malay-Arab quarter, with the Sultan Mosque and colourful Haji Lane.

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Day 3. Botanic Gardens, Orchard and Sentosa

  1. Singapore Botanic Gardens

    A UNESCO World Heritage garden, and free. The National Orchid Garden inside charges admission and is worth it.

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  2. Orchard Road

    The great shopping avenue, with air-conditioned malls for the hottest hours.

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  3. Sentosa

    The leisure island: beaches, Universal Studios and the aquarium. Get there by monorail or on the boardwalk from VivoCity.

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  4. Clarke Quay

    End the day with dinner by the river among the restored old warehouses.

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Practical tips

  • Fill in the SG Arrival Card online within three days before you arrive: it's mandatory.
  • Pay for the MRT and buses with a contactless card or your phone. Eating and drinking are banned on the MRT.
  • Rules are enforced: littering is fined and chewing gum isn't sold.
  • Eat at hawker centres: it's the most authentic and cheapest local food. Tap water is safe to drink.

Frequently asked questions

Are 3 days enough for Singapore?

Yes, it's a compact city: in three days you'll see Marina Bay, the ethnic quarters, the gardens and Sentosa. With one more day, visit the zoo or the Night Safari.

What can I see for free in Singapore?

The Supertrees and the evening show at Gardens by the Bay, the Botanic Gardens, the Merlion, the ethnic quarters and the temples.

How do I get around Singapore?

By MRT, which is fast and clean, paying with a contactless card. For short hops, the Grab app works very well.

Make it yours

Plannit builds an itinerary around your interests and dates, with a map, photos and transport between stops.

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Opening hours and rules can change: check the official websites before you go.