7 Day Singapore Itinerary: My Singapore Travel Blog

Are planning a 7 day Singapore itinerary and need the personal experiences of a Singapore travel blog to help you? Then this is the perfect itinerary for you!

I spent a week in Singapore from New Zealand, exploring the city-state on my own – for the most part.

After making some mistakes – like under estimating the humid heat of Singapore or assuming all the scenes of Crazy Rich Asians were filmed there – I quickly discovered the perfect itinerary for making the most of all Singapore has to offer.

You’ll discover unique museums with information you actually want to know, famous and unknown food you need to try, my favourite landmark in the city, and why the Singapore zoo is best at night.

By the end of this post, you’ll have your accommodation, restaurant reservations, and transportation tips ready so you can finally book that ticket to Singapore.

Look out for my tip on where to get the most affordable Michelin star meal in the world!

I recommend this Singapore access pass to save money on this itinerary!

Singapore Travel Blog: My Experience

My motivations for going to Singapore weren’t entirely about travel.

At the time, I was living in New Zealand, a half a world away from my entire family. It had been almost 6 months since I’d seen any of them in person, without the buffering of a screen or my own little face in the corner.

When my mom had a work trip to Singapore, we decided it was the perfect excuse for a mother-daughter vacation.

I got very lucky that her work trip was in such a cool city-state, rather than some dull office block I’d never want to visit.

Singapore is only the second country in Asia I’ve visited (since I count Turkey more as Europe than Asia, regardless of the geography). The other was Hong Kong back in 2012.

Reuniting with my family in one of the most incredible places in Asia was an incredible experience.

Not only was I over the moon to spend time with my family, but I was also incredibly excited to explore a new city.

For the first day of my trip, my mom and my step-dad came with me to wander some of Singapore’s most famous sites. After that, I was mostly on my own, as my mom’s office actually expected her to work on this trip (the audacity!).

If you ever get the chance, I highly recommend you move abroad and meet your family in the middle somewhere cool like Singapore.

It may have been a 10 hour flight from New Zealand that left me with such dizzying jet lag that I nearly fell asleep in my fried rice, but it was worth it!

Highlights of my Experience in Singapore

• Changi airport has one of the fastest customs processes I’ve ever experienced
• Singapore’s heat is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced. It’s the hottest country there is! I came from 30C heat in New Zealand, but nothing could prepare me for the wall of humidity that greets you every time you walk out the door. You can go through malls along your walk for a break from the oppressive dampness.
• I ate at my first Michelin starred restaurant and had Penang food for the first time
• I had a unique experience getting to see Singapore with a local who could tell me more about the history and the Singaporean experience.
• Singapore’s sunsets will stun you beyond belief. But they only last 5 seconds. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it experience that makes the end of every day a spectacle.
• Watch the Marina Bay light show from different spots on the Marina Bay each night of your trip to see a different perspective on the fabulous display.
• Singapore has a huge complex of malls that are blissfully air conditioned. You can almost cross the city without having to step more than five feet outdoors. And I made full use of that!
• I managed to hit most of my must dos for the trip and found a few new ones that surprised me. I was able to eat each of Singapore’s four main cuisines: Indian, Malaysian, Chinese and Singaporean.
• My mom and I got tons of quality time together.

What to do in Singapore for 7 Days

Day 1 in Singapore

Don’t Forget to Pack the Essentials!

The Flower Dome

The Flower Dome is one of the most fascinating things to do in Singapore – even if, like me, you have terrible allergies.

Plan your visit based on the time of year.

Stop by in spring for cherry blossoms, like I did. Or look for the other seasonal perennials they bring out year round to attract visitors.

You’ll easily spend an hour exploring the pathways of flowers, arranging in intricate displays that will fascinate even the flower-haters.

The dome is air conditioned to keep it at a reasonable temperature for the flowers. It also makes it more comfortable for visitors like me who want to escape the heat outside.

Don’t forget to admire the intricate wood carvings decorating the displays of flowers. They have large dragons, Winnie the Pooh, wild horses, and Alice in Wonderland figurines.

Be sure to stay on the path to allow the flowers to flourish.

Cost: $20 per person, or $28 to combine with the Cloud Forest

I recommend this access pass to save on the Cloud Forest

The Cloud Forest

You’ve probably seen the towering waterfall from the Cloud Forest when you’re on Instagram.

It’s one of the most iconic things to do in Singapore – and a must for any 7 day itinerary.

When you open the doors to the Cloud Forest, you’ll feel like you’ve left Singapore for the Amazon.

There’s a mist in the air, even 30 minutes after the frequent misting they do to help the plants flourish.

This indoor biodome is truly another universe. You’ll be in awe of the 8 storey waterfall covered in flora and fauna, grown intricately around a steel structure.

There are mixes of species from around the world, with many flowers I’d never seen before. I could spot some orchids and the ballerina flowers I’d come to love in New Zealand dotting the structure.

Be careful of wandering too close to the waterfall or you’re likely to get sprayed!

Follow the pathway up to the top of the Cloud Forest mountain. You’ll be wandering the steel structure on a walkway that winds up the mountain. You’ll need to take an elevator part way up to break up the climb.

As you wind up the mountain, there are windows in the structure for you to peak out at the forested world below. You’ll feel a bit like Rapunzel popping out of a tower as you stare down at the small people below.

Don’t forget to pose beside the waterfall! You’ll get a great shot in one of the windows.

Cost: $20 per person, or $28 when combined with the Flower Dome

Buy a ticket to the Cloud Forest now!

An Indoor Food Market for Lunch

Singaporean food is a mix of different ethnicities.

In any hawker market you’ll find an assortment of Chinese, Japanese, Malaysian, Panang, Indian, and more!

They even bring this variety inside, with Singaporean food courts.

For your first day, don’t tackle the complex process of handling a Singaporean food court. Instead, head to one of the many restaurants on the edge of your nearest food court.

I opted for a sushi restaurant that had some of the most delicious sushi I’d ever had.

Take this hawker market tour to learn what to order

Little India

It’s important to go outside of downtown when you visit Singapore.

Although the majority of tourists stick to the business district, I like to go out and about – which means going off the beaten path.

Singapore is a city-state made up of cultures. These cultures have formed boroughs around the downtown business district.

You’ll find sections for every ethnicity that lives in Singapore.

I recommend visiting Little India.

You’ll need to grab a taxi and head out of the downtown core. As you drive, you’ll watch the rich luxury of the business district transform into the reality of most Singaporeans’ living conditions.

Little India is a prime example of the challenges that are faced in the country.

We visited on the busiest day: Sunday. This is when the temporary workers from India come into Little India to hang out with their friends.

That meant people filling literally every curb.

I’d avoid the area on a Sunday as it’s so packed it’s genuinely hard to walk. But any other day it’s very enjoyable to visit this unique district.

Make sure to protect your valuables with pickpocket proof clothing, then explore freely!

You’ll feel safe, even in the crowds of people.

Stop by a food market to see vegetables you’ve never even heard of before.

Visit a local temple to experience one of the many religions in Singapore. You’ll need to take your shoes off and leave them outside as a sign of respect. Don’t worry: you’ll get disposable booties.

Book this walking tour to see the most of Little India

Chili Crab for Dinner

Singapore’s most famous dish is chili crab.

Chilli crab  has Chinese and Malaysian roots, but is utterly Singaporean. The crab is served in the shell, but cut into pieces. It’s sitting in a red sauce that I managed to cover myself to the elbows in while devouring the crab.

I even sliced open my index finger trying to get the elusive bit of crab meat from the joint.

The sauce is a mixture of spices that bring on a pleasantly slow burn as you eat. It’s not overly spicy, but your lips are tingling by the end of the meal.

If you fall in love with chili crab like I did, stop by a supermarket during your 7 days in Singapore itinerary to grab some packets to take home!

Get the best chili crab from JUMBO Seafood. It’s a chain restaurant, but it’s where the locals get their crab!

While you’re there, order some cereal prawns and black pepper crab. Their fried rice is also delicious!

I think I ate half of each dish on my own.

Marina Bay Light Show

The Marina Bay lights up every night in a stunning light show.

Many hotels located downtown have views of the light show from their upper windows. Otherwise, head to the Marina Bay boardwalk to watch the spectacle each night.

There are usually two shows a night: one at 8pm and one at 9:30pm.

The show begins with laser lights, firework displays, and loud music over the water.

Even though the routine doesn’t change much from day to day, you won’t get tired of watching the centre of Singapore explode in lights each night!

Day 2 in Singapore

The Merlion

The main Merlion is currently under construction. Luckily, the mini fountain version beside it is open for visitors.

To find the Merlion, you’ll need to head right from the Fullerton Hotel, following the curve of the Marina Bay.

When I visited, the weather was so bad I ended up hiding under a bridge for forty minutes until it cleared enough to be walkable again.

Visiting the Merlion is a rite of passage in Singapore. In fact, I’ve got some fun facts about Singapore that include a tidbit about the Merlion!

Take a photo of the famous lion-headed mermaid that spouts water to complete your Singapore travel blog itinerary.

I recommend this walking tour of historic sites like the Merlion

Fullerton Hotel

The Fullerton Hotel is one of the most historic places in Singapore.

In a city-state that has predominantly been built in the last 20 years, that’s saying something!

Check out this stunning hotel with its art deco interior, adorable café, and small museum. You’ll learn about the former post office that once called the hotel home.

Have lunch at the café for a classy Singaporean meal. Don’t forget to try their famous cakes!

I recommend dressing up for this event to take grand photos in their lobby.

Seriously, the Fullerton is classy af!

Book your stay at the Fullerton hotel

Walk Around the Marina Bay

After all that food, you’ll want to take a walk to recover.

I recommend strolling along the Marina Bay boardwalk around the body of water in the center of Singapore.

You’ll pass some unique areas that you can duck into.

If you’re like me, you’ll manage to get lost for 3 hours somehow by taking a strange turn down a street. So stick to the Bay unless you have a map you can use (or an internal system that doesn’t confuse right and left).

I recommend this walking tour of historic sites like the Marina Bay

Singapore Off the Beaten Path

I got hugely lost in Singapore, as often happens to me (like the time I got lost in Amsterdam and cried at a train station).

But getting lost is part of the fun with travel!

Old town Singapore.
A hawker stall with a Michelin star.
The first Chinese temple in Singapore.

Thanks to my diversion, I discovered some unique places you may want to check out on your walk through Singapore:

• The only Michelin star Hawker stand in the world (that serves incredible curry puffs)
• The church where the Crazy Rich Asians wedding scene was filmed
• Architecture of Old Singapore
• Buddha’s Tooth Temple
• Hindu Temple
• First Chinese Temple in Singapore

Take the time to go off the usual paths in Singapore and you’ll uncover a whole other side of the city state.

Hawker Market for Dinner

It’s a requirement that every 7 day Singapore itinerary includes a stop at a hawker stall.

These markets are essentially outdoor food truck events (but stands, not trucks), where you can buy an assortment of food.

Each vendor specializes in 1 to 3 dishes that they have perfected.

You’ll find hawker markets around the Marina Bay, but they get infinitely better (and cheaper) when you move away from downtown.

That hawker stall with the Michelin star curry puffs? They were 1/10th of the price of the rice I got near the Marina Bay.

Hawker Market Etiquette:

• Have one person save a table. If you’re on your own, leave a napkin on the table to reserve it. Singaporeans often use tissue packets to do this.
• Order an assortment of items at the same time. Go to different stalls to try the best eats.
• If you’re not sure what to get, ask the owner to recommend something.
• If you don’t know how to pronounce a dish, there are usually pictures you can point at.
• Pay in cash. Most stalls don’t accept credit cards.
• Most meals at hawker markets pair with beer from a beer tent.
• It’s fine to hang out at your table after you’ve eaten if the market isn’t busy. If it is, it’s polite to move along so others can eat.

Food to Try at Hawker Markets:

• Curry Puffs
• Fried Rice
• Cereal Prawns
• Oyster Omelettes
• Chicken Satay

Take this hawker market tour to learn what to order

Day 3 in Singapore

Supertree Grove

My favourite thing to do in Singapore (that’s in every Singapore travel blog you read) was visiting the Supertree Grove.

Located near the Gardens by the Bay and the Cloud Forest, these marvels deserve their own day of touring so you can truly appreciate them.

The purple metal structures have been cultivated with greenery winding its way up the trucks to form living, man-made trees that tower over the city of Singapore.

You can even spot them from the Marina Bay!

Wander slowly beneath the Supertree Grove to spot the different heights and shapes of the trees.

There is a walkway suspended midway up the Supertrees.

At the time, I did the tour and felt it was a waste of money. I mean, the view isn’t much different than that on the ground. You only get 15 minutes to walk along a walkway that might take 2 to cross.

But then I go to get up close to the trees themselves.

Viewing the complex flora that brings these trees to light was worth the cost.

But it was nowhere near as thrilling as the height of my skydive in Taupo.

You can visit the Supertree Grove at night to enjoy the sight of these magnificent structures lit up in bright colours.

Cost: $14 per person

Get discounted access with this Singapore access pass

Sir Raffles’ statue

River Tour

Learn more about Singapore during your 7 day itinerary with a guided river tour.

Not only will you get to see more of the Marina Bay, including the museum district where you can find activities for a rainy day, but you’ll also discover much more about Singapore.

You’ll meet Sir Raffles, the statue of the founder of Singapore. Learn about the lion that may or may not have given the city its name. And get to relax with less humidity close to the water.

Cost: $40 CAD

I recommend this river tour

Dinner at a Michelin Star Restaurant

Our family friend decided to take us out of the city for dinner and it was so fantastic that it’s moved from my Singapore travel blog to my guided 7 days in Singapore itinerary.

Kean wanted us to try his local food, so he took us to a Peranakan restaurant.

I didn’t know how the Singaporean food could get better than chilli crab or Korean food, but he found a way: by taking us to a Michelin restaurant in the suburbs.

The drive took us past houses nearly as massive as those in Crazy Rich Asians. There were Ferraris and porches lined up in front of houses that towered over the street.

(None of these were the houses from Crazy Rich Asians though. Apparently, those were in Malaysia, since they have more land for rolling gardens.)

Candlenut specializes in Peranakan food, a type of Malaysian cuisine. Kean is from Malaysia so he navigated the menu for us. Our waiter seemed less than pleased to have someone who was more of an expert on the food making our selections.

My first Michelin star meal was above and beyond my expectations. I’ve had some pretty amazing food in my life – even just on this trip – but Candlenut blew me away.

Everything we got was like a bite of heaven.

I wouldn’t have known to order any of it without Kean. Thank god for him and his wisdom, because I needed every single thing we had.

If you don’t have your own Kean, I recommend giving the waiter full control of your menu. Tell them how hungry you are and let them choose from their specialties.

I’ll be honest: I don’t know the names of any of the items we ate. I barely even remember a way to describe the dishes, I was in such euphoria.

Working with the waiter will ensure you get the best Candlenut has to offer.

Drinks on top of the Marina Bay Sands or at Raffles

We had planned to end the night with drinks, but ate so much we were immediately put into a food coma.

End a night in Singapore with a local drink.

Raffles Hotel is famous for inventing the Singapore sling, a drink now common around the world.

You can get a classic cocktail, but it’s quite expensive.

Alternatively, get an overpriced cocktail at the Marina Bay Sands‘ rooftop bar.

While it’s also expensive, you’ll get an amazing view for the price. And you’ll have the best seats for the evening light show!

Day 4 in Singapore

Rest Day

It’s midweek, which means some relaxation.

Instead of planning tons of things to do on your itinerary, it’s good to have some free days.

Use this day to rest, recharge, and take it easy.

I’ve only planned one activity for you to do that was a fascinating part of my Singapore travel blog experience.

The National Museum of Singapore

I try to make a point of visiting museums when I travel. I’m easily overwhelmed by everything in them, though, so I love finding free tours.

In Singapore, I opted for the National Museum of Singapore to try and learn more about the city state.

Before arriving, I hadn’t even realized Singapore was a city-state. I’d assumed there were other cities inside it!

I arrived just in time for a free guided tour in English. The tour took an hour and a half. It covered the entirety of the museum and traced Singapore from its beginnings to modern day.

The two floors of the expansive museum would have been incredibly daunting to deal with on my own. Reading signs about the wars or schooling issues wouldn’t have been as impactful as hearing our guide recount his own experiences with them.

I tried to wander the museum afterwards, but got overwhelmed by all of the tiny information plaques. Besides, it had all been covered in the tour.

Cost: $15 per person

Day 5 in Singapore

Go Shopping

Singapore is known for their luxurious shopping.

While I’m a budget solo traveller who can’t afford the crazy rich lifestyle of many Singaporeans, I still wanted to shop the local stores.

I was hoping Singapore would have a few treats for me to add to my wardrobe of 8 shirts (yes, I only brought 8 shirts to New Zealand. It made for complicated laundry days.)

It turns out that the treat Singapore had for me was body issues.

An XL in Singapore is about an XS in Canada.

Overnight I’d gone from a small/medium, to barely being able to get a leg into a dress at non-Western stores!

If I hadn’t gotten a size small shirt from H&M, I would easily have had some sort of body image meltdown.

I get that their sizes may be different, but this was insane! They needed a warning label: “Body image nightmare ahead. Beware of dresses if you are bigger than a size 2!”

Lesson learned: stick to Western stores in Singapore.

That shouldn’t stop you from shopping for other things though!

Check out their unique accessories, the delicious snacks at your local grocery stories, and get some handbags that may break the bank but won’t break your heart.

Go Swimming

Time for some more downtime!

If your hotel, like the Ritz Carlton Millenia, has a pool, take to the water for the afternoon.

If not, head to the Marina Bay Sands to swim in their rooftop pool.

You’ll get stunning views while you relax.

Night Safari at the Zoo

The night safari at the Singapore zoo was the #1 thing on my 7 day Singapore itinerary.

My mom had been before and loved it, so she was thrilled I wanted to go back with her.

On the day we visited, the weather wasn’t cooperative.

With peals of thunder drifting closer, we decided to walk the trails before taking the guided tram tour. We were hoping to catch the water cat before the rain reached us.

In the end, we managed to make it around the entire zoo on foot and on the tram without the rain reaching the zoo.

Walking the zoo at night was sort of creepy. There aren’t a lot of lights on the paths and jungle grows high on either side. Occasionally a spider web or mosquito will brush against your leg. Even creepier, the speakers from the trams would suddenly blare to life from a path beside you. It doesn’t sound terrifying, but it can be when you didn’t see the giant machine right beside you.

The animals are much more active at night. We saw almost every creature in the exhibits during our visit. From the heaviest maned lions I’ve ever seen to a stalking cheetah to inquisitive owls, they were all awake.

Choosing the earliest time slot had only meant less people, not less animals.

The tram was less spooky when we actually rode it. They pack people on the vehicle and drive a different route around the zoo. It’s worth doing even if you’ve walked the trails, as it goes past different animals. The different vantage point often allowed us to see more than we’d seen on our walk. Although, there are some animals it skips.

I’m a zoo lover (which I struggle with due to current animal rights politics and my agreement with those politics).

Getting to enjoy the animals with my mom was a highlight of my Singapore itinerary; even though it may have been the “quickest walk around the zoo ever” – quote from my mom – with us running to try and beat the rain that never came.

Cost: $55

Get a discounted ticket with this Singapore access pass

Day 6 in Singapore

A sculpture on Sentosa.

Sentosa

For your final, full day in Singapore, take the chance to soak up some sun away from the downtown crowds.

Sentosa is a small island packed full of entertainment. It has white sand beaches, a Universal Studios amusement park, resorts, a giant merlion statue and an extensive cable car track.

If we’d come to Singapore when I was 13 or younger, I would have had no interest in leaving Sentosa the whole trip.

We skipped the theme park and resorts – too many small children running around screaming. Instead, we filled our day with riding the cable car, walking the length of the beaches, staring up at the giant Merlion statue, and positively sweltering from the insane heat.

I recommend taking the cable car across to the island of Sentosa, on one side, then walking across it yourself.

You’ll pass the white sand beaches, where you can pose with the Sentosa sign like I did.

It’s impossible to miss the giant Merlion that towers over the island.

Be sure to snap a photo!

Bring your swimsuit and a towel to enjoy the water. Or plan to relax on the sand while you sip some local cocktails from the resorts.

Buy a ticket for Sentosa’s cable car here!

Day 7 in Singapore

Changi Airport

Changi Airport in Singapore is rated as one of the best airports in the world.

But it’s not best known for its flights; it’s famous for the entertainment inside the airport.

I never got to enjoy the airport properly, as flight delays meant I got in late and an early flight meant I needed to rush to get back to New Zealand.

If you have more time, take advantage of the unique features at the airport, including:

• An indoor waterfall
• A butterfly garden
• Hotels attached to the airport so you don’t need to go through customs again
• A movie theatre
• The amazing selection of food

Get lounge access at Changi Airport

How to Get Around Singapore

Drive

If you have a car, driving is pretty easy in Singapore.

However, you’ll need to watch out for cars that are speeding. Many people have fancy cars and don’t necessarily believe that the rules of the road apply to them.

You’ll have more freedom by renting a car to enjoy Singapore.

I recommend using Discover Cars to quickly compare rental options.

Their comparison tool does the homework for you, so there’s no need to have up 10+ tabs trying to figure out which company is the most affordable. Actually, you can save up to 70% using their tool!

Looking to get around via car? Find the cheapest car rentals here!

Take Taxis

Taxis are reasonably priced in Singapore.

You’ll need to call them or arrange for your hotel to call a taxi for you before you go out. It can take a bit for them to arrive if you are not located in the central business district.

Taxis are very clean and the drivers all speak English. They’ll even offer local suggestions if you’re lucky!

Public Transport

Singapore has some of the easiest and most efficient public transport of any city I’ve been to. It’s as well laid out as London but much cleaner.

You’ll be able to find your way around with the help of the underground trains. The signs are very easy to follow and there’s no risk of getting lost like in New York.

Getting a round trip from Marina Bay to Sentosa only cost us $3.50 per person!

Back home, that would be a one-way fare. In the UK, that might get you halfway through the turnstile.

Travel Insurance

No one wants things to go wrong on their getaway, but sometimes accidents happen.

When things don’t go to plan, have World Nomads on your side. You don’t need the added stress of dealing with medical bills, lost luggage, or delayed flights when things are going awry. You need a travel insurance provider you can trust to get you through the stress and be accessible 24/7.

Whether you need short-term, long-term or budget-friendly coverage, World Nomads has your back.

I’ve always been able to rely on them when I’m sick abroad, have had flight cancellations, or had something lost/stolen (these things do happen!).

👉 Find out how much it costs to protect your trip today with World Nomads travel insurance.

Best Tours of Singapore

Where to Stay in Singapore

The best place to stay in Singapore is in the downtown business area.

You’ll be close to all of the major attractions, the locations where tours start, and get iconic views of the Marina Bay light show every night.

While this may make prices higher up front, they’ll save you a lot in taxi fare if you’re constantly commuting to the city centre for the Singapore attractions on this 7 day itinerary.

My favourite place to stay in Singapore is the Ritz Carlton Millenia.

It’s a stunning hotel one street away from the Marina Bay that offers giant tubs to soak in after a long day walking around the Bay, the most luxurious breakfast buffet I’ve ever seen that included different rooms for different ethnicity’s classic breakfast items. And a fresh eggs benedict station!

Read more about my experience staying at the Ritz Carlton Millenia to find out why you should book this hotel.

Fly to Singapore

Singapore Travel Itinerary Wrap Up

Singapore is a magnificent country with a ridiculous amount to do.

It is so innovative and constantly developing. You could constantly return to find new things have popped up or older things have been redone.

It made the perfect backdrop to my visit with my mom.

My itinerary for Singapore is the perfect plan to help you experience the real Singapore so it can be a special trip for you, like it was for me.

You’ll get off the beaten track to discover hidden gems, local culture, and delicious bites that many tourists miss out on.

Thanks my step-dad’s friend, we had a local guide who showed us the real Singapore.

I’ve shared his tips and tricks, and ideal 7 day itinerary for Singapore with this blog.

Pin it for later to ensure you have this itinerary ready when you book your flights to Singapore!

👉 Book with Booking.com today to get epic deals on hotels, flights, rental cars & attractions!

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