A modern and fun 5 day Singapore itinerary | You Could Travel

Pack your bags, you are going to Singapore, the lion city and one of the most exciting cities in Asia. This 5 day Singapore itinerary covers food, culture, history and shopping! Charming and glamorous, modern and stunning, Singapore attracts countless visitors from all over the world, and for good reason. Any Singapore trip should make you jump with joy as you are about to fully immerse yourself in the many personalities of this city-state.

During your Singapore itinerary, you will marvel at the Marina Bay Sands, explore the vast Gardens by the bay, get playful on Sentosa island and discover some of the best food in the city. Admire the perfect street art in Little India, find cool crafts in Bugis Street and explore Arab Street in search of souvenirs. Your days in Singapore will be packed with incredible attractions that must be added to your itinerary.

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SINGAPORE ITINERARY

There are a few things to know when preparing the Singapore itinerary. Unlike other countries in Southeast Asia, Singapore is not considered a destination for backpackers. Generally speaking, Singapore is where super-luxury meets ultra-modern. Marina Bay Sands is home to the most expensive casino in the world and Marina bay sands hotel has the world’s largest infinity pool.

The Lion city can be enjoyed on a budget but overall, it’s more tailored towards travellers who enjoy glam and glitz and not so much for beach parties and layback outdoor markets.

Singapore is an impeccable city, extremely clean and well organised. The metro (MRT) is fast, reliable and affordable. Singapore is sometimes called the city of rules, as you will notice during your Singapore itinerary. Many places have little plaques with information on dos and donts for tourists and locals alike. Respect the signs as you can otherwise receive a hefty fine.

Before you get started, remember to check our comprehensive article on where to stay in Singapore to ensure you find the best accommodation for your needs and budget. We recommend staying at the Pan Pacific in one of the Club Rooms. You’ll be able to enjoy some of the best of the Singapore skyline with a cocktail in your hand.

To stay organised during the trip, get your travel planner and start adding attractions and information to your Singapore itinerary right away.

DAY 1 – IMMERSE IN THE CULTURAL SIDE OF SINGAPORE

What better way to kick start your adventure than by immersing yourself in the many cultures of Singapore. It’s also a great time to grab your camera as you’ll see an incredible array of colourful locations, especially in cultural enclaves like Little India or Chinatown.

Are you a foodie traveller? Singapore it’s the place to be as all neighbourhoods on the Singapore itinerary will have in store authentic dishes like Indian, Chinese, Malay, Japanese and more. Many travel to Singapore for food and for good reason. Singapore is the only country in Southeast Asia where there are Michelin starred restaurants and stalls.

Book an affordable private tour with a local to show you around Chinatown and Little India.

MORNING – LITTLE INDIA

Grab the public transport and make your way to the Little India MRT station. Start the day by exploring the Indian Heritage Center, a museum that showcases the culture, heritage and history of Indian Singaporeans. The entry fee is S$8.00 for adults.

Explore Little India on foot and see the marvellous colours in this bustling neighbourhood. Little India is home to the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, a Hindu temple dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, the fierce embodiment of Shakti and the god Shiva’s wife, Parvati.

Did you know: The area used to be called Serangoon but became Little India in 1980s.

Little India is a vibrant enclave with canteens and hip eateries serving authentic Indian food. If you can time your arrival to Singapore during Hindu celebrations, you’ll enjoy the liveliest Little India.

There are many souvenirs from Singapore to be purchased including sarees, spices and gorgeous Indian accessories. For Indian food sit down in one of the restaurants on Serangoon Road and Race Course Road in Little India.

Even during busy celebrations, Little India is very safe, much like the rest of Singapore. Of course, we always advise that you purchase travel insurance and you keep your belongings close and safe.

AFTERNOON – CHINATOWN

From Little India, take the public transport to Chinatown MRT station.

Delicious food, cultural institutions and temples, all are waiting to be discovered in Chinatown. The maze of narrow streets will take you on a journey of stalls filled with unusual souvenirs to purchase for family and friends. You will find indie boutiques that sell clothes, crafts and antiques.

The smell of authentic food will get you every time. Head over to Chinatown Food Street and indulge in satay skewers, noodles and pots of rice. Head over to Club Street if you wish to experience some trendy wine bars.

For a cultural moment, visit the 1827 Sri Mariamman Temple and the ornate Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. Still have some time and energy? Visit the Chinatown Heritage centre a 2-min walk from Sri Mariamman Temple. The Chinatown Heritage Centre has an entry fee of S$18 per adult.

To best experience, Chinatown, head over during the evening so you can enjoy a lively atmosphere with lights and vibrant stalls.

Food tip! You always wanted to try Durian but didn’t want to purchase the whole fruit. Now you can grab just a small bite from the stalls here in Chinatown. Just remember, you are not allowed to take the Durian on public transport.

EVENING – KAMPONG GLAM

Kampong Glam is known as Singapore’s Muslim quarter where you’ll find the majority of Singapore’s Islamic community. Admire the 19th-century shophouses which have now been transformed into shops selling all sorts of beautiful textiles. Head to the busy Arab Street and experience one of the many casual restaurants selling Malay food. The street is named Arab Street as it was once owned by an Arab merchant, Syed Ali bin Mohamed Al Junied.

Stop to photograph the gorgeous Sultan Mosque then spend the evening on Bugis Street, a market known to be a mecca for shoppers and bargain-hunters.

Go to the Haji lane for hip cafes and lively street art. Want to eat something truly delicious? Try murtabak, a stuffed pan flatbread.

Book Kampong Glam Tour with Japanese Wagyu Steakhouse Dinner.

DAY 2 – TROPICAL ESCAPE

Since Singapore has such a lovely tropical climate, it seems fit to escape to an island with sandy beaches, a theme park and an aquarium. If you are travelling with kids, Sentosa Island needs to be added to your Singapore itinerary with attractions like the S.E.A. Aquarium™ and Universal Studios Singapore.

Besides, there’s a lot of fun getting to the island itself from Singapore. To get to Sentosa Island you will have to take the cable car. We booked tickets here. You’ll love admiring all the tropical treetops from above.

You’re on a tight itinerary so it’s best to book your tickets to Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A. Aquarium™ well in advance.

MORNING – SENTOSA ISLAND

Get a taxi or public transport to the Mount Faber Cable Car. From Mount Faber get the Cable Car to Sentosa Island. Depending on which attraction you wish to visit first, you might have to change cable car lines. Don’t worry though, just follow the signs, it’s super easy.

The cable car will have some amazing views over the bay and Sentosa island and you will even go through an actual building which makes the ride so much more exciting and exhilarating.

Sentosa Island is the perfect place for a morning spent on the beach or for families to explore the many attractions on the island. Head over to Universal Studios Singapore to start exploring! The theme park will take you on a seriously cool adventure with exhilarating rides including the epic Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure which families especially love. Experience the aquarium with the Adventure Cove Waterpark which together forms the Marine Life Park.

See all the life-size wax replicas of famous celebrities and historical figures and enjoy the ‘Spirit of Singapore’, Madame Tussauds’ first ever boat ride, where you’ll travel through a fantasy, tropical Singaporean garden. Book the ticket to Madame Tussauds here.

There are plenty of restaurants and well-known chains for food, drinks and snacks right next to Singapore’s Universal Studios. However, it’s worth mentioning that you won’t find authentic food here.

Book your tickets to Universal Studios here and book your S.E.A. Aquarium™tickets here.

AFTERNOON – HANDERSON WAVES

From Sentosa Island, you will have to take the cable car back to Mount Faber. There is just a 3-minute walk to Handerson waves.

Hander waves is a wave-shaped 36-m pedestrian bridge connecting Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park. Spend the evening walking and hiking in Telok Blangah Hill Park.

EVENING – River Cruise

Take a river cruise on Singapore river at the Boat quay or just stroll along the riverside. , before heading back towards the central business district to admire the city skyline in the dark.

You’ll be hungry and you will want to eat something delicious. Visit the Market Street Interim Hawker Centre or the Hong Lim Market & Food Centre and order a variety of dishes to share. A Hawker centre is basically the same as a street food market, only that is indoors, kept clean and well maintained. The food here is affordable and incredibly tasty.

Book your river cruise here.

DAY 3 – SHOPPING AS A NATIONAL SPORT

It’s time to indulge in Singapore’s national sport: shopping! Whether you actually like to purchase things or just window shop, you mustn’t miss a visit to Orchard Road and Singapore’s shopping malls.

You will definitely find at least a shopping mall to your liking on Orchard Road. You’ll discover incredible brands, amazing eateries and so many interesting cafes. You’ll be able to buy delicious bubble teas, matcha delights and all sorts of sweets.

MORNING – ORCHARD ROAD

Sometimes called Orchard Street, this place is perfect for shoppers. It’s also one of the most interesting places in Singapore as you’ll find so many unusual brands and items you’ll want to buy. You’ll most certainly find well-known luxury brands.

Orchard Road is vibrant and busy, basically the retail heart of Singapore city. You’ll probably stay here for luxury hotels and upscale boutiques as the area most suited to luxury travellers. Orchard Road really is an avenue lined with shopping mall after shopping mall.

Treat yourself and book a Massage and Facial at La Source Spa in Orchard Road.

Some of the malls are interconnected so you might find yourself lost in a maze of endless shopping opportunities. Orchard Road should be on every Singapore itinerary list, as it truly is something a little decadent. Fancy food on Orchard Road? Head over to the Newton Food Centre offering everything from barbecued seafood and roasted meats to traditional desserts.

AFTERNOON – MARINA BAY SANDS

This really is the shopping day. From Orchard Road, head over to Marina Bay Sands and stop at the Vivo City mall for even more shops, in the Marina Bay district.

Marina bay sands hotel is Singapore’s more iconic hotel known for the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool. Stay at this incredible luxurious hotel and enjoy the best views over Singapore. Marina Bay Sands is a resort overlooking Marina Bay in Singapore. Marina Bay Sands include a hotel, the Marina Bay Sands mall, a museum, a theatre, incredible restaurants, floating crystal pavilions, art-science exhibits and the world’s largest atrium casino.

If you cannot stay at the Marina Bay hotel, you can still make your way to the top bar so you too can enjoy some of the most incredible views. To get to the top of Marina Bay Sands you’ll need to pay S$20+ per person. You’ll get a voucher and this fee will be deducted from your final bill.

There’s yet another way to enjoy the famed Marina Bay Sands. Located 57 storeys up from the heart of the Marina Bay area, Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck offers panoramic vistas of Singapore’s world-class cityscape. The entry is S$25 per person but you can book online here to save.

You want to enjoy it all? Spoil yourself and book a night at the Marina Bay Sands hotel and get access to the pool as well which is otherwise restricted to guests only. And finally, Marina Bay Sands puts on a light and water that you can watch for free. The best place to watch is on the opposite side of the bay.

Purchase your Marina Bay Sands Skypark tickets here.

DAY 4 – NATURE’S FINEST

This 5 day Singapore itinerary is packed with a lot of great attractions and of course, you cannot miss exploring Singapore’s finest parks. Known for their beauty, many come from all corners of the world to see the Singapore botanic gardens and the iconic Gardens by the Bay.

Singapore Botanical Garden is the only tropical garden to be honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Find your zen in the most spectacular of tropical flora, then, in the afternoon, head over to Gardens by the Bay.

For this day, make sure to wear very comfortable shoes as you’ll be walking in nature a lot.

MORNING – Singapore Botanic Garden

Start the day with a visit to the 163-year-old tropical garden. The Singapore Botanical Gardens it’s really large and separated into many areas for you to explore. If you get hungry or you want to find a little shade, there are restaurants and cafes to take a moment for yourself.

Experience the rainforest walk and photograph the iconic red sealing wax palm trees, the symbol on the logo for the Botanic gardens in Singapore. These are native to Thailand, Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo in Indonesia. Don’t miss the National Orchid Garden where you’ll find over 1,000 orchid species and hybrids. Stop by the gift shop and purchase a small orchid flower in a glass dome, the perfect magnet and authentic souvenir from Singapore.

AFTERNOON – GARDENS BY THE BAY

Are you ready for the highlight? The Gardens by the bay have to be the most beautiful, most enchanting and wondrous place in Singapore. Allocate the whole afternoon to exploring the vast and iconic Gardens by the bay, you won’t regret it.

Start by walking in the outdoor gardens and see how every part of the garden has its own unique feature. You’ll love the Serene garden, the cloud forest, the flower dome. The floral fantasy and the OCBC Skyway are simply stunning, reminding you that Singapore is one of the best destinations in the world. You won’t ever want to leave this leafy wonderland.

The cloud forest is a cooled conservatory with the most exotic plant species from all over the world. The tickets to the cloud forest cost S$20+ per adult. The cloud forest allows you to stroll along the so-called cloud walk as you descent the mountain full of plants. And the best part? The cloud forest features a 35m tall indoor waterfall.

Next in the Gardens by the Bay is the Flower dome. The flower dome is for spring lovers who want to enjoy the gorgeous floral displays. The entry is S$20+ per adult and the recommended duration of your time spent in the floral dome is 1 hour. The best part? The Flower Dome holds the Guinness World Record for the largest glass greenhouse! To save, you can combine tickets to the flower dome and cloud forest together.

The floral fantasy is ideal for a quick gorgeous snap for your friends and family to tell them how you visited Singapore. It looks whimsical and it’s perfect for those lovely memories in the most incredible surrounding full of colour. There is a 4D theatre and your ticket will include entry to the show. You’ll love it and it’s perfect for children and adults alike.

The main attractions in the Gardens by the Bay are the Supertree Groove and the OCBC Skyway. Every evening at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm there is a light show where the trees light up and create a fairytale-like spectacle. We advise that you try to time your entry to the OCBC Skyway just on time for the light show. You’ll be able to see not just the Gardens by the Bay from above, but also the Marina Bay Sands lit up and looking gorgeous.

It’s paramount that you purchase your tickets to the Gardens by the Bay in advance. Please remember to exchange your vouchers for actual tickers as soon as you enter the gardens. For the OCBC you will need to go to Red Dot Museum and exchange your voucher for a physical ticket. Once you have a physical ticket, you can obtain a time slot from the info centre right at the bottom of the OCBC.

Finally, head over to the Dragonfly lake in the evening to admire the colourful lake full of dragonfly eggs. They are floating and they change colour in the evening. Truly stunning show.

DAY 5 – MUSEUMS AND TEA

On the last day of you Singapore itinerary, you should treat yourself to something truly spectacular: afternoon tea at the Raffles hotel and an exquisite (yet affordable) Michelin Star dinner.

But first, have a walk down history lane and learn about how Singapore became the economic giant it is today by visiting the Singapore National Museum.

MORNING – NATIONAL MUSEUM SINGAPORE

Learn about Singapore’s history and find out how Singapore did things differently to enhance its citizens and become one of the richest countries in the world. Find out about the devastation of opium, WWII but also learn about the success stories on how Singapore invested in education. The National Museum is relatively small but it’s worth the visit so you can connect with the city-state and understand how it truly became a superpower.

The National Museum of Singapore is the oldest museum in Singapore, with a history dating back to 1849. The tickets cost S$15+ per adult.

Lunch – AFTERNOON TEA AT RAFFLES HOTEL

Take the public transport to the city hall mrt station and head over to Raffles Hotel for your decadent afternoon tea. You will need to make a reservation some time in advance and just make sure to arrive just 5 minutes before your slot. The reservation is for 90 minutes only but that’s plenty of time to indulge in sandwiches, sweets and British scones with cream and jam.

If you want something truly special, head over to the Long Bar and enjoy the original Singapore sling, created right here. One cocktail here is around SGD 30+.

The prices for the afternoon tea at the Raffles Hotel start from S$68+per person.

Afternoon – Singapore Zoo

Have fun at the Singapore zoo, a rainforest zoo with rides and trails and amazing platforms for you to see all the wildlife. Take the River Safari, a river themed wildlife park and if you have time, go for the night safari at the Singapore zoo as well.

As part of the Singapore Zoo you can get access to various areas including the Wildlife Reserve, Singapore’s Jurong Bird Park, the Night Safari and the River Safari. You can easily spend several hours exploring which is why we advise reserving the whole afternoon until late evening for this.

The night safari at the Singapore zoo is open from 6:30 pm so you can see the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park. Admission starts from S$53 but there are ways you can combine tickets to save. Buy the Singapore Zoo multi-park tickets and get access to Jurong Bird Park, Night Safari, River Safari and the main Singapore Zoo area for S$90 per adult.

Book your tickets to the Singapore zoo here.

DINNER AT LABYRINTH

What better way to end your 5 day Singapore itinerary but with a delicious meal in a Michelin Star Restaurant. Prices at around SGD 80 per person (excluding drinks), Labyrinth pays homage to traditional Singaporean food. Book your table well in advance and sit down in a sleek environment with top-notch service. The food is fantastic, innovative and tasty.

Book your table here.

Accommodation in Singapore

You want to be in the centre of it all and have access to all tourist attractions. Here are some hotel recommendations for you.

Stay close to Boat Quay and enjoy stunning vistas of the Marina Bay Sands hotel. This is a 5 star hotel in Singapore with prices from £370 per night.

➡️ Book on Booking.com

Stay in Clarke Quay to be close to National Gallery Singapore and the National Museum of Singapore. The Singapore River lies at the heart of Clarke Quay, providing the central artery for this area’s thriving nightlife scene. Prices from £162 per night.

➡️ Book on Booking.com

How many days are enough to visit Singapore?

This 5 day Singapore itinerary is the ideal length. As you will see by the end of this article, 5 days in Singapore are enough for you to be able to see all the main attractions and enjoy the best points of interest in the city, including the Gardens by the Bay and Universal Studios. In 5 days you will feel like you’ve explored Singapore and got to really know the city.

WHAT IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO VISIT SINGAPORE?

Singapore is a year-round destination although the best time to visit Singapore is between February and April to enjoy the dry season.

Singapore has a tropical rainforest climate with no distinctive seasons, uniform temperature and pressure, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. Temperatures usually range from 25 to 35 °C (77 to 95 °F). While the temperature does not really change throughout the year, remember that there is a wetter monsoon season from November to January.

DO I NEED A VISA FOR SINGAPORE?

All visitors will arrive at the Changi Airport and must meet the following entry requirements:

• Valid travel document (minimum validity of 6 months at the time of departure)
• Confirmed onward or return tickets (if applicable)
• Entry facilities, including visas, to the next destination;
• Sufficient funds to maintain themselves during their stay in Singapore; and,
• Visa for entry into Singapore (if applicable)
• Yellow Fever Vaccination (if applicable)

Most passports can enjoy a visa-free holiday to Singapore. There are, however, some exceptions. Please check this link for more information.

WHICH CURRENCY IS USED IN SINGAPORE?

The official currency in Singapore is the Singapore dollar (S$) (SGD). There are several ATMs where you can take money out or exchange facilities to exchange your currency. You cannot pay in different currencies.

DO I NEED CASH IN SINGAPORE?

It is always wide to have some cash with you in Singapore. We noticed that many taxies accepted cash only. There are also some shops which require you to spend SGD20 and above in order for you to use your card. You can take cash out before your arrival and exchange it in Singapore or use one of the several ATMs in the country. Make sure you check with your bank about any fees for using your card abroad.

HOW MUCH CASH CAN I BRING INTO SINGAPORE?

You can bring as much as you want, but do note that if you bring in more than SGD 20,000 you will need to declare it at the customs.

DO YOU NEED INJECTIONS TO GO TO SINGAPORE?

All foreign nationals and Singapore Citizens, aged one and above, who have been in or passed through any country at risk of yellow fever in the six days before arriving in Singapore, are required to have a valid International Certificate of Vaccination for yellow fever and present it to the ICA officer at the point of seeking immigration clearance. With all the newest restrictions, make sure you check the latest on the official site to ensure your papers and vaccines are up to date.

Final throughs and Changi Airport

That’s a lot of fun during your Singapore itinerary. You went on a river safari and a night safari, you saw an incredible flower dome at the glorious Gardens by the bay had fun at the Universal studios. You explored the Singapore zoo, saw the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and other incredible museums and points of attraction. You are a lot of great food and now it’s time to head over to Changi airport. And you know what’s great? That just before you take off, there’s one more thing to explore. Changi Airport is home to a lush four-story tiered garden, more than 280 retail and dining outlets, a hotel, a multi-screen IMAX theatre and its centrepiece: a 130-foot-tall Rain Vortex, which is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Hard not to fall in love, as it’s quite clear that Singapore is one of the best destinations in the world.