A Couple of Days
Singapore is best explored in a few days. You can cover most of the districts and areas and immerse yourself in the cosmopolitan feel of downtown and experience other attractions that are in the suburbs.
If you have six days to spend in Singapore, you can explore the city in more depth and have time to visit some of its neighbouring islands.
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For those visiting lesser than a week you can adjust the itinerary here based on what you like best. Not into museums? Replace that with a trip to the neighbourhoods.
Here's a suggested itinerary to help you plan your trip:
Day 1: CBD, Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay
Start your day in Marina Bay area, starting from Raffles Place, Singapore's central business district and Boat Quay. Hop over to the other shore to visit Empress Place. Take a short walk to the Merlion, one of Singapore's most iconic landmarks. V
Walk pass Esplanade, Singapore's premiere Art Center, and cross the Helix bridge to enter Marina Bay Sands. Take the elevator up to the SkyPark Observation Deck for panoramic views of the city best seen at Sunset.
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Next, head to Gardens by the Bay, a nature park with futuristic Supertrees, conservatories, and outdoor gardens. Don't miss the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories.
Enjoy Garden Rhapsody, a special light show at Gardens by the Bay followed by Marina Bay Sand's Spectra, using the Singapore Skyline as the backdrop.
Day 2: Sentosa Island
Take a day trip to Sentosa Island, a resort island with beaches, theme parks, and other attractions. You can spend the day at Universal Studios Singapore, Adventure Cove Waterpark, or the S.E.A. Aquarium, or simply relax on one of the island's beaches.
Universal and SEA Aquarium can be finished in a day. Just go all the roller coaster rides (Jurassic Park river ride, Mummy and Battlestar Galactica) and leave for the SEA Aquarium. Cool down inside Adventure Cover Waterpark or head to the beach until sunset.
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It is best to stay 2 nights inside Sentosa's hotels or at Travel Lodge Harbourfront just outside the island so you can rest whenever needed.
Day 3: Cultural neighbourhoods
Spend the day exploring Singapore's diverse cultural neighborhoods. Start in Chinatown, with its colorful streets and historic shophouses. Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum and browse the street markets. This is the best place for breakfast.
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Next, head to Little India to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of this vibrant enclave. Visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and browse the shops and markets. Have lunch at Tekka market
End your day in Kampong Glam, a trendy neighborhood with hip cafes and boutiques. Visit the Sultan Mosque and stroll along Haji Lane. Haji and Bali lane have nice watering holes perfect after a long day walking the streets. You might chance upon standup comedy or live shows at Blu Jaz.
Day 4: Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, River Wonders and Night Safari
Spend the day at the Singapore Zoo, one of the world's best zoos with more than 2,800 animals representing over 300 species. Alternatively, enjoy the largest aviary in Asia at Bird Paradise.
In the evening, experience the Night Safari, where you can see nocturnal animals in their natural habitat.
It can be a long day so be prepared. Some would come back for the night safari on another day. I would suggest Bird Paradise in the morning, Singapore Zoo in the afternoon and choose either River Wonders for the Pandas or Night Safari if you want a different experience.
Day 5: Pulau Ubin and East Coast Park
Take a day trip to Pulau Ubin, a small island off the northeast coast of Singapore. Rent a bike and explore the island's nature trails and rustic villages. Before that, eat at Changi Village and check out Nasi Lemak.
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If you are into War Memorials, the Changi Prison memorial is the one to go for
Afterwards, head to East Coast Park, a long beachside park with biking trails, sports facilities, and various food options. East Coast Lagoon Food Village has a more local hawker food feel and the satay experience is great too.
Day 6: Real Life Singapore, Museums and shopping
Visit Tiong Bahru Hawker center for breakfast and explore the first/oldest housing estates in Singapore (there is even a world war 2 era bomb shelter). There are a lot of nice cafes housed in Art déco-inspired housing blocks.
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Check out one or more of Singapore's many museums, such as the National Museum of Singapore, the Singapore Art Museum, or the Asian Civilisations Museum.
Spend the afternoon shopping in Orchard Road, Singapore's premier shopping district, or explore the Bras Basah-Bugis area. Head to Andaz roof top bar to enjoy the sunset.
Have dinner at Newton Circus for dinner.