In this 5-day Singapore itinerary, you’ll explore the city’s major attractions, from the stunning Gardens by the Bay to the bustling Chinatown and Sentosa Island. I’ll also include some free walking tours, affordable food options, and fun activities for budget-conscious travelers. Additionally, Singapore is a great destination for solo female travelers, with its safety, cleanliness, and excellent transportation. 

Having just recently traveled to Singapore for the first time, I can definitely say this is a destination you don’t want to miss, especially for foodies. I already can’t wait to go back and have more of the famous Chicken Rice dish. After learning from my mistakes, I have created the best Singapore Itinerary for you.

If you don’t have a full 5 days to spend, check out the end of my post for a shortened 3 day weekend itinerary.

Day 0: Arrival

If you’re like me and taking a transpacific flight with a long layover, you might land in the early hours of the morning feeling very jet lagged. While it will cost more, I recommend booking your hostel/hotel for the morning you arrive so you can take a nap before starting your day (I did not do this and regretted it!).

TRAVEL TIP: You can use your contactless credit card or mobile phone to pay for the subway fares. You do not need to buy a subway card.

I recommend staying in Chinatown. It is centrally located and close to several subway stops, with  a plethora of accommodation options in the area as well.

I stayed at Galaxy Pod Hostel. I had never stayed in a pod before and it was a cool experience. However, while the pod itself was clean, I would not recommend staying there unless you’re okay with dirty bathrooms and pounding loud music from the club below. Moreover, with no common area, it was also hard to meet others here while traveling solo. 

Day 1: Explore Singapore and Gardens by the Bay

Start your day by joining the free walking tour, “Our Singapore Story,” that takes you through the city’s history and landmarks. You’ll learn about Singapore’s evolution from a small fishing village to a modern metropolis and visit places like the Esplanade, the colonial district, city hall, National Gallery, and the Singapore River. 

I absolutely loved my tour and it was the perfect way to introduce me to Singapore and learn its history. Since I was traveling by myself, the tour was a great way to meet others, and I made a friend who I saw throughout my time in Singapore and Thailand!

Free Walking Tour
Hours: 9:30 am to approximately 1:00 pm, Mondays only 
Admission: This is a pay what you want tour, so pay whatever you can afford 
Register: Our Singapore Story walking tour
Note: Bring water and snacks with you! While the tour stops to allow time for a bathroom break and buy food, this can be expensive, and you’ll miss out on the rooftop of the National Gallery if you’re waiting in line to buy food. 

After the tour ends at the Esplanade, walk 5 minutes to Suntec Mall for lunch. The mall has plenty of affordable food options, from local favorites like chicken rice to bao buns, dumplings, stir fry, and so much more. Afterwards, check out the mall and some of the more unique stores. While there were a lot of well known brands, I liked spending time in stores I don’t see at home, finding unique toys and gifts. 

After cooling off in the mall, head outside to Gardens by the Bay, a stunning nature park that features giant supertrees, indoor gardens, and a waterfront promenade. You can buy a ticket to go up to the OCBC Skyway, a 72-feet-high walkway between the supertrees that offers panoramic views of the city. If you’ve seen the movie Crazy Rich Asians, you’ll recognize the giant supertrees immediately from the reception scene. 

I loved walking around the gardens; in addition to finding shady places to sit and relax, I loved the learning areas. These areas taught me about different plants and animals in the gardens.  

Skyway Information
Hours: 9:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Admission: S$12
Tickets from the official site or you can also walk up and purchase tickets 

After exploring Gardens by the Bay, head to the iconic Marina Bay Sands, a luxury hotel and mall with a rooftop observation deck. You’ll need to purchase a ticket to go up to the top, but it’s worth it for the stunning views of the city skyline. 

Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck
Hours: 11:00 am to 9:00 pm
Admission:  S$26
Tickets from the official site
Note: While you can walk up and buy tickets before 5:00 pm, timed entry reservation is now required after 5:00 pm 

Stay at the top or head down to the water to watch the Marina Bay Sands light show, a mesmerizing display of water, light, and sound. The show runs every night at 8:00 pm and 9:00 pm. While I viewed the show from the water, my new friend stayed at the top and confirmed that she could hear the music from the Observation deck.

TRAVEL TIP: Time your visit to Marina Bay Sands rooftop so you can catch an amazing sunset with views of the city and ocean. 

Before heading back to your accommodation, head to the food court area of the Marina Bay Sands mall and try Snow Cream, a popular Taiwanese dessert that consists of shaved ice topped with various sweet toppings. 

Day 2: Chinatown and MacRitchie Reservoir Park

On your second day, explore the vibrant Chinatown neighborhood and the nearby MacRitchie Reservoir Park.

Start your day by visiting the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, a beautiful Buddhist temple and museum. The museum is really neat and as the name suggests you can see a tooth relic from a Buddha. I also liked the QR codes next to the museum objects which gave me additional information. Depending on how long it takes you to go through the museum, you may need to come back or check it out after the tour. 

TRAVEL TIP: This temple is a great place to fill up water and use the restroom. 

Also, make sure to check out every floor, including the roof! There is a beautiful garden on the top of the building. And if you have time, stay and watch a prayer service. 

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
Temple Hours: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
Museum Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
Admission: Free 
Note: Wear clothing that covers your shoulders and knees or bring a scarf with you. If you don’t, you will be asked to wear one of their shawls while visiting.

After the temple, join a free walking tour of Chinatown called “Our Signature Chinatown Walk.” The tour takes you through the colorful streets of Chinatown, where you’ll see traditional shophouses, temples, and markets. You’ll also learn about the history and culture of the Chinese community in Singapore.

I loved the murals that were pointed out on our tour and being taken through the different Hawker Centers, including the Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre (where you can get the famous Michelin Star Chicken Rice) and the Maxwell Food Centre. Both offer completely different variations of the Chicken Rice dish, and I would recommend you try both! Our tour stopped for a break at the Maxwell Food Centre.

The tour also included some other well known spots such as Pagoda Street, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, Singapore City Gallery, and the Thian Hock Keng Temple. 

Free Walking Tour
Hours: 9:30 am to approximately 1:00 pm, Tuesdays only 
Admission: This is a pay what you want tour, so pay whatever you can afford 
Register for Our Signature Chinatown Walk

In the afternoon, grab an Uber or bus and head to MacRitchie Reservoir Park, a nature reserve with hiking trails, kayaking, birdwatching, a reservoir, and a treetop walk. The treetop walk is a 250-meter-long suspension bridge that offers stunning views of the forest canopy. This was a personal favorite of mine! In addition to the treetop walk, I loved seeing the monkeys, birds, and other unique wildlife.

MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Hours: 7:00 am to 7:00 pm
Admission: Free
Official website to MacRitchie Reservoir Park (Located in Central Catchment Nature Reserve) 
TreeTop walk hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed on Mondays 

TRAVEL TIP: Do not pull out any food while in the park and read all the signs about the monkeys. While the monkeys look adorable, they are wild animals who have learned that plastic bags equal food and will chase you to get that food! 

For dinner, head to one of the hawker centers in Chinatown, where you can try affordable and delicious local dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, char kway teow, or satay, or if you’re hungry, try them all!

Day 3: Sentosa Island

On your third day, take a break from the city and visit Sentosa Island, a popular resort island that offers beaches, theme parks, and attractions.

If you’re in the mood for some sun and sea, head to one of Sentosa Island’s beaches, like Tanjong Beach, Palawan Beach, or Siloso Beach. You can swim, sunbathe, or try water sports like kayaking or paddleboarding. 

I enjoyed walking over the bridge to Sentosa, though there are a variety of public transit options as well. While Siloso Beach is the closest from the main pathway, it can be crowded. I recommend heading to Palawan or Tanjong Beach instead. You can either walk or take a free public trolley to the beaches! 

I enjoyed Tanjong Beach for its peacefulness and few people around. There were public bathrooms, a water fill station and showers to use. There were also lockers that you could pay for. Additionally, there was a restaurant at the beach if you get hungry!

If you’re looking for more excitement, head to Universal Studios Singapore, a theme park with rides, shows, and attractions based on popular movies and TV shows. You can buy a one-day pass or a multi-day pass, depending on your budget and time. My new friend had a blast visiting Universal Studios while I was at the beach.

In the evening, return to Gardens by the Bay to watch the nightly light show, which starts at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm. The show is free to watch, and it features a dazzling display of lights and music that illuminates the supertrees and the Marina Bay skyline.

TRAVEL TIP: The Skyway between the supertrees doesn’t close until 9:00 pm so you can watch the sunset and light show from above if you time it right! Find more detailed information about the Skyway here.

Day 4: North Downtown Singapore and Zoofari

On your fourth day, explore the northern part of downtown Singapore, including Kampong Glam and Little India, then spend your evening at the zoo on a night safari!

Start your day by visiting Kampong Glam, a vibrant neighborhood that was once the center of Malay and Arab communities in Singapore. You can visit the Sultan Mosque, Arab Street, and Haji Lane, which are all known for their colorful architecture, street art, and boutique shops.

I loved walking around this area. It was also the first time I had entered a mosque, which was a unique experience. The Sultan Mosque was very beautiful and I highly recommend going. 

Sultan Mosque
Hours: 10:00 am – 12:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm, closed on Fridays  
Admission: Free
Note: You will be asked to wear a shawl and take off your shoes. 

For lunch, head to Little India, another bustling neighborhood that’s known for its Indian food, culture, and temples. You can try affordable and delicious dishes like biryani, naan, or samosas at one of the many stalls in the Tekka Centre. I ordered food from a few stalls and loved everything! After eating, check out the shops above with the beautiful dresses and assorted garments. 

You can also visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. As you walk down the main street (Serangoon Rd), check out the many jewelry stores filled only with gold jewelry. 

After lunch, take a break or continue exploring the diverse Singapore neighborhoods. 

In the evening, head to the Singapore Zoo for a Zoofari, a night safari experience that lets you see nocturnal animals in their natural habitats. You can join a guided tram ride and use the walking trails to see animals such as tigers, lions, elephants, and more. 

TRAVEL TIP: Walk on the trails and listen to talks first. Afterwards, when it is less crowded, take the tram to see the bigger animals. 

After having been on a real safari in South Africa, I wasn’t sure how this would compare but it was worth it. The coolest part was seeing all the animals at night, so they were much more active than I had seen in a regular zoo during the day. Not to mention, there were a bunch of animals that I had not seen before, such as the Tasmanian Devil.

I took the tram later in the evening after walking on the trails which allowed for a better tram experience with fewer crowds. I loved seeing the lions and elephants!

While it is a little expensive, I would highly recommend going! You can reduce the cost by taking public transit there and back and eating dinner before you go.  

Singapore Zoo Night Safari
Hours: 7:15 pm to 12:00 am
Admission: S$55 
Tickets from the official Zoo Safari website  

Day 5: Final Day Sightseeing and Mount Faber 

On your last day in Singapore, visit some of the city’s iconic landmarks and go for a hike at Mount Faber. While you can do all of this in one day, if you plan to spend a significant amount of time at any one of these stops, it might be best to pick and choose what you are most interested in. 

Start your day by visiting Orchard Road, a famous shopping street that’s known for its high-end malls, designer boutiques, and luxury brands. I enjoyed the air conditioning and the experience of seeing the high-end stores in malls where you could only enter with a reservation. There are also some affordable shops around here too! 

Next, visit Raffles Hotel, a historic hotel that’s known for its colonial architecture, elegant suites, and the famous Singapore Sling cocktail. I loved walking through this hotel for the architecture and if you’re a Crazy Rich Aisian fan, you’ll know this is where Nick and Rachel stayed and they filmed here too! When I explored, I even managed to find an area of the hotel that looked pretty similar to where Rachel and Nick sat after the bachelorette party…

For art lovers, head to the nearby National Gallery of Singapore, a museum that houses a vast collection of Southeast Asian art and contemporary art. The museum is located in the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, which played a significant role in Singapore’s history. There is a small area of the building that displays the jail cells that were part of the court. I was able to walk into the cell and learned a lot!

Even if you’re not that interested in art, the museum offers a great terrace and view of Singapore from the rooftop. It is free to go to the rooftop and a few other areas of the museum so check those out! 

National Gallery
Hours:  10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Admission: Free to enter the building, some exhibitions require a paid ticket ranging from S$20-S$30
Tickets from the official website

After the museum, head to Merlion Park, a popular tourist spot that features the iconic Merlion statue, which symbolizes Singapore’s origins as a fishing village. You can take a photo with the statue and enjoy your last views of the Marina Bay waterfront. I loved people watching here and it was a great last stop before heading out of downtown. 

In the late afternoon, head to Mount Faber, a hill that offers panoramic views of the city and the Southern Islands. If you go earlier in the day, you can go for a hike on the Southern Ridges, a network of trails that connects several parks and gardens, including Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill Park, and HortPark. 

I went for sunset and it was magical. If you’re just heading up there for the views, get off the metro at Vivo City and walk (uphill) for 15 minutes on Merang Trail to the lookout point. I went a little further to the cable car building which also had great views. It was a perfect way to end my Singapore trip.

TRAVEL TIP: Arrive at the airport an extra hour or 2 before you need to go through security to check out the Singapore Jewell waterfall in the mall and other fun activities.

Quick Summary Of Each Day

Day 1: Explore Singapore and Gardens by the Bay

Free walking tour of historical and famous Singapore sites
Gardens by the Bay
Marina Bay Sands and light show 

Day 2: Chinatown and MacRitchie Reservoir

Free walking tour of Chinatown (Hawker centers, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum)
Explore Chinatown 
Tree-top walk at MacRitchie Reservoir

Day 3: Sentosa Island

Beach and explore Sentosa island or Universal Studios Amusement Park
Gardens by the Bay light show 

Day 4: North Downtown Singapore and Zoofari

Kampong Glam and Sultan Mosque 
Little India and Tekka Food Centre 
Singapore Zoo Night Safari 

Day 5: Final Day Sightseeing and Mount Faber 

Orchard Road shopping 
Raffles Hotel 
National Gallery 
Mount Faber for sunset 

A Shortened Weekend Itinerary 

Only have a weekend to spend in Singapore? Check out this shortened itinerary where you’ll still be able to see all the classic sites plus activities you’re interested in. 
Note: Each site is linked to the above itinerary to learn more.

Friday: Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands

Arrive Friday afternoon 
Check out Gardens by the Bay
Marina Bay Sands for sunset 

Saturday: Downtown Singapore and Zoofari

Walking Tour (either History of Singapore or Chinatown)
Choose a neighborhood to explore in the afternoon: Chinatown, Kampong Glam or Little India
Night Zoo Safari 

Sunday: Choose your adventure

Head to Sentosa Island for the beach 
or
MacRitchie Reservoir for a hike
or
National Gallery if you’re looking to stay inside
or
Go shopping on Orchard Road 

Leave for the airport early if you want to check out Changi Airport Mall and the waterfall 

Common Questions

How many days should you spend in Singapore?

Visit for at least 5 days to explore downtown Singapore plus all the other areas Singapore has to offer. With only 3 days you’ll have to pick and choose what is most important to you, but you will still be able to get a good feel for Singapore and the food!

Where should you stay in Singapore?

Stay in Chinatown. Chinatown is centrally located making it easy to walk or take the metro to other areas of the city and there are a lot of affordable accommodations in the area, plus amazing food!

When is the best time to visit Singapore?

If you are looking for the least hot temperature, the best time to visit is November to January. This is during the rainy season, however storms pass quickly. June and July are the hottest months to visit and the most crowded. 

What is the official language in Singapore?

English, Mandarin, Tamil, and Malay are all official languages! English is widely spoken and all the official signs are in English. You may not see English at some hawker center stalls but there are usually pictures.

What is the currency in Singapore?

Singapore uses the Singapore Dollar. For current exchange rates check out this site.

Cool Museums To Visit In Singapore

• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum: This multi-story Buddhist temple houses a vast collection of Buddhist artifacts and relics, including a tooth relic of the Buddha. Don’t forget to visit the rooftop!
  • Temple Hours: 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
    Museum Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
    Admission: Free 
    Official Website
• Singapore City Gallery: This super cool museum showcases the physical transformation of Singapore’s urban landscape over the years through interactive exhibits and 3D models. I loved visiting this!
  • Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, closed Sundays
    Admission: Free 
    Official Website
• National Gallery: The museum houses the largest public collection of modern art in Southeast Asia, with a focus on Singaporean and Southeast Asian art. The rooftop view is amazing too!
  • Hours:  10:00 am to 7:00 pm
    Admission: Free to enter the building, some exhibitions require a paid ticket ranging from S$20-S$30
    Official Website