Three days is a great amount of time for a first trip to Singapore. It is enough to see the famous skyline, explore the heritage neighbourhoods and eat your way through several hawker centres, without rushing. This Singapore 3 day itinerary gives you a simple plan for each morning, afternoon and evening, with food stops along the way.
Before you start
- Where to stay: somewhere central, close to an MRT station. Our guide on where to stay in Singapore compares the best areas.
- Getting around: use the MRT with a contactless bank card. See how to use the MRT.
- Weather: it is hot and humid all year, so plan outdoor sights for the morning and evening.
Day 1: Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay
Morning: start at Gardens by the Bay. Walk among the Supertrees, then cool off inside the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.
Lunch: eat at Lau Pa Sat in the business district, a historic market building full of hawker stalls.
Afternoon: walk the Marina Bay waterfront, cross the Helix Bridge and visit the Merlion. If you like museums, the ArtScience Museum is right on the bay.
Evening: watch the free light shows at Marina Bay. Our guide to free light shows in Singapore explains how to see both in one night. End with drinks at a rooftop bar.
Day 2: Heritage neighbourhoods
Morning: explore Chinatown's temples and shophouses on our Chinatown heritage walk. Have chicken rice for an early lunch at Maxwell Food Centre.
Afternoon: head to Kampong Glam and Haji Lane for Sultan Mosque, street art, small shops and cafés. Then walk to Little India for its colourful streets and spice shops.
Evening: have dinner in Little India, where Tekka Centre serves great Indian and Muslim food, or try a banana leaf meal.
Day 3: Sentosa or nature
On your last day, choose between beaches and theme parks, or the city's green side.
Option A: Sentosa
Take the cable car or the Sentosa Express to the island. Spend the day at Universal Studios, the aquarium or the beaches. Our Sentosa day out guide helps you plan.
Option B: Gardens and wildlife
Spend the morning at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, then have brunch nearby at Dempsey Hill. In the evening, visit the Night Safari to see animals after dark.
Where to eat on your Singapore 3 day itinerary
Try at least one meal at a hawker centre every day. Our Singapore food guide lists the 15 dishes to try first, and our hawker centre guide shows where to find them.
FAQs about a 3-day trip to Singapore
Is 3 days enough for Singapore?
Yes. Three days is enough to see the main sights, explore a few neighbourhoods and try plenty of local food.
What should I not miss in Singapore in 3 days?
Gardens by the Bay, the Marina Bay waterfront, Chinatown, Kampong Glam and at least one hawker centre.
How much should I budget for 3 days in Singapore?
Costs depend on your hotel. Food can be cheap if you eat at hawker centres, and many sights, like the light shows and gardens, are free.
Should I visit Sentosa on a 3-day trip?
Visit Sentosa if you like beaches or theme parks. If not, spend the day at the Botanic Gardens and the Night Safari instead.
More plans in our weekend itinerary guides.
