places to visit in singapore in one day

The Perfect Itinerary for Spending One Day in Singapore

Are you looking for the perfect way to spend one day in Singapore? Don’t worry – I’ve got you covered!

Singapore is one of my favorite cities in the entire world and since it’s also one of the biggest hubs in Southeast Asia, chances are you’ll be going through Singapore Airport at least once during your travels in this region.

If that happens and you have some extra time on your hands, I would highly recommend setting aside at least one day to explore all that Singapore has to offer.

Although Singapore is a small city-state, it actually has so many things to see and do that it can be overwhelming to decide what to do on a long layover. That’s why I’ve put together this perfect one day Singapore itinerary that will help you make the most of your time. Let’s get into it!

* Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link. *

Table of Contents

Overview of Your One Day Singapore Itinerary

Breakdown of your one day singapore itinerary.

• Morning: Gardens by the Bay, Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, OCBC Skywalk or Supertree Observatory
• Afternoon: Chinatown, Clarke Quay, Merlion Park, Marina Bay Circuit, Helix Bridge
• Evening: SkyPark Observatory or Ce La Via at Marina Bay Sands, Garden Rhapsody, Spectra

Map for your one day in Singapore

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations you’re going to visit on this Singapore itinerary.

I marked the different times of your one day in Singapore with different colors – I used blue for the morning, green for the afternoon, and red for the evening, so you can easily see which places you’re going to visit at which time.

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Morning of Your One Day in Singapore

Having at least 3 or 4 days in Singapore would be the optimal amount of time for visiting. However, many people only have a short layover in Singapore and often have just 24 hours to discover the city.

Do you also have just one day to spend in Singapore? Don’t worry, if you maximize your time you will be able to cover all the must-see spots!

However, it means you will have a really long day with lots of walking so put on your most comfortable shoes, have a coffee in your hand, and let’s go exploring!

Gardens by the Bay

Start your day by heading to Garden by the Bay. This stunning 101-hectare (250-acre) park is home to some of the best attractions in Singapore, including the futuristic-looking supertrees.

These supertrees are actually not trees – they are made of concrete and steel. They work like vertical gardens, and they are home to more than 158,000 plants. Walking among them feels like you are in another world!

There are 18 supertrees around the Gardens by the Bay in total – 12 of them are located at the Supertree Grove, 3 in the Golden Gardens, and another 3 in the Silver Gardens.

Some of them are also embedded with environmentally sustainable functions like photovoltaic cells to harvest solar energy.

So they are not just fascinating to look at, they are actually an important part of the self-sustainable system that runs through the whole Gardens by the Bay.

Although most attractions at Gardens by the Bay only open at 9 am, I highly recommend arriving to the park earlier and taking a stroll among the supertrees.

This is also the best way to avoid the crowds and the midday heat, plus it’s also the best time for taking photos without tons of other tourists around.

To get there, take the MRT to Bayfront Station and then it’s just a short walk from there. Alternatively, Grab has a drop-off location right at the Golden Gardens entrance.

Sadly Gardens by the Bay doesn’t have many options when it comes to breakfast. However, there is one Starbucks right by the Golden Gardens so you can grab a quick cup of coffee or a snack there before you start exploring.

Cloud Forest

Even if you have only one day in Singapore, visiting the  Cloud Forest  and the  Flower Dome  is a real must.

The tickets are a bit pricy as the admission for the two conservatories costs S$53 ($40 US) per person, but it’s really worth every penny!

As you enter the Cloud Forest, you’ll have a first glance at the 35-meter tall mountain covered in lush vegetation that is home to a stunning waterfall. No pictures do justice to how beautiful it is in real life!

This used to be the world’s largest indoor waterfall until it was surpassed by the HSBC Rain Vortex at Changi Airport – way to go, Singapore!

If you want to have a picture in front of the waterfall without the crowds, try to arrive around opening time (9 am) otherwise it will be impossible to have a decent photo.

After you pass the waterfall, make sure to take the elevator up to the mountaintop to access the Cloud Walk. From up there, you’ll have a stunning view of the entire conservatory!

As you start the descent from the top, you’ll also come across several different exhibits such as The Cavern and Crystal Mountain where you can learn more about the rainforest and its inhabitants.

The Cloud Forest has an impressive biodiversity and more than 60,000 plants from all over the world so if you are a plant lover like me, you’ll be in absolute heaven!

One thing to note though is that the temperature inside the Cloud Forest is between 23-25°C (73-77°F) with 80-90% humidity which is the perfect setting for tropical plants.

Compared to the heat outside, you will probably feel quite cold, so make sure to have a light jacket or sweater with you.

You will need at least 1-1.5 hours to explore the Cloud Forest but you can easily spend more than that if you want to take your time and appreciate the beauty of plant heaven.

We ended up spending around 2.5 hours inside but they also had a special Avatar Experience when we visited so this could have added to the time.

Flower Dome

After you finish exploring the Cloud Forest, head over to the Flower Dome next. This is Singapore’s largest cooled conservatory and it’s the perfect escape from the heat outside.

The Flower Dome is home to hundreds of different plants from all over the world that are arranged in several themed gardens including the Sunflower Garden, Mediterranean Garden, and even an Australian Garden.

They also have always-changing floral displays in the middle of the dome which is definitely a must-see!

If you want to learn more about the plants, the Flower Dome also offers complimentary mini-guided tours of various locations inside. These only take place on certain days so make sure to check the schedule before you plan your visit.

As a reference, we spent around 1 hour inside but if you really want to take your time and learn more about the plants, then you should allocate at least 1.5 hours for the Flower Dome.

Supertree Observatory or OCBC Skywalk

If you’ve managed your time right, you can still have time to tick off one more attraction from your Singapore bucket list before heading out to lunch.

And what better way to end your morning than seeing Gardens by the Bay from above?

There are two ways to do this: either you take the elevator up to the Supertree Observatory (S$14/$10 US) which is located on top of the tallest Supertree, or you can take a walk along the OCBC Skyway (S$12/$9 US) which is a 128-meter-long aerial walkway among the Supertrees.

Both options are great – we personally opted for the Supertree Observatory as it’s higher up and offers a more panoramic view of the Gardens by the Bay.

Plus, since we visited around noon, it was better to quickly visit the open part of the observatory on the top and then take in the views from one level below from the air-conditioned area than to walk around the hot skyway!

Afternoon of Your One Day in Singapore

I know that you can’t spend enough time in the Gardens, but it’s time to continue your journey toward Chinatown! I suggest hopping on the blue MRT line for two stops (from Bayfront to Telok Ayer) to save some time.

Chinatown is really different from the rest of the city with its red and gold tones and low-rise buildings. The whole neighborhood is very vivid, with lots of street markets, museums, and temples.

There are actually not just ornate Chinese temples, you can find many Buddhist and Hindu temples as well. Some of the most interesting temples are Sri Mariamman Temple, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and Thian Hock Keng.

Chinatown is also a great place to grab some lunch and since the food is quite affordable, it’s the perfect place to eat if you’re  visiting Singapore on a budget .

If you would rather sit at a pretty cafe as we did, I can’t recommend Merci Marcel on Club Street enough.

It’s the top-rated breakfast place on Tripadvisor so I knew I had to check it out and it definitely didn’t disappoint! The food was absolutely amazing and the atmosphere was perfect for a relaxed lunch.

How much time you will spend in Chinatown really depends on what you want to do there, but I would suggest at least 2 hours. That should be enough to explore the temples and markets and grab a bite to eat.

Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay is another great neighborhood in Singapore. It is famous for its little colorful houses, stunning riverside restaurants, and endless collection of bars and clubs.

Take some time just to wander around and explore the area – there are some really interesting stores, cafes, and street art. It’s also a good place to have some lunch, or if you already had that in Chinatown, then you can relax a bit with a cup of coffee.

If you want to hit the night later, then Clarke Quay is totally your spot!

As you wander around Clarke Quay, make sure to stop by the Old Hill Street Police Station. I bet it’s going to be the most colorful police station you’ll ever see! Actually, this is not a police station anymore, but the name has not changed.

Now it’s the home to the Ministry of Communication and Information and the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth. Make sure to take some Instagram-worthy pictures in front of the building!

Merlion Park

The Merlion is the national icon of Singapore, and you simply cannot miss the chance to take a picture with it.

The 8-meter tall Merlion statue is comprised of two parts: the fish body symbolizes the beginning of Singapore as a fishing village, while the lion head represents the city’s original name, Singapura (lion city).

The park itself is quite small, and you can explore it in about 10 minutes. However, the views of Marina Bay are absolutely stunning, and you can take some great pictures here.

Marina Bay Circuit

Now it’s time to head back to Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay for the rest of your one day in Singapore itinerary but there are still a few places to explore along the way.

You will pass by the Marina Bay Street Circuit on your way. Seems familiar? If you are a Formula 1 fan, it should be – it’s the venue for the Singapore Grand Prix!

Even if you’re not a fan, it’s still worth stopping for a few minutes and taking some amazing pictures.

Helix Bridge

In order to reach the Gardens by the Bay from the Marina Bay Circuit, you have to cross the Helix Bridge. This is a pedestrian bridge that links together Marina Centre with Marina South, and it was inspired by the form of a curved DNA structure. It looks really cool!

The bridge has four viewing platforms from where you can have an amazing view over the Marina Bay skyline.

Evening of Your One Day in Singapore

Skypark observation deck or ce la vi at marina bay sands.

The Helix bridge takes you right to the foot of the  Marina Bay Sands Hotel  (the one that looks like a giant ship).

This hotel is the most popular one in Singapore as it features the world’s biggest rooftop infinity pool with breathtaking views over the Singapore skyline.

Unfortunately, the pool has been closed to the public, so you can only try it if you are a guest of the hotel.

However, there are two other options if you want to see the view from the top of the hotel and I would recommend choosing one of them for the evening of your one day in Singapore.

The first option is to visit the SkyPark Observation Deck on the 57th level of the hotel. The observatory offers some amazing views over Singapore and the ticket costs S$32 ($24 US) per person.

Another option is to book a table at Ce La Vi, or just simply visit the bar for some drinks. The bar used to have a free entrance but now every visitor has to pay S$30 ($22 US) as an entrance fee but it’s fully redeemable for food and drinks.

If you opt for the drink option as we did, you can choose between two different venues. The SkyBar on the right overlooks the observatory and basically has the same views, whereas the Club Lounge has a direct view of the iconic infinity pool!

Once you are seated, you can come and go between the two so you will be able to check out the view from both places.

No matter which option you choose (the observatory, the SkyBar, or Club Lounge), I suggest staying until sunset as the views are simply breathtaking. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the golden hour and take some incredible photos.

Garden Rhapsody

After sunset, it’s time to head back to the Gardens by the Bay to see the evening light shows. I know you’ve already been there during the day, but believe me, seeing it during the night will be a completely different experience!

The Supertrees look really awesome in the daylight as well, but the real magic comes when the night falls. The trees perform a magnificent sound and light show every night and it’s a must-see, even if you have only a day in Singapore.

Seeing this light show was hands down one of the most magical experiences in my life and the absolute highlight of visiting Singapore.

I can’t even describe my feelings properly, but I was so touched that I almost ended up crying. It’s really that amazing!

The trees are performing twice every day, at 7.45 pm and 8.45 pm. The show runs for 15 minutes, and it is completely free.

You can choose to watch it from the ground, purchase a ticket for the OCBC Skywalk, or head to the upper gardens which are usually a bit quieter.

If you still have some energy left and don’t mind waiting a little bit, head over to the other side of Marina Bay Sands where you will find another great show: Spectra. It’s a light and water show performed by many dancing fountains and colorful visual projections.

The show is also free, and it starts at 8 pm and 9 pm on a daily basis. I thought after the Supertree light show I would not be amazed by this show – how wrong I was! It is also absolutely spectacular, so don’t miss it!

Useful Info for Spending One Day in Singapore

Where to stay in singapore.

Since you will have only one day in Singapore, I suggest booking a hotel close to the city center to save time on transportation.

Unfortunately, Singapore is a really expensive city so unless you want to stay in a hostel or a capsule hotel, it’s going to cost you a lot of money. Especially in, or close to the city center.

If you want to read more about the different neighborhoods in the city and what each one has to offer, make sure to read my in-depth guide about  where to stay in Singapore .

If you’re in a hurry, below you can check out my top recommendations for staying in Singapore for every budget.

• Luxury: Marina Bay Sands
• Mid-range: Hotel Traveltine
• Budget: The Quay Hotel

How to get to Singapore

As I mentioned before, Singapore is one of the biggest hubs in Southeast Asia so you will find countless flights from most major cities in Southeast Asia, as well as from bigger cities in Europe, the Middle East, and North America.

Singapore’s Changi Airport is also very well connected to the city and it’s easy to get around once you’re there.

The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) train is the fastest and most convenient way to get from the airport to downtown Singapore but you can also opt for a taxi or use a ridesharing app such as Grab or Gojek.

Insider tip: Don’t forget to check out the stunning indoor waterfall (HSBC Rain Vortex) while you’re at the airport! It’s located right across Terminal 1 in a shopping mall called Jewel Changi Airport.

To get to the waterfall, you’ll need to go through immigration first and exit the terminal. The waterfall is right in the middle of the shopping mall so it’s very easy to find after you enter the mall.

Best time to visit Singapore

As Singapore is located near the equator, the weather is pretty much the same all year around so you don’t really have to worry about the timing of your trip.

You can expect hot and humid conditions any time you visit but the wettest months tend to be November, December, and January.

Note that public holidays in Singapore such as Chinese New Year and the Formula One Grand Prix can also cause the prices to rise, so it’s best to avoid these periods if you’re looking for a budget-friendly trip

Not that you can even say budget-friendly and Singapore in the same sentence but still, you get the idea!

How to get around Singapore

Most of the sights you’re going to visit on this one day Singapore itinerary are quite close to each other so you can easily walk between them.

I also tried to put together an itinerary for you that covers the main attractions in Singapore in a logical order so that you don’t spend too much time traveling from one place to another.

If you want to get around faster, I recommend taking the MRT train or using a ridesharing app such as Grab or Gojek. Just make sure to take into account the traffic in Singapore – it can be pretty bad during rush hour.

If you’re planning to use the MRT more frequently, it might be worth purchasing a Singapore Tourist Pass which gives you unlimited rides on all public transport in Singapore for the selected days.

For reference, a one day tourist pass costs S$22 ($16 US). It’s a great way to save money and it also makes getting around much easier!

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30 thoughts on “The Perfect Itinerary for Spending One Day in Singapore”

I love how easy it is to explore Singapore in a day since a lot of the major attractions are close to one another. We missed Arab quarters but hopefully, I can visit there on my next trip to Singapore.

Luckily Singapore is a totally walkable city, I loved it so much too! I’m planning to go back soon for a longer period and can’t wait to see more places in the city!

I love Singapore also. I was there for four days in November. We went to just about everywhere you mentioned, except the Merlion.

Oh four days, that sounds amazing! I’m also planning to go back soon for a longer period, can’t wait!

This looks like the perfect itinerary for sure! Didn’t get to do all of these things when I was in Singapore but will bookmark this for the next time I’m going!!

Yeah I think we really did the best we could for only one day! My feet was hurting so much after all the walking haha 🙂

I visited Singapore for the first time last year and definitely think this itinerary is perfect for getting a taste of the city in just 24 hours!

Aww thank you so much Olivia, I’m so happy to hear that!

I love Singapore! This is the perfect 24-hour itinerary. There’s so much to see and do but you can easily do so much if you plan ahead of time.

Totally agree with you! Can’t wait to go back soon for a longer time 🙂

Perfect itinerary! I think you really made the most of your day in Singapore ! It makes me miss the city a lot !

Thank you so much Emma! Yeah we tried to do as much things as possible within one day 🙂 Loved it so much!

I can’t wait to book a trip with Singapore Airlines just to get the chance to have a layover in Singapore! Looks like the time of a layover is just what you need in order to see this wonderful city. And I love having long layovers to break a long flight time. I’ll be coming back for all the tips when I’m headed there!

Yes a long layover sounds fantastic! Although I can’t wait to go back to Singapore for a few more days to see what more it has to offer 🙂

Looks like the perfect day in Singapore. Can’t wait to go back again soon! Thanks for the great tips.

You’re so welcome! I’m so bummed that I had to cancel my Singapore trip at the end of April. Hopefully next year I can go back too!

It’s amazing that you can see all of this in only 24h! Singapore looks so fantastic! Thanks for sharing your itinerary!!

It was a really long day and my feet hurt like crazy on the next day but it was so worth it 🙂

Great post, I know this is a place good for stop overs so seeing so much in a day would be great!

Yeah you can do so much things in just a one day layover in Singapore! Such a wonderful city.

I have never been to Singapore but it seems like such a lovely destination! Thanks for such a detailed travel guide 🙂

You’re welcome! It is really such a wonderful city, can only recommend visiting! 🙂

I love Singapore! It was my first international destination and I cant wait to be back some day. Beautiful photos as always, Kriszti x

Oh how special! I wanted to visit it again in the end of April but of course I had to cancel 🙁 Maybe next year!

I’m from Singapore and came across your blog while researching for itineraries for Italy and i just want to say i love your content and as a Singaporean, I totally love this itinerary for Singapore!

Thank you so much Mag, I’m so happy to hear it!

Very useful information! I was a little underwhelmed with the Gardens by the Bay night show, but I guess it depends on where you’re watching and musical preferences. I’d say it’s worth watching, but better not to create high expectations. The National Museum was nice to know the history of Singapore, all in English. Thank you very much for this post, it was very helpful in planning a day trip.

Yeah I totally agree, it depends on your musical preferences and the current show you’re watching. First time when I saw it in 2018 it was the ‘Evening of Musical Theatre’ with my favorite musical songs and I was literally tearing up, it was so beautiful! Now on my second visit they were playing ‘Opera in the Gardens’ and since I don’t like opera that much, it was really underwhelming for me too.

Wow wonderful and amazing Singapore. I can’t wait ! I will be there soon for some couple of days and my worries are only about the transportations and tickets. I don’t like trains and prefer taxis, are taxis easy to catch everywhere ? Are tickets easy to get when you reach the place you want visit? Thank you for this article beautifully written 🤍

Yes there are lots of taxis everywhere, and you can also use apps such as Uber or Grab. It works really good! The tickets are also really easy to get, you can either buy them in advance on the attractions’ websites or just purchase in person after arrival. Have a great time in Singapore!

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One Day in Singapore Itinerary – Top things to do in Singapore

Singapore is a destination unique for its small geographical size. Located in south-east Asia, this city-state is a mass of many different ethnic influences – Chinese, Malay, Indonesian and Indian. Once a part of the British Empire (and now the British Commonwealth), the small island nation is found at the very tip of the Malay Peninsula. Singapore is also often used as a ‘transit’ stop for travelers who often break their arduous journey from Europe to Australia and New Zealand (or vice versa) here. And since this is such a compact nation, it is one of the easiest destinations to visit “fully” on a short trip. During just one day in Singapore, you can quite literally see the whole world on the streets – and this itinerary will show you how!

GUEST POST BY KEITH EVANS BLOG: My Passport To Shangrila

Plan your trip to Singapore

1. What’s the best time to visit Singapore? 2. A few facts about Singapore 3. One day in Singapore itinerary 3.1. Visit Merlion statue on Sentosa island 3.2. Explore the world of movies at Universal Studios 3.3. Go shopping and grab lunch at Suntec City 3.4. Explore colonial grandeur 3.5. Cocktails and afternoon tea 3.6. Marina bay area 3.7. Take a ride on Singapore Flyer 3.8. Finally Boat Quay and Clarke Quay 4. Where to stay in Singapore? 5. Day trips from Singapore 6. Extra tips for visiting Singapore

What’s the best time to visit Singapore?

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Singapore does not have seasons as such. Rather, you will find Singapore weather hot and humid no matter the time of year. Nevertheless, some months can be marginally cooler than others, but in general, they are all pretty humid – around 30 degrees C in daytime. The best time to visit Singapore, though, at least temperature-wise, could be during what is called the ‘Northeast monsoon’ that runs from November to early March when the things cool off a little in comparison to the rest of the year.

Festivals and events in Singapore, however, are a different story. Thanks to the numerous ethnicities that live here, there’s always a reason to celebrate. Whether that’s Pongal in mid-January, Vesak Day in early June, or the National Day of Singapore on August 9, you will find something interesting all year round. There are even month-long celebrations, such as Thaipusam !

A few facts about Singapore

Singapore is a city-state and one of the world’s most prosperous countries. It is a modern city of the 21st century that embraces economic progress against the old traditions. Although most of the old Singapore has been reconstructed, many significant landmarks within the Colonial District have been preserved and should really be on everyone’s “What to do in Singapore for one day?” list.

The city is also a place where you can thoroughly enjoy your food and shopping with lively hawker centres and 24-hour coffee shops offering cheap food from all over Asia. Additionally, Singapore offers shopping meccas like Orchard Road and Suntec City. There is continuous development around Sentosa and Marina Bay as part of the city’s new direction towards fun and entertainment.

One day in Singapore itinerary

Welcome to an absolutely amazing city! Singapore will leave you speechless with its modern architecture and the variety of sights and places to enjoy. However, below all that is a strong sense of identity that makes for a wonderful combination every true travel lover will know to appreciate and admire. The following are the top sights and things to do during your one day in Singapore.

Visit the Merlion statue on Sentosa Island

If you want to thoroughly visit Singapore in one day, start things off by catching a cable car to Sentosa Island . Sentosa is home plenty of amazing things (more on that in a bit), but what we’re looking for here is the famous ‘Merlion’ statue – the symbol of Singapore. If at all possible, aim to get to the Merlion early to avoid the crowds or, if you’re really organized, purchase tickets before you arrive. Take a ride to the Mouth of the Merlion for stunning views across the Strait of Singapore.

Explore the world of movies at Universal Studios

Once you’re done with the Merlion, the next stop in your Singapore itinerary should be Universal Studios Singapore . This colossal theme park has seven different zones and about thirty rides and is an amazing place to visit, no matter if you’re an adult or a kid. And more things are coming!

From Transformers to Battlestar Galactica, from Minions to Sesame Street, you will find all sorts of shows and movies represented here. See how special effects are made and pick up a souvenir or two – you’ll need something to remind you of the awesome time you had here!

Go shopping and grab lunch at Suntec City

Suntec City is the next thing on this itinerary, and it’s located near the Central Business District. This vast complex contains a shopping mall, an exhibition centre and office tower blocks. You’ll know when you’re at the right place as the venue boasts the ‘ Worlds Largest Fountain of Wealth ‘. There are plenty of shopping options here, and no matter if you’re after clothes, souvenirs, books or electrical goods, you’ll find everything you need within this mall. If you want to shop till you drop, this is most certainly the place.

The complex is divided into four zones to help shoppers navigate with ease, and the zones are based on the Feng Shui design. The Fountain Terrace is where the majority of restaurants are found, while the Entertainment Centre is located in the fourth zone, which is devoted to a whole host of pleasure and leisure pursuits.

Menya Kokoro makes a killer ramen, and Chura Sushi Bar is ideal for anyone who loves Japanese food. Kebabchi Charcoal BBQ , however, is a very interesting Pakistani take on BBQ, so meat lovers will definitely want to sit down here for a bite.

Explore colonial grandeur

The Colonial District forms the very heart of Singapore with elegant Georgian and Victorian buildings lining the banks of the Singapore River. This district is one of the best areas in Singapore if you want to do a bit of exploring on your own and therefore should be on every imaginable itinerary. The area is positively brimming with impressive buildings and famous landmarks such as the Old Parliament House, the Old Supreme Court and the City Hall.

Cocktails and afternoon tea

The crown jewel of the Colonial District is the famous Raffles Hotel , developed from a beachfront bungalow built in the 1880s into a model of heritage luxury, with the whole building being exceptionally elegant. Explore a warren of courtyards and verandas on your way to the ‘Long Bar’ to the birthplace of the Singapore Sling Cocktail.

Located on the other side of the Colonial District (if lunch at Suntec City wasn’t enough), allow room for some afternoon tea at ‘The Courtyard’ at The Fullerton Hotel. Found in the atrium lobby of the hotel, this is where guests can enjoy a leisurely late afternoon while sitting on plush sofas eating a delectable selection of scones, finger sandwiches, cheeses, bread, sliced meats etc. with tasty desserts to suit: Chocolate Eclair, Salted Caramel Chocolate Tart, Flavoured Macaroon, English Fruit Cake etc.

Marina bay area

Don’t worry, your one day in Singapore is not over yet! The Marina Bay area, home to several iconic landmarks, is something you have to see, too. Here you will discover something quite amazing – Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the one that looks like a ship placed on top of three towers. It is the ultimate luxury hotel boasting elegant rooms, an infinity pool and a bar/restaurant at the top, but more on that in the next section of this itinerary.

After wandering the hotels’ lobby, navigate the pathways to the ‘Gardens by the Bay’ . You can’t miss the massive Supertrees here, tree-shaped gardens between nine and sixteen stories tall. Walk on the suspended walkway between two of them to capture a bird’s-eye view of the incredible scenery below.

In the evening, catch the Sky Show : a ballet of lights and sounds at the Garden Rhapsody amidst the Supertrees. This can be an incredibly romantic end to your 24 hours in Singapore.

Take a ride on Singapore Flyer

What else to do in Singapore for a day that’s even more romantic, I hear you ask. Well, you will surely notice the giant Ferris Wheel when visiting this area. With its height of 165 meters it provides an incredible view, and you can actually see three countries from up there: Singapore, Indonesia and Malaysia. But the capsules on the wheel also have a few surprises for you – not only can you order some champagne for the ride, but you can book a fancy dinner, too. How awesome is that!?

Finally, sit down and enjoy Boat Quay and Clarke Quay

But if you’re still up for exploring, enrich your one day in Singapore up by checking out Boat Quay and Clarke Quay . This section along the Singapore River is busy with restaurants, coffee shops and eateries that start springing to life towards the late evening and night.

Boat Quay is easier on the wallet than Clarke Quay, however. It’s a place for soaking up the atmosphere by the river and also for photographs. Time permitting, take a boat trip that lasts approximately 45 minutes: this is best done at night when all the lights of the Quays, Downtown, the Colonial District and Marina Bay boastfully display their night grandeur.

Where to stay in Singapore?

Marina Bay Sands

10 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay

The most iconic landmark of Singapore,  Marina Bay Sands is more than a five-star hotel. Spending some of your 24 hours in Singapore in the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool or Sands SkyPark observation deck where you can enjoy the most spectacular city skyline view certainly seems like a great idea. Guest can also enjoy an ultimate culinary experience at one of 20 dining options, premier shopping at one of largest luxury shopping malls in Singapore, ArtScience Museum or a world-class casino.

BOOK A ROOM HERE

Iyf Funan Singapore

67 Hill Street, City Hall, 179370, Singapore

Located in the Funan Mall right in the city center, Iyf Funan Singapore has some very interesting features to offer. For example, it has a beautiful garden and a sun terrace, plus the rooms are quite well equipped, too. Not to mention the beds are extremely comfortable here. In short, if you want a place from which sightseeing is quite easy, you won’t find a better hotel in Singapore that easily.

Heritage Collection on Seah – A Digital Hotel

39 Seah Street, 188395, Singapore

Small and exceptionally charming, Heritage Collection on Seah offers impeccable service at a very affordable price. Mind you, this is a condo hotel, which is something to keep in mind when booking, but it has to be said that the kitchenettes here are exceptionally well equipped. The hotel’s central location is also a very big plus. As you can see, there are plenty of reasons to book your stay right here.

CapsulePod@Aljunied

76A Lorong 27, Geylang, 388194, Singapore

Have you ever wanted to sleep in a capsule? Well, CapsulePod hostel will make that dream a reality! This hostel is clean, very pleasant to stay in and has some very affordable prices, so backpackers and anyone else in need of accessible accommodation will find everything they need here. Free breakfast is also included!

Day trips from Singapore

Because of the city’s bustling nature that spills over into its surroundings, there are plenty of great options for day trips from Singapore. Nature, architecture and numerous other interesting sights are really close by, so you really have plenty of options. If you’re not in a hurry to see Singapore in one day, setting something up will pay off handsomely.

Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is located just in front of the city and it is absolutely packed with things to see. Merlion , Singapore’s official mascot is a must, but there are many interesting shows you can see too, Madame Tussaud’s museum you can visit and even Universal Studios also has a branch there. No doubt, time simply flies by when you’re here.

Due to the fact that Singapore is a city-state, it’s quite easy to visit other countries from here. For example, you can hop over to a few islands that belong to Indonesia. Bintan and Batam are great examples of that, since you only need to get on a ferry to reach them. Beautiful sandy beaches on the former and great food and loads of entertainment on the latter make them an excellent choice for Singapore day trips.

Malaysia is also a great place to visit from Singapore. You can take a bus or a train to Johor Bahru , for example, and it will only take you an hour to get there. Malacca is another great place to visit because this Malaysian city boasts the status of a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Explore the various influences other countries have had on Malaysia, taste some excellent and unique food or simply enjoy a shopping spree, the choice is yours.

A tour around Singapore

Now, since the city is located on an island, it is not that hard to get around. To make the most of that, why not spend a day exploring as much of Singapore as you can? If you get on this tour, you will be able to dive deeper into the history and way of life of this place, as well as see some impressive architecture and cultural destinations . Learn about the city’s history, visit its temples and experience its allure at its fullest.

Pulau Hantu

For those who want to dive into the waters surrounding Singapore, Pulau Hantu is a paradise. Numerous colorful fish can be found in the island’s shallow waters, so you will see people snorkeling here all the time. Families with children also love to come here because the lagoons are very safe and perfect for letting your child enjoy themselves fully. If you want your day trip from Singapore to include some beach activities, this is where you want to go.

Extra tips for visiting Singapore

– Singapore is easy-going for dress standards in most cases. Nonetheless, if you’re going somewhere decent such as the Raffles Hotel or Afternoon Tea at the Fullerton Hotel, dress appropriately. Women should show some sort of modesty in public. Also, remember to take a thin sweater or cardigan while going to the restaurants and the malls as most of them are kept air-conditioned and can be quite cold.

– Pay attention to their rules. Singapore has some ‘odd’ rules but abide by them and you’ll be fine. No chewing gum, no jaywalking, no smoking in public, and no littering.

– If you want to see Singapore in one day, you will want to use the MRT underground as much as possible. It is clean, frequent, cheap and punctual.

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If you have any other propositions for this One Day in Singapore Itinerary feel free to share it in the comments below!

Make sure you have everything you need

What to pack for your next trip.

Make your next trip as simple and as enjoyable as possible by packing smart. It’s amazing how much stress top travel items can save you, so choose carefully. Things like lightweight travel backpacks, for example, are ideal for short trips and allow you to move around with ease, and a passport holder will make sure you keep your documents safe at all times. Check our travel checklist guide for 2021 to make sure you haven’t missed anything, and travel to your next destination in style and with maximum comfort.

Related posts:

Keith Evans

British Born and raised in "Alice in Wonderland" country. From a small village known as Daresbury, Cheshire where the infamous story was fabricated. Traveling around the globe is not only a hobby but a true life experience. The World and Geography have always been of interest since a child and it was not uncommon for me to be seen reading atlases and maps rather than storybooks. South-East Asia is my happy place. Its where most of my memories are made. Life is a rich tapestry.

Great post can’t wait to try it out on my next visit

We’re glad to hear that. Let us know how useful was this itinerary to you!

Greetings from Discover Book Travel??.!

Love your concept of 1 day in each country! ☺

Thank you very much!

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A perfect day in Singapore: the ultimate one-day itinerary

Jun 18, 2015 • 4 min read

For a country just two-thirds the size of New York City, Singapore packs a big punch, with entertainment, shopping and dining options matching the world’s best. And with a super-efficient (not to mention economical) transport system, it’s possible to visit most of Singapore’s top sights and neighbourhoods in a single day.

With a day to play with, you can sample the best of what’s on offer. Grab your water bottle and umbrella (for rain or shine) and dive into the Lion City.

Get up early for breakfast with the locals in ever-so-trendy Tiong Bahru; a 1930s housing estate reveling in its unofficial status as the hippest ‘hood in Singapore . Nab a seat on the 2nd floor of the Tiong Bahru Food Centre and order a typical ‘breakfast set’: a dash of soy sauce and white pepper on eggs and a smear of kaya (coconut egg jam) on toast, washed down with a traditional kopi (coffee). If a Western breakfast is more your style, head to 40 Hands ; its legendary coffee and ‘big boy breakfast’ will fill you right up. Once fueled, explore the wet markets where shop ‘uncles’ and ‘aunties’ sell an eye-popping array of tropical fruits, meats and famous Singapore orchids.

If you’re hankering for another caffeine hit or need a mid-morning snack, duck into Tiong Bahru Bakery , where the fresh croissants and kouign amman (Breton-style pastry) are a must-try, before jumping on the MRT (metro) to Gardens by the Bay , the blossoming centrepiece of this garden city. Arrive early to beat the crowds and experience the heights of the OCBC Skyway and the Cooled Conservatories (both open at 9am), both well worth the ticket price. Outside, the Heritage Garden takes you through the history and culture of Singapore’s three main ethnic groups and colonial past via interactive exhibits.

For a quick rundown on Singapore’s vibrant history, stop by the National Museum . Like Singapore itself, it’s well organised – take a trip through 700 years of Singapore’s history while admiring the building in which it is housed. Art and architecture lovers should not miss the National Gallery Singapore , where a world-class collection of 19th-century and modern Southeast Asian art adorns the walls of the recently renovated and connected historic City Hall and Old Supreme Court. Kids (young and old) will love the nearby MINT Museum of Toys , packed with over 50,000 vintage toys.

Feeling peckish? Enjoy a foodie staple of Singapore’s Indian community and order a roti prata (fried buttery flatbread) from any of the colourful shophouses lining the streets of Little India , a short MRT ride away. Grab a cold beer or fresh coconut water and drink in the vibrant atmosphere while mopping up curry sauce with freshly made roti . Fingers licked, head off to explore the laneways brimming with spices, fabrics, oils, medicines and the odd fortune teller. The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple will give you a glimpse of Hindu rituals.

If the bright lights of the Orchard Road shopping strip beckon, make sure to drop by Naiise in Orchardgateway ; stocked with wares by local designers and artisans, this is the perfect place to find something uniquely Singaporean. Street level is ideal for strolling and people-watching – be warned that if you enter the underground shopping labyrinth of ION Orchard , you may need a GPS to find your way to the surface again. Alternatively, wander south from Little India until you hit boutique-lined Kampong Glam hot spot Haji Lane .

As the sun sets and temperature drops, head to a rooftop bar to watch the Singapore skyline light up . For a bird’s-eye-view, perch on the balcony at CÉ LA VI , housed on the top of the famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Or go to Lantern at the Fullerton Bay Hotel for a front-row seat to the Spectra light-and-water show.

Once you’ve squandered your savings on your drink bill (alcohol is notoriously expensive in Singapore, and even more so at ritzier bars), it’s time to search out another famous Singaporean cuisine – satay . By night, city worker’s lunch spot Lau Pa Sat morphs into a giant bustling outdoor barbecue party from 7pm, with wafts of grilling meats enticing diners from near and far. Each stall offers up its own unique flavours, so order a few satay   sticks from one and then move on to the next.

If you’ve still got energy in the tank, wander over to the Chinatown nightlife hub of Club Street and join the throngs of people tasting their way through a mind-boggling range of cocktail concoctions, craft beers and wines  in its quaint shophouse bars (ask for the daily specials, which can be easier on the wallet). Friday and Saturday nights see revellers spill into the street to enjoy drinking al fresco, with the street closed to cars to make room.  By now thoughts of bed are probably starting to fill your mind, and we don’t blame you. That said, the DJs at Zouk , Attica and Headquarters by the Council are only just warming up…

Last updated in December 2017

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Girl Eat World

A girl's adventure in food and travel around the world, one day in singapore itinerary: explore the best of singapore in 24 hours (optimized for a layover).

This year, I’m celebrating my 10th anniversary of living in Singapore ! Yup, I’ve officially lived in this city country for a decade, and recently even became a Singaporean myself .

I don’t need to tell you that ten years is a pretty long time to get to know a place – especially one as tiny as Singapore. I’d like to think I know a thing or fifteen about this country!

I know many visitors ended up in Singapore as a layover while traveling to another country. Thanks to our beloved Changi Airport, which serves as a vibrant hub for many intercontinental flights. If you are one of the passengers of such flights, you might end up in Singapore just for a short time as you are connecting to your next flight.

Fret not – I’ve created a guide tailored just for you! Singapore is a city known for its small size and highly efficient lifestyle, so it’s very possible to see a lot even if you’re here for a short time.

What should I do if I am only stopping over for a few hours in Singapore?

Luggage storage at singapore changi airport, where to stay in singapore.

• Try the quintessential Singaporean Breakfast
• Explore Singapore’s Chinatown
• Visit Kampong Glam
• Try Singaporean Local Food
• Go to Little India
• Walk around the Waterfront Promenade
• Marina Bay Sands Skypark
• Visit Gardens By The Bay for the Garden Rhapsody Show
• Have some evening drinks

Staying for a bit longer?

This is a tricky question, but I’ll try to answer it as comprehensively as I can! Buckle up and read on:

1. Getting in and out of Changi Airport

Remember how I told you Singapore is highly efficient? Well, our airport is a great sneak peek of that efficiency. The immigration and taxi lines at Changi Airport move very fast.

Get through Immigration faster: make sure you’ve filled out the electronic Arrival card to make your visit even faster.

You’ll get out of the airport and into a taxi in 15-20 minutes on average. If you’re unlucky and the immigration line is long, don’t worry – it would still take less than 45 mins. Then from the airport, it’s only a 20-minute taxi ride to the central area. You won’t have issues getting a taxi either, as the taxi line is managed and there’s always a supply of cabs waiting.

Taxis in Singapore take both cash and major credit cards, but if you’re paying with a card just make sure to mention that you intend to do so to the person who is managing the taxi line, on the off chance that a taxi takes only cash.

2. How much time will I have in the city?

As a rule of thumb if you’re trying to estimate how much time you’ll actually have in the city, subtract your layover time by about 4-5 hours:

• 1-2 hours to get off your flight and into the city
• 30 minutes to get back to the airport later
• 2 hours to be at the airport before your next flight
• 30 minutes for some buffer time, just in case

So for example, if your layover is 6 hours, you’ll probably only have 1-2 hours to explore the city.

3. Is it worth getting out of Singapore Changi Airport on a layover?

It depends on when you’re landing and how long your layover is.

If you are in Singapore for LESS than 6 hours or during off-hours

If you are stopping over for less than 6 hours, or if you’re stopping over at night outside regular business hours, then it’s probably not worth getting out of the airport. But don’t worry, Changi Airport isn’t considered the best in the world for nothing! Check out the Changi Airport website for ideas on what to do while transiting .

Recently, the new Jewel Changi Airport was opened to the public which features an impressive indoor waterfall and garden as well as a long list of retail shops and good restaurants. You won’t be bored. However, visiting Jewel Changi Airport DOES require you to get out past the immigration line so only do this if you have a visa to enter Singapore . Jewel can be accessed quite easily from all 4 terminals of Changi Airport.

Click here to find out more about Jewel Airport .

If you are in Singapore for MORE than 6 hours during regular business hours

If you are stopping over for more than 6 hours and it’s during the day, then you should definitely get out of Changi Airport and explore the city.

Check out my itinerary below and see which one you’d like to do and which one is actually feasible for you. Personally, I think at the very least you should at least go to the waterfront promenade area.

4. Free Singapore Tour from Changi Airport

If you are in Singapore for more than 5.5 hours but less than 24 hours, you might be eligible for a free Singapore Tour that departs daily straight from Changi Airport depending on your passport (whether it grants you visa-free entry to Singapore or not) and flight time.

Book the free tour via the Changi Airport website

But if you prefer to go around by yourself, then keep reading for my recommendations!

You can store your luggage at Changi Airport for a small fee of S$5-18 depending on the size of the luggage, payable per 24 hours. This means even if you’re stopping in Singapore overnight, you could leave your big luggage at the airport and bring only your essentials and one day of clothes with you!

Click here for information on luggage storage at the airport

If your layover includes an overnight, you should not limit yourself to staying near the airport. Singapore is a small country – there is hardly ever any traffic and taxis are available around the clock, so you won’t encounter problems going to the airport later. I recommend staying in the Central area, Little India, Bugis, or Chinatown which is only a 20-minute cab ride to Changi airport.

Of course, everyone knows about the famous Marina Bay Sands and its infinity pool, but if you fancy a boutique hotel with more character, here are some hotels I recommend:

• The Scarlet Hotel – A luxury boutique hotel located conveniently in a shophouse on Club Street, one of Singapore’s most lively streets filled with cocktail bars and chic restaurants.
• The Sultan Hotel
• The Capitol Kempinski Hotel
• Six Senses Maxwell
• Clover Hotel at Jalan Sultan

Singapore One Day Itinerary

Okay, enough talk! Let’s move on to what you can do during your layover in Singapore. If you start really early in the morning and closely follow the itinerary I have below, your day might look like this:

As you can see, this is a pretty full-on schedule from early morning til night time. I’d like to remind you that this itinerary is merely a recommendation, so please feel free to pick and choose which activity you want to do!

1. Try the quintessential Singaporean Breakfast

If you are in Singapore for breakfast time, start your day with breakfast loved by all Singaporeans! Actually, I’ll take that back – you can have this any time of the day 😉

A breakfast set in Singapore usually consists of Kaya Toast with cold butter , accompanied by two soft-boiled eggs and a cup of local Kopi (the local way of saying “coffee”). You could skip the eggs and coffee, but I highly encourage you to try at least the Kaya toast, served with kaya jam and butter. Kaya jam is made from coconut milk, eggs, and sugar and is totally delicious.

I recommend heading down to Ya Kun Kaya Toast on China street ( map ) – it’s their first outlet since 1944 and is their most authentic outlet. It also helps that it’s in the middle of the city so it’s highly accessible.

However, if you can’t make it to this location, there are plenty of other Ya Kun locations around the city too, and sometimes even just any local food center will have a stall that sells Kaya toast.

2. Explore Singapore’s Chinatown (~2 hours)

From Ya Kun Kaya, Chinatown is only a short walk away – it’s just across the street actually!

A bit of back story of the Chinatown area – If you take the MRT (the subway) to Chinatown, you will notice that the station is displayed using three Chinese characters 牛车水. Those characters do not mean “Chinatown”, but they do tell a history of this area very well. 牛 is the character for “cow”, 车 is “car” and 水 is “water”. This is because back in the day, freshwater supplies were carried using carts pulled by oxen from a well in Ann Siang Hill, which I will get to in a minute.

I recommend starting from Telok Ayer street, literally translated to “Bay Water” in Malay (which by the way, is one of the four national languages of Singapore). Why the name? Because this area was literally the coastal line of Singapore before the country began reclaiming lands in the late 1880s. Back when it was still a coastal line, boats would line up and wait for freshwater here before hauling them up to Ann Siang Hill.

On Telok Ayer Street, you can find Thian Hock Keng temple , the oldest Hokkien temple in the country. While exploring the temple, take note of the beautiful tiles in and around the temple. These are the beautiful Peranakan tiles. Later on, in Chinatown, I recommend stopping by Peranakan Tile shop to see the various tile designs. The tile shop used to be located in this temple but had moved to 36 Temple Street, 10 minutes away from here, which you can do in the next part of Chinatown Central.

From Telok Ayer, you can walk north to Ann Siang Hill and find the well I was talking about earlier. Make your way to Chinatown central, where you’ll find Sri Mariamman Hindu Temple , Buddha Tooth Relic Temple , and of course, the Peranakan Tile shop I mentioned before. The Chinatown area, as the name indicates, was the settlement area for Chinese immigrants who came to Singapore in the 1800s. Nowadays, it’s a bustling area filled with shops, restaurants, and night markets.

Continue your way to Kreta Ayer Road and Keong Saik Road. Kreta Ayer simply means “Cart water” in Malay, and similar to Telok Ayer, it was named so due to its past history involving fresh water being carried by oxen carts. Keong Saik Road , on the other hand, is an area that was once a prominent red light district but has now turned into a hip area filled with bars and boutique hotels, housed in colorful preserved shophouses.

If you are in Singapore during the Chinese New Year period, you will find the area decorated and bustling with activities! Check the Singapore Events Calendar here .

Nearby Keong Saik road is the  EW16  Outram Park MRT , which you can take to your next destination at  EW12   DT14  Bugis MRT .

3. Visit Kampong Glam (~1.5 hours)

Kampong Glam was home to Malay royalties back in the 1800s. Since 1989, it has become one of the conservation areas in Singapore. From  EW12   DT14  Bugis MRT , make your way to Haji Lane , an artsy alley filled with colorful murals, local indie brands in shophouses, and trendy cafes. In the past 10 years, it has slowly become more vibrant and more trendy – definitely popular on Instagram these days.

Go one street over from Haji Lane to Arab Street where you’ll find Sultan Mosque , one of the most important mosques for the Muslim community in Singapore. In front of the Sultan Mosque, you’ll find rows of middle eastern restaurants. It used to be that you can relax and smoke shisha here, but shisha was banned from Singapore in 2016. So nowadays, you can just find good middle eastern food and some live entertainment here at night.

If you are in Singapore during the Ramadan month , you might want to come back here at night. Ramadan is the holy month when Muslims celebrate by fasting, and they break their fast by sunset and cool food markets will open. Check the Singapore Events Calendar here .

On your way out of the Kampong Glam area, if modern architecture is of interest, you might want to stop by Parkview Square which has been colloquially referred to as the “Gotham Building” by Singaporean residents. Once you see the building, you’ll know why – the building is grandly decorated in art deco style, and you can even find a few Dali sculptures in the courtyard. At the lobby of Parkview Square is Atlas, a grand art deco bar where you can have cocktails or afternoon tea.

4. Try Singaporean Local Food

Singapore is a country with many cultures, which you can see well in the form of our local food. We have Chinese food, Malay food, Indian food, Peranakan food, and even a fusion of Indian and Malay!

Want to know more about food in Singapore? Check out my list of what to eat in Singapore

Here are some of my personal favorites:

• Bak Kut Teh – Bak Kut Teh is a peppery, garlicky pork ribs soup that is loved by locals. Local favorites include Ng Ah Sio Bak Kut Teh and Founder’s Bak Kut Teh.
• Hainanese Chicken Rice – Singapore is pretty much synonymous with chicken rice, and you’ll see why! Despite the name, much of the importance of the dish lies in the rice itself rather than the chicken. The rice is so fragrant and full of flavors. My favorite chicken rice is Loy Kee.
• Violet Oon at National Gallery – A popular choice for Peranakan fare, set in the beautiful National Gallery museum.
• MTR 1924 – Located in Little India, this vegetarian restaurant serves some of the best South Indian food you can find not just in Singapore, but anywhere. Get the Masala Dosa, you won’t regret it!

If you don’t have time to make it to the original restaurants, you can find most of these dishes at Rasa Pura food court , found in the basement of Marina Bay Sands.

5. Go to Little India (1-1.5 hours)

Once you’re done with the Kampong Glam area, take the train to  NE7   DT12  Little India MRT, which is only one stop away from Bugis MRT using the downtown line. Your first stop from the Little India MRT is Tan Teng Niah House .

This colorful building is the former residence of Tan Teng Niah, the last Chinese villa in Little India. Tan Teng Niah owned sugarcane sweet factories in the area back in the 1900s. The house was restored and conserved in the 1980s for commercial use, and the restoration project was awarded the Singapore Institute of Architects Honourable Mention in 1991.

From Tan Teng Niah house, make your way down Serangoon Road on foot and just take in the atmosphere of Little India. It might be a little chaotic if you are here on a weekend.

This incredibly ornate gate is the Gopuram (entrance tower) of Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple , a Hindu temple in Little India. It is dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali, the fierce embodiment of Shakti, and the god Shiva’s wife, Parvati. You are allowed to enter the temple, but please take off your shoes before you do. There are places designated for your footwear right outside the temple.

At the end of Serangoon Road near Farrer Park MRT station is Mustafa Center , notorious as Singapore’s craziest shopping experience that you probably won’t find elsewhere in the world. Basically, Singapore locals and expats alike regard Mustafa Center as this magical, chaotic place where you can find everything and anything you can possibly dream of – from clothes to groceries, to even jewelry and furniture. The layout of Mustafa isn’t the most organized or logical, so just be mentally prepared before you get in.

PS: Little India is one of the most festive neighborhoods in Singapore. If you are so lucky to have come to Singapore during one of the festivals, especially Deepavali , you’ll find the neighborhood even more lively and brightly decorated. Check the Singapore Events Calendar here .

6. Walk around the Waterfront Promenade (~1 hour)

One of the areas I always recommend friends to visit is the Singapore waterfront promenade. It’s very accessible (practically in the middle of the city) and it’s a very cool area to walk around in.

First and foremost, you cannot miss the Merlion statue . Merlion is a mythical creature that resembles a mermaid with the head of a lion (hence the name Merlion!). But why a lion? It has been speculated that the name “Singapore” comes from the Malay words Singa (lion) and Pura (city). Hence, Singapore has been nicknamed “lion city”. And the fish part? It is to symbolize Singapore’s past as a humble fishing village.

Aside from the Merlion Statue, you can also visit a few historical sites such as the Fullerton Hotel , which was originally built in 1928 and had been used for many purposes – the General Post Office, a hospital during World War II, and the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore (tax) headquarters, before finally being restored into a five-star luxury hotel in 2001.

A little off the waterfront is Raffles Hotel , the most charming and historical hotel in Singapore dating from 1887. You probably can’t visit most of the private areas unless you are a guest of the hotel, but you can still take a look at the lobby and admire its colonial-style look and furniture. Most notably, you’ll want to visit the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel which is said to be the place where Singapore Sling, the cocktail, was born. I’ll speak more about this later on, in the nightlife section, but it’s not reserved for just nightlife. Day drinking is a thing in Singapore! 😉

If you decide to walk along the water on the promenade, you’ll come across a lotus-shaped building. This is the ArtScience Museum , one of my favorite museums in Singapore. The museum often houses very interesting exhibits, and one of their permanent exhibits is interactive pieces by the famous teamLAB from Japan. You can check what’s on and buy tickets for ArtScience Museum exhibits here .

7. Marina Bay Sands Skypark

And nearby the Art Science Museum is the Marina Bay Sands Hotel with the famous infinity pool at the top of the hotel. While the pool is strictly for hotel guests only, there is an observation deck called the Marina Bay Sands Skypark which can be visited by the public. The Skypark will give you a 360 view of the Singapore waterfront area.

If the weather is good, I would recommend visiting the Skypark close to sunset – around 6:15 PM – 6:30 PM would be ideal. The sun sets around 7 PM in Singapore.

A ticket is required to visit the Skypark. Get the tickets here ! For entry after 4 PM, you do need to book a time slot when you buy the ticket .

8. Visit Gardens By The Bay for the Garden Rhapsody Show (~1 hour)

A visit to the Gardens By The Bay requires at least three hours to properly walk around the area and visit the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest .

You can buy tickets to Gardens By the Bay here

But if you only have half an hour or so, I still recommend catching the free show Garden Rhapsody – you’ll see the Super Tree in all its glory, with a matching musical number! They do the show every night at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM.

Check Garden Rhapsody Schedule here for the most up-to-date schedule.

Entry to the Garden Rhapsody area is free, but there is a paid skywalk you can take to be even closer to the trees. I recommend this if you have more than half an hour (not counting the Garden Rhapsody, which takes 15 minutes).

9. Have some Evening Drinks

Singapore has a very vibrant nightlife, so you will not be short of options if you want to go out. But since you are short on time, here are a few that I recommend, depending on the vibe you are going for:

For a great view of the city: Go to Lvl 33 or OverEasy

These two spots are the perfect spot to view the Spectra light show!

Check the Spectra Light & Water show schedule here .

For some culture & history: Long Bar at Raffles Hotel

If you’ve heard of the Singapore Sling – well, look no further! The Long Bar is where the drink was invented. While I personally think the Singapore Sling is way too sweet and overpriced (it’s $32!!), I loved the charm of the Long Bar itself. The Long Bar features countless notable guests, such as Ernest Hemingway, Elizabeth Taylor, and Alfred Hitchcock.

At the bar, you’ll also notice peanut shells scattered around the floor – this is part of the long tradition left from colonial times and quite possibly the only place in squeaky-clean Singapore where littering is actually encouraged.

For Trendy Bars and Cocktails: Head to Keong Saik Street and Duxton Hill

When it comes to the trendier cocktail bars, Singapore is heaven for you, if you are willing to shell out the dollars, that is! Most of these places open at night, so I can only recommend this if your flight is not until after midnight or the next morning.

Some of the notable cocktail bars and lounges are:

• The Tippling Club (one of the world’s best 50 bars)
• Junior (a very small bar with only 10 or so seats)
• 28 Hong Kong Street (a hidden speakeasy bar)

If you want something a bit special, you can head to Atlas at Parkview Square. Like Parkview Square itself, Atlas is also highly decorated in art deco style. Take note while the rest of Singapore is pretty relaxed about dressing up, Atlas enforces a dress code so you need to wear pants and closed-toe shoes.

But if you’re not picky where you go – just head down Keong Saik street and you’ll be spoiled for choice. The crowd is good here on Friday and Saturday nights. Most of the cocktail bars close at midnight or 1 AM, and the crowd resumes to lounges or nightclubs.

If you’re staying more than 24 hours, fret not. There is so much more to see in Singapore. Check out my 5 days Singapore Itinerary for more ideas . I recommend looking at Day 2 and 3 in that post for things that I did not cover here.

And that’s all I have on the must-do in Singapore within 24 hours. If you have a question or two, PLEASE do not hesitate to comment below. I am actively answering comments you guys leave, so you’ll get your answer really soon!

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34 Comments

• May 10, 2024

Hey Melissa,

Thankyou so much for this guide- I have found it so helpful already and haven’t actually completed it yet! I arrive in Singapore on Monday at 7:40 am and leave the following morning at 9:15- hoping I can fit most of your itinerary in! Thankyou !

• February 27, 2024

Hi Melissa, Any recommendations where are the best places to shop in the city? Also I’m planning to take home some souvenir items for my family and co-workers, do you have a recommendations for these also? Thanks!

Hi Patricia, what sort of items are you shopping for? For souvenirs, I think the smith street at Chinatown has good variety.

• February 28, 2024

Some clothes, electronic,s as well as souvenir items that can only be bought in SG. Thank you!

• December 2, 2023

Hi Melissa, Your post is very informative, thanks for that. Could you please guide me on one more thing? I have a layover of 15 hours, will it be worth booking a Universal studio ticket? I can spend 7 am to 4 pm after deducting 4/5 hours from the total layover as you recommended. I also do not want to miss The Merlion. Do you recommend a River cruise instead of the Universal Studio? what serial should I be following starting from Airport?

• December 4, 2023

Hey Tahmina, I personally don’t think Universal studio is worth it if you only have 1 sat in Singapore. There are so many other things to do here! Between that and river cruise I would choose the river cruise

• October 14, 2023

Hello! We are going to be coming through on a 25 hour layover that starts at 930pm and we leave the next day 720pm. Any suggestion on where I should look for a hotel or Airbnb for the night to make the most of our sightseeing the next day before our flight? Thank you!!

• October 15, 2023

Hey Alyssa, most hotels in Singapore would be around the city center. So look for those that are close to Chinatown MRT, City Hall MRT, Bugis MRT.

• October 22, 2023

Thank you so much 🙂 🙂

• October 9, 2023

Hi Melissa- thank you so much for this. I’m here for work and followed this all day yesterday in an attempt to tackle the jet lag after a red eye flight and had the most wonderful day!

Hey CD, thank you so much for taking the time to leave the comment. I am always really glad to find out the post helped!

• October 8, 2023

Hi Melisa i loved your info about the Singapore, you made my homework done. only the quation i have how about is it possible to get free tour from airport arrnd the city and stay in city centre for hotel and comeback to airport by taxi. i loved the idea to visit Singapore from airport free and to visit most famius places

Hey Oksana, I think the free city tour is not possible for tourist who are staying overnight in Singapore. It is only for those who are on a layover

• September 27, 2023

Hello Melissa, We have a 12 hour layover. These are great. I noticed that there is no Marina Sands Observation Deck included– does it mean its not worth it for the short time layover? Thanks so much for your insights

Hey Tal, I think it’s a great option! I wrote this when the observation deck was still closed, but you are reminding me to revisit the post. Thanks!

To answer your question whether it’s worth it or not, I think since you have 12 hours, you’ll have plenty of time so definitely try to make it there. I have to say though, there are other options too if you want to see the city from above. Level 33 brewery, the CapitaSpring Sky garden (free!), and Mrs Stork bar, are some of them.

• August 2, 2023

Hi Melissa, Thank you for the informative article. hope you are doing well. My layover time in Singapore is 16 hours. Should I book a free city tour or take a taxi or public transport( which one would be easiest and economical)? I reach at 3:00 am and my next flight is at evening 8:00 pm. Would you please suggest a good itinerary and what things I need to do as a solo traveler? Thanking you in advance.

If you want easiest, then definitely go with public transport. There is a direct line to the city. You can follow the itinerary I have in my post

• July 30, 2023

I enjoyed your article. Do you know anyone who does city tours? We get into singapore after midnight, have one day, and then leave the next day at 9am. I’m not sure to book a tour or just do it on our own. I think we would see more with a tour. I definitely want to go to garden by the bay. Thanks!

• July 12, 2023

Hi, may i ask one question? I will have a 24hous transit in Singapore. Can I clear immigration to travel outside the city and register for a bus free tour bus? Do two things

Hi Ahn, yes you can if you have a visa to Singapore. I answered this in the blog post above https://girleatworld.net/one-day-in-singapore/#stopover

• May 21, 2023

Thanks, great articles and much appreciated.

• May 22, 2023

Thanks for the comment Jamie! I hope it was helpful

• May 1, 2023

Thank you for a wonderful article! Where can I find the best spicy crab please? I only have the lunch hours to try this dish.

Appreciate your recommendation!

• February 20, 2023

This is a fantastic article! Thank you 🙂

I’ll be coming through Singapore in a few weeks but the stopover will be pretty tight (6-7 hours)… I definitely want to get out and probably will have kaya toast and hainanese chicken, but want to optimise the day. Is there any specific stops you’d especially recommend? Also, are there any recommended craft beer stops you’d suggest? I remember years ago there used to be a famous beer man at a Singaporean market, but maybe there is better on offer these days.

I welcome your thoughts and experience!

• January 11, 2023

Great article. Thank you for the tips. Is it easy to find a taxi to get back to the airport or can I take an mrt back to the airport?

yes taxi should be very easy to get. can ask your hotel to get one or book yourself via the Zig CDG app, or you can book Grab too.

• June 1, 2022

Hello Melissa! Wonderful article! May I please ask if you have any specific suggestions/advice for a 19hour stopover in Singapore with a 3 year old and a 1 year old kid?

Hey Sofia, good question! I have a 2 year old myself. There are lots of things you can do with children depending on how much time you have and the weather. Here are some options:

You could take them to check out Cloud forest and flower dome. It’s an enclosed area and the kids can run around in an air-conditioned space. Nearby, there is also an outdoor waterplay area called Children’s garden which might be of interest especially if its hot and not raining. Bring swimsuits, towels and change of clothes!

Aside of that, you could also check out Botanic Gardens. Jacob Ballas Children’s garden and Gallop extension is a great area for kids to play. However, this will be all out door so it depends whether you can go when it’s not too hot or when it’s not raining.

There is also the zoo and river safari, but again it depends on whether your layover time is mostly during the day or not. I highly recommend river safari as it’s mostly enclosed (so it’s weather proof) and they have the baby panda there.

The cable car (which I wrote about in the post) is also a great activity for kids. My 2 year old loved it!

If you want to stay close to the city, you can take them to check out ArtScience museum. There is a teamlab permanent exhibition there that is a huge hit with kids.

Also, if you’re traveling without car seat and want to bring the kids in a car, you can only take them in the official taxis. If you want to go with the ridesharing cars (like the ones booked through Grab or Gojek), you’ll need to put them in car seats. As much as possible I recommend taking the train or bus.

Whew that was long. You gave me an idea for a post so thank you for that!

• April 10, 2022

Thank you for detail article.

• March 16, 2022

Very useful informations, thank you

• August 7, 2019

Cheers! I’m doing both a long and short layover in Singapore in the near future and this article was perfect!

hope you enjoy Singapore!

• July 16, 2019

This is a great collection Thanks for sharing such an useful Information 🙂

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One Day in a City

24 Hour Travel Itineraries to Make the Most of a Day in a Destination

One Day in Singapore: The Ultimate 24-Hour Itinerary

November 14, 2023 By Gina Posts on this site may contain affiliate links. Read the full disclosure here .

A Detailed Guide of the Best Things to Do, See, & Eat in Singapore When Short on Time

A perfect day in Singapore aims to encapsulate everything that makes Singapore what it is, from eating where the locals eat, to shopping in Orchard. Since you’re looking to have just one day in Singapore, we recommend spending your time in the city center to minimize time spent traveling between locations.

Start Your Day with Breakfast at a Hawker Center

Prior to the 1950s and 60s, food vendors were found on the streets of Singapore – similar to what you would find in other Southeast Asia countries.  This caused issues with food hygiene standards and the government at the time recognized the need to improve this.

This led to the introduction of government-owned food courts around Singapore called hawker centers.  These hawker centers are provided at low cost to food vendors, but have strict food hygiene requirements.  This makes hawker centers a safe way to enjoy delicious street food in Singapore.

A great way to start your day in Singapore is to get up early and find your nearest hawker centre.  They are usually within walking distance of most popular areas. I would recommend trying roti prata from one of the vendors – it should cost you about $2-3 SGD for two roti and some curry.

Go Shopping in Orchard

After breakfast, find your way to your nearest MRT station – the easiest way to do so is to use Google Maps, but if in doubt, know that they are located within walking distance of most places in Singapore so should be easy to find if you ask someone. 

At the MRT station, read the signs and take the line to Orchard. If you are staying in Orchard, then you may be able to walk instead.

Once in Orchard, you will find thousands of stores inside countless shopping malls.  The shops here are mostly high end, though Lucky Plaza is a great spot for budget travelers.  Your best move is to walk down the street and pick a couple of malls to visit, the main ones are ION at the top, and Paragon and Orchard Central further down the road.

If you are a big shopper, then it’s easy to spend a whole day here exploring all the shops.  For the sake of this guide, just give yourself an hour or two and then it’s onto the next stop!

Eat Lunch in Chinatown

Singapore’s Chinatown was once home to a large portion of Singapore’s Chinese population.  Since the mid-20th century, it has transformed into a major cultural hub of Chinese markets, restaurants, and decorations.

Make your way here via the MRT (you could walk, but it would take a while) and take a walk around the area. Head down Smith Street where you will find the Chinatown Street Market – it’s located right next to the Chinatown MRT.

At the end of the street, you should visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple which is an impressive temple in the heart of Chinatown. It’s four stories high and illustrates the architecture of the Tang Dynasty.

After this, it’s a short walk to Maxwell Hawker Centre, which is one of our favorite Hawker Centers in Singapore. Grab some lunch here, obviously, we’d recommend the Chinese vendors. It’s one of the best places to taste the Chinese cuisine in Singapore.

Explore Clarke & Boat Quay

After lunch, it’s a great idea to take a walk through Clarke and Boat Quay.  You can get here either by walking (it’s a 20-minute walk), or you can head back to the Chinatown MRT and take the North East / Purple line one stop to Clarke Quay.

Check out all the eateries and bars here (if Hawker Centres aren’t your thing, then you could even get your lunch here) and consider taking a boat ride along the river if you’re keen to relax.

If you’re up for more walking, Fort Canning is located next to Clarke Quay and offers some great photography spots.

You should also walk along the river towards Boat Quay.  At the end, you will find the famous Merlion statue, renowned the world over as the symbol of Singapore. 

Gardens by the Bay & Light Show

By now it should be about mid or late-afternoon. Make your way over to the Cloud Forest in Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay .  From the Merlion, it’s a 20-minute walk, or you could book a Grab, which is similar to getting an Uber (the MRT wouldn’t really make sense here).

The Gardens by the Bay are one of the most epic places in all of Singapore. Walk across the Dragonfly Bridge and enjoy the sculptures in the Dragonfly Lake on your way to the Cloud Forest.  

The Cloud Forest is a rainforest inside a giant glass conservatory housing over 200,000 plants. In our opinion, it’s far superior to the Flower Dome, so unless you are obsessed with flowers, you should skip the Flower Dome and just see the Cloud Forest. Entry to one conservatory is $16, it’s not listed online but just ask at the desk.

It will take a couple of hours to look around (depending on how obsessed you are with tropical plants and giant indoor waterfalls), then walk over to the OCBC Skyway. If you’re scared of heights, this might not be for you – but, for just $8 you can walk in the sky along a bridge joining two giant Supertrees.

After this, you can explore the Supertree Grove until about 7:30pm. Find a nice spot of grass to lie down on; at 7:45pm the Supertree Grove will light up to the tune of ‘Garden Rhapsody’.  

Marina Bay Sands is located next to Gardens by the Bay and is a great place to head to next for some dinner.  You’ll find a range of upscale restaurants and eateries in the building, or you can head to the bottom floor of the shopping mall where there is a hawker centre inspired food court and a giant indoor waterfall.

Finally, head to the top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel to get a stunning view of the Singapore cityscape at night.

• Want to stay at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and get easier access to its famous infinity pool? Click here to see photos and prices!

How to Get Around Singapore

This entire One Day in Singapore guide can be done via Singapore’s amazing MRT system or by foot.  

To use Singapore’s MRT, you will need to pick up either a Singapore Tourist Pass at the airport or an EZ-Link card.  The former gives you unlimited access to public transport for 1-3 days and is the easiest option, but the EZ-Link card which you top up at MRT stations often works out slightly cheaper.

You then visit any MRT station and swipe your card to get on and off the train.  The stations are everywhere so getting around is quick and easy in Singapore.

—> Read More: One Day in Seoul

About the Author: Delilah Hart is a traveling blogger from Auckland, New Zealand.  Her family is from Singapore and it’s one of her favorite places in the world.  You can follow her adventures on Instagram .

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I'm a former travel agency marketing director turned freelance travel writer. My editorial and copywriting work has been published on and in USA TODAY, Travel + Leisure, the Travel Channel Cities app, TripSavvy, and many more online and print publications. I especially love sharing my knowledge of traveling with limited vacation time, making the most of cruise ports of call, and vacationing with kids. I also enjoy sharing my favorite travel gear and products to make traveling easier!

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