How to Spend THREE DAYS in Singapore: 3 Day Itinerary

Visiting Singapore and not sure where to start? We’ve got you covered!

Singapore has a reputation for glitz and glamour, but we were happy to find some local hidden treasures, too. We went from exploring vibrant neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little India to watching the Supertrees glow at night and sipping a drink with skyline views. But figuring out exactly what’s worth doing can be a bit overwhelming!

To help you experience Singapore’s eclectic culture, we’ve crafted the ultimate 3-day itinerary that balances guided tours, iconic sights, and time to explore at your own pace. First-time visitor or repeat traveler, this itinerary has you covered. Here’s how to make it happen!

Itinerary Overview

Singapore isn’t huge, but it packs a lot of things to do and see into a few key areas. So we are going to pack a lot into these three days to make the most of your time! Three days is the ideal amount of time for visiting, as you can see iconic sights like Gardens by the Bay and the Merlion, taste local favorites like satay and laksa, and even sit at the same bar where the Singapore Sling was created. 

We’ll break everything down in this itinerary, but here’s an overview and a few must-knows for an easy visit to Singapore. 

Tips for visiting: 

English is everywhere: English is actually one of the four official languages, so expect friendly smiles and easy communication.

Getting around is easy: Grab (basically the same as Uber) is the hands-down best way to get around. Download the app before you go – rides are cheap, readily available, and will be a welcome break from the heat. Traffic isn’t really an issue in Singapore, so it never takes too long to get from point A to B, even in rush hour. You can also use the MRT and simply pay with your card (as long as it’s Visa, Master Card, or American Express). 

It’s always humid: Expect it to be quite humid in Singapore year-round, with April and May being pretty unbearable (lucky for us, we visited in April). Pack accordingly – it’s rare you’ll see me in jeans here! The dress code is generally relaxed, except at temples and mosques, where shoulders and knees must be covered.

Day 1: Kick off your adventure with a small-group bike tour of the city’s top sights or a private car tour, wander through Nankin Street in Chinatown, and wrap up the night with a guided river cruise and spectacular light shows at the Supertree Grove.

Day 2: Start today diving deep into Singapore’s food scene on a small-group Chinatown tasting tour, then balance it out with museums, gardens, or shopping before ending the night under glowing lanterns in Chinatown and enjoying the famous chili mud crab for dinner.

Day 3: Spend your final day mastering Singaporean dishes in a hands-on cooking class, wandering the colorful streets of Kampong Glam, and toasting your trip with skyline views from Marina Bay.

Day 1

Breakfast – Try Kaya toast at Ya Kun Kaya Toast

Ready to start your Singapore adventure with some local classics? Head to Ya Kun Kaya Toast for Singapore’s version of eggs and toast. There were a lot of locals here – in fact, we were the only tourists. 

Kaya toast is basically two slices of toast with kaya (a sweet cream) and butter, served alongside kopi (strong coffee) and soft-boiled eggs. I must say, this dish is not for everyone! It was tasty, but the eggs were very soft, so we basically ate the toast and dipped it in the egg yolk. Whether or not this was the proper way to eat it, we will never know!

We loved the whole atmosphere, and the coffee was strong and tasty. The perfect way to start the day. There are a few locations around town, but we went to the Far East Square location, which was in Chinatown.

Morning – Explore the city

Option 1: Explore Singapore’s highlights on two wheels

With only three days in Singapore, you’ll want to hit the ground running (or shall we say, pedaling). We love bike tours because they cover more ground and sights than a walking tour, and this small-group bike tour we went on definitely delivered! 

Our tour began at 9 am and was a 10-minute Grab ride from Ya Kun Kaya Toast. The tour lasts four hours, wrapping up by 1 pm, which gives you enough time to cover almost the whole city! One important note is that Singapore is already pretty hot by 9 am, and we covered about 30 km (18.5 miles), so while the route is flat, I’d recommend this tour for more active travelers. 

We started out rolling through Marina Bay, getting incredible views of Marina Bay Sands, the Merlion, and the Singapore Flyer – iconic Singapore! 

Beyond the classic sights, the tour did a great job of highlighting the cultural heart of the city. We cycled through Chinatown and Little India, and explored Kampong Glam, where the golden dome of Sultan Mosque rises above the Arab Quarter. 

We saw even more sights, but don’t worry, we weren’t on the go for the entire four hours. Our guide did a really good job of stopping to take in the sights or grab a snack and water. It was really well paced!

This tour really packs in the best of Singapore in just a few hours, and with over 6,000 glowing reviews, it’s clearly a winner!

Option 2: City tour in an air-conditioned vehicle

If you’re visiting Singapore during its hottest time of year, March to June, or aren’t up for riding 30 km (18.5 miles) on a bicycle, we have a fantastic alternative for you! This private city tour will take you around the city in an air-conditioned car, making it a breeze to see the top sights. 

We also love private tours because they are highly customizable and let you see what truly interests you. You can stick to the same schedule as the bike tour and book the 4-hour tour starting at 9 am. Alternatively, they offer a 6-hour tour if you want a more in-depth experience. Just book the 8 am tour, and you’ll stay right on schedule!

Choose between seeing the famous Singapore sights, such as Gardens by the Bay, the Botanical Gardens, and Marina Bay Sands, or going more off the beaten path to check out Little India and Chinatown. Regardless, the guide will have plenty of local insight and recommendations, making this an immersive way to experience Singapore. 

If you get the chance, you can take the cable car from Mount Faber to Sentosa Island. This is a huge draw for this tour, as many city tours don’t offer this option. 

Best of all, they offer hotel pick-up and drop-off, making for a relaxed and convenient morning. 

Lunch – Nankin Street

Nankin Street (often called Nankin Row) is a charming walking street in Chinatown, filled with restaurants and bars. It’s the perfect area for lunch, with so many options! You can choose from ramen, Chinese food, local Singaporean dishes, or healthier options, too. We saw a lot of local businesspeople enjoying lunch here, so even at midday, it was quite a lively atmosphere.

Our top recommendations for lunch spots are Mashi No Mashi Singapore for ramen, Wang Dae Bak Korean BBQ for, you guessed it, Korean BBQ, and Folks Collective for Thai food. If you need a caffeine fix, stop by percolate. for some strong coffee!

Afternoon – Relax or grab a drink

Regardless of what tour you went on this morning, you’ll probably want to take some time back at your hotel to relax. That’s what we did anyway! Spend a few hours just resting and relaxing, then get ready for your evening activity.

We had some extra time before meeting up at our 5:30 pm tour, so we headed to Jypsy One Fullerton for a cocktail. This is right next to the tour’s meeting point and overlooks Marina Bay, plus they have a great happy hour from 3 to 6 pm. We had some appetizers here too, as there won’t be a chance to eat until after the tour finishes at 9:30/10 pm. 

Evening – Singapore evening tour

As evening approaches, it’s time for one of the highlights of this Singapore itinerary—this 4-hour night tour that bundles the skyline, river cruise, and two major light shows into one seamless experience. 

Instead of coordinating everything yourself, it’s all handled for you, so you can simply relax and enjoy the city after dark. We recommend booking the 5:30 pm option with no hotel pick-up, since you’ll already be near Marina Bay after grabbing a drink at Jypsy One Fullerton

The evening kicks off at Merlion Park, just as the skyline starts to glow. It’s a perfect time for those classic Marina Bay photos. From there, you’ll swing by Clarke Quay, where the colorful riverside shophouses light up, and the atmosphere starts to buzz. As night settles in, you’ll hop aboard a 30-minute Singapore River cruise, gliding under illuminated bridges and cruising into Marina Bay with the skyline sparkling ahead.

Once back on land, the night continues at Gardens by the Bay for the Garden Rhapsody light show, where the Supertrees glow to music against the dark sky. The grand finale is Spectra at Marina Bay Sands, a vibrant mix of fountains, lasers, and music that wraps up the evening in classic Singapore style.

When the tour wraps up, you can choose hotel drop-off or opt to be dropped off at Lau Pa Sat instead. You’ll probably be hungry, so heading there for a late-night bite is a fun way to end your first day in Singapore.

Dinner – Lau Pa Sat

Since the evening cruise offers an optional drop-off at Lau Pa Sat, this is the perfect place to grab dinner. Even if you booked the “no pick-up” option for the tour, drop-off here is still included, which makes it a super convenient way to end the night without needing to arrange another ride.

Lau Pa Sat is one of Singapore’s most famous hawker centers, housed in a beautiful Victorian-style building with ornate ironwork and a lively atmosphere. While you may have visited a hawker center earlier in the day, this one showcases just how diverse Singapore’s food scene really is. You’ll find everything from local favorites to international dishes, so there’s no shortage of options.

We highly recommend going to the satay section along Boon Tat Street. Here you can try the world-famous satay that is totally worth the hype! Vendors 7 and 8 are the most popular stalls, and you can easily find them from the large signs or crowds around here (don’t worry, they move quickly!). Other must-try dishes here are laksa and Hainanese chicken rice – so good!

Day 2

Morning – Taste your way around Singapore

There’s no need to plan breakfast or lunch today because this morning is all about eating your way through Chinatown on this guided gourmet food tour. Hawker centers can feel overwhelming at first, so having a local expert lead the way makes all the difference.

This small-group tour starts at 9:30 am and runs for about 3 hours and 30 minutes, finishing around 1 pm. Along the way, you’ll visit Michelin Guide and Bib Gourmand hawker stalls, sampling the very best bites Singapore has to offer.

The route winds through the heart of Chinatown, stopping at heavy hitters like Maxwell Food Centre and the Chinatown Complex, where hawker culture truly comes alive. Between tastings, your guide shares the stories behind the dishes and explains why hawker food is such an important part of Singapore’s identity.

You’ll also pass landmarks like Sri Mariamman Temple and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, adding a little sightseeing between bites.

With a small group, the experience feels relaxed and interactive, making it easy to ask questions and get personalized recommendations. By the end, you’ll not only be full, but you’ll also have a better understanding of Singapore’s food scene and likely a few favorite stalls to revisit later in your trip.

Afternoon – Free time to explore or relax

With your tour finishing around 1 pm, you’ll have a few hours to either relax back at the hotel or squeeze in another experience. Whether you’re in the mood for culture, shopping, or simply a cool drink, here are some great options:

• Singapore Botanic Gardens (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Wander through tropical greenery in this peaceful escape from the city. The shaded paths, sweeping lawns, and tranquil lakes make it easy to slow down and recharge. Most visitors spend about 1.5 to 2 hours here for a relaxed wander, though you could easily stay 3 hours if you add the National Orchid Garden and take your time.

• National Gallery Singapore: Housed in two beautifully restored monuments, this museum features the largest public collection of modern art in Southeast Asia. The mix of historic architecture and cutting-edge exhibitions makes it a must for both art lovers and casual visitors alike. Allow around 2 hours for a comfortable visit, or up to 3 hours if you really enjoy modern art and want to explore it properly.

• Peranakan Museum: Learn about Singapore’s Peranakan (Straits Chinese) culture through vibrant exhibits of traditional clothing, jewelry, and artifacts. The colorful displays bring history to life and are easy to appreciate during a short visit. Most visitors spend about an hour, though you could stay longer if you enjoy more in-depth exhibits.

• Shopping along Orchard Road: From luxury brands to quirky local boutiques, Orchard Road is Singapore’s most famous shopping street, and a great spot for people-watching. Even a quick stroll here gives you a taste of the city’s modern, cosmopolitan vibe. Budget 1.5 to 2 hours for a casual browse and a few stops, or 3 to 4 hours if you’re planning a proper shopping session.

If you’d prefer to keep things simple, you can easily center your afternoon around Singapore’s Civic District, where several of these stops are close together and easy to connect. Start with the Peranakan Museum for about an hour to dive into Singapore’s colorful Straits Chinese heritage, then stroll or take a short Grab ride over to the National Gallery Singapore. Spending a couple of hours here gives you time to appreciate the modern Southeast Asian art while also admiring the beautifully restored historic buildings themselves.

If you’re still feeling energized afterward, you can wrap things up on Orchard Road, either via MRT or a quick taxi ride, for a few hours of shopping, window browsing, and people-watching before dinner.

This route keeps travel time minimal while giving you a balanced mix of culture, history, and a little indulgence.

Dinner – Eat Chili Mud Crab

Ready to get your hands dirty and try Singapore’s signature Chili Mud Crab? I know, it sounds a little daunting, but it’s totally worth it. 

This dish is prepared with a whole mud crab in a pot of bubbling, flavorful spices and ingredients. You’ll eat it with plastic gloves and a bib, and I’d leave the white clothes at home because the sauce is bright red. 

The experience in itself is fun, but the food is melt-in-your-mouth good. 

The most famous restaurant in Singapore is Jumbo Seafood, but it can be quite pricey. We found other popular options to be Taste of Seafood Boat Quay Singapore and Seafood by the River. Pretty much any place near The Riverwalk will set yourself up well for the evening! 

Evening –  Walk along The Singapore River

After indulging in a crab feast, slow things down with a leisurely walk along the Singapore River. From any of the restaurants above, you can walk back towards Marina Bay or head further down the Singapore River. It’s a beautiful walk with footpaths following the river on both sides. We even crossed the river at one of the bridges to see it from the other side. 

This part of Singapore is quiet and peaceful, and honestly a welcome change of pace after a busy past few days!

Night – Enjoy the buzz of Chinatown in the evening

After dinner at Peach Garden, you’re already in one of the most atmospheric parts of the city, so it’s worth lingering a little longer. Chinatown takes on a different energy in the evening, when the lanterns glow, the streets fill with people, and the night markets come alive.

Spend some time wandering along Pagoda Street and Smith Street, browsing for souvenirs or simply soaking up the lively street scenes. The mix of heritage shophouses, bright lights, and buzzing crowds gives the area a distinctly Singaporean feel, especially after dark.

If you’re in the mood for something sweet, stop by Mei Heong Yuen Dessert (closed Mondays) for a traditional local treat. Try a bowl of chendol (shaved ice topped with coconut milk, palm sugar, and green rice jelly) or go for ice kacang, piled high with colorful toppings. It’s refreshing, fun, and a great way to cool down in the evening humidity.

For a change of pace, take a 10-minute walk over to Ann Siang Hill, where the atmosphere shifts completely. Here, you’ll find stylish wine bars and relaxed rooftop terraces that offer a calmer, more intimate way to wind down. Whether you stick with the buzz of Chinatown or opt for something quieter, it’s an easy and enjoyable way to wrap up day two.

Related Read: If you find yourself with extra time, see our blog on the Best Things to do in Singapore for more fun activities!

Day 3

Breakfast – MERCI MARCEL

Start your final day in Singapore with a relaxed breakfast at MERCI MARCEL, a charming French café with a laid-back European vibe. We recommend getting there right when it opens at 8 am so you can enjoy a leisurely meal and still have plenty of time before your cooking class at 9:30 this morning.

The atmosphere here is bright and welcoming, with a laid-back European feel that makes it easy to settle in and savor your coffee. If you’re craving something classic, you can’t go wrong with a flaky croissant or a rich pain au chocolat. For something more filling, the Croque Marcel (a gourmet ham-and-cheese topped with a fried egg) is a standout. The scrambled eggs with truffle paste and aged Parmesan are another flavor-packed option that feels a little elevated without being over-the-top.

Prefer to start the day on a sweeter note? The French toast is always a solid choice, too. MERCI MARCEL is a calm, comfortable way to ease into the morning before diving into your final day’s activities.

Morning – Learn to cook delicious Singaporean dishes

After breakfast, make your way to Chinatown for this hands-on Singapore cooking class that starts at 9:30 am. The class runs for 3 hours, finishing around 12:30 pm, so it conveniently doubles as your lunch.

Singapore is world-famous for its food, and this class is a fun way to go beyond tasting it and actually learn how it all comes together. Once you meet your local instructors and suit up with an apron, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and start cooking. 

During the class, you’ll prepare three dishes, with the menu changing depending on the day. One session might feature laksa with fried spring rolls, while another could include char kway teow with nyonya popiah, or nasi lemak paired with sambal prawns. Whateve

As you cook, the instructors share the cultural influences behind each dish, from Malay and Chinese to Indian and British traditions, so you walk away with more than just a handful of recipes. When everything is ready, you’ll gather around the table to enjoy the dishes you’ve created together.

It’s an engaging way to spend the morning in Chinatown and a deeper dive into Singapore’s food culture than simply eating out. It’s one of those experiences people genuinely rave about afterward—you can even check out over a THOUSAND 5-star reviews here!

Afternoon – Explore Kampong Glam’s colorful streets

After your cooking class wraps up around 12:30 pm, you’ll have a few hours before heading back toward Marina Bay for the evening. For a change of scenery from Chinatown, hop in a taxi for about a 10 to 15-minute ride to Kampong Glam. You rode through this area on day one’s bike tour, but it’s so cute that it’s worth exploring in depth.

This historic district is one of Singapore’s most character-filled neighborhoods, blending heritage architecture with a creative, modern edge. The streets are lined with beautifully preserved shophouses, giving you that classic Singapore look, but the area also feels fresh and lively thanks to independent boutiques, cafés, and street art.

One of the main highlights is the striking Sultan Mosque, with its golden dome rising above the neighborhood. It’s open to visitors from 2–4 pm, making this the perfect time to step inside and learn more about its cultural and religious significance. Nearby, Arab Street is known for its textile shops and traditional businesses, while Haji Lane offers bold murals, quirky storefronts, and a fun, energetic atmosphere that’s great for photos.

Plan to spend about 2 to 3 hours wandering at your own pace, then head back to your hotel to get freshened up for dinner. We are heading to Marina Bay for the evening, so if you want to dress up a bit to fit into Singapore’s high-end vibe, this is your night to do so!

Dinner/Evening – Toast to your trip with a rooftop view

Listen closely, because we have a little travel hack to share with you! Many travelers will head up to Marina Bay Sands SkyPark observation deck for rooftop views in the iconic setting. However, tickets are around $30 USD just to go up to the top, and honestly, you can get the same views elsewhere. 

LAVO Italian Restaurant and Rooftop Bar is right down the road, offering the same views, plus upscale cocktails and dishes. There is a minimum spend of $30 USD, but that covers food and drink, where you’d be spending that just to go up to the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark. 

CÉ LA VI Singapore is another great option. It sits right on the rooftop of Marina Bay Sands and pairs incredible city views with refined dishes and drinks. This restaurant has a minimum spend of $50 USD, which is still a better value than the observation deck. 

You can grab dinner at either of these restaurants, or since they are on the pricier side, just going up here for a drink or two will be totally worth it. There are plenty of dinner options in this area to choose from!

Be sure to make reservations for either LAVO or CÉ LA VI – we aren’t the only ones who know about this travel hack, and it can get busy!

Night – Visit the Home of the Singapore Sling at Long Bar

After you find some dinner, hop in a Grab and take the 5-minute drive to Long Bar in the Raffles Hotel. This historic cocktail bar is home to the Singapore Sling cocktail, so it’s a must-visit for your final stop in Singapore!

We love the colonial-style setting, complete with rattan chairs and peanut shells on the floor, which makes the experience feel like stepping back in time. Of course, we had to order a Singapore Sling; just know that it’s a bit expensive (about $34 USD each), but it’s worth it! We learned that this cocktail was created by a bartender here to serve women drinks that looked like fruit juice, and it was a hit. 

The other cocktails on the menu were much more affordable and just as good. There might be a short wait to get into the bar, but it quieted down around 9 pm!

Where to Stay in Singapore

With so many amazing things to do in Singapore, having the perfect place to stay will make your trip even more unforgettable. We stayed in Chinatown and would recommend you do the same! It strikes a good balance of value and luxury, location, and local culture. Here are our top hotel options for a range of budgets.

Luxury – $$$

Mondrian Singapore Duxton is a sleek hotel that oozes style. There’s a stunning rooftop pool with skyline views that makes it feel like a mini urban resort. It’s the perfect place to retreat to after exploring Chinatown’s vibrant, bustling streets.

The location is right in the Duxton Hill area, a trendy pocket of Chinatown that’s filled with bars, restaurants, and cafes, and is still close to teh MRT and downtown. Rooms usually range from $230 to $400 USD per night, with suites costing up to $800 USD. Check prices and book your stay on Booking.com!

Mid-range – $$

We stayed at Capri by Fraser China Square on our last visit and loved it! This hotel offers 5-star service and amenities at a moderate price. We loved the rooftop pool, especially in Singapore’s hot climate, and the location was really convenient. It was less than a 15-minute walk to the downtown core!

The rooms were comfortable, modern, and the perfect place to rest after a busy day of exploring. Rooms average around $400 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.

Budget – $

Bliss Hotel Singapore is a cozy, budget option that’s an ideal base for exploring! It has a fantastic location, right in Chinatown yet close to downtown, so you can enjoy both areas with ease. 

Situated in a historic but renovated building, it’s a charming stay with a variety of room sizes for a range of budgets. The rooms themselves are pretty basic, but exactly what you need for a comfortable rest without breaking the budget. Don’t forget to check out the rooftop garden! 

Prices range from $130 to $180 USD per night and can be booked on Booking.com.

Related Read: For more options, see our Where to Stay in Singapore guide for the best areas and hotels!

Thanks for reading!

Three days is the perfect amount of time in Singapore. It lets you experience the big-ticket sights, like the Supertrees, Marina Bay, and the Merlion, as well as wander through the neighborhoods and discover hidden gems on your own. This city-state isn’t large, but it packs a lot of unique sights that you’ll experience on this itinerary!

If you need help planning the rest of your trip, see all of our Asia blogs! Whether it’s your first visit or tenth, we have more resources to help you plan a memorable trip. Here are a few related reads to inspire your next destination – cheers!

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