The Perfect 5-Day Singapore Itinerary (Planned by a Local)

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Singapore may be a little red dot on the map, but it has many landmarks, beautiful gardens, and heritage buildings to see, as well as amazing food to try. When you get down to it, choosing what to do in Singapore over 5 days can feel a bit daunting.

As a Singapore local, I’ve watched friends and family wrestle with the same challenge during their visits. But just as I did for them, I’ll help you sort out your itinerary with must-visit recommendations and insider tips on where to go. Feel free to use this guide as is or adjust it to suit your preferences!

Where to Stay for 5 Days in Singapore

For a 5 day visit to Singapore, these are my top picks for where to stay:

• 🏆 My #1 Overall Pick – Andaz Singapore by Hyatt
• 🛏️ Budget – Holiday Inn Singapore Little India
• 🏨 Mid-Range – Naumi Hotel Singapore
• 💎 Luxury – Raffles Hotel or Capella Singapore
• ❤️ For Couples – Marina Bay Sands Hotel or Fullerton Hotel
• 👪 For Families – Shangri-La Rasa
• 🏠 Apartments – Browse rentals in Bugis**

**Note: Short-term rentals (under 3 months) like Airbnb are prohibited in Singapore. Ensure you book a licensed apartment or a serviced suite for your stay.

For more, check out my full guide to where to stay in Singapore.

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5 Day Singapore Itinerary

Day 1 – Take in The Sights at Marina Bay and Esplanade

Morning – Stroll Along the Fullerton Promenade and Singapore Riverfront

Start your morning with a hearty breakfast and coffee at OverEasy. This American-style diner sits right across from Singapore’s main attraction and prized hotel, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. After breakfast, stroll the length of the lovely waterfront promenade. Take in the sights of Singapore’s sky-piercing skyline along the way. 

Another prominent sight along this stretch is Merlion Park. Singapore’s iconic mascot, the Merlion, depicts a mythical half-lion, half-fish figure that spouts water from its mouth. Take lots of pictures here, but be prepared to jostle with fellow tourists doing the same.

Cross the street and take in the grandeur of the Fullerton Hotel, a historic property that sits along the Singapore River. Continue walking along the riverfront. Here, you’ll spot interesting bronze sculptures like “The River Merchants” and “The First Generation.” Peppered across the stretch, these hidden sculptures offer glimpses into the city’s history and heritage. 

Don’t forget to buy a $1.50 ice-cream sandwich from the legendary “ice-cream uncle” at the end of Cavenagh Bridge.

Across the bridge, there are more prominent buildings such as the Victoria Concert Hall and the Asian Civilizations Museum. Pay a visit to the museum if time permits, or hop on a river cruise to take in the city sights. 

Afternoon – Visit a Futuristic Museum and an Inventive Garden

Head over to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, a luxury mall on Singapore’s bayfront. Hop into a sampan boat for a joyride through the mall’s indoor canal. 

For lunch, enjoy pork dumplings and egg fried rice at Din Tai Fung. Or you can head over to the food court in the mall’s basement. Here, you’ll find plenty of local food options to choose from, such as char kway teow, laksa, and Hainanese Chicken Rice.

Next, visit the stunning Art Science Museum, a lotus-shaped building just outside the mall. It features futuristic, immersive exhibits. Take photos by the blooming lily pond right outside the museum before going in. 

Afterward, walk over to Gardens By The Bay, one of Singapore’s most stunning attractions. These vast gardens blend natural greenery with futuristic supertrees that light up as the sun goes down. 

Within the gardens, head to the Cloud Forest. The glass-enclosed attraction features an indoor waterfall and plants from the tropical highlands. If time permits, visit the neighboring Flower Dome that houses a variety of exotic plants and flowers.

👉 Pro Tip: Sign up for the Sands LifeStyle membership for free to get a discount on Art Science Museum tickets. 

Evening – Be Awed by a Light-And-Sound Show at Gardens by the Bay

Cycle around Gardens by the Bay, enjoying views of the city’s skyline until evening rolls around. Or you can visit some of the gardens’ more underrated attractions, such as the Kingfisher Wetlands and the Dragonfly Lake. By 7:15 pm, you want to reach the Supertree Grove, one of the main sights within the garden. 

Grab a spot and wait for the free Garden Rhapsody to begin at 7:45 pm (there’s another show at 8:45 pm). Here, you’ll watch the supertrees light up and dance to the tunes of a musical symphony. You can also book a spot on the OCBC Skywalk (ticketed). This skywalk connects the artificial supertrees and lets you watch the whole experience from above.

If you’d like to skip the show, head over to the Esplanade area near the bay. You can watch free concerts and performances at the Esplanade Concourse and the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre. You can also spot the famous durian-shaped building here, which houses a performing arts center. 

Later, grab drinks at Baia, a rooftop bar in Esplanade Mall. Enjoy nighttime views of Singapore’s skyline.

For dinner, walk over to the historic Lau Pa Sat, a former wet market-turned-hawker center. You’ll find a mind-blowing variety of cuisines under one roof, from Indian and Malaysian to Korean and Japanese. 

For the best experience, head to Satay Street @ Lau Pa Sat, a pedestrianized, open-air street that serves delicious satays from 7 pm onwards.

Day 2 – Go Museum Hopping in The Civic District

Morning – Explore a Historic Hilltop Park With City Views

Begin your day bright and early by grabbing breakfast at the local Tiong Bahru Cafe. Located at the foothills of Fort Canning Park, this spot is the perfect place to replenish before you begin exploring. Be sure to try the almond croissant here. 

Walk up to the vast park, which is free to visit. It’s a lush expanse perched above the city. You’ll find several historic monuments here. This includes an old army barracks, colonial-era gates, and a military bunker called The Battlebox. Exploring the park in its entirety may take a few hours, so here are some spots I recommend covering:

• The Sang Nila Utama garden, a Balinese-style themed garden (perfect for resting tired feet)
• The Tree Tunnel (expect to wait in line for photos here)
• The heritage Raintree, possibly one of the largest and oldest trees you’ll find in Singapore!
• The historic Fort Gate

Next, walk down to North Bridge Road and stroll along its length. You’ll spot many interesting structures here. These include the Funan Mall with its one-of-a-kind indoor cycling track and the historic red-and-white Central Fire Station. Further along the road, the St. Andrew’s Cathedral is another interesting landmark.

👉  Pro Tip: Take the bridge from the foothills of Fort Canning Park that connects directly to Level 2 of Funan Mall. Quench your thirst with a sugarcane juice from the SuperCane SG kiosk. You can enjoy unobstructed views of the Central Fire Station (and the surrounding district) from this vantage. And trust me, the juice feels ridiculously good in Singapore’s brutal heat.

Afternoon – Dive Into Art and History at Singapore’s World-Class Museums

Your next stop in Singapore’s Civic District should be the National Museum of Singapore. But first, walk along Stamford Road, home to some of the city’s most prominent buildings. You’ll spot heritage hotels like The Capitol Kempinski and the historic Capitol Theatre along this stretch. 

At the museum, learn about the city’s ancient origins and maritime history, and trace World War II events through immersive exhibits. Touring the entire museum may take a couple of hours.

Break for lunch at Odette, a fine-dining restaurant within the National Gallery Singapore. This beautiful space serves modern French cuisine within the former Supreme Court building. 

Afterward, tour the stunning gallery. It houses a wonderful collection of Asian and Southeast Asian artworks. I recommend visiting the Gallery Store on Level 1, where you’ll find interesting art souvenirs to take home. 

👉 Pro Tip: For city vistas, take the elevator to Level 5, where the Ng Teng Fong rooftop gallery is located. You can access the rooftop for free, without buying a ticket to the main exhibits.

Evening – Wind Down With Singapore’s National Drink at a Historic Bar

After a hectic museum tour, there’s nothing better to do than unwind at a great bar. This calls for a stop at the Long Bar, located within the historic Raffles Hotel. 

You must sample the Singapore Sling here, a legendary cocktail widely regarded as Singapore’s national drink. The bar welcomes walk-ins, so you don’t have to worry about reservations.

Later, walk down to nearby CHIJMES, a historic convent. The area around this monument has been converted into an atmospheric F&B sprawl. Sometimes, the courtyard hosts live performances and bands.

Grab a table at SABòR Cocina Y Tapas, an alfresco spot within the leafy courtyard that serves Spanish fare alongside wine and cocktails. Dine with a view of the illuminated convent to round off an eventful evening.  

Day 3 – Outdoor Fun at Botanic Gardens and Sentosa Island

Morning – Spot Swans and Otters at This Heritage-Listed Garden

Begin your day early with a traditional Singaporean breakfast at Toast Box in Holland Village. Fuel up with kaya toast and a side of soft-boiled eggs. This day involves many activities, so brace yourself for fun – and lots of walking!

From here, the Singapore Botanic Gardens are a short bus ride away. Note that the gardens have multiple entrances. If you travel via the Holland Village route, you’ll enter the gardens through the Bukit Timah gate. 

Tour the beautiful gardens, which feature idyllic ponds with resident black and white swans. Occasionally, you can also spot otters and monitor lizards here. A must-see is the National Orchid Garden, which contains more than 1,500 varieties of vibrant orchid species. 

Break for lunch at Samy’s Curry restaurant, a hidden gem for Indian fare. It is tucked away in the leafy Dempsey Hill area, right across from the gardens’ Napier entrance.

Afternoon – Visit the Aquarium and Ride the Skyline Luge

Hail a cab and head over to Sentosa Island for a fun-filled day. The afternoon heat is the best time to escape the outdoors and enjoy the tranquility of the Singapore Oceanarium. Spot magical jellyfish, manta rays, and ghost sharks among other marine creatures. 

Then, proceed further along the Sentosa line (via the Monorail Express) to the Skyline Luge. Enjoy a thrilling go-kart ride or hop onto the Skyride, an open-air chairlift that affords views of the southern coastline. The Skyride will drop you off at Imbiah Lookout, where you can grab a coffee at ZUS Coffee. 

Evening – Watch the Sun Go Down at Siloso Beach

Evenings are best reserved for Sentosa’s popular beaches, namely Palawan and Siloso. Make sure to take the Sentosa Monorail to the end of the line, i.e., Beach Station. Then, begin walking east toward Palawan Beach. 

Cross the lagoon via the rope-woven suspension bridge. This will bring you to a watchtower located on the “Southernmost Point of Continental Asia.” From here, you can enjoy views of the Singapore Strait. 

Afterward, walk down to another more popular beach, Siloso. Swimming isn’t allowed after sundown. However, you can watch the sun make its exit from one of the pretty bars along its shoreline, such as Coastes or Rumors Beach Club. For dinner, feast on Italian fare at Trapizza, located along the Siloso Beach Walk.  

👉 Pro Tip: For a more scenic, bird’s-eye view of Sentosa Island, skip the monorail and buy tickets to the Singapore Cable Car. 

Day 4 – Explore Heritage Neighborhoods: Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam

Morning – Get Lost in the Colorful Lanes of Chinatown

Start your day by exploring Chinatown’s rich culture. Begin with a stroll down Amoy, Smith, and Pagoda streets. Here, you’ll be greeted by rows of colorful, stunningly preserved shophouses and murals by local artist Yip Yew Chong.

Grab coffee and croissants at the Starbucks in Chinatown Point. This is one of Singapore’s most aesthetically pleasing Starbucks outlets, housed in a heritage shophouse. 

Later, wander through Chinatown’s bylanes. Stop by the Peranakan Tiles Gallery, which sells vintage tile collections worth carrying home. You’ll also find unique old-school utensils and crockery at Hai Seng Porcelain. 

Next, head over to Chinatown’s main attraction, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. You can spot this spectacular red-and-gold temple from a distance. Spread over 5 floors, the temple takes at least 1.5 hours to explore. If you’re short on time, visit the main prayer hall and the Sacred Light Hall on the fourth floor, where the actual “tooth relic” is located. 

Spend the rest of your morning visiting the Hindu Sri Mariamman Temple, Ann Siang Hill, and the Thian Hock Keng Temple. Break for lunch at the Maxwell Food Centre. Try Singapore’s national dish, Hainanese Chicken Rice, at the Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice stall.

Afternoon – Dive Into Temples and Trinkets at Little India

Spend a lazy, no-agenda afternoon taking in the sights of Little India’s vibrant and busy lanes. Exit via Exit E at Little India MRT. Right outside, you’ll be greeted by a row of stalls strung with cheerful marigold garlands and flowers. 

Through these stalls, you’ll spot the House of Tan Teng Niah, a colorful Chinese villa from the 1900s. While you can’t enter the villa, be sure to take lots of photos of its unique facade. 

Then, walk to the Little India Arcade. This open-air stretch is lined with merchant houses converted into shopfronts. They sell textiles, jewelry, trinkets, and colorful apparel. Shop around for souvenirs and Indian products at the Jothi Store and Flower Shop.

You can also visit the Indian Heritage Centre. This museum showcases cultural exhibits from South Asian communities. Later, grab a samosa and chai at RW Selmor, a hole-in-the-wall eatery at the end of the stretch.

Pay a visit to the famous Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple on Serangoon Road, which opens at 5 pm.  

Evening – Explore the Vibrant Beauty of Kampong Glam

Evenings are the best time to visit Kampong Glam, when the neighborhood is at its most bustling and beautiful. Exit at Bugis MRT (Exit C), which will lead you to the atmospheric lanes of this historic district. 

Along the way, keep your eyes peeled for The Gateway. This illusory skyscraper appears two-dimensional from certain angles. You’ll also spot Parkview Square, a tall Art Deco building that houses the famous Atlas Bar. Further ahead is the 5-star Andaz Singapore, by Hyatt hotel, one of the best properties in this area.

Start your tour of Kampong Glam at Muscat Lane, where the iconic Sultan Mosque is located. You’ll also spot breathtaking murals along the lane’s walls, which depict scenes from Singaporean culture. 

Next, wander around Arab Street, where rows of shops sell Middle Eastern trinkets, textiles, and souvenirs. Afterward, rest your feet at Blu Jaz, an alfresco bar at the end of Bali Lane. If you’re hungry, head over to the nearby century-old Singapore Zam Zam restaurant for a plate of biryani or murtabak.   

Day 5 – Explore the East Coast, Followed by a Farewell Drink at Orchard’s Emerald Hill

Morning – Go Cycling Along the Eastern Coastline

The East Coast Park in Marine Parade is the perfect place to take a break from all the sightseeing and enjoy a carefree morning. 

Tuck into sandwiches and sip on lattes at the East Coast Commune, a bright and airy spot for breakfast. It is located within the Marine Cove hub along East Coast Park. 

Afterward, grab a cycle from a nearby Anywheel or HelloRide station and cruise along the park’s scenic coastline. You can also rent skates at a nearby kiosk. Later, swim at the beach and relax under one of the shaded spots near the shoreline.

Afternoon – Take In the Vivid Sights at Katong and Joo Chiat

In the afternoon, go for a walk around the heritage neighborhoods of Katong and Joo Chiat. Marvel at the rows of brightly-colored merchant houses on Koon Seng Road and take in their unique architectural details. 

As you walk down Joo Chiat Road, you’ll come across The Intan Museum, a private museum. Learn about Singapore’s Peranakan (Straits Chinese) history through prized artifacts and exhibits. 

Grab a Bahn Mi at Joo Chiat Bahn Mi Ca Phe, one of the many Vietnamese cafes strung along this street. Or, walk down to East Coast Road. Here, you can sample baked treats at the Micro Bakery, which is housed in a bright red historic building. 

Evening – Stroll Along Orchard Road and Enjoy a Tipple at a Historic Shophouse

For your last evening in the city, head down to the busy Orchard Road. This neighborhood is home to a host of upscale hotels, such as the Pan Pacific Orchard and Pullman Singapore Orchard. 

This major thoroughfare is also where you’ll find an endless line-up of shopping centers, such as Takashimaya and Isetan. Indulge in a bit of shopping before making your way to Emerald Hill Road. 

This quiet conservation area is tucked away from Orchard’s malls and perennial bustle. It makes for the perfect escape to unwind and soak in the city’s heritage surroundings one last time. 

Walk down the pretty street as you watch the shophouses-turned-bars stir alive one by one. Take refuge at Alleybar and wind down with a cocktail in its beautiful Peranakan-inspired atmosphere.

Singapore Itinerary Map

Here is a Google Map with all the stops, attractions, and hotels mentioned in this post.

How to Get Around in Singapore

It is fairly easy – and surprisingly affordable, for the most part – to get around in Singapore. You’ll find several transportation options to choose from, including buses, trains, and cabs. Let’s break down each one below:

🚌 Buses: Singapore has a well-maintained bus network, largely operated by SBS Transit and SMRT Buses. The best part is that buses are super easy to track on Google Maps. They are almost always on schedule and usually aren’t that crowded, except during peak times. 

🚇 Trains: Singapore’s Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) network is regarded as one of the best in the world. Trains operate on 6 main lines, each denoted by a color. All lines are connected via key interchange stations. For clarity on how to get around Singapore’s MRT, I recommend having this map handy at all times.

🚖 Cabs: You can hail a cab in Singapore by flagging it down. However, I recommend using ride-hailing apps like Gojek or Grab (the Southeast Asian version of Uber) for convenience. Do note, however, that cabs can be expensive, especially if you’re booking one during peak hours.

🚶 Walking: Singapore is a wonderfully walkable city, which means you can cover short distances on foot. 

For the most part, I recommend taking the train or bus to get around. These are the most convenient, affordable, and well-connected modes of transport. Consider taking cabs for longer distances or when you’re short on time.

Itinerary Planning Tips

Tip #1 – Have A Plan B Ready For Unexpected Downpours

Most of the time, you’ll find Singapore to be sunny and humid. However, the weather here can be super unpredictable, leading to sudden downpours. If it rains on a day when you have an outdoor tour planned, have a backup indoor plan ready so that your day does not go to waste. 

I also recommend checking the weather before you head out on any given day. This is especially helpful if you’re making outdoor plans that could be disrupted by rain. Additionally, carry umbrellas (UV-resistant ones are great for Singapore’s scorching weather!) or ponchos for unexpected rainstorms.  

Tip #2 – Group Sightseeing Spots By Neighborhood To Maximize Your Time

Singapore’s main tourist sights are often clustered around distinct neighborhoods. For example, you’ll find its most prominent sights concentrated around the Marina Bay area. You can even walk between most of these attractions, saving you time on logistics and unnecessary commuting. 

I suggest grouping such attractions and covering them in a single day to make the most of your time here. Be prepared to walk a LOT, so definitely add comfortable walking shoes to your Singapore packing list.

Tip #3 – Have Quick Meals At Hawker Centers If You’re Pressed For Time Or Money

If you’re especially pressed for time or are on a tight budget, I recommend keeping an eye out for hawker centers. These are designated food courts with multiple vendors and cuisines. You can find something to eat quickly here. 

Most stalls display clear photos of their offerings, making it easy to settle on a meal. They’re also very affordable. In most hawker centers, you can enjoy a hearty meal for as little as $6 per person.

Tip #4 – Keep These Apps Handy

Getting around in Singapore is fairly easy. I recommend downloading the following apps to make navigation easier:

• Google Maps: very handy and offers accurate routes and options to get around
• SG Buses: This is a great app for tracking bus timings and schedules
• Grab and Gojek: These are among the most popular ride-hailing apps in Singapore, so definitely download them before your trip.
• Anywheel and HelloRide: These rental apps let you borrow bicycles from nearby parking stations across the city. Do note that the borrowed cycles must be returned to a designated parking spot. 

Tip #5 – Sign Up For Local Tours For An Authentic Experience

Singapore’s neighborhoods, such as Little India, Chinatown, and Kampong Glam, have rich and storied histories. They’re best understood through a local lens. 

I recommend signing up for local-led tours while exploring these historic neighborhoods. Some recommended options include this street walking tour or this heritage and food-tasting tour.

FAQ About Itinerary Planning for Singapore

How many days are enough for Singapore?

Five to six days allow plenty of time for first-time travelers to explore Singapore’s main attractions and neighborhoods. If you have plans to shop or explore more non-touristy neighborhoods in the city, I recommend adding a day or two to your itinerary. 

Are there any offbeat places I should add to my Singapore itinerary?

Singapore has quite a few offbeat gems, many of which are tucked away in its central neighborhoods. Some of these include Yip Yew Chong’s murals in Kampong Glam, the CapitaSpring Sky Garden in downtown, and Keong Saik Road in Chinatown. Also, don’t forget to check out the attractions at your terminal at Changi Airport on your way home.

What is the quickest way to travel between sights?

Most tourist sights are closely clustered in Singapore, allowing you to move swiftly between them. In the downtown area, you can travel to many of the main sights on foot. However, you may need to take a bus or the MRT to travel between other neighborhoods. On Sentosa Island, the monorail or cable car is your primary mode of travel.

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🖨️ Get a printable version of this itinerary

And that’s a wrap! Make the most of your Singapore trip by combining urban sights, nature visits, and cultural tours. Most importantly, have fun and don’t worry too much about covering everything!

Headed to Kuala Lumpur next? Don’t miss my guides on where to stay and what to do in Kuala Lumpur.