Singapore is a modern island city-state with some of the cleanest streets in the world. This pan-Asian mecca has so many amazing things to do that you won’t be spending much time in your room. It’s an easy place to navigate, and accommodations and activities can be done at affordable prices. Read on to see how to spend 3 days in Singapore, all without breaking the bank!
And if you have a long layover in Singapore, check out my feature on MSN on why Changi airport is also not a bad place to hang out!
Day 1 – Major Tourist Attractions
Spending 3 days in Singapore is plenty of time to get to know this modern country. Start the first day by redeeming tickets on the hop-on-hop-off bus and head out for adventure.
Though the public transportation in Singapore is superb, and you can get anywhere you need to go easily, the hop-on-hop-off tourist buses are an excellent way to orient yourself to a city, as they will take you around every attraction in the city center. You can hop off at a stop of interest and rejoin later.
Buy a Singapore Attractions Pass, which offers discounts or free access to top attractions in Singapore. This pass is very useful and can be used during each of your 3 days in Singapore.
One must-see attraction in Singapore for which you can use the pass is Gardens by the Bay, a spectacular nature park that was built using reclaimed land and contains three waterfront gardens and a flower dome.Â
It’s part of efforts to transform Singapore into a “City in a Garden”, with the goal to drastically increase the green space of the city. Make sure to visit the gardens during daytime and nighttime.
Head to Merlion Park to see the iconic symbol of Singapore. The Merlion is half mermaid and half lion, the body symbolizing the city’s humble beginnings as a fishing village and the head deriving from the city’s original name of ‘Singapura’, which means lion in the Malay language.
Try the original Singapore Sling, a gin-based cocktail containing cherry liqueur, Cointreau, and fresh juice that was first created at the iconic Raffles Hotel. After visiting the Raffles Hotel, end the day by taking a dip in the infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands Hotel. This hotel has become a bit of a landmark in the city, as it’s three towers connected at the top are very distinguishable on the city’s skyline. You’ve probably seen photos of the gorgeous rooftop infinity pool, and the views are amazing! There’s a new Marquee night club, where you can dance the night away.
Day 2 – Sentosa Island and Night Safari
Spend the morning on Sentosa Island. Among the attractions are a golf course, a water park, and two beaches that offer calm bays lined with palm trees. You can easily spend all 3 days in Singapore on Sentosa Island, and if you chose to do so, the W Singapore – Sentosa Cove is the perfect place!
In the afternoon, unite with fellow chocoholics at the decadent Chocolate Buffet at the Fullerton hotel. And it’s not just sweets that are infused with chocolate. They also have dishes like Peruvian Chocolate and Poblano Chilli Empanadas. If you’re a chocoholic, be careful, because you just might want to eat here each of your 3 days in Singapore!
After a low-key day of relaxation and a chocolate high, embark on an exciting night safari at the Singapore Zoo! Get up close and personal with animals while riding around the park at night on a safari-style vehicle. Most animals you’ll see are nocturnal animals that roam the grounds unhindered by bars. Thankfully, the big cats (i.e., tigers) are still separated by moats and greenery!
Day 3 – Shopping and Temples
Visit cool neighborhoods, local spots, and shops in Singapore. Walk through the vibrant Haji Lane, which got its name because it’s where many Muslims in Singapore would make arrangements for their haj. View fabulous street art, shop for colorful handmade items, and get a selfie coffee that looks just like you!
Little India and Chinatown are two ethnic neighborhoods where each group formerly lived but that are now mostly comprised of commercial activities for these two groups, respectively. Each neighborhood still retains historical and cultural significance and some landmark buildings. Worth visiting are Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, a Hindu temple built in the 1920s and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
There is no shortage of shopping venues in Singapore, so I’m not quite sure if 3 days in Singapore is sufficient time! There are places to shop on seemingly every corner.
Aside from Little India, Haji Lane, and Chinatown, Orchard Road is the most famous shopping destination in Singapore. It contains a variety of department stores, boutiques, and malls.
Speaking of malls, Singapore also has a huge outlet mall, IMM, where you can buy almost anything your heart desires. For an upscale shopping experience, visit the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, which also has a Venice-style canal running through it.
In the evening, visit Clarke Quay, the most popular entertainment district in Singapore. Here you can shop, dine, and party. With a variety of pan-Asian restaurants, there are many options for dining. Try Coriander Leaf Bistro for a hip atmosphere and modern cuisine, and for a taste of Vietnam, Little Saigon doesn’t disappoint.
Related post: Hanoi Foods You Should Try for a Taste of Vietnam
Where to Stay
In Singapore, you can stay in amazing luxury hotels for much cheaper rates than most international cities, such as Tokyo. Book a stay and enjoy!
Grand Park City Hall – This modern, five-star hotel is centrally located within Singapore, allowing you to get anywhere quickly. The decor blends contemporary and colonial-inspired details, and every room is designed to be “intuitive” and offer “technological conveniences”, such as touch-sensitive lamps and touchpad controls. Average price is $200+ USD per night.
Ritz-Carlton Millenia – Located in Marina Bay, this hotel offers arguably one of the best views of the city. Rooms are spacious and have a subtle decor and wonderful views. The hotel has a Michelin-starred restaurant and an award-winning luxury spa. The champagne brunch is eggs-cellent! Average price is $300+ USD per night.
Marina Bay Sands – There is no better rooftop or better pool in all of Singapore. This is the most iconic address in Singapore, so it’s understandable that you would stay here. Rooms have floor-to-ceiling windows, and the vibe of the hotel is super hip. Average price is $350+ USD per night.
Four Seasons Singapore – One of the most luxurious hotel brands in the world, you can never go wrong staying at the Four Seasons. Dubbed “an urban sanctuary on Orchard Boulevard”, the Four Seasons Singapore offers the luxury you’d expect from Four Seasons.
It’s in the heart of the major shopping district in Singapore and not far from the Singapore Botanic Gardens. There are not many places that you can stay in a Four Seasons hotel for about $250 per night, and Singapore is one of those places! Plus, you can take advantage of third and fourth-night free offers that Four Seasons constantly runs.
Have you spent at least 3 days in Singapore? What was your experience?
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