3 Days in Singapore Itinerary By A Local
Last Updated on August 21, 2023 by Nellie Huang Planning to spend 3 days in Singapore? See the best of my city with this ultimate 3-day Singapore itinerary! Of the 140 countries I’ve been, Singapore is probably the country I know best as I was born there. Even though I’ve lived abroad for the past 17 years, I go home every year and I still have a special connection with my hometown. What makes Singapore unique is that it is a city, an island and a country all at once. For a country, it’s tiny and it only takes 1 hour to drive from one end to another. But it sure packs a punch when it comes to cultural sights and attractions. Over the past 10 years, I’ve seen Singapore shed its sterile concrete jungle image to become an exciting destination. These days, it’s studded with plenty of green spaces (of which you’ve probably heard the famous Gardens by the Bay) as well as entertainment complexes and nature trails. Table of Contents Interesting Facts about Singapore Singapore is a very young country, having gained independence only in 1965. We are a multi-racial nation: our ancestors came from neighboring Malaysia, India and China and brought with them their food and cultural traditions. That’s what I love about growing up in Singapore. If you’re coming from other parts of Southeast Asia, you’ll notice that Singapore is very easy to travel. We are relatively developed, with an efficient public transport system, quality hotels and restaurants, and great infrastructure. At the same time, it’s a lot more expensive than other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand or Indonesia. Singapore is also a very safe city: that’s partly due to the notoriously strict laws that govern the country (it’s illegal to spit and you’ll be fined for littering). English is one of its four languages and is widely spoken. Plus, Singapore’s reputation for orderliness and cleanliness is not a myth. My 3-Day Singapore Itinerary Most people spend 3 days in Singapore and that’s enough to get a good feel for it. But if you have the time, I recommend 1 week in Singapore. I also suggest combining a weekend in Singapore with a trip to Malaysia (just a causeway away). For those with 3 days in Singapore, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time there and see as much as possible. I’ve included the best of the city, as well as the best places to eat and stay in Singapore. If you’re looking to see Singapore like a local, this Singapore itinerary will definitely bring you to local spots and not tourist traps (like Boat Quay)! Summary of my Singapore Itinerary: More Information on Singapore: Singapore Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Singapore Hang Out at Singapore Jewel If you’re not too tired from your flight to Singapore, kick start your trip right at the airport! Jewel Changi Airport is a brand new entertainment area and the hottest place to visit in Singapore. The complex includes gardens, museums, retail, F&B dining, a hotel, and more. Its iconic centerpiece, known as Rain Vortex, is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall surrounded by terraced forest settings. Admire the doughnut-shaped exterior framed in steel and glass from the top level, where you’ll find the lush gardens and fun kids-oriented park. Almost all of Jewel is free to enjoy, except for the Canopy Park on the top level. With an admission ticket, you’ll gain access to all 4 different areas: Play around on the Discovery Slides and mess about in the mist of the Foggy Bowls; Appreciate the artistic skill on the Topiary Walk and enjoy flowers from the world over in the Petal Garden. Explore Gardens by the Bay Catch the MRT (subway) or book an airport transfer to your hotel. We recommend staying at the landmark hotel and Singapore’s crown jewel, Marina Bay Sands, as it’s got a great location and most places are within walking distances. Cross the overhead bridge and find yourself at the iconic Gardens by the Bay, home to over 16,000 plant species and floral displays, all tastefully assembled in a natural way. Walking around the park won’t cost you a cent but there is a fee if you want to step inside the climate-controlled conservatories. The iconic Supertree Grove is the first stop for most people. You can also pay to walk on the Skyway, a network of walkway that hangs over the gardens. The Flower Dome is one of the two world’s largest columnless greenhouses, while the Cloud Forest houses the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Enjoy Local Food at Satay by the Bay Have dinner at Satay by the Bay, a big open-air food court within the gardens itself. It might seem touristy, but the food here is just as good as any Singaporean hawker centre and you’ll find all the best Singaporean dishes here. Get some satay (bbq meat skewers drenched in peanut sauce), grilled stingray and hokkien mee, for the quintessential Singaporean experience. Watch the Rhapsody Light and Sound Show After dinner, head back to the Supertree Groves for the light show. Ever
ChinaGoSmart CGS 
Planning to spend 3 days in Singapore? See the best of my city with this ultimate 3-day Singapore itinerary!
Of the 140 countries I’ve been, Singapore is probably the country I know best as I was born there. Even though I’ve lived abroad for the past 17 years, I go home every year and I still have a special connection with my hometown.
What makes Singapore unique is that it is a city, an island and a country all at once. For a country, it’s tiny and it only takes 1 hour to drive from one end to another. But it sure packs a punch when it comes to cultural sights and attractions.
Over the past 10 years, I’ve seen Singapore shed its sterile concrete jungle image to become an exciting destination. These days, it’s studded with plenty of green spaces (of which you’ve probably heard the famous Gardens by the Bay) as well as entertainment complexes and nature trails.
Table of Contents
Interesting Facts about Singapore
Singapore is a very young country, having gained independence only in 1965. We are a multi-racial nation: our ancestors came from neighboring Malaysia, India and China and brought with them their food and cultural traditions. That’s what I love about growing up in Singapore.
If you’re coming from other parts of Southeast Asia, you’ll notice that Singapore is very easy to travel. We are relatively developed, with an efficient public transport system, quality hotels and restaurants, and great infrastructure. At the same time, it’s a lot more expensive than other Southeast Asian countries like Thailand or Indonesia.
Singapore is also a very safe city: that’s partly due to the notoriously strict laws that govern the country (it’s illegal to spit and you’ll be fined for littering). English is one of its four languages and is widely spoken. Plus, Singapore’s reputation for orderliness and cleanliness is not a myth.
My 3-Day Singapore Itinerary
Most people spend 3 days in Singapore and that’s enough to get a good feel for it. But if you have the time, I recommend 1 week in Singapore. I also suggest combining a weekend in Singapore with a trip to Malaysia (just a causeway away).
For those with 3 days in Singapore, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time there and see as much as possible. I’ve included the best of the city, as well as the best places to eat and stay in Singapore. If you’re looking to see Singapore like a local, this Singapore itinerary will definitely bring you to local spots and not tourist traps (like Boat Quay)!
Summary of my Singapore Itinerary:
More Information on Singapore:
Singapore Itinerary Day 1: Arrival in Singapore
Hang Out at Singapore Jewel
If you’re not too tired from your flight to Singapore, kick start your trip right at the airport! Jewel Changi Airport is a brand new entertainment area and the hottest place to visit in Singapore. The complex includes gardens, museums, retail, F&B dining, a hotel, and more.
Its iconic centerpiece, known as Rain Vortex, is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall surrounded by terraced forest settings. Admire the doughnut-shaped exterior framed in steel and glass from the top level, where you’ll find the lush gardens and fun kids-oriented park.
Almost all of Jewel is free to enjoy, except for the Canopy Park on the top level. With an admission ticket, you’ll gain access to all 4 different areas: Play around on the Discovery Slides and mess about in the mist of the Foggy Bowls; Appreciate the artistic skill on the Topiary Walk and enjoy flowers from the world over in the Petal Garden.
Explore Gardens by the Bay
Catch the MRT (subway) or book an airport transfer to your hotel. We recommend staying at the landmark hotel and Singapore’s crown jewel, Marina Bay Sands, as it’s got a great location and most places are within walking distances. Cross the overhead bridge and find yourself at the iconic Gardens by the Bay, home to over 16,000 plant species and floral displays, all tastefully assembled in a natural way.
Walking around the park won’t cost you a cent but there is a fee if you want to step inside the climate-controlled conservatories. The iconic Supertree Grove is the first stop for most people. You can also pay to walk on the Skyway, a network of walkway that hangs over the gardens. The Flower Dome is one of the two world’s largest columnless greenhouses, while the Cloud Forest houses the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
Enjoy Local Food at Satay by the Bay
Have dinner at Satay by the Bay, a big open-air food court within the gardens itself. It might seem touristy, but the food here is just as good as any Singaporean hawker centre and you’ll find all the best Singaporean dishes here. Get some satay (bbq meat skewers drenched in peanut sauce), grilled stingray and hokkien mee, for the quintessential Singaporean experience.
Watch the Rhapsody Light and Sound Show
After dinner, head back to the Supertree Groves for the light show. Every evening, the Supertrees are lit up in technicolor rays, with music in the backdrop. My daughter was especially impressed by the Rhapsody Light Show — it felt like Mother Nature was putting on a musical.
The show takes place everyday at 7.45pm and 8.45pm. Best of all, the 15-minute show is absolutely FREE. Drop by early to grab a good spot to enjoy the performance!
Watch the Marina Bay Sands Light Show
After that, walk back to Marina Bay Sands for another spectacular light and water show at its waterfront. Known as Spectra, the light show is a FREE nightly event that you can catch from the boardwalk. There are lots of seating space on the boardwalk and steps. The 15-minute show takes place every night at 8pm and 9pm (and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays).
See the View from the Rooftop of Marina Bay Sands
To end your first evening in Singapore with a bang, head up to the top level, 57th floor, of Marina Bay Sands. Here is where you’ll find the iconic infinity pool (only open to guests) and 3 rooftop bars that will give you a 360-degree view of Singapore’s skyline.
Feast on views of the pool and skyline at Spago Bar & Lounge, helmed by celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, before moving on to more potent cocktails at CÉ LA VI, which transforms into a pumping nightclub after midnight. Reserve a table here.
