· SOUTHEAST ASIA ·
An Epic Two Day Singapore Itinerary – The Ultimate Layover
Scribbled by Claire ◊ 01 Sep 2024
Have you got a stopover in Singapore, and want to know what the best things are to do? We’ve spent a few long weekends in Singapore now, so here, we detail what we would do with two days, including all the best sights, where to base yourself, transport advice, and more, to help you make the most of your time!
Singapore is the ultimate stopover destination, perfectly preportioned for a two day itinerary.
The city-state is compact enough to explore in a short time, and exciting enough to keep anyone occupied and enthusiastic. It is contemporary and fashionable, satisfying high-budget travellers, while being culturally distinct and adventurous, enough to keep even the most daring of backpackers entertained.
Positioned at a crossroads of connecting flights from Oceania, Europe and the Americas, many visitors to Asia will have their first footsteps in Singapore. We did just that, choosing to stopover in Singapore multiple times while transiting southeast Asia.
Singapore always outdoes itself – we love this city and will return, time and time again!
IN THIS GUIDE //
Two Day Singapore Itinerary
ARRIVING INTO SINGAPORE
TRANSPORT IN SINGAPORE
2 DAY SINGAPORE ITINERARY
– DAY 1: GLITZY
SINGAPORE HAWKER MARKETS
– DAY 2: HERITAGE
SINGAPORE ITINERARY MAP
WHERE TO STAY IN SINGAPORE FOR A SHORT TRIP
BUDGET FOR TWO DAYS IN SINGAPORE
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT SINGAPORE
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED IN SINGAPORE?
SINGAPORE TOURIST VISAS
FINAL THOUGHTS
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Arriving in Singapore
Almost all stopover travellers arrive into Singapore by air.
This is usually into the famous Changi Airport, which is rated number one airport most years and is a sightseer favourite in its own right. Ensure you check out the gardens and fountain as part of your stopover – it’s a tourist favourite and genuinely an incredible welcome into this spectacular country.
Transport in Singapore
This entire itinerary can be done (including to-and-from the airport) just using the MRT. It is also possible to get taxis, including Grab (a bit like Uber), but, honestly, there is no need. The MRT covers everywhere in this itinerary efficiently, while being incredibly affordable. There are also easy-to-use buses that cover the city.
The average Singapore MRT journey costs between 1-2 Singapore dollars. Check out our Singapore trip budget for more detail.
Below is a savable map of the MRT, courtesy of Singapore’s Land Transport Authority. You can also access it online and get up to date information by visiting the Land Transport Authority website.
About This Two Day Singapore Itinerary
This Singapore stopover has been written with MRT stops in mind, so each day you can move around in the most efficient way possible (it’s so hot, plus it makes sense to be resourceful with your time). Walking distances between areas are mentioned alongside MRT routes (we found Singapore surprisingly walkable – apart from the heat).
The itinerary includes options for having a bit of a fling (think Singapore slings!) or keeping the budget on the low with some seriously high-quality, low-cost hawker food. There’s a bit of modern elegance, contrasting with the traditional heritage of old-world Singapore – this two day Singapore stopover includes a bit of everything.
We have provided a list of some Hawker centres worth visiting that are nearby the stops on the itinerary – use this to find economical meals.
These days are moderately packed, so wear comfortable shoes.
We’ve also noted if anything listed has entry fees in Singapore dollars (SGD).
Day 1:Glitzy
DAY 1 OVERVIEW
< Start at Clarke Quay MRT >
Wander around Boat Quay
Check out Merlion statue
Scenic skyline views of Marina Bay Sands and around
Affordable lunch option: Market Street Hawker Centre
CapitaSpring biophilic skyscraper
< walk 23 minutes or catch the Downtown MRT from Telok Ayer to Bayfront >
ArtScience Museum
Marina Bay Sands, Cloud Forest and Supertree Grove
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RELATED POST | BACKPACKING SINGAPORE GUIDE
Morning: Boat and Clarke Quay
Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (North East Line)
This area is fantastic for a lively evening vibe, but taking a walk around the Singapore River at any time of day is excellent for getting your bearings.
Well known for alfresco dining, these areas are hubs of activity, but feel more peaceful in the mornings. These allow for a more chilled walk along the Singapore River where you can see Marina Bay Sands, the colonial buildings across the water and the famous skyscraper skyline.
In the evenings, Boat Quay is a terrific spot for dinner on the waterfront with amazing views of the polished Singapore horizon. There’s also super affordable food by small street vendors and restaurants right behind the expensive riverfront area if that’s your jam. Clarke Quay is really lively, although pricey, but still worth a walk around even if you don’t want to spend much money.
If you have the time and money, consider a river cruise!
The Merlion
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (East West Line, North South Line)
The official mascot of Singapore and an iconic sight – the harbourfront Merlion statue. This (mildly underwhelming) half-fish, half-lion sculpture’s appeal is the setting – perfectly framed by Marina Bay Sands on one side and the Singapore skyline on the other.
Be aware, it can be a bit busy and is only worth a short stop.
Afternoon: CapitaSpring Biophilic Skyscraper
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place (East West Line, North South Line)
Singapore has truly embraced the concept of biophilic design. This seeks to increase the connection of buildings and their occupants with nature through positive interactions. The CapitaSpring building is an example of this, using open air green spaces within the building filled with exotic flora.
This quick stop is nearby the Raffles Place MRT station and is a fantastic free opportunity to have a peak around one of the biophilic skyscrapers you see from the sidewalk. The sky garden also provides great views across the city. The garden is only open during office hours, closes when it rains and are located on floor 51 and 20. Just walk in the building and you’ll see a lift with an attendant.
Art Science Museum
Nearest MRT: Bayfront (Circle Line, Downtown Line)
In true Singapore style, this modern, flower-shaped structure, adjacent to Marina Bay Sands, is an absolute showcase of contemporary architecture. This museum blends art, science, media and technology to create a unique audio-visual experience that is really worth a visit (we don’t normally go to many museums). It’s expensive, but there are family tickets if you’re going with kids (kids would absolutely love it!).
Opening time: 10:00 – 19:00
Entry fee: 66 SGD (seasonal exhibitions cost extra – visit the Art Science Museum site for more information).
IF MARINA BAY SANDS ISN’T YOUR THING
For some visitors, Marina Bay Sands is just another hotel filled with glitzy shops and over-priced restaurants.
We get it.
So, if that is you, cut down the Marina Bay Sands bit of this itinerary day and head on over to the UNESCO designated Singapore Botanic Gardens instead (MRT Botanic Gardens or Napier). With even more time, consider a hike at the Southern Ridges (MRT Habourfront).
Both of these are on the same MRT route (circle line) so it’s easy to pair them together.
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RELATED POST | A SINGAPORE BUDGET
Evening: Marina Bay Sands
Nearest MRT: Bayfront (Circle Line, Downtown Line)
The most famous landmark in Singapore! Primarily a hyper-modern luxury hotel, this imposing structure also houses more restaurants than you can count, an impressive food court, some seriously high-end shopping, a casino and roof top bar. In my opinion, it felt a bit like a Las Vegas strip hotel in there – without the cigarette smoke and slot machine noise.
Skypark Observation Deck | we were gifted a trip up the 57 floors of Marina Bay Sands to check out the rooftop around sunset on one of our trips. I was hesitant because it’s not exactly cheap, however we were really happy we went! The views of the Singapore skyline are far more impressive that we were imagining, and it was a rare, classy thing we did with our time.
Opening times | 11:00 – 21:00
Entry cost | 32 SGD (only 23.60 SGD if you sign up as a Sands Rewards Member which is easy and free). Or, book through Klook which is currently slightly cheaper.
Rasapura Masters Food Court | if, like us, you’re on a budget, then Marina Bay Sands may not be a place you’d expect to find an affordable meal. However, in full Singapore style, there is a quality food court in the basement floor at the Art Science Museum end of the hotel. It gets busy during meal times, but it means you can eat quality food in Marina Bay Sands for a fraction of the price of one of the posh restaurants.
If this is not your cup-of-tea, check out one of the 60 other high-end (some Michelin-starred) restaurants on offer in Marina Bay Sands.
Opening times | 10:00 – 23:00
Gardens by the Bay
Nearest MRT: Bayfront (Circle Line, Downtown Line)
Although the gardens are confused for just the giant tree-like structures, Gardens by the Bay is actually three massive separate gardens, including the famous ‘Bay South’, home to the celebrated Supertree Grove. The outdoor areas in Bay South (and Bay East and Bay Central) are free to enter and are filled with tropical plants, wetlands, heritage gardens and sparkling lakes, teeming with life.
For a different view, consider renting a bicycle; some paths permit bikes and it’s an easy way of seeing lots of the garden reasonably quickly (great if you’re in a rush). GoCycling @ Marina Bay, just over the bridge, is the most convenient choice.
Supertree Grove | sitting behind Marina Bay Sands in Bay South are the futuristic glowing tree structures that have been the icon for green, eco-conscious, sustainable Singapore for the past decade. Free to enter, this vertical garden is an exquisite horticultural showcase of nearly 163,000 plants of 200 varieties, an example of how to construct a ‘living city’.
Twice daily, the trees have a light and sound show – check it out at 19:45 or 20:45. You can even find out what type of music will be playing on the date of your visit!
Opening hours | 05:00 – 02:00
Entry cost | free, or 12 SGD to access the upper walkway (called the OCBC Skyway – buy tickets).
Cloud Forest | we didn’t get to visit the Cloud Forest (it’s always been out of our price range) but would have absolutely loved to, so I’m mentioning it here! Next time we visit Singapore, it’s right at the top of my list.
It’s basically an incredible gigantic greenhouse, filled with enormous waterfalls, exotic plants and spiralling walkways. Six times a day (every two hours from 10:00), they do a ‘misting’ which makes the forest look like another world. I’m desperate to go here.
Opening hours | 09:00 – 21:00
Entry fee | 59 SGD (sometimes this includes access to a special theme, for example the Avatar experience). Check Klook for slightly cheaper tickets.
BUYING TICKETS FOR SINGAPORE’S ATTRACTIONS
Up until recently, we mostly bought tickets through official sites.
However, recently, Klook seem to have tickets for attractions across the world, often at a lower price (and it’s not fake).
We’ve started using Klook for all sorts of tickety things, especially events and attractions in major cities, plus Get Your Guide for tours, and we fully recommend both.
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SINGAPORE HAWKER MARKETS – BUDGET FOOD
Amoy Street Food Centre | Chinatown
Maxwell Food Centre | Chinatown
Hong Lim Market and Food Centre | Chinatown
Lau Pa Sat | Chinatown
Market Street Hawker Centre | Boat Quay
Tekka Centre | Little India
Albert Centre | Arab Quarter
Marina Bay Sands Food Court | Marina Bay Sands
VivoCity | Sentosa Island
Malaysian Food Street | Sentosa Island
Tiong Bahru Market | Tiong Bahru
Old Airport Road Food Centre | Geylang
Geylang Serai Market and Food Centre | Geylang
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Day 2: Heritage
DAY 2 OVERVIEW
< Start at Little India MRT >
Have a look around Little India
Affordable breakfast/lunch option: Tekka Centre
< walk 14 minutes or take the Downtown MRT from Little India to Bugis >
Explore the Arab Quarter, Haji Lane and the Sultan Mosque
Affordable lunch option: Zam Zam
< walk 14 minutes or take the East West MRT from Bugis to City Hall >
Raffles Hotel
< take the East West MRT from City Hall to Raffles Place, then walk 5 minutes to the Chinatown area >
Wander Chinatown
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Morning: Little India
Nearest MRT: Little India (North East Line, Downtown Line)
Dotted with beautiful, handcrafted flower garlands, the streets of Little India (known locally as Tekka) are a colourful, buzzing collection of shuttered windows, small shops and street art.
As a starting point, consider checking out the Indian Heritage Centre (8 SGD entry) to learn more about Indian and South Asian culture within southeast Asia. Ensure to wander around the lively markets in the vicinity.
Don’t miss the intricate Sri Veeramakaliamman Hindu Temple, dedicated to Kali, the destroyer of evil – it’s one of the most intricate buildings I’ve ever seen and is genuinely stunning from all sides. From there, ensure you wander through the back streets to Tan Teng Niah, an exquisitely decorated, traditional house from 1900 which provides glimpses of days past. It’s the last surviving Chinese villa in Little India – I thought it was really striking. From there, head over towards the Tekka Centre and spot the street art around the vicinity.
Arab Quarter
Nearest MRT: Bugis (Downtown Line, East West Line)
The vibrant, modern yet traditional, region surrounding Haji Lane in the Arab Quarter (Kampong Glam) is easily the most fashionable, buzzing place we visited during our visits to Singapore – I was surprised. Haji Lane (a quirky street in the area), is definitely geared towards visitors and the prices reflect that, however it is really distinctive and I loved the street art.
A striking historical mosque from 1824, the Masjid Sultan is also a must-see (you can’t miss it – it’s pretty big!). The area surrounding it has lots of Middle Eastern influenced foods, but beware that some of the places have extremely high prices – if it looks touristy, it probably is!
This area is particularly fun after sundown during Ramadan (during March in 2025)!
Afternoon: Raffles Hotel
Nearest MRT: City Hall (East West Line, North South Line)
One of the most well-known buildings in Singapore, if not the entire world, is also home to one of the most well-known drinks – the Singapore Sling. It’s a bit gross if you ask me, but tourists flock here to pay around 38 SGD for a sickly sweet, cherry flavoured gin drink.
Depending on the time of the day, there may be a queue (there was when we arrived so we didn’t go into the bar).
The building is historic and having a quick look around is worth it. There’s no dress code despite its poshness.
Evening: Chinatown
Nearest MRT: Chinatown (Downtown Line, North East Line), Maxwell (Thomson East Coast Line), Tanjong Pagar (East West Line), Telok Ayer (Downtown Line)
An enclave for Chinese immigrants, Chinatown, also known as Niu Che Shui, is centrally located in Singapore and is a can’t-miss destination. Whether you are here for incredible food experiences, the design and architecture or the multicultural sites including the famed Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariammam Hindu Temple and Masjid Jamae, China Town has a bit of something for everyone.
This historic neighbourhood is a fusion of old and new, with ancient-looking temples surrounded by traditional businesses, loomed over by the modern Singapore skyline, rubbing shoulders with contemporary bars and restaurants. It’s great for a vibey night out or a top-quality meal.
Depending on how much time you have dedicated to visiting Singapore’s Chinatown, we recommend just wandering around and getting a bit lost. At minimum, we’d recommend checking out:
◊ Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
◊ Sri Mariammam Hindu Temple
◊ Masjid Jamae
◊ Thian Hock Keng Temple (the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore)
◊ Ann Siang Hill Park
IF DAY TWO JUST ISN’T LONG ENOUGH
If day two ended too soon and you’ve still got some energy left, there are two options here.
1. Head on down to the party mecca of Clarke Quay. This area is the perfect tourist haunt if you want to have a decent night out, spend lots of money, live it up and have a bit of an extravagant night (MRT Clarke Quay).
2. Search out the local fare at Geylang. This area, east of the usual tourist haunts, is home to Singapore’s red light district and some less flashy (but no less cool) nightlife with far fewer ostentatiously priced food and drinks. Check out the specials, like frog porridge. (MRT Paya Lebar)
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Two Days in Singapore – Map
Below is a savable Google Map of all the locations listed here, with colour codes for the different days and anything extra, including MRT stations, Hawker centres and bonus places to visit.
◊ To save the map to your Google Maps, click on the star icon by the title.
◊ Select the screen icon in the top left to show or hide the breakdown of sections for this Singapore itinerary.
◊ Click on a tick box to hide/show a section.
What Area to Stay in Singapore for a Short Trip
The best place to stay for a short trip to Singapore is anywhere near an MRT station.
The MRT (Mass Rapid Transit, the underground subway system in Singapore) is incredibly efficient and economical. Most people will likely utilise it a lot on this itinerary, so staying near one specific central landmark isn’t necessarily that helpful.
Budget travellers will commonly find more affordable accommodation around Chinatown and Little India, including lots of hostels/capsule hotels.
We often stay nearby the Clarke Quay, Chinatown or Raffles MRT stations, or somewhere between Boat Quay and Clarke Quay, because:
◊ it is central, with nearby affordable food and lots of entertainment;
◊ the location is a short walk from Boat Quay, which is where you start to get some of the best skyline views of Marina Bay Sands;
◊ the MRT stations are particularly useful ones.
◊ Finally, Clarke Quay is a hub of nightlife, so if you like to go out, it’s the place to be in the evenings.
Another option would be staying in the Marina Bay Sands hotel, but that’s only if you’re splurging – it’s super expensive (but really, really nice).
SINGAPORE HOTEL RECOMMENDATIONS
Accommodation is one of the trickiest issues for visitors to Singapore. The average room price is high and there is no way around this, really.
It’s definitely best to book in advance to save money, though – prices skyrocket near to the date of arrival.
Budget Options
The most popular way of travelling on a budget in Singapore is to sleep in a hostel or a capsule/pod-style accommodation. Even then though, it’s not cheap!
Wink Capsule Hostel (Wink at Mosque Street and Wink at McCallum Street) | these are some of the better rated hostels in Singapore on Hostelworld, with several locations and hyper modern, private dorm beds. They aren’t super cheap, but we think the price tag matches the reviews.
KINN Capsule | I love this hostel. It has a super cool design, in a central location between Clarke Quay and Raffles, and is just pretty and oh, so comfy.
There are loads of IBIS Budget hotels across Singapore, which have very reasonable private room rates, and moderate reviews. One of the better rated ones is the IBIS Budget Singapore Crystal. These are a good option if you don’t want to stayed in shared accommodation.
Mid-Range Options
Mid-range is the most difficult accommodation to organise in Singapore. High budget is easy, lower budget is obvious, but somewhere in middle seems tricky. These are the best, we think, and the ones we’ll be choosing for our upcoming trips.
Lyf Funan Singapore | we like this one, it’s our favourite for value for money. Surrounded by MRT stations and the lovely Fort Canning Park, these compact, but clean, function rooms are our favourite place we’ve stayed so far in Singapore. The building is a whole lot of funky design and even has a shared kitchen and laundry.
KeSa House | if funky isn’t so much your jam, consider this little gem of a find in Chinatown. Set in a heritage building, the rooms are still beautifully modern and well worth the very reasonable price tag. Take a look at the upgraded rooms, they’re nicer than some high-end hotels (the cheapest rooms have no windows).
Citadines Rochor | situated in Little India, literally across from the amazing Tekka Hawker Centre, this new hotel is a absolute find. It’s nearby two MRT lines and has modern, comfortable rooms at half the price of other hotels. We love it.
Luxury Options
There are too many upscale hotels to choose from in Singapore, and we’ve not stayed in any because $$$. However, I have a bit of a soft spot for the two below:
The ParkRoyal | This biophilic dream is an artistic wonder. It’s full of trees and distinct design and would be somewhere utterly memorable to stay. We walked past this hotel every day, and eventually I caved and went in and had a nosey around. It’s beautiful and insanely highly rated.
Marina Bay Sands | this one is obvious. It’s the most famous landmark in Singapore and has a super famous infinity pool with insane views. I’d stay here in a heartbeat if I could.
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Budget for Two Days in Singapore
A Singapore budget can be pretty low if you don’t do anything extravagant or drink much alcohol. The biggest cost will likely be accommodation – it’s just not particularly cheap in Singapore and rooms are tiny. Alcohol, even from a 7-Eleven, is also shockingly expensive. Everything else in the city is actually very affordable, including food, transportation, sim cards and more.
We wrote about one of our budget trips to Singapore and detailed exactly what we spent over four days there – every penny accounted for. Check out our Singapore trip budget if this is of interest to you.
Best Time of Year to Visit Singapore
Singapore is hot and humid, all year around. It can also be a bit rainy all year around too!
The average day temperature doesn’t drop below 30°C generally, so there’s no respite. The Northeast Monsoon occurs between December and early March whilst the Southwest Monsoon is from June to September, making it tricky to figure out. During spring, the weather is the driest and mildest, apparently.
Our recent visit was in October when we had almost completely clear skies apart from one rainy morning.
How Many Days Do You Need in Singapore?
The best amount of time in Singapore is the amount you have! It’s a city that can be experienced even with just a 12-hour layover, since reaching the city from the airport is so quick, easy and affordable. However, with two full days in Singapore, you can see many of the core highlights while keeping the accommodation budget low, which is ideal.
There are enough amazing things to do in Singapore to easily take up a week or more, but it’s possible to see many of the top sites in far less. We’ve added on a few things that are worth checking out if you have any extra time.
VISAS FOR SINGAPORE
Most nationalities can enter Singapore for up to 30 days visa free, however some countries can enter for up to 90 days visa free.
Check with the Singapore immigration ICA website to see if your country is visa exempt or if you require a visa for entry into Singapore.
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Final Thoughts – Layover in Singapore
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, mixed over centuries by the arrival of immigrants from all over Asia. Now, it’s a vibrant, invigorating city that is easy to love. It’s a place that will have you planning a return trip before you even leave.
If it wasn’t for the overall cost of a trip here, we’d spend a lot longer in Singapore (and write a much longer itinerary!).
We hope this itinerary helps you plan your stopover. Have a fantastic stay!
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Thank you, Claire + Nick
