What To Do in Singapore in 3 Days: Your Ultimate Itinerary

Recently updated on October 16th, 2025 at 10:38 am

Planning to spend 3 days in Singapore? Whether you’re visiting the city as a destination in itself or as a stopover en route to another Southeast Asian adventure, the Lion City delivers a remarkable blend of modern marvels and cultural treasures. Singapore is a tourist attraction unlike any other – a compact island nation filled with lush gardens, futuristic architecture, and a melting pot of cuisines. What makes Singapore unique is that it is a city, island and country all in one! As a nation, it is very small – it only takes one hour to drive from one end to another! However, don’t let the size fool you – from the Merlion, head of a lion, body of a fish to the shimmering skyline at Marina Bay, you’ll find endless things to see and do during your 3-day stay.

How to travel around Singapore

Being a small country, it’s very easy to travel around Singapore thanks to its connected network of public transportation. While the city is very much so a walkable city, the intense tropical heat can make for a very sweaty midday forage.

Its air conditioned MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) metro is clean, efficient, and connects every major tourist attraction on the island. The MRT is a really simple and affordable way for getting around the island. You can buy individual tickets, or pick up a Singapore Tourist Pass for S$30, giving you unlimited rides for three days. Prefer comfort? Use the Grab app, Singapore’s answer to Uber.

Another option for if you’re trying to see as much as possible in a short time is the Singapore Tourist Pass, which costs S$30 for unlimited public transport use for three days.

Or, alternatively, if you prefer to travel via Uber, be sure to download the Singaporean equivalent ‘Grab’ app before you go. Grab works exactly the same as Uber and is a great alternative to the MRT.

If you want to explore beyond the main city, consider joining a guided tour; it’s the easiest way to reach spots like Pulau Ubin, a rustic island that showcases Singapore’s kampung (village) heritage.

Day 1: Colonial District and Marina Bay Area

COLONIAL DISTRICT

Packed with stunning colonial buildings, a relaxing green-filled park and several museums, the Colonial District is the perfect area to start your 3-days in Singapore. It’s a great way to get a robust introduction to the city, it’s history and multicultural roots.

Some not-to-miss favourites in this area include:

NATIONAL MUSEUM OF SINGAPORE

Housed in an elegant Neo-Palladian building that dates back to 1887 is the National Museum of Singapore. Displaying six centuries of Singapore history, as well as recent history, you’ll leave this museum with a good understanding of the city’s history. This is a must-see tourist attraction for first-time visitors.

PERANAKAN MUSEUM

The first of its kind in the world, the Peranakan Museum specialises in all things Peranakan culture, telling the story of the rich heritage of the Peranakans (the Chinese descendants in Singapore), their culture, arts, spirituality and food. It’s a fascinating stop to understand the city’s multicultural roots, and it pairs perfectly with the nearby National Museum of Singapore and Raffles Hotel for a full Colonial District experience.

NATIONAL GALLERY

With a collection of more than 9000 items, the National Gallery of Singapore houses the world’s largest public collection of Singaporean and Southeast Asian art. While you’re here, be sure to head up to the rooftop bar and restaurant to witness the beautiful view of the Singapore skyline. Next, make your way to the Marina Bay area – the glittering heart of modern Singapore.

RAFFLES HOTEL

The most famous hotel in Singapore, Raffles Hotel is a colonial-style luxury hotel that epitomises the colonial history of Singapore. Opened in 1887, the hotel was built by the Sarkies Brothers and named after Singapore’s founder, Sir Stamford Raffles.

You can explore the elegant Raffles Hotel on a city tour of Singapore with Trafalgar on the Highlights of Singapore and Malaysia tour, where you’ll get to walk in the footsteps of Sir Stamford Raffles himself. Today, it’s home to world-class luxury brands and the iconic Singapore Sling cocktail.

MARINA BAY AREA

After a morning filled with history and culture, there’s no better way to spend the afternoon than to venture on the flip side of the coin to Singapore’s uber modern, Marina Bay area. This part of Singapore is filled with modern architectural masterpieces and lively restaurants by the river. Here’s what you need to see:

GARDENS BY THE BAY

Be sure to have a couple of hours up your sleeve in order to explore the beauty that is Gardens by the Bay. Home to more than 16,000 plant species and flowers, you’ll be absolutely mesmerised by the futuristic Supertree Observatory, the OCBC Skyway, and the stunning Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. Stay after dark for the Garden Rhapsody (light and music show) – a dazzling nightly performance among the treetops.

MARINA BAY SANDS

Singapore’s most iconic building; while it may look as if it resembles a giant, stranded ship, this architectural masterpiece was designed by Israeli architect Moshe Safdie and houses a hotel, casino, theatre, museum, shopping mall and of course, the famous rooftop infinity pool. You don’t need to be staying at the hotel in order to enjoy the spectacular views of the city below. You can get tickets to the SkyPark Observation Deck which is on the 57th floor and offers unreal panoramic views of the cityscape.

Visit the ArtScience Museum, whose lotus-inspired design is itself a masterpiece. End the day with the Spectra (light and water show) at the Marina Bay promenade to experience a spectacular display of music, lasers, and fountains that encapsulates Singapore’s love for innovation.

For dinner, head to Satay by the Bay, where you can enjoy smoky satay skewers beneath the glowing trees of the gardens.

SINGAPORE FLYER

While it is super touristy, there’s no better way to experience your first Singaporean sunset than onboard the iconic Singapore Flyer. You’ll ride on one of the world’s largest giant observation wheels for 30-minutes – the perfect thing to do in Singapore!

CLARKE QUAY NIGHTLIFE

To end your first evening in Singapore, be sure to spend time at the buzzing riverside neighbourhood of Clarke Quay; a favourite amongst both locals and tourists alike. With plenty of restaurants and bars, you’ll have loads of options to choose from when it comes to dinner and a few evening aperitifs!

DAY 2: MULTICULTURAL AREAS

No doubt after all of day one’s activities, you’ll be waking up with an appetite on your second day. Head to where the locals go, and enjoy a traditional Singaporean breakfast at the Tiong Bahru Market. Open from 6am, the local market is where you can go to find all sorts of fresh seafood, fruit and vegetables. Or, if you’ve grown quite the appetite, be sure you head straight to the hawker centre, where you can eat your way through the market; the perfect fuel for your second day of your adventurous 3 days in Singapore!

LITTLE INDIA

Stepping foot in the enclave of Little India will feel as if you’ve been transported to India itself! This area is home to Singapore’s Indian community, and is bustling with life with its smells of incense and sounds of Bollywood music.

Start at Tekka Centre for local eats, then make your way to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum — a sacred landmark blending art and spirituality.

While here, be sure to visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dedicated to the Hindu goddess Kali; shop til you drop at the open 24/7 Mustafa Centre and pose for a photo out the front of the rainbow coloured Tan Teng Niah’s former home, the only surviving Chinese villa in the area.

You can delve into the rich traditions and savour the exotic smells, sights and sounds that emanate from all corners of the bustling streets and shopfronts of Little India on the Singapore Explorer tour with Trafalgar.

KAMPONG GLAM & ARAB STREET

Located right next to Little India is Singapore’s Muslim and Arab neighbourhood, Kampong Glam. The city’s oldest urban quarter, it was allocated by Sir Stamford Raffles in 1822 to the Malay and Arab communities.

While exploring this enclave, be sure to visit the Sultan Mosque with its beautiful golden dome; and sip on a much deserved iced coffee in one of the many cafes along Haji Lane.

Visit the Malay Heritage Centre, shop for textiles and perfumes along Arab Street, and stop at a café for a refreshing iced coffee – all wonderfully air conditioned, of course.

CHINATOWN

Once home to Singapore’s Chinese immigrant community, today, the city’s Chinatown is a mix of cultures with historic temples and trendy cafes. It’s also the only Chinatown in the world that is home to a Buddhist temple, mosque and Hindu temple all on one street.

Explore the Chinatown Heritage Centre, browse shophouses, and tuck into local dishes at Maxwell Food Centre or Newton Food Centre.

As evening falls, head to Club Street, a lively stretch filled with chic bars, perfect for winding down after a day of discovery.

Day 3: Day Trip to Sentosa Island

After spending two full days exploring all of the cityscapes, museums, temples and shopping, you could be wondering what to do in Singapore that hasn’t already been covered! Well, thankfully, there is still more – by way of relaxation, it’s time to head to the ‘tropical beach’ for some fun in the sun on Sentosa Island.

The island resort of Sentosa is home to beautiful beaches, spas, outdoor activities and Universal Studios theme park, so there’s definitely something for everyone! There are several ways that you can get to Sentosa from Singapore city; cable car from the HarbourFront station, the Sentosa Express monorail, taxi or a simple walk across the Sentosa Boardwalk from VivoCity.

If you’re craving more nature, explore Pulau Ubin and if you’re feeling peckish, dine at Satay by the Bay for its sea breeze and city views. If you’re after a slice of modern glamour, browse through the designer stores of luxury brands at Marina Bay Sands before heading to the airport.

Before you depart, be sure to experience Jewel Changi Airport, home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, Rain Vortex, and lush Canopy Park. It’s no surprise that Changi is regularly named one of the best airports in the world.

FAQs

When is the best time to visit Singapore?

Singapore is a year-round destination thanks to its tropical climate, but the driest months are from February to April, so no need to pack an umbrella. If you love festivals, time your trip for Chinese New Year or the Singapore Food Festival.

What is the weather like in Singapore?

Hot, humid, and occasionally rainy is Singapore in a nutshell. Expect temperatures around 30°C most days, so dress light, stay hydrated, and enjoy those air-conditioned breaks.

What are some must-do things in Singapore?

See the Merlion, head of a lion, body of a fish, stroll through Gardens by the Bay, and ride the Singapore Flyer for panoramic views. Oh, and grab a plate of satay or chilli crab at a hawker centre while you’re at it.

Where are the best places to eat in Singapore?

You’ll eat well everywhere, with some of the notable places being Maxwell Food Centre for classic chicken rice or Newton Food Centre for late-night seafood. For something fancy, book ahead at one of Marina Bay Sands’ celebrity chef restaurants.

What languages are spoken in Singapore?

Singapore has four official languages – English, Mandarin, Malay and Tamil. But don’t worry, English is widely spoken and used for everything from menus to MRT signs.

Is Singapore one of the cleanest countries in the world?

Absolutely! You’ll quickly notice how spotless the streets are (and how rare a chewing gum wrapper is). Locals take pride in keeping their city gleaminG, it’s a big part of what makes it so pleasant to explore.

Have you explored and discovered the city country of Singapore? Or, are you hoping to explore the best of Singapore soon in the future? Let us know in the comments! Or, visit our website to learn more about how you can travel Singapore with Trafalgar.