2 day Singapore Itinerary: A Perfect Weekend Trip Guide
Looking for the perfect 2 day Singapore itinerary – you are at the right spot!
Singapore. A place normally utilized as a stopover city known for its incredible airport. But no matter what time you have available in Singapore, you need to step out of that incredible airport (hard I know) and see what this vibrant city has to offer. Personally, I spent a week in Singapore and managed to fill my time. But if you find yourself only having a small window to fill. Don’t stress as here is my guide on 2 days in Singapore itinerary.
2 day Singapore Itinerary: Planning your trip to Singapore
Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links. If you click one of them, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Also, note that this is a guest post submitted by a contributor.
Did you know? Singapore’s original name was ‘Singapura’, meaning ‘lion city’. The name Singapore comes from the Malay words “Singa” for lion and “Pura” for city.
Present-day Singapore dates back to the 19th century when a British statesman established Singapore as a colony. It later became a republic in 1965.
However, mention of Singapore is found as early as the 14th century. Today Singapore is a multiracial and multicultural country with ethnic Chinese comprising the majority of the population, followed by the Malays and then ethnic Indians.
- Airport: Singapore Changi Airport (primary transport hb in the country)
- Currency: Singapore Dollar (1 Singapore Dollar = .75 USD)
- Tourist Visa: Singapore Tourist visas. Ensure your passports are valid for 6 months on entry and have at least one blank page. A Singapore tourist visa is not required for citizens of the USA and Canada for a stay up to 30 days.
- Where to stay: Fullerton Bay Hotel | Mandarin Orchard Singapore | Ibis Budget Singapore Sapphire | Raffles Hotel Singapore
- Recommended tours: Full day private tour | Singapore City Pass for 2 days | 4 hour fishing kayak tour | Nighttime Safari
2 days in Singapore Itinerary
- Day 1 of 2 Day Singapore Itinerary: Haw Par Villa, Esplanade, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Lightshow, Dinner & Cocktails on Rooftop
- Day 2 of 2 Day Singapore Itinerary: The National Museum of Singapore, Sentosa boardwalk, Palawan Beach, Dinner at Marina Bay Sands’ themed restaurants, The Singapore Night Zoo
Getting to Singapore
Singapore is officially known as the Republic of Singapore. It is an island city-state. Flights operate frequently from various parts of the world to Changi Airport.
The easiest way to get from Changi Airport to the city is by train. Basically running all day (5:30 am-midnight) follow signs to the MRT station and head to the city. Single ride tickets can be purchased at all train stations.
However, if you are looking for absolute ease, then taxis, car rental, or airport transfers are also an option for a higher price.
You can book a private transfer here from Changi airport
Where to stay in Singapore
There is a wide range of accommodation options in Singapore – you can splurge on something like the Marina Sands Bay Hotel or the Fullerton Hotel with rooftop infinity pool or shopping arcades onsite!
Another stunning and luxe option is to stay at the Raffles Hotel. This iconic hotel has graced the likes of Michael Jackson and Queen Elizabeth II, so you can share that space too!
Raffles Hotel Singapore features neo-Renaissance architecture with extensive verandahs. This is also one of the oldest hotels in Singapore.
There are hostels, YWCA, and affordable options from ibis hotels to mid-budget ones like Holiday Inn – so yes the list is endless. Do book your accommodation at least 3 months in advance to score a good deal!
As far as neighborhoods, Marina Bay and the Singapore Orchard Road are fantastic. These areas are perfect for sightseeing, and also have a ton of restaurants and walking areas near them. Mandarin Orchard Singapore is a great option to consider at Orchard Road.
Other popular areas include Sentosa Island, Chinatown, Little India.
Recommended Tours in Singapore
If you are really pressed for time and want to make the most of your visit seamlessly with the help of a local expert, then consider opting for a tour. Here are some options
- Book a private tour with a local. This tour is excellent for those who wish to explore all the major sightseeing attractions, without having to worry about transport or walking. You will get to chit chat and get your questions answered about Singapore
- Singapore City Pass for 2 days. Although not a tour, in this City Pass you can get 35% discount of attraction tickets, plus get a hop-on-hop off bus ticket, and cable car ride free for this price.
- Singapore Tourist Pass: This is a public transportation pass that gives you unlimited rides. For a short weekend trip, you can use the Singapore City Pass instead to check off the touristy items on your first visit
- 4 hour fishing kayak tour
- Night time safari
You will find more tour options below, and each itinerary stop will have tour/ticket suggestions below
Day 1 of 2 days in Singapore itinerary: Haw Par Villa, Esplanade, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands, Lightshow, Dinner & Cocktails on Rooftop
Morning: Breakfast and Haw Par Villa
Singapore is definitely walkable so the first thing you will want to do is fuel yourself for a day of exploring. Kaya toast is a must try when in Singapore (Coconut Jam Toast with boiled eggs). Not only is it a traditional dish but the perfect fuel for a day of walking.
Keep an eye out for cafes named ‘Ya Kun Kaya Toast’ as they have multiple locations around the city.
After fueling, catch the MRT (rail system) to Haw Par Villa. This place is free to enter and is described as a theme park of nightmares. Originally built in 1937 as a way to educate children about Buddhism, Confucian and Taoist mythology, Haw Par Villa has turned into a wonderfully weird and diverse park filled with 1,000 statues and 150 giant dioramas.
Truly (in my opinion) the most unique place in Singapore. Spend a couple of hours walking through the park with lots of photo worthy backdrops. This was actually my favorite place in all of Singapore as it was like nothing I have experienced before.
I love finding unique things wherever I go and this place is UNIQUE. I wish I could tell you more but you really do have to see it to understand it and of course I don’t want to spoil anything for you! Just trust me, it is 100% worth a visit.
Afternoon: Esplanade, Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands
When you’re ready, head back into the city for lunch. Grab some takeaway food from a local vendor or Hawker Centre (food court) before heading to the Esplanade for views of the famous Merlions and Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
Spend an hour eating tasty food, watching the world go by, and enjoy the buzz of this city. No matter what time of day, this place will be busy and it was so nice to witness the harmonious diversity living in this cultural paradise.
Next, take a gentle stroll to the Gardens by the Bay located behind the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Spend the next couple of hours exploring these amazing grounds. First things first, you cannot miss seeing the famous Supertrees up close and personal.
Head there straight away to basque in the magnificent grandeur of these amazing creations. Book entry tickets for Gardens by the Bay here
Majority of the gardens are absolutely free but if you have to splash out on one thing (and when I say splash out it was only ~£10pp) it should be on a ticket to the Cloud Forest Conservatory – an encapsulated paradise that I can only describe as Jurassic Park meets Pandora. I’ll leave the rest to your imagination.
At the Cloud Forest, you can also check out the Flower Dome. This is a magical place grounded in sustainability and native plants and flowers.
Don’t forget to book your tickets and time online to ensure a completely stress free visit. There is so much to see at the gardens as it is absolutely filled with stunning fauna so make sure you take your time here and take in the beauty of this distinctive place.
Singapore is really miles ahead of a lot of countries with its sustainable solutions and it’s SO interesting to see how they implement it into all that they build.
Kingfisher Lake and the Heritage Gardens are also a must see, especially for those insta shots with views of the super trees in the background.
At the hotel, you can also head to the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck (free for hotel guests) to soak in the views of the city!
Optional: ArtScience Museum
Located inside of the Marina Sands Bay Hotel complex is the ArtScience Museum. It is a unique spot where art, science, culture and technology meet. You can access free, and paid areas or exhibits of the ArtScience Museum.
Book entry tickets here for the paid exhibitions
Evening: Marina Bay Sands Hotel Lightshow
Singapore is an extremely humid place so head back to your hotel/hostel for a freshen up before going out for dinner.
Head to Little India for an insanely tasty dinner. (Pssst, also a great place if you are looking for more veggie options). I can personally vouch that the butter chicken at Khansama Tandoori Restaurant is to die for!
Afterward, wander back to the esplanade to watch the Marina Bay Sands Hotel get even more magnificent with its FREE light show at 8 pm or 9:30 pm. Watch the lights and lasers cast illusions and shapes across the rippling water at this charming show.
If you’re lucky enough (like us) you may even get some unexpected fireworks at the end for a truly magical moment. No matter what happens, you will definitely want to bring your camera along for this one.
Also, check online for what free shows they are playing at the outdoor stage on the Esplanade. I managed to catch a drum show from a local community group that definitely got my feet tapping. With views of the skyline and the Marina Bay in the background, it definitely became one of those moments where you realize just how grateful you are for that moment.
Additionally, you can also head back to the Gardens by the Bay to catch the bedazzling and magical Garden Rhapsody light show.
If you’re a night owl then the only next step for you is to grab a cocktail with a view at the MANY rooftop bars Singapore has to offer. Feel like a millionaire sipping on a Singapore sling at a place like Lantern at the Fullerton Bay Hotel for great views of the Marina, before calling it a night.
You might this night tour: Evening hawker street food tour (food tastings with a local)
Day 2 of 2 days in Singapore Itinerary: The National Museum of Singapore, Sentosa boardwalk, Palawan Beach, Dinner at Marina Bay Sands’ themed restaurants, The Singapore Night Zoo
Morning: Breakfast and The National Museum of Singapore
If you can wait to eat, then make your way to Haji Lane for some breakfast. The narrowest street in Singapore is brimming with independent shops and coffee houses perfect for a toasty and caffeine fix before you start your day.
As an added bonus, this street is covered in rainbow colored graffiti that are literal pieces of art so enjoy wandering down this colorful street and be sure to check out the local shops for unique clothes and trinkets.
For me, learning about a place’s history and past is a huge part of getting to know and understand a culture. So I always try to find at least one museum to go to to help educate myself on new perspectives.
The National Museum of Singapore does just that and I highly recommend it. You probably won’t be able to see absolutely everything there but as the oldest museum in Singapore, it will 100% give you a good insight into Singapore’s history.
Not only is this place filled with interesting information but I loved how interactive they have made everything where learning really is fun. Even for adults!
Afternoon: Sentosa boardwalk, Palawan Beach
For lunch, grab something tasty at a local grocery store before taking the MRT to Harbourfront and enjoy a gentle stroll along the Sentosa Boardwalk.
You will like: Sentosa Cable Car Sky Pass admission ticket
Head straight to Palawan Beach to enjoy your picnic lunch while listening to the calm ocean sounds. (Remember to take a towel to sit on!)
Once you’ve had a moment to relax and rest those feet, walk over the magically idyllic rope bridge to Palawan Island to see views from the southernmost point of Continental Asia. Cool thing to tick off the bucket list right!? I spent so long looking out to sea watching all the cargo ships come in and out almost like a moment of meditation.
Explore the rest of the island and keep an eye out for some low reaching palm trees for some amazing photo ops.
Evening: Dinner at Marina Bay Sands’ themed restaurants, The Singapore Night Zoo
Grab an early dinner and treat yourself to one of the Marina Bay Sands’ themed restaurants. Yes it will cost you a little bit more (I paid around £70 for 2 people so it’s still affordable in my opinion) but it is worth it for the experience of dining in this magnificent place. With cuisine choices from around the work, you will be spoilt for choice.
If you’re a secret nerd like me then you will definitely want to head to the DC Comics Super Heroes Cafe for a themed dinner full of fun. For a truly unique experience on your final night, then why not walk among the elephants, wolves, and leopards at the world’s first nocturnal zoo.
The Singapore Night Zoo is the first of its kind and is another unique experience you should definitely add to the list. Opening from 6:30 pm – midnight makes your last night in Singapore one to remember.
An Alternate Singapore Itinerary 2 days
Here are some more options to add to your Singapore 2 day itinerary. We have included an optional itinerary below as well – this option includes dedicated time for neighborhoods such as Chinatown, Little India gems, and Fort Canning Park along with Marina Bay attractions
Alternate 2 days Singapore itinerary
- Day 1 of 2 Day Singapore Itinerary: Start with the National Museum of Singapore, and then set aside 2-3 hours each for Little India and ChinaTown, Combine them both on one day. You can have dinner in either of these two neighbourhoods.
- Day 2 of 2 Day Singapore Itinerary: Palawan Beach, Esplanade, Gardens by the Bay attractions, Fort Canning Park, Marina Bay Sands Light Show, dinner and drinks at the Clarke Quay – the riverside district of Singapore
Start your itinerary by exploring the National Museum of Singapore, and then set aside a few hours each for Little India and Chinatown – you will be exploring temples, markets, and vibrant lanes in this itinerary.
Finish the first day at Chinatown.
Little India
Like the name suggests Little India is super unique and showcases a slice of India in Singapore. Little India along with Chinatown and Kampong Glam is a popular touristy neighborhood.
Little India is special as it is very vibrant, and makes for great Instagrammable shots, with colorful walls, streets, and buildings. This spot is popular with the local Indians living in Singapore to eat, hang out, shop, socialize and pray.
There are quite a few stunning temples in the neighborhood with gorgeous architecture, such as Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple, and the Indian Heritage Centre (for culture lovers).
You will also find a Buddhist Temple – Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, and other spots include the House of Tan Teng Niah.
If you wish to shop, head to the Mustafa Centre, and Tekka Centre (market). Little India Arcade is another place worth stopping by.
Here is a self guided tour of Little India
ChinaTown
Chinatown fans? Swap any day’s itinerary for Chinatown. It is accessible via the Chinatown MRT station, and from here you can wander to the Heritage Centre and check out historical exhibits on display.
It is important to note that the neighborhood is not super huge, and you can easily explore on foot, or even join a walking tour to learn about its history and quirky facts.
You will love the hustle-bustle of the neighborhood, and its vibes. As you explore and walk through you must admire the architecture and decorations!
Located here is the Sri Mariamman Temple, which is the oldest Hindu Temple in Singapore. You can spend time admiring the stunning cravings and also learn about its history. The Sri Mariamman Temple is located at 244 South Bridge Road.
Next on the list is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. This is a Tang Dynasty inspired building, and also a Buddhist temple. It is believed that a Buddha relic was found here in 1980 in a collapsed stupa.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple also operates as a museum, and devotees from all over the world come here for peace, and to admire the exhibits.
Chinatown is a great spot for foodies. The Chinatown Food Complex is located next to the Buddha Temple, and here you can try out Singaporean street food.
Optional: Chinatown Night Tour
If you wish to explore Chinatown in the evening, book this book that also includes dinner after sightseeing.
On day 2 of your Singapore itinerary, focus on the city center area and check out all the attractions at the Gardens of the Bay complex, Marina Sands Bay and enjoy a stroll at the promenade.
So, essentially you are covering Cloud Forest Conservatory, Flower Dome, SkyPark Observation deck, etc at the Gardens of the Bay, followed by time at the Hotel.
Add time at the Fort Canning Park which is a historic site, and home to multiple attractions like the Pancur Larangan, the old Bathing Court, Fort Gate, the Cannon, and the Keramat Iskandar Shah, believed to be his burial place.
You can also enjoy the Spice Garden that abounds in Pandan leaves, rosemary, and mint, followed by a quick stop at the Artisan’s Garden.
From here you can make your way to Clarke Quay which is the riverside district of Singapore for dinner and drinks.
Or enjoy a nighttime safari.
Night Time Safari Singapore
One of the fun activities to do in Singapore is to embark on a journey to Night Safari Singapore. In this tour, you will be taken in a jeep to see nocturnal animals, from fierce predators to timid forest dwellers, in their natural habitat under the moonlight.
In this safari, you will also pass by a large reservoir that replicates the natural environment from the Himalayan Foothills to the Southeast Asian Rainforest and Indian Subcontinent.
Your guide will also lead you on a walking trail to view some animals closely. There will also be an opportunity to catch either the Thumbuakar performance of fire-eating skills or choose to add on a buffet dinner. Check out this night time safari here
More options: 3-4 days in Singapore
Here are some more options to consider for your next visit to Singapore.
Universal Studios Singapore
Fan of theme parks? Head to Universal Studios Singapore located within Resorts World Sentosa on Sentosa Island. This theme park features 28 rides, shows, and attractions in various themed zones.
It is considered to be Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal Studios theme park. As a tourist, expect to pay the following ticket fees:
One-Day Ticket prices
- Adult (Age 13-59) – SGD 81
- Child (Age 4-12) – SGD 61
- Senior (Age 60 and above) – SGD 43
Set aside a day or half a day to make the most of the ticket’s worth!
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Dating back to 1859 when the Singapore Botanic Gardens was first opened, this is one of three tropical gardens in the world to be declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The Gardens played an important role in fostering agricultural development in Singapore and hence it is popular and considered a treasure. The Singapore Botanic Gardens are open daily from 5 a.m. to midnight and are free to explore.
If you love botanical gardens, set aside 3-4 hours at this 162-year-old tropical garden located at the fringe of the Orchard Road shopping district in Singapore.
Located at the Botanical gardens is the National Orchid Garden which is home to the largest exhibit of orchids anywhere in the world. This place is serene and gorgeous as it is on a hilltop.
Sultan Mosque
Located at Muscat Street and North Bridge Road is the Sultan Mosque or Masjid Sultan. This mosque is named after Sultan Hussain Shah and is a designated national monument.
Tiong Bahru (shopping)
Tiong Bahru is one of the oldest neighborhoods in Singapore. Today it is one of the vibrant, and hipster districts with quirky boutiques, restaurants, and markets.
Tiong Bahru translates as ‘new cemetery’. You can admire the art deco buildings here too.
Joo Chiat Road (shopping)
Joo Chiat Road is a residential area located in the eastern part of Singapore. This is another offbeat and colorful neighborhood where you can snap Instagrammable photos against colorfully painted shops and buildings on both sides of the road.
More shopping streets
Another amazing neighborhood with color and shops is Haji Lane. It is an attractive place for tourists and youngsters to hang out.
Other most famous streets where you can find everything to shop (or window shop) are Arab Street and Bussorah Street.
Sightseeing Map for 2 day Singapore Itinerary
Travel Tips for Singapore
What to pack for Singapore? Singapore Packing Tips
As previously mentioned, Singapore can get extremely humid, even in the late hours of the night, so I would suggest packing a couple more tops than normal just in case some get a bit gross after a day of sweaty adventures. You will definitely want a spare!
- Clothing: Airy, breathable clothes (tops, blouses, dresses, pants)
- Comfortable walking shoes: A comfy pair of shoes is another non-negotiable. Even if you will be using the MRT most of the time, you will still have to walk to the stations so save yourself some distress and pain and pack those über unfashionable but comfortable trainers.
- Lightweight jacket: Add a lightweight (tech) jacket to the Singapore packing list
- Hat: Carry a hat to protect your hair and heat from the sun
- Camera: For taking awesome photos in Singapore.
- Power bank: Pack a power bank so that you never run out of power!
- Cosmetics/toiletry (add wet wipes)
Keep in mind that Singapore is a cosmopolitan city, and dress style is generally urban, and practical, mostly casual too. You will be wearing t-shirts, jeans, shorts, sneakers and flip flops.
Budget tips for 2 day Singapore itinerary
Singapore is known for its abundance of luxury, high-end shops so if you are planning on splurging and treating yourself to some designer items then of course you will need to budget for that.
If you are looking to stay in Singapore on a budget, the best area where you can cut costs WILL be your accommodation. Of course, everyone dreams of staying at the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel but if you want your travel money to go as far as possible like me then there are lots of budget friendly options available that are still very very nice.
Safety tips & local norms in Singapore
When it comes to safety, Singapore is one of the cities where I would have no worries walking around alone, even at night!
With that, always use your common sense but as day to day safety goes, I felt very comfortable. However, it does have a lot of rules which may surprise you or catch you out.
Singapore is also a country where local laws and regulations are super strict, and fines are common! For example, chewing gum is illegal and can have some very serious fines and consequences if caught doing so in a public place.
Drinking alcohol in public is also forbidden unless in a bar or restaurant. I would recommend doing a little bit of research before going to know the basics just so don’t get caught out but don’t stress!
All you have to do is look around for signs as they have made it VERY obvious and easy for non-locals to follow the rules.
What to eat in Singapore?
Other than the luxe portrayal of Singapore – thanks to Crazy Rich Asians movie – cuisine in this country is mind-blowing.
Hainanese chicken rice is a must-eat in Singapore. It is a Southeast Asian dish of poached chicken and seasoned rice, served with chili sauce.
Other recommendations include: Chilli crab, Char kuay teow, and barbecued stingray
There are quite a few options for dining and drinks from the marina district, to Chinatown, and markets such as the Maxwell Food Centre, which was made famous by Anthony Bourdain (for Tian Tian Chicken Rice found in Stalls 10 and 11). And of course, kaya toast is a must-try for breakfast.
For coffee lovers, head to Chye Seng Huat Hardware for amazing specialty coffee.
What to buy in Singapore – shopping & souvenirs
It doesn’t matter if you are a credit swiper or a window shopper, Singapore will delight one and all when it comes to shopping. Some of the amazing photos and colors are found in the hustle bustle of the stalls and markets in Singapore’s Chinatown and Little Town. Artifacts and fashion clothing are also relatively cheaper here.
If you are into luxury labels or want to get your hands on gadgets consider visiting the Shoppes at the Marina Sands Bay, Mandarin Gallery, Paragon, or the Ngee Ann City shopping malls.
As far as souvenirs go, the most popular one is the Merlion – a mythical or rather man-made creature representing half lion and half mermaid. You can buy this as a keychain, fridge magnet, miniature for display, etc. They can be easily found in most souvenir stores.
Other than that you can buy orchid perfumes, eatables such as Bak-Kwa (BBQ Meat), Ya-Kun Kaya Spread (Coconut Jam), Laska paste, etc.
Is 2 days enough for Singapore?
In one of my blog posts, I talk about how Singapore is one of those places where you could fill whatever time you have there because it has so many different things to do.
In my personal opinion, yes you only need 2-3 days to see the ‘main attractions’ but do I recommend this amount of time? No. The best tip I could give here is to slow down and take the time to really appreciate this city.
I spent a week here and I am so glad that I did as it gave me the chance to live like a local. I had time to go to the cinema in the evening, see a free evening show or visit a local shopping centre for a bit of R&R which is something I never get to do while traveling or even think about doing. But Singapore is such a diverse, liveable city that it felt oddly comfortable.
Final thoughts – Singapore 2 day itinerary
Slow down, spend a bit longer here and appreciate what this diverse city has to offer. Even though I spent a week here, I still only spent a maximum of £600 or 840 USD which proves that staying in Singapore does not have to break the bank. An assumption I had before I went there as well.
So don’t be afraid to spend a few more days here as I’m proof that it is doable on a budget. And I definitely didn’t miss out on anything.
The reason I love Singapore so much is how you see such a blend of cultures and nationalities living in harmony and respectfully. Singapore seems so forward thinking in so many aspects of life and it’s nice to have your eyes opened to new perspectives and, to be perfectly honest, feel like the star of your own movie in this glitzy, glam cosmopolitan city.
Read: More Weekend trip guides
About the author: Hannah-Beth is a 26 British traveler who has explored 44+ countries. She is a Certified Scuba Diver/Mermaid wannabe (and yes, her second name is actually Diver). After getting accepted onto a Psychology Graduate program after University, she lived and worked in Sri Lanka where she ran therapy sessions in psychiatric facilities, special needs schools and teaching English within the community while staying with a Sri Lankan family. After that, she spent the next two years travelling the world, working and living in Australia and visiting over 12 different countries! Currently, she is teaching Special Educational Needs in England, and saving pennies, and ticking off bucket list items between the 9 to 5. Find her on Instagram | Pinterest | Facebook | Blog
Pin: What to do in Singapore for 2 days
