The Perfect 3 Days in Singapore Itinerary (2026 Singapore Stopover Travel Guide)
- Abby
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
If you’re planning 3 days in Singapore or a Singapore stopover, this itinerary covers the perfect way to spend a short but unforgettable trip in the city. From iconic attractions like Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands to incredible hawker food and colourful cultural neighbourhoods, this Singapore itinerary helps you make the most of your time.
Where to stay in Singapore
For a shorter trip or a stopover, I think the Clan Hotel is a great option. It offers a luxurious feel at an affordable price point, and because this itinerary doesn’t leave much time to enjoy the hotel's facilities, I think it’s the perfect balance.
However, if you are looking for a luxury splurge hotel, then I would recommend:
Marina Bay Sands - Iconic rooftop pool with an amazing view, perfect if you are looking for that once-in-a-lifetime Singapore experience.
Raffles - Iconic hotel perfect for history lovers. Home of The Long Bar, which served the first Singapore Sling
The Fullerton Hotel - Amazing views of the Marina Bay Sands, very luxurious.
Arrival made easy
To make our arrival as smooth as possible, we pre-booked our transfers through Holiday Extras. The service was reliable, with great communication throughout, and everything ran on time. I’d definitely recommend using them (my booking link is here.)
The journey from the airport to our hotel took around 20 minutes, and travel times to hotels in the Marina Bay area are very similar.
How to get around Singapore
Singapore is reasonably walkable; however, it can be a bit complicated due to loads of pedestrian walkways we didn’t realise existed. However, the MRT system is excellent and affordable, and we have used it very often without any issues. We also found Grab was reliable.
Day 1 - Gardens by the Bay & Marina Bay
Breakfast - Ya Kun Kaya Toast
This is a classic Singapore breakfast. There are Ya Kun Kaya Toast restaurants dotted across Singapore, and one is less than a 5-minute walk from The Clan Hotel.
Get the Kaya Toast, which is toast with butter and a delicious coconut jam that you dip in egg (with a bit of soy sauce). At only £4 this is affordable and delicious.
Morning
Head to Gardens by the Bay, where you can do some of Singapore's most iconic tourist attractions:
The Supertrees - these iconic structures are one of Singapore’s most famous landmarks. You can walk between two of them via the OCBC Skyway, which offers fantastic panoramic views (entry is £8.11), while viewing the Supertrees from the ground is free. For an even better view, visit the Supertree Observatory, where you’ll get stunning views over the Marina area.
The Cloud Forest - a huge conservatory filled with lush greenery, exotic plants, and one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls. There is currently a Jurassic Park theme, which is impressive and great for younger kids.
The Flower Dome is a conservatory that showcases flowers from all over the world and always features a different theme. It is lovely to walk around and take some great pictures.
You can get a ticket for the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome for £26.
Once you have finished at Gardens by the Bay, you are close to Marina Bay Sands, which, if you are interested in shopping, you can pop in to have a look around.
Bar - Raffles Long Bar
One of the most iconic things to do in Singapore is to go to The Long Bar for a Singapore Sling. The Long Bar is located in the Raffles Hotel, a short MRT ride from Gardens by the Bay. The bar opens at 11 am, and the earlier you get there, the better, as it gets extremely popular (we got there at 1pm, and it was a 30 to 45-minute queue). The cocktails are pretty expensive, but they were delicious, and you do get free peanuts.
Late Lunch - Maxwell Food Centre
Hawkwer Centres in Singapore are the absolute highlight in my opinion. Usually, I am a lover of restaurants, but in Singapore, I would avoid restaurants and stick to the hawker centre; you won’t regret it.
One of the best Hawker centres in Singapore is Maxwell Food Centre, and that is where I would recommend for your first Hawker Centre experience. On your first visit, try what you think looks good; however, a few I would recommend are:
Tian Tian Haiananese Chicken and Rice – an iconic Singapore dish that has received a Bib Gourmand. I have heard some people think it was overrated, but I disagreed. The chicken was really tender, and the rice had so much flavour. Typically, it has quite large queues, but we went at a less popular time, and there was almost no queue.
Maxwell Fuzhou Oyster Cakes – I was desperate to try this and thoroughly enjoyed it. It is a mixture of pork, oysters and prawns with a crispy crust.
Afternoon
After a busy first day, I recommend relaxing at your hotel's rooftop pool before a busy day tomorrow.
Day 2 - Singapore Temples, Kampong Glam and Hawker Food
Morning
Start your morning with a relaxed stroll around the city, then embark on an independent tour.
Top Tip - On this tour you will be going round lots of temples that require you to dress modestly. Make sure you cover your shoulders and knees.
Independent walking tour itinerary:
Thian Hock Keng Temple
One of the oldest Chinese temples in Singapore. Dedicated mainly to Mazu, the Chinese sea goddess. You can visit inside most days.
Top Tip - There is a fruit/smoothie stand across the street from this temple that is great for a bit of breakfast.
Chinatown
Wander around Chinatown Street Market and look at some of the beautiful murals.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
This is a Buddhist temple located in Chinatown. The main hall is the highlight, and it is an absolutely beautiful and ornate temple.
SriMariamman Temple
This is Singapore's oldest Hindu temple. The entrance is covered in sculptures of gods, goddesses, and mythical figures. It’s dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, known for protection and healing.
Pagoda Street
Walk along this significant road and see its colourful shophouses and bustling street markets.
Ann Siang Hill & Club Street
Walk around these spots and see the heritage buildings.
Little India
Hop on the MRT to Little India, one of Singapore’s most vibrant and culturally rich neighbourhoods.
Sri Veerakaliamman Temple
Visit this colourful Hindu temple dedicated to the goddess Kali, known for its intricate carvings and vibrant exterior.
Tan Teng Niah House
This colourful villa was built in the 1900s and is one of the most eye-catching buildings in Singapore.
While in Little India, I highly recommend stopping at one of the local hawker centres to try authentic and affordable Indian food.
After Little India, take the MRT to Kampong Glam, Singapore’s historic Malay-Arab district.
Arab Street
Explore Arab Street, known for its textile shops, boutiques, and trendy cafés.
Sultan Mosque
Visit the iconic Sultan Mosque, one of Singapore’s most important religious landmarks, famous for its impressive golden dome.
Haji Lane
Finish your whirlwind tour wandering down Haji Lane, a narrow street filled with colourful street art and independent shops.
Afternoon
In the afternoon, I highly recommend going on a food tour. This was the highlight of our trip, and our guide took us to some excellent spots we would never have found on our own.
I have linked the tour we went on here -
Bar - Lantern Bar
No trip to Singapore is complete without a trip to a rooftop bar, and I think Lantern Bar is the one everyone should go to. With views of the Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore waterfront, it is the perfect place to grab a drink.
Top Tip - I recommend arriving early to increase your chances of getting a table at the front and then staying for sunset. We arrived at 5:30.
Evening
In the evening, I recommend heading to one of Singapore’s free light shows:
Gardens Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm. This light show involves the Supertrees synchronised to music.
Spectra at Marina Bay Sands, which is a light and water show at 8 pm and 10 pm. This involves a 15-minute outdoor show featuring fountains, lasers, and projections across the water.
Day 3 - The Jewel
Morning
Something Singapore is known for is its iconic airport. The main area everyone thinks of is the Jewel Vortex, and it is located before you head to your terminal. Therefore, I recommend arriving early so you have enough time to enjoy.
After checking in your bags (or storing them if you are arriving early) its a short walk to Jewel. Here you will find the Jewel Vortex, loads of shops, restaurants and a Canopy Park.
We had lunch at Din Tai Fung which is a staple when visiting Singapore. We then headed to the airport and boarded our flight, sad to leave the incredible Singapore.
FAQs
Is 48 hours enough time in Singapore?
I felt as though we fit in everything we wanted to do in 48 hours; however, I could definitely spend longer here and visit the Night Zoo and Universal.
Is Singapore good for a stopover?
Singapore is one of the best stopover destinations in the world, especially if you are looking to explore South East Asia and Oceania, thanks to its excellent airport and flight routes.
Is Singapore expensive?
Singapore can be expensive for hotels, but hawker centres, public transport, and many attractions are very affordable compared to other big city locations.
Do I need cash in Singapore?
Yes, especially at Hawker Centres and small shops, many only take cash.
What food should you try in Singapore?
As much as you can! Some of my favourites were Kaya Toast, Oyster Cakes, Popiyah and Sugarcane Juice
Is Singapore safe for tourists?
Yes, Singapore is considered one of the safest cities in the world for tourists. We felt extremely safe throughout our trip, even late at night and when using public transport.
Final Thoughts
Singapore is one of the best city breaks and stopover destinations in the world. From iconic attractions like Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands to the incredible hawker food and vibrant neighbourhoods, there is so much to experience in a short time.
As a self-proclaimed foodie, Singapore was a dream, and I loved trying so many different dishes at the city’s famous hawker centres, especially at such affordable prices.
If you are looking for another incredible destination to pair with Singapore, I highly recommend Cambodia. You can read my Cambodia itinerary here.
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