SingaporeandMe

Cool! You are going to visit Singapore! Make it a memorable trip with these Highlights in 5 days!

In the pink section, you can find some additional tips for that day. On my website you will find nice neighborhoods to hang out and eat in the evening. Looking for a compact guide to carry along? Check and save my free guide Explore Singapore.

• Are you looking for tips on what to do and what not to do in Singapore? Make sure you’re well-prepared by reading my blog post titled “Singapore: what a fine city”.
• If you are planning to do and visit a lot of Singapore’s highlights, checking out any of the Singapore Tourist Passes will give you extra advantages.

Day 1: Cycling through the Lion City

Start ultimate touristic, because there is no better way to get to know a city than with a guided bike tour. Get on your bike in the morning – bring plenty of water and a cap – along with fellow tourists. Today put aside any aversion you may have to “tourist cliches. It’s worth it because after a bike tour of about 4 hours, you’ll have an impression of the different neighborhoods of Singapore’s City Area and a bucketful of tips.

• In Singapore, you bike on the sidewalk. Just call or shout and people move out of the way for you. You will soon find that in Singapore you have to claim your “space.
• The weekends are busy, including on the streets. Cycling during the week is therefore a lot more relaxing.
• Get carried away by taking lots of pictures so your phone can stay in your bag for the rest of the days. You’ll get lots of tips on restaurants and cool places to be, write them down especially so you don’t forget them.
• Get your guide offers great tours.

After the bike ride, you will have time to have a nice lunch somewhere. Ask your guide for a good lunch spot nearby. For my favorites, check out: restaurants Singapore. Still have energy left? Then choose one of the neighborhoods you cycled through to look around and walk around again at your own pace. Satiated from all the impressions on this first day? Then take a dip in the pool or plop down on a terrace with a Singapore Sling or any other delicious drink.

Are you ready for more tourist activities? Purchase a ticket and hop on a Hop On Hop Off Singapore bus.

Are you filled with the impressions you’ve had on this first day? Take a dip in the swimming pool or relax on one of the many nice terraces. If you’d rather unwind on the beach, grab your towel and hop aboard the Sentosa Express at Vivo City ($4 round trip) to explore the beautiful white sandy beaches on Sentosa Island. You have free access to the island, and there are plenty of palm trees providing ample shade. If you prefer a bit more luxury, choose one of the many beach clubs and pay for a comfortable sunbed.

Day 2: China Town, Fort Canning and National Museum Singapore

China Town

Start the day on time in China Town, a must see and from the MRT station of the same name you dive straight into this special district. All the beautiful colors and smells you can’t and don’t want to miss and also the various shophouses you see here in abundance. You can book a tour or wander around on your own and read about this colorful district.

Want to score nice souvenirs for home? Then you will definitely succeed here. Silk (scarves, kimonos, etc.) and traditional Chinese gadgets can be found here for a nice price.

• The MRT can be a real maze, and if you take the wrong exit, you’ll be left feeling quite confused. At each station, you’ll find overview maps indicating the exits (marked with a letter). Look up your destination on the map and check which exit you should take. Follow the route indicated by the letter on the signs within the station.
• Go early in the morning so it is not yet too hot and not too crowded.
• In/near Chinatown you will find hawkercentres Maxwell and Chinatown Foodcentre. For the last one you should not be too fragrant:-).
• Do you smell a pungent smell at the fruit stalls? That’s the fruit Doerian. Do you dare to eat it? Eat it immediately though, with its pungent smell, this fruit is not welcome in the MRT.
• Are you interested in the urban planning (historical and future) developments of the city-state of Singapore and its ambitions? Then visit the Singapore City Gallery. Admission is also free here, and with an impressive city model, you can get a comprehensive overview of the city at a glance. Additionally, there is a wealth of interactive information about the city of Singapore available.
• Telok Ayer is located near Chinatown and offers a fantastic view of the Singapore Shophouses, along with a plethora of delightful restaurants and more. It is a highly appealing area to explore and wander around.

Fort Canning

After checking out China Town, hop on the MRT to Fort Canning Station and stroll through Fort Canning Park. You’ll be amazed by the lush greenery in the heart of the city.

This hill has witnessed key moments in Singapore’s history: once the seat of Malay royalty, later a British military base, and even the site of the WWII surrender to the Japanese. Today, it’s a peaceful retreat filled with heritage trails, colonial relics, and secret gardens — history and nature in one.

• The Fort Canning Heritage Gallery offers free access and is definitely worth a visit.
• Are you ready for lunch, a cup of coffee with something sweet or just want to sit back and relax? Le Jardin is a new restaurant located on top of Fort Canning Hill. I also like to do that at the Tiong Bahru Bakery where you can enjoy lots of goodies in the tropical garden as well as in the air conditioned indoors.
• Read more on my website about Fort Canning.

National Museum Singapore

A visit to the National Museum Singapore located a stone’s throw from Fort Canning is well worth it. If you want to learn more about the origins of Singapore and the life of Singapore, this is the place to be. The changing exhibitions keep it interesting to visit the museum, should you have visited Singapore and this museum before.

Peranakan Museum

Another nearby alternative museum is the Peranakan Museum. Here, you can learn and see more about the vibrant and colorful Peranakan culture in Singapore.

• The museum is best visited during the hottest part of the day so you can cool off. The temperature can even be “chilly,” so make sure you have something with you to dress warmer.
• If you want to visit more museums and/or attractions, it may be worth purchasing an Explorer pass.
• Are you new to Singapore and passionate about culture and history? In that case, I highly recommend becoming a member of Friends of the Museum (FOM). For just $70 a year, you will have unlimited access to all museums (some even allow you to bring a guest for free) and can participate in a variety of interesting lectures and study groups. It’s a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in Singapore’s rich cultural and historical offerings.

Day 3: Botanic Gardens and Orchard

Botanic Gardens

Today you will start with a visit to the Botanic Gardens. This beautiful park is a great place to envelop yourself in color and fragrance in the middle of the city. Don’t be alarmed if a Monitor Lizard sneaks out of the bushes, they are represented in multitude in the park. You visit the Botanic Gardens for free, a pay visit to the National Orchid Garden is well worth the money.

• Nearby Botanic Gardens you’ll find Cluny Park Road where some marvelous villa’s are showing off. Here you can also view a villa used in the movie Crazy Rich Asian.
• Curious what renting a property in Singapore costs? Check Property Guru and you will instantly respect the cost of renting property in Europe 😉.
• Are you a student? If so, don’t forget to bring your student card with you. With your student card, you can get a discounted ticket to the Orchid Garden, costing you only a few dollars.

Orchard

Do you want to walk a bit more? A walk to Orchard is nice via this (reverce) route with some background information. I can imagine you prefer a airconditioned route, than take the metro via MRT Botanic to Orchard.

Orchard is a great place to marvel at Singapore’s architecture and also has some beautiful hidden gems where old and new blend beautifully. Start to the left of the MRT in ION and be sure to take a moment outside this mall to admire the extraordinary design. If you wander down Orchard Street from the MRT towards Dhouby Gault MRT you will come across, among others, grand Malls like Takashimaya where you can marvel at the most exclusive brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel. But there’s more. Follow the red route in reverse if you want to be “guided” a bit more.

You’ll also pass Emerald Hill and Cuppage Terrace on the way where you can admire some more beautiful shop houses and also have a delicious bite to eat. Check out my restaurants page for my favo spots. Also, every mall has a food plaza where you can eat for a small price.

Just at the end of Orchard you will find the Istana park, which houses the presidential residence. Unfortunately not open to the public except for a few days a year and in that case worth visiting.

• Visit Orchard Road in the evening. Lightshows, music and chattering parakeets (yes that loud noise is from real birds) make it a vibrant and bubbling place to be.
• At the roof at Alchemist @ Design Orchard you can enjoy a good coffee with a nice view on Orchard road.

Day 4 – River Valley, CBD and Marina Bay

River Valley

Start your adventure today at Great World MRT. Enjoy a scenic 40-minute walk along the river to Boat Quay — a lovely route full of local life, historic bridges, and waterfront views.

Take your time, grab a drink at a cosy spot, and soak in the atmosphere. Fancy a different perspective? Cross over to Clarke Quay and admire the colorful shophouses from the other side.

Central Business District (CBD)

Downtown Area

From Boat Quay, take a short stroll to Raffles Place — known for its striking sculptures and city buzz. Don’t miss CapitaSpring: head up to the rooftop garden for a stunning (and free!) view over the skyline. (Check timings and slots in advance.) The building also houses a modern hawker centre — accessible via the side entrance — where you can enjoy great local food at very affordable prices.

• Are you ready for some cool weather and interested in art and photography? Then visit the nearby National Gallery Singapore.
• A river cruise is fun to do, you’ll also pass Singapore’s Merlion and see the Marina Bay Sands hotel from the water.

Marina Bay

Don’t leave Singapore without visiting the Marina Bay Area and the stunning Gardens by the Bay — one of the city’s most iconic and visionary landmarks.

This futuristic park spans over 100 hectares and was designed to transform Singapore from a “Garden City” into a “City in a Garden.” It’s a showcase of innovation, sustainability, and biodiversity, right in the heart of Marina Bay.

As you stroll through the park, you’ll also be treated to spectacular views of Marina Bay Sands (MBS) — the architectural icon of Singapore with its boat-shaped rooftop. From the gardens, MBS rises in the background like a futuristic palace. It’s worth a visit on its own, even if just to wander through the enormous luxury mall inside, marvel at the indoor canal with gondolas (yes, really!), or take in the jaw-dropping views from the SkyPark Observation Deck (ticketed). It’s indulgent, over-the-top, and uniquely Singapore.

At the center of it all are the Supertrees — towering vertical gardens that range from 25 to 50 meters tall. These “bionic trees” aren’t just eye-catching sculptures; they function as environmental engines. Some are fitted with solar panels, others collect rainwater or act as air exhausts for the cooled conservatories. Covered in a living skin of ferns, orchids, and tropical climbers, the Supertrees are as green as they are grand.

You’ll also find themed gardens, art installations, and spectacular vantage points throughout the park. For sweeping views, head up the OCBC Skyway, a walkway suspended between the Supertrees (ticketed). And if you visit in the evening, you’re in for a treat: the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show (daily at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM) transforms the Supertrees into a dazzling display of color and music.

Getting there is easy: Take the MRT to Bayfront Station, head towards Exit B, and once you reach the top of the stairs, turn right. You’ll enter the gardens directly and can begin your stroll through one of Singapore’s most inspiring green spaces.

• Indulge in a cocktail on the rooftop of the Marina Bay Sands. The view from up there is truly spectacular, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas. While the drinks may not come cheap, it’s worth noting that by enjoying a cocktail on the rooftop, you also gain access to the SkyPark Observation Deck. This saves you the separate entrance fee of $20, allowing you to enjoy a similar view while sipping on your drink. It’s a fantastic way to treat yourself and take in the stunning sights of Singapore’s skyline.
• In for a bite? Very nearby you can eat Satay, Satay or Satay at Satay by the Bay. Be patient, this is a popular spot but it is worth it!
• In the vicinity, there are numerous tourist attractions to explore, such as the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, Supertree Grove, and the Supertree Observatory. It is advisable to plan ahead and book your tickets online for the specific attractions you wish to visit. If you live in Singapore, you are considered a local and be eligible for lower ticket prices.

Day 5 – Little India, Kampong Glam and Joo Chiat

Little India

Like China Town, Little India has a rich history. On weekends you’ll be walking over heads, so pick a weekday. With all the smells and colors, you’ll imagine yourself in another country for a moment. Start the day on time and begin with a tour of Little India’s wet-market: Tekka Market. Also visit the bizarre Mustafa department store where you can get really anything. If you like a little more focused walking around, a number of online walking tours are also available for Little India. Of course, you can also opt for a guided tour.

One of the oldest temples in Singapore is the colorful Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. This impressive structure and the daily offerings being made will automatically take you into higher spirits.

In for a nice lunch in Little India? Check restaurants on my website for my tips.

Kampong Glam

Kampong Glam is hip! There are nice things for sale and a color of delicious restaurants on both Arab Street and Haji Lane.
From Little India, walk to the Kampong Glam district that includes Arab Street and Haji Lane. Originally, each ethnic group had its own neighborhood in Singapore, and as the name suggests, the Muslims settled here. From this neighborhood, many Haji pilgrimages were organized early on. Although the government now ensures that no “own neighborhoods” are created and all cultures are dispersed, the original couleur local has remained intact as cultural heritage.

• Kampong Glam is very vibrant in the evening. Young and hip travellers will absolutely enjoy clubbing in Haji Lane.
• For walks on your own, check Ostrich Trails.
• In this area, you’ll discover some of the most stunning murals. For more information and maps of the murals created by artist Yip Yew Chong throughout the city, visit his website.

Joo Chiat & Geylang Seray

Not on every tourist list — but absolutely worth it and one of the coolest if you ask me!.

Thanks to the recently opened Marine Parade MRT, the area is now even easier to reach — perfect for a relaxed afternoon exploring this unique part of town.

Joo Chiat offers a glimpse into Peranakan heritage, with rows of pastel-coloured shophouses now home to charming cafés, boutiques and eateries.

Pair your colourful walk with a visit to Geylang Serai, a vibrant Malay cultural hub just around the corner. Once known as a red-light district, Joo Chiat is now a rising star — recognised with heritage status on the UNESCO Asia-Pacific list.

Take your time to walk around and take a good look around. Many buildings have beautiful details on the roofs and facades.

Street Art is very populair in this area as well.

• Today you travel by bus, nice to do so because you see a lot more than with the MRT and it is easy and fast as well. Want to travel by bus more? Just check your traveloptions.
• Ostrich Trail has a walk in this ares as well. Start at number 5 of this walk or, if you are in for a longer one, start at 1. For that starting point, exit Paya Labar Station instead.
• Visit the Eurisian Herritage Gallery.
• This area is, again 😍, very good for food. Check some restauranttips on this website.

More Singapore Travel Trips

This 5-day-trip is ofcourse changeable due to your interest. Check the list bellow for some more tips and suggestion to make traveling in Singapore easy and fun.

• Public Transport
  Easiest and cheapest way to travel is by MRT or by Bus. Buy an EZ link pass of use (with a supplement fee) your Master or Visa card to check in and out. On the signs in the MRT stations you see numbers for Exits, check which one you need to take for your destination. In my blog van OV hater naar OV fan you can read more about my experience traveling by MRT.
• Mobile data
  Do you want to stay online in Singapore? Buy a toerist SIM at Singtel.
• Standard attributes
  Going round and about in Singapore? Make sure you always have with you: an umbrella (rain- and sunproof), sunblock and wet wipes or at least tissues (not standard at hawker centers or ico-stalls).
• Finding your way in Singapore
  It is easy to find your way in Singapore. Download Citymapper on your phone to find your way even faster and more detailed.
• Do’s and Don’ts
  Singapore has some pretty strict rules, and some others than we are used to in Europe. Chewing gum is a no-go and drinking or eating in bus or MRT is forbidden as well. Check the regulation before traveling to prevent high fines (more about this in the blog Singapore, what a Fine City).
• Walking / Hiking
  You love to walk or even Hike? There are great ‘parks’ for short and long walks (>10 km). Check my website for tips or the honeycombers.
• Singapore Beaches
  Despite being an island, for fantastic beaches you have to go somewhere else than Singapore. But.. not to worry, there are som (nice) beaches. The most famous ones are on Santosa Island. The beaches are artificia, reclaimed and created with sand from Indonesia and Malaysia. On Trip Advisor you will find a list of the best beaches in Singapore.
• Fun for kids
  Traveling with kids? Santosa Island has a lot to offer, from Universal Studio’s, See Aquarium and swimming like a dolphin at adventure cove park. You can take the cable car to Sentosa. Don’t miss the Singapore Zoo where you can make a spectaculair Night Safari.
• Musea
  There are some more musea than mentioned in the 5-day tips. Honeycombers and TripAdvisor are useful to read more about the options.
• Island Hopping
  Do you have the time to travel a bit more? You can Island-Hop to St John Island, Lazarus Island, Kusu Island and Sister Island. Be aware that only St John Island has some facilities, so take plenty of water and food with you. You can also make a day trip to Pulau Ubin.
• Free guided Tours
  Do you want to explore Singapore with a local? Not tried this yet but there are ‘free’ guided tours by monsterdaytours.
• Wet markets – shop like a local
  Have you been surprised by the high prices in Singapore’s supermarkets? There is another – and much more affordable – way. Fresh vegetables, fruit, meat and fish are all available at great prices at one of the many wet markets across Singapore. Each market has its own character, and it’s a joy to wander around and fully immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of everyday Asian life.
  My personal favourites? Tiong Bahru Market – located in a neighbourhood that’s well worth exploring (check out my blog: A Touch of Europe) – and Geylang Serai, which pairs perfectly with a colourful walk through Joo Chiat.

SingaporeandMe

Are you as amazed by Singapore as I am? Did this 5-day highlights guide help you make the most of your time in Singapore? I would greatly appreciate it if you could let me know! And please feel free to share this information.

I love to blog about my life in general and in Singapore more specific. Check my website to read my blogs and tips about exploring Singapore. Do you like to receive my blogs in a weekly email? You can subscribe at my website. Ofcours I would love to read your response on this and other blogs so feel free to leave me a comment 😍.