Ultimate 4 Day Singapore Itinerary

Singapore is a small but mighty island nation located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula. It’s often referred to as ‘’Lion City’’ because of a legend that says a Sumatran prince once saw a creature resembling a lion when he was hunting on the island, leading him to name it Singapura, which means “Lion City” in Sanskrit.

In this Travel Guide I’ll share with you the perfect 4 days in Singapore itinerary so you don’t miss any of the top highlights. I’ll also share with you lots of insider tips to make the most of your first-time visit to this incredible city-state, known for its stunning blend of modernity and natural beauty!

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Things to Know Before Travelling to Singapore

Top tip: If you can, I highly recommend flying into Singapore Changi Airport, which has been voted the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax for ten consecutive years. After seeing it for myself, I can truly see why. The airport has a huge waterfall right in the middle of it, as well as other amazing attractions, such as a butterfly garden and rooftop pool. You seriously have to see it to believe it! 

Official Language of Singapore

The official language of Singapore is English, which is widely spoken and used in business, government, education, and everyday communication.

However, Singapore is a multicultural and multilingual society, and other languages commonly spoken include Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil.

Official Currency

The currency of Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). It is denoted by the symbol “$” or “S$” and is divided into 100 cents. The Singapore Dollar is accepted throughout the country, and there are numerous ATMs, banks, and currency exchange services available for visitors to obtain local currency. Major credit cards are widely accepted in most establishments as well.

Singaporean Culture

Singapore is a multicultural society with a rich and diverse cultural heritage. The culture of Singapore is a blend of various influences, including Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western cultures.

Here are some key aspects of Singapore’s cultural landscape:

• Multiculturalism: Singapore prides itself on being a multicultural society, where people of different ethnicities and religions coexist harmoniously. The government actively promotes racial and religious harmony, fostering a sense of unity among its diverse population.

• Respect for Traditions and Values: Singaporeans hold traditional values, such as filial piety and respect for elders, in high regard. Traditional customs and practices are still observed during important occasions, such as weddings and religious ceremonies. The younger generation also maintains a strong connection to their cultural roots.

• Cleanliness: Singaporeans take pride in their clean and well-maintained environment. There is a strong emphasis on civic responsibility, with campaigns promoting cleanliness, proper waste disposal, and environmental sustainability.

• Traditional Customs and Rituals: Traditional customs and rituals are an integral part of Singapore’s cultural fabric. Practices like Chinese ancestral worship, Malay weddings, and Indian religious ceremonies are still observed by respective communities. These customs provide a glimpse into the cultural heritage and beliefs of Singapore’s different ethnic groups.

Overall, Singapore is a vibrant and multicultural society. The government’s emphasis on multiculturalism and harmony has helped shape a unique cultural identity that celebrates diversity while fostering a strong national identity.

Best Time to Visit Singapore

Singapore has a tropical climate and temperatures are fairly consistent throughout the year (an average high of 31°C (88°F) and low of 24°C (75°F)). However, the best time to visit Singapore is between February and April when the weather’s warm, and the humidity is low, making it an ideal time to do sightseeing.

Do note that Singapore is prone to sudden downpours, so you should definitely pack an umbrella and be prepared for occasional showers whenever you visit.

How Long to Spend in Singapore

We spent 4 incredible nights in Singapore and that felt like the perfect amount of time to see everything it has to offer. As Singapore is pretty expensive, if you’re on a tight budget I wouldn’t recommend spending more than a few nights here.

Where to Stay in Singapore:

City Hotel, Days 1-2

For the first 2 nights of our trip, we stayed at Days Hotel by Wyndham Singapore, which cost around £90 per night.

Days Hotel is well situated in the lively Balestier area, with dozens of shops and cafés within easy walking distance. It’s right next to Starbucks and Zhongshan Park, which is a peaceful urban park that’s perfect to walk around with your Venti Caramel Latte!

This hotel is also close to public transport (including the Novena MRT station) and the major tourist attractions in Singapore (such as China Town and Marina Bay Sands).

Additionally, it’s one of the most affordable hotels in Singapore that has its own private bathroom. Most other similarly priced hotels don’t actually come with an en-suite, so make sure to check your hotel details carefully before booking!

Your 4 Day Singapore Itinerary:

Day 1 in Singapore:

Explore Singapore’s oldest urban quarter

On day 1 in Singapore, I recommend purchasing an M1 sim card from a 7-Eleven convenience store, which is only £7 for 100GB of data. Bargain! Or, a more environmentally friendly and convenient option would be to download an Airalo eSIM.

Next, head to Kampong Glam, which is a historic and vibrant neighbourhood in central Singapore with a real old-world charm. One of the most notable landmarks here is the Sultan Mosque, which is visible from afar and adds a touch of grandeur to the skyline with its golden dome.

After checking out the mosque, why not have a coffee break and refuel at Arabica % (located on Arab street), which arguably serves the best coffee in Singapore and possibly even the world! It’s famous for its high-quality, single-origin beans and skilled baristas who use traditional brewing methods. It may be busy, but trust me Arabica % is worth the wait. I highly recommend ordering their Kyoto Latte.

If you’re feeling peckish, head around the corner to Mrs Pho, which serves the most delicious beef wagyu pho and their salty lemonade is surprisingly good! But if this isn’t your sort of thing, Kampong Glam has a diverse food scene with plenty of multicultural dining options all very close in distance.

What amazed me while walking through the streets of Singapore was how clean everywhere is. The government takes cleanliness so seriously they even outlawed chewing gum in 1992 to prevent littering. This move has clearly paid off as the streets practically sparkle!

Visit the Most Colourful Street In Singapore

Next up, I recommend heading to Koon Seng Road (about 10 minutes away by car), which is a picturesque and charming street located in the heart of the Joo Chiat neighbourhood.

Koon Seng Road is lined with beautiful and well-preserved Peranakan-style houses that feature colorful facades, ornate details, and intricate tile work. The architecture is a blend of Chinese, Malay, and European influences, reflecting the unique Peranakan heritage of the area.

Walking down Koon Seng Road is a treat for the senses, it’s definitely one of the most ”Insta-worthy” areas in Singapore and a must-visit destination if you’re interested in architecture, history, or just looking to explore a beautiful area.

Good to know: You can easily get around Singapore using the Grab Taxi app, which has affordable rides at the touch of your fingers.

Hit China Town

In the afternoon, head to China Town, which is about 15 minutes away and well worth visiting. It’s a culturally rich district located in the heart of the city.

You can easily spend a couple of hours here exploring the fascinating shophouses that line the streets. We simply had to treat ourselves to some fancy herbal teas and sweet treats here!

When in China Town, you could also visit the Hawker Chan stall – it was awarded one Michelin star for its famous soy sauce chicken dish. While it’s not a traditional restaurant, it’s totally worth a visit if you’re in the area and looking for some delicious food.

Head to the Best Rooftop Bar in Singapore

In the evening, I recommend checking out the Smoke & Mirrors Rooftop Bar, which is located about 15 minutes away on top of the National Gallery. It’s got a gorgeous terrace overlooking the skyline and serves signature cocktails inspired by art pieces inside of the Gallery.

If you can, I suggest going shortly before sunset to experience the changing colours of the sky and to see the glimmering city lights. Note: You don’t have to pay an entrance fee for the rooftop bar but should make a reservation – especially on weekends and it’s a hugely popular place.  

Evening Stroll: Best Walking Spot in Singapore

Next, if you fancy stretching your legs, you could walk around the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, which is only about 5 minutes away by foot from Smoke & Mirrors. As the name suggests, this scenic promenade stretches along the waterfront of Marina Bay and offers stunning views, which makes it the perfect place to go for a leisurely stroll in Singapore.

Witness Spectra: Best Free Thing to do in Singapore

Finally, before heading home why not check out Spectra, which is an incredible outdoor light & water show that reflects Singapore’s journey to becoming the cosmopolitan city of today. The show lasts 15 minutes and is completely free to the public.

Show Details:

Timings:

• Sun – Thu: 8pm & 9pm
• Fri & Sat: 8pm, 9pm & 10pm

Location: Event Plaza, by the waterfront in front of The Shoppes (this is about 5 minutes away from the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade by foot).

After the show, if you still have some energy you could even hit The Shoppes – this is a luxurious shopping mall that’s located opposite the light show and forms part of the Marina Bay Sands resort.

Even if high-end fashion and lifestyle brands don’t appeal, it’s well worth checking out the unique features of the mall, such as its indoor waterfall and canal that even offers sampan boat rides.

Day 2 in Singapore:

Zhongshan Park and Mall

First thing in the morning we had a quick walk around Zhongshan Park and Zhongshan Mall, which were right next to our hotel (Days Hotel). If you’re staying nearby, it’s a great area to stroll around and purchase some traditional pastries, such as a sweet and tasty ‘Wife Biscuit.’  

Try a National Dish at Clarke Quay

I recommend heading to Clarke Quay in the morning, which was once a busy trading hub, but has transformed into a lively entertainment district. It’s worth spending an hour or so here exploring the picturesque riverside setting and even grabbing a bite to eat.

Some of the best restaurants at Clarke Quay include No Signboard Seafood, Jumbo Seafood and Long Beach Seafood Restaurant, where you can try Chilli Crab, which is absolutely delicious and now widely regarded as a national dish of Singapore.

Chilli crab reflects the cultural diversity of Singapore, as it incorporates elements of Chinese and Malay cuisine, which are two of the predominant ethnic groups in Singapore. It’s also commonly served with mantou, which is a Chinese steamed bread that tastes amazing when you dip it into the chilli crab sauce.

Most Popular Attraction in Singapore: Gardens by the Bay

After lunch i recommend heading to Gardens by the Bay, which is about 15 minutes away by car and widely regarded as the best landmark in Singapore!

The landscape here is carefully crafted to showcase the beauty of nature. From exotic flowers to elevated walkways and solar-powered Supertrees, there’s definitely no shortage of picturesque scenes to admire at Gardens by the Bay.

The park is home to several unique features, including two massive conservatories – the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. These conservatories are designed to simulate different climates and showcase an incredible collection of plants from around the world, including rare species that are unique to this location.

You can easily book your ticket here!

At the Cloud Forest, we decided to check out Avatar: The Experience. Here you’re transported into the alien world of Pandora and you’ll find yourself surrounded by misty clouds, lush greenery, and mystical creatures that create a world of wonder and beauty.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore the various levels of the Cloud Forest, including the stunning waterfall, which cascades down from a towering height, providing a mesmerising display and the perfect backdrop for epic photos!

If you’re feeling adventurous, why not check out the Sky Walk, which a suspended pathway that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding gardens and the Singapore skyline.

Dinner at a National Monument: Lau Pa Sat

I recommend grabbing dinner at Lau Pa Sat, which is a bustling food market in the heart of the Central Business District (about a 10 minute gab ride from Gardens by the Bay). It offers a huge variety of local and international cuisines, including Singaporean favourites like chicken rice, satay, laksa, and more.

The market is definitely one of the best places to eat in Singapore as it features over 50 food stalls and restaurants, and is open 24 hours a day! Not to mention the fact that the beautiful victorian style building that it’s housed in is considered a national monument.

See the Best Show in Singapore: Garden Rhapsody

To end the evening, I suggest heading back to Gardens by the Bay to watch Garden Rhapsody, which is a 15 minute light and sound show that takes place at the Supertree Grove, every day at 7:45pm and 8:45pm. Entry is free for all visitors to the Gardens by the Bay.

At night, the Supertrees come alive and light up with an incredible display of colours and patterns, which change in sync with a mix of classical and contemporary music.

Garden Rhapsody is a must-visit attraction in Singapore because of its unique combination of art, technology, and nature, as well as its iconic status as a symbol of Singapore’s commitment to sustainability and greenery.

Day 3 in Singapore: Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island paradise

I highly recommend spending the next couple of days at Sentosa, which is a world-class island resort about 20 minutes away from Singapore’s city centre.

This tropical island paradise has everything from Universal Studios to pristine beaches and lush jungle trails, making it feel like a world away from the bustling city centre!

Where to Stay in Singapore:

Sentosa Island, Days 3-4

We booked the luxurious Village Hotel Sentosa by Far East Hospitality, as its location is unparalleled (right in the heart of the island) and the pool areas are simply to die for! After spending a few days here, I truly feel like this has to be the best hotel in Singapore.

If you do book this incredible hotel I recommend spending the rest of the day chilling and enjoying its incredible pools after a busy couple of says sightseeing!

Otherwise, Sentosa has some amazing beaches you could relax on instead. Tanjong Beach is one of the best beaches on Sentosa Island as it’s totally serene and has gorgeous white sand and charming beachfront restaurants.

If you wanted to do something more active instead, there are so many other incredible things to do on Sentosa:

Here are some of the best options:

• Adventure Cove Waterpark: Cool off at this awesome water park. Experience thrilling water slides, wave pools, lazy rivers, and even swim with marine life in the Rainbow Reef.

• S.E.A. Aquarium: Dive into the depths of the ocean at one of the world’s largest aquariums. Marvel at the impressive marine life, including sharks, rays, and colourful fish.
• Universal Studios: Immerse yourself in the world of movies at this famous theme park. Enjoy epic rides, shows, and attractions based on popular films and characters.

These are just a few highlights of the exciting attractions on Sentosa Island. Whether you’re looking for thrill-seeking adventures or laid-back beach vibes, Sentosa has something for everyone!

Sentosa’s Best Rooftop Bar and Restaurant

In the evening, I recommend heading to 1 Altitude Coast for some tropical cocktails and unrivalled sunset views. You could then have dinner next door at Sol & Ora, which is a rooftop restaurant serving amazing Latin-Mediterranean dishes.

Good to know: At these venues, if you mention you’re staying at the Village Hotel you’ll be given a discount.

Day 4 on Sentosa Island:

Best Beach in Sentosa

After having a chilled day yesterday, I recommend heading to Palawan Beach and trails, by walking along the Sentosa Boardwalk, which is a scenic 670-meter walkway with stunning views of the sea and the Singapore skyline.   

Palawan beach is a truly unique experience that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. When you arrive, head to the western end of Palawan Beach and you’ll find a 40m long bridge that connects the beach to the southernmost point of continental Asia.

At the end of the bridge, there’s a small islet which is a rocky outcrop only accessible during low tide. On the islet, there’s an amazing viewing platform, which makes it a popular spot for photography and sightseeing. The viewpoint offers panoramic views of the white sand beach and the calm waters of the lagoon.

Sentosa Cable Car

After leaving the beach, we hopped on the free beach tram to Siloso Point Station in order to make our way back to the hotel via Cable Car.

This cable car is one of the best things to do in Sentosa, as you’ll get 15 minutes of uninterrupted views of the Singapore skyline, Sentosa and the South China Sea, making it money well spent.

After freshening up at our hotel, we headed to the Blue Lotus for dinner, which is renowned for its Singaporean Chilli Crab. However, if I’m being totally honest, it was overpriced and overrated!

The harbour setting was beautiful though, so I recommend having a leisurely stroll around this area, and there are also lots of amazing looking restaurants and bars here, such as Mykonos on the Bay, and Skirt. According to TripAdvisor both of these places are well worth checking out!

To end the evening, I recommend heading to FOC Sentosa, which is a chic and trendy beach club that serves amazing signature cocktails.

Day 5: Goodbye Singapore:

Time to leave Singapore… but today is less sad because we get to see the most beautiful airport in the world again!

Conclusion

Overall, Singapore can be described as a melting pot of cultures offering a diverse range of experiences to suit each and every kind of traveller. From Chinatown to Arab Street, you’ll have amazing opportunities to taste various cuisines and immerse yourself in different cultures on this incredible island nation.

Singapore is also home to some of the most awe-inspiring attractions on the planet, from the iconic Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay to the famous Sentosa Island, it’s a place where you can truly satisfy your wanderlust.

I hope this travel guide has inspired you to plan your own trip to Singapore, which is such a magical place I think everyone should experience it at least once in their lifetime ✨

If you have any questions about Singapore, feel free to ask me in the comments below!

Singapore Travel Map:

Most Popular Tours in Singapore:

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