What to put in a Singapore 5-day itinerary? We have everything you want for a jam-packed trip
If you’re gearing up for a whirlwind adventure in our neck of the woods, you’ve landed in the right spot.
When we previously posted about how many days to spend in Singapore, we mentioned spending at least four days if you want to go beyond the usual touristy spots and discover the Lion City’s hidden gems.
This time around, we’re talking about five fun days in the Lion City and we’ll be more thorough. So buckle up and prepare for a Singapore five-day itinerary guide packed with the best this island city has to offer!
Time Zone
Singapore Standard Time (SGT) is UTC+8.
Best Time to Go
You’ll hear a lot of folks suggesting Singapore visits between December and June because it’s cooler and less rainy, but don’t forget your sunscreen just in case the weather gets scorching.
And if you’re eyeing the Chinese New Year buzz, you better book your flights and digs early because it gets packed real quick. Oh, and here’s a day-by-day CNY guide for more details.
Things to Know
Currency: Singapore Dollar/SGD
Language: Singapore has four official languages: English, Malay, Mandarin Chinese, and Tamil. English is widely used as the language of administration, business, and education, making it the most commonly spoken language in Singapore.
Calling code: +65
How to Get Around
We highly suggest grabbing a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP) for 5 days for unlimited rides on public transport plus perks and discounts.
It will typically cost around S$20 to $30, depending on the specific features and promotions available at the time of purchase.
Train: Not to boast, but the Singapore MRT is really good. The extensive MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) network connects key destinations across the island conveniently and efficiently.
Bus: Singapore’s bus network offers an extensive and efficient system, with fares varying based on distance travelled and payment made through contactless EZ-Link cards or cash.
Taxi/taxi alternatives: You can hail a taxi or rideshare anywhere in Singapore, or pre-book through 6-DIAL-CAB at least 30 minutes before your trip.
Grab, Ryde, and Gojek are reliable taxi alternatives in Singapore, offering convenient ridesharing services through mobile apps.
Day 1 Itinerary: Hawker Fare and Tourist Attractions
Estimated budget: Around S$50–$80 per person for the day should cover food, attractions, and transportation
Maxwell Food Centre
1–2 hours
— Media from margaretzhang
Address: 1 Kadayanallur Street
For a packed first day in Singapore, kick off with a meal at a hawker centre like Maxwell Food Centre, offering tasty and affordable dishes (S$5–$10 per person).
Gardens By the Bay
2–3 hours
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive
How to get there from Maxwell Food Centre: Take a short taxi or ride-sharing service. Alternatively, walk to Tanjong Pagar MRT Station (EW15), take the East-West Line towards Pasir Ris, and alight at Bayfront MRT Station (CE1/DT16). Follow the signs within the underground walkway to reach the gardens.
Next, explore Gardens by the Bay, including the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome (admission: S$20–$30 per person) for a dose of nature.
The Cloud Forest features a stunning indoor waterfall surrounded by lush tropical plants, while the Flower Dome showcases a diverse collection of flowers and plants from around the world within a climate-controlled environment.
Marina Bay Sands
1–2 hours
Address: 10 Bayfront Avenue
How to get there from Gardens By the Bay: You can simply walk. The two landmarks are connected via an elevated pedestrian bridge, providing a convenient and scenic route between the two attractions.
Afterwards, take a stroll along the Helix Bridge to Marina Bay Sands, where you can enjoy stunning skyline views and perhaps a dip in the iconic infinity pool if you’re a guest.
Optional: Visit the Art Science Museum for some Instagram-worthy pics, easily accessible via Bayfront MRT or several bus routes.
Day 2 Itinerary: Culture and Wildlife
Estimated budget: Around S$90–$150 per person for the day should cover food, transportation, and admission fees
Chinatown
2–3 hours
Address: Buddha Relic Temple, 288 South Bridge Road
On your second day, explore Chinatown’s vibrant streets, visit historic temples like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and browse souvenir shops and markets.
Kampong Glam
1–2 hours
— Media from yiyihpersada
Address: Arab Street
How to get there from Chinatown: Take the Downtown Line (DTL) towards the Expo and alight at Bugis MRT Station (EW12/DT14). From there, it’s a short walk to Kampong Glam. Simply follow the signs towards Arab Street, and you’ll be in the heart of Kampong Glam, ready to explore its cultural charm.
Wander through Kampong Glam, admire colourful shophouses, and visit the Sultan Mosque (Masjid Sultan) before enjoying lunch at a Middle Eastern or Malay restaurant (S$10–$20 per person).
Mandai Wildlife Reserve
3–4 hours
Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road
How to get there from Kampong Glam: Walk to Bugis MRT Station (EW12/DT14). Take the Downtown Line (DTL) towards Bukit Panjang and alight at Newton MRT Station (DT11/NS21). From there, walk to the nearby bus stop on Bukit Timah Road. Board bus service 171 or 67, which will directly take you to Mandai Wildlife Reserve.
At dusk, head to the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, home to over 2,800 animals across 300 species, including exhibits like the Singapore Zoo, River Wonders and Night Safari (admission fee: S$30–$40 per person).
We highly recommend, though, that you visit Night Safari at this time of the day.
Optionally, dine at one of the zoo’s restaurants (S$15–$30 per person).
Day 3 Itinerary: Island-Hopping and Shopping
Estimated budget: Around S$56 per person for MRT fare, ferry, monorail, and admission fees, plus variable expenses for meals and souvenirs
Kusu Island
2–3 hours
— Media from alprimaarebia
How to get there: Purchase a ferry ticket at Marina South Pier, then board the ferry bound for Kusu Island. This will take about 30 minutes. Tickets cost S$18 per adult and S$12 per child (aged 1 to 12 years), offering a round-trip journey.
Day three calls for sun, sand, and surf, so brace yourself for a seaside adventure. There’s no admission fee to enter!
Explore Kusu Island’s temples, shrines, and beaches. The Da Bo Gong Temple on Kusu Island honours the deity of prosperity and virtue, while the Malay keramat is a revered sacred site for the Malay-Muslim community. Visitors flock to both destinations for blessings, prayers, and cultural experiences.
Sentosa Island
4–6 hours
How to get there from Kusu Island: By midday, return to Marina South Pier via ferry, then hop on the Sentosa Express monorail to Sentosa Island for S$4 per person round-trip.
Spend the afternoon at Sentosa’s attractions like Universal Studios Singapore or S.E.A. Aquarium, or simply unwind on the beaches. Admission fees vary.
Sentosa’s S.E.A. Aquarium immerses visitors in underwater wonders with over 100,000 marine animals from 1,000 species. Marvel at the vibrant coral reefs, majestic sharks, and other fascinating sea creatures.
HarbourFront
1–2 hours
— Media from yuniqueyuni
How to get there from Sentosa Island: Take the Sentosa Express monorail back to HarbourFront from Sentosa Island. Alternatively, stroll along the Sentosa Boardwalk to VivoCity Mall at HarbourFront.
Got enough energy left over for some retail therapy? Explore VivoCity, a large shopping mall near HarbourFront MRT Station.
It’s a leisure centre with diverse offerings, including a vast array of retail stores, dining options, entertainment venues, and stunning waterfront views. And if you’re not sick of it yet, VivoCity offers stunning views of the harbour and Sentosa Island.
Day 4 Itinerary: The Foodie Trail
Estimated budget: Around S$37–$75 per person should cover food expenses. Prices may vary based on individual preferences, portion sizes, and any additional purchases.
Ya Kun Kaya Toast
30 minutes–1 hour
Address: Ya Kun Kaya Toast, 345 Beach Road
Start your day with a traditional Singaporean breakfast at Ya Kun Kaya Toast where you can enjoy kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs, and a cup of local kopi or teh for S$5–$10 per person.
Kaya toast features toasted bread spread with fragrant kaya (coconut) jam and butter, offering a delicious mix of sweet and savoury flavours.
Tiong Bahru Bakery
30 minutes–1 hour
Address: 56 Eng Hoon Street
How to get there from Beach Road: Take a taxi or ride-sharing service, or use public transportation. Walk to nearby bus stops or Bugis MRT Station (EW12/DT14). Then, take a bus or the Downtown Line (DTL) towards Chinatown and alight at Outram Park MRT Station (NE3/TE17). From there, it’s a short walk to Eng Hoon Street in Tiong Bahru.
For a mid-morning snack, head to Tiong Bahru Bakery for freshly baked pastries and speciality coffee, also priced at S$5–$10 per person.
I recommend the shop’s kouign-amann, which features layers of buttery, flaky dough that are caramelised to perfection
Lau Pa Sat
1–2 hours
— Media from ochiebon
Address: 18 Raffles Quay
How to get there from Tiong Bahru: From Tiong Bahru MRT Station (EW17), take the East-West Line towards Pasir Ris, and alight at Tanjong Pagar MRT Station (EW15). Then, it’s a short walk to Lau Pa Sat.
For lunch, visit Lau Pa Sat hawker centre for classic Singaporean dishes such as chicken rice or laksa, budgeted at S$5–$10 per person.
The Hainanese curry rice here is a must-try, with fragrant jasmine rice and the most savoury, juicy soy sauce-infused chicken.
Old Airport Road Food Centre
1-2 hours
— Media from longs88
Address: 51 Old Airport Road
How to get there from Raffles Quay: From Raffles Place MRT Station (EW14/NS26), take the East-West Line towards Pasir Ris and alight at Dakota MRT Station (CC8). From there, it’s a short walk to Old Airport Road Food Centre.
Later, cool off with a bowl of chendol from a local dessert stall at Old Airport Road Food Centre, costing S$2–$5 per person. This refreshing Southeast Asian dessert consists of shaved ice topped with green rice flour jelly, coconut milk, and palm sugar syrup.
Chinatown
1–2 hours
Address: Chinatown Food Street, Smith Street
How to get there from Old Airport Road: From Dakota MRT Station (CC8), take the Circle Line towards HarbourFront and alight at Chinatown MRT Station (NE4/DT19). Then, it’s a short walk to Smith Street.
In the evening, explore Chinatown’s vibrant food scene and savour a delicious dinner at a Michelin-starred hawker stall or local restaurant, with dishes like chilli crab or bak kut teh, priced at S$15–$30 per person.
Your Singapore foodie trip won’t be complete without trying chilli crab, cooked in a tangy, spicy-sweet chilli sauce that bursts with flavour. With one bite, you’ll know why it’s an iconic Singaporean dish.
Day 5 Itinerary: Nature and Retail Therapy
Estimated budget: Around S$100–$250 for food, activities, transportation, and additional purchases
Botanic Gardens
2–3 hours
— Media from marie__cecile_
Address: 1 Cluny Road
After breakfast, head to Singapore Botanic Gardens for a relaxing stroll amidst lush greenery and vibrant flora, including a visit to the National Orchid Garden, home to thousands of orchid species.
Explore the nearby Dempsey Hill area for charming cafes, boutiques, and art galleries, and take some time to browse for unique souvenirs.
Newton Food Centre
1–2 hours
— Media from ashleysandrine
Address: 500 Clemenceau Ave N
How to get there from the Botanic Gardens: From Botanic Gardens MRT Station (CC19/DT9), take the Downtown Line (DTL) towards Bukit Panjang and alight at Newton MRT Station (DT11/NS21). Newton Food Centre is just a short walk from the station.
Indulge in a variety of local delicacies and flavours at one of Singapore’s iconic hawker centres, such as Newton Food Centre (S$5–$10 per person), before bidding farewell to the city’s diverse food scene.
Spend your afternoon shopping along Orchard Road or exploring the vibrant streets of Little India for some last-minute cultural immersion and souvenir shopping.
National Museum of Singapore
2–3 hours
Address: 93 Stamford Road
How to get there from Clemenceau Avenue: From Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station (NS24/NE6/CC1), which is accessible from Clemenceau Avenue, take the North-East Line (NEL) towards Punggol and alight at Bras Basah MRT Station (CC2). From there, it’s a short walk to the National Museum of Singapore.
Spend a couple of hours exploring the National Museum of Singapore to delve into exhibitions and discover Singapore’s rich history and diverse culture.
From interactive displays to historical artefacts, it’s a comprehensive journey through the nation’s past and present.
Singapore River
1–2 hours
How to get there from Stamford Road: From City Hall MRT Station (NS25/EW13), which is accessible from Stamford Road, you can take a short walk to the Singapore River area.
End your day with a sunset river cruise along the Singapore River (S$20–$40 per person), admiring the city’s skyline and iconic landmarks illuminated against the night sky.
Optionally, toast to your memorable trip with a Singapore Sling cocktail (S$20–$50 per person) at the historic Raffles Hotel or a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the city.
Where to Stay in Singapore
Marina Bay Sands
Address: 10 Bayfront Ave
Contact: +6566888868
Pricing: $$$
It’s been said that Marina Bay Sands is not just a hotel, but a whole experience. The view of the Gardens by the Bay and the distant sea is stunning, and the deluxe room boasts classy cream and gold vibes with awesome textured gold wallpaper.
The rooftop infinity pool on the 57th floor is exclusively for hotel guests. I’ve heard stories of people trying to sneak in just for that perfect shot!
Fairmont Singapore
— Media from silvanarees
Address: 80 Bras Basah Rd
Contact: +6563397777
Pricing: $$$
Fairmont Singapore’s massive size can be deceiving. It exudes a cool vibe where it doesn’t feel crowded at all. It has two towers, a dozen restaurants, and this massive outdoor pool area where you can chill out without the hustle and bustle.
If you want to treat yourself, go for a Fairmont Gold room. You get access to the Fairmont Gold Lounge with free snacks, drinks on tap, and VIP treatment during check-in.
Village Hotel Bugis
— Media from cheekiemonkies
Address: Floor 1 Golden Landmark, 390 Victoria St
Contact: +6562972828
Pricing: $$
One thing I appreciate about Village Hotel Bugis is how convenient it is to be connected to a shopping mall. Plus, finding the hotel was a breeze since it’s right in the heart of the iconic Kampong Glam district.
And get this: they even hooked us up with free admission to Sentosa Island if we felt like exploring. Such a sweet deal, especially for first-time visitors to our little red dot!
Raffles Singapore
Address: 1 Beach Rd
Contact: +6563371886
Pricing: $$$$
For an iconic stay in Singapore, look no further than Raffles Singapore. With over 130 years of history, it retains its classic charm while offering contemporary comforts.
There’s a gorgeous mix of classic and contemporary even in the finest detail at this hotel.
I found brass bell buttons turned light switches, vintage-looking ceiling fans, wicker chairs, and ceramic lamps, giving me a taste of its storied past in a modern setting.
Orchard Hotel Singapore
Address: 442 Orchard Rd
Contact: +6567347766
Pricing: $$$
Nestled on the Western end of Orchard Road, Orchard Hotel sits beside the renowned Orchard Towers. Just a ten-minute stroll from Orchard MRT, it offers seamless access to Orchard Road’s shopping extravaganza.
What I appreciate most is the temperature control available via a control panel, granting guests the freedom to set their room temperature to their liking without any restrictions.