Where future meets nature and countless activities: The city state Singapore is definitely one of the most unique travel destinations in South-East Asia. Either as a stop during a longer layover or as your final destination. Even after our third visit we were still surprised by how many highlights Singapore has to offer and how much there’s to see!

This Singapore itinerary includes all the best places in Singapore, which you simply can not miss during your trip, including secret spots and restaurant tips!

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My Singapore Itinerary – All highlights you need to see

Where to stay in Singapore?

Singapore has a larger number of amazing hotels all around the city. During our last visits we stayed at these two hotels which we absolutely loved:

Parkroyal Collection Pickering

This hotel has a great location in the center so many attractions and sights are located within walking distance or short taxi rides. Another plus is the amazing pool with a view and the lush design with thousands of plants which turns the Parkroyal Collection Pickering into a green oasis in the middle of the city.

Pan Pacific Orchard Road

This new green hotel, also with an urban garden, was built directly on the Orchard Road shopping street. The various mezzanine levels are lined with green columns reminiscent of the famous Super Trees from Gardens by the Bay. Even the cheapest room category in the hotel has its own balcony with a fantastic view. You can also enjoy a fantastic view from the pool. In the evening, when it is beautifully illuminated, you will find a great photo motif here.

Map with all Singapore highlights & photo spots:

Singapore Itinerary Day 1:

• Katong
• Art & Science Museum
• Rooftop Bar

Katong

One of the most photogenic & colorful neighborhoods in Singapore is Katong. This vivid area of the city state got famous thanks to its historic Peranakan houses from the early 20th century. You will find the most beautiful ones at the 9 Koon Seng Road – they make such a beautiful photo location!

Another good reason to visit Katong are the little shops, cafes and restaurants which can be found all around the neighborhood. 

Restaurant Tip ($ of $$$): If you would like to try a typically Singaporean dish, you have to visit the Michelin awarded 328 Katong Laksa which is famous among locals as well! Laksa is a spicy noodle soup with a coconut milk broth with shrimps and fish. It is ideal for a lunch snack and is affordable as well!

Marina Bay – Art & Science Museum

There are many reasons to visit the Marina Bay Area in Singapore! It is an excellent area to stroll around, go shopping and see Merlion statue – Singapore’s official mascot which is half lion and half fish! One of the most iconic shops is the spherical Apple Store in the middle of the Marina Bay – definitely take a look at its exceptional futuristic design.

The weather in Singapore can change super quick so if you’re looking for an indoor activity during a rain shower, you should check out the Art & Science Museum where art, science, culture and technology come together. The Future World is an interactive exhibition for young & old with a photo highlight as well: The Crystal Universe – An installation with 170.000 LED’s in a mirrored cabinet which look like a million stars with changing colors! A ticket for the Future World exhibition costs 21,-S$ / 14,40€ per adult.

Rooftop Bar

Bar Tip ($$ of $$$): For some pre dinner cocktails you simply have to visit the Smoke & Mirrors Rooftop Bar which is located on top of the National Gallery. It has an amazing terrace overlooking the skyline and the world famous Marina Bay Sands Hotel. I would recommend to go shortly before sunset to experience the changing colors of the sky and watching how the city lights get lit up.

You don’t have to pay an entrance fee for the rooftop bar but a reservation is highly recommended for the evening – especially on weekends. The Smoke & Mirrors signature cocktails are all inspired by art pieces inside of the National Gallery and cost around 15,-€.

Restaurant Tip ($ from $$$): Not far from our hotel, we found a little restaurant inside of a mall which serves the BEST noodle soups! It’s called Tongue Tip Lanzhou Beef Noodles. Make sure to try their signature beef noodle soup for just 9,90 S$ / 6,70€ per bowl at least once during your trip to Singapore – It is delicious!

Singapore Itinerary Day 2:

• Pulau Ubin
• Singapore River Boat Tour

Pulau Ubin

During three trips to Singapore we discovered so many different faces of the city state! A big surprise has been our visit of Pulau Ubin – an island located at the north east coast of Singapore. It is just a short ferry ride away from the mainland. After a short 10 mins ride from the Changi ferry station, you will already reach the jetty of Pulau Ubin!

Good to know: The ferry service doesn’t operate at specific times since the driver waits until the boat is full before he departs. A fee of 4,-S$ / 2,70€ per person and direction has to be paid in cash!

Pulau Ubin is a natural & green getaway which is ideal for hiking, biking, camping, fishing and kayaking – and all this so close to the bustling metropole! On the island you’ll find a small village at the ferry dock where you’ll find some shops and renting points for bikes and kayaks.

We decided for a kayak tour around the island and through the surrounding mangrove forests! I would highly recommend to do the tour with a guide since the current can get quite strong at specific points and you don’t want to get lost! We booked the tour with Adventures by Asian Detours and loved it! Our guide showed us all the best spots, gave us some information about the history and nature of Pulau Ubin and we even had a little walk during a stop on the island!

→ Here you find the link to our Kayak Tour!

Good to know: Bring a hat and sun blocker if you’re planning to go kayaking! The water reflects the sunlight strongly and you don’t want to get completely burnt during your vacation! Also make sure to bring some reusable water bottles – you can refill them with drinking water at the office of Adventures by Asian Detours.

We absolutely loved this trip to Pulau Ubin but have to admit that we have been sad to see the amount of trash at some spots which got washed to the shore or stuck in the mangrove forests… We tried to pick up some bottles and fishing ropes while kayaking, but the amount and sizes have simply been to big to collect it all.

Boat tour on the Singapore River to Marina Bay

A popular tour on the Singapore River leads into Marina Bay. You can enjoy a relaxing trip on a bumboat – a traditional wooden boat with a drawn eye on the bow. These used to be trading boats, but are now powered by modern electricity.

From the river, you have a unique view of the city. I was particularly impressed by the contrast between the traditional houses on Boat Quay and the modern skyline of the skyscrapers in the banking district behind them. This boat tour is worth doing at any time of day, even after sunset when the city lights up so beautifully.

Starting point: Clarke Quay

Journey time: approx. 40 minutes with audio guide

Cost: approx. 17 euros (it is best to book your ticket online in advance, as there are often long waiting times at the ticket counter)

Singapore Itinerary Day 3:

• Fort Canning Park
• Local Tour
• Gardens By The Bay
• Legendary Bars

Fort Canning Park

In the early morning we visited the green Fort Canning Park. It is a beautiful park which offers great views over Singapore.

My Tip: For a unique photo spot in Singapore do not miss the Fort Canning Tree Tunnel! If you look up from the bottom of the staircase you’ll see a huge tree through the tunnel, which grows at the top and almost looks like a painting!

A wide angle lens makes this staircase look even higher and more spectacular than it actually is!

Good to know: This photo spot in Singapore is quite famous so you might need to wait in line for a bit to take a photo – or come early in the morning.

Local Tour

To experience how the Singaporeans live like and to see the local neighborhoods away from the touristy tracks, we booked a tour together with a local guide called the “off the beaten path” tour. During the tour we got an interesting insight in the daily life of Singaporeans which we would never have experienced normally!

My highlight has been the tiny village Kampong Lorong Buangkok. It is the last place which still shows how the locals lived in Singapore before the 60s. Even though most houses are uninhabited today, they still stand in their original way. Around ten people do still live in Kampong Lorong Buangkok, which is the only part of Singapore which does not belong to the government!

Gardens By The Bay

Not visiting the Gardens By The Bay during your trip to Singapore would be like not seeing the Eiffel Tower in Paris – it just can’t be missed! I would even recommend to visit the park multiple times during different times of the day to experience it fully!

These are the best sights in the Garden By The Bay:

Cloud Forest

Probably my favorite part of the Gardens By The Bay! As the name already implies it is a replication of a Cloud Forest with a huge indoor waterfall and countless living plants in a glassed dome.

My Tip: Every two hours, starting at 10am, they are „misting“ the air with microscopic water droplets to simulate fog which is typical for tropical cloud forests. The mist makes the atmosphere even more magical and if you come during a sunny day you will even see beautiful sun beams shining through the windows which look amazing in photos!

Price: The outdoor area of the Gardens by the Bay can be visited free of charge but you need to book a ticket and time slot online for your visit at the Cloud Forest. It comes as a combination ticket with the Flower Dome which exhibits blooming plants from all continents. Make sure to book your ticket ahead of time as its a famous sight which is probably on everyones Singapore itinerary!

The Water Lily Pond

After your visit, spend some time to simply stroll around the Gardens with its many installations, plants, relaxing spots and wonderful photogenic places. A truly remarkable photo spot is the Water Lily Pond with a single rock in the water which has an adorable view. Find the location in my Singapore map!

Fun Fact: The first time we found this spot it was still a challenge to reach the rock – but meanwhile they built a little path which make sit easy to climb and sit on it for pictures.

Super Trees – OCBC Sky Way

The most famous sight in the Gardens By The Bay are without any question the Super Trees! These artificial trees collect solar energy to power a daily light show and their trunks are vertical gardens with more than 150.000 living plants.

An absolute highlight for me is the OCBC Sky Way – a path between the treetops of the Super Trees, from which you have a great view over the entire garden and the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The entrance fee is around EUR 7 per person.

→ Get your ticket here!

My tips: Avoid the evening for the OCBC Sky Way, as most visitors come during sunset to see the daily light show of the Super Trees from here. During the day, there are far fewer visitors here and you can really enjoy your walk between the treetops of the Super Trees.

Gardens By The Bay – Super Trees Show

Make sure to come back to the Super Trees right before sunset to watch the nightly music and light show which starts at 8pm! It is a popular event so there will be lots of other people watching the show with you – but still absolutely magical and different every day!

My Tip: I would recommend to come a littler earlier since the trees are an excellent photo location with the famous Marina Bay Sands hotel in the background! When the sun starts to set, the trees slowly begin to sparkle which makes a truly magical sight.

Photo spots: There is one particular spot from which you can get a wonderful view of and photograph the sunset and the Super Trees – I’ve marked it for you on the map at the top of the post.

Another beautiful perspective to watch & photograph the Super Trees at night is the jetty which walks you over the Dragonfly Lake! Of course I also marked it in the map above.

Legendary Bars

Bar Tip ($$$ of $$$): The Raffles Hotel in Singapore is probably the most famous hotel in the city state and has a long history! It was opened in the late 1880’s and quickly became one of the most distinguished holiday destinations in Asia. The legendary Long Bar has been a magnet for travelers from all around the world! Make sure to step by to try the world-famous Singapore Sling which got invented 1915 in the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel in Singapore! The 30,- S$ / 20,50€ for one Singapore Sling are definitely not a steal but they are extremely delicious and the atmosphere in the bar is amazing! It definitely can’t be missed on your Singapore Itinerary!

Bar Tip ($$ of $$$): The second bar we visited and loved this night has been ATLAS with a 1920s interior. Expect amazing cocktails (they are specialized in Gin & Tonics), good music and a truly unique atmosphere. ATLAS is the ideal place to end an amazing night in Singapore and to meet people!

Singapore - September 08, 2019: Singapore Sling cocktail at the iconic Raffles Hotel Long Bar, famous for inventing it

Singapore Itinerary Day 4:

• Tiong Bahru Market
• Kampong Gelam
• Side Cars Tour
• Open Farm Community or Labyrinth Restaurant

Tiong Bahru Market

Foodie Tip ($ of $$$): If you’re on the hunt for one of the best Hawker Food Centers in Singapore you can not miss the Tiong Bahru Market. I would recommend to go for a late breakfast or during lunch. At the ground floor you’ll find the wet market with fruits and vegetables, while the first floor is very well known for its amazing food stalls among locals and visitors!

My highlight: Freshly squeezed sugarcane juice with lime, fried duck with rice and Pak Choy and the local desserts and coffee – but you can find so many more options! This market is the right place for foodies who love to taste different small and traditional dishes for a cheap price!

Kampong Gelam

Singapore has countless different neighborhoods which are all unique in their own way. Kampong Gelam is the Muslim quarter which is absolutely worth a visit and one of the oldest urban parts of Singapore. Here you can find unique little shops and restaurants just as the beautiful Sultan Mosque which seems to come straight out of an Aladdin fairytale!

Side Cars Tour

For a quite unusual but definitely memorable sightseeing tour I can not recommend the Singapore Side Cars Tour high enough! You get picked up by a local guide on a vespa with a vintage side car! They will show you some of the most famous and lesser known parts of the city in a fun and unique way.

The tour takes around one hour with several photo spots and you can choose where you want to get picked up and dropped off. I never experienced a similar sightseeing tour in my life – it was so much fun!

Open Farm Community

Even though Singapore is a metropole it is a very green city state since the Singaporeans mastered „Urban Farming and Gardening“. This means that gardens and parks can be found all around the city – often even on the buildings themselves!

Restaurant Tip ($$ of $$$): Open Farm Community is an urban farm & restaurant concept with an organic menu. 30-40% of all of the used products come straight from their own farm which the restaurant is surrounded by! If you want to take a walk around the farm before your delicious dinner, make sure to come before sunset. But even in the evening the restaurant ist a great location which is absolutely worth a visit.

Labyrinth Restaurant

Restaurant Tip ($$$ of $$$): Are you more in the mood for a unique dinner experience on your last evening in Singapore? Then the Labyrinth restaurant is guaranteed the right choice for you! It belongs to the 50 best restaurants in Asia and has already been awarded with one Michelin Star! All dishes on the set menu are new interpretations of Singaporean classics by chef Han, who was born and raised in Singapore, while using locally sourced ingredients! The dinner we had at Labyrinth was an unforgettable experience and so much more than „just a dinner“!

Good to know: Labyrinth is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays and requires a reservation.

Singapore Itinerary Day 5:

• Chinatown
• Bike Tour
• Lau Pa Sat

Chinatown

Chinatown in Singapore is huge, as this was once the place where Chinese immigrants settled in Singapore. Most Singaporeans are of Chinese origin (around 75%). Modernity meets tradition here. Narrow alleyways, colourful houses, interesting cafes and shops, but also impressive temples characterise the image of this part of the city. It’s worth taking your time to explore everything, as there is so much to discover. 

Coffee break at Nanyang Old Coffee 

Cafe Tips ($ of $$$): In the well-known café Nanyang Old Coffee, you can get the typically strong Singaporean ‘kopi’ (coffee) or tea. A classic breakfast: enjoy kaya toast with a sweet coconut spread, served with a soft-boiled egg. The complete menu with kopi is available for around 3 euros.

At the café and in the alleyways nearby, you can admire murals by a well-known Singaporean artist depicting scenes from everyday life.

Maxwell Food Centre

Foodie Tip ($ of $$$): One of the best-known and most popular hawker centres in Singapore is the Maxwell Food Centre. As it is also very popular with the locals, it is always busy, especially at lunchtime. However, there are many different food stalls, so the visitors are well spread out.  One particularly well-known stall is the Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice. Chicken and rice is practically a national dish in Singapore. The rice is cooked in the chicken broth and is therefore very flavourful.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

The most famous sight in Chinatown: The beautifully designed Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is particularly impressive. If you’re looking for a little peace and quiet in the hustle and bustle of Chinatown, this is the place for you. Entry is free of charge.

The rooftop of the temple is also open to the public and is an oasis in the city. You will find a wonderful tropical garden with a pagoda and a colourful prayer wheel in the middle. It is even possible to take part in a workshop to discover Buddhism. However, you need to book in advance.

Singapore Sightseeing Bike tour 

A guided bike tour is ideal for exploring the city, as Singapore is a very bike-friendly city. We went on a two-hour Marina Bay Night Tour. Firstly, it’s not so warm in the evening and secondly, it’s simply magical to see the city slowly start to glitter. Our guide knew the best viewpoints and photo spots.

I also recommend the longer half-day tour, which includes the modern Marina Bay as well as historic neighborhoods and sights.

Singapore Itinerary – Day 6:

• Marina Bay Sands Sunrise
• CapitaSpring Building
• Singapore Botanical Gardens
• Sentosa Island
• Dinner Cruise

Sunrise at Marina Bay Sands

Insider tip: You don’t necessarily have to be a guest of the hotel to experience a unique sunrise from the roof of Marina Bay Sands, 200 metres above the ground.

You can book meditation, yoga, Pilates or workout classes here and greet the new day in an unforgettable way. Participation costs S$48 (approx. EUR 30), but it is well worth it. For me, it was a wonderful experience and I felt fantastic afterwards. It is possible to stay on the rooftop and enjoy the view and take photos before and after.

→ You can book the workout classes on their website – linked here!

CapitaSpring Building

The CapitaSpring Building is one of the three tallest buildings in Singapore. A wonderful garden with a view awaits you on the roof, which is also open to the public until 11 am. (after this time it is only open to restaurant visitors, as there are several restaurants here). Many herbs, fruits etc. are grown in the garden and used to prepare the food in the restaurants. Enjoy the fantastic view over the famous Marina Bay Sands building.

Singapore Botanical Gardens – Orchid Garden

Singapore offers an incredible abundance of parks and gardens, even in the city centre. Lesser known, but absolutely marvelous and highly recommended, are the Botanical Gardens, which were built by the British in the 19th century, much earlier than the Gardens by the Bay that are so well-known today.

The approximately 24-hectare site is like an oasis in the middle of the city. Here you can stroll through a fairy tale and unwind. My absolute highlight is the National Orchid Garden with the largest orchid exhibition in the world, both outdoors and in an air-conditioned greenhouse. Admission costs around 7 Euros per person.

Cable car to Sentosa Island

Another popular excursion is a ride on the cable car from Mount Faber, in the south of the city, to Sentosa Island. The journey alone offers you a great view.

On Sentosa Island you will find plenty of activities for all ages. You can relax on the tropical beaches or visit the Universal Studios theme park, for example. You can also visit the S.E.A. Aquarium – one of the largest oceanariums in the world – or the world-famous Madame Tussauds Singapore wax museum.

Fun Fact: The southernmost point of the continent of Asia can be reached from Sentosa Island via a suspension rope bridge.

Sentosa Sunset Dinner Cruise

My special tip: For the evening is a sunset dinner cruise on the old sailing ship Royal Albatross. During the light cruise around Sentosa, you can enjoy an elegant multi-course menu and live music as well as a fantastic view. The perfect idea for an unforgettable date night!

Another Highlight for your Singapore Itinerary

The Windsor Nature Park

Outside the city centre is a large protected rainforest. Windsor Nature Park offers an abundance of trails and hiking paths through the jungle – from short walks to extended hikes.

Nature & animal fans will love it here: You are almost guaranteed to encounter its cheeky inhabitants: Several cute monkey families live here in the protected nature reserve and are not afraid of humans. You can see the macaques climbing and playing at close quarters. I could have watched them for hours.

But be careful: please don’t feed them and keep your own food well hidden in your backpack (or preferably only take water with you), as the monkeys have learnt to steal food from visitors.

The most impressive airport in the world: Changi Airport

Before your departure from Singapore, you should definitely plan an extra 1-2 hours to explore the impressive Changi Airport. Here you will find a huge mall with a green heart which looks like a jungle. The absolute highlight is an indoor waterfall called The Jewel, which you can admire from different great perspectives from the individual levels of the shopping centre.

The Jewel at Changi Airport

The absolute highlight is an indoor waterfall called The Jewel, which you can admire from different great perspectives from the individual levels of the shopping centre.

How to find the Jewel at the Changi Airport: This impressive part of the airport is open around the clock and is connected to the Arrival Hall of Terminal 1. However, you can reach it on foot or by taking the free shuttle from all other terminals at the airport. From the city centre, you can get to The Jewel directly by taxi or by MRT train to Changi Airport Station (CG2).

The Waterfall Gate

The giant LED wall known from social media, which depicts a gigantic waterfall that you can even walk through, is located in the check-in area of the departure hall of Terminal 2. The easiest way to reach it is by Skytrain.

I hope my Singapore itinerary will help you to plan your own trip or inspired you to book a trip this year! Singapore is without any question one of my favorite cities in the world which you simply have to put on your bucket list!

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