Singapore in 5 Days: The Complete Itinerary

Singapore is a city-state that rewards the slow traveler. 5 days is the right length for a comprehensive visit, including the day trips. This is the plan that covers the city, the hawker centers, the neighborhoods, the gardens, Sentosa, and the day trips.

Day 1: Marina Bay + the skyline

8:00 a.m. — Gardens by the Bay

The 101-hectare nature park, the most-photographed in Singapore. The Supertree Grove, the Cloud Forest, the Flower Dome. 3-4 hours for the full visit.

12:00 p.m. — Lunch at Satay by the Bay

The hawker center in the Gardens, the most-distinct. The satay, the BBQ seafood.

2:00 p.m. — Marina Bay Sands + the ArtScience Museum

The most-photographed in Asia. The Skypark Observation Deck, the ArtScience Museum.

4:00 p.m. — The Merlion Park + the Helix Bridge

The most-photographed statue, the most-photographed bridge.

7:00 p.m. — Dinner at Lau Pa Sat (the satay street)

The most-photographed hawker center in the CBD. The satay street at night.

9:00 p.m. — Spectra (the light show)

The 15-minute light + water + fire show, the most-photographed in Singapore.

Day 2: The hawker centers + the neighborhoods

8:00 a.m. — Breakfast at Tiong Bahru

The Tiong Bahru Market, the chwee kueh, the kaya toast.

10:00 a.m. — Walk through Tiong Bahru + the art deco flats

The 1930s-era art deco, the most-photographed architecture in Singapore.

12:00 p.m. — Lunch at the Maxwell Centre (Chinatown)

The most-photographed hawker center in Singapore, the Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice.

2:00 p.m. — Walk through Chinatown

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, the Sri Mariamman Temple, the Smith Street.

4:00 p.m. — Kampong Glam

The Sultan Mosque, the Haji Lane.

6:00 p.m. — Sunset drinks at a rooftop

The 1-Altitude, the CÉ LA VI, the Atlas.

8:00 p.m. — Dinner at Newton Food Centre

The most-photographed hawker center in the area, the seafood, the satay.

Day 3: Sentosa Island

8:00 a.m. — Take the monorail to Sentosa

The 500-m monorail.

9:00 a.m. — Universal Studios Singapore

The 50-acre theme park, the most-photographed 5-7 hours.

12:00 p.m. — Lunch at Universal Studios

The most-photographed lunch in Universal Studios.

2:00 p.m. — S.E.A. Aquarium

The 49-million-liter aquarium, the most-photographed 2-3 hours.

4:00 p.m. — Sentosa beaches

The Palawan, the Siloso, the Tanjong.

6:00 p.m. — Sunset at the Palawan Beach

The most-photographed sunset in Sentosa.

8:00 p.m. — Dinner + the Wings of Time

The most-photographed dinner in Sentosa. The 20-minute outdoor show.

Day 4: Singapore Zoo + the Night Safari

8:00 a.m. — Singapore Zoo

The 28-hectare zoo, the most-photographed in Singapore. The "open concept" (no cages), the white tiger, the orangutan, the Asian elephant. The most-photographed 4-5 hours.

12:00 p.m. — Lunch at the zoo

The most-photographed lunch at the zoo.

2:00 p.m. — The River Wonders

The 12-hectare river-themed park, the most-photographed for the pandas, the most-distinct. The most-photographed 2-3 hours.

5:00 p.m. — Break + return to the hotel

7:00 p.m. — Night Safari

The 35-hectare night zoo, the most-photographed in the world. The most-photographed 2-3 hours.

10:00 p.m. — Dinner at a 24-hour hawker center

The most-photographed 24-hour hawker center, the Newton or the Old Airport Road.

Day 5: The day trip — Pulau Ubin or the Southern Islands

Option A: Pulau Ubin

The 10-km² island off the northeast coast, the most-photographed for the rustic, the most-distinct. The bumboat from the Changi Point Ferry Terminal. The 10-km cycle loop, the Chek Jawa wetlands, the Puaka Hill, the kampong. The most-photographed day trip from Singapore.

Option B: The Southern Islands

The 6 islands south of the main island. The ferry from the Marina South Pier. The Sisters' Islands (the snorkeling), the St. John's Island (the quiet beaches), the Lazarus Island (the white sand), the Kusu Island (the turtle legend). The most-photographed escape from the city.

Option C: The Southern Ridges + the MacRitchie Reservoir

The 10-km hiking trail, the most-photographed in Singapore. The Henderson Waves bridge, the Forest Walk, the Canopy Walk. The MacRitchie Reservoir, the Treetop Walk, the most-photographed 2-3 hours.

What to know

• Singapore is hot year-round (25-32°C, high humidity).
• The MRT is the most efficient. The tourist pass is S$10-30/day.
• The hawker centers are the headline. The "chope" (the tissue-pack seat reservation) is a Singaporean tradition.
• Tap water is safe to drink.

Cost (5 days, per person, 2 sharing, mid-range)

• Accommodation: S$150-400/night × 5 = S$750-2,000
• Food: S$30-60/day = S$150-300
• Activities: S$300-600
• Transport: S$50-100
• Total: S$1,250-3,000 (US$920-2,200)