Singapore is packed with amazing things to see and do, and there’s enough to keep any tourist going for at least a week but while there is undoubtedly an enormous amount to explore around Singapore, it’s also entirely possible to see some of this incredible country’s best highlights in just a day or two.
I’ve always wanted to visit Singapore and so I booked myself a short trip there while visiting Bali at the end of 2022. I didn’t realise how much I’d fall in love with the city and just how much I’d get done in my short time there.
Based on my experience, I decided to put together a Singapore Itinerary for 2 days in the city, with everything I did while there. So, here are just a few things you can cram into a short two day trip:
Where To Stay In Singapore
I decided to treat myself during my stay and booked the amazing Park Royal Pickering Hotel. This hotel is in the heart of the business district and is one of the many buildings you’ll see that is covered in stunning greenery as part of Singapore’s green initiative.
While it is a little on the pricey side, it was a great location and enabled us to walk to most of the destinations we visited on day one (aside from Gardens by the Bay).
The rooms were incredible, the rooftop pool was to die for and honestly, I couldn’t have wished for a better hotel for my stay.
Singapore Itinerary for 2 Days: Day One
China Town
Singapore’s China Town offers a glimpse into the lives and cultures of the city’s Chinese population. The streets are awash with amazing smells, colour, and life. Aside from simply wandering and seeing where your senses take you, the markets are an absolute must! I could have spent much longer than I did looking around them all, but with a suitcase that was already overflowing with souvenirs, I had to restrain myself a little.
Top tip: look out for money changers in China Town too, as they tend to offer more competitive rates than other places in the country.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
There are a few temples to appreciate and explore, but one of the most fascinating is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. This architectural marvel has been built recently in the style of the Chinese Tang Dynasty, and currently houses a Buddhism museum. The juxtaposition between the beautiful ancient style architecture and the busy streets full of cars outside is an interesting experience that you won’t find often! Located in China Town, it’s definitely worth stopping by to admire its beauty – both inside and out.
Hawker Chan
Hawker markets are one of the great joys of Singapore. They are hives of activity, offering a range of delicious and freshly cooked food to passers by. Hawker Chan is the most famous of all the Hawker market stalls in Singapore thanks to previously being awarded with a much coveted Michelin Star, there’s even a sit down restaurant you can visit! Try the world famous soya sauce chicken and rice to experience the cheapest food you’ll ever eat prepared by a Michelin Star winning chef! It’s absolutely delicious and 100% worth the £5 it costs!
To find the restaurant we ate at, rather than the markets, this is the address. It’s just a short walk from China Town and very easy to find!
Raffles Long Bar
Raffles Long Bar is the home to the Singapore Sling. Still open to the public over 100 years after the invention of this delectable cocktail, Raffles is well worth a spot on your Singapore itinerary. As you head to the bar, you’ll notice peanut shells crunching under foot and once you’re seated you’ll be presented with an incredible choice of cocktails to try alongside the practically obligatory Singapore Sling.
Admittedly the almost-30-pound price tag makes this one of the most expensive cocktails I have ever purchased but for the experience, I’d say it was worth it. The bar was absolutely stunning and the short walk through the hotel grounds to get there was absolutely incredible. It made me wish I was staying there! Maybe one day…
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is arguably Singapore’s most magnificent tourist attraction. It’s a series of expertly created and landscaped gardens which are designed to show the future of urban sustainability in its most beautiful form. You can walk around (and between) the famous Supertrees, along tranquil lake sides, and through groves of plants and flowers from across the globe in the huge terrarium domes at the centre of the park.
My favourite part of Gardens by the Bay by far was the Cloud Forest. This is an attraction that you have to pay extra to visit, but it’s absolutely incredible. From the amazing indoor waterfall to the walk among the clouds, I could have spent hours here (even if I did feel a little dizzy walking on the platforms).
Top tip: If you arrive in the afternoon, you will have plenty of time to stay until the evening, giving you a chance to see the magnificent light show projected onto the Supertree Grove – something that should be on everyone’s Singapore Itinerary for 2 days in the city!
Singapore Itinerary for 2 Days: Day Two
Merlion Statue
To start day two of my Singapore itinerary for 2 days, you’re going to head towards the Marina.
If you visit Singapore, you’ll notice a symbol of a merlion dotted around. The merlion is designed to symbolise the country – the tail is a nod to the country’s humble fishing village origins while the head is in reference to Singapore’s original name ‘Singapura’, which means ‘Lion City’ in Sanskrit. This wonderful statue is located in Merlion park on the water front and well worth a visit if you want to snap that classic Singapore shot. It’s also one of the best spots to get a photo of the Marina Bay Sands hotel.
Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands is one of Singapore’s most iconic sites, and it’s impossible to miss on the skyline. Whether you decide to take an afternoon stroll along side this notable hotel, dine inside, or even splash out and stay the night, the Marina Bay Sands Hotel isn’t one to miss! It’s easily reachable from the Merlion Statue, so makes sense to visit while you’re in the area.
Top tip: If you want to see the views from the top without spending the night, you can either visit the rooftop bar or go to the observation deck.
ArtScience museum
The ArtScience Museum is another one of Singapore’s iconic buildings. Shaped like a huge lotus flower, inside you can find enough to see and explore to fill several days, but it’s also a good stop if you just want to dip your toe into the rich history and culture of the country. The ArtScience Museum constantly hosts fascinating exhibitions, so every time you visit there will be something new to explore.
Top tip: if you’re unsure if you want to add the museum to your list of places to visit, check out what exhibitions are on and if there’s anything that you fancy! You will have to book your tickets in advance, so it’s worth looking just in case.
Marina Bay Sands Shopping Mall
While you’re in the area enjoy a trip to the Marina Bay Sands Shopping Mall to have a wonderfully luxury feeling shopping experience. As you window shop your way around this large mall, you’ll have a backdrop of rushing water from one of the several elaborate water fountains and canals within this extravagant shopping centre. There’s also an indoor Hawker market here, so you can stop to refuel and get another fix of Soy Sauce Chicken and Rice without even having to leave the complex!
UK FRIENDS! If you’re in Singapore and need a UK Bath and Body works wallflower with a UK plug, this is where you’re going to find one! They use the same attachments us!
Haji Lane
After exploring Marina Bay Sands and the Shopping Mall, head to Haji Lane for some lunch and even more shopping. Haji Lane is known as Singapore’s hip area and so here you’ll find lots of places to eat and drink as well as hole-in-the-wall boutiques to shop at. You could easily spend a good few hours here and if you’re looking to buy homewares and jewellery, this is the place to be – I got the cutest little Haji Lane keyring and I think it’s one of my favourite keyrings I have ever bought.
Arab Street
Right next to Haji Lane is Arab street, another street you absolutely have to check out while you’re in Singapore. With delicious street food and the most colourful buildings lining the entire street, right up until the Sultan Mosque at the end of the road, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to another country. While we didn’t spend to much time here, it’s worth it for the atmosphere alone.
Bonus: Make sure to explore the Jewel at Singapore Changi Airport before you leave!
Whether or not you’ve heard about ‘The Jewel‘ at Singapore airport, it’s definitely somewhere you’re going to want to make sure you visit before you leave. Located either before or after security, depending on when you choose to visit, this AMAZING space is home to the World’s Largest Indoor Waterfall. You can circle the whole perimeter, with viewpoints from every angle. My favourite, however, was going down to the basement to see where the waterfall cascades into the floor. It was absolutely mesmerising to watch and so I pulled up a seat, grabbed some food from the food court and watched it for a few hours while waiting for a friend.
I could write an entire post on everything there is to do at Singapore airport, so if you have the time, definitely give yourself some extra ‘airport hours’ to explore before you leave. You WON’T regret it.
Singapore is somewhere I had been DYING to visit for as long as I can remember and so I am so glad I was able to go, even if just for a short while. I know I’ll be back and when I am, I’ll be sure to share more things to do here and of course, update my Singapore itinerary for 2 days!
