Singapore City Guide: The Perfect 3-Day Itinerary

Singapore has transformed from a humble trading port to one of Asia's most dynamic cities in just a few decades. This modern metropolis offers Australian travelers a perfect blend of cutting-edge attractions, diverse cultural experiences, and world-class cuisine—all within a compact, easily navigable area.

As a Singaporean-Australian who has guided countless visitors through the Lion City, I've crafted this comprehensive 3-day itinerary to help you experience the best of Singapore efficiently and authentically. While many travelers pass through Singapore as a stopover destination, those who spend a few days discover a fascinating city-state that defies expectations.

Before You Go: Essential Singapore Travel Tips

Getting Around

Singapore boasts one of the world's most efficient public transportation systems. Here's what you need to know:

• MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): The subway system is extensive, clean, and punctual. Purchase an EZ-Link card (SGD 12, including SGD 7 stored value) at any station for convenient travel.
• Buses: They reach areas the MRT doesn't and offer scenic routes through different neighborhoods.
• Grab: Southeast Asia's answer to Uber is prevalent and reasonably priced.
• Walking: Many central attractions are within walking distance, and covered walkways in many areas provide shelter from rain or intense sun.

Weather Considerations

Singapore's equatorial climate means consistent temperatures (27-31°C) year-round with high humidity. Plan indoor activities during the hottest part of the day (11 AM - 3 PM) and carry:

• A reusable water bottle (tap water is safe to drink)
• Light, breathable clothing
• An umbrella (serves dual purpose for sudden showers or sun protection)
• A light sweater for chilly, air-conditioned malls and museums

Cultural Etiquette

Singapore is a multicultural society with influences from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western traditions. Some etiquette tips:

• Remove shoes when entering homes and some religious sites
• Avoid public displays of affection
• Point with your whole hand rather than index finger
• Observe strict anti-littering laws (fines are hefty)

Day 1: Colonial Core & Cultural Enclaves

Morning: Colonial District Exploration

Begin your Singapore journey where the modern nation began—at the historic Singapore River and its surrounding colonial district.

8:30 AM: Breakfast at Telok Ayer Market (Lau Pa Sat)

Start with breakfast at this historic Victorian-era market. Try traditional kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs and coffee at Toast Box, or sample local breakfast options like chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes topped with preserved radish) from various stalls.

9:30 AM: Merlion Park & Marina Bay

Walk along the Singapore River to Merlion Park, home to Singapore's iconic half-lion, half-fish statue. Enjoy spectacular views of Marina Bay Sands across the water. Don't rush—this area offers excellent photo opportunities of Singapore's impressive skyline.

10:30 AM: Civic District Walking Tour

Continue to the Civic District to admire beautiful colonial architecture and learn about Singapore's history:

• Fullerton Hotel (formerly Singapore's General Post Office)
• Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall
• National Gallery Singapore (housed in the former Supreme Court and City Hall)
• St. Andrew's Cathedral
• Raffles Hotel (birthplace of the Singapore Sling cocktail)

Midday: Cultural Enclaves

12:30 PM: Lunch in Chinatown

Head to Chinatown Complex Food Centre, Singapore's largest hawker center with over 260 food stalls. Look for these must-try dishes:

• Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken (the world's most affordable Michelin-starred meal)
• Pork and shrimp wonton noodles at Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao
• Tang Kay Kee Fish Head Bee Hoon

2:00 PM: Chinatown Exploration

After lunch, explore Chinatown's colorful streets and cultural sites:

• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (don't miss the rooftop garden)
• Thian Hock Keng Temple (Singapore's oldest Hokkien temple)
• Traditional shophouses along Pagoda Street and Trengganu Street
• A tea tasting session at Tea Chapter, where Queen Elizabeth II once visited

4:00 PM: Little India

Take the MRT to Little India and immerse yourself in Singapore's vibrant Indian community:

• Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
• Tekka Centre for textiles and handicrafts
• Colorful shophouses along Serangoon Road
• Indian Heritage Centre for deeper cultural insights
• Stop for a refreshing sugar cane juice or masala tea at a roadside stall

Evening: Singapore by Night

6:30 PM: Dinner at Kampong Glam

Head to Kampong Glam (Singapore's Malay-Arab quarter) for dinner at one of these standout options:

• Zam Zam Restaurant for murtabak (stuffed savory pancake) and biryani
• Hjh Maimunah for authentic Malay cuisine
• Alaturka for Turkish fare in a shophouse setting

8:00 PM: Arab Street Exploration

After dinner, explore the vibrant Arab Street area:

• Admire Sultan Mosque's golden dome illuminated at night
• Browse perfume shops and textile stores selling traditional fabrics
• Enjoy shisha and Middle Eastern desserts at one of the area's cafes

9:30 PM: Clarke Quay

Finish your first day at Clarke Quay, a riverside district offering nightlife, bars, and stunning night views of the city. Consider a nightcap at one of the riverfront establishments or simply enjoy a leisurely stroll along the illuminated waterfront.

Day 2: Urban Nature & Modern Marvels

Morning: Garden Discoveries

8:30 AM: Breakfast at Tiong Bahru Market

Start your day at this heritage hawker center in Singapore's hipster neighborhood. Try chwee kueh (steamed rice cakes) from Jian Bo Shui Kueh, Tiong Bahru pau (steamed buns), or excellent local coffee with traditional toast at Heap Seng Leong.

9:30 AM: Explore Tiong Bahru

Take a brief stroll through this architectural gem featuring Singapore's best-preserved pre-war apartments. Visit independent bookstores like BooksActually and artisanal bakeries before heading to your next destination.

10:30 AM: Singapore Botanic Gardens

Spend your morning at Singapore's first UNESCO World Heritage Site, a 160-year-old tropical garden. Don't miss:

• National Orchid Garden (worth the small entrance fee)
• Swan Lake
• The fragrant Rain Forest zone
• Evolution Garden

Midday: Iconic Marina Bay

1:00 PM: Lunch at Satay by the Bay

Head to Marina Bay for lunch at this open-air food center specializing in grilled satay and other local favorites. Try satay from stalls with the longest queues, accompanying your meal with ketupat (rice cakes) and a cold Tiger beer.

2:30 PM: Gardens by the Bay

Explore Singapore's futuristic nature park featuring:

• Supertree Grove (free, but consider the OCBC Skyway walk for panoramic views)
• Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories (worth the entrance fee)
• Floral Fantasy
• Children's Garden water play area if traveling with kids

5:00 PM: ArtScience Museum

If time permits, visit the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands. The permanent Future World exhibit featuring interactive digital installations by teamLab is particularly impressive.

Evening: Sky-High Experiences

6:30 PM: Dinner at Marina Bay Sands

Choose from various dining options at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands:

• Casual waterfront dining at Bayswater Kitchen
• Din Tai Fung for excellent dumplings
• CUT by Wolfgang Puck for a splurge-worthy steakhouse experience

8:00 PM: Spectra Light & Water Show

Catch the free outdoor light and water show at the Event Plaza along the promenade. Shows run at 8 PM and 9 PM daily, with an additional 10 PM show on weekends.

9:00 PM: SkyPark Observation Deck or CE LA VI

For panoramic night views of Singapore's skyline, choose between:

• The SkyPark Observation Deck on Marina Bay Sands' 57th floor (entry fee applies)
• CE LA VI rooftop bar (avoid the entry fee by ordering a drink)

Pro tip: If you're staying at Marina Bay Sands, access to the infinity pool is included in your room rate—arguably Singapore's most iconic photo opportunity.

Day 3: Island Adventures & Local Living

Morning: Sentosa Island

8:30 AM: Breakfast at Maxwell Food Centre

Start with a traditional breakfast at this popular hawker center. The famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice opens early, or try congee (rice porridge) from Zhen Zhen Porridge.

10:00 AM: Sentosa Island

Head to Sentosa Island, Singapore's playground, via cable car from Mount Faber for spectacular views (alternatively, take the Sentosa Express from VivoCity mall).

Choose 2-3 of these Sentosa attractions based on your interests:

• S.E.A. Aquarium (one of the world's largest)
• Palawan or Siloso Beach for relaxation
• Fort Siloso (Singapore's only preserved coastal fort)
• Universal Studios Singapore (requires a full day; consider replacing other Day 3 activities)
• Adventure Cove Waterpark
• Mega Adventure Park for zip-lining

Midday: Local Neighborhoods

1:30 PM: Lunch at Seah Im Food Centre

Return to the mainland and have lunch at this local hawker center near HarbourFront. Try the beef noodles from Nur Jannah, prawn noodles from Beach Road, or carrot cake (which contains no carrots—it's a fried radish dish) from Song Zhou.

3:00 PM: Explore Katong & Joo Chiat

Take a taxi or MRT/bus to the Katong neighborhood, Singapore's Peranakan (Straits Chinese) cultural center:

• Admire the colorful Peranakan shophouses along Koon Seng Road
• Visit the Katong Antique House (by appointment only)
• Shop for Peranakan artifacts and souvenirs
• Try Nyonya kueh (colorful traditional cakes) at Bengawan Solo

Evening: Farewell Feast

6:00 PM: Singapore Night Safari

If you're interested in wildlife, consider visiting the world's first nocturnal zoo. Arrive early to beat the crowds and have dinner at one of the park's restaurants or food stalls. The tram ride offers a good overview, but walking the trails gets you closer to the animals.

Alternative Evening Option: Newton Food Centre

If you prefer to stay in the city, head to Newton Food Centre for a quintessential Singapore hawker experience (featured in "Crazy Rich Asians"). Try:

• BBQ sambal stingray
• Hokkien mee (fried noodles)
• Chili crab (Singapore's national dish) with mantou buns
• Satay from Haron 30

9:00 PM: Nightcap at a Singaporean Bar

Finish your Singapore experience with a drink at one of the city's celebrated cocktail establishments:

• Manhattan at Regent Hotel (consistently ranked among Asia's best bars)
• Native (featuring Southeast Asian spirits and ingredients)
• Long Bar at Raffles Hotel (home of the original Singapore Sling)
• Atlas (for gin lovers, housed in a stunning Art Deco building)

Extending Your Stay: Additional Recommendations

If you have more time in Singapore, consider these worthy additions:

Cultural Attractions

• Peranakan Museum – Dedicated to the culture of Straits-born Chinese
• Asian Civilisations Museum – Excellent collection spanning Asian art and artifacts
• National Museum of Singapore – Comprehensive overview of Singaporean history
• Haw Par Villa – Bizarre theme park depicting Chinese mythology and folklore

Nature and Wildlife

• Pulau Ubin – Rustic island offering a glimpse of Singapore's past and excellent cycling
• MacRitchie Reservoir TreeTop Walk – Hiking and canopy walk through primary rainforest
• Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve – Excellent birdwatching and wildlife spotting
• Singapore Zoo and River Wonders – World-class wildlife facilities

Shopping

• Haji Lane – Independent boutiques and colorful street art
• Orchard Road – Singapore's main shopping boulevard
• Bugis Street Market – Bargain shopping for clothes and souvenirs
• Design Orchard – Showcasing Singapore designers and brands

Practical Information

When to Visit

Singapore is a year-round destination, but consider these factors:

• February-April – Slightly less rainfall and major holidays have passed
• May-June – Great shopping deals during the Great Singapore Sale
• July-September – The Singapore Food Festival and Night Festival offer special events
• November-December – Spectacular Christmas decorations along Orchard Road

Money Matters

• Credit cards are widely accepted in establishments, but carry cash for hawker centers
• ATMs are ubiquitous and accept international cards
• Tipping is not expected or necessary in Singapore
• Prices at hawker centers are incredibly reasonable (SGD 4-7 per dish), while restaurants range widely from moderate to expensive

Safety and Health

• Singapore is one of the world's safest cities with extremely low crime rates
• Tap water is safe to drink
• Medical facilities are world-class, though expensive—ensure you have travel insurance
• Pharmacies are well-stocked; Guardian and Watson's are major chains

Final Thoughts

Singapore defies simple categorization. This tiny island nation packs in cultural diversity, culinary excellence, architectural innovation, and lush greenery in a way that surprises most first-time visitors. While three days allows you to experience Singapore's highlights, many Australian travelers find themselves returning repeatedly, discovering new layers of this multifaceted city-state with each visit.

At Preirisoph Travel, we specialize in crafting Singapore experiences that match your interests, whether as a standalone destination or as part of a broader Southeast Asian journey. Our Singapore specialists can help you navigate the city's ever-evolving attractions and secure reservations at sought-after restaurants and experiences.

For more information about our Singapore packages and customized itineraries, contact our Asia specialists through our contact page.