Singapore 5 Day Itinerary

5-Day Singapore Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Things to Know Before You Go:

  • Weather: Singapore has a tropical climate. Expect hot and humid weather year-round with frequent rainfall. Pack light, breathable clothing and an umbrella.
  • Currency: The official currency is the Singapore dollar (SGD). Many establishments also accept major credit cards.
  • Language: English is the official language of Singapore and widely spoken. Other common languages include Mandarin, Malay, and Tamil.

Getting Around:

Singapore has an incredibly efficient public transportation system:

  • MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): The best way to get around Singapore! It’s a clean and reliable subway system.
  • Buses: A cheap and convenient option for reaching areas not covered by the MRT.
  • Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps: Widely available, but can be expensive.

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the City

  • Morning: Arrive at Changi Airport (SIN). Enjoy its renowned attractions like the Jewel Changi or the Singapore Botanic Gardens before heading to your hotel.
  • Afternoon: Arrive in Singapore and check into your hotel. Choose a location near popular tourist spots for convenience, like Orchard Road for shopping or Bugis for a taste of local culture.

Things to Do:

  • Visit the iconic Gardens by the Bay, marveling at the Supertrees and exploring the Flower Dome.
  • Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Little India, enjoying its colorful streets, temples, and delicious food.
  • Experience the unique blend of cultures in Chinatown, browsing traditional shops and markets.

Tips:

  • Purchase a Singapore Tourist Pass: This allows unlimited travel on the MRT and buses for a set period.
  • Download the Grab app: It’s a popular ride-hailing service in Singapore.

Day 2: Immerse Yourself in History & Culture

  • Morning: Explore the historic Kampong Glam district, visiting the Sultan Mosque and the bustling Arab Street.

  • Afternoon: Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural scene of Singapore at the National Museum of Singapore.

  • Things to Do:

    • Visit the National Museum of Singapore: Immerse yourself in the history of Singapore from its early days as a trading post to its modern metropolis status.
    • Explore the Peranakan Museum: Learn about the unique cultural heritage of the Peranakans, a blend of Chinese and Malay traditions.
    • Wander through Chinatown: Discover traditional shophouses, temples, and markets, experiencing the rich history and cultural diversity of Singapore.

Day 3: A Taste of Local Life & Cuisine

  • Morning: Immerse yourself in the local food scene with a visit to hawker stalls at Tiong Bahru Market or Maxwell Food Centre.

  • Afternoon: Explore the colorful streets and vibrant culture of Chinatown, including the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the Sri Mariamman Temple.

  • Day 4: Island Adventures

  • Sentosa Island:

    • Relax on the beach at Palawan Beach or Siloso Beach.
    • Visit Universal Studios Singapore for a day of theme park fun.
    • Enjoy the views from Sentosa Skywalk.

  • Marina Bay Sands: Take a walk through the gardens and explore the ArtScience Museum, the Singapore Flyer, or enjoy a rooftop cocktail with a stunning view.

Day 4: Gardens by the Bay Food Tour

  • Hawker Centers: Discover the authentic flavors of Singapore at one of its many hawker centers.
  • Singapore Zoo: Experience the “open concept” zoo where animals roam freely in spacious enclosures.

Day 5: Nature & Shopping

  • Gardens by the Bay: Enjoy a final visit to this iconic destination and sample some local delicacies from the food stalls located within.

Things to note:

  • Hawker Culture: Hawker centers are an integral part of Singaporean life, offering affordable and delicious local cuisine.
  • Hawker Food Etiquette: Be prepared for long queues at popular stalls and remember to return your tray after eating.
  • Singapore Flyer: Enjoy breathtaking views of the city from atop this iconic Ferris wheel.

Day 1: Hawker Delight & Modern Marvels

  • Morning:

    • Arrive at Changi Airport (SIN). Singapore’s airport is renowned for its efficiency and attractions.
    • Gardens by the Bay: Explore the Gardens by the Bay, a futuristic park with stunning Supertrees and gardens showcasing diverse plant life.

Things to do:

  • Experience the Flower Dome: This climate-controlled dome houses a variety of flowers and plants from around the world.
  • Marvel at the Cloud Forest: Discover the cloud forest with its towering waterfalls and unique plant species.

Where to Stay:

Singapore has many hotels catering to different budgets, from luxurious options like the Marina Bay Sands to more affordable choices in various neighborhoods.

Day 3: Gardens & Shopping:

  • Hawker Center Adventure: Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a bustling hawker center.

  • Singapore Botanic Gardens: Enjoy the diverse flora and fauna at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

  • Day 4: Nature & Culture:

    • Take a stroll through the National Orchid Garden within the Gardens by the Bay.

  • Explore Singapore’s History: Visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a beautiful oasis with a variety of gardens and attractions to enjoy. The Botanic Gardens is a great place to escape the city hustle and bustle.

Things to do:

  • Enjoy the diversity of the National Orchid Garden: Marvel at the vibrant orchids and learn about their unique adaptations and cultural significance in Singapore.
  • Visit Hawker Centers: These are an integral part of Singapore’s culinary culture and a great way to experience local cuisine at its best.
  • National Museum of Singapore: Explore the history of this island nation through interactive exhibits and historical artifacts.

Day 5: Departure & Farewell

  • Hawker Food: Enjoy a final taste of Singapore’s diverse and delicious food scene at a hawker center near your hotel.

Things to Do:

  • Explore the Gardens: Immerse yourself in the beauty and tranquility of Singapore’s gardens.
  • Visit the Flower Dome: Enjoy the vibrant floral displays and learn about the plants that thrive in tropical environments.
  • Shop & Dine: Experience the unique shopping opportunities and diverse food stalls in the city’s bustling districts.

Remember to:

  • Bring your passport: Ensure you have it readily available for entry into Singapore and the boarding process.
  • Carry some local currency: This will be helpful for smaller purchases at the hawker centers, as they often prefer cash.

Hawker Centers & Local Experiences:

  • Explore Singapore’s Hawker Culture:

    • Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional hawker center.
    • Try authentic dishes from different ethnicities: Singapore offers a diverse culinary experience with Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan food stalls.

  • Enjoy the variety of local cuisines: Explore the diversity of Singapore’s food scene by sampling dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, and chilli crab.

  • Visit Gardens for a final time: Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and take in all that you can:

    • Try a delicious meal: Enjoy the diverse flavors of Singaporean cuisine.
    • Immerse yourself in the variety of plants and flowers at the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.

  • Immerse Yourself in the Culture: Explore the cultural exhibits within the Gardens, showcasing the diversity of Singapore’s history.

Things to Remember:

  • Currency: You can use Singapore dollars (SGD) or your credit card at most hawker stalls. However, it’s a good idea to have some cash on hand for smaller purchases and tipping.
  • Climate: Singapore is hot and humid year-round. Be sure to pack light, breathable clothing and stay hydrated.

Enjoy the rest of your Singaporean adventure!