2 Days in Singapore Itinerary

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So, you’re planning a 2 days in Singapore itinerary huh?

I bet you’re super stoked and have your bags packed, flights booked, and hotel reservations ready to go!

Sure:

You’ll have to endure one, long AF flight, as well as the resulting jet lag that comes with 12 to 15-hour differences in time zones (if you’re traveling from the United States), but trust me, it’s TOTALLY worth it since this amazing place is home to some of the best theme parks in Asia. 

However, now what?

Well, luckily for you, I’ve got you covered with this ultimate, 2-Day Singapore itinerary. An itinerary that will help you get off the beaten path in Singapore. 

I mean:

You’ve traveled a LONG way, so no need to further stress your sleepy self out with worry about what to do in Singapore after you arrive.

Yeah, we don’t do stress and worry here at Girl with the Passport.

Instead:

Just kick your heels up, con someone into rubbing your feet (if you can manage to do this, please, teach me your ways), and grab some popcorn as we swan dive into the pool of awesomeness that is this list of things to do in Singapore.

But, first things first:

In case you’re not in the know, Singapore is a tiny island country that is an incredibly safe place to visit.

Three cheers for safety!

English is also one of the country’s primary languages, so no need for elaborate games of charades when you want to communicate with people.

Okay, if I’m being totally honest:

The language spoken in Singapore isn’t exactly 100% English.

It’s actually, Singlish, or a super cool mash-up of English with some of the most common languages spoken there, like Chinese, Malay, Hokkien, etc.

Also:

The humidity and heat are next-level awful, so let the perspiration and frizz fest ensue.

And so…

You ready or not (Singlish speak for are you ready)? Because we’re about to get down and dirty with this ultimate 2-Day Singapore itinerary.

Can I get a whoop whoop? No?

Alright, I’ll settle for awkward silence and the roaring sound of crickets as we pump this Singapore party!

Since I am incapable of making it rain money, there’s a high chance that this post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure for more information. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases.

***Not sure where to stay while in Singapore? Then try Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong (Located in Singapore’s historic Katong neighborhood, rooms at this Chinese inspired hotel start at $188 per night and include a 24-hour gym, a chic AF, rooftop infinity pool, a Peranakan home design aesthetic, and so much more. Seriously, you’ll never want to leave this place), M Social Singapore (Sleek, modern rooms at this River Valley district hotel start at $168 per night and include beautiful views of the nearby, Singapore River, complimentary WIFI, loaner smartphones, flat-screen TVs, complimentary breakfast, and more. There’s even a fabulous sundeck and rooftop infinity pool that will appeal to any of the sun worshippers out there.), and The Great Madras (This swoon-worthy hotel in Little India has rooms that start at just $100 per night. But aside from the fantastic location and budget-friendly price tag, the hotel’s gleaming white, art deco exterior is perfectly complemented by a series of pastel-hued guest rooms with uber-comfy beds. Also, don’t forget to check out their on-site Catalan restaurant and pool, both of which are amazing).***

Day 1 of your 2 days in Singapore Itinerary

Before we begin:

Just a little FYI. Singapore is this crazy amalgamation of insanely expensive and extremely affordable services and goods.

So:

While taxis are available everywhere, they’re also pretty dang expensive.

That’s why:

The easiest and most cost-effective way to get around is with the local, MRT train system.

Seriously:

Singapore is just 31 miles wide and 17 miles long. So while it’s technically walkable, I definitely wouldn’t recommend it since the heat and humidity there is like surface of the sun level intense.

Trust me on this:

Ride the MRT and you will not regret it (To save money on transportation, definitely purchase the Singapore Tourist Pass since it includes tickets for both the MRT and a ton of local ATTRACTIONS. Talk about a win-win. You can easily purchase this pass at the airport, or at select MRT stations).

Now:

While most trips would typically start with a taxi ride to your hotel or hostel, this would be a BIG mistake in Singapore.

What do I mean exactly?

Well, Singapore’s Changi airport is an attraction in and of itself.

No, I swear, it’s true!

Not only does Changi airport have several gardens that house a variety of exotic flowers, plants, dragonflies and butterflies, but there’s also a movie theater, a world-class shopping mall, several art installations, and of course, the Jewel at the center of it all – an amazing indoor waterfall that looks like some ultra-futuristic rain vortex out of the Matrix.

Wait, time out.

Am I actually recommending that you VOLUNTARILY spend time in an airport?

Hell yes, I am!

Because Changi airport is the airport of your dreams. It’s also a total Instagrammer’s paradise so definitely come prepared and have your camera at the ready.

And If your flight arrives in Singapore late at night, then just be sure to leave enough time to tackle Changi airport before you head home (FYI: You’ll probably need a couple of hours to do this adequately).

Now:

Once you’ve managed to pry yourself away from the awesomeness that is the airport, do as the locals do and grab some grub!

And in case you didn’t already know:

No one, and I mean no one, is as passionate about food as Singaporeans are.

Yup:

Eating is a way of life in this tiny island country and most (if not every) social event centers around food (Talk about MY kind of people. Hell to the yeah).

You’ll also eventually come to realize that pretty much every dish is fair game and a viable menu option for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, with just a few exceptions… but we’ll get into that later.

Now, from the airport:

Head to Tiong Bahru Market Hawker Center and enjoy your first meal of the day.

What, you have no idea what a hawker center is?

Yeah, me neither. At least, not until I did my own, 2 day Singapore itinerary.

So:

A hawker center is an outdoor food court with multiple food stalls that serve cuisine from all across the globe.

The UN of food if you will.

It’s basically where Singaporeans come and dine on the daily.

To get here:

Just hop on the MRT and get off at Tiong Bahru station, which is just an 8-minute walk from the hawker center (You can also board buses 5,16, 33, 63, 123, 195, 851, and NR5 to get there).

The best part?

The food is not only delicious but CHEAP.

You’ll also definitely be able to find something you like since there are endless options to choose from.

The challenge?

Figuring out what to eat amidst the sea of deliciousness that unfolds before you.

But fret not!

Here are the best dishes and stalls to try. 

• Jian Bo Chwee Kueh (stall #02-05) – order the chwee kueh, a steamed rice cake topped with pickled radish and chili sauce (Price: S$1.40 for 4 pieces)
  
• Tiong Bahru Pau (stall #02-18) – order the char siew bao, a roasted pork bun, or the siew mai, a dim sum favorite that is a popular breakfast dish too (Price: Between S$1-3)
  
• 178 Lor Mee (stall #02-23) – a noodle dish served with a rich, thick gravy. (Price: S$3-4
  
• Zhong Yu Yuan Wei Wanton Noodles (stall #02-30) – thin egg noodles, slices of barbecued roast pork, and thinly wrapped wontons. (Price: S$3-5)
  

FYI:

These are just some of the stalls that are open for breakfast.

Therefore:

Feel free to take a look around and indulge in whatever strikes your fancy.

Also:

Don’t be surprised if you begin to see lines forming at some of the stalls since that’s a solid indication that there is delicious food within.

Once you’re fed:

Head over to Chinatown to experience some of the different religious practices found within Singapore.

To get there from Tiong Bahru Hawker Center:

Just take the MRT from Tiong Bahru (green line EW17 towards Pasir Ris) to Outram Park (1 stop) and change to the purple line (NE3 towards Punggol) to Chinatown (1 stop). You can also take bus 33, 63, 851, or 970 if that’s a little easier.

Now:

In addition to being a multi-cultural and multi-racial country, Singapore is also multi-religious and recognizes the practices of Christians, Buddhists, Muslims, and Hindus nationwide.

And the best place to see exquisite temples that are devoted to some of Singapore’s most important religions?

Yup, none other than Chinatown!

It’s here that you’ll find one of Singapore’s oldest Chinese temples, Thian Hock Keng.

Built-in the 1840s:

Amazingly enough, this structure is known for its “no nails” policy (AKA it was constructed without the use of nails) and is decorated with intricate carvings that honor the deity Mazu, the Goddess of the Sea. 

However:

If you’re searching for something a bit more modern, then mosey on over to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

Trust me:

It’s an incredibly striking building that you will not be able to miss with its white walls and bright red pillars.

Added bonus?

This temple also doubles as a museum with a variety of ancient Buddhist artifacts like, duh, the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic that the building is named for.

But:

If you want to see something a little different, then stop by Singapore’s first Hindu temple, Sri Mariamman.

Dedicated to the Goddess Mariamman, the entrance tower of this religious center is bedazzled with exquisite displays of iconic figures from Hindu mythology.

Just remember ladies:

Do try and dress conservatively as a sign of respect. But, if you are dressed in shorts, not to worry because you’ll be given a wrap to cover up with. You’ll also be required to take off your shoes before you enter.

Once you’ve taken in everything that these beautiful buildings have to offer:

Head on over to Little India and enjoy the neighborhood’s unique culture, history, and eclectic assortment of colorful buildings.

To get to Little India from Chinatown:

Just take the MRT’s Downtown Line (blue line DT19 towards Sungei Bedok) and hop off at Jalan Besar (3 stops).

From here:

Just walk towards Upper Weld road and make a right.

If:

You aren’t too templed out yet, then stop by Sri Veeramakaliamman and Sri Srinivasa Perumal Hindu temples along the way (Sri Veeramakaliamman is dedicated to its namesake, the Goddess, and destroyer of evil Kali, while Sri Srinivasa Perumal is dedicated to Lord Vishnu (Srinivas Perumal), the preserver and protector of the universe).

And if you’re yearning for even MORE temple action:

Then visit Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, also known as the temple of a Thousand Lights.

It features a 50 foot tall, 300- ton statue of Buddha that, you guessed it, appears to be surrounded by a thousand lights.

Now:

After all that walking around and temple hopping, I bet you’re ready for some more grub!

Well:

Luckily for you, Little India is home to a ton of can’t-miss, foodie hot spots, like Tekka Center.

Another popular hawker center:

Vendors here specialize in a wide variety of delicious, low-priced, Indian street food.

Uggh, I’m drooling just thinking about it.

But, if you’re looking for something a bit more formal, then stop by The Banana Leaf Apolo.

It’s without a doubt, one of the best places to grab a great meal in Little India and dare I say it, in all of Singapore.

Not surprisingly:

The food here is served atop freshly cut banana leaves, with their fish head curry, chicken masala, and biryani dishes being particularly drool-worthy.

***If you’re a VEG like me, then head to Komala Vilas, a lovely, family-run restaurant that is best known for their vegetarian cuisine. Some of my faves include the masala dosa, and the lentil pancakes with mashed potatoes.***

Once you’re happily sporting a massive food baby (that’s how you’ll know that your job here is done):

Stroll on over to the House of Tan Teng Niah, one of the last surviving Chinese villas within this entire community.

It’s also a slightly less well-known, Little India Instagram spot that is sure to get the Insta-likes rollin’ in, like the mighty Mississippi.

What, looking for even more ways to make your Instagram fandom jelly?

Then head directly to Little India Arcade. It’s here that you’ll find hundreds of beautiful, fresh floral bouquets and vibrant, handmade textiles, all of which are for sale and definitely worth a photo op or two.

You can even get your very own, henna tattoo if that tickles your fancy.

Either way:

Stroll along the narrow alleyways of the arcade and take in the plethora of sights, smells, and colors all around you.

They’re vivid enough to make you forget all about the humidity, at least for the briefest of seconds.

From here:

Take the Downtown line (blue line DT12 towards Sungei Bedok) from Little India station to Bayfront station (4 stops) and Marina Bay (You can also take bus 960 or 133).

Once outside:

Marvel at the sweeping, panoramic views of Marina Bay and all of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks; places like the infamous Marina Bay Sands (the hotel with an infinity pool on the boat-shaped crest of the building), the historic Fullerton Hotel, the Gardens by the Bay, the Singapore Flyer and the Merlion (Half lion, half fish, this is the official mascot of Singapore since the city was once a fishing village that was later named Singapore/Singapura, or “lion city” in English).

Take some time to stroll along the promenade and enjoy the beauty all around you.

Slowly make your way across the Esplanade bridge and towards the Helix bridge.

Honestly:

It’s a pretty dope structure (me pretending to be cool again) that lights up at night. It’s also just a short stroll away from the Merlion and will lead you straight towards the Marina Bay Sands.

Now, if you’re feeling like a big spender:

Be sure to stop by the Sands Skypark Observation Deck, at the Marina Bay Sands, and savor some of the incredible, 360-degree views here.

Sure:

Tickets are a bit expensive at S$23 per person, but it’s completely worth it for a magnificent, bird’s eye view of the city (Don’t forget to snap some ground-level photos of the amazing, Marina Bay Sands building too).

From here:

It’s just a short walk over to the incredible Gardens by the Bay, one of the best places to go in Singapore with kids.

Trust me:

You’ve probably seen photos of this popular tourist attraction plastered all over Instagram.

But in case you’re unaware:

Gardens by the Bay is a man-made nature park that consists of two conservatories and Supertree Groves.

Each of these conservatories is elaborately decorated with exotic flowers, stunning walkways, and man-made waterfalls.

Therefore:

Definitely take your time and stroll through each dome slowly since there are photo ops a plenty here.

And the Supertree Groves?

Yeah, they aren’t really trees at all.

In actuality:

These tree-like structures are planters that help provide shading, and various other environmental services, for the two conservatories.

Added bonus?

There’s also an elevated walkway between two of the largest Supertrees, so definitely walk across to get some exquisite, panoramic views of the gardens.

And If light shows and lasers are your jam:

Then be sure to stop by the Gardens by the Bay at night and catch the Garden Rhapsody show, where the Supertree Grove comes to life with lights and music.

Honestly though:

Even if you don’t end up watching the lights show, experiencing the mesmerizing, neon purple hues of these trees, with the iconic Singapore skyline in the background, is totally worth it.

WAIT! Before calling it a day:

Trek on over to Clarke Quay. 

Make your life easier though and take the MRT.

Just hop on the Downtown line at Bayfront (blue line DT16 towards Sungei Bedok) and get off at Fort Canning Park Station (4 stops).

From here:

It’s just a short walk towards River Valley Road before you make a right onto Clarke Quay, one of the many historic riverside quays in Singapore.

It also has one bumpin’ nightlife scene and is a great spot to take a stroll once the harsh rays of the sun have called it a day.

Now:

While you’re here, definitely grab some dinner at any one of the restaurants that sit along the river.

That being said:

My personal picks for some of the best restaurants in the area include Red House Seafood, Peony Jade, Tsui Wah Singapore, and Motorino Pizza.

However:

If you’re ready, willing, and able to get your DRANK on, then hit up some of Clarke Quay’s unique bars like Holey Moley Golf Club, an insanely awesome bar where you can actually mini-golf it up with a cocktail in hand.

Or:

You can always mosey on over to Level Up and get a little tipsy as you test your gamer skills with their fun assortment of 80s-90s era arcade games. Yup, Ms. Pac Man will RUE the day she messed with you!

***PSST: Looking for cocktail other than a traditional, Singapore Sling? Then hit up Ah Sam Cold Drink Stall. They serve this insanely unique cocktail known as the Laksa Cocktail – a cocktail that is flavored like a popular local dish.***

But whatever you do:

Don’t stay out TOO late because we have another full day of exploring tomorrow as we continue our 2 days in Singapore itinerary.

Day 2 of your 2 days in Singapore Itinerary

Now, I’m not normally an early-riser, but your second day in Singapore will be jam-packed with activities and sightseeing.

Therefore:

You may want to suck it up and get up EARLY.

To start:

Grab a local breakfast at Toastbox.

Honestly:

Toastbox is a chain that you can find pretty much everywhere in Singapore. So, just do a quick Google search and find the one closest to your hotel and you’re good to go.

Why?

Toastbox serves the simplest local breakfast – toast, and eggs. So what’s the big deal?

Well:

Be sure to order the “kaya toast” or any variation with “kaya” in it since Kaya is a coconut jam that is sweet and all things delicious.

Slap on some butter and you’ve got yourself a pretty delicious breakfast.

Wait!

Don’t forget to order a soft boiled egg to complete your typical Singaporean breakfast.

Chase it down with a kopi (coffee), a teh tarik (hot milk tea), or a milo (a chocolate malt drink that is served either hot or cold) and you have the ultimate, Singapore breakfast of champions.

After breakfast:

Head over to Sentosa Island.

Now:

Depending on where you are in the city, make your way to the HarbourFront MRT station.

Next:

Enter the VivoCity mall and head up to the 3rd floor. Follow the signs for the Sentosa Express and you’ll eventually reach the ticketing station.

Purchase your tickets and then take the monorail to the island.

Once there:

You’ll find a ton of different things to do on Sentosa island, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

However:

If you’re traveling solo or with a group of adult friends, I recommend relaxing and hitting up the beaches.

Some popular spots include:

Tanjong Beach, Siloso beach, and Palawan beach, all of which are great places to sunbathe  (or fry like bacon if you’re pasty AF like me) or take a refreshing dip in the cool ocean. 

However:

Feel free to explore the island and visit some of the other attractions here like the SEA Aquarium Singapore, the Images of Singapore museum, the Butterfly and the Insect Kingdom, or Sentosa Nature Discovery.

Once you’ve done all the exploring and beach hopping that you can handle:

Head back to the main island and hit up the Peranakan Houses, another one of Singapore’s most fab, Instagram hotspots.

From Sentosa Island:

Basically, just go back the way you came (monorail to Harbourfront MRT station) and take the North-East line (NE1 purple line towards Punggol) to Dhoby Ghaut (4 stops).

Next:

Transfer to the number 16 bus (towards Bedok) and get off at Opp Maranatha Hall (12 stops).

From here:

Walk towards Dunman road and Carpmael road, turning left when you see Tin Yeang Restaurant on your right.

TADA!

You have just found one of the most iconic Instagram spots in all of Singapore!

And while these wonderfully whimsical and outrageously colorful homes have quickly made their way across Instagram, did you know that this area was once filled with coconut plantations?

Yup!

These residences are actually remnants from the Peranakan culture and were once used as storefronts and terrace homes for their wealthy Chinese owners.

So:

Beyond taking epic amounts of photos, be sure to stroll through this neighborhood and visit some of the historic stores that are still in business, to this very day!

Then:

When you get hungry, pop into any one of the shops here that serve the ultra-famous dish, Katong Laksa.

Be forewarned:

This dish is a spicy blend of fragrant and indulgent since its broth is made from a mix of rich seafood, chili and coconut milk.

However:

You can also indulge in another, Singaporean classic at No Signboard Seafood in Geylang.

To get here:

Just go back the way you came and turn right onto Dunman road (when you see the same Tin Yeang Restaurant on your left).

Continue on down Dunman road and make a left when you hit Tanjong Katong road.

When you arrive:

You’ll see the bus stop on your left. Board the number 40 bus going towards Bedok, and get off at Aft Lor 28 Geyland (5 stops). 

While you’re here, you can even settle a great Singapore debate.

Because as you can probably guess, the name of the game here is Seafood.

And this restaurant’s two most famous dishes are the Singapore Chili Crab and the Black Pepper Crab.

But which one is better?

Well, this is definitely not a debate that you can settle on your own since eating two whole crabs by yourself is just Mission Impossible to the extreme.

So:

If you’re traveling with a friend or a group, definitely order both entrees and see which one tickles your tastebuds most.

Once you’ve settled this immortal culinary conflict:

Head over to the Botanic Gardens, Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site.

To get here from No Signboard:

Just walk towards the Aljunied MRT station and board the East-West line (EW 9 green line towards Tuas Link) and take it to Bugis station (3 stops).

Once here:

Get off the East-West Line and transfer to the Downtown line (DT9 blue line towards Bukit Panjang). You’ll then take this line all the way to the Botanic Gardens (5 stops).

Once here:

Wander through the virgin rainforest, and visit the Orchid Garden.

As you take a relaxing stroll through the Botanic Gardens, you’ll be astounded by the number of exotic plants that call the intense heat and humidity of Singapore home.

And when you’re finally all natured out:

Head on over to Orchard Road, where you can either shop till you drop or take a walk back in time at one of Singapore’s many historic museums.

To get to Orchard Road:

Simply take the Downtown line from the Botanic Gardens station (DT9 blue line towards Sungei Bedok) to Newton station (2 stops).

Once here:

Transfer to the North-South (NS21 red line towards Marina South Pier) and get off at Somerset (2 stops).

And get ready to do a little retail therapy! Because yes, you deserve it!

Otherwise:

You can always explore either the Singapore Art Museum, the National Museum of Singapore, or Fort Canning Park.

Realistically though:

You’ll probably only have time to tackle one of these activities, and personally, I’d go with Fort Canning Park. 

Why?

Umm, Fort Canning is home to Battle Box, which is this super awesome, underground tunnel that dates back to World War II.

It is definitely one of Singapore’s most historic landmarks and is just a fantastic place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

After that:

Why not treat yo’self to dinner at the world’s most affordable Michelin Star rated restaurant?

Yup!

This thin slice of awesome can be found at Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle, a hawker stall that is known for its delicious take on one of Singapore’s most iconic dishes: chicken rice!

From Fort Canning Park:

Just hop on bus number 54, towards Spooner road, and get off at New Bridge Center (4 stops).

Next:

Sashay your bad self towards Smith street and make a right once you get there.

When you finally do arrive at this foodie Mecca of sorts:

Be prepared to wait in line for several hours since Singaporeans are total pros at waiting in line and will forever and always do so for food.

But trust me, it’s worth it.

Not only is Singaporean chicken rice one of the most delicious meals in the ENTIRE country, but you’ll be paying a mere $2 – $4 for a Michelin Star rated meal; a total food anomaly that will NEVER happen again.

However, if you choose to skip the line (and I don’t blame you if you do):

Do NOT leave Singapore without trying this dish.

Seriously:

You can find it in any hawker center or indoor food court, like the Newton Hawker Center (You know it’s a great place to eat since it’s always PACKED with locals).

***To get to Newton Hawker Center from Fort Canning, walk towards the Dhoby Ghaut MRT station and take the North-South line (NS24 red line towards Jurong East) to Newton station (3 stops).***

And finally (drum roll please):

To end your ever-enchanting, never dull, 2 days in Singapore itinerary, let’s head over to the Singapore Flyer and really end this trip right.

From Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle:

Walk towards the Chinatown MRT station, board the Downtown line (DT19 blue line towards Bukit Panjang), and get off at Promenade station (4 stops).

And I pinkie promise:

The Singapore Flyer isn’t just ANY Ferris wheel.

Nope!

It’s like this uber badass Ferris wheel of wonder since it is the second-largest Ferris wheel in the world and the perfect way to end your time in Singapore.

Because:

Not only are the views at the top spectacular, but you’ll also snag a bird’s eye view of the city in the evening when Singapore is twinkling to life with a beautiful assortment of neon-hued lights.

FYI:

The Flyer closes at 10:30 pm and each rotation takes around 30 minutes to complete.

So:

Be sure to plan accordingly because no way do you want to miss out.

What, you still haven’t had enough of Singapore?

Well, if you don’t feel like calling it a night quite yet, you can always stroll along the Singapore River or head back to Clarke Quay for one more drink.

Go on, live a little!

I mean, Singapore is one of the safest countries in the world.

That’s why:

You can easily party the night away without stumbling into any unsavory characters who might want to separate you from your belongings.

Whatever you do though, just try not to miss your flight the next day.

Okay, cool kids, that’s a wrap on my jam-packed, 2 days in Singapore itinerary.

You came, you saw, you conquered, and you (hopefully) enjoyed a perfect sampling of both local and tourist hotspots alike.

And if you’re looking for even more activities to add to your very own Singapore itinerary, you can always check out the Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari, the Macritchie Treetop Walk, and the island of Pulau Ubin if you’re feeling MAD adventurous.

But whatever you do, definitely pin this now so that you can read it again later, preferably when that devilish Singapore trip planning urge strikes you.