Is 3 days enough for Singapore?

3 days in Singapore is enough to cover the main highlights and experience the local culture. With a well-planned itinerary you can see the top sights while leaving time for meals and spontaneous exploration.

What is the best area to stay in Singapore for 3 days?

Staying in the city centre or historic quarter of Singapore puts you within walking distance of most attractions and reduces daily transport costs during a short 3-day visit.

How much does 3 days in Singapore cost?

A budget traveller can get by on around 25 EUR EUR per day in Singapore, while a mid-range stay runs up to 150 EUR EUR per day including accommodation, meals and entrance fees.

3 Days in Singapore — Complete Itinerary

By Flavia Voican · Updated 2026-04-11 · Singapore

Daily Budget€25 EUR–150 EUR

Best SeasonNovember–February

DestinationSingapore

Duration3 Days

Day 1

Morning

Tiong Bahru Market Hawker Breakfast

Start at 8:30 AM at 101 Tiong Bahru Road to eat chicken rice at Tiong Bahru Market Food Centre. This hawker spot has been serving locals since 1925 with 30+ stalls, avoiding tourist traps in Chinatown.

▶ Budget tip: Order chicken rice with plain rice ($3.50) instead of fried rice ($5) to save $1.50; eat at the counter seats for authentic experience.

Afternoon

Gardens by the Bay Supertree Grove

Explore the 18 Supertrees (up to 50m tall) at 18 Marina Gardens Drive, walking through the OCBC Skyway for panoramic city views. The Cloud Forest conservatory features a 35m indoor waterfall and 20,000 orchids.

▶ Budget tip: Buy the $22 combined ticket online in advance (not at gate) to skip 45-minute queue; arrive before 10 AM to avoid crowds.

Evening

Clarke Quay Nightlife & River Cruise

Stroll along the Singapore River at 200 North Bridge Road, sampling local dishes at The Quay (try laksa at $8.50). End with a 30-minute river cruise ($12) passing Marina Bay Sands.

▶ Budget tip: Skip cruise and walk the riverfront (free) for better views; use Grab app for cheap rides ($3) instead of taxis.

Day 2

Morning

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Enter at 12 Nature Dr (near Bukit Timah) to see the 3.5km Rainforest Trail and the 100-year-old National Orchid Garden. The 120,000 orchid collection includes 1,000 species.

▶ Budget tip: Free entry to main garden; pay $5 for orchid garden access (not $10 at gate) by buying online.

Afternoon

Little India & Serangoon Road

Wander through the vibrant streets at 301 Serangoon Rd, exploring Hindu temples and street food at Tekka Centre. Try murukku ($1.20) at Chettinad Restaurant and get henna tattoos ($3).

▶ Budget tip: Eat at Tekka Centre (not touristy Jalan Besar) for authentic food; henna artists charge $1-3 less than street vendors.

Evening

Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

Watch sunset from the infinity pool at 1 Sentosa Gateway (open 6-10 PM). The 100m viewing platform offers 360° views of the city skyline and Fountain of Wealth.

▶ Budget tip: Visit the free SkyPark Observation Deck (not pool access) for better views; arrive by 5:30 PM to avoid sunset crowds.

Day 3

Morning

Chinatown Heritage Trail

Start at 315 New Bridge Rd (Chinatown Complex) walking the 1.5km heritage trail past temples like Thian Hock Keng (1842). Stop at Nan Hua Temple for free tea ($0.50).

▶ Budget tip: Free temple entry; get free tea at Nan Hua Temple (not at tourist shops) by asking "Can I get tea?"

Afternoon

Sentosa Island & Universal Studios

Take MRT to Sentosa (20 mins from city) and visit Universal Studios Singapore at 01 Sentosa Drive. Ride the Transformers: The Ride ($70) and watch the 10-minute show at 2:30 PM.

▶ Budget tip: Buy tickets online ($85) instead of on-site ($95); use Sentosa Express MRT ($2) instead of cable car ($5).

Evening

Haji Lane Street Art & Dinner

Explore Haji Lane at 350 Haji Lane (10 AM-6 PM) for street art and indie shops. Dine at The Bistro at 19 Haji Lane (try laksa $9.50) before heading to the night market.

▶ Budget tip: Eat at The Bistro (not touristy cafes) for authentic food; night market (free entry) has cheaper souvenirs than Sentosa shops.

Local Insider Tip

Use PayNow app for hawker payments (no cash needed) to avoid 10% service fee at restaurants.

About These Attractions

Verified descriptions from Wikipedia · Last checked 2026-04-12

Gardens by the BayNature park in Singapore [Wikipedia]

The Gardens by the Bay (GBTB) is an urban park spanning 105 hectares in the Central Region of Singapore, adjacent to the Marina Reservoir. The park consists of three waterfront gardens: Bay South Garden in Marina South, Bay East Garden with the Founders' Memorial in Marina East a

Singapore Botanic GardensTropical garden [Wikipedia]

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a tropical garden located at the fringe of the Orchard Road shopping district in Singapore. It is one of three gardens, and the only tropical garden, to be honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Botanic Gardens has been ranked Asia's top pa

Marina Bay SandsIntegrated resort in Singapore [Wikipedia]

Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort fronting Marina Bay in Singapore and a landmark of the city. At its opening in 2010, it was deemed the world's most expensive standalone casino property at S$8 billion (US$6.88 billion). The resort includes a 1,850-room hotel, a 120,000-sq

Source: Wikipedia — CC BY-SA 4.0

Ready to book your flight to Singapore?

Search Cheap Flights →

Compare hundreds of airlines. Best prices guaranteed.