TRAVEL PLANNING · SINGAPORE

How Many Days to Spend in Singapore?

A local guide’s answer plus easy 3-day and 5-day itineraries to help you plan the perfect trip.

Singapore may be small, but it’s packed with iconic landmarks, lush gardens, diverse neighbourhoods, and incredible food. This guide helps you decide how long to stay and shows you exactly what you can see in 2, 3, or 5 days.

Quick Answer: How Long Should You Stay in Singapore?

Most first-time visitors find that 3 days is ideal, while 5 days lets you slow down and explore more nature and local neighbourhoods.

Why Planning the Right Number of Days Matters

Singapore is compact, but there’s a lot to see. Deciding how many days to stay will shape your entire trip – from where you book your hotel, to how many attractions you can comfortably fit in without feeling rushed.

With a clear plan, you can balance must-see highlights like Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay, with time for street food, culture, and green spaces. Below, you’ll find ready-to-use itineraries you can follow as-is or customise with a local guide.

Suggested 3-Day Singapore Itinerary

Use this as a base plan. You can always swap days or adjust timing based on your arrival time, jet lag, and weather.

Day 1 – Marina Bay Icons & Gardens by the Bay

• Marina Bay Sands SkyPark – Start your trip with panoramic city views and an overview of the bay. Learn more in this Marina Bay guide.
• Merlion Park – Walk along the waterfront to Singapore’s half-lion, half-fish mascot for classic photos of the skyline.
• Gardens by the Bay – Visit the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories for cool air, greenery, and stunning indoor landscapes.
• Supertree Grove Light Show – End the evening under the glowing Supertrees with music and lights.

Day 2 – Sentosa Island Fun

• Universal Studios Singapore – Family-friendly rides, shows, and movie-themed zones.
• Singapore Oceanarium (formerly S.E.A. Aquarium) – Explore immersive marine zones and massive viewing panels.
• Siloso or Palawan Beach – Relax by the sea, try some beach activities, or enjoy a drink with sunset views.
• Wings of Time – Outdoor night show with lights, water, and pyrotechnics over the sea (great with kids).

Day 3 – Culture, Temples & Shopping

• Chinatown – Temples, heritage shophouses, and souvenirs. For a deeper dive, see this full Chinatown guide.
• Little India – Colourful streets, temples and spice shops. Explore more with the Little India walking guide.
• Kampong Gelam – Sultan Mosque, Arab Street, Haji Lane murals and trendy cafés. Read more here: Kampong Gelam – From Fishing Village to Cultural Hub.
• Evening at Clarke Quay – Riverside dining, bars and nightlife. If you enjoy bars, check out this Singapore bar-hopping guide.

Suggested 5-Day Singapore Itinerary

This 5-day plan keeps a similar structure to the 3-day trip but adds nature, wildlife, and slower local experiences.

Day 1 – Marina Bay, Merlion Park & Singapore River

• Walk the Marina Bay waterfront and visit the SkyPark or ArtScience Museum.
• Stop by Merlion Park for photos with the skyline.
• Explore parts of the Civic District and Singapore River – old bridges, colonial buildings, and riverside cafés.
• Optional: evening river cruise for a relaxed night view of the city.

Day 2 – Sentosa Island Adventures

• Spend a full day at Sentosa – Universal Studios, beaches, or adventure parks.
• Visit the Singapore Oceanarium to learn about marine life and conservation.
• End with an evening show or a quiet walk along the beachfront.

Day 3 – Culture & Heritage Districts

• Combine Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Gelam with breaks at hawker centres.
• Try street snacks, local kopi, and heritage dishes along the way.
• For more ideas, browse this guide to Singapore’s best hawker centres.

Day 4 – Wildlife & Nature

• Singapore Zoo and river-themed park (check current combinations & timings before you go).
• Optional evening visit to a night wildlife experience if it fits your travel style.
• Spend some time at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, for a calmer finish to the day.

Day 5 – Hidden Gems & Relaxation

• East Coast Park – Rent a bicycle, enjoy sea breeze and local food at East Coast Lagoon hawker centre.
• MacRitchie Reservoir – Forest trails and tree-top walk for those who enjoy hiking.
• Pulau Ubin – Take a bumboat ride to a rustic island that shows what Singapore looked like decades ago.

You can also keep Day 5 flexible for shopping, café hopping, or a custom private tour based on your interests.

Tips for Making the Most of Your Stay in Singapore

• Plan your transport smartly. Use MRT, buses and ride-hailing for a smooth trip. For step-by-step guidance, read How to Get Around Singapore by MRT, Bus & Grab .
• Stay near the places you want to visit. Areas like Marina Bay, Orchard, Bugis, and Chinatown give you quick access to attractions. See this guide: Where to Stay in Singapore (2025) .
• Use hawker centres for budget-friendly meals. Local dishes are delicious, affordable, and a big part of daily life. Start with the 7 Best Hawker Centre in Singapore .
• Add free attractions to balance your budget. Waterfront walks, neighbourhoods, and public parks are free. Try this list: 12 Free Things to Do in Singapore .
• Travel light in the heat. Singapore is warm and humid year-round – bring breathable clothing, a refillable water bottle, and comfortable walking shoes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 2 days enough in Singapore?

Yes – but you’ll only have time for highlights like Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, and one cultural district. Treat it as a taster trip, not a full experience.

How many days do I need for Sentosa Island?

Plan at least one full day for Sentosa if you’d like to do a theme park and the beach. Families who enjoy slower mornings or multiple attractions sometimes spend two days.

What’s the best area to stay in Singapore?

It depends on your style:

• Marina Bay – luxury hotels & iconic skyline
• Orchard Road – shopping and big malls
• Chinatown / Bugis – local food & culture with good MRT access

For a full breakdown, see Where to Stay in Singapore 2025 .

Can I cover Singapore in 3 days?

Yes. A well-planned 3-day itinerary covers the skyline, Sentosa, and heritage neighbourhoods. You won’t see everything, but you’ll get a very good overview.

How much does 5 days in Singapore cost on average?

Rough daily estimates per person (excluding flights):

• Budget: SGD $70–100/day (hostels, hawker food, MRT)
• Mid-range: SGD $150–250/day (3–4★ hotel, mix of hawker & restaurants)
• Luxury: SGD $400+/day (5★ hotels, fine dining, paid attractions)

You can bring costs down by using public transport and including more free activities.

Is Singapore worth visiting for a week?

Absolutely. A week gives you time to explore neighbourhoods at your own pace, try more food, fit in nature trails and islands, and even repeat your favourite places at night without rushing.