Best 4-Day Singapore Itinerary for a Memorable Trip
Singapore’s one of my favorite countries to travel to. I’ve gone back 8 times since 2015 and always look forward to visiting again!
It was the first country I traveled to by myself when I lived and worked on an organic farm through WWOOF (yes, there’s a farm in Singapore!)
While it’s a small country, there’s always new things to do to fill up a 4-day Singapore itinerary.
Here’s how to spend each day along with tips for first-time visitors.
Singapore Travel Essentials
Singapore Checklist: have you booked these yet?
▢ Local sim card or Singapore eSIM card
▢ Book your stay in Singapore (top places)
▢ Grab your Klook Pass to access 32 Singapore attractions
▢ Book the most popular tours in Singapore
Getting Around Singapore
From the airport you can take:
- MRT train: less than $2 USD, 30-40 minutes to city center.
- Bus: Around $1.50 USD (longer from multiple stops).
- Grab taxi: Around $20 USD. (List of prices from my recent trips. Uber doesn’t work in Singapore)
- Hire an airport pickup here. Prices range around $30 USD.
To make it easer:
- Hire a private driver for a custom day trip to take you around.
- Join tours like these popular ones that often provide hotel pick up or transportation.
Practical Singapore Tips
- It’s hot all-year round. Don’t pack jackets, wear light clothes and good walking shoes.
- Most MRT subway stations have escalators but some stations are huge and transfers will take a bit of walking.
- Google Maps works just fine.
- You can use contactless credit cards to pay on public transportation. Just tap in and tap out!
- Most smaller shops and hawker centers still take cash so carry some around.
Summary 4-Day Singapore Itinerary
Day 1: Merlion Park, Hawker Centre, Waterfront Promenade at night
Day 2: Bugis, Haji Lane, Arab Street, Kampong Glam, Little India, Chinatown, Clark Quay at night
Day 3: Marina Bay Sands, Marina Square, Flower Dome, Gardens by the Bay at night
Day 4: National Museum of Singapore, Fort Canning Park, Orchard Road, Jewel Changi Airport before boarding
Optional day trips if they interest you but are not a must: Universal Studios, Sentosa Beach, Botanic Gardens.
Most Popular Singapore Tours
If you’re on a time crunch or enjoy the ease of group tours, here are top tours in Singapore:
1. 6-Hours Singapore Tour in Private Car or Minibus with Driver
2. Private Tour: Nighttime Sightseeing with River Cruise
3. Lion City Bike Tour of Singapore
🎫 Look for more Singapore tours OR create your custom guided tour.
Day 1 of 4 Day Singapore Itinerary
On your first day in Singapore you want to take it easy. It also depends when you arrive in Singapore, so I mainly included sites that can be explored during the day and night to beat jet lag.
You can also take a nice big bus tour of Singapore at night to help stay awake!
Day #1 Itinerary:
– Merlion Park
– Hawker Centre
– Waterfront Promenade at night
Merlion Park
Merlion Park is the most touristy place you’ll visit in Singapore, but one you can’t skip.
It shows the iconic Merlion statue: a body of a fish and the head of a lion.
It’s located near the mouth of the Singapore River, and you’ll see the Marina Bay waterfront and durian-shaped Esplanade.
Visit before sunset and stay for the night views, which is the last on this list, or go earlier depending on your flight arrival time.
Visit a Hawker Center / Centre
Hawker Centers and the diversity of (really good) food are some of the things that make Singapore unique.
Hawker centers are cafeteria-like buildings that house food stalls and are located throughout the country. I’m a vegan and I’ve always found vegan food. Singapore’s actually my favorite country as a vegan.
The most popular hawker centers in Singapore include:
- Lau Pa Sat in Singapore’s CBD
- Albert Hawker Centre in Bugis
- Hong Lim Market & Food Centre in Chinatown
📖 Read: 15 Vegan Hawker Foods You Have to Try in Singapore
Waterfront Promenade at night
This area is one of my favorite views of Singapore at night and is the same area as Merlion Park (Google Maps).
Buildings and walking paths are illuminated and you’ll get beautiful water views. It’s also not as crowded at night.
I highly recommend visiting at night, plus it’ll help beat any jet lag.
In this area is Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, a performing arts center shaped like a durian, the king of fruits.
You don’t have to go inside the Esplanade, and can view it from outside at night.
Day 2 of 4 Day Singapore Itinerary
For day 2 you’ll see the rich diversity of Singapore. It’ll feel like you’re stepping into different countries.
Day #2 Itinerary:
Day #2 Itinerary:
– Bugis
– Haji Lane
– Arab Street
– Kampong Glam
– Little India
– Chinatown
– Clarke Quay at night
🚶🏻♀️Note: Bugis, Haji Lane, Arab Street, and Kampong Glam are within a few-minutes walk from one another. Kampong Glam to Little India will be about a 15-minute walk, or you can take a bus or train.
Bugis Street
Bugis Street is a multi-level shopping area known for its heaps of stalls selling inexpensive clothes, souvenirs, tropical fruits, and street food. When my luggage broke right after I landed, I bought one here.
Right across the street are also more modern Bugis Junction shopping malls.
Haji Lane
Haji Lane is a narrow street filled with restaurants, indie clothing and gift boutiques, cafes, and colorful murals. There’s also photo booth studios for a fun trip memorabilia. I always stop by here when I go to Singapore.
Arab Street
On the next street over is Arab Street, which is known for its textile shops, Middle Eastern eateries, and traditional goods. It’s always busy and vibrant when I pass through.
Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam is the historic Malay-Muslim quarter, home to the iconic Sultan Mosque and the Malay Heritage Centre. The area has a mix of traditional and trendy cafes and restaurants, shops, and cultural sites.
🚌 Join a guided tour of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam
Little India
Little India will be about a 15-20 minute walk from Kampong Glam. If it’s really hot out, you can take a train or bus.
There’s lots of restaurants, traditional markets and temples like the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.
I love going here for some good dosa or idli or just walking through the colorful buildings.
A 7-minute walk is also Mustafa Centre, a huge 24-hour shopping mall.
Chinatown
In the afternoon, take the train to Chinatown, a historic district in Singapore with traditional Chinese shops, temples, and street markets. You can buy souvenirs here too.
I was in awe when I first saw the size of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (photo above) right in the heart of Chinatown. It’s massive in person.
The best cendol I’ve tried is also right across the temple and is called Hup Ka Foon. Highly recommend!
Clarke Quay (Nighttime)
Clarke Quay is a lively riverside area known for its nightlife, with bars, clubs, and restaurants along the Singapore River.
They usually have live music too, and sometimes concerts on the main plaza.
🎫 You can also take the popular scenic river cruise.
Day 3 of 4 Day Singapore Itinerary
For day 3 you’ll visit some of the most popular places in Singapore. These sites are modern and give Singapore a futuristic feel.
Day #3 Itinerary:
– Marina Bay Sands
– Marina Square
– Flower Dome
– Gardens by the Bay at night
Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands is a luxury resort with a shopping mall, casino, and an observation deck with panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline.
It’s one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks and home to the famous infinity pool.
🎫 You’ll have to be a guest at the hotel or buy a ticket to visit the SkyPark Observation Deck which is 56 stories up!
Other ways I enjoyed its incredible views include dining at its restaurants with outdoor decks and visiting a rooftop club across from Marina Bay Sands for the opposite view.
🎫 Buy tickets to the SkyPark Observation Deck online.
Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay in Singapore has different attractions and requires separate tickets unless you buy a combo ticket.
To see during the day:
Flower Dome conservatory and Cloud Forest with seasonal floral displays, indoor gardens, and the misty waterfall.
The Floral Fantasy exhibit is also a great daytime activity with floral displays and a 4D ride.
To watch at night:
Supertree Observatory for panoramic views of the illuminated gardens and Marina Bay.
OCBC Skyway to experience the glowing Supertrees during the Garden Rhapsody light show. The first time I saw this was during Singapore’s 50th anniversary and it was unreal!
🎫 Prebook your Gardens by the Bay ticket (1+ million booked)
Day 4 of 4 Day Singapore Itinerary
Your last day in Singapore will depend on your flight out, but schedule some time in to explore the Jewel Changi airport area before you board.
Day #4 Itinerary:
– National Gallery of Singapore
– Fort Canning Park
– Orchard Road
– Jewel Changi Airport before boarding
📍Alternatives depending on your interests: Universal Studios, Sentosa Beach, Botanic Gardens (I’ve also biked around Pulau Island which was nice if you’re up for an off-the-grid adventure!).
National Gallery of Singapore
The National Gallery Singapore is a must-visit for any art, history, and museum lovers. It’s also housed in the buildings of the former Supreme Court and City Hall.
I spent hours here but it’ll depend on your time! You can prebook your gallery ticket online.
The architecture inside and outside are also worth exploring.
The National Museum of Singapore is also within walking distance for a visit.
Fort Canning Park
A 5-minute walk from the gallery is Fort Canning Park, a hilltop park known for its lush greenery, ancient relics, and colonial structures.
It’s a popular spot for walking, picnics, and cultural events in central Singapore.
I loved walking through all the greenery and there’s lots of benches to sit on.
Orchard Road
If you have time or want to shop, a short bus or train ride away is Orchard Road, Singapore’s premier shopping street, lined with malls, boutiques, and luxury brands.
It’s also home to cafes, restaurants, and entertainment options.
I honestly love visiting here for the busy-but-relaxed vibe and to see all the different building designs and displays.
Jewel Changi Airport Before Boarding
Allocate some time before your flight to stop at Jewel Changi Airport, which is often rated the best airport in the world.
It has a multi-use complex with indoor gardens, shops, and the popular Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
You can also do some last-minute shopping or grab a bite.
Easily transfer between terminals via the Skytrain.
More Things to Do in Singapore
I hope you enjoy visiting Singapore as much as I do! It’s my 2nd most-visited country and I don’t think I’ll tire of visiting anytime soon.
For more ideas of activities or to mix and match from this 4-day itinerary, check out this post next:
🔗 Top 27 Things to Do in Singapore.
Have a great trip and remember to drink lots of water, it’ll be a hot one!