48 Hours in Singapore: The Perfect 2-Day Itinerary of What to Do, See & Eat

Singapore is a destination like no other, it is sleek, modern and efficient, yet brimming with culture, history, and flavour. For travellers short on time, it’s one of the easiest cities in Asia to explore, making it the perfect stopover or addition to a longer multi-centre itinerary.

When we first arrived, what struck us most was how clean, organised and efficient everything felt, from the smooth immigration process at Changi Airport to the speed of our hotel check-in. Singapore instantly makes travel feel easy and in just 48 hours you can experience some of its most iconic sights, world-class food and vibrant neighbourhoods.

Here’s what we think it the ultimate 2-day itinerary to make the most of your stay!

WHERE TO STAY

For a short visit, location is key. We based ourselves at YOTEL Singapore Orchard, right in the heart of Orchard Road. The hotel was everything Singapore promises; modern, efficient and stylish. The compact rooms are cleverly designed with smart technology and the central location made it easy to hop on the MRT or grab a quick taxi.

We’d highly recommend a hotel in this ares as the perfect base if you’re in the city for 48 hours.

DAY 1: GARDENS, SKYLINES & SINGAPORE BY NIGHT

Morning – Gardens by the Bay                                                                                      

Start your trip at Gardens by the Bay, one of Singapore’s most famous attractions. The futuristic design of the Supertree Grove is impressive by day, but even more magical at night. Don’t miss the Cloud Forest Dome, home to a dramatic indoor waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, it feels like stepping into another world.

This is also a great place for those first photo opportunities of Singapore’s skyline, with Marina Bay Sands towering in the background.

Afternoon – Marina Bay Sands

Cross the bridge to Marina Bay Sands, another must-see in Singapore. We visited both during the day and at night, and both offered completely different perspectives. By day, you get panoramic views of the city, while at night the skyline sparkles beneath you.

Whether you head up to the SkyPark Observation Deck or enjoy a drink at one of the rooftop bars, Marina Bay Sands is a quintessential Singapore experience.

Evening – Supertree Light Show & Dinner

As the sun sets, head back to Gardens by the Bay for the nightly Supertree Grove light show. Watching the giant trees light up in sync with music is unforgettable and completely free. This was definitely a core memory for us!

For dinner, make your way to Lau Pa Sat hawker centre in the Central Business District. This iconic spot is known for its bustling satay street, but for us the highlight was the Indian food stalls. Affordable, authentic and full of flavour, it proved that in Singapore some of the best dining experiences are found in hawker centres rather than Michelin-starred restaurants.

DAY 2: CULTURE, NEIGHBOURHOODS & NIGHTLIFE

Morning – Chinatown

Singapore’s cultural neighbourhoods are must-visits and Chinatown was our favourite. With its colourful streets, bustling markets, and lanterns strung above the lanes, it’s a vibrant part of the city that blends heritage with modern cafés and shops. Don’t miss the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, an architectural gem in the heart of the district.

Afternoon – Little India & Kampong Glam

In the afternoon, continue exploring with a visit to Little India, famous for its aromatic spice shops, Hindu temples, and colourful buildings. Then move on to Kampong Glam, the historic Malay-Arab quarter. Here you’ll find the golden-domed Sultan Mosque and trendy Haji Lane, a narrow street lined with boutiques and street art.

Together, these neighbourhoods gave us a taste of Singapore’s diversity and cultural richness.

Evening – Clarke Quay & the Riverfront

Wrap up your 48 hours in Singapore with an evening at Clarke Quay, the lively riverside district known for its restaurants, bars and nightlife. Whether you prefer a relaxed dinner by the water or a lively night out, it’s a great way to experience another side of the city.

BONUS OPTIONS IF YOU HAVE MORE TIME

If your schedule allows, you may also want to consider:

• Sentosa Island – home to Universal Studios, beaches, and family-friendly attractions.
• Singapore Botanic Gardens – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, perfect for a leisurely morning walk.
• Singapore Zoo Night Safari – an after-dark wildlife experience that’s unique to the city.

TRAVEL TIPS

• Getting Around: We found that the MRT was clean, fast and one of the easiest to use in the world! For convenience, Grab (Asia’s version of Uber) is also widely available (and cheap!).
• Best Time to Visit: Singapore is a year-round destination but November to March brings cooler evenings and less humidity (if that’s even possible for Singapore ;) )
• Cultural Etiquette: Singapore is strict on cleanliness, chewing gum is banned, littering is heavily fined and smoking is restricted to designated areas. It’s part of what keeps the city so pristine.

SINGAPORE: A STOPOVER OR A DESTINATION IN ITSELF? 

While Singapore makes for a great standalone city break, we’d recommend including it as part of a longer Asia adventure. We personally visited after a week in Bali and before heading to Kuala Lumpur and we found that Singapore was the perfect in-between!

READY TO PLAN YOUR SINGAPORE ADVENTURE?

Want to turn Singapore into part of your own Asia adventure? Whether you’d like to pair it with Bali, Thailand, Malaysia or beyond, we’ll design a bespoke multi-centre itinerary tailored to your travel style.

Get in touch today and let us create your perfect journey.