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Travel Guide to the Best 5 Days in Singapore You’ll Ever Have! 

| Last Updated: August 2024

One of the best things about Singapore (aside from chicken rice) is how easy it is to get around and see the best tourist spots on the island. You basically enter a world-class tourist spot even before you exit the airport!

I’ve hosted many visiting friends from abroad, but they usually don’t stay longer than a week. Because of that, I always have to narrow down the best way to see the island within just 5 days. 

So, if you’re visiting the island for a short while, I came up with an itinerary that will give you the best 5 days in Singapore you’ll ever have! 

Day 1: Civic District, Merlion Park, and Fort Canning 

Take a selfie next to the Merlion statue at Merlion Park

From visit_singapore

Address: 1 Fullerton Road
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Average Duration: 30 to 45 minutes
Pricing: Free 

There’s no better way to kick off your tour of Singapore than a visit to Merlion Park. The park is known for housing the Merlion (half-fish, half-lion) statue, the island’s national symbol. 

Tourists from all over the world head to this park to get a selfie next to the statue, but locals also visit the park to marvel at the city skyline. In my opinion, the park is a great introduction to Singapore’s most iconic landmarks. 

Tips: 

  • The best time to visit Merlion Park is near sunset (around 6:00 pm) or sunrise (around 5:00 am). The sunrise hour has the least crowds and offers a serene environment, whereas the sunset hour offers views of the city coming to life at night. Depending on what time you arrive, try to visit the park within these hours! 
  • The 70-tonne statue isn’t the only Merlion statue around the city. I recommend walking around Fullerton to spot more miniature versions!

Learn about Asian history and culture at the Asian Civilisations Museum

From acm_sg

Address: 1 Empress Place
Contact Details: +65 6332 7798
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
Average Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Pricing: 

  • Adults: $12 (locals), $25 (foreigners)
  • Children: Free
  • Student: Free (locals), $20 (foreigners)

Website

The Asian Civilisations Museum is dedicated to Asian art history and heritage, featuring hundreds of artefacts and artworks from all over Asia. This national gallery is one of four of the island’s major museums, and the first one in our itinerary. 

The galleries are divided into three sections: Maritime Trade, Faith and Belief, and Materials and Design. 

Noteworthy exhibitions include “The Global Desire for Indian Cloth,” showcasing Indian textiles, and “Anima Mundi,” featuring Christian relics and artworks from Asia.

Tip: 

  • The Asian Civilisations Museum offers daily guided tours in English. Tours are also available in other languages, including Mandarin, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, French, and German. 

    Please note that while English tours are offered daily, tours in other languages are only available on certain days at 11:00 am. For more details on when tours in your preferred language are offered, please check this page!

From nationalgallerysingapore

Address: St. Andrew’s Road 
Contact Details: +65 6271 7000
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 pm to 7:00 pm
Average Duration: 45 minutes to 1 hour
Pricing: 

  • Adults: Free (locals), $20 (foreigners) 
  • Children: Free (locals), $15 (foreigners)
  • Special Exhibitions: $15 (locals), $25 (foreigners)

Website

Located in a beautifully restored 1920s building, the National Gallery’s facade and architecture are as much a work of art as the masterpieces within. As one of the island’s top museums, it’s a must-see attraction.

There are two permanent exhibitions here: Siapa Nama Kamu? and Between Declarations and Dreams. Both exhibits feature artefacts and artworks dedicated to Southeast Asian artists over the centuries. 

Tips: 

  • The National Gallery Singapore offers guided tours in Singapore Sign Language upon request. You’ll need to inform the management at least 6 weeks in advance for them to make arrangements for your visit. 
  • Some visiting exhibitions require a separate admission fee. To stay updated with the latest exhibits and displays, check out this page for more info. 
  • Each admission ticket to the gallery comes with a free guided tour. Tour times and dates may vary, so check out the gallery passes page for more information.

Learn about Singapore’s history at the National Museum of Singapore

From natmuseum_sg

Address: 93 Stamford Road
Contact Details: +65 6332 3659
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 pm to 6:30 pm
Average Duration: 1 hour
Pricing: 

  • Adults: Free (locals), $10 (foreigners) 
  • Children: Free (locals & foreigners)
  • Seniors: Free (locals), $7 (foreigners)

Website

The National Museum of Singapore is the island’s oldest museum and the premier destination for exploring Singapore’s history. With nearly 2,000 artefacts, it’s the ideal place to gain an in-depth understanding of the nation’s past.

The museum’s two permanent exhibitions, “Story of the Forest” and “Singapore, Very Old Tree,” capture the island’s evolving landscapes over the centuries. They showcase digital displays of trees and wildlife.

Tips: 

  • The museum offers guided tours in English, Japanese, Mandarin, French, and Korean. Each tour has its own time slot throughout the week (with French and Korean only offered every Thursday). 

    Tour groups have a maximum limit of 15 people, so booking ahead of time is a must to ensure a slot. Learn more about it here.
  • Every first Saturday and third Thursday of the month, the museum opens earlier at 9:00 am to accommodate guests with sensitivity to sounds and crowds. Learn more about Quiet Mornings here.

Take in the serene surroundings at Fort Canning Park

From naparksbuzz

Address: Bounded by Hill Street, Canning Rise, Clemenceau Avenue, and River Valley Road
Contact Details: +65 1800 471 7300
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Average Duration: 1 hour
Pricing: 

  • Free
  • Guided Tours: $10 per person 

Website

Fort Canning Park is a history enthusiast’s green haven, so I reserved the latter part of Day 1 for exploring this historic gem. This historic park was once believed to be the centre of ancient Singapore and the last resting place of ancient royal families. 

Today, you’ll find remnants of colonial cannons, fort walls, royal gates, and a heritage centre housing dozens of artefacts dating back to the 14th century. Even the gardens are clad with heritage trees! 

Tips: 

  • I recommend doing a self-guided heritage walk around the park using the itinerary posted on their website. The self-guided tour is free, but if you prefer to have a tour guide with you, tours start at $10 per person. Learn more about the tours here. 
  • The only wheelchair-accessible entrance to the park is at the Cox Terrace roundabout. Refer to the signs leading you to the wheelchair-friendly pathways within the park for a smoother tour.

Day 2: Marina Bay, Singapore Flyer, and the East Coast

Explore the beautiful floral displays at Gardens by the Bay

From gardensbythebay

Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive
Contact Details: +65 6420 6848
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 2:00 am
Average Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Pricing: 

  • Adults: Free (locals), $10 (foreigners) 
  • Children: Free (locals & foreigners)
  • Seniors: Free (locals), $7 (foreigners)

Website

I’m kicking off day 2 of the trip with a visit to Gardens by the Bay, a massive garden complex featuring breathtaking floral displays, the largest indoor greenhouse in the world, and tall vertical gardens called Supertrees. 

You can start exploring the gardens as early as 5:00 am, and I recommend doing so if you want the space virtually all to yourself. This gives you a relaxing atmosphere while viewing the thousands of floral species housed here! 

The top spots here are the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, the OCBC Skyway, Supertree Grove, and the Floral Fantasy display. 

Tips: 

  • Gardens by the Bay provides complimentary shuttle services for those requiring wheelchair assistance. These shuttles operate every 10 minutes and can be accessed from Bayfront Plaza or the Flower Dome.
  • Just note that access to the OCBC Skyway may be prohibited due to inclement weather. You can visit the website to check for any closures. 
  • You can visit the OCBC Skyway for only about 15 minutes at a time. While entrance to the Supertree Grove is free, entry to the bridge isn’t, so buy your tickets accordingly.

Take to the skies at the Singapore Flyer

From singaporeflyer

Address: 30 Raffles Avenue
Contact Details: +65 6420 6848
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
Average Duration: 1 hour
Pricing: 

  • Adults: $40
  • Children: $25 (Free for children below 3 years old) 

Website

Another great attraction that takes you high up in the sky is the Singapore Flyer. Standing at an impressive 165 metres, it is one of the world’s tallest observation wheels, often compared to the London Eye.

Each rotation lasts roughly 30 minutes and gives you fantastic views of the city. You also have the option to enjoy welcome drinks if you purchase their Singapore Sling Experience or Premium Champagne Experience packages! 

Tips: 

  • Note that if you’re bringing along large bags or items like strollers, you’ll be required to leave them near the entrance of the wheel. You can only bring small bags like purses and pouches inside the capsules. 
  • There are no restrooms inside each capsule, so do your business right before entering one. There are restrooms at levels 1 to 3 of the Singapore Flyer Terminal. You don’t want to be left behind, either, so don’t take too long!

Watch art and science collide at the ArtScience Museum

From artsciencemuseumsg

Address: 6 Bayfront Avenue
Contact Details: +65 6688 8888
Operating Hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday, Sunday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm
  • Friday to Saturday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm

Average Duration: 1 hour
Pricing: 

  • Adults: $25 (locals), $30 (foreigners)
  • Children: $20 (locals and foreigners)

Website

Do you have a penchant for digital art and installations? If yes, then you’ll definitely love the ArtScience Museum. 

This cutting-edge museum merges art and science, featuring captivating light displays and art installations that appear to come alive under you. Highlights include the Digital Light Canvas, the ArtScience Cinema, and Future World: Where Art Meets Science.

It’s also a very family-friendly museum to visit in the heart of the city. If you need to keep your kids occupied for a while, this is the best place to do so! 

Tips: 

  • Though much of the ArtScience Museum is wheelchair-friendly, strollers are not allowed inside the exhibitions. If you’re visiting with children, you’ll need to carry them through the exhibit. Stroller parking is available near the entrance. 
  • Additionally, some installations have a minimum height requirement of 1.20 metres for the best experience.

Watch the city come to life at night on top of Marina Bay Sands Hotel

From singapore.explores

Address: 10 Bayfront Ave
Contact Details: +65 6688 8826
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 4:30 pm, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm
Average Duration: 1 hour
Pricing: 

  • Peak Hours (10:00 am to 4:30 pm): $32 
  • Non-Peak Hours (5:00 pm to 10:00 pm): $36

Website

Marina Bay Sands is one of the most popular destinations on the island, but did you know that its famous rooftop has an observation deck open to the public? The SkyPark Observation Deck is located on the hotel’s 57th floor, near the infinity pools and bars. 

People equate the hotel with luxury but they’re not wrong for doing so. The whole hotel houses world-class shopping malls and luxurious accommodations, but you can still enjoy a part of its splendour by enjoying the views from the observation deck! 

Tips: 

  • If you end up visiting the observation deck late in the evening, I recommend sticking around from 7:00 pm to 8:00 pm. You can actually catch the Spectra Light and Water Show from across the hotel! 
  • The best time to visit the deck is by sunset (around 6:00 pm) to enjoy the beautiful orange sky as the sun goes down the city skyline.

Day 3: Singapore Botanic Gardens and the Mandai Wildlife Reserve

Take a leisurely stroll around the Singapore Botanic Gardens

From nparksbuzz

Address: 1 Cluny Road
Contact Details: +65 6471 7138
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 5:00 am to 12:00 am
Average Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Pricing: Free
Website

On day 3, we’ll dive into the island’s best green spaces and nature reserves, starting with the Singapore Botanic Gardens. This expansive 82-hectare garden is the island’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Here, you can take leisurely walks around the green lawns, take shade under the heritage trees, and learn about new flora species in their designated garden zones. There are a total of 26 attractions inside, including the National Orchid Garden. 

Tips: 

  • Entrance to the garden complex is free except for the National Orchid Garden. You’ll need to purchase a separate admission ticket to enter, and I highly recommend doing so in advance to avoid queues in the ticketing office. 
  • The garden hosts free walking tours held every Saturday of the month. There are schedules designated each week, and if you’re interested in joining a group tour for a specific attraction, check this page to find out what time it starts and where the meeting point is.

Go on a hiking adventure at the Central Catchment Nature Reserve

From nparksbuzz 

Address: 601 Island Club Road
Contact Details: +65 1800 471 7300
Operating Hours: 

  • Tuesday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
  • Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Average Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Pricing: Free

Do you love the outdoors? Just a few minutes away from the Singapore Botanic Gardens is the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. This is the largest nature reserve on the island and offers a plethora of nature-based activities. 

One of the best things to do here is to go on a hiking trail. Along the trails, you’ll find the TreeTop Walk, which is a 250-metre suspended bridge taking hikers as close to the tree canopies as possible! 

Tip: 

  • The nature reserve is home to a myriad of animal species, especially monkeys. As much as possible, do not provoke or interact with them. In case you bump into one, simply stay put and let them pass through before continuing on your way.

Get up close and personal with animals at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve

From mandaiwildlifereserve

Address: 80 Mandai Lake Road
Contact Details: +65 6269 3411
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:30 am to 6:00 pm
Average Duration: 2 to 3 hours 
Pricing: 

  • Singapore Zoo: $44.10 (locals), $49 (foreigners)
  • Bird Paradise: $39 (locals), $49 (foreigners)
  • River Wonders: $38.70 (locals), $43 (foreigners)
  • Night Safari: $39.20 (locals), $50.40 (foreigners)

Website

For the last bit of day 3, you’ll be meeting all sorts of animals at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. This reserve houses the Singapore Zoo, the Night Safari, River Wonders, and Bird Paradise. 

The Singapore Zoo showcases tropical wildlife, River Wonders features river animals and aquariums, Bird Paradise is home to over 3,000 birds, and the Night Safari focuses on nocturnal animals.

Tips: 

  • The wildlife reserve offers regular promotions for visitors who purchase multi-park passes. You can save up to 50% on ticket rates, plus meal vouchers if you get passes to all four reserves within the same day. To learn more about the promotions, check out this page. 
  • Every ticket you purchase comes with a shuttle service that takes you around the park. Don’t forget to take advantage of the perk!

Day 4: Mount Faber Park and Sentosa Island 

Ride a cable car at Mount Faber Park

From mountfaberleisure

Address: 109 Mount Faber Rd, Mount Faber Station, Faber Peak
Contact Details: +65 6361 0088
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 8:45 am to 9:30 pm
Average Duration: 30 minutes
Pricing: $15 per person (weekdays), $20 per person (weekends and public holidays)
Website

One of the best things about Mount Faber Park is the cable car ride you can take to get to Sentosa Island from Faber Peak. Day 4 starts off with a relaxing walk around the hilltop park, savouring the morning views from the vantage point. 

After taking photos of the views, hop on the cable car at Mount Faber Station and enjoy the scenic views on your way down to Sentosa. Don’t forget to look down, because all of the new SkyOrb Cabin cars are equipped with see-through glass floors! 

Tips: 

  • I highly recommend buying your tickets online ahead of time. This allows you to avoid long lines and get priority access for round-trip rides on both cable car routes with the Cable Car Sky Pass.
  • If you plan on heading back to the main island via cable car, you’ll need to head back to the station before the last ride (9:30 pm).

Learn more about the island’s colonial history at Fort Siloso

From sentosa_island

Address: Siloso Road
Contact Details: +65 6736 8672
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Average Duration: 1 to 2 hours
Pricing: Free
Website

If the mainland has Fort Canning, then Sentosa has Fort Siloso. This fort was once an important military hub during World War II and is now a beautifully restored museum with interactive displays and exhibitions. 

You can learn new things about the island’s involvement in the war, as well as take your time strolling the fort grounds. The fort itself is a marvel to explore, especially since it’s preserved to pristine condition–almost like taking you back in time. 

Tip: 

  • Unlike Fort Canning, this fort isn’t as wheelchair-friendly. The fort grounds feature lots of steep steps, but if you need assistance with getting around, feel free to ask the staff members about ramps in the area. The museum is wheelchair-friendly, though!

Get on thrilling rides at Universal Studios Singapore

From universalstudiossingpaore

Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Resorts World Sentosa
Contact Details: +65 6577 8888
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Average Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Pricing: Starts at $80 per person
Website

Are you ready to hop on the fastest roller coaster on the island? If you love the thrill, then you’ll get your fair share of it at Universal Studios Singapore. 

This expansive movie-themed park is the only Universal Studios in Southeast Asia. It boasts six themed zones with thrilling roller coasters, live shows, train rides, and 3D theatres featuring moving seats and special effects!

Tips: 

  • For a VIP experience, you can book the Universal Studios VIP Experience, which includes priority access to select rides and shows, along with complimentary welcome drinks upon arrival. If your budget allows, this option will help you avoid long wait times.
  • I suggest visiting on a weekday when the park is less crowded and the lines are shorter.

Day 5: Orchard Road, The Quays, and River Cruise

Marvel at breathtaking views on top of ION Orchard

From ion_orchard

Address: 2 Orchard Turn
Contact Details: +65 6238 8228
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 8:00 pm
Average Duration: 3 to 4 hours
Website

Orchard Road is, in my opinion, the beating heart of Singapore. It’s where all the famous shopping malls, towering skyscrapers, and the pulse of cosmopolitan life are located, so a visit here is an absolute must. 

Aside from shopping in Takashimaya, Paragon, Lucky Plaza, or Orchard Central, one of my favourite things to do here is head up to ION Orchard’s sky deck. Perched on the 56th floor, the observation deck gives you 360 views of the city–right at the heart of it!

Tips: 

  • There’s a special way to enter the rooftop of ION Orchard. You can get free admission if you spend $50 on a single receipt, on the same day. Simply show your receipt to the concierge and they’ll take you to the elevator leading to the rooftop. 
  • If you drop by between 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm, you’ll get free welcome drinks from Atico Lounge, the rooftop bar on top of the mall!

Tour the Quayside on a bumboat with the Singapore River Cruise

From rivercruise1987

Address: Clarke Quay Jetty
Contact Details: +65 6336 6111
Operating Hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday, 1:00 pm to 9:00 pm 
  • Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 9:00 pm

Average Duration: 45 minutes
Pricing: Starts at $28 per person
Website

Taking a riverboat cruise along the Singapore River is another quintessential travel item you should check off your list while on the island. This traditional bumboat ride offers a scenic journey along the Singapore River. 

The route covers iconic sights like Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Marina Bay Sands. Enjoy the refreshing breeze, and city lights, and learn about the river’s rich trading history from the 18th century—all without breaking a sweat.

Tips: 

  • The Singapore River Cruise runs on public holidays with extended hours until 10:30 pm. Just note that they close on Chinese New Year. 
  • There’s usually a tour guide who rides the boat with you to explain the sights along the route. In case you’re seated too far away, there’s a TV on the boat that shows the popular spots and explains their importance. You can always refer to that instead!

End your fun-filled trip with a bang at Level Up Arcade and Live Music Bar

From 1levelupsg

Address: 3A River Valley Rd, #02-04 Blk A 
Contact Details: +65 9231 4992
Operating Hours: 

  • Monday to Thursday, 5:00 pm to 1:00 am
  • Friday to Saturday, 5:00 pm to 3:00 am
  • Sunday, 5:00 pm to 1:00 am

Average Duration: 2 to 3 hours
Pricing: Starts at $28 per person
Website

Wrap up your 5-day tour with a couple of rounds of craft beer and fun games at Level Up Arcade and Live Music Bar. Situated just a short walk away from the riverboat jetty, this arcade bar offers a casual yet vibrant intro to the Singaporean night scene.

Here, you’ll play retro arcade games and enjoy drinks, complete with live band performances by local artists. You can play air hockey, basketball, beer pong, and laser gun games, as well as try your luck at claw machines to win prizes to take home!

Tips: 

  • To reserve a table at Level Up Arcade and Live Music Bar, you’ll need a minimum of four guests. While walk-ins are accepted for smaller groups, tables are typically booked up on Friday and weekend nights.
  • You can play the arcade games as long as you purchase a drink. Every drink you buy comes with a token for the games, so the more drinks you order, the more chances you have to play!
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