Planning a short trip to Singapore? Whether you’ve got a long weekend or a stopover, this 3D2N Singapore itinerary is designed to help you experience the best of what the city has to offer — from cultural heritage to culinary discoveries and world-class attractions.

Singapore may be small, but it packs a punch. Between hawker stalls and rooftop bars, Peranakan shophouses and futuristic supertrees, you’ll find an endless list of things to do in Singapore that make every day feel fresh and exciting.

Here’s how to make the most of your 72 hours.

Day 1 – Discover the heart of local culture

Your first day in Singapore is all about immersing yourself in the little red dot’s vibrant heritage — where tradition meets modernity.

Morning – Chinatown & Maxwell Food Centre

Begin your exploration around 8:30am in Chinatown, one of Singapore’s most photogenic and culturally rich neighbourhoods. Start your morning at Chinatown Complex, a bustling local hotspot packed with a wide variety of hawker stalls serving all kinds of traditional favourites. It’s not specifically famous for kaya toast, but it’s a great place to enjoy an authentic local breakfast.

If you’re trying kaya toast for the first time, it’s a classic Singaporean breakfast made with crisp toasted bread layered with kaya — a fragrant coconut and pandan jam — and paired with butter for a sweet-salty balance. It’s typically enjoyed with soft-boiled eggs and a cup of local kopi, making it a comforting, quintessential Singapore experience.

After breakfast, take a leisurely stroll to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, admire the beautifully preserved heritage shophouses, and stop by the Chinatown Heritage Centre to learn how Singapore’s early immigrants shaped the nation’s beginnings.

When you’re ready for lunch, make your way to Maxwell Food Centre, just a short walk away. Be sure to try Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, featured in our guide to the 10 Best Local Food Spots in Singapore. It’s a must-eat dish for anyone wanting a true taste of Singapore. For the best experience, arrive early — around 11am — to secure a seat before the lunch crowd and long queues roll in.

Afternoon – Explore Bugis, Haji Lane & Kampong Glam – A Must-Visit Singapore Neighbourhood

Hop on Singapore’s public train—locally known as the MRT—and make your way to Bugis Station, a central gateway to some of Singapore’s most iconic attractions. Just minutes away, you’ll find the majestic Sultan Mosque and the vibrant Haji Lane, a hotspot beloved by tourists and locals alike.

Haji Lane is famous for its colourful street art, indie boutiques, and unique thrift stores offering vintage fashion and one-of-a-kind finds. It’s also packed with quirky photo spots and self-photo studios. We recommend Solace Studios, a popular Korean-style self-photo booth among Singaporeans, and Manner Hotel, a themed photo studio designed to look like a vintage hotel. Inside, you’ll find multiple creative rooms—from a retro laundrette to an old-school lift and even a train station—all perfect for capturing aesthetic shots in one location.

When you’re ready to recharge, head over to Kampong Glam Café, a local favourite serving one of Singapore’s must-try dishes: nasi lemak. Enjoy fragrant coconut rice paired with spicy sambal, crispy anchovies, and juicy fried chicken. Complete your meal with a cup of teh tarik, a creamy pulled milk tea. It’s a delicious, affordable, and authentic Singapore food experience right in the heart of the city’s historic Kampong Glam district.

Evening – Marina Bay & Gardens by the Bay

As the sun dips below the skyline, begin your evening at Gardens by the Bay, an absolute must-visit when in Singapore. The Supertree Grove comes alive each night with a dazzling light and music show that transforms the garden into a futuristic forest of colour. For dinner, wander over to Satay by the Bay, a nearby open-air food court serving smoky skewers, seafood, and local favourites beneath the glowing trees — a feast with a view.

After the show, make your way up to Marina Bay Sands for breathtaking panoramic views of the city. Instead of paying for the entry to the SkyPark Observation Deck, try heading to CÉ LA VI Club Lounge & Rooftop Bar, located on the same level. You’ll enjoy the same glittering skyline — from the Singapore Flyer to the Marina Bay waterfront — but with a drink in hand. General entry is priced at SGD$38 and includes one premium pour, while children get to enter for free. It’s really one of the most unrivalled experiences you can get in Singapore – a rooftop bar with a breathtaking, iconic view of the city.

Day 2: Thrills, Beaches & Skyline Views

Day two of your Singapore itinerary is dedicated to adventure and fun — perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to unwind with world-class entertainment.

Morning – Sentosa Island & Universal Studios Singapore

Did you know that there’s an island resort off Singapore’s southern coast by the name of Sentosa? This scenic island has several beaches and here you can find an array of family-friendly activities and attractions. 

Take the cable car from HarbourFront to Sentosa Island and kick off your day at Universal Studios Singapore. From roller coasters in The Mummy’s Tomb to cinematic rides like Transformers: The Ride, there’s something for everyone. We recommend that you purchase your tickets to Universal Studios online in advance, or plan this to fall on a weekday to avoid crowds.

Afternoon – Explore Sentosa’s Beaches

After the adrenaline rush, cool off at one of the three beaches on Sentosa – Palawan, Tanjong or Siloso Beach. You could take a dip in the waters, play beach sports or simply indulge in a quiet picnic and busk under the sun. For lunch, try Coastes or Ola Beach Club for a relaxed seaside meal – one of the most relaxing things you can do in Singapore.

Evening – Clarke Quay & Singapore River Cruise

As night falls, return to the mainland and enjoy dinner by the river at Clarke Quay — easily accessible within 10 minutes via MRT Train. This vibrant, neon-lit waterfront is lined with restaurants and bars serving everything from fresh seafood to tapas. A popular and highly recommended choice is JUMBO Seafood, an award-winning restaurant known for one of the best versions of Singapore’s iconic Chilli Crab.

For a classic experience, hop on a Singapore River Cruise — a scenic 40-minute journey that drifts past Boat Quay, the Esplanade, and Marina Bay, offering stunning views of the city skyline from the water.

If you’re too tired to travel out of Sentosa after a full day at the beach, you can simply visit the JUMBO Premium outlet at Weave B1-202. Conveniently located at Imbiah Station, right where Universal Studios Singapore is, it lets you enjoy your Chilli Crab experience without the extra travel.

Day 3 – Nature, Shopping & Final Bites

On your final day, mix some green space with a little retail therapy — two sides of the Singapore experience.

Morning – Botanic Gardens

Rise and shine! Kick start your third day in Singapore with a calm stroll through the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that opens early and is free to enter. If you gravitate towards nature, this is a must-have on your checklist of things to do in Singapore, because the Gardens is the only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO World’s Heritage List! 

Afternoon – Orchard Road 

Once you’re done exploring the beautiful gardens, make your way to Orchard Road, Singapore’s famous shopping belt. Whether you’re hunting luxury fashion at Tangs Plaza & ION Orchard or unique finds at Design Orchard, this stretch is a must in every Singapore itinerary, especially for first time visitors. 

If you’re lucky, you may spot Singapore’s traditional ice cream cart. Order up an ice cream flavour of your choice and pair it with a slice of rainbow bread, wafer slices or in a cup, and there you have it—an iconic slice of Singapore’s heritage, ice cream sandwich style. 

Evening – Lau Pa Sat

Close your trip on a high note at Lau Pau Sat — Singapore’s iconic hawker centre that locals and tourists both love for good reason. There’s loads of local food here that you could try at wallet-friendly prices, and we suggest ordering up a handful of dishes to share amongst your group so you could try the best of all worlds.

Not forgetting that Lau Pa Sat is also home to the famous Satay Street – literally a street full of satay vendors where you could order smoky, tender, meat skewers from just SGD$1. Try out a variety of meats such as beef, mutton and chicken from Satay Street before heading back indoors to Food Folk at Lau Pa Sat, a retail space showcasing local brands. This is a one-stop shop where you can find an array of Singapore-made products to bring home, including souvenirs, snacks, sauces and more! 

Pro tip: before you catch your flight at Singapore’s award-winning Changi Airport (and when we say award-winning, we mean 13 wins by Skytrax), be sure to make time for a leisurely wander around the airport. The city’s airport is not just an area for flights, but a tourist destination in its own right. You’ll be able to find popular local shopping brands, plenty of food options and of course, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at Jewel – the Rain Vortex.

Final Thoughts

Three days might not feel like enough, but this 3D2N Singapore itinerary covers the Singapore must-dos and essentials: culture, cuisine, and adventure. From Chinatown’s temples to Universal Studios and local feasts, every moment brings a new layer to the city’s story. Before you arrive, make sure to bring along a handy umbrella and put on sunscreen – the weather in tropical Singapore could get erratic at times! But if you’re worried about getting around, fret not as the city is well-connected with affordable public trains and buses — complement this main mode of transport with occasional cab rides via Grab or ComfortDelGro and you’re all set!

And when you’re home and missing the flavours of Singapore, you can bring them back with Love, Afare’s range of sauces and snacks inspired by the country’s authentic eats — the easiest way to relive your trip, one bite at a time.