I fell in love with Singapore on my most recent visit. I’d like to say it’s on my list of top 5 cities in the world. I’d honestly consider living there, except that the humidity gives me permanent frizzy hair :'(! Singapore is SO clean, modern, safe, ethnically and culturally diverse, and easy to get around. My favorite part is the diversity of food – which let’s be honest is half the reason for traveling 😜.
Singapore is a tiny island at the southern tip of Malaysia. It’s only 31 miles wide with a population of 5.5M. Despite how small it is, there are endless things to do, see, and eat. Luckily, in just 48 hours, you can immerse yourself in its vibrant tapestry of sights, sounds, and flavors. This Ultimate 48 Hour Singapore Itinerary For First-Time Visitors covers everything from what to see, where to eat and drink, how to get around, and the best places to stay.
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How to Get There
First, fly into Changi Airport. There are many direct flights from all over the world. Then, there are various ways to get into the city. You can easily take public transportation (MRT) into downtown by taking the East-West Line from Changi Airport Station (more information on how to take MRT below). Depending on where you are staying you may need to walk, take a bus, or Grab from there. Alternatively, you can take a taxi from the terminal stands or order a Grab (Uber for Asia) for $20-$40 USD. It takes about 25-40 minutes depending on traffic.
You can also book a private airport transfer if you want to show up and not worry about it. The price ($40USD isn’t too much more)
How to Get Around the City
First, let’s cover the basics. If you’re like me, I always research the best way to get around wherever it is I am visiting. Luckily, Singapore has one of the best public transportation systems in the world. Navigating Singapore’s efficient public transportation system is a breeze, making it a convenient and affordable way to explore everything in the city. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) system, complemented by an extensive network of buses, offers seamless connectivity to every corner of the island.
You can use a credit card or your mobile to tap on and off the bus/metro each time. Otherwise, simply purchase an EZ-Link card or a Singapore Tourist Pass, also available for sale at MRT stations, bus interchanges, and selected convenience stores. The EZ-Link card is a reloadable smart card that allows for hassle-free rides on trains and buses, while the Singapore Tourist Pass offers unlimited rides on public transportation for a duration of 1, 2, or 3 days.
Additionally, I always use Google Maps to help identify where the closest bus or train stop is and when it will arrive. Google Maps will tell you the exact stop, bus number, and route so you know exactly where to go and when to get off. Honestly, it’s a lifesaver. Note, it can be a little confusing, particularly in Singapore, to follow Google Maps exactly because they have an underground network of tunnels and Google gets a little wonky.
If you don’t want to walk or deal with public transport, I recommend hiring a driver to take you around the city.
Where to Stay in Singapore
We absolutely loved the Andaz Singapore, one of the newest hotels in Singapore. It’s central to everything and surrounded by restaurants, shops, cafes, etc. The metro is on the bottom floor of the building. The property is beautiful and all the rooms are super modern.
I really appreciated the Andaz’s focus on sustainable luxury travel, with free refillable water bottles, a filtered water spout in the room, compostable toiletries, etc. Additionally, it has an incredible infinity pool and a roof deck bar on the 39th floor boasting 360-degree views of the city. The breakfast buffet is huge and one of the best we’ve ever had!
Other Recommended Luxury Hotels in Singapore
Marina Bay Sands (most iconic hotel in Singapore)
The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore
Fraser Residence Orchard Singapore
Tips You Should Know Before Visiting Singapore
Singapore Can be Expensive!
I live in Los Angeles, which is one of the most expensive cities in the US and in the world. I was shocked at how expensive certain things were in Singapore (like cocktails and taxis). Singapore can be a very expensive city – especially if you are used to a more luxurious experience while traveling. You can visit Singapore more affordably (staying at lower budget hotels, walking or taking public transportation, eating only at Hawker Centers & small local restaurants), but this 48 hour Singapore itinerary covers how to experience both the high-end and affordable things to do.
It’s Hot & Humid
If you plan on walking a lot during your trip (which is inevitable in this city!), wear something light & breezy. The climate is always the same in Singapore. It’s hot and humid 365 days a year. Also, wear comfortable shoes for walking. We walked around 8-10 miles a day! Bring a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and bug spray for the evening. It can also rain (sometimes very heavily) on and off throughout the day so bring an umbrella or raincoat.
Follow Their Rules
Singapore is pretty strict about certain things. There are many rules you must follow so make sure you read the signs to avoid getting fined. For example, don’t ever litter (not that you should anyway, but they will fine you!). Especially don’t chew and throw your gum on the ground, or spit. Don’t EVER do/take drugs from anyone there. Singapore is one of the strictest (if not the strictest) countries in the world, when it comes to drugs. You can go to jail. Seriously DON’T DO IT! Don’t eat or drink on public transportation. Dont jaywalk.
Tipping is Not Mandatory
Tipping isn’t expected in Singapore. A service charge of 10% is often already on our bill at a restaurant or cafe, but it goes to the owner, not your server. Of course, you can leave a tip but it’s best to leave in cash and give directly to the server.
It’s Super Safe
Singapore is very safe, especially if you’re a solo female traveler. They have a low crime rate and people generally leave you alone. In fact, in many of the food centers (Hawker Centers), you can leave a purse or wallet at a table to reserve a seat, and no one will take it.
The Locals Are So Nice & Helpful
We found generally people in Singapore are extremely nice and helpful. We often got lost and a local would come up to us to offer help without us even asking.
Everyone Speaks English
Singapore is extremely diverse. Due to the mix of cultures and languages, the common language is English, so it’s very easy to get around anywhere.
Bring Cash for Hawker Centers (food halls)
You can use a credit card for almost anything in Singapore, except the Hawker Centers and small restaurants. Many of these places only take cash.
Ultimate 48-Hour Singapore Itinerary
Day 1
Gardens by the Bay
A trip to Singapore (especially if it’s your first time), is not complete without a visit to Gardens by the Bay. This is a must-do on your 48 hour Singapore itinerary! Start your day at the iconic Gardens by the Bay, where towering supertrees and intricate floral displays transport you to a realm of natural wonder. Get there early when they open if you want to avoid crowds and take pictures without hoards of people!
Don’t miss the ethereal Cloud and Flower Domes! Our favorite was the Cloud Dome. As you walk in, admire one of the largest manmade waterfalls in the world. Every so often the entire dome will mist and it’s a really cool experience. Head up to the top of the dome and begin your journey along the floating walking path. There are so many beautiful lush plants, trees, and flowers everywhere.
After visiting Gardens by the Bay, you can easily walk to Marina Bay Sands, which is right next door. Whether you’re looking to shop designer boutiques or sip cocktails at the iconic Skypark, there is something for everyone! There’s also a Hawker Center (a food hall) in the basement, or you can check out Satay Near the Bay (also near Garden’s by the Bay).
Other Activities in the Marina Area:
- Admire old photos of Singapore in the Fullerton Hotel
- Walk around the marina, Helix Bridge, & Merlion
- Take a ride on the Singapore Flyer (ferris wheel)
- Get a drink at Smoke & Mirrors Bar at the top of the National Gallery (during sunset is best)
Chinatown
After exploring the Marina, head into the heart of Chinatown to see the beautiful Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. Entry is free. This beautiful temple is covered with ornate carvings and tranquil gardens. Make sure you don’t miss the basement, and the top floor, where they have tranquil gardens you can wander. For some reason, people don’t know this area exists! It’s much quieter and peaceful up there.
Tip: Make sure you cover your legs if you’re a female, or you must wear a sarong that they provide.
After the Temple, pop into the Chinatown Market and peruse the hundreds of stalls.
No 48 day Singapore itinerary would be complete without trying the many food halls (Hawker Centers). In Chinatown, have lunch at Maxwell Food Centre. It has 100+ stalls of every kind of Asian/Middle Eastern food. Make sure you have cash! The hawker centers are always pretty packed and even with hundreds of tables, it can be hard to snag a spot. Most people will put an item on a table to reserve it (a bag, an umbrella, etc). It’s known that the table is reserved, so don’t take their table! Also, ensure you clean your table once you’re done. There are designated places to leave your dirty trays. Bring your own napkins/tissues. For some reason, we always found it difficult to get napkins.
If you prefer more of a food tour I highly recommend this tour: Cultural & Food Experience of Chinese, Indian & Malay Quarters. It’s a great way to have a local show you what to order and the best spots you can’t miss.
After lunch walk a few blocks to Mei Leong Yuen Dessert to try a refreshing ice dessert. They have lots of interesting flavors and other kinds of dessert as well! We tried sesame shaved ice and mango sticky rice & both were delicious.
Other Activities in Chinatown:
- Explore Everton Road/Blair Plain Conservation Area (including murals)
- View Tanjong Pagar (restored shophouses & Korean BBQ)
- There are many trendy cafes, bars & restaurants around Telok Ayer, Keong Saik Road, Club St & Ann Siang Rd. Chinatown is a great area to hang out in the evenings.
Orchard Road
After visiting Chinatown, head to Orchard Road for a bit of luxury shopping (or window shopping). It’s like NYC’s 5th Ave with every designer shop you can imagine.
Cocktails & Dinner
What better way to conclude the day than with cocktails and dinner. There are so many incredible spots in Singapore it was hard to choose. I suggest either Atlas or Smoke & Mirrors for cocktails before dinner. Atlas is in set in an opulent art deco building and serves high-end cocktails and food. Smoke and Mirrors is set above the National Gallery with views of the city.
Have dinner at one of the many trendy spots in Chinatown, or head to JU 95 along the Clarke Quay/Boat Quay area. This area is generally more touristy, but this restaurant was definitely not touristy and the food and cocktails were amazing. After dinner, there are tons of bars nearby. We loved 28 HongKong St. The bar was trendy and had delicious, innovative cocktails.
Day 2
Joo Chiat Shophouses
On Day 2, get ready for another busy day! Take a bus out to Joo Chiat, to admire the vibrant shophouses. These were some of the original Peranakan (Chinese immigrants) houses. They are now restored and lived in by locals. It’s just a quick stop, but you can snap some great photos of the different colored houses.
A block away you can have a quick snack at Mr & Mrs Mohgan Super Crispy Roti Prata, a local favorite. It was delicious!
Little India
In Little India, wander through bustling markets and streets. Here are some of the top things to see in Little India:
- Tekka Centre
- Serangoon Rd
- Little India Arcade
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple
- Tan Teng Niah (Chinese colonial house)
- Indian Heritage Centre
- Mustard had incredible Indian food!
Kampong Glam
Head to Kampong Glam and explore its narrow alleyways and historic landmarks, from the ornate Sultan Mosque to the hip boutiques of Haji Lane.
After visiting the Kampong Glam neighborhood, stroll along the riverfront of Clarke Quay and Boat Quay. You can also take a 45 min boat on the river, which offers a great view of the entire city.
Dinner & Cocktails
Singapore is a foodie’s heaven. There are so many restaurants to choose from. I highly recommend Candlenut, Peranakan food. The ambiance is romantic and chill and we loved the food. Candlenut is the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, offering authentic and innovative interpretations of traditional Peranakan cuisine. Peranakan food, also known as Nyonya cuisine, is a unique blend of Chinese, Malay, and Indonesian flavors. Candlenut was one of our favorite restaurants and a must-try spot on your 48 hour Singapore itinerary.
Alternatively, discover many trendy bars and restaurants around Telok Ayer, Keong Said Rd, Club St, and Ann Siang Rd (Chinatown). I recommend Nutmeg & Clove, Fura, or Native for cocktails.
Native is ranked on Asia’s top 50 best bars. There is a restaurant on the first floor, cocktail bar on the second, and a fermentation lab on the third, where they ferment their own alcohol. They use a lot of local and regional ingredients and have really innovative, delicious cocktails.
Fura, which is across the street from Native, had a really unique concept – a future-forward sustainable bar. They use ingredients we’d expect to see in the future as global warming slowly eliminates many of the plants and animals we currently eat. Think: bugs… and lots of plant-friendly alternative ingredients. The cocktails were delicious!
On your way out of Singapore leave time at the airport to visit the world-renowned Jewel, where you can dine and shop amidst the most beautiful canopy park. The manmade waterfall is truly stunning. It’s like an indoor jungle! This is also a must-see on any 48 hour Singapore itinerary.
Explore other Asia itineraries, including How to Spend A Day in Uluwatu, Bali.
At-a-Glance 48-Hour Singapore Itinerary
Day 1:
🌸 Visit Gardens by the Bay (Cloud & Flower Domes)
🏙️ Explore Marina Bay Sands shops or check out the Skypark for sweeping views of the city
🛕 Head to Chinatown to see the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (check out the top floor garden which most people miss!)
🥢 Lunch at Maxwell Food Centre
🍨 Mei Leong Yuen Dessert (ice desserts)
🛍️ Shopping at Orchard Road (luxury shopping)
🍸 Cocktails at Atlas or Smoke & Mirrors
🍴 Dinner at JU 95
Day 2:
🏘️ Check out the colorful shophouses in Joo Chiat
🫓 Grab a snack at Mr & Mrs Mohgan Super Crispy Roti Prata
🇮🇳 Explore Little India
🕌 Wander through Kampong Glam
🛥️ Walk along river Clarke Quay/Boat Quay (can also take a short 45 min boat)
🍽️ Dinner at Candlenut, or discover bars & restaurants around Telok Ayer, Keong Said Rd, Club St & Ann Siang Rd
🥃 Nutmeg & Clove, Fura, or Native for cocktails
✈️ On your way out, admire Singapore’s incredible airport shopping center (Jewel) and its impressive canopy park!
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