Best Things to Do in Singapore: Ultimate 6-Day Travel Guide (includes map)

Last Updated: November 13, 2024

From the moment you step foot into Singapore Changi Airport, named the world’s best airport 12 times over, you realize you are in for an incredible ride during your stay in Singapore. A city-state made up of many small islets, Singapore boasts incredulous ingenuity, bold architecture, and a handful of superlatives that could give the UAE a run for its money. If you are on a retirement adventure, this is definitely one for the bucket list.

The city offers visitors world-class entertainment and a unique mix of old and new. It has futuristic structures and reflective skyscrapers that tower over 200-year-old buildings and temples. The tourist attractions in Singapore guarantee that you’ll be scraping your jaw off the ground. Especially if it’s your first time in Singapore. But the most interesting aspect of Singapore lies in its multicultural nature. To become familiar with Singapore’s identities, you must not only admire its modern structures but also visit the diverse neighborhoods and taste the flavors. This is why we’ve organized our itinerary by the best neighborhoods in Singapore. To help you plan your six days in Singapore, this travel guide will cover all the must-see attractions, historic neighborhoods, and delicious eats. The perfect recipe for a successful trip! 

What to Expect When Visiting Singapore

The city stands out in its extreme cleanliness thanks to very strict laws. Everything, from the buildings (even the 200 years old ones) down to the bushes, looks well-manicured and the upkeep is meticulous. The city is very organized and user-friendly. After gambling our life away crossing the streets in Vietnam, it’s unbelievable how easy it is to stroll past the traffic in Singapore. Getting around on foot is super enjoyable and easy. The extensive metro system is a breeze and the most affordable option.

You may have heard that Singapore’s attractions come with a price tag and that’s true. The difference from the rest of Southeast Asia is remarkable. Don’t be surprised when entry fees, daily coffees, and accommodation will nearly match North American pricing. But believe us when we tell you that it’s worth it! To lower your cost, we recommend being selective with your entertainment, using the metro, and eating at local markets, which is something you should consider regardless of your budget.

Singapore is the one place you should not shy away from indulging in street food. Its cuisine consists of a culinary fusion of Malaysian, Chinese, Indian, and Indonesian, with traces of Japanese, Thai, and Filipino and a smidge of European and British influences. Quite literally a melting pot of flavors and a heavenly mix for foodies. Food is considered an important aspect of cultural identity in Singapore, so the best way to get to know the city is with your taste buds, which is done at markets.

Best Things to Do in Singapore: 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Marina Bay

Marina Bay is the canvas of Singapore’s modernity and innovation. It is home to some of the city’s most jaw-dropping architectural masterpieces and, surprisingly, the best free activities in Singapore. The marina is home to the performing arts center colloquially known as ‘the durian building’, the mythical Merlion statues, SuperTrees, the flower-shaped ArtScience Museum, the jungle in a dome, and the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel. 

Here, Singapore feels similar to the UAE in that it is a concrete jungle, except interspersed with patches of lush greenery that spreads out vertically as well as horizontally. But one of the main differences in city infrastructure is its walkability. And the best way to take in the beauty of Marina Bay is by strolling along the esplanade and flexing your photography skills by capturing the unique views, like the ones you get from the pedestrian Jubilee Bridge.

The Merlion is the symbol of Singapore. Half lion and half fish, the head represents the city’s original name, Singapura, which means ‘Lion City’ and the fish tail represents the city’s humble beginnings as a fishing village. Along Marina Bay, you will find statues/fountains of these mythical creatures to admire and take pictures with.

The incredible Cloud Forest of Gardens by the Bay

The Cloud Forest, part of Gardens by the Bay, is not just a garden in a dome. It’s an experience that transports you to a set of a movie scene situated in a jungle, where a thick blanket of mist swallows everything around you and the waterfalls and walls of drooping plants have no business being amidst a city center. The Cloud Forest is home to the tallest indoor waterfall in the world (114 feet!), adorned with unique botanic collections and arrangements.

From the tropical garden at Cloud Forest, make your way to the SuperTree Grove to experience 12 futuristic-style giant trees. It’s undoubtedly one of the most iconic landmarks and one of the best things to do at night in Singapore. The Instagram famous trees light up in various colors to the beat of the music, often resembling fireworks above your head. The show happens twice, at 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm. It’s free if you watch from the ground, but for a fee, you can climb up a platform that winds around the sculptures.

After the show, it’s prime time to head to a rooftop bar and take in the views of the city skyline while sipping on Singapore Slings. Although Long Bar at Raffles Hotel is the birthplace of the pink gin-based cocktail, the most iconic place to enjoy a beverage is Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The 57th floor of the world-famous hotel is adorned with Ce La Vi lounge that offers truly breathtaking views.

Day 2: Chinatown

Marina Bay aside, let’s start with what most consider one of the best neighborhoods in Singapore – Chinatown. The vibrant and buzzing neighborhood is a popular favorite with much to see. Cultural and religious aspects of Singapore’s neighborhoods certainly overlap, which is best observed in Chinatown, where you’ll find a Hindu temple, a mosque, and a Buddhist temple clustered nearby.

Stroll around the neighborhood, photographing fun murals and visiting landmarks. The oldest Hindu temple Sri Mariamman is hard to miss with its stunning exterior. Buddha Tooth Relic temple houses a collection of Buddha artifacts including, you guessed it, his tooth! And Thian Hock Keng Temple is the oldest Buddhist temple in Singapore, which was built without using a single nail. You won’t find many photos of this temple online as photographing it is strictly prohibited.

When it comes to food, Chinatown is the jackpot! Singapore is famous for its hawker culture, which appeared in the 1800s. It is basically a food court lined with transportable stalls and communal dining tables. The owners of the stalls offer diverse dishes, recipes of which have been passed down through generations. This is why the concept was included on the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Chinatown is home to many hawker centers, including the largest in Singapore – Chinatown Complex Food Center, with over 260 stalls. The key to success is to go to a stall with the biggest queue of locals. Consult before you order (which is easy as most people speak English), and order a few dishes to share. Some must-tries include Hainanese chicken rice, oyster omelet, braised duck, and char kway teow noodles.

Day 3: Little India

In customary fashion, Little India is an assault on the senses. Colorful streets, Tamil music on speakers. Almost as if, intoxicated on fragrant spices, you could break out in dance, twirling from bangle bracelet stall to henna tattoo corner to flower garland galore.

The vibrancy of the neighborhood is probably summarized best by the house of Tan Teng Niah. This is one of the last Chinese villas left in Little India. Similar to Chinatown, the street art here depicts the traditional way of life. Places like the Trades of Little India mural that portrays how people earn a living. Visit the Indian Heritage Center if you’d like to learn more, and make sure to stop by Little India’s most popular landmarks – the Hindu shrine of Sri Veeramakaliamman and the Abdul Gaffoor Mosque. Finish with a self-guided food tour of the Tekka Market, which is a treasure trove for vegetarian and budget eats, by the way!

Day 4: Orchard Road Shopping District

Orchard Road is Singapore’s premier shopping district. It is renowned globally for its vibrant blend of luxury boutiques, designer labels, and sprawling malls. This iconic avenue, stretching over two kilometers, offers an unparalleled retail experience. From the high-end fashion houses at ION Orchard and Paragon to the eclectic mix of international brands and local specialties at malls like Ngee Ann City and Wisma Atria. Beyond shopping, Orchard Road is a hub of gastronomic delights. It has exquisite restaurants, trendy cafes, and food courts serving diverse cuisines. Its strategic location also makes it a cultural nexus. Hosting annual events, festive celebrations, and street performances that infuse the district with energy and vibrancy, making it a must-visit destination for locals and tourists alike.

National Orchid Garden

One of our favorite places in Singapore, The National Orchid Garden, located inside the Singapore Botanic Gardens. This is on the edge of this district and we consider the Orchid Garden as a must-do activity in Singapore.

Day 5: Colonial District

We consider this neighborhood the center of Singapore. It is lined with buildings constructed during the times of British administration. This is a unique sight with tall skyscrapers towering over them. This is the place that combines Singapore’s colonial past and ultramodern present. 

Here you can tour the Old Parliament House, Asian Civilizations Museum, and Singapore Art Museum. CHIJMES is probably the most important historic building in the area. It began as a Catholic Convent, and today acts as a unique lifestyle venue, blending history with modernity. It’s a place where you can dine, relax and get active. For visitors, there is a Heritage Trail you can embark on to tour all important aspects of the Convent. 

While in six days you get to see a substantial part of Singapore, this is definitely not everything the city has to offer. If you have extra days, you should also explore Sentosa Island for fun activities for adults in Singapore. Holland Village and so much more (let’s be honest, even Changi Airport is a tourist attraction in and of itself). Seemingly tiny, Singapore is so multifaceted, offering the ideal playground for curious travelers. Happy exploring!

Day 6: Kampong Glam

The Muslim Quarter dates back to the 1800s when it was mostly inhabited by Malay and Middle Eastern residents. Today it is home to incredible landmarks and the hipster scene of Singapore. Here, the sari tailor shops are swapped with carpet and lamp displays, and the Bollywood tunes are replaced with a call to prayer.

Visit Singapore’s biggest mosque – Sultan Mosque, with its unmissable golden dome and minarets. Explore the Malay Heritage Center for a bit of culture and history background. Admire the street art and installations along the hipster Haji Lane and join one of its modern bars for a refreshing beverage (and Mexican cuisine if you find yourself missing it). But save space for the main event, which is feasting on Middle Eastern fare. Head to Arab Street and do some restaurant hopping to taste Turkish, Lebanese, and Indonesian cuisines.

Singapore Attractions Map