Destinations - 4 Days in Singapore
If you're traveling to or through Asia, consider taking a short stay in Singapore. The city-state offers a delightful blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. It’s easy to navigate on foot or via the MRT, and it's safe for solo female travelers. We’ve discovered some hidden gems and combined them with must-see highlights to create an amazing 4-day itinerary. Let’s go!
Day 1: Arrival & Hidden Treasures, Marina Bay
Morning: Arrival and Settling In Touch down at Changi Airport and catch the MRT to a hotel near to the Marina Bay Sands area. Settle in, freshen up, and get ready to be bedazzled!
Afternoon: Gardens by the Bay Start with a visit to Gardens by the Bay and be sure to take in the Cloud Gardens, Flower Dome and Skyway. Seek out the lesser-known Heritage Gardens too, which celebrate the diverse cultural groups of Singapore with themed gardens.
Evening: Marina Barrage For a free evening with serious WOW Factor views, head to Marina Barrage, an important reservoir and city garden. You’ll find it a popular pace for picnics and watching supertankers waiting to enter port, but as the sun starts to set, it’s the city skyline that becomes the focus of attention!
Afterwards, walk back to Gardens by the Bay to enjoy a free music and light show that transforms the Super Trees into pure magic twice nightly.
Day 2: Cultural Gems, Authentic Markets, & Serene Parks
Morning: Kampong Glam and Malay Heritage Centre Begin your day in the vibrant district of Kampong Gelam. Visit the Malay Heritage Centre to learn about the rich history of the Malay community. Stroll through the colorful streets, marvel at the Sultan Mosque, and explore the quirky boutiques.
Afternoon: Tiong Bahru Market For lunch, head to Tiong Bahru Market, a local favorite. Enjoy delicious hawker food in an authentic setting. Afterward, wander through the charming Tiong Bahru neighborhood.
Evening: MacRitchie Reservoir Park For a tranquil evening, visit MacRitchie Reservoir Park. Take a leisurely walk along the boardwalks or embark on the TreeTop Walk for a bit of adventure. The lush greenery and serene waters are perfect for unwinding and connecting with nature.
Day 3: Local Flavors, Cozy Cafes, & Sentosa
Morning: Little India Exploration Start your day in Little India, a bustling district rich in culture and shopping. Visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and check out Little Arabia and Chinatown while you’re ‘walking around the world’.
Afternoon: Sentosa Island's Hidden Corners Head by cable car to Sentosa Island to relax at Tanjong Beach. For lunch and a swim in the pool, you can also try the Tanjong Beach Club, a chic spot with a laid-back vibe.
Evening: Gillman Barracks End your day at Gillman Barracks, an art enclave hidden away from the city's hustle and bustle. Explore contemporary art galleries and enjoy a meal at one of the cozy cafés nestled within this creative space.
Day 4: The Green City
Morning: HortPark and Alexandra Arch Before you leave, visit HortPark, a gardening hub that’s a little off the beaten path. Stroll through themed gardens and enjoy the tranquility. Cross the Alexandra Arch for a scenic walk that connects to the Southern Ridges, offering stunning views and lush landscapes.
Afternoon: Departure As your time in Singapore wraps up, head back to Changi Airport to enjoy the airport’s indoor waterfall, Jewel, and the Butterfly Gardens (both are free).
If you have a few more hours to kill, then enjoy a leisurely swim in the airport’s rooftop pool, while watching planes take off. You’ll find it located next to the Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel in Terminal 1. The pool also features a jacuzzi, poolside bar and the entry fee includes towels and shower facilities. However, as guests of Aerotel Airport Transit Hotel enjoy complimentary use of these facilities, as well as delicious food and beverages in the lounge, we recommend buying a Lounge pass, and possibly getting a room for a pre-flight snooze.
Conversations with Travelers
Carole
I've just come back from a couple nights staying near China town en route from exploring Bali, Jakarta , Doha, uk, Dubai and Singapore. Fab area and really good to explore I love the temples, Markets , river Cruise and just being in the ambience of the quay. I loved the unusual steps just tucked away and learnt about a game they all play in the evening which rolls dice and you have to drink. Amazing food in the shopping centre with lovely fresh tea. I really want to go back asap but so many other places on my list.
Carol
Singapore is my regular stopover en route to London. Favourite area is Chinatown especially the “People’s Complex” upstairs from Chinatown Metro. Fabulous food but one of my favourite things there is watching the elderly shoemakers at work. Such skill!
Louise
Was there in Dec and again 2 weeks ago. Love Chinatown.and Little India, Fort Canning Park, Asian Civilisations Museum, Tekka Centre for food or any of the hawkers centres. Love the old architecture anywhere you can find it. Raffles is overrated lol! I stayed in the Bencoolen St area, there is a great clean and cheap food court on the corner of Bras Basah Rd and Bencoolen St. Opposite the Rendevous Hotel.
Jill
The light show from the river cruise was spectacular!
Magdalene
I feel grateful to live in Singapore, where East meets West and nature meets urban. The safety, cleanliness, and multicultural events make it a wonderful place to call home.
