Things to do in Singapore in 3 days
Even for a few days or hours when being in Southeast Asia, you need to pay a visit to Singapore, the cultural path of Asia. As the city-country is quite small 2 or 3 days or even a few hours (if you have a connecting flight) are enough to get a satisfying taste of it.
Marina Bay Sands
The impressive luxurious hotel Marina Bay Sands, whose boat shape has been converted into the country’s symbol and one of the first images that comes in our minds when thinking of Singapore, is undoubtedly your first stop when visiting the country. At Its huge luxury mall, you may find all type of popular brands, rent a boat along its canals, eat at a variety of restaurants (some with Michelin stars) or watch a theater show. Sometimes there are combined options with theater and dinner before the show that are totally worth it.
Unfortunately, it is not possible to visit the pool’s side as it is exclusively for the hotel’s residents, but you can go to the hotel’s SkyPark Observation Deck from which the city’s view along with the innumerous boats in the ocean (like playing Battleship) is totally unforgettable. (For more information you may check the official site https://www.marinabaysands.com/).
Gardens By the Bay
You cannot go to Singapore and miss the stunning and remarkable Gardens by the Bay, located on the opposite side of Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Absolutely wonderful!
There is a metro station (Gardens by the Bay station) which can lead you to this magical park. You can stroll around admiring its serene garden, the DragonFly Lake and its calm surroundings but you will be absolutely enchanted by these three parts: the Supertree Glove, the Floral Fantasy and the Cloud Forest/Flower Dome.
- Supertree Grove: I am certain that you have seen these looking like trees vertical gardens that make you feel like being in Alice the Wonderland. During nighttime are even more impressive with their colorful lights. Don’t miss their light show that is performed every evening at the Garden Rhapsody nor the opportunity to climb with a little fee to the Supertree Observatory or to the unique OCBC Skyway and admire their extraordinary view.
- Floral Fantasy: Make sure to book your tickets in advance and enjoy this magic and surreal fairytale, a world full of amazingly beautiful flowers and vivid colors that will amaze you. The short duration fantasy 4D theater is also very amusing to watch during your visit.
- Cloud Forest and Flower Dome: At this part of the gardens, you can find the world’s indoor tallest waterfalls combined with plants and flowers from all over the world. It needs a separate ticket, but you cannot miss it.
Merlion Statue
At the other side of Marina Bay Sands Hotel stands another popular symbol of the country: The Merlion statue, a tall statue with a fish body and lion head that pours water out of its mouth. You can take a walk at the Waterfront Promenade and cross the Jubilee Bridge to reach the statue and get a very nice view of the city.
Clarke Quay
At this point you can enjoy the river’s view. Clarke Quay is ideal to stroll around by the river especially during the night when the lights of the city are switched on, enjoy a drink or dinner at the area’s many gastronomical options and of course take a cruise along the river admiring all the city’s hot spots (Merlion, Marina Bay Sands) and skyline.
Neighborhoods
Singapore is the crossing path of Asia, and this is reflected in its different neighborhoods. The most popular ones are the Chinatown, the Little India and the Arabic one.
- Chinatown: Chinatown is full of narrow streets with yummy little restaurants, shops with affordable souvenirs for endless shopping and interesting architecture. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a must visit while in the vibrant Chinese neighborhood.
- Little India: Take a walk at Little India and be prepared to be impressed by the variety of jewelry shops. Visit the Marvelous Hindu temple Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and the colorful and cheerful Former House of Tan Teng Niah where you can take incredible photos.
- Arabic Neighborhood: By walking around this also unique neighborhood, you will notice the big collection of textiles at its many textile’s shops. You cannot miss the impressive Sultan Mosque nor the opportunity to walk around Haji Ln, a vibrant narrow street full of cafes, restaurants and little shops.
Food Markets
Even if Singapore is considered an expensive place to live, as a tourist and visitor you have the opportunity to enjoy mouthwatering Asian food at its variety of little restaurants located at the city’s food markets at the most affordable prices. The ones that I most liked are a) the food market at Chinatown, b) the food market next to Gardens by the Bay, c) the food market at Lau Pa Sat (https://maps.app.goo.gl/XeNd7hqrNva7fRqG7).
Sentosa Island
If you have a spare day in the city, a nice idea is to visit Sentosa Island. There are many ways to reach the island. The most economic one is the Sentosa Express Train while a less cheap but more impressive option is the cable car. The view from the top of the whole city and the island will compensate you.
There are many activities on the island. If you are fan of Universal Studios, a good option is to visit them while on the island. If not, you can stroll around and watch the fountain show, do some water sports at Siloso beach and the absolute must experience that you cannot afford to miss is Palawan Island. You will feel like playing Pirates of the Caribbean by crossing the rope bridge to reach the island and the Southernmost Point of Continental Asia. For more information regarding Sentosa island you may visit its official website https://www.sentosa.com.sg/en/.
Singapore´s Changi Airport
If you arrive/depart or have a connection flight at Changi Airport, ensure that you have an extra hour or two to enjoy the Jewel part of the airport with the very popular indoor waterfall which will impress you. There are more activities with a little fee (like gardens, kaleidoscope) around the waterfall and many shops and restaurants where you can hang out.
For more information or to help you plan your ideal trip within your budget, please contact us.