24 Hours in Singapore
Long layover or making a quick stop through Singapore? We’ve got you covered! Here’s a full itinerary for how to spend 24 Hours in Singapore. Complete with where to stay, how to get around, food to try, and what to do. By no means is this list exhaustive, but we feel it’s a nice sampler of the best parts of Singapore.
Explore the Singapore Changi Airport: If you haven’t already heard, the Singapore Changi Airport is widely regarded as one of the best airports in the world. Even if you don’t leave the airport to explore, you will find plenty to do including a movie theater, multiple gardens, cultural activities, a mini hawker station, and even a full-size indoor waterfall! Our favorite area was the Jewel section, definitely go take a walk around at least. If you have Priority Pass (often a perk of many credit cards), Changi has a plethora of airport lounges, all with excellent food.
Stay @ Marriott Courtyard Novena: One of the most aesthetically beautiful hotels we’ve stayed at. Extremely accommodating, they let us check in several hours early and we’re super friendly. They have an amazing all-you-can-eat breakfast menu with both western and Singapore-inspired dishes. Probably my favorite hotel shower, rainfall style but with high pressure. Their infinity pool was under renovation during our stay, but it looks absolutely incredible.
Get around via public transport Singapore’s MRT (mass public transport) and bus system are incredibly clean, efficient, and easy to use. Hop onto the bus and just Apple pay or use cash to get on and off.
Grab a coffee @ Central Perk Cafe: Only for the most dedicated of Friends fans, come for a cup of nostalgia at everyone’s favorite 90s cafe: Central Perk. Guess what they’re playing? Friends. Coffee’s alright but great for the memories.
Stroll through Chinatown Street Market: Full of food, jade, massages, and natural remedies. Some great traditional architecture on Smith Street.
Snack @ Tong Shui Desserts: Huge menu of over 50 types of hot and cold desserts. Their popular desserts include Hong Kong Mango Sago with Pomelo, Sesame Paste, Bo-Bo Cha Cha, and Almond Paste.
Snap some photos @ Far East Square & Amoy Alley: Picturesque streets with a bunch of dining options and shops. Far East Square has a covered seating area with fans to help you cool off from that Singaporean heat. Grab a drink and admire the architecture.
Eat lunch @ Maxwell Center: No trip to Singapore would be complete without a visit to their famous hawker centers. Full of rows and rows of vendor stations, often specializing in just 1 or 2 dishes for decades. These hawker centers are part of Singapore’s food culture and history. Try classics like fried carrot cake (actually more of a radish omelet) and kway teow (fried noodles).
If you have extra time, shop @ Orchard Road: World-class shopping with everything from boutique shops to high-end designer wear.
Watch the sunset from the rooftop bar @ Ce La Vie @ Marina Bay Sands: No better way to experience this iconic Singapore hotel than enjoying the panoramic views from its rooftop bar. Reservations may be required. Unfortunately, the infinity pool is for guests only.
Catch the light show @ Gardens By the Bay: Singapore’s famous hanging gardens! Free music and light show at 745 PM and 845 PM daily. If you have extra time, check out their Flower Dome and Cloud Forest exhibitions.
Grab dinner and desserts @ Marina Square or Lau Pa Sat Hawker Center: Try tutu kueh (a steamed dessert with a variety of fillings), fried tapioca, and soya bean curds.
Take a night walk @ Haji Lane & Arab Street: Admire the colorful street art and walk off some of the calories from the day.
More Information:
For more practical information on visiting Singapore, check out VisitingSingapore.
For 12 of the best things to do in Singapore, check out this post by Lonely Planet.
Map:
Check out our Google Map with all of our recommendations from above!
