Do you know what is unique about Singapore? It’s one of the few city-states that functions as both a city and a sovereign nation. And the surprising fact is, despite its high population density, Singapore is renowned for its lush greenery and meticulously planned urban spaces. People say if you want to experience vibrant multiculturalism, an impressive skyline featuring glittering landmarks, innovative architecture, and utmost cleanliness and safety in one place, you should visit Singapore at least once in your life. Worry not; if you have just three days, you can manage to follow a perfect itinerary to understand why this country ranks highly in several categories. Ready to explore the best of Singapore in just 72 hours? Here’s your ultimate 3 day Singapore itinerary! Let’s dive in!
Day 1:
Morning
Singapore Zoo
A must-visit place for wildlife enthusiasts, Singapore Zoo is home to more than 4,200 animals from over 300 species. Managed by Mandai Wildlife Group, it is Singapore’s one of the designated centres for rescued animals. You can spot the animals in natural settings, and this open concept allows them to live in environments that closely match their natural environments.
What attracts people to visit here is that the zoo houses world-leading free-ranging orangutan exhibits called Orangutan Island and Boardwalk. You can watch them swing, climb and interact with each other in these spaces. Apart from spotting orangutans and other animals, you can also take part in various educational experiences, including animal presentations, interactive exhibits, and conservation skills promoting animal welfare and awareness.
Recommended time: 3-4 hours
Local travel tips:
- Join the free shows scheduled throughout the day
- The Orangutan breakfast experience starts at 9:30 AM
- Take the tram tour for an overview before exploring on foot
- Visit during feeding times for the best animal viewing
Recommended Experiences:
Image credit: Stuart Jansen for Unsplash
Afternoon
River Wonders
Discover River Wonders, Asia’s unique river-themed wildlife park, conveniently located within the Mandai Wildlife Reserve, between the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari. Formerly River Safari, this fascinating Singapore attraction deserves a spot on your list for places to visit in Singapore in 3 days.
It features a diverse collection of freshwater vertebrates and plants from around the world, including many threatened species. What you’ll love more about this place is its various exhibits, of which you must visit these three—Amazon River Quest, Pavilion Capital Giant Panda Forest and Amazon Flooded Forest.
Recommended time: 2-3 hours
Local travel tips:
- The Amazon River Quest boat ride often closes during rain
- Don’t miss the Giant Panda Forest, but go early to avoid crowds
- The Once Upon A River show happens several times daily
Recommended experiences:
Evening
Night Safari, Singapore
Explore the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park, the mysterious Night Safari. The park houses more than 900 animals from 100 species in its nighttime environments. And, you can meet them through the four walking trails and rides like the Safari Adventure Tram.
Apart from meeting the animals, you can also attempt presentations like Creatures of the Night and Twilight Performance to learn about the unique behaviour and skills of the animals.
Recommended time: 3-4 hours
Local travel tips:
- Arrive early to avoid long queues
- Take the tram ride first for an overview, then explore the walking trails
- Bring insect repellent
- Stay for the Creatures of the Night show at 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM or 9:30 PM
- Twilight Performance starts at 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM
Recommended experiences:
Day 1 (Alternative Plan)
Morning
Singapore Flyer
Marvel at the breathtaking views from the Singapore Flyer, a giant observation wheel located in the Downtown Core district. Standing at an impressive 165 metres tall, the flyer is one of the largest observation wheels in Asia. Each of its 28 capsules offers stunning 360° panoramas of the city’s iconic skyline and beyond.
You can relax in air-conditioned capsules for a 30-minute rotation, capture unforgettable views of Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, and even distant lands on clear days. Add this place to your 3 day Singapore itinerary if you want to experience unparalleled city views.
Recommended time: 1-2 hours
Local travel tips:
- Go on a clear day for the best visibility
- Morning rides often have shorter lines
- Book the Singapore Sling flight for a unique experience
Image credit: CHUTTERSNAP for Unsplash
Afternoon + Evening
Gardens by the Bay
One of the must-see places to visit in Singapore in 3 days is definitely the Gardens by the Bay. It’s a place to witness the perfect blend of stunning natural landscapes, futuristic architecture and innovative design.
Resembling a sci-fi movie set, Gardens by the Bay boasts many attractive sections like Cloud Forest, Floral Fantasy, Flower Dome, Supertree Observatory, World of Plants and more. It’s a must-visit for nature lovers and those seeking unique, visually spectacular experiences in the heart of the city.
Recommended time: 3-4 hours
Local travel tips:
- Buy tickets online to skip long lines
- The outdoor gardens are free, but the conservatories require tickets
- Visit the Cloud Forest first, as it gets crowded later in the day
- Wear comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking a lot
- Time your visit to catch the Garden Rhapsody light show at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM
Recommended Experiences:
Image credit: Timo Volz for Unsplash
Day 2:
Morning + Afternoon
Sentosa Island
It’s time for the Sentosa Island adventure! Prepare for breathtaking views, diverse beaches, thrilling theme parks, a world-famous aquarium—and whatnot! Kickstart your morning with a scenic cable car ride from Mount Faber, offering stunning city skyline vistas. Then, experience the fun of racing down small luge carts along the track on Skyline Luge Sentosa.
For adrenaline junkies, if you’re not done, then head to the Mega Adventure Park, which offers a high ropes course or a high jump or zip lining or bungee-assisted trampoline jumping. Afterwards, unwind on the popular beaches in Singapore, like Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong. Nature and heritage lovers shouldn’t miss places like Fort Siloso, the Sentosa Nature Discovery Trail, and Imbiah Lookout.
Universal Studios Singapore and S.E.A. Aquarium
If you have just 3 days in Singapore, you should definitely visit at least these two attractions in Sentosa Island—Universal Studios and S.E.A. Aquarium. There are multiple options to have fun here. You can dive into movie magic with exhilarating rides like Battlestar Galactica and Transformers. Explore the captivating themed zones from Hollywood to Jurassic Park, and enjoy family-friendly fun and spectacular shows like WaterWorld. Moreover, meet beloved characters and create unforgettable memories in this world of cinematic adventure.
Head to the S.E.A. Aquarium for some aquatic fun! Discover an underwater realm teeming with over 100,000 marine animals across diverse habitats. Marvel at majestic manta rays in the Open Ocean Habitat, brave the Shark Seas, and explore vibrant coral reefs. Capture your awe-inspiring journey into the ocean’s depths and make your Instagram profile into a magic world.
Recommended time: 7-8 hours (full day)
Local travel tips:
- Buy Universal Studios tickets online for better rates
- Download the park app to check wait times
- Start with popular attractions like Transformers or Battlestar Galactica
- Bring a poncho for water rides
- Buy a ticket beforehand to avoid a rush in the peak season
Recommended experiences:
Image credit: Alicja Ziajowska for Unsplash
Evening
Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony Show
Spend your evening in a unique way by watching a spectacular Wings of Time Fireworks Symphony at Sentosa. Staged on the scenic Siloso Beach daily, this show is about friendship and courage, combining water, laser, fire and music. This mesmerising 20-minute spectacle is a perfect way to end your Sentosa day with a bang!
Recommended time: 30-40 minutes (show duration)
Local travel tips:
- Book tickets in advance for good seats
- Arrive 30 minutes early to get the best spots
- Standard and premium seating options are available
- The show runs twice nightly at 7:40 PM and 8:40 PM
Recommended experiences:
Day 3:
Morning
Singapore City Tour – Merlion Statue, Marina Bay Sands Park
One of the most important things to do in Singapore is to have a city tour. And the most convenient way to do that is to purchase a ticket for a hop-on hop-off Singapore bus tour. One of the advantages of this tour is that you can hop off at any stop (landmark) if it catches your eye and join back when you please. However, for the third morning in your 3 days in Singapore itinerary, we suggest you visit these two places, Merlion Statue and Marina Bay Sands Park.
Speaking of the iconic Merlion Statue, this half-lion, half-fish sculpture stands as the symbol of Singapore. Snap some photos with the Marina Bay skyline in the background. Then head to Marina Bay Sands Park for breathtaking city views. You cannot miss the chance to witness the glory of Singapore from the Skypark Observation Deck. If you have time, then we suggest you indulge in an unforgettable wine-and-dine experience at one of the restaurants in the neighbourhood.
Recommended time: 2-3 hours
Local travel tips:
- Visit early (before 9 AM) to avoid crowds and the midday heat
- The Merlion Park is free to visit
- Bring a wide-angle camera lens for the best skyline shots
- Water bottles cost more in this area, so bring your own
Recommended Experiences
Image credit: CHUTTERSNAP for Unsplash
Afternoon
Option A: Little India
For your next stop on your hop-on hop-off bus tour, you can consider visiting Little India, located east of the Singapore River. It’s not just an ordinary neighbourhood to explore but an immersive experience that will surely transport you to Singapore’s colonial history. Strolling around its main stretch of commercial activity, Serangoon Road, lined by colourful buildings and shops, is one of the things to do in Singapore.
After that, have your lunch at one of its quaint restaurants and buy things from its vibrant markets. If possible, visit this place during Diwali (October or November), as the Indian community in Singapore celebrates the festival here, and that’s worth experiencing for all visitors.
Recommended time: 2-3 hours
Local travel tips:
- Visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple before 6 PM
- Mustafa Centre (24-hour shopping complex) is great for souvenirs
- Try local dishes at Tekka Centre food court
- Sunday evenings are particularly lively with many locals visiting
Option B: National Museum of Singapore
The oldest museum in the country, located in the Civic District, the National Museum of Singapore is a must-visit place for anyone interested in the nation’s roots. It was established in 1849 as a section of a library and then relocated to its permanent address in 1887.
Recognised for its cultural and architectural importance, the museum was gazetted as a National Monument of Singapore on 14 February 1992. Throughout the year, it remains a vibrant hub, presenting engaging exhibitions and lively events, notably the Singapore Night Festival, which features special programmes for both children and seniors.
Recommended time: 3-4 hours
Local travel tips:
- Visit the museum on weekdays to avoid crowds
- Utilise the audio guide for insightful commentary
- Check for guided tours and educational programmes for a better exploration
Evening
Chinatown
No Singapore trip can be concluded without visiting this dynamic place. Not only for food, but you also have to experience the vibes—the symphony of sounds, lights and obviously the aroma. It’s a place where the past comes alive in a combination of colours and activities.
But you have to admit that it’s more than just a visual spectacle; it’s a culinary paradise. Indulge in an authentic gastronomic adventure, from Michelin-starred hawker stalls serving up mouthwatering local delights like chicken rice and char kway teow to traditional tea houses offering delicate brews and dim sum. Every bite tells a story of heritage and culinary artistry.
Moreover, you can explore its cultural heritage, like the various temples, which come with intricate carvings and vibrant hues. Make your last evening in this truly unmissable gem in the heart of Singapore!
Recommended time: 2-3 hours
Local travel tips:
Recommended experiences:
Final Thoughts
A 3-day Singapore itinerary offers just enough time to experience the highlights of this amazing city-state. Whether you’re a foodie, culture enthusiast, or adventure seeker, our Singapore travel guide helps you make the most of your limited time. However, to explore the country in detail, you have to increase the number of days. The places to visit in Singapore in 3 days we’ve listed will give you a well-rounded experience of what makes the Lion City special. Start planning your trip now—Singapore awaits!
