With nicknames like the Little Red Dot, the Lion City and the Melting Pot Of Cultures, the city of Singapore holds a plethora of charms for the first time visitor. If you have 72 hours in Singapore and are not sure where to start, this ultimate Singapore 3 day itinerary for first time visitors is the perfect guide for you! Discover Singapore’s top attractions, best places to visit, cultural neighbourhoods and iconic landmarks in 3 days with local pro tips from the Naumi Hotel Singapore team.
DAY 1: top SINGAPORE attractions & LANDMARKS
Supertree Grove
First time visitors to Singapore might gasp at the startling appearance and height of these Supertrees. Resembling both a tree and a flower, the Supertrees are large, magnificent structures that make up the skyline of Gardens By The Bay.
Apart from adding to the beauty of the Garden landscape, these Supertrees are actually vertical gardens that house more than 162,900 plants of over 200 species. At night, they light up the waters in a dazzling glow of blue, pink and purple during the Garden Rhapsody, a nightly light and sound show.
For a 360-degree breathtaking view of the Gardens and Marina Bay, consider going up to the Supertree Observatory or take a walk on the OCBC Skyway, a 128m-long suspension bridge between the Supertrees.
Naumi’s Pro Tip: While the conservatories have a fee, the Garden Rhapsody light show is free to the public from 7:45 pm to 8:45 pm. Be sure to catch the dazzling show if you’re visiting at night!
Photo source: Gardens By The Bay
Floral Fantasy
This next stop is for all flower enthusiasts. Blending creative flower arrangements, artistry and technology, the Floral Fantasy is an indoor conservatory made up of four different fantasy-like garden landscapes that is bound to keep you in awe for their rare beauty!
Photo source: Gardens By The Bay
Flower Dome
Next, head on to the Flower Dome and experience perpetual spring with unique plants and flowers blooming in the cool and dry Mediterranean climate commonly found in South Africa, Australia and America. Holding the Guinness World Record for the largest glass greenhouse in the world, be prepared to view some of the most beautiful flowers in Singapore in this award-winning conservatory.
Cloud Forest
If flowers are not your type, head on to the Cloud Forest to discover rare and unique flora in a mist-covered landscape. Unlike the first two conservatories, the Cloud Forest uses temperature control technology to replicate the tropical montane climates in mountain forests. It also houses one of the tallest indoor waterfalls in the world standing at over 30 metres tall!
Marina Bay Sands (MBS)
3 days in Singapore would not be complete without visiting the most iconic landmark in Singapore! With what looks like a ship on top of 3 identical towers, Marina Bay Sands is one of the top attractions for first time visitors. Best things to do here is take a photo with the iconic MBS background, shop till you drop at the luxury shopping mall The Shoppes, or dine at a selection of their celebrity chef restaurants.
Naumi’s Pro Tip: Don’t forget to visit during nighttime to catch the Spectra – A Light & Water Show and be enthralled by the perfect blend of lasers, visual projections and orchestra music. Held nightly for just 15 minutes at the Event Plaza of Marina Bay Sands, this free performance is a must-watch for first-timers! Showtimes are at 8 pm & 9 pm from Sun – Thur, and at 8 pm, 9 pm & 10 pm from Fri – Sat.
Photo source: Singapore Tourism Board
ArtScience Museum
Located right outside Marina Bay Sands is the lotus-shaped ArtScience Museum, where exhibitions combining art, science and technology come together. Having collaborated with renowned artists like Vincent Van Gogh and Andy Warhol, their permanent exhibition, “Future World: Where Art Meets Science” invites its guests to explore the future through a collection of interactive digital installations.
Singapore Flyer
Cross over the Helix Bridge and take a ride up the famed Singapore Flyer, Asia’s largest observation wheel giving you impressive, panoramic views of the city skyline. On a clear day, the Flyer can give you views as far as the Southern Islands of Singapore and even the Indonesian Riau Islands. We recommend taking a ride during sunset, as it gives you a view of the Singapore skyline bathed in a beautiful sunset glow.
Naumi’s Pro Tip: Want something a little more special? Try Singapore Flyer’s premium champagne experience where you can enjoy the breathtaking views while sipping on champagne, at $79 per pax. This package also includes a complimentary admission to the Time Capsule, a multisensory attraction bringing you through Singapore’s past, present and future.
Merlion
With the head of a lion, body of a fish and water sprouting out of its mouth, this statue is an intriguing sight for many first timers to Singapore. Seated along the Marina Bay waterfront, the Merlion is in fact Singapore’s National Mascot, and is one of the most iconic photo-taking spots amongst tourists. While you’re here, try out different poses and get creative!
Clark Quay
To end off your first day in Singapore, take a 10 minute walk towards Clark Quay, Singapore’s representative nightlife district teeming with music, life and dance along the Singapore River. Grab a drink or two while you’re here, or head over to Jumbo Seafood for a taste of the popular local dish, the chilli crab!
Not ready to end the day yet? Jump on the River Cruise and enjoy a relaxing ride while you take in the beautiful night view along the Singapore River.
DAY 2: BEACH AND WILDLIFE
Ready for a bit of sun and fun? Begin your second day with a trip to Sentosa, a resort island just off the Southern coast of Singapore. Entrance to the island takes the form of bus, train, and foot, but we recommend taking the cable car from Harbourfront Station, as you can take in beautiful panoramic views of the pristine sandy beaches on your way here.
S.E.A. Aquarium
For marine lovers, hop off at Resorts World Sentosa and visit the S.E.A. Aquarium, one of the world’s largest aquariums home to more than 1,000 species of marine animals. If you would like to go a little deeper, consider going for a guided tour to understand more about marine conservation and get a peak of what goes on behind the scenes at the aquarium.
Sentosa Beach & Adventure
Whether you’re a lover of adventure sports, family fun or some chill time, you’ll love this part of our itinerary. For thrill seekers, head to Mega Adventure Park or Skypark by AJ Hackett, where you can find the bungee jump, zip-line, or scream to your heart’s content on the Giant Swing.
For something less thrilling, take a ride up SkyHelix Sentosa, an open-air gondola that gently rotates while it ascends towards the sky. Sit back and enjoy the crisp air 79 metres above the ground while you sip on a refreshing, iced drink. If you have friends or family for company, consider going for the Skyline Luge, where you can compete for who’s faster as you zip down the four different tracks.
Not looking for exhilarating activities? Have a picnic or a leisurely stroll along the beach and enjoy the sounds of the splashing waves as you look towards the sea.
Naumi’s Pro Tip: There are 3 beaches in Sentosa that cater to different needs. Head to Siloso Beach if you’re a thrill seeker, with a variety of adventure sports waiting for you. Families would love Palawan Beach for its tranquil atmosphere, and Tanjong Beach is the perfect location for tourists seeking a quiet, peaceful retreat.
Photo source: Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Night Safari
Finish your second day in Singapore with the Night Safari, the world’s first nocturnal wildlife park housing over 900 animals from around 100 species. Take a guided tram tour to observe these nocturnal animals in their natural habitat and learn about their unique behaviours. And don’t miss the Creatures of the Night Show, which showcases a variety of nocturnal animals performing their talent through a series of amazing tricks.
DAY 3: famous cultural districts
Chinatown
Your last day in Singapore begins with a trip to Chinatown, a bustling cultural neighbourhood set amongst a busy business landscape. Take your time to discover Chinatown’s rich culture and history; from its prominent shophouses to its festive seasonal installations, there are simply so many things to discover!
One of the top attractions in Chinatown is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum, where you can admire its majestic architecture and wide collection of Buddhist artifacts. And if you’re craving some good local food, Maxwell Food Center located right across the temple houses some of the best hawker food in Singapore.
Naumi’s Pro Tip: Many religious buildings in the area have a strict dress code: Hats, caps and clothing that expose too much skin are not allowed in temples and mosques. Consider bringing a scarf or a thin jacket to throw on so you can stick to your light clothing in the sweltering Singapore heat.
Little india
Another popular cultural district is Little India, a vibrant and colourful ethnic district with a rich history and culture home to a large Indian community. While you’re here, make sure to visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Little India’s visually stunning temple known for its colourful façade and intricate carvings. And stop by the nearby Mustafa Centre, the best shopping center in Singapore for Indian clothing, jewelry and spices.
Photo source: Visit Singapore
Kampong Glam
Take a short walk over and you’ll find the majestic golden dome of the Sultan Mosque in the heart of Singapore’s Muslim community. Once reigned by Malay Sultans, this area has since transformed into a trendy district with vibrant cultures, chic hanging spots and eye-catching street art. The nearby Arab Street and Haji Lane home to a string of hole-in-the-wall boutiques and hip cafes makes it the perfect spot for vintage and souvenir shopping in Singapore.
Naumi’s Pro Tip: Want that picture to glitz up your Instagram feed? Take your time to wander through the amazing murals and street art found at almost every turn around Little India and Haji Lane for that perfect shot!
Want to know more things to do at Kampong Glam? Check out our blogs on the area:
Photo source: Singapore Tourism Board
Orchard Road
Next up in the itinerary is Orchard Road, Singapore’s top shopping district. With a wide selection of glitzy air-conditioned shopping malls to choose from, you’ll be spoilt for choices as you indulge in your last-minute shopping desires. For starters, be sure to check out ION Orchard, Paragon and Takashimaya Shopping Centre for all the largest luxury brands you can ever find!
Naumi’s Pro Tip: Skip the fancy gelatos and opt for one of the ice cream carts, one of the best Singapore local hawker foods, dotted around the busy traffic junctions in Orchard Road. These ice cream carts are an integral part of Singapore’s street hawker culture and are normally run by older ‘uncles’ or ‘aunties’ selling ice cream for as cheap as $1 to $2.
Unlike typical ice cream shops where ice cream is scooped out from a container, these carts serve them by cutting them out from a block. Choose how you would like your ice cream by having it either sandwiched between a piece of bread or crispy wafer. For a cheap price of $1 to $2, this decadent treat is definitely a must try!
Want to know the best shopping spots in Singapore? Check out our other shopping blogs:
Jewel Changi Airport
To end the last of your three days in Singapore, make sure to stop at Jewel Changi Airport to catch a glimpse of the famed Rain Vortex, the largest indoor waterfall in the world before you fly off. Be mesmerised by the sheets of water cascading down from 40 metres high as you stand amongst a forest backdrop in the Forest Valley. Come night time, this magnificent waterfall transforms into an extravagant art piece during the Light & Sound Show every Mon-Thu, at 8 pm and 9 pm.
Still have some time to spare? Be sure to check out the wide selection of stores and restaurants featuring local brands, such as Lovet, In Good Company, Birds of Paradise and L’éclair Pâtisserie.
Naumi’s Pro Tip: Being a popular tourist attraction, the bottom of the fountain is normally crowded with tourists looking for a good spot. Instead of competing with the rest of the crowd, head up to the Canopy Bridge for a clear view of the Vortex and to get that perfect shot! But be aware if you’re afraid of heights, as the bridge is lined with a clear glass flooring for that extra thrill.
Love our Singapore 3 Days Itinerary? Check out our other local travel guides for more things to do in Singapore:
- Top Things to Do at Kampong Glam, Haji Lane and Arab Street
- Top Best Things To See, Eat & Do in Civic District Singapore
- 5 Best Malls for Luxury & Designer Shopping in Singapore
For other travel inspiration in Singapore, check out our local Singapore Magazine:
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