An Immersive Itinerary for 2 Days in Singapore

You just finished looking at all the things you could do in Singapore, and you’re face-palming.

Because you had just planned two days for the tiny country, but who the hell knows there would be so much to do on this little island?!

I know, right? But you’re in good hands here. Instead of two days, I spent two weeks there. All the Singaporeans thought I was half-cooked for it.

I’ve seen and done everything from the touristy sights to several hidden gems. This means, “I know exactly what’s worth your time and what’s not!”

So, let’s make your precious 2 days in Singapore count, shall we? From everything in Chinatown, to Kampong Glam, to Gardens by the Bay, and trying all the food, this itinerary’s got you covered!

Who says immersive travel can’t be fast?

Your 2-Day Singapore Itinerary Overview

Here’s a VERY quick look at what you’re getting with this schedule I made. While it may not cover super hidden gems like Fort Siloso or Changi Bay Point, it’s as deep as you can get in two days.

2 Days in Singapore on a Map

Geographically oriented? Take a look at this map to get a rough idea of where you’ll go each day. Filter between each of the three days for a clearer picture.

Download City Mapper to your phone for an easier time navigating the public transportation. You’ve got no time to lose!

Day 1: Singapore’s History & Food Stories

There is only one way I love to kick off my time in a new country, and that’s joining a walking tour. I usually take a historical or cultural walk first, then move on to a local food crawl.

For your two days in Singapore, though, you get both of those things in one tour.

Morning: Kick Off with a Food Tour

You’re starting your two days at 9 AM sharp, with a lot of culture and even more food.

I found this tour when I was in Singapore, honestly, by luck.

I was initially booked for a Chinatown-focused food tour, but got an upgrade to this cultural food crawl through Little India, Kampong Glam, and Chinatown.

The tour takes you through 15 cultural stops while tasting at least 10 local menus in five hours. Read my full review of the experience and you’ll see how it’s a no-brainer.

Afternoon: Explore Chinatown’s Culture

The cultural food tour runs until 2 PM, and it ends at the Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown.

By then, you’ll have seen the biggest sights in Chinatown (Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, Sri Mariamman Temple, Pagoda Street) and enjoyed Chicken Rice for lunch.

If you’re not ready to move on from Chinatown (It does have that effect), here are some ways to explore more deeply. I recommend spending no more than an extra hour here.

• Stop at Tong Heng for their famous diamond-shaped egg tarts. (To die for!)
• Peek into Say Tian Hng, the oldest Taoist deity carving shop in the country, running since 1840.
• Visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre to learn more about the early Chinese migrants.

Late Afternoon: Hill St Police Station + Fort Canning Park

By 3 PM, walk 10 minutes up New Bridge Rd (or take the metro one station over to Clark Quay) towards the Singapore River.

Cross the bridge, and you’ll see the next spectacle, the Old Hill Street Police Station, with its 927 rainbow-colored windows.

Today, the building houses the Ministry of Culture, Community, and Youth, but it used to be a police station in colonial times.

About 300 police officers and their families actually lived inside the building, which explains its size.

Once you’re satisfied with the photos you’ve got, walk past the building on Hill Street and enter Fort Canning Park. This hill may have housed the 19th-century British fort, but it used to be a sacred hill before that, forbidden to commoners.

I recommend climbing the stairs all the way up to Raffles Garden, and circling the area closer to the reservoir at the top of the hill. It’s much more peaceful than the outer perimeter.

If you’re interested in WWII history, stop by Battlebox and enjoy its 60-minute bunker experience, which requires booking in advance.

Evening: Dinner at Clark Quay or Hong Lim Market

There are two solid options for your dinner, depending on how much of a walker you are.

You can walk just 5 minutes back down Hill Street and stop for an epic Bak Kut Teh feast at Ng Ah Sio… or walk 10 minutes further down towards Chinatown and have some Michelin-approved hawker meals at Hong Lim Market and Food Centre.

Day 2: Peranakan Hub and Modern Singapore

Now that you’re all geared up with basic knowledge of Singapore, are you ready to see both the traditional and modern sides of it? You are? Awesome, let’s go!

Morning: Explore Joo Chiat & Katong

Wake up early and head over to Katong and Joo Chiat, the Eurasian neighborhood and Peranakan hub.

The WHAT hub now?

Peranakan. The word comes from the Malay root word “Anak,” which means “offspring.” It refers to the people of mixed Malay-foreign heritage. This could be Malay-European, Malay-Chinese, or others.

Of course, the most well-known sights in this neighborhood are the colorful Peranakan shophouses on Koon Seng Road.

Keep in mind that they’re not technically for public viewing, so be respectful and refrain from photographing the house owners.

The Joo Chiat strip is also known for its variety of boutique shops and cafes. Once it’s 9 AM, be the first customer at Olsen Bakehouse and try some of their amazing cakes, inspired by local menus.

If you need to bring some souvenirs home, Cat Socrates is also on the strip, and they sell some of the most thoughtful books and trinkets.

Right before lunch, pop into the Singapore Peranakan Mansion Museum, hidden on the second floor above Cafe Wabi Sabi.

For S$12, you can walk around the museum or join their 30-minute complimentary tour to learn more about the Peranakan culture.

Lunch: Janggut Laksa

While there are many variations of Laksa (Spicy noodles in coconut milk soup), Katong Laksa is the superior version.

Its signature creamy coconut milk soup is more aromatic, and the cut noodles make it much easier to eat.

The best place to get an authentic bowl of Katong Laksa is Janggut Laksa, a hawker stall in Roxy Square.

Don’t forget to order a kopi from the stall next door. It was hands down the best kopi I had in Singapore.

Afternoon: Marina Bay Walk

Head back downtown and start at Merlion Park. I mean, yeah, it’s super touristy and always packed, but this buddy is Singapore’s national mascot, so you gotta see it.

Quick history lesson: Singapore was originally a Malay fishing village called Temasek back in the 13th century. Its first king and discoverer, Sri Tri Buana, saw a lion by the river when he first arrived, so he named the island “Singapura,” meaning “The Lion City” in Sanskrit.

The merlion, half-lion and half-fish, honors both the island’s origin and the country’s name.

Continue your walk around the bay, and you’ll find that almost every angle gives you a gorgeous urban shot of “Modern Singapore.”

Don’t miss a shot of Marina Bay Sands from the tip of the promontory!

Evening: Gardens by the Bay + Spectra Light Show

Once you reach the Marina Bay Sands complex, leave the bayside area and cross the street into Gardens by the Bay.

Enjoy over a million kinds of plants from all over the world in one of the most stunning landscape design masterpieces you’ll ever see.

For the most famous views, head to the Supertree Grove, or find the far eastern end of the Water Lily Pond.

If your budget allows, the Cloud Forest and Floral Fantasy require separate entry tickets, but are both stunning exhibits well worth the price for plant lovers.

At around 7:30 PM, make your way back to the events deck of the mall.

There’ll be a lot more people there now. Grab a spot as front and center as you can. You’re gonna watch the most epic fountain show as the trip finale.

The Spectra Light & Water Show runs for 15 minutes twice every night, at 8 and 9 PM, and features some of the most jaw-dropping fountain tricks I’ve ever seen.

The Bellagio Fountain could never. Not to mention the music.

Yeah, I know. I sound a bit basic telling you to go watch a water show, but just trust me on this one.

Send-Off Dinner: Michelin-Approved Fishball Noodles

After the show, walk about 15 minutes back downtown to Lau Pa Sat. Find stall #32, LiXin Fishball Noodles (my absolute favorite spot).

Order the fishball noodles, spicy and dry. I promise you won’t regret it!

What’s Your Next Stop in Southeast Asia?

Would you rather improvise a bit instead of following this schedule? Use my 1-day itinerary, then do whatever you want on the second day! Bookmark my Singapore Cultural Travel page for your next visit.

Meanwhile, where else in Southeast Asia are you going? I have A LOT of ideas on my home country, Thailand, as well as Laos. Check them out if you’re not done planning!

Get Ready For Your Trip to Singapore

Below are some of the resources to help you get ready for your trip.

Don’t forget to check your visa requirements, and fill out the Digital Arrival Card no more than 3 days before you land.

Read up on the local laws and my top travel tips before you get there, and a bit about how to get around as well.

• Get your trip covered with Safety Wing Insurance
• Stay connected in Singapore with this eSIM
• Must-have Apps: Grab, City Mapper

Find a Place to Stay in Singapore

Still looking for somewhere to stay? Read my guide on the most convenient neighborhoods to stay in and use the map below to find the best hotel for you!

Grab My Singapore E-Checklist

To make sure you don’t leave anything important out of your preparations, I’ve made a digital checklist to help you get ready. I leave 2 pages blank for you to customize your own checklist, too!

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