1 Day Singapore Itinerary

This 1 day Singapore itinerary makes the most of the top sights while keeping you fuelled with delicious local food.

It’s efficient, easy to navigate, and finishes the day on a high note with views and cocktails.

With Singapore being a regional transport hub, it’s very common to only spend a night or two in the country while travelling to places further afield.

Many visitors, including myself, experience Singapore on a stopover via Changi Airport, consistently rated as one of the best airports in the world.

Whether you’re arriving on a layover or as part of a longer trip, Singapore offers plenty to explore, even if time is short.

Sometimes my visit has been a layover with only a few hours to eat at a hawker centre and take in a sight or two, other times I’ve stayed three days before moving on.

It always means I can’t see it all and I have to make some choices.

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This itinerary focuses on local food & drink experiences with some of the most famous attractions. It can be easily navigated with the MRT or Grab as it is mostly in a small area of the city.

You will need your walking shoes on too – there is a good amount of walking throughout this busy day.

One Day in Singapore Itinerary

This one day Singapore itinerary will help you get the most out of your short stay.

7:30 AM – Breakfast: Kaya Toast and Kopi

Where: Ya Kun Kaya Toast, Toast Box, or Killiney Kopitiam (near most MRT stations)

Kick off your day with a traditional kaya toast breakfast. I tend to go to Ya Kun Kaya Toast, which you can find all over Singapore, but there are many other options.

This Singaporean favourite pairs toast with sweet kaya spread, soft-boiled eggs, and strong local coffee (kopi). Perfect to fuel up for the morning ahead.

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8:30 AM – Gardens by the Bay

Wander through the spectacular Gardens by the Bay, one of Singapore’s most iconic attractions. You will have half an hour to explore the gardens before the domes open at 9 am.

Admire the Supertree Grove, then head inside to see one (or both) of the spectacular glasshouses, the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome.

Even if you explore just the free outdoor sections, the futuristic design and lush greenery are a fantastic start to the day.

Getting there: MRT to Bayfront Station (CE1/DT16) or Gardens By the Bay (TE22).
Time: 1.5 hours

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10:30 AM – ArtScience Museum

Next, make your way to the ArtScience Museum, right by Marina Bay. The museum offers immersive exhibits that combine art, science, and technology.

You can explore the permanent “Future World: Where Art Meets Science” exhibition, created by teamLab who are renowned for their digital exhibitions all over the world.

Look out too for some amazing temporary exhibitions such as The World of Studio Ghibli which is currently running from 4th October 2024 to 2nd February 2025.

The ArtScience Museum is a fun way to explore this new style of art, and is popular with both adults and children.

Getting there: 5-minute walk from Gardens by the Bay.
Time: 1-1.5 hours

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12:30 PM – Lunch at Maxwell Food Centre

Take a break for lunch at Maxwell Food Centre, known for its legendary Hainanese chicken rice from Tian Tian.

This is always a go-to hawker centre for me after I visited the first time I was in Singapore. We dropped off our luggage and came here for our very first meal.

I didn’t have the Hainanese chicken rice at that time, but I have had it many times since.

Other must-try dishes here include laksa and fried carrot cake. This is an authentic hawker experience you won’t want to miss!

Getting there: MRT from Bayfront (CE1/DT16) to Telok Ayer (DT18).
Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

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2:00 PM – Explore Chinatown

After lunch, wander through Chinatown, to experience the heritage shophouses, temples, and markets.

Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple or browse for souvenirs. I also like to look at all the street art around the area.

This will give you a taste of Singapore’s rich cultural history.

Getting there: Walk from Maxwell Food Centre.
Time: 1-1.5 hours

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4:00 PM – Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel

Head to the iconic Raffles Hotel for a late-afternoon Singapore Sling. This historic hotel is the birthplace of the famous cocktail, and the colonial charm makes it a must-visit stop.

The Long Bar does not take bookings, just turn up. There may be a short wait, but normally it’s not too long.

Getting there: Take bus numbers 80/12/33/61 from Chinatown Stn Exit C 4 stops directly to Raffles (minimal walking and quicker) or take the MRT from Chinatown (DT19) to Promenade (DT15/CC4), swap to the yellow line to Esplanade (CC3).
Time: 45 minutes to 1 hour

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5:30 PM – Visit the Merlion

From Raffles, make your way to the Merlion. Snap a photo with the half-fish, half-lion statue and enjoy views of Marina Bay. This is one of Singapore’s most recognisable landmarks and a great pre-dinner stop.

Getting there: Walk along the waterfront promenade. Alternatively, jump in a Taxi or Grab.
Time: 30 minutes

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6:30 PM – Dinner at Lau Pa Sat & Satay Street

For dinner, head to Lau Pa Sat, where Satay Street comes alive with smoky, fragrant skewers. Try a variety of satays—chicken, lamb, and prawns—while soaking up the atmosphere under the city lights.

There are options here for all dietary needs, including a stand for plant-based foods. Some stands have Michelin stars or Bib Gourmand listings, so you won’t be disappointed.

Getting there: Walk along the waterfront.
Time: 1-1.5 hours

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8:00 PM – Marina Bay Sands SkyPark and Light Show

You now have some options. You are here to watch the light shows in the Marina Bay Area.

You can stay at ground level and watch the 15-minute Spectra light and water show at 8 PM before making your way back to Gardens by the Bay for Supertree light show at 8:45 PM.

Or you can head up to the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark observation deck for sweeping views of the skyline, then catch the light shows from up there.

You will see the shows better from the ground, but after a long day, you may prefer to just watch them from one place.

Rather than the observation deck, you can book into one of the bars, such as Cé La Vi, and watch from there, but this is a more pricy option.

Getting there: Continue walking around the marina, or walk to the Downtown (DT17) MRT station and catch it one stop to Bayfront Station (CE1/DT16).
Time: 1 hour

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10:00 PM – Late-Night Drinks at CÉ LA VI or LAVO

If you’re not ready to call it a night and you didn’t take the option earlier, head to either CÉ LA VI SkyBar or LAVO at Marina Bay Sands hotel.

Both offer breathtaking views, signature cocktails, and lively vibes to cap off your day in style​.

Getting there: Located within Marina Bay Sands.
Time: Until late

Another option is to make your way to Clarke Quay and experience one of Singapore’s best nightlife areas.

Getting there: MRT from Bayfront Station (CE1/DT16) to Fort Canning (DT20).
Time: Until late

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Itinerary Overview

• 7:30 AM – Kaya Toast & Kopi for Breakfast
• 8:30 AM – Gardens by the Bay
• 10:30 AM – ArtScience Museum
• 12:30 PM – Lunch at Maxwell Food Centre
• 2:00 PM – Explore Chinatown
• 4:00 PM – Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel
• 5:30 PM – Visit the Merlion
• 6:30 PM – Dinner at Lau Pa Sat & Satay Street
• 8:00 PM – Marina Bay Sands SkyPark and Light Show
• 10:00 PM – Late-Night Drinks at CÉ LA VI or LAVO

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Tips to Make Your Day in Singapore Run Smoothly

With only this one day to explore Singapore, there is no room for error. While there is no guarantee that nothing will go wrong, a little planning in advance will make it easier.

Follow these tips to help your day run smoothly

1. Plan Your Transport in Advance

• Get an EZ-Link Card or Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides on the MRT and buses. This will save time and make hopping between attractions easier.
• Use Grab: If you’re short on time or want to avoid walking, book a Grab ride (Singapore’s version of Uber) to avoid long waits for public transport.
• Walk Strategically: Some areas, like Marina Bay and Chinatown, are best explored on foot, so comfortable shoes are a must!

2. Time Your Meals Right

• Arrive Early at Maxwell Food Centre: It can get busy at lunchtime, so avoid the long queues by arriving early.
• Dinner at Lau Pa Sat by 6:30 PM: Getting to Satay Street before it’s fully crowded ensures you’ll get a seat without waiting.

3. Beat the Heat and Stay Hydrated

• Bring a Reusable Water Bottle: Singapore can be hot and humid. Water refill stations are available at many attractions.
• Cool Off in Air-Conditioned Spots: The ArtScience Museum and Raffles Hotel offer a nice break from the heat.

4. Maximise Time with Efficient Routes

• Group Nearby Attractions:
  • Gardens by the Bay and ArtScience Museum are close to each other.
  • Raffles Hotel, the Merlion, and Lau Pa Sat are along the same general route, making it easy to visit them in sequence.
• Avoid Backtracking: Use Google Maps to map your route in advance and avoid unnecessary back-and-forth.

5. Pack Light

• Minimise What You Carry: With a lot of walking involved, pack light—just the essentials like water, sunscreen, a small umbrella, and power bank for your phone.

6. Use the Weather to Your Advantage

• Check Weather Forecasts: Singapore’s tropical climate means sudden rain showers. Pack a compact umbrella and check for weather updates.
• Do Outdoor Activities Early: Visit Gardens by the Bay earlier in the day to avoid peak heat.

7. Take Advantage of Free Attractions and Views

Singapore can be expensive, so balance expensive paid activities (like that Singapore Sling) with free and cheap ones.

• Merlion Park and Marina Bay Promenade: These are free and offer stunning photo opportunities.
• SkyPark and Light Show Combo: By visiting Marina Bay Sands at night, you get city views and the Spectra light show without needing extra tickets.

8. Reserve Key Activities in Advance to Save Time

These attractions can be booked in advance

• Cloud Forest and Flower Dome
• ArtScience Museum
• Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

For even more travel advice, check out my full list of Singapore tips.

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Following this itinerary will give you a good taste of Singapore, and you will leave wanting more. You will soon be planning your next – longer – stopover.