When I decided to spend a week in Singapore, I knew I would love the modern meets historic country, but I didn’t know just how interesting the culture, history, and people here are. To help you see and learn the most in just a short visit, I’ve put together the best 2 day Singapore itinerary, which includes sightseeing, learning, and most importantly, food.
Keep reading for the ultimate two day Singapore itinerary, which maximizes your time in the city to make sure you see the best places and eat the best food.
Published: April 9, 2025
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Here are more guides and tips to help you plan your trip to Singapore:
The Ultimate 2 Day Singapore Itinerary
Singapore is a city with a mix of cultures, amazing food, and impressive modern architecture. This two-day itinerary covers the best of Singapore, including a guided walking tour, the famous Gardens by the Bay light show, and the iconic Merlion light show.
Day 1: Historic Singapore & Gardens by the Bay
Morning
Start your first day in Singapore with a guided walking tour to learn about Singapore’s history, culture, and landmarks. A walking tour is the best way to explore the city center and understand its past and present.
After the tour, head to Maxwell Food Centre for lunch. This hawker center is famous for local dishes like chicken rice, laksa, and carrot cake (fried radish cake). If you want the popular Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, expect to wait in line (even though it’s well worth it!)
Afternoon
Spend your afternoon exploring Chinatown and visiting the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a striking temple with a sacred relic believed to be the Buddha’s tooth, and one of my favorite temples in all of Asia. Walk through the streets to see traditional shophouses, markets, and temples, and buy some fresh fruit for a snack!
Then, visit Marina Bay Sands SkyPark for a panoramic view of the city. From here, you can see Singapore’s skyline, the Singapore Flyer, and the Marina Bay waterfront.
Evening
At night, head to Gardens by the Bay for the Supertree Grove light show, which takes place at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM. This free show features towering tree-like structures that light up to music. Before the show, explore the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest if you have time.
For dinner, you can eat at Satay by the Bay, a food court with great satay skewers and seafood.
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Day 2: Cultural Exploration & Marina Bay Light Show
Morning
Start day 2 of your itinerary in Little India, one of Singapore’s most colorful neighborhoods. Walk through the bustling streets, visit Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, and check out Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour shopping mall selling everything from souvenirs to electronics.
Have breakfast or lunch at a local Indian restaurant. A great option is Komala Vilas, which serves authentic South Indian vegetarian food, or Tekka Centre, a hawker center with delicious biryani, dosa, and roti prata.
Afternoon
After lunch, visit Kampong Glam, home to Haji Lane (a narrow street filled with colorful murals, boutiques, and cafes) and Sultan Mosque, one of Singapore’s most important mosques.
Then, head to Clarke Quay, a riverside area with restaurants, bars, and shopping. If you want a relaxing activity before dinner, take a Singapore River Cruise to see the city from the water.
Evening
For your last night in Singapore, go to Merlion Park to see the famous Spectra light and water show, which happens at 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM. This stunning display of lasers, water fountains, and music takes place at Marina Bay Sands and can be viewed from across the water.
For dinner, you can eat at a riverside restaurant at Clarke Quay or Boat Quay before heading back to your hotel to end your time in Singapore.
Tours to Book in Singapore
Booking a tour in Singapore is a great way to maximize your time there and see the top sites. Plus, there are a huge variety of tours, so everyone can find something that interests them!
Here are the top tours in Singapore:
Tips For Singapore
Here are some tips for making the most of 2 days in Singapore:
- Use public transportation – Singapore’s MRT system is fast, clean, and affordable. Get an EZ-Link card or Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides, or just tap your credit card to pay per ride.
- Walk as much as possible – Many attractions are close together, and walking lets you see more of the city.
- Book your guided tours in advance – Walking tours, food tours, and cooking classes can fill up quickly, so reserve ahead.
- Arrive early at popular spots – Places like Gardens by the Bay, Merlion Park, and Maxwell Hawker Centre get busy. Visiting early or outside of peak meal hours helps avoid crowds.
- Cash isn’t always needed – Unlike many Southeast Asian countries, Singapore is very card-friendly, but hawker centers and smaller shops may still prefer cash.
- Try hawker center food – Singapore’s hawker stalls serve some of the best (and cheapest) food. Don’t miss chicken rice, laksa, and blue chili crab at places like Maxwell Food Centre and Little India.
- Stay hydrated – Singapore can be hot and humid, so carry a reusable water bottle.
- Respect local rules – No eating or drinking on the MRT, and chewing gum is not sold anywhere. Fines are strict, so follow the rules.
- Visit the Merlion and Marina Bay Sands area at night – The light and water show at Marina Bay is a must-see and happens nightly at 8 PM and 9 PM.
Where to Stay in Singapore
To make the most of your time in Singapore, you want to stay somewhere with good reviews in a good location. Check out these great hotels and home rentals at the best prices: