Ultimate 5-Day Singapore Itinerary: Must-Sees & Hidden Gems

We’ll start Day one leisurely, helping you acclimate after a long flight and get acquainted with the city. After breakfast, starting with a visit to the National Museum of Singapore. This easy-going introduction to the country’s history is a great way to begin your adventure.

Afternoon: Explore Orchard Road, Singapore’s premier shopping street known for its bustling retail scene and upscale boutiques, which offers a quintessential shopping experience. Singapore's tropical climate, characterized by hot and humid weather, makes air-conditioned malls a popular retreat for locals. Key shopping destinations include ION Orchard, Paragon, and Ngee Ann City, which offer a range of retail, dining and entertainment options.

Evening: Visit Clark Quay, the lively Riverside district known for its nightlife and exceptional seafood. Savor authentic Singaporean dishes like Chili Crab and Black Pepper Crab at popular eateries such as Jumbo Seafood by the Singapore River. After dinner, take a stroll along the river to see the Merlion, Singapore's iconic landmark with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. You’ll also pass notable hotels like The Fullerton and The Raffles. Don’t miss the light shows along the river—check the schedule to catch these enchanting performances!

Morning and Afternoon: An essential experience in Singapore is dining at a Hawker Center. It is a type of food court found where a variety of affordable, high-quality street food is served. Newton Food Centre, famous for the film Crazy Rich Asians, is an excellent choice for an early lunch. Here, you can taste the authentic local favorites like Laksa noodles, Prawn Mee (prawn noodles), Hainanese Chicken Rice, and Bak Kut Teh (pork ribs cooked in broth). Finish with Kaya butter toast and iced Kopi (coffee) or The (milk tea), both made with condensed and evaporated milk for a sweet, creamy touch.

Spend a delightful afternoon exploring Singapore’s diverse ethnic neighborhoods. Each area offers a unique cultural experience. Little India, with its colorful Hindu heritage, Kampong Glam showcasing Malay-Muslim traditions and Chinatown reflecting the Chinese community. These neighborhoods provide an enriching glimpse into Singapore's harmonious cultural mosaic.

Evening: Prepare for an unforgettable experience at The Night Safari. Open from 7:15pm to midnight, this nocturnal zoo offers a unique opportunity to observe wildlife in their natural nighttime habitat. Enjoy dinner at the Safari’s restaurant, Ulu Ulu. It offers a unique dining experience reminiscent of the kampungs (villages) of old, provides a cool and relaxed ambiance and wonderful food.

Head off to Sentosa Island in the morning, a 10-minute drive from central Singapore. The island is a treasure trove of attractions of your choice:

• Beach Club: Relax at one of Sentosa Island’s beach clubs along its three main beaches: Siloso Beach, which is lively with music and events; Tanjong Beach, which offers a more tranquil experience and Palawan Beach, ideal for families.

• Southernmost Tip of Mainland Asia: Visit this landmark for stunning ocean views.

• Resort World Sentosa: Explore this complex featuring a shopping mall and dining options.

• Universal Studios Singapore: Enjoy a fun-filled day at this famous theme park.

• Sentosa Theme Park: Discover various entertainment and attractions across the island.

Sentosa Island also offers diverse dining options, from food trucks and beachside eateries to upscale restaurants within shopping malls and 5-star hotels.

Morning: Begin your day at Bird Paradise, the largest bird park in Asia, home to over 3,500 birds. This park is a must-visit for animal enthusiasts and families, offering a chance to see a diverse range of avian species in beautifully designed habitats.

Afternoon: Next, explore the grandeur of Marina Bay Sands (MBS), renowned as the world’s most expensive hotel/casino resort to build. The opulence of the MBS complex is truly impressive. Stroll through its luxurious surroundings and, if you're feeling lucky, try your hand at the casino, which is free for foreigners to enter. Spend 2-3 hours taking in this iconic landmark. Head to the ArtScience Museum next door for an immersive experience in art and cutting-edge digital technologies, spending around an hour there. Conclude your afternoon at Gardens by the Bay, famously known as Avatar Park. Spend approximately two hours exploring its futuristic gardens and striking Supertree structures. Be sure to take advantage of the numerous photo opportunities this stunning garden offers!

Evening: For dinner and drinks, MBS offers a variety of dining options ranging from casual food courts to upscale restaurants. There's something to suit every palette. Feeling fancy? Book a table at LAVO, an Italian restaurant located at the top of MBS, known for its exceptional service and gourmet cuisine. Reservations are recommended as it’s a popular spot. To cap off your evening, visit CÉ LA VI for drinks (also on the MBS roof), where you can enjoy panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline. Please note that the infinity pool on the rooftop is exclusively available to Marina Bay Sands hotel guests.

Morning: Check out The Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that offers a lush escape in the city center. Established in 1859 and spanning 82 hectares, it features the National Orchid Garden, themed gardens like the Rainforest and Ginger Garden and scenic walking trails, a true tranquil oasis.

Afternoon and Evening: Plan to arrive at Changi Airport, often hailed as one of the best in the world, 4-6 hours before your flight to fully explore the Jewel of Changi, located between Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. With a 2-hour check-in requirement for international flights, this timing ensures you have ample opportunity to enjoy this stunning landmark. Jewel is more than just an airport shopping mall; it's a sprawling complex with a breathtaking indoor waterfall that cascades from the ceiling. Be mindful that once you pass through immigration and security in your departure terminal, you won't be able to access Jewel without exiting and re-entering through arrivals. This option is only available if you have at least 6 hours before your flight, as airport staff will not allow your exit otherwise.