Experiencing 24 hours in Singapore is both exciting and overwhelming. With its rich cultural mix and attractions, this city-state promises a memorable day. Stroll through the bustling Little India or unwind at the Singapore Botanic Gardens—every moment is a discovery. This 24 hours in Singapore, the ultimate layover itinerary will take you from the airport, through the city, and back.
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Starting point: Singapore’s Changi Airport
Stepping into Singapore Changi Airport is like entering a new dimension where efficiency and luxury unite. Recognized globally as one of the best airports, it sets the tone for the 24 hours you’ll spend in Singapore. As you land, the sleek architecture invites you into the heart of Southeast Asia’s garden city.
Prepare with the Singapore Arrival Card: Before embarking on your Singapore adventure, ensure you have completed the Singapore Arrival Card. This digital card streamlines the immigration process, and you’ll want to fill it out no less than three days before your arrival, quite like a fast pass in a theme park line. It’s designed to replace the traditional disembarkation/embarkation card and provides the immigration authorities with all the necessary details. Remember, a swift and seamless entry means more time to explore Merlion Park and savour dim sum at Lau Pa Sat.
Convenient Luggage Storage: Traveling light is easy with luggage storage options at Changi Airport. These facilities let you securely leave your bags for a small fee, so you can freely enjoy your day without luggage.
Getting Downtown from Changi Airport: After breezing through immigration, head into the heart of Singapore. The following options make getting around easy, so you can focus on enjoying Singapore’s best attractions:
- MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): The fastest way downtown, connecting you to the heart of Singapore at a reasonable price.
- Taxis: Head to the ground-level taxi line for door-to-door service, where taxis wait to whisk you away efficiently. It’s a great deal for those travelling in groups or with extra luggage.
- Southeast Asia’s Uber alternative: Book a Grab from your mobile device and relish the freedom of a personalized ride straight to your next stop.
Navigating Singapore’s transport system
Getting around Singapore efficiently is key to enjoying your 24-hour adventure. Whether you’re dashing between the trendy boutiques on Orchard Road or savouring street food at a nearby hawker centre, Singapore offers many transportation options to fit your itinerary and style.
MRT: The City’s Backbone: The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is your best bet for whisking around Singapore quickly and affordably. Picture it as the city’s lifeline, with six distinct coloured lines connecting key destinations like the cultural hub of Little India and the futuristic Marina Bay Sands Hotel. With signs in English and other official languages like Chinese, Malay, and Tamil, navigating is a breeze. MRT accommodates contactless payment, Grab an EZ-Link Card or use SimplyGo with your credit card for seamless entry and exit. It’s like having a magic ticket to the entire city. You can also opt for the Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited rides, which is a great deal if you plan multiple short hops around the city.
Go local with buses: Riding a bus in Singapore is like opening a window into daily life in one of the most diverse cities in Southeast Asia. You’ll journey through various parts of Singapore, from bustling financial districts to serene residential areas. Each bus stop has a unique ID, making route navigation straightforward. With fares based on distance local busses are easy on the wallet, especially when exploring off the beaten path.
Find comfort and convenience with taxis and ride-sharing: Sometimes, you want a direct ride, especially when you have little time to spare. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Grab make this possible. With just a tap on your phone, Grab lets you bypass long lines and head straight to attractions like the famous Sri Mariamman Temple or the trendy bars in Kampong Glam. If you’d rather take a cab, in the Central Business District (CBD), taxis are best hailed from designated stands, ensuring smooth and fair travel.
See more walking: Singapore is known for its walkable cityscape. The city features wide sidewalks, well-maintained pathways, and an efficient network of pedestrian crossings. Lush greenery lines the streets, providing shade and a pleasant environment for walkers. Key attractions, such as Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands, are easily accessible on foot. Public transportation hubs are strategically placed, further enhancing walkability. Singapore’s dedication to urban planning ensures a safe and enjoyable walking experience.
Morning exploration
Start your day in Singapore with the local flavours and sights that define this incredible city.
Breakfast at Kaya Toast: Kickstart your day with a Singaporean classic—kaya toast. It’s more than just breakfast; it’s a beloved ritual. Head over to Ya Kun Kaya Toast, a staple in the local breakfast scene. Imagine biting into perfectly crispy slices of bread slathered with kaya, a delightful coconut and egg jam, paired with rich, creamy butter. It’s comfort food that delivers nostalgia in every bite. At Ya Kun, the typical set comes with soft-boiled eggs, subtly seasoned with soy sauce and pepper, and a strong local coffee known as kopi. The affordable, quick service makes it a top pick for starting your exploration—just perfect before you wander through the streets of Chinatown.
Explore Chinatown: This neighbourhood is where past and present meet seamlessly, offering a mix of architectural beauty, bustling markets, and spiritual tranquillity. As you stroll through, you’ll encounter the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a testament to Chinese cultural heritage, alongside the iconic Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore.
Find a myriad of shophouses along Pagoda Street and Ann Siang Hill, where colonial-era architecture gets a modern twist with chic boutiques and cosy cafes. For a taste of local life, meander through the Chinatown Street Market. Here, you’ll find everything from quirky souvenirs to tantalizing street food—each stall has a new flavour waiting to be discovered. Pause at hawker centres like Maxwell Food Centre for authentic local dishes that won’t break the bank. Here, you can grab a plate of Hainanese chicken rice or fish head curry, accompanied by a refreshing sugarcane juice.
Your Chinatown adventure isn’t complete without checking out the Chinatown Heritage Centre. As you wander through its exhibits, you’ll gain a profound appreciation for the lives of early Chinese immigrants, capturing a personal slice of Singapore’s storied past. Whether delving into a basket of dim sum or soaking in cultural stories, Chinatown is an essential stop on your 24-hour Singapore itinerary.
Dining at Lau Pa Sat or Maxwell Street Food Centre
Here’s a quick list of some standout stalls you shouldn’t miss:
- Tian Tian Chicken Rice (Stall 10 at Maxwell): Renowned globally, this dish offers succulent chicken paired with fragrant rice.
- Thunder Tea Rice (Lau Pa Sat): A healthy option with herbal flavours and textures.
- Sisaket Thai Food (Maxwell): Dive into their spicy Thai basil chicken for a fiery feast.
- Ah Tai Chicken Rice (Maxwell): Known for its soft poached chicken and aromatic rice.
- Rojak and Popiah (Maxwell): Enjoy traditional Singaporean flavours with these local delights.
- Satay Street (Lau Pa Sat): Enjoy these skewers of joy amidst lively sounds and lights after the sun sets.
Afternoon attractions
With only 24 hours in Singapore, make the most of your afternoon by visiting some of the city’s most iconic spots. As the day progresses, these destinations promise a mix of culture, nature, shopping, and stunning views.
Marina Bay Sands: Walk the SkyPark for panoramic views and shop at The Shoppes. Visit the ArtScience Museum for a blend of art and tech. If you’re a guest, don’t miss the infinity pool on the 57th floor.
Gardens by the Bay: A short walk from Marina Bay Sands leads you to the enchanting Gardens by the Bay. These gardens are a horticultural masterpiece and a testament to Singapore’s commitment to melding nature with urban life. Begin at the Supertree Grove, where towering vertical gardens illuminate the night sky in a dazzling light show that will captivate. For those interested in diverse plant life, optional Cloud Forest and Flower Dome stops offer a unique insight into different climates and ecosystems worldwide. The Cloud Forest’s indoor waterfall is awe-inspiring, standing as the world’s tallest. Don’t skip the OCBC skywalk, where you are up close to the Garden’s remarkable grove.
Little India: Next, immerse yourself in the culture of Little India. This neighbourhood is a tapestry of colours, sounds, and scents, offering a slice of Indian heritage in Singapore. As you stroll along Serangoon Road, you’ll find an array of eateries serving authentic Indian cuisine, bustling markets like the Tekka Centre, and the famous Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. Don’t miss out on Mustafa Centre, which is open 24/7 and provides everything from electronics to exotic spices. Whether you pick up a garland of fresh flowers or indulge in traditional Indian sweets, Little India is a sensory delight.
Orchard Road: End your afternoon with a stroll down Orchard Road, a haven for shopping and dining. With luxury brands and local designers, it’s a shopper’s paradise.
Evening entertainment
As night falls, Singapore comes to life in a whole new way. Here are a few ideas for how to spend your evening.
Cocktails at Raffles Hotel: Start your evening with a sip of history at the legendary Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar, where the famous Singapore Sling was born. Ordering this iconic cocktail is tasting the country’s rich heritage, making it an essential experience for any traveller. The Long Bar retains its old-world charm with earthy tones and traditional decor, giving you a glimpse into Singapore’s colonial past while you enjoy your drink.
River Cruise and Clarke Quay: Continue your evening with a scenic cruise along the Singapore River. This gentle boat ride gives panoramic views of the city’s notable landmarks, such as Marina Bay Sands and the historic Fullerton Hotel. As you drift under beautifully lit bridges, the skyline reveals a mix of modern skyscrapers with heritage buildings. Disembark at Clarke Quay, a lively promenade abuzz with energy. Here, bars and restaurants line the waterfront, offering a range of options from laid-back lounges to nightclubs.
Dinner at Jumbo Seafood Clarke Quay: Enjoy dinner at Jumbo Seafood in Clarke Quay with a famous chilli crab feast set against the scenic riverside.
Garden Rhapsody Light Show: Round off your night at the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, where you can catch the Garden Rhapsody Light Show. These lights and music shows occur twice nightly, at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM. The Supertree structures in Gardens by the Bay come alive with lights that dance in sync with an enchanting soundtrack. From the Merlion Waterfront Promenade, you have a vantage point that offers a full view of the light show against Singapore’s stunning skyline. It’s an excellent conclusion to your evening, ensuring that your short visit leaves a lasting impression of your whirlwind 24 hours in Singapore.
Where to stay in Singapore
Choosing the right place to stay can enhance your Singapore experience.
- The Standard: Newly opened property with gorgeous dining amenities located on Orange Grove Road near UNESCO Botanic Gardens.
- Marina Bay Sands Hotel: For luxury and stunning views, stay in Marina Bay. You’re close to major attractions and business areas.
- The Westin Singapore: The Westin offers modern luxury with stunning skyline views.
- Raffles Singapore: Raffles embodies timeless elegance and rich history.
- The Fullerton Hotel Singapore: The hotel combines colonial charm with a prime waterfront location.
- Pan Pacific: A luxury hotel in the heart of the city with a stunning view of the waterfront.
What to eat & Drink
Eating in Singapore is a journey through a multicultural tapestry that reflects its diverse heritage. From iconic hawker centres to world-renowned restaurants, the city-state offers a smorgasbord of flavours to enjoy. Whether you’re a street food enthusiast or a fine-dining aficionado, Singapore’s culinary scene has something for every palate.
Must-try local dishes
- Hainanese Chicken Rice: A national dish available at many stalls. You’ll find it in countless hawker centres, but places like Tian Tian Chicken Rice in the Maxwell Food Centre are particularly renowned.
- Chilli Crab: A must-try for seafood lovers, chilli crab offers a sweet and savoury explosion of flavours. Served in a tangy tomato-based sauce, this dish is best enjoyed with your hands, making the experience delicious and interactive.
- Laksa: A spicy noodle soup with coconut milk.
- Satay: Experience these delightfully skewered meats glazed with a sweet and spicy peanut sauce. Its street food is in its finest form and is available across various hawker centres.
- Fish Head Curry: Fish head with spices and vegetables.
Iconic beverages
- Kopi and Teh: Singapore’s coffee (kopi ) is a robust brew typically sweetened with condensed milk. Alternatively, try teh, a local tea beverage that is also served sweet and creamy. Visit a local kopitiam, a traditional coffee shop, to savour these drinks alongside a breakfast of kaya toast.
- Singapore Sling: Created at the Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar, this gin-based cocktail is as much a part of Singapore’s heritage as its modern appeal. Sip this iconic drink while soaking in the colonial charm of the surroundings.
Traditional desserts
- Putu Piring: Steamed rice cakes with a sweet syrup filling
- Ice Kachang: Shaved ice with sweet beans, jelly, and syrup.
Hawker Centers: Hawker centres are a melting pot of Singapore’s street food culture. These bustling hubs offer various dishes at reasonable prices, making them a favourite for locals and visitors. Each stall offers a taste of Singapore’s culinary history, capturing the essence of Southeast Asia with its aromatic spices and heartwarming dishes. Whether enjoying fish head curry or grabbing dumplings, hawker centres capture Singapore’s spirited food scene, making your visit a flavorful adventure. They capture the city’s multicultural heart while offering the perfect backdrop for bonding over food, whether you’re a local or a traveller passing by.
- Maxwell Food Centre
- Tekka Food Centre
- Lau Pa Sat
- Chomp Chomp Food Centre
- Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Final thoughts on 24 hours in Singapore
In just 24 hours, Singapore offers a rich blend of sights, sounds, and tastes. Whether it’s a meal at a hawker centre, a stroll through Little India, or the view from Marina Bay Sands, every moment is packed with adventure. If you’re inspired, consider planning another visit to dive deeper into this captivating city. Your next Singapore journey promises even more to see and enjoy. Have more time? Make it a 2-day trip.
Guest author: Becky Bodnum
cultivatetraveling.com | @cultivatetraveling
Becky from Cultivate Traveling is a travel blogger and Inflammatory Breast Cancer (IBC) survivor with a passion for exploring the world. After her diagnosis, she’s embraced taking “someday” bucket list travel dreams into today’s experiences. With many years of travel experience, Becky has explored destinations across the globe, including Asia, while holding a special fondness for places like the Hawaiian Islands, England, and Italy. She creates detailed guides and itineraries based on her real adventures with her husband of 30 years.
