Are you planning to visit the Lion City but only have one day to spare?
Here’s how to spend one day in Singapore with a detailed itinerary of things to do. Discover the beauty of its vivid culture, delectable cuisines, and scenic views all within 24 hours.
Get ready for a fun-filled journey through a curated list of futuristic attractions, unique art spots, and vibrant art spots. Ready to make the most of your day in Singapore? Let’s bring it on! 🙂
1 Day in Singapore Itinerary: Expenses Breakdown
Spending a day in Singapore costs around S$92, covering major attractions like Gardens by the Bay, where you need to buy admission tickets.
You’ll need an MRT card (SimplyGo EZ-Link Card), which costs S$10; S$5 for the card itself and another S$5 for the initial transport top-up.
The table shows transport as free because you can use the S$5 initial top-up for MRT rides.
Note: I didn’t add transport costs to and from your starting and ending points. Add those costs to my estimate if you’re following my suggested route.
You can buy an MRT card at any MRT station. Here’s where to get the card.
10:00 AM: Chinatown Street Market
Kick off your day at the Chinatown Street Market. This is the perfect way to experience the vibrant atmosphere of Singapore.
Stroll along the busy streets and discover the colorful stalls with unique finds. From traditional crafts to souvenir items and local snacks, there’s so much to enjoy in this cultural spot.
Along the way, catch a glimpse of the heritage shophouses. Snap some photos of these historic facades that work as a beautiful backdrop.
10:50 AM: Mural on Mohamed Ali Lane
Continue with your cultural quest with a trip to the Mural on Mohamed Ali Lane. See this stunning painting that showcases Singapore’s vibrant past.
If you look closely, one of the scenes depicts a craftsman creating a lion dance head. The other designs give life to the country’s older way of living, from selling toys to hanging sundry.
Each photo uniquely portrays the traditional market scene. So, don’t miss these vibrant murals during your visit.
11:00 AM: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Next on your list is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. This cultural landmark is set within the vibrant Chinatown. You can enter the shrine and marvel at its architectural beauty for free.
Once you step into the temple, you’ll be amazed by the glittering adornments inside. Observe how the spectacular embellishments add charm to the temple.
As you navigate around, look at the historical pieces, including the Buddha’s canine tooth. There are also several golden statues that are widely honored by the locals.
12:00 PM: Maxwell Food Centre (Lunch)
For your lunch, make your way to Maxwell Food Centre. This is a top-rated spot for an authentic hawker experience. Explore the wide variety of tasty, budget-friendly meals to satisfy your cravings.
If you want to try a genuine Singaporean dish, order the Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice. This ever-flavorful meal is highly recommended, especially if you love tender, flavorful chicken with spicy sauce.
Along with Singaporean dishes, discover different cuisines, from Indian to Malay and Chinese. There are also several beverage stalls around, selling sugar cane juice and other refreshing drinks.
1:00 PM: Haji Lane
After your delectable lunch, head to Haji Lane for some vibrant art scenes and a lively cultural atmosphere.
Ready yourself for a bustling alley filled with all sorts of vivid charms, from colorful murals to artsy stalls.
Take a stroll along the street and take snapshots of Singapore’s rich heritage. During your exploration, you can unwind at one of the cozy cafes.
1:50 PM: Bussorah Street and Sultan Mosque
Get on with the adventure as you navigate Bussorah Street. Explore the stalls around that add to the country’s vibrant culture.
And from afar you’ll see some golden domes, which are part of the majestic Sultan Mosque. Drop by this pivotal cultural spot among the Muslim community and be enthralled by its architectural design.
Don’t forget to take some photos of this iconic attraction for a memento of your visit. Whatever the religion, you’ll surely appreciate the beauty of this shrine.
2:30 PM: Gardens by the Bay
At 2:30 PM, it’s time to hit the Gardens by the Bay for a peaceful, refreshing escape.
Get fascinated by the diverse flora inside this expansive garden. Along with the breathtaking nature scenes, the futuristic structures are bound to make your trip exceptional.
a. Flower Dome
Step into a conservatory that features different exotic plants that grow in a cool-dry climate. As the largest glass greenhouse in the entire world, you can’t expect anything less from this place.
Walk around and see all kinds of beautiful floral species from all over the world. There are also various succulents on display.
b. Cloud Forest
Carry on with the escapade and enter the misty paradise of Cloud Forest.
The giant, indoor waterfall is one of the initial attractions to welcome you here. Pose in front of this man-made beauty and revel in the lofty structure that features a world of rare flowers and plants.
After seeing the waterfall, brave the towering skywalks and see the lush scenery below. For sure, you’ll have some fun moments while exploring the area.
c. Floral Fantasy
Embark on a floral journey inside the Floral Fantasy. Wonder in the beauty of the colorful blooms all over the place, from the ceiling to the walls and on the ground.
The variety of sizes, shapes, and patterns of these flowers make this attraction even more unforgettable. Relax your senses while learning more about various floral species.
d. Supertree Grove
Choose your spot along the expansive gardens to see the Supertree Grove. A total of 18 Supertrees stand within the spacious, scenic expanse.
Gaze at the soaring structures that serve as the habitat of plants. From afar, these Supertrees are like a scene from a futuristic movie.
e. OCBC Skyway
Do you ever wonder what it feels like to see the Supertrees at a close distance? Walk on the OCBC Skyway and enjoy a remarkable trip to these futuristic trees.
Take your time to relish this experience and see other iconic landmarks up in the air.
Here, you can have a breathtaking view of the Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer. From above, you’ll also see the lush, expansive gardens.
Tip: Buy your tickets online to skip the long lines. You can get into Gardens by the Bay quickly with a QR code on your phone.
7:45 PM: Garden Rhapsody
Complete your Gardens by the Bay exploration by watching the Garden Rhapsody. During the show, the Supertrees illuminate to offer a spectacular dance of lights and sounds.
Be thrilled by this amazing spectacle that runs every day for 10 to 15 minutes.
And don’t worry because this orchestrated performance is free of charge. So, make the most out of your visit to see this one-of-a-kind show!
8:30 PM: Lau Pa Sat (Dinner)
Cap off your Singapore adventure at Lau Pa Sat. You can find the famous food spot within the central business district. Marvel at the wide display of noodles, rice meals, and desserts.
Of course, you can’t miss the ever-tasty satay skewers. Walk your way to Satay Street, which is just across Lau Pa Sat. Each stick is normally priced around S$0.80, so definitely a cheap yet delectable treat.
Apart from its mouthwatering food choices, the structure’s colonial architecture is another charm. So, spend your last hour in Singapore in this cultural food space.
Singapore One Day Exploration Map
Luggage Storage at Changi Airport
To explore the attractions comfortably, you can actually store your luggage during your arrival at Changi Airport.
Avail of the baggage storage services offered by Smarte Carte and find the most suitable option for your needs.
Here’s a quick glance at their rates:
- Loose items: S$6.00 (items like hats or umbrellas)
- Small items (below 10kg): S$11.00
- Big/Odd items (above 10kg): S$16.00
- Extra large-sized items: S$19.00
Prices are for a 24-hour period and inclusive of GST.
There you have it, a full day in Singapore packed with culture, food, and unforgettable sights. Enjoy every moment!
