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Singapore is a spectacular city; a city of sharp and constant contrasts, which perfectly blends old and new. Temples and mosques sit in the shadow of skyscrapers, luxury condos back onto ancient jungles, and wild monkeys roam nature parks and reserves.

There’s no shortage of things to do or places to see in Singapore, and its central location has made it one of the world’s most popular stopovers. It’s one of those places a lot of international flights pass through.

But take our advice: even if Singapore has landed on your itinerary as a layover, stop and spend a couple of days exploring the island. If you think it’s just another boring metropolis, you’ve got another thing coming to you!

How to Spend 48 Hours in Singapore

Getting Around

Singapore isn’t particularly suited to walking, but has a fabulous underground metro (MRT) which is easy to navigate, and covers most of the island. It’s efficient, clean and unbelievably cheap.

We recommend buying a 48 hour Singapore Tourist Card for unlimited travel on bus services and the metro. A 48 hour card is $16 + a $10 rental deposit which you get back when you return your card.

You can buy from selected TransitLink Ticket Offices in most main MRT stations. Taxis and Uber are also cheap and affordable.

Day 1

Morning: ChinaTown

Start your day with breakfast in Chinatown in an authentic Singaporean hawker center (a food court serving good local food at reasonable prices).

The Chinatown Complex Food Center on Smith Street is a cafeteria serving up all kinds of Asian (and Indian!) delicacies. It’s the largest hawker centre in Singapore with over 260 food stalls.

You’re in the center of Chinatown, so can spend the morning exploring. Attractions in Chinatown include the City Gallery, which provides a fantastic insight into the island’s past and houses an impressive 1:400 model of central Singapore in the final room.

Along South Bridge Road is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, with rich displays of religious artefacts across six floors, and has a tranquil rooftop garden, and the Sri Mariamman Temple, the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore.

As you make your way through the streets you can browse through little market stalls selling clothes, trinkets and souvenirs.

Afternoon: Harbor & Gardens by the Bay

After you’ve finished exploring Chinatown, walk over to Collyer Quay and stroll along the waterfront. Waiting for you are fantastic views of the harbour, including boats, waterfront bars and restaurants, Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum and the Merlion.

This is a great spot to get some iconic photos of Singapore (especially at sunrise if you’re an early riser). You can grab lunch at the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, or head up to the roof to take in the great view from the Skypark Observation Deck while enjoying a cocktail.

Within walking distance are the iconic Gardens by the Bay; a massive nature park famous for its grove of enormous supertrees, as well as the Flower Dome – the world’s largest glass greenhouse, with an impressive collection of the world’s flora.

Pro Tip: The weather in Singapore is warm and humid all year round. You should plan to change clothes a couple of times per day if you’re participating in active activities.

Evening: Back to Gardens by the Bay

You’re heading back to Gardens by the Bay in the evening to catch the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show.

The show is free and runs at 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. daily, and while you may think you’re retracing your steps, it’s an absolutely magnificent and dazzling sight to see the gardens glow at night.

The sun sets around 7pm in Singapore, so after you’re finished for the afternoon, you can either hang around the harbor until the early show, or head back to your hotel for an afternoon nap and then go back.

If you’re a fan of shopping, you can jump over to Singapore’s shopping mecca, Orchard Road to keep you busy in-between. And pick up a dim sum dinner at Tim Ho Wan, a Hong Kong export that’s wildly popular with food enthusiasts (the Plaza Singapura at 68 Orchard Rd).

Or, walk back to Chinatown to the Sri Mariamman Temple on South Bridge Road. Captivating Hindu ceremonies take place nightly at the temple and it’s free to enter aside from a small camera fee. Leave your shoes at the door. There are plenty of dining options here too.

Day 2

Morning: Little India & Arab Street

Start your day in Little India, an buzzing ethnic neighborhood that shows off the best of Singapore’s Indian community from vibrant culture to incredible shopping.

The main street is Serangoon Road, but the best buildings, stores and photo opportunities are on the narrow streets which jut off from the main. There are many restaurants where you can enjoy breakfast, and Indian music blasts through almost every street.

There are a mix of Hindu and Chinese temples, mosques and churches, though be sure to visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. This is the prettiest temple in Singapore, with hundreds of tiny statues depicting frescoes from the legends of the Goddess Kali.

From here walk to Arab street, the historic Muslim quarter where the golden dome of the iconic Sultan Mosque stands out amongst the area’s colourful shophouse streets.

Explore Arab Street, Bussorah Street, Haji and Bali Lanes and Muscat Street for Arab restaurants and boutiques selling brightly colored fabrics and textiles, Persian carpets, leather, perfumes, and jewellery.

Spend time inside the Masjid Sultan Mosque. With a history that reaches back 200 years, it welcomes people of all faiths who come to see the intricate design and architecture.

Afternoon: MacRitchie Reservoir Park

For an afternoon of adventure, head to MacRitchie Reservoir Park. The highlight here is an 11km nature trail which winds through the tropical rainforest and may see you bump into wild long-tailed macaques, squirrels and huge monitor lizards.

It takes three to four hours to complete the main circuit, which includes a treetop walk where you can traverse a 250m-long suspension bridge, perched 25m up in the forest canopy.

A gateway to Singapore’s nature reserves, this is a popular spot for nature lovers and exercise enthusiasts. With hiking trails, a newly improved pontoon for kayakers and an upgraded canoe shed, it is also a great place for recreational activities, both on land and in water.

It is located along Lornie Road. The nearest MRT is Caldecott MRT (CC17), followed by a 25 minute walk, or bus 157 will drop you off at the service center.

Where to Stay

Singapore is a sprawling city, but with the ease of transport on the MRT it really doesn’t matter which neighborhood you choose to stay.

Most travelers tend to opt for the central areas towards the south of the island, like Marina Bay, Clarke Quay, Civic District and the ethnic neighborhoods of Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam. Each has its own unique vibe.

We personally stayed at Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel. Arising from Orchard Road like a beacon, this is one of the best located hotels in Singapore, offering luxury accommodation, with the vibrant and bustling metropolis of Singapore at your feet.

At the base of the hotel lies the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), which connects you to the rest of the city with extreme ease.

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Check out these things to do in Singapore – this 48 hour itinerary is Singapore travel and Singapore photography at it’s best!

Check out these things to do in Singapore – this 48 hour itinerary is Singapore travel and Singapore photography at it’s best!

Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Her husband Mike is the American naturalist and wildlife photographer behind Waking Up Wild; an online magazine dedicated to opening your eyes to the wonders of the wild & natural world.

Having visited 50+ countries across all seven continents, Megan’s travels focus on cultural immersion, authentic discovery and incredible journeys. She has a strong passion for ecotourism, and aims to promote responsible travel experiences.