1 Week in Singapore Itinerary

By Adam Fraiel
Singapore food market

Spending a week in Singapore for your vacation but worried about missing any of the city’s highlights? Never fear; we’re here to do all the work for you. Relax and read on as we outline a perfect week in Singapore!

Day 1 - Getting acquainted with Singapore

You’ve just arrived in Singapore, checked into your hotel room, and unpacked your bags before stepping out to explore the city. As you start your first day here, you’ll face an endless number of choices; our advice is to spend the first day getting to know the city.

The Big Bus Singapore is the best way to get a feel for the place. With unlimited access to 2 routes around the city, covering most key attractions and landmarks, hop on and off as much as you want.

By the end of the day, you’ll have a clearer idea of where all the hotspots are, plus the attractions you wish to explore further.

Day 2 - Spend the day on Sentosa Island

Sentosa is a resort island in Singapore with attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and Adventure Cove Waterpark, plus some of the finest beaches in the country. It’s been attracting holidaymakers for over 50 years and continues to grow from strength to strength.

The best way to get there is with the Cable Car Sky Pass, riding from Faber Peak across to Sentosa, taking in the incredible panoramic views along the way.

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Sentosa Island Bus Tour

Learn all about the history of the island while discovering all the best natural spots around.

With a local tour guide to point out all the best attractions, plus facts, tips and advice for getting the most from your trip, the Sentosa Island Bus Tour is an excellent introduction to Sentosa Island.

Universal Studios Singapore

Universal Studios Singapore is the first movie theme park in Asia and features seven themed zones: Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away, and Madagascar.

With white knuckle rides for the adrenaline junkies, family-friendly rides for the little ones, plus shows and restaurants to keep you topped up in between, Universal Studios Singapore is a must-visit attraction in your weeklong itinerary.

Adventure Cove Waterpark

Wild water slides, surfing some waves, or snorkeling with tropical fish. This is an attraction you won’t want to miss.

Thrill seekers, nature lovers, and happy families can all find some fun at Adventure Cove Waterpark. Get your heart beating with some crazy rides, before drifting down the river in an inflatable tube, and then get up close and personal with stingrays, coral reefs, and thousands of colorful exotic fish.

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Wings of Time

A spectacular light show set over the water, using state-of-the-art technology fused with an outstanding soundscape to tell an award-winning tale of friendship and adventure.

After a day of fun and adventure, the Wings of Time light show is the perfect end to your day on Sentosa.

Day 3 - Experience the natural beauty of Singapore

Singapore is an incredibly biodiverse country, with hundreds of species of flora and fauna, and over 300 species of birds. While there are also high-end hotels, luxury shopping, and world-class resorts aplenty, you’re never far from nature in Singapore.

Singapore Botanic Gardens, one of the world’s largest urban parks and one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Singapore - the Gardens are the perfect peaceful location to enjoy a stroll through nature.

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With its lush greenery and mesmerizing nature, Gardens by the Bay is one of the world’s most visited gardens, featuring the tallest indoor waterfall and largest greenhouse. A climate-controlled mountain mist system cools the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, making it a welcome escape from the hot Singapore days. The gardens are free to explore, and there’s a superb free light show in the evening.

Singapore Zoo is an enchanting place for all the family! Enjoy an unforgettable experience as you discover the wonders of the animal kingdom up close. See the wildlife in their natural habitat, with over 4000 animals. Get up close and personal with white tigers, tapirs, flying foxes, and more as you learn about the ongoing conservation work.

Day 4 - Sample traditional Singaporean food and drink

This day is all about food! Traditional Singaporean food is delicious and flavorful, and it’s a refreshing change from Western food.

Singaporean breakfasts usually begin with kaya, a custard of coconut milk, eggs, sugar, and pandan leaf, which gives the jam a sweet, grassy aroma. Obviously, that’s accompanied by a delicious cup of calming tea.

After that, try some roti prata, a dish made of flattened dough that is then grilled over a flame and served with cheese, egg, chili, or a spicy curry sauce. It’s best eaten with your hands, so don’t be afraid to get messy!

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Lunch is the national dish, Laksa. This is a spicy noodle soup made with coconut milk and flavored with prawns and cockles. It’s usually served with Otah (spicy fishcake).

For dinner, try Nasi Lemak, rice cooked in coconut milk, served with fried anchovies, meat, peanuts, or soft-boiled egg. Perfect comfort food any time of day, but especially so in the evening after a day of exploring.

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Regarding drink, in Singapore, you must indulge in a tea-drinking experience. Sitting cross-legged at a low wooden table, you’ll learn the rituals and traditions surrounding the humble leaf - how to hold the cup, how many sips to take, and how to fully immerse yourself in the experience.

Day 5 - Singapore is a shopaholic’s paradise

Singapore is an irresistible shopping destination with a large variety of retail outlets, shopping centers, and markets offering the latest and the best in international brands. Singapore’s shopping scene has grown over the years to become one of the best in the world, offering stunning luxury items in deluxe boutiques down to quirky little gifts in the street markets.

Bugis Street is where you can find Singapore’s budget-friendly products. Also known as “Electronics Street”, Bugis Street features hundreds of shops selling a variety of electronic items at prices that local shoppers find hard to resist. Head here if you are looking for cheap imported products, such as toys, mobile phones, and cameras.

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Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is a world-class destination, bringing a cosmopolitan vibe to the Singapore tourism landscape, offering international luxury fashion brands. The building itself is a feast for the eyes, with gondolas floating down internal rivers and waterfalls cascading from the rooftops.

Chinatown is full of trendy bars, delicious restaurants, historic temples, and street markets selling all manner of goods. Head here for a unique shopping experience, where you can eat, shop, drink and dance all in one neighborhood.

Day 6 - Spend the day exploring Singapore’s many beaches

Singapore has stunning beaches with beautiful stretches of sand lined with palm trees and sunbeds. Some may be artificial, having the sand shipped in from other countries, but that doesn’t take away from the beauty. Here are a few of our favorites:

Tanjong Beach - A nice calm beach to enjoy a gentle swim or just soak in the rays. Head there during the week to appreciate the quieter times, as it fills up fast during the weekends.

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Palawan Beach - More lively than Tanjong as it’s more picturesque, offering plenty of insta-worthy shots. Beautiful clear, calm waters, with the option to swim out to a nearby island should you fancy a little exercise.

Siloso Beach - The third of the Sentosa beaches, and by far the most lively. Stand-up paddle boarding, jet skis, and beach sports are all on offer. If you want action and adventure, Siloso’s the beach for you.

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Lazarus Island - With no development, this beach is strictly for those wanting peace, quiet, and stunning surroundings. During weekdays, it’s sometimes possible to have this tropical paradise beach all to yourself.

Day 7 - Tick off any other last-minute activities

If you’ve followed along so far, you’ll be a little exhausted, but very much in love with Singapore. A week is a great time to experience the magic of Singapore, but there’s always something else to see and do.

If you’ve got the energy, tick off a few last-minute attractions to ensure you go home with zero regrets.

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Madame Tussauds Singapore - As if your camera roll wasn’t full enough, make those back home green with envy as you pose for selfies with Taylor Swift, Priyanka Chopra, and Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson!

Go on a Puzzle Hunt in Chinatown - Explore the neighborhood while solving brain-twisting clues, as you compete to win a unique collectible prize! Gain a deeper understanding of Singapore’s Chinatown as you test your wits and mental fortitude.

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Take a Night Safari - You’ve probably been to a hundred zoos, but do you know what the animals get up to after hours? See lions, leopards, tapirs, hippos, tigers, hyenas, otters, bears, and much more. You won’t want to sleep on this opportunity!

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Adam Fraiel
Go City Travel Expert

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Best boat tours in Singapore

Set on the banks of the historic Singapore River, Singapore has a deep connection to water and it’s the lifeblood of this Asian metropolis. Hopping on a boat ride and exploring the ancient river and its islands is an incredible way to see the city from a unique perspective. We hit the water and came up with a list of the best boat tours in Singapore. From classic bumboat tours of the city to exploring the northeastern islands of the city-state, you’ll find an array of fantastic boat tours that cater to every desire. Here are our top picks for boat tours in Singapore. Grab your camera and let’s hit the water! Singapore River Cruise Highlights See the city from a unique perspective Experience life on the Singapore River both day and night Discover the city’s extraordinary mix of heritage and modernity Spot famous landmarks like the Merlion, Raffles, and the Esplanade Experience Singapore’s most famous landmarks and historic monuments on a Singapore River Cruise. One of the best boat tours in the city, this fantastic tour takes you past all the top spots in the city. Hop on a traditional bumboat at Clarke Quay Counter, the very place where Sir Stamford Raffles first stepped foot onto Singapore. Marvel at the enchanting mix of rich heritage and modern architecture. Ancient shophouses along the riverbanks have been beautifully restored to house stylish restaurants and bars and shimmering skyscrapers stand sentry over the city. Glide beneath the grand bridges of Singapore such as the Anderson, Cavenagh, and Clemenceau Bridges, and learn their fascinating stories from your guide. You’ll also get to visit various historical landmarks along the Singapore River that played a central role in the development of the city. Pass the emblematic Merlion statue at Marina Bay and keep an eye out for the Raffles' landing at the historic Boat Quay. Admire the breathtaking modern architecture of the Esplanade performing arts center. Designed to look like a durian (tropical fruit), the striking buildings have aluminum cladding that reflects the sun to create a spectacular shimmering effect. Have your camera ready to catch it at the perfect angle. Singapore River Cruises are offered during the day and at night. Don’t forget to use your pass to get onto one of these incredible tours and soak up the essence of Singapore. Singapore DUCK Tour Highlights Explore Singapore on land and sea by amphibious vehicle Make a splashy entrance into the sea at Marina Bay Another fantastic way to explore the city from the water is on a Singapore DUCK Tour. These tours are conducted on remodeled amphibious vehicles from the Second World War Vietnam and promise an unforgettable experience. Use your pass to enjoy this one-of-a-kind Singapore experience. Hop on board at Suntec Shopping Mall and drive to Marina Bay where you’ll splash into the water for the water-based part of the tour. Take in spectacular views of Singapore’s famous landmarks like the Esplanade Theater, Gardens by the Bay, and the awe-inspiring Marina Bay Sands. Keep your camera on hand to snap a shot of the official mascot of Singapore - the Merlion. Trundle back onto land and drive into the Civic District, passing the giant Singapore Flyer Ferris wheel. Explore the rich history of the city with visits to the Old Supreme Court, where the British surrendered to the imperial Japanese army during the Second World War. Pay tribute to those who gave their lives during the Japanese occupation as you pass the War Memorial Park. Take a final spin around the world’s largest water fountain, the Fountain of Wealth before ending your tour back at Suntec City. Sunset Sail - Dinner Cruise Highlights Cruise in luxury on the Royal Albatross tall ship Discover the magic of old Singapore Take in the spectacular sunset from the water Enjoy a gourmet three-course dinner while cruising Treat yourself to something special with a luxury dinner cruise on the Royal Albatross. Board the four-mast, 22-sail tall ship at the Sentosa Gateway and cruise past the Palawan Beach Walk on Sentosa Island as you sip aperitifs. Watch the sun dip below the horizon as you sail past the beautiful southern islands of St Johns and Lazarus. Sit down to a gourmet three-course dinner of globally-inspired cuisine. Marvel at the spectacular views of the city by night as you sail back to Sentosa. Kelong and Pulau Ubin Guided Boat Tour Highlights Escape the city and explore the northeastern shores of Singapore See mangrove swamps, uninhabited islands, and loads of nature Experience life on a floating fish farm Discover the island of Pulau Ubin Escape the concrete jungle and enjoy a three-hour sojourn to the northeastern banks of Singapore. Hop on a catamaran at the SAF Yacht Club and head out to sea with an experienced guide at the helm. As you make your way towards Pulau Ubin, keep an eye out for fishermen earning their living and floating kelong villages. Learn about life on a kelong, a wooden platform built by fishermen primarily for fishing or fish farming, and the struggles of sustainable fishing and fish farming. Larger structures are also used by fisherman and their families as dwellings. Only a handful of these ancient structures remain due to rapid urbanization. Cruise along the shores of Pulau Ubin, the only inhabited island out of Singapore’s 63 islands, and home to traditional kampongs (villages) and disused granite quarries. Pass the lush mangrove swamps of the Chek Jawa Wetlands and watch out for bulbuls and kingfishers. End your trip with a visit to a kelong with a floating restaurant and enjoy a delicious meal as you experience life on a floating fish farm. Southern Islands Tour Highlights Explores Singapore’s lesser-known southern islands Learn interesting history and facts about the islands from an experienced onboard guide Enjoy a picnic on Lazarus Beach Hop on a private boat charter for a curated tour of Singapore’s lesser-known islands. Explore five beautiful islands, including Kusu Island, Lazarus Island, St John's Island, Sisters’ Islands, and Seringat Island. As you cruise around the uninhabited islands, a professional guide will share the rich historical and cultural heritage of the islands and the extraordinary biodiversity of flora and fauna that reside on them. Visit the Sisters’ Islands Marine Park, home to Singapore’s first turtle hatchery. Discover why Kusu Island is also known as Tortoise Island and is steeped in local folklore and myth. Learn the significant history of St John's Island that is tied to Singapore. Enjoy a picnic on the little-known beach paradise of Lazarus Island and swim in gin-clear waters.
Alex Birungi
Overhead view of colored warehouses and the river at Clarke Quay in Singapore
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Things to do in Clarke Quay

Despite its central location and world class airport, Singapore is more than just a place to pass through – it’s a buzzing, cosmopolitan city with many contrasting districts to explore. While the Marina may be where most people head first, if you’ve got time then it’s worth detouring off the main tourist trail for the historic and pretty waterfront promenades of Clarke Quay. Named for the 19th century Governor Sir Andrew Clarke, this slice of Singapore forms part of the Singapore River Precinct and was originally lined with warehouses and docks for the moving and unloading of goods up and down the river. It’s since been renovated and revamped, and now serves as a lively open-air entertainment and commercial district popular with locals and tourists alike. While you’re there, take the opportunity for: Retail therapy A historical bicycle tour A river cruise A walk to Merlion Park Nightlife Exploring Fort Canning Park Chinatown Retail therapy Clarke Quay Central is the first place you should head if you’re in the mood for a bit of bargain hunting. It’s an enormous riverside mall with five levels to explore, so whether you’re on the hunt for the latest fashion or need to stock up on ‘I went to Singapore’ shirts for the folks at home, this is the place to come. There are plenty of restaurants with riverside views, and if you haven’t filled your bags by lunch time there’s the Riverside Point Shopping Center and the Clarke Quay Shopping Mall nearby. Historical bicycle tour If you like to combine your history with movement, or find it all easier to take in when someone’s explaining it to you, how about joining a four-hour historical bike tour of the city? You’ll get to know the city from a local’s perspective by visiting a residential area and a local market, as well as learning about the city’s history through its districts, museums and monuments. Your tour will include a stop at Clarke Quay, so be sure to ask your guide for some hot tips on the best shops and restaurants to come back to! River Cruise One of the best ways to explore a riverside district is from the water itself – the same way the bargemen and dock workers would have done in the days of the warehouses. Take a break from shopping and exploring by joining a River Cruise in a wooden bumboat – traditionally used to ferry goods from ship to shore – and relax as you wind up the river from Clarke Quay to the Marina and back again, if you like. Sit back, enjoy the fresh river breezes and discover that there’s more to the Lion City than Supertrees and skyscrapers. If you time it right, you’ll be able to watch the sunset from the water. Walk to Merlion Park If you feel the need to stretch your legs, and want to see a bit of everything, take yourself on a self-guided tour from the Quay to Merlion Park. It’s about a mile, though a couple of diversions and photo stops will stretch it out a bit. Start at Clarke Quay Central and head across Elgin Bridge to cross the river. Stop and admire the painted warehouses on either side, then divert north for a glimpse of the rainbow-colored (and somewhat unmissable) Old Hill Street Police Station. From here you can either cross back and walk along Boat Quay, or take the northern side past the former Parliament House (now the Arts House), the Victoria Concert Hall and the marble statue of the city’s founder Sir Stamford Raffles, believed to mark the spot where he first landed in 1819. You’ll also pass the Asian Civilizations Museum, which has an extensive collection of artifacts showcasing the continent’s major religions. From there, cross over the historic Cavenagh Suspension Bridge to Merlion Park, where you’ll find the half-lion, half-fish emblem of the city presiding over a busy square on Marina Bay. Nightlife Clarke Quay may be a busy retail hub during the day, but it’s in the evening when things really start to come to life. Even overnight the temperature in Singapore barely dips below 75 degrees, and it can be humid, so the riverfront is the perfect place for a refreshing evening stroll. It’s lively here most nights, and alfresco dining choices include Japanese, Indian, Chinese, Thai and Western cuisines. After dinner there are plenty of bars and clubs that will be buzzing with activity – the famous club Zouk, in a converted warehouse, always has an impressive line-up of guest DJ’s, there’s a Holey Moley if you fancy a round of mini-golf, or for a late-night snack try Hai Di Lao, which serves a traditional Hot Pot until the very early hours. Fort Canning Park Cross over to the northern bank of the river and not far away you’ll find the enormous Fort Canning Park, a grassy hilltop which often hosts concerts and plays, but during the day is a history-hunter’s playground. You’ll find Raffles House and Garden, the Fort Canning Lighthouse and the Battlebox, which is an underground bunker and network of tunnels that was used as a hub for coordinating war efforts in the 1930s and 40s. If you find the park a little overwhelming or need a fun activity to do with your friends and family, try a Fort Canning Puzzle Hunt – play as a soldier to solve clues and learn about Singapore's military history as you explore the hidden secrets of this remarkable site. Chinatown Less than ten minutes’ walk from the river is Singapore’s oldest district, Chinatown, which is worth at least half a day of exploring. As well as finding plenty of shops and restaurants – selling everything from lucky cats to the city’s signature Hainanese chicken rice – you’ll find the impressively modern Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. The district is also home to several of the city’s oldest temples, the oldest Chinese Tea House and several museums – though if you’re looking for more family-oriented entertainment you could try a Virtual Reality Experience or perhaps an Outdoor Escape Room puzzle hunt through the narrow, colorful streets. Explore Clarke Quay with Go City Whether you prefer indoors or outdoors, day or night, feet, water or wheels, there’s something for everyone in Singapore’s Clarke Quay district. Save money and see it all with Go City!
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