View of Sentosa in Singapore

2 Days in Singapore Itinerary

By Adam Fraiel

Visiting Singapore for a weekend and want to sample everything this stunning island city has to offer? It’s simple to get around so you can easily have an excellent experience in just a weekend. To help you plan, we’ve compiled a 2-day itinerary to help you squeeze the most out of your time here.

  • Palawan Beach
  • Universal Studios Singapore
  • Wings of Time
  • Tea Chapter
  • Gardens by the Bay
  • Marina Bay Evening Cycle Tour
  • Chinatown for Nighttime Shopping

Day 1

We’ll be spending the whole of day 1 on Sentosa Island, famous for its beautiful beaches, theme parks, and rich history. Formerly a British military base, it’s grown into a luxury playground.

We recommend taking the cable car to the island (it’s included in your pass) as the views are spectacular. If you’re afraid of heights and want other budget-friendly options, traveling by foot or taking the Sentosa Express train are both free.

Hit the beach

Get your vacation off to the best start by taking a gentle stroll down Palawan beach, with stunning views of the South China Sea and the Singapore skyline. Cross the rope bridge for an iconic photo opportunity, before climbing the lookout towers to enjoy standing at the southernmost tip of continental Asia.

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Visit Universal Studios Singapore

Time to pick up the pace and get the adrenaline pumping. Universal Studios Singapore offers a fun day out for the whole family with rollercoasters, rides, shows, and meet and greets.

Whatever your tolerance for adventure - ride the world’s tallest dueling coasters, navigate white water rapids, or help Puss In Boots on the giant beanstalk, there’s something for everyone.

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Experience the Wings of Time

Hopefully you saved a little energy to enjoy the Wings of Time - a stunning, state-of-the-art time-traveling performance featuring fireworks, water jets, and lasers choreographed to music.

Time it just right and you’ll witness a dreamy sunset over the open sea before the award-winning outdoor night show kicks in.

The perfect end to the perfect day is relaxing at one of the many beach bars in Sentosa, with Tanjong Beach Bar being the most popular. It’s been a long day, so treat yourself to a frosty beverage.

Day 2

I hope you’re well rested, as you’ll need all your energy for a culture-packed second day. We’ll be moving around the city, from Chinatown to Marina Bay, and much more. You’ll be happy to know that public transport is top-notch. It’s affordable and reliable, by bus, MRT Subway, or taxi.

You can buy a pass that gives unlimited travel for 1 or 2 days, perfect for weekend explorers

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Enjoy an authentic tea appreciation experience at Tea Chapter

Enter the largest and oldest teahouse in Singapore at Tea Chapter. Kick off your shoes and take in the gentle yet intoxicating aromas of brewing tea. The Chinese art of tea drinking is as much about calm, relaxation, and mindfulness as it is about drinking tea.

You’ll be led through an immersive tea tasting experience where you’ll learn about the history of tea and its cultural significance in Asia and the West.

What a zen way to start the day.

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Visit Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay is Singapore’s iconic tourist attraction. Spanning over 101 hectares, the awes-inspiring gardens are divided into multiple areas and conservatories, themed around various aspects of nature.

A walk through the Cloud Forest conservatory will take you up into the clouds with its striking mountain views. You’ll also see the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, which stands at 30 meters high, which you can enjoy from the treetop walk.

Escape the heat of the day, reconnect with nature, and take some stunning photos along the way.

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Enjoy a Marina Bay Night Bicycle Tour

One of the most memorable ways to see Singapore’s Marina Bay is by bicycle at night.

The two-hour guided tour covers all the major attractions in the bay area, including the Supertree Grove and Gardens by the Bay. However, at night, everything’s illuminated, making the view spectacular.

If you’re looking for a unique perspective of Singapore, while creating lasting memories and taking breathtaking photos, a nighttime cycle is a great addition to your itinerary.

After the tour, you’re perfectly placed to enjoy the magical Singapore nightlife. You’ll have certainly worked up an appetite, so feast on delicious food like black pepper crab or Hokkien Mee (a traditional noodle dish with various toppings), and wash it down with a classic Singapore Sling cocktail.

If you’re still eager for more cultural experiences, head across to Chinatown. Night shopping is a classic Singaporean pastime, with markets operating from 10PM until 2AM. Chinatown street market is a top spot to pick up a bargain, or just grab some Dim Sum and watch the world go by as you plan your next epic adventure.

Save on Admission to Top Singapore Attractions

Explore the best things to do with a pass for Singapore by Go City®. Select from top attractions with our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes, where you’ll enjoy access to galleries, museums, tours much more.

Share Your Adventure with Us

Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers and events to help you make the most of your travels.

Adam Fraiel
Go City Travel Expert

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Singapore Light Show
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Free Things to do in Singapore

Singapore is an expensive, luxurious city, but there’s still plenty to see and do on a budget. You don’t need to break the bank to have an unforgettable Garden City experience. So, put your purse away and check out our favorite free things to do in Singapore! Wander through Gardens by the Bay Gardens by the Bay offers a magical experience with its lush greenery and mesmerizing nature. This multi-award winning construction is one of the most visited gardens in the world, housing the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and the largest greenhouse. The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are both cooled by a climate-controlled mountain mist system, meaning it’s a breath of fresh air during the hot, sticky Singapore days. There are paid sections, however it’s free to explore a good portion of the gardens. Plus, if you time it right, you can treat yourself to a free light show in the evenings too. Snap a selfie with the Merlion statue The Merlion statue is Singapore’s most iconic landmark and a go-to attraction for both locals and foreigners. A mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, it’s by the waterfront and a great place for a selfie. Its fishlike body represents Singapore’s origins as a fishing village, while its head represents the city’s original name, Singapura (lion city) in Sanskrit. It’s a popular spot for photographers, so try to get there early when it’s nice and quiet. You can find the statue in Merlion Park, just behind the Fullerton Hotel. Take the MRT subway to Raffles Place station or hop on bus 131. Go green at the Singapore Botanic Gardens Singapore’s Botanic Gardens is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Singapore and for good reason - the Gardens are blissfully serene, and many people visit the Gardens for their daily stroll through nature. The Gardens house hundreds of species of native and exotic plants, as well as a beautiful orchid garden, and serve as a home for animals such as snakes and turtles. Established in 1859 as a tranquil place to rest and recuperate for workers in the bustling port city, Singapore’s Botanic Gardens are accessible for all in the heart of the city. With a restaurant, cafe, as well as a playground for children, it’s the ideal spot for families, couples or just solo wanderers looking for some quiet time. Watch the light show at Marina Bay One thing you won’t be short of in Singapore is a light show. There are shows in the various gardens, Sentosa island, Faber Peak, and more. Our advice: time your evening stroll so you’re around The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands just before sunset, and keep your camera handy. It only lasts 15 minutes, but the Spectra light show will stay with you forever. The waterworks combined with the lighting, combined with the backdrop of the Singapore skyline - perfection! Another free light show well worth visiting is Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay. Lay beneath the Supertree Grove and soak in the heady mix of dazzling lights and orchestral soundtrack. Believe us, you’ll wish it lasted longer than just 15 minutes. Have a day at the beach Whatever your dream beach vacation - relaxing under a palm tree, cocktails and live music, or adrenaline-fueled watersports, you’ll find them all in Singapore. Sentosa houses several of the most popular beaches - Silosa, Tanjong, and Palawan being the most famous. They may be artificial, having the sand imported from Malaysia and Indonesia, but that doesn’t make them any less dreamy. If you want to head a little further out, away from the immediate crowds, consider a trip to St. John’s Island. You can’t stay on the island, so take a ferry for a day trip from Singapore’s main Marina South Pier. With lagoons, caves, and mangroves to explore, be sure to pack a waterproof camera. Stargaze at Seletar Rocket Tower Dreaming of strange new worlds? Head to Seletar Rocket Tower for a spot of stargazing. Seletar Rocket Tower is a rocket launch pad in Singapore. Built in 1961 by the Royal Air Force, the tower is now used as an observation tower for stargazers. Built on a hill, the tower is 120 meters tall (about 400 feet) and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding areas. It’s accessible by stairs or by lift; however, the stairs are steep. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, try the spiral staircase that leads to the topmost platform of the tower. On clear nights, you can see the moon, stars, and even constellations. The best time to go is during the summer months, from April to September, when the sky is clearest but, even if it’s cloudy, you’ll still get a spectacular view of the city. Take a hike For the more active travelers out there, Singapore is full of various hikes and walking routes, catering to a gentle stroll with kids up to a 39km, 12-hour coast-to-coast hike. While the 39km route might be a little extreme, the shorter routes are a nature lover’s dream. The MacRitchie Reservoir has the perfect mix of shorter, more accessible boardwalk trails and longer, more advanced hikes. Whichever you choose, you’ll be wandering through the rainforest with the chance to spot monkeys, lemurs, and rare exotic birds. There’s even a treetop walk across a suspension bridge 25 meters high. It’s free to enter, opening daily from 6AM until 7PM. Save on Admission to Top Singapore Attractions Explore the best things to do with a pass for Singapore by Go City®. Select from top attractions with our All-Inclusive and Explorer passes, where you’ll enjoy access to galleries, museums, tours much more. Share Your Adventure with Us Tag @GoCity in your vacation photos and we’ll feature you on our page. Follow the Go City Instagram and Facebook channels for exclusive competitions, special offers and events to help you make the most of your travels.
Adam Fraiel
A collared kingfisher in the Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, Singapore
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Singapore in July

As Singapore’s peak holiday season draws to a gentle close, July sees a slight let-up in the number of vacationers that have been thronging the hot, sticky streets for the last couple of months. But, while the crowds may have dissipated somewhat, the searing temperatures and frequent downpours of the southwest monsoon season show few signs of abating. Read on for the lowdown on what to expect when visiting Singapore in July. Visiting Singapore in July Temperature: 75–88°F • Average Rainfall: 19 days/month • Average Sunshine: 8 hours/day You’ll want to pack an umbrella along with your factor 50 for trips to Singapore in July. Thunderstorms and heavy downpours are absolutely guaranteed at this time of year, but what’s difficult to predict is when you might be about to get caught in one. A small umbrella in your backpack is the number one hack for such eventualities along with, ideally, rubber sandals or similarly waterproof footwear. In fact, most of July’s rain storms tend to arrive after dark, but afternoon showers are also still highly likely. Don’t forget loose-fitting cotton and linen clothes, too. Synthetics are a big no-no in these temperatures, unless of course you actively enjoy the feeling of polyester trousers clinging damply to your sweaty knees, in which case: you do you. Broad, floppy hats, UV sunglasses and a big water bottle should also be considered essential if you’re planning to do a lot of outdoor sightseeing. And, while there’s loads you’ll want to see and do that require you to be exposed to the sun, we’d advise mixing it up with a bit of air-conditioned action indoors, perhaps spending cooler mornings (after the nightly rainfall) ticking off the outdoor must-sees, before hitting the malls, hawker centers, museums and immersive attractions before the afternoon heat really starts to bite. Things to do in Singapore in July Singapore is a haven for all manner of wildlife. It’s not unusual, for example, to see traffic grind to a halt to allow a family of otters to cross the road, or to be deafened by the sound of thousands of roosting myna birds as you stroll beneath the trees that line the Orchard Road in the early evening. Sultry Singapore mornings in July are a great time to experience some of this garden island’s vibrant flora and fauna up close. Rent a bike to explore one of the many traffic-free routes that weave through wetlands, woodlands, nature reserves and more. The Rail Corridor – stretching from Chinatown all the way north to Kranji – is among the very best: 24 kilometers of rewilded railway line, along which you might well encounter monitor lizards, flying lemurs and colorfully crested bulbuls. A little over halfway along the route, you can take a diversion into Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, where an epic 400 acres of tropical rainforest awaits the intrepid explorer. There’s an even more varied bunch of critters to be found here beneath the canopy, among them reticulated pythons, macaques and endangered Sunda pangolins. The reserve is also home to the highest hill in Singapore. Rising to over 500 feet, it’s a moderately challenging climb that takes around an hour and rewards hikers with awesome 360-degree views across the treetops to the city beyond. The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve on Singapore’s northwestern tip is another fine option for wildlife-spotting, particularly for twitchers. Migratory species including the distinctive Pacific golden plover and the long-legged Asian dowitcher have been spotted here, and you might also clock mudskippers, monitor lizards, giant Atlas moths and even the occasional saltwater croc lurking among the mangroves. Take the reserve’s two-hour walking loop to get the most from your visit. Shopping and Dining in Singapore in July Looking for something a little more... indoorsy? The Great Singapore Sale (GSS) is in its final month in July, which makes it a fine time for a spot of air-conditioned retail therapy in Singapore’s mega-malls. Hit up the shopping mecca that is Orchard Road, a string of high-end malls seemingly designed specifically to empty your wallet and fill your home with shiny new gadgets, designer handbags and other expensive knick-knacks. It’s the cheapest time of year to do so as the annual bonanza that is the GSS means whopping great discounts of up to 70% (!!!) at hundreds of participating stores. Meanwhile, in-the-know souvenir hunters head to hip Kampong Glam, where colorful 19th-century shophouses contain no end of chic indie boutiques and Arab Street’s antique emporia yield the kind of unique gifts of which dreams are made. We’re talking hand-woven Turkish textiles, intricate mosaic lanterns, painted ceramics and more. After splashing the cash, tuck into some of the best nasi padang this side of Jakarta in the shadow of the Sultan Mosque, with its iconic golden dome. And if nasi padang and other South Asian favorites like chili crab and sticky peanut satay float your boat and tickle your tastebuds, you’re in luck! With over 100 hawker centers to choose from, you’re never far from your next plate of delicious, affordable street food in Singapore. Better still, many centers are now air-conditioned, meaning you get a little respite from the soaring temperatures outside, albeit you may end up pretty hot under the collar anyway, as you dive into spicy bowls of sambal-laced laksa, zingy chili crab (the national dish, no less) or red-hot rendang curries. Cool off with a refreshing glass of bandung - a sweet (and highly Instagrammable) cocktail of condensed milk and rose syrup served over ice. Yum! And, if you’re feeling particularly bold and adventurous on your July visit to Singapore, why not give some of the nation’s most out-there delicacies a spin. We’re talking pufferfish, fried pigs’ fallopian tubes in kung pao sauce and – very much for the non-squeamish – still-wriggling octopus tentacles that will, we kid you not, cling to your chopsticks and even your tongue in a bid to escape their fate. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
View looking up at skyscrapers in Singapore's CBD on a sunny day.
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Singapore in June

Hot, steamy and sticky, June sees Singapore’s peak season get into full, glorious swing. The streets teem with sightseeing vacationers, the summer shopping season peaks during the Great Singapore Sale and hotel prices rise more sharply than the midday mercury. In short, it’s an expensive but fun time to visit, assuming you can stand the heat. Here’s our expert guide to what to expect when vacationing in Singapore in June. Visiting Singapore in June Temperature: 75–88°F • Average Rainfall: 19 days/month • Average Sunshine: 8 hours/day If you remember to pack just one thing for your June break in Singapore, make sure it’s sunscreen. The sun is hot and relentless at this time of year, even when there’s cloud cover. So do yourself a favor and slap on the factor 50 to avoid the shame (and discomfort) of a ‘Singapore tan’. The heat and humidity also encourage the wearing of light, loose-fitting cotton or linen clothes and broad-brimmed hats. Heck, maybe even stuff a parasol in your backpack along with the water bottle and city map, just to be on the safe side. You’ll also want a proper umbrella: June sees the start of the southwest monsoon season, with regular afternoon downpours that increase in intensity, frequency and duration as the month progresses. Nicknamed the ‘Sumatra squalls’ these sudden, heavy downpours are usually heralded by strong gusty winds and peals of thunder. If you spot the signs in time, we’d advise ducking into the nearest café or mall until the rain passes because, frankly, no umbrella is going to keep you completely dry when torrents of accumulated water begin gushing around your feet, like a miniature version of The River Wild. Hotel prices do also increase at this time, but not crazily so. As always, we advise booking your accommodation as far in advance as possible to lock in the best deals. Things to do in Singapore in June It’s just too damn hot to do most anything other than meandering gently down a lazy river in a giant donut, right? Right! Good news! Singapore is just a hop and a skip from its tiny island sibling of Sentosa, reachable via road, monorail, pedestrian bridge or (hands down the most fun and scenic option) cable car. Once there, you have access to a veritable playground of sunny day activities including, yep, the biggest and best water park in Singapore. Hit up Adventure Cove for the aforementioned lazy river, with 14 different zones that include a verdant jungle garden, a secluded grotto, and a spectacularly trippy underwater tunnel teeming with tropical marine life. Hop over to the park’s Rainbow Reef, where another 20,000 or so watery critters are waiting to say hello to snorkeling tourists. There are fun wave pools for the kids as well as, inevitably, a handful of heart-pounding high-octane flumes for adults. Ever wanted to know what it feels like to be flushed down the loo? The Riptide Rocket and Spiral Washout rides have your name written all over them! Adventure Cove is part of Sentosa’s enormous Resorts World complex, where there are more drinking and dining options than you can shake a stick at, as well as an aquarium, the awesome Universal Studios Singapore theme park, and more. Want beaches? Sentosa has those, too. Whether a history buff, an adrenaline fiend or, you know, simply in the market for sipping cocktails beneath the shady fronds of a coconut palm, the island’s man-made trio of sandy beaches will have something for you. Stroll the elevated walkway through the treetops to Fort Siloso, soar high over Siloso Beach on a giant swing, or strap on your snorkel and flippers for a spot of marine sightseeing in the emerald-green waters that lap the shore. A free shuttle operates along the southwest coast, linking the three beaches. There are plenty more activities to keep outdoor types occupied in Singapore in June. Take to the waters in a kayak around the coastal waters and mangrove forests of Pulau Ubin, a boomerang-shaped island just off the northeast coast. Slap on the sunscreen and hit the 26 kilometers of lush cycling trails around the Northern Eastern Riverine Loop, pausing for breath in wetlands, woodlands and beach parks along the way. Commune with nature at the MacRitchie Reservoir, or meet the ferociously cute inhabitants of the sprawling Singapore Zoo. And if the June heat doesn’t have you scurrying for the nearest air-conditioned building, the afternoon downpours surely will. In fact, they’re as good an excuse as any to while away a few hours browsing the vast collection of Singaporean and Asian art in the National Gallery or indulging in a traditional tea ceremony in Singapore’s biggest and oldest traditional teahouse, a venue once visited by Queen Elizabeth II, no less. And if it’s good enough for Her Majesty... What’s on in Singapore in June? You’ll also want to spend time in the malls. Regardless of what the weather’s doing outside, June is prime time for picking up a bargain as the annual Great Singapore Sale gets into full swing. You might want to pack an empty suitcase for this one, because it’s a whopper. We’re talking hundreds of participating stores offering unheard-of discounts of up to 70% on designer goods, big-brand electronic gadgets, homeware and more. Head to the famous malls along Orchard Street for some of the most sensational bargains in town and a veritable festival atmosphere amongst feverish shopaholics. You’ll also find some fine bargains in and around the atmospheric lanes of Kampong Glam (pictured above), where even the independent boutiques and souvenir stores are getting in on the action. Easily June’s most enjoyable Singapore spectacle, the Dragon Boat Festival has its roots in a tale about ancient Chinese poet Qu Yuan. It’s said that when he threw himself into a river in despair after being banished by the king, locals beat the water with oars and threw in rice dumplings to prevent fish from devouring his body. Weird, right? Anyhoo, this annual festival commemorates that legendary event by way of colorful dragon boat races along the island’s rivers, accompanied by a loud beating of drums and the sound of millions of Singaporean’s tucking into those delectable little dumplings – glutinous, sticky blobs of rice warped around any number of delectable sweet and savory fillings. Yum. Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info.
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak

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