Singapore on a shoestring—A 3-day guide

1 Jewel Changi Airport

Upon touchdown, pay a short visit to Jewel Changi Airport, accessible from both Terminal 1 and a pedestrian walkway from Terminals 2 and 3.

A sparkling tourist destination in its own right, this lifestyle hub is filled with enchanting attractions, world-class cuisine and unforgettable sights. Marvel at the 40-metre high Rain Vortex—the world’s largest indoor waterfall—and take a stroll through the Shiseido Forest Valley to stretch your legs.

To expand your palate, be sure to drop by Five Spice for a meal. Modelled after our island’s hawker centres, this food hall boasts a plethora of stalls from beloved brands like Chen’s Mapo Tofu and Fu Lin Fried Yong Tau Foo. We recommend sampling yong tau foo (stuffed tofu served with other customisable ingredients) from the latter, as you’ll be able to choose the ingredients based on your budget.

Before you leave, you’ll want to pick up a SG Tourist Pass from the counter at Changi Airport MRT station, which will allow you to take unlimited bus and train rides at just S$25 over the course of three days.

2 Civic District

With its soaring buildings and colonial architecture that dates back centuries, Singapore’s Civic District is bound to deepen your appreciation for how the old and the new can intertwine.

You’ve an entire trove of sightseeing options here, ranging from verdant parks and colonial architecture to some of the finest museums in the region. Nature lovers and history buffs are bound to gain deeper insights into their fields of knowledge at Fort Canning Park. This green stronghold was once the seat of Malay royalty in Singapore.

Alternatively, take a stroll along the river until you reach the National Gallery Singapore. Formerly Singapore’s Supreme Court and City Hall, this historical monument now houses more than 8,000 pieces of art that are bound to inspire your own artistic sensibilities.

3 Marina Bay

As the sun sets, head to Marina Bay district, and marvel at the golden glowing lights of Singapore’s majestic city skyline.

You’ll want to pop by Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay to soak in the creative vibes and possibly catch a free outdoor performance by some of our talented local musicians. Makansutra Gluttons Bay is right next door if you’re hankering for affordable hawker fare like satay (grilled meat skewers) and chicken rice.

As you stroll across the Helix Bridge, you’ll be able to admire the picture-perfect view of the Marina Bay skyline, and the surreal sight of Marina Bay Sands^®. Spend the rest of the evening amidst the lush greenery of Gardens by the Bay or the futuristic artwork on display at the ArtScience Museum™.

1 Chinatown

With streets lined with red lanterns and art on every corner, the colourful enclave of Chinatown beckons you to engage in a bout of urban exploration.

Fuel up at Maxwell Food Centre, which boasts over 100 stalls under one roof. You’ll be able to indulge in hawker delights like fried bee hoon (rice vermicelli noodles) or the quintessential local breakfast—comprising traditional kaya (a traditional jam made from coconut and eggs) toast and soft-boiled eggs.

Once you’ve sated your appetite, feed your muse in a variety of ways. Go on a hunt for hidden street art and wall murals, or discover spiritual tradition and architecture along South Bridge Road. The latter is a testament to Singapore’s rich religious tapestry, with places of worship like Sri Mariamman Temple, Masjid Jamae and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

Besides vibrant culture, Chinatown is also home to the world’s most affordable Michelin meal. Foodies on a shoestring can experience the world-class flavours of Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle at Chinatown Complex Food Centre, famous for its mouth-watering roast meats and signature soya sauce chicken.

2 Kampong Gelam

Spend the rest of the day in Kampong Gelam, where hip boutiques and heritage come together in a heady blend. Singapore’s oldest urban quarter was yet another seat of Malay royalty in Singapore, and traces of its history can still be found at the Malay Heritage Centre and the gleaming golden dome of Sultan Mosque.

When you’re done adding to your trove of historical knowledge, you’ll be able to peruse the eclectic wares of the hip boutiques along Haji Lane, or shop for perfumes at Jamal Kazura Aromatics. The latter is a family-owned fragrance boutique, where you can customise your own perfumes, and bring home a bottle of tradition.

In the evening, you should make a beeline for Bugis Street, where you’ll be able to indulge in a bout of budget retail therapy, with clothing, accessories and street food at wallet-friendly prices.

1 Pulau Ubin Island

Spend your last day in Singapore discovering the island sanctuary of Pulau Ubin.

You can fuel up for your excursion with a hearty meal of nasi lemak at Changi Village Hawker Centre, before embarking on a ten-minute boat ride (S$3 per person) from Changi Point Ferry Terminal. Tropical beauty and diverse ecosystems abound on this offshore island, with rocky beaches, coral reefs and mangroves teeming with wildlife.

The star attraction here is undoubtedly the Chek Jawa Wetlands. Located on the eastern tip of the island, this habitat is home to mangroves, coastal forests and seagrass lagoons.

Budding zoologists will be able to add to their knowledge of fauna by observing the sand dollars, carpet anemones and red junglefowls that call this natural refuge their home.