Itinerary Summary
Arrive at Changi and base in Marina Bay / Orchard. Day one opens at Merlion Park. Day two is Gardens by the Bay and the Supertree light show. Day three shops Orchard Road. Day four pairs the Singapore…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Merlion Park at Dusk and a First Look at Marina Bay
14:00
1h
Changi Airport arrival and MRT to Marina Bay
Clear immigration at Changi, pick up a local SIM or transit card, then ride the East West MRT line to Marina Bay in about 40 minutes. Keep your luggage light for the escalators during the evening peak.
📍 Changi to Marina Bay
17:30
1h
Marina Bay waterfront walk to Merlion Park
Follow the waterfront promenade from Marina Bay Sands past the ArtScience Museum to the Merlion statue, about a 20-minute walk. Evening light is best for photos, and it gets busy once the bay light show starts.
📍 Marina Bay
19:00
1.5h
Satay dinner at Lau Pa Sat hawker stalls
Lau Pa Sat is a short walk inland from Merlion Park, and its Boon Tat Street satay street fires up in the evening. Order skewers by the stick, claim a shared table early, and bring tissues for the benches.
📍 Lau Pa Sat
💡 Pro Tip: Entry rules depend on your passport; check the Singapore visa section of this guide before booking. Singapore uses the Singapore dollar, and cards and contactless payment work almost everywhere. Smoking is banned in most indoor public spaces and fines are enforced, and eating or drinking is not allowed on the MRT. The city runs on UTC+8, so most visitors see no clock change. Indoor air conditioning is strong, so carry a light layer. Local dishes to try include chilli crab, Hainanese chicken rice, satay, laksa, kaya toast and black pepper crab.
Days 2-5 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$52035%
Marina Bay or Orchard hotels, 4 nights
Food & DiningUS$30020%
Chili crab, Hainanese chicken rice, satay and laksa
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa or an arrival card to enter Singapore?+
Visa rules depend on your passport: US, UK, EU, Australian and Japanese holders get visa-free short visits, while mainland Chinese ordinary passports currently have 30-day visa-free entry. Most travellers must submit the free SG Arrival Card online shortly before arrival. Check ICA Singapore for your nationality's current rules before booking.
When is the best time to visit Singapore for a city break?+
Singapore is hot and humid year-round at 25-33C, so there is no true low season. February to April and July to August are usually slightly drier with shorter attraction queues. Avoid late November to December if you want less rain, and expect higher hotel rates during the September F1 Grand Prix and the June-July Great Singapore Sale.
How do I get from Changi Airport to Marina Bay?+
The MRT East-West line runs from Changi Airport into the city with one change at Tanah Merah, reaching Raffles Place or Bayfront in roughly 40 minutes for a few dollars. Taxis and ride-hailing apps take 20-30 minutes outside peak traffic. Buy an EZ-Link card or tap a contactless bank card at the gates.
How much should I budget for five days in Singapore in comfort?+
This itinerary assumes about $1,200-1,790 per person excluding international flights, covering a mid-range Marina Bay or Orchard hotel, paid attractions such as the Gardens by the Bay domes and the Singapore Flyer, and restaurant meals. Hawker lunches keep costs down. Hotel choice is the biggest variable, so book early for event weeks.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 5 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $1,200–1,790 (≈ €1,040–1,560), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: easy
- Best for: City Explorers
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