Being one of the most modern cities in South East Asia, Singapore is the pinnacle of multi-culturalism, ground-breaking technology, and botanical genius. It simply has a bit of everything, and 4 days in Singapore will allow you to discover this wonderfully vibrant city at the relaxed pace you need.
Preparing for 4 Days in Singapore
Singapore is a lot more Westernised than most other Asian cities, which means packing for your trip involves a lot less consideration. It’s important to remain respectful of course, but what you wear on the streets is completely up to you.
This is a huge relief considering the temperature rarely drops below 25 degrees, and the humidity remains between 65-96% every month of the year. So, hot and sticky all year round pretty much.
Luckily, shorts, T-shirts and flip-flops are acceptable pretty much everywhere, so the key to preparing for your trip is to make sure you pack light and loose clothes for your 4 days in Singapore. Like any city-break, pack a comfy pair of trainers. If your trip is anything like my recent travels in Singapore, you’ll be doing a lot of walking!
It’s always good to have long dresses/trousers and shawls to cover any bare skin if you decide to visit any temples though.
Costs
Singapore is an extremely expensive city, especially if you plan on eating out a lot and drinking alcohol.
However, there are definitely ways of keeping the costs down, like eating out at Hawker street restaurants, and using budgeting apps to keep the costs down.
Best time to visit?
Although Singapore is a popular destination all year round, if you want to avoid the rain as much as possible then the dry season is between February and April.
Singapore has a tropical climate, so no matter when you visit you’re bound to get stuck in a short burst of rainfall at least. I’d definitely recommend packing an umbrella or light rain coat even if you do visit in the dry season.
Singapore Itinerary: Day 1
Normally when you get off the plane in a new place, the first thing you want to do is grab your bags and get out of the airport as soon as possible. This is where Singapore is unique.
Singapore has one of the most impressive airports in the world, and I’d strongly recommend sticking around for at least an hour or two to explore what it has to offer.
Singapore Changi Airport
Make your way to the Jewel, a $1.3 billion lifestyle hub and shopping mall in Changi airport. Here you’ll find one of the most impressive indoor waterfalls in the world, where all of the water is harvested from rainfall. You’ll also find an iMAX movie theatre and 280 shops and restaurants to choose from.
The waterfall itself makes it well worth the visit, and surrounding the rain vortex is an indoor forest with walking trails between the four stories of shrubbery.
Jewel is open 24/7 and is the perfect calming environment you need after a long-haul flight. If you’re too tired or just keen to explore Singapore, definitely make sure you pay the waterfall a visit before boarding your return flight.
Clarke Quays
Clarke Quay is a great place to go on your first of 4 days in Singapore. The river is lined with trendy restaurants and bars offering drinks deals and must-try Singaporean delicacies, including the famous chilli crab.
You’ll find live music here all night and a fun, bustling vibe until the early hours of the morning.
Boat trips offering sight-seeing tours will take you along the river where you’ll be able to spot the world-famous Gardens by the Bay, the Merlion, and the art and science museum.
Hop on a boat at Clarke Quay around sunset to experience the beautiful lighting along the river.
Getting there: Clarke Quay Station is the closest metro, you can walk from here to the quay in under 10 minutes.
4 Days in Singapore: Day 2
Have a leisurely morning after a late night at Clarke Quay, by enjoying a late breakfast at one of the best brunch spots in Singapore.
Then head off to the wonderful Gardens by the Bay for a botanical extravaganza.
Gardens by the Bay
The Gardens are without a doubt one of the most popular tourist attractions in Singapore.
This 250-acre plot houses solar powered ‘super-trees’ towering up to 50 metres high. Each of the 18 trees are covered in tropical plants and ferns from all over the world.
These eco-gardens do so much more than attract tourists every year however. All of the trees are solar powered, converting sunlight into energy, and the canopies also act as a temperature moderator for tourists walking beneath. Head to the south garden to experience the beauty of these incredible man-made structures.
The Cloud Forest and Flower Dome
Inspired by the shape of an orchid, two biomes sit within the north of the gardens.
These two huge conservatories consist of a large flower dome, full of flower displays from all over the world, and the cloud forest. The cloud forest surrounds a magnificent indoor waterfall enveloped by tropical plants, a wonderful selection of orchid species, and intriguing salt sculptures.
Both biomes require tickets which you can buy at the garden’s ticket office, but booking online will save you money. I strongly advice you visit at least one of the biomes on your 4 day trip to Singapore, cloud forest is my favourite.
Garden Rhapsody
If you have time, head out to the supermarket or a 7/11 to get some food and bring it back to the Gardens. Aim to find a spot on the grass in the centre of the south garden tree area before 7:15pm or 8:15pm.
You’ll notice the grass will start to fill up quite quickly with people, because at 7:45pm and 8:45pm, the Garden Rhapsody will begin.
Every night, you can experience a magnificent light show accompanied by music under the trees. Each show last around 15 minutes so make sure you don’t miss out!
Alternatively, you can queue up for the sky-trail, a suspended walkway that connects a selection of the super-trees. You’ll need to buy a ticket for the walkway and the queue will be extremely long between 7-9pm, so make sure you get there early if you want to see the show from above.
Note: Make sure you check the Gardens by the Bay website before visiting as there may be special shows such as Opera in the Gardens and Christmas special shows depending on what time of the year you visit.
Getting to the Gardens: Take the Circle or Downtown line to the Bayfront MRT station.
Day 3 of your 4 days in Singapore Itinerary:
Colonial District
The Colonial District is without a doubt the heart of the city. The best way to explore the area is on foot. You can either do this alone or pay to have a walking tour, but don’t miss the opportunity to admire the impressive architecture.
This area is also home to many of Singapore’s famous museums, such as the National Museum of Singapore, the art museum, and the beautiful building on the edge of the river that houses the Asian Civilisations Museum.
Spend the morning taking in the buildings and dipping in and out of your favoured museums, then head to Raffles.
Raffles Hotel
Whilst you’re in the Colonian District, you can’t miss out on a Singapore Sling in the famous Raffles Hotel.
Raffles is a necessity for one of your 4 days in Singapore, as this is the very place where the Singapore Sling was invented in the early 1900’s.
The famous cocktail adds cherry liqueur to the classic gin sling and was invented to disguise the smell of the alcohol as fruit punch, and allow ladies from this period to enjoy an alcoholic drink in public.
Don’t be alarmed by the piles of peanuts littering the floor, it’s tradition to flick your peanut shells on the floor whilst enjoying a drink in the Long Bar! It’s actually one of the few places in Singapore where littering is encouraged.
Getting there: Take the Circle Line to Esplanade
Marina Bay Sands
Spend the rest of the afternoon/evening at the Marina Bay Sands hotel.
Browse the many designer shops on offer (even if it’s just to window shop) or head to the Casino on the 2ndfloor. The Casino attracts people from all over the world and is free to enter (unless you’re a Singaporean). As long as you are over the age of 21 and have your passport or ID card on you, you’ll be able to enter.
Although only guests staying at the hotel can access the roof-top restaurant and pool, you can pay to head up to the top and enjoy a Singapore slush. However, there are plenty of other rooftop bars and restaurants which are free to enter and have just as good of a view!
Getting there: Bayfront MRT
Day 4:
For your final day in Singapore, you have two options.
The first option is great if you’re travelling with children.
Option 1: Sentosa Island
Just off the coast of Singapore lies Sentosa, known by Singaporeans as the state of fun. You can easily get here by MRT, cable car, or even by car. If you decide to take a taxi, download the Grab app (Asia’s version of Uber) to save money.
Not only does Sentosa have its very own Universal Studio’s, which we all know is great fun, but there’s many other activities to enjoy on the island as well (free and paid attractions).
The beach is always popular during the summer months, and you can enjoy nature parks with animal encounters, the adventure water park, in-door skydiving and much more.
If you decide to visit Sentosa, make sure you look into the Fun Pass.
Option 2: China Town and Hawker Centres
If like me you love to head home with a suitcase full of memento’s and presents, China Town is a must-see.
The area is a perfect blend of old and new. Streets are filled with rows and rows of markets, street food, temples and much more. You can easily spend a day dipping in and out of this vibrant district.
If you’re looking for a cheap, authentic meal, try out one of the many street hawker restaurants on Chinatown’s food street. These open-air eateries allow you try delicious cuisines ranging from local delicacies like stir-fried rice noodles to South Indian curries and much more.
Getting there: Chinatown MRT
Where to Next?
If like many, Singapore is just a long-layover between home and your final destination, here are a few articles that might inspire you to stay in South East Asia!
- Thailand vs. Bali: Where Should You Go?
- 10 Day Thailand Itinerary
- The Best Beaches in Malaysia
- Backpacking Cheaply: 5 Countries in Each Continent
One of the founders of People of the Planet. Psychology graduate, digital marketer, and lover of travel and exploring new places!
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