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You’ve got one day in a city where trees light up at night and chili crab counts as a love language. This 1-day in Singapore itinerary is your VIP access to the city’s best. Witness Singapore with family, uncover colonial secrets at Raffles Hotel, or get lost among the orchids at the Botanic Gardens. It’s a whirlwind of sights, flavors, and fun.
Singapore for families
Singapore for history buffs
Singapore for nature lovers
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Kickstart your day at Toast Box in Suntec City, where the smell of freshly brewed coffee fills the air. The kaya toast (sweet coconut jam) is a local classic, but the real winner for kids? The Milo Dinosaur—a frothy chocolate drink topped with heaps of Milo powder.
Attraction: Singapore Flyer
Take family sightseeing to the next level, literally! The Singapore Flyer gives you jaw-dropping, 360-degree views of the city from one of the world’s tallest observation wheels.
Nearest stop:
- Singapore Flyer (Yellow Line)
Highlights:
- Spot landmarks like Marina Bay Sands and the Esplanade from above.
- Snap a family selfie with the city skyline as your backdrop.
- Interactive touchscreens in the capsule keep the kids entertained with fun facts about Singapore’s landmarks.
Pro tip: Upgrade to the champagne package for a luxurious ride. It comes with a bubbly and a quieter capsule, perfect for parents while kids enjoy the view.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk to Gardens by the Bay.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Want a meal with a view? Yes, please! Satay by the Bay is a laid-back spot where you can grab satay (grilled meat skewers) with peanut sauce and hearty bowls of laksa (spicy noodle soup). Let the kids cool down with a fresh coconut or some shaved ice while you enjoy the waterfront breeze.
Attraction: Gardens by the Bay
Step into the future at Gardens by the Bay. The Supertrees light up the skyline, but the real magic happens when you explore the lush greenhouses and walk through the misty Cloud Forest.
Nearest stop:
- Gardens by the Bay (Yellow Line) and MBS Convention Centre (Red Line)
Highlights:
- The Supertree Grove’s nightly light show is a must-see. Kids will love the music and colorful lights.
- Inside the Cloud Forest, a giant waterfall and hidden trails will make you feel like you’ve stepped into Jurassic Park.
- See the Flower Dome burst with vibrant blooms from around the world.
Pro tip: Visit the Far East Organization Children's Garden, a splash park designed for kids, complete with water tunnels and play zones.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 15-minute walk to Marina Bay Sands.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Time to head up to Marina Bay Sands for a sunset that’ll blow your mind. While the infinity pool is reserved for guests, the observation deck gives you panoramic views of Singapore glittering below.
Nearest stop:
- Marina Bay Sands (Yellow Line) and MBS Convention Centre (Red Line)
Highlights:
- Gaze out over the Gardens by the Bay and the bustling Marina Bay waterfront.
- Watch the Spectra light and water show from above, as it’s even more magical from up high.
- The open-air deck offers a breezy escape from the city buzz, perfect for winding down.
Pro tip: Located inside Marina Bay Sands, SweetSpot serves creamy coconut ice cream that’s perfect after a long day.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk to Marina Bay.
Late night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: Cap off the day at Lau Pa Sat, a hawker center that buzzes with life after dark. Parents can dig into the famous chili crab while kids can snack on Hainanese chicken rice. For dessert, grab some ice kachang (shaved ice with syrup and toppings). Messy but delicious.
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Start your day like a true local at Killiney Kopitiam, Singapore’s oldest coffee shop. Fuel up with crispy kaya toast slathered in coconut jam, soft-boiled eggs with a splash of soy sauce, and a piping hot cup of kopi (thick, sweet coffee).
Attraction: National Museum of Singapore
Step into Singapore’s story at the National Museum, where history feels anything but dusty. The exhibits here are immersive and packed with multimedia displays that make Singapore's journey from a fishing village to a global powerhouse feel alive.
Nearest stop:
- City Hall (Yellow and Red Lines)
Highlights:
- Wander through the Singapore History Gallery for a timeline of the nation’s evolution.
- Get hands-on with interactive exhibits that make history feel like time travel.
- Marvel at the museum’s grand neoclassical architecture—history wrapped in history.
Pro tip: Opt for a guided tour. Some focus on colonial history, while others highlight Singapore’s modern evolution. It’s like having a personal storyteller.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 15-minute walk to Fort Canning Park.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Dig into Singapore’s rich Peranakan heritage at The Peranakan. Must-try dishes? The earthy ayam buah keluak (chicken cooked with black nut) and laksa pack a coconut-ty punch with a spicy kick.
Attraction: Fort Canning Park
Take a walk through Singapore’s layers of history at Fort Canning Park, a hill that’s seen it all—from Malay royalty to colonial outposts and wartime bunkers.
Nearest stop:
- City Hall (Yellow and Red Lines)
Highlights:
- Head underground to the Battlebox, a WWII command center where key decisions were made.
- Stroll through the Spice Garden, inspired by Singapore’s early role in the global spice trade.
- Check out the Archaeological Dig Site because nothing says ‘history buff’ like ancient artifacts underfoot.
Pro tip: Look for the Keramat, an ancient tomb believed to be that of Singapore's last Malay king—a quiet yet powerful connection to the island’s past.
Suggested time to spend: 1.5 hours
Time to next stop: 10-minute walk to Raffles Hotel.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: Raffles Hotel
Step into colonial-era elegance at the iconic Raffles Hotel – where high society met to sip cocktails and make history. The marble floors, towering palm trees, and liveried doormen are pure old-school glam.
Nearest stop:
- Raffles Hotel (Yellow Line) and Suntec City Tourist Hub (Red Line)
Highlights:
- Sip a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar—this is where it was invented, after all.
- Admire the intricate colonial-style architecture and lush courtyards.
- Stop by the Raffles Hotel Museum for a peek at vintage artifacts and celebrity guest stories.
Pro tip: The hotel’s boutique sells exclusive Raffles-branded gin and Singapore Sling kits, which are not available anywhere else. Perfect for a luxe souvenir.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: 5-minute walk to Singapore River.
Late night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: End your day with a refined meal at The Halia, tucked inside the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Go for the chili crab spaghettini, a playful take on the national dish, or the lemongrass and ginger panna cotta for dessert. Dining under the canopy of ancient trees? Vibe check!
Morning (7am - 11am)
Breakfast: Fuel up with a healthy breakfast at Prive. Their açai bowls are bursting with fresh berries and granola, while the smoothies are pure tropical bliss. Grab a seat with a view of the Supertrees! It’s breakfast with a botanical twist.
Attraction: Singapore Botanic Gardens
Nature’s calling and it’s coming from the Singapore Botanic Gardens. This lush, UNESCO-listed paradise is a blend of vibrant orchids, towering trees, and secret trails that make you forget you’re in a city.
Nearest stop:
- Botanic Gardens (Yellow Line)
Highlights:
- Visit the National Orchid Garden, where 1,000+ orchid species bloom, including rare hybrids named after celebrities.
- Follow the Rainforest Trail, a shaded path teeming with towering trees and exotic bird calls.
- Relax by Symphony Lake with a picnic and watch swans glide across the water.
Pro tip: Visit the Healing Garden early as it’s only open in the morning and is home to over 400 medicinal plants.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 15-minute walk to Orchard Road.
Afternoon (12pm - 3pm)
Lunch: Hidden among the greenery of Dempsey Hill, PS. Cafe serves up comfort food with flair. The truffle fries are addictive, the crab tart is buttery perfection, and their chocolate cake? Worth every calorie.
Attraction: MacRitchie Reservoir
Take a walk along the MacRitchie Reservoir. With forest-fringed trails, kayaking routes, and cheeky monkeys eyeing your snacks, it’s a slice of nature that feels worlds away from the city’s skyscrapers.
Nearest stop:
- Village Hotel Bugis (Red Line)
Highlights:
- Walk the TreeTop Walk, a 250m suspension bridge offering sweeping views of the forest canopy.
- Spot playful monkeys swinging through the trees and monitor lizards basking in the sun.
- Glide through calm waters on a kayak, passing by lush greenery and the occasional kingfisher.
Pro tip: Follow the Prunus Trail at the reservoir for a quieter hike and better chances of spotting shy wildlife like colugos.
Suggested time to spend: 2 hours
Time to next stop: 20-minute drive to next stop.
Evening (4pm - 7pm)
Attraction: St. Andrew's Cathedral
Singapore’s oldest Anglican church is a striking neo-Gothic gem with white spires and intricate stained glass. Its peaceful atmosphere offers a welcome retreat from the city buzz.
Nearest stop:
- City Hall (Yellow and Red Lines)
Highlights:
- Gaze up at the stunning stained-glass windows gifted by Queen Victoria.
- Step inside the majestic Nave, where ceilings and Gothic arches create a grand yet calming vibe.
- Spot the memorial plaques—each one tells a story of Singapore's colonial history.
Pro tip: Use the side (or should we say secret?) entrance on North Bridge Road for quicker access and fewer crowds.
Suggested time to spend: 1 hour
Time to next stop: Just a 4-minute walk to your dinner spot.
Late Night (8pm - 12am)
Dinner: The three-Michelin-starred spot, Odette, serves up French cuisine with Asian twists, like sea urchin (uni) with caviar and kombu jelly. The soft pink interiors and minimalist elegance scream understated luxury.
