How to Spend 2 Days in Singapore

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Last Updated on April 21, 2024 by sydabroad

If you are spending 2 days in Singapore and looking for the best things to do, keep reading! 

Singapore is a city-state and an island country in Southeast Asia. This means Singapore is considered one of the smallest countries in the world. Despite its size, Singapore has a significant global impact. 

Additionally, Singapore is known for its multicultural society, cleanliness, sustainability, strong economy, many iconic landmarks, and for having one of the world’s best airports – Changi Airport.  

Whether you are spending 2 days in Singapore or a week in Singapore, this guide will be a helpful resource for planning your trip. I’ll cover the best activities, where to stay in Singapore, how to get around the city, a map with all the locations mentioned in this article, and more. Alright, let’s get into the guide!

Looking for more Singapore guides?

• The Best Instagrammable Places in Singapore
• The Best Cocktail Bars in Singapore

This post is all about how to spend 2 days in Singapore.

2 Days in Singapore – The Basics

Currency = The Singapore Dollar 

The currency in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD) 

1 USD = 1.33 Singapore Dollar

Many places in Singapore will accept card payments but I find it helpful to keep some cash on hand for small purchases. Cash is also necessary if you are at local markets and food stalls such as Maxwell Food Center. There are plenty of ATMs throughout the city. 

Language = English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil 

Singapore has four official languages: English, Mandarin Chinese, Malay, and Tamil. The most widely spoken language is English. 

Phone & Internet

From my experience, I never had a problem with the phone and internet service. It was fast and reliable pretty much everywhere I went. Most cafes, restaurants, and hotels will have wifi available.

I love using the Airalo app to access the internet anywhere in the world through an eSIM. 

Daily Budget 

Compared to other Southeast Asia countries, Singapore is much more expensive. If you are a budget traveler set aside 80 to 150 per day. If you are traveling on more of a mid-range budget, plan to spend anywhere from 200 to 400 per day. This includes accommodation. 

Tipping in Singapore 

Tipping in Singapore is not customary and for the most part, not expected. A service charge is typically included in restaurant and cafe bills. 

Because Singapore is a diverse city with many customs, if you do decide to tip it’s generally appreciated but is not expected. 

Can you Drink the Tap Water? 

Yes, the tap water is perfectly safe to drink in Singapore. It goes through a robust purification process – it’s very clean. Singapore is a very green city and encourages the use of reusable water bottles. Public drinking fountains can be found in many parts of the city. 

When is The Best Time to Visit Singapore?

Singapore is a great place to visit year-round. The climate here is relatively consistent throughout the year – warm temperatures and high humidity. 

December to February is considered their “cooler” season and is also the driest time of the year. June to August is also a great time to visit to avoid rain. 

September to November is Singapore’s wet season. During this time there will be a higher chance of rain showers. Because of Singapore’s tropical climate, short rain showers can occur at any time so make sure you bring a rain jacket just in case.  

DAY 1: 2 Days in Singapore

Explore Changi International Airport

You’ll start your 2 days in Singapore at the world’s best airport – Changi Airport. I know it’s a little odd to allocate time to spend in an airport once you land but trust me, you have to do it in Singapore. 

There are so many things to do and see in Changi Airport including cooking classes, endless shopping, a butterfly garden, free movie theaters, a sunflower garden, and art installations just to name a few. But the most iconic thing to see in Changi Airport is the Jewel. 

The Jewel is a multi-dimensional entertainment and retail complex. You can see the Rain Vortex, which is the tallest indoor waterfall, and wander through Shiseido Forest Valley – an indoor garden with walking trails.

As for food in Changi Airport, you can stop at Shake Shack for a burger – it’s located right near the Jewel in Terminal 1 (T1). 

If you land late in the evening, head to your hotel for the night. On the other hand, if you land in the morning, the next stop on this itinerary to make the most out of your 2 days in Singapore is to visit Gardens by The Bay. 

Gardens by The Bay 

Gardens by the Bay is a nature park that consists of three waterfront gardens and is home to many of Singapore’s most iconic attractions. 

Here you can visit Cloud Forest, the Flower Dome, Floral Fantasy, OCBC Skyway, and Supertree Observatory. If anything I highly recommend doing the OCBC Skyway and Cloud Forest. 

OCBC Skyway was so much fun and you can get the most amazing views of the city from here. This is a 128-meter-long aerial walkway. Tickets are 14 Singapore Dollars and can be purchased online or in person. 

Cloud Forest 

As mentioned above, you have to visit Cloud Forest at Gardens by The Bay. I wasn’t entirely sure what to expect at Cloud Forest but it blew my mind. It was one of the most unique attractions I’ve visited. 

Here you’ll get to see one of the world’s tallest indoor waterfalls and plants from all around the world as you stroll along its unique aerial walkways. Make sure to plan your visit when the forest mists at either 10 AM, 12 PM, 4 PM, 6 PM, or 8 PM daily. 

Cloud Forest is temperature-regulated to allow the tropical plants to thrive so this is a great place to visit to get out of Sinpore’s heat. 

Ticket prices range depending on whether you want to visit Cloud Forest individually or you can purchase combined tickets for other attractions such as the Flower Dome. Tickets can be purchased here.

Maxwell Food Center and Chinatown

Hawkers Centers in Singapore offer the most delicious and affordable local dishes. You have to include a visit to Maxwell Food Center on your Singapore itinerary. This is a great way to get a taste of Singapore’s culinary culture. 

While you’re here, try one of the most famous dishes in Singapore – Hainanese Chicken Rice. Hawkers Center is the best place to eat it. Tian Tian is one of the most popular but you can find various stalls serving delicious chicken rice.

 Singapore Chicken Rice is tender chicken served with rice cooked in chicken broth along with chili sauce and a soy-based dipping sauce. It’s so good. 

Maxwell Food Center gets busy. Especially during lunchtime. I suggest visiting a bit earlier or later to avoid long lines. Also, make sure you have cash, many stalls don’t accept card payments. 

After lunch, set aside some time to explore Chinatown. Chinatown in Singapore is a vibrant area with so much to see. Stop for an afternoon coffee and visit the Sri Mariamman Temple, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and the Museum. 

Merlion Park 

I suggest taking a walk through the city center and stopping for a visit to Merlion Park. This is one of the most popular spots to visit in Singapore and you can get a great view of Marina Bay Sands from here. 

The Merlion is Singapore’s most iconic symbol. It symbolizes the city’s history as a fishing village. You can see one of the most famous Merlion statues at Merlion Park overlooking the Singapore River. 

Old Hill Street Police Station 

If you are looking for good Instagram spots in Singapore, visit the Old Hill Street Police Station. This is a historical building and former police station.

 It’s a popular spot to visit because of the building’s colorful windows. If you are a photographer, you don’t want to miss this spot. 

Optional: A night safari at the Singapore Zoo is one of the best activities in Singapore. If you have the time, this would be a fun addition to your itinerary. Book your tickets here. 

Mama Diam for Drinks & Dinner

In the evening, head to Mama Diam for drinks and dinner. This is a speakeasy-style cocktail bar and restaurant. You’ll find the vibrant restaurant behind what looks like a classic convenience store. 

The food and drinks are some of the best I had in the city! Everything was one of a kind and delicious. 

LeVeL33

End your night with a cocktail and the best view of Marina Bay Sands. LeVeL33 is a cocktail bar and microbrewery with the best rooftop to enjoy a view of Singapore’s most iconic building. 

Read more about the best cocktail bars in Singapore. 

DAY 2: 2 Days in Singapore

Kaya Toast for Breakfast 

Kaya toast is a popular breakfast in Singapore. It’s a toasted bread with kaya in the middle (a sweet coconut jam) and butter. It’s paired with soft-boiled eggs and coffee. This was seriously the most delicious breakfast! 

There are many places around the city to find authentic kaya toast. I went to a place in Chinatown called Tong Ah Eating House and it was amazing. I highly recommend it. 

Sultan Mosque 

After breakfast, head to Sultan Mosque. Sultan Mosque or Masjid Sultan is a mosque in Singapore that was designated a national monument in 1975. It’s considered the national mosque of Singapore and serves as a place of worship for the local Muslim community. 

The Sultan Mosque is renowned for its distinctive architecture – so if you are an architecture lover, you have to visit!  

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Haji Lane

Just a short walk away from Sultan Mosque is Haji Lane. Haji Lane is a vibrant, trendy area in Singapore knowns for its many vintage shops and local boutiques, and cute cafes. 

There are so many great places to find jewelry, clothing, and great souvenirs. There are also many wonderful food options in and around Haji Lane. I stopped for an açaí bowl at An Açaí Affair and it’s the most delicious spot! Perfect on a hot and humid day. 

Take the MRT to Bugis station and Haji Lane is a short walk away from here.

Little India 

Little India is one of Singapore’s most colorful streets filled with street art, mosques, temples, and vibrant shophouses. 

While you are here, visit the lively bazaars, Mustafa Centre, the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, flower garland shops, and traditional eateries. Little India is the perfect place for tourists and locals to immerse themselves in Singapore’s Indian culture. 

National Gallery Singapore 

The National Gallery Singapore is a public institution and national museum dedicated to art and culture in Singapore. The gallery showcases thousands of pieces of Southeast Asian art from the 19th century to the present day. 

General admission to the National Gallery Singapore is $20. This also includes free guided tours. You can access the Roof Garden Gallery and the ArchiGallery without purchasing a ticket. 

Pro-tip: Shops at art museums always have the most unique gifts and souvenirs. If you are looking for something to bring home from Singapore, check out the museum shop at the National Gallery. 

Optional: Raffles Hotel 

The Long Bar at Raffles Hotel was where the first Singapore Sling was created. This is regarded as Singapore’s National Drink and was first mixed in 1915. You can taste it for yourself at Raffles Hotels but it is quite the steep price tag. You’ll be paying around $37 Singapore Dollars for one drink…. You are technically paying for the experience of Raffles Hotel. 

Chili Crab for Dinner 

Chili Crab is another one of Singapore’s famous local dishes. Visit the restaurant, Jumbo Seafood for the best chili crab in Singapore. They were established in the 1980’s are highly recognized for their delicious chili crab dish. Chili crab is hard shell crab cooked in a flavorful chili sauce

Gardens by The Bay Light Show

You have to go back to Gardens by The Bay at night to see the iconic light show. This is one of the best things to do in Singapore. 

The Gardens by the Bay light show takes place twice per evening at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM. The show typically lasts about 10 to 15 minutes. You don’t want to miss it! 

Check out my guide here with all of the best Instagram spots in Singapore!

Cocktail at CÉ LA VI 

After the light show, if you are up for a cocktail with a view, head to Marina Bay Sands. You can have a drink at their rooftop bar, Cé La Vi. This was a cool experience and a great way to get to see and enjoy the most iconic building in Singapore – Marina Bay Sands. 

Keep in mind though that the drinks are expensive. I’m talking about 25 to 30 Singapore Dollars. I probably wouldn’t go back but I did enjoy the experience. Read here for more of the best cocktail bars in Singapore!

Optional: If you want to take in the views of the city from the water, consider booking a river cruise on the Singapore River. Tickets are around $20 and you can book them here. 

Where to Eat and Drink in Singapore

• Hawkers Centers (Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown is great) 
• 7-Eleven: The best quick bites.  
• CÉ LA VI: Drinks on top of Marina Bay Sands.  
• Mama Diam: For dinner and cocktails.
• LeVeL33: Drinks with a view of Marina Bay Sands.
• Tong Ah Eating House: For the best kaya toast.
• Luka: For Italian.
• Maxi Coffee Bar: Delicious coffee.
• Açai Affair: The best açai bowls.

Transportation in Singapore 

How to Get to Singapore 

You’ll fly into Changi International Airport. And make sure to allocate some time to spend here once you land. Most times you can’t leave the airport quickly enough. But not here, Changi Airport is considered the best airport in the world.

This is the cleanest and most extravagant airport you’ll ever visit. Even some of the bathrooms looked like nice hotel restrooms. Make sure to visit the Jewel – one of the most iconic attractions in Singapore. 

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How to Get Around Singapore

Singapore is small and very easy to get around. You can use Grab, the MRT, public buses, or walk. I suggest using the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) if you are going far – this is much more affordable and efficient than using rideshare.

Singapore’s public transport is also one of the cleanest I’ve ever seen. Once you are in the city center you can easily walk to many attractions and locations around the city. Walking is a great way to get to know the city and enjoy Singapore’s architecture. 

Where to Stay in Singapore

Kesa House: Kesa House is the cutest boutique hotel in Chinatown. I couldn’t recommend it enough. The rooms were spacious, there was a work/lounge area upstairs, a kitchen, free coffee, and a terrace, and it’s located in the best location! 

Book Kesa House Here

Find a Place to Stay During Your 2 Days in Singapore

Map: 2 Days in Singapore

I hope you enjoyed this guide about how to spend 2 days in Singapore! If you have any questions about visiting Singapore, comment below or DM me on Instagram.

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