Singapore 2 day itinerary: botanical beauty and lavish dining
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Singapore is a beautiful metropolis – where ultra-modern skyscrapers blend with lush greenery and ancient temples. The unique city is no longer just considered as a ‘stopover’ as its culinary scene has skyrocketed and there are architectural icons at every turn.
The ‘Garden City’ is also a leading eco-city, home to beautiful parks and gardens with hidden rainforests and nature trails. Whether you’re looking for polished resorts, unmissable museums and galleries or an explosive food scene (from Michelin to street food), here’s our ultimate Singapore 2 day itinerary.
This dynamic island nation offers a dreamy mix of rich cultural heritage and modern architecture and art – from the oldest parts of Chinatown to the towering Marina Bay Sands Resort. Nearly 50 per cent of the city is green space, which isn’t easy given it’s one of the most populated places in the world. The botanical outdoor spaces and nature walks are unrivalled, and it’s easy to find peace and tranquillity within the bustle of the city streets.
The vibrant hawker culture means you can sample a rich mix of dishes from the best vendors – from succulent satay to Hainanese chicken rice (the ultimate comfort food). Also known for its uber-luxurious hotels, resorts and restaurants – you’re spoilt for choice in this city with 55 Michelin-starred spots (as of 2023).
So, if you’re ready to dive in and make the most of every hour, follow this Singapore 2 day itinerary to experience the best this opulent city has to offer.
Check our latest hotel features in Southeast Asia for more incredible luxury hotels and resorts in this region, as well as our things to do in Bangkok guide.
And if you love foodie travel you might also like to read our luxury foodie guide to the Cotswolds, and our guide to the best restaurants in northern Crete.
Have you been to Singapore and loved a restuarant, luxury hotel or attraction so much you think it should be included? Contact us and let us know so we can add them to our Singapore 2 day itinerary.
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It’s the landmark destination to stay in Singapore’s vibrant city district and there’s nowhere quite like it in the world.
Day 1: Arrive at Marina Bay Sands
Ultimate luxury and architectural grandeur.
Iconic destination
This iconic destination is an integrated resort and ideal if you want a taste of luxury and architectural grandeur. Marina Bay Sands is home to the world’s longest infinity pool – just steps from your room.
If you’re planning a Singapore 2 day itinerary, this is the ultimate place to stay.
Take in the fantastic views.
Day 1, Morning: Head to the SkyPark Observation Deck and pool
A great way to get your bearings.
Incredible views
Before you explore the city, take in the fantastic views from the Observation Deck – it’s a great way to get your bearings and plan all the places you want to visit, and it’s a stone’s throw away from the hotel’s incredible pool area. If you’d prefer to visit in the evening, opt for the Sunset Experience, where you sip Champange and take in the city during golden hour.
Don’t miss the infinity pool – it’s so vast I got tired swimming from one length to the other!
Italian dishes and a stunning rooftop terrace.
Day 1, Midday: Have lunch at Lavo
Italian lunch spot with a stunning rooftop terrace.
Authentic dishes
One of Marina Bay Sands’ more casual restaurants, this Italian lunch spot has a stunning rooftop terrace and is next up on our Singapore 2 day itinerary.
It serves authentic dishes, including aubergine parmigiana (perfectly cheesy and bubbling) and their signature ‘meatball’ made with wagyu and veal. You can also enjoy the seafood bar with the finest Fine de Claire oysters, Alaskan King Crab, and Maine Lobster.
I’d recommend exploring the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome
Day 1, Afternoon: Visit Gardens by the Bay
One of the world’s most beautiful nature parks.
Beautiful botanical garden
This stunning botanical garden park is just a short walk away from the hotel and a must visit on any Singapore 2 day itinerary – if you book one of the Gardens by the Bay rooms you can enjoy amazing views from your balcony (well worth it).
You can buy different ticket packages, but I’d recommend exploring the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome. The Cloud Forest recreates the cool, misty conditions of tropical mountain regions with a 115-foot indoor waterfall and a diverse collection of plant life, including the most tiny and delicate orchids I’ve ever seen. The Flower Dome embraces a more Mediterranean climate with vibrant bougainvillaea and cherry blossoms.
Amazing views, great food.
Day 1, Evening: Dinner and drinks on top of the world
Toast the day in C’est La Vie SkyBar.
Futuristic views
Day one on our Singapore 2 day itinerary is all about making the most of the Marina Bay Sands resort, so finish the evening off by heading back up to the 57th floor and toast the day in C’est La Vie SkyBar.
It goes without saying that the views across the futuristic city are amazing, but the dishes are also great – we loved the moreish truffle fries and ebi shrimp, and the cheese and truffle naan is to die for.
The choreography of fountain jets and visuals is quite magical.
Day 1, Night: Catch the Spectra light and water show
The perfect way to end the day.
Magical visuals
Marina Bay Sands’ iconic light show runs multiple times per evening (when we stayed – double check times and dates when you visit), so head to the front of the hotel at 8pm, 9pm – or 10pm (on Friday and Saturday). The choreography of fountain jets and visuals is quite magical and the perfect way to end the day.
From award-winning bakeries to authentic Asian feasts.
Day 2, Morning: Have breakfast at Marina Bay Sands – or in Chintatown
So many options, right on your doorstep.
Breakfast treats
From award-winning bakeries to authentic Asian feasts, there are so many options to choose from on your doorstep. I’d recommend Origin + Bloom for really good coffee (or a Matcha latte) and the lobster and prawn roll with truffle.
Or, head to RISE in the hotel lobby. Known as one of the best Chinese restaurants in Singapore, the breakfast sets are vast but I’d go for the RISE fishball noodle soup (the ultimate Asian breakfast comfort food).
Want to head further afield? Try a Singapore favourite and head to the Kaya Kaya stall at Chinatown’s Hong Lim Food Centre for the best kaya toast ever. Just the right amount of kaya (coconut jam) and cold slices of butter make the ideal breakfast sweet treat.
Singapore’s Chinatown pulses with colourful lanterns, shop-house facades and lively markets.
Day 2, Mid-Morning: Explore Chinatown
Just a couple of stops away.
Singapore’s Chinatown
Just a couple of stops away on the MRT metro, and next on our Singapore 2 day itinerary, Singapore’s Chinatown pulses with colourful lanterns, shop-house facades and lively markets. Visit the iconic Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum to admire the sacred relics, before heading to the busy Maxwell Food Centre where we spotted barbecued stingray!
Wander through the Chinatown Heritage Centre to learn about the rich history of the neighbourhood, or explore the picturesque Sri Mariamman Temple – one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples.
Hand-crafted dumplings and traditional noodle dishes.
Day 2, Lunch: Stop for lunch at Dumpling Darlings
In the heart of Chinatown.
The ultimate lunch spot
In the heart of Chinatown on Circular Road, Dumpling Darlings is the ultimate lunch spot.
The menu is simple and includes hand-crafted dumplings and traditional noodle dishes. We went all in and ordered a dumpling feast with flavours like Smoked Duck and Shitake and classic Spicy Sichuan Pork.
One of the smartest, most well-curated galleries I’ve visited.
Day 2, Afternoon: Head to the National Gallery Singapore and the ArtScience Museum
A 15-minute walk from Chinatown.
Immerse yourself
A 15-minute walk from Chinatown, the National Gallery Singapore is one of the smartest, most well-curated galleries I’ve visited. Immerse yourself in the most exciting Southeast Asian art, explore the interactive galleries, before taking a quick break in the beautiful cafe.
Wander back to MBS – around 20 minutes through Esplanade Park and down the iconic Raffles Avenue. The ArtScience Museum in front of the hotel is well worth a visit. Inside the futuristic structure are global exhibitions blending art and science and cool digital interactive installations to get lost in.
There’s nowhere better to sign off the day than at one of Singapore’s most infamous hawker centres.
Day 2, Evening: Have dinner at Lau Pa Sat hawker
Head to Satay Street.
Nowhere better to sign off the day
There’s nowhere better to sign off the day and finish your Singapore 2 day itinerary than at one of Singapore’s most infamous hawker centres. Set in a historic building and built in the 19th century, it’s the only one located within a national monument. Head to satay street where vendors serve up sizzling satay chicken, prawn and squid skewers behind flaming grills.
Don’t leave without trying the succulent chicken rice and bak kut teh (pork rib soup). The atmosphere is lively and the centre can feel like a maze so take a walk around first before settling into your seat and ordering ice-cold beers to go with your chosen dishes.
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