3 Days in Singapore - The Best Things to Do and See

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View from Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore

Singapore: Day 1

On our first day I take in the aforementioned view from the top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel, an architectural feat comprised of three towers topped with a boat-like rooftop pool and restaurant terrace. It’s a great way to get a feel for the city, from the skyscraper views on one side to the garden views on the other.

View from Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore

Back on the ground, we spend the morning exploring the Gardens by the Bay. Like the hotel, they’re new since my last visit. I’m impressed by the size of the outdoor complex and the fantasy-like atmosphere around the giant Supertrees.

View from Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore

The two shell domes are home to everything from flowers to waterfalls. Not only are they a welcome respite from Singapore’s legendary heat, but also fun places to be awed by the world’s natural beauty.

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

In the afternoon we head over to Chinatown. The pedestrianized streets are lined with colorful shophouses that contain all kinds of stores. Awnings cover their contents as their bright hues overflow into the roads, and strings of red and white lanterns dance overhead.

Chinatown, Singapore

We walk down the streets, taking in the sights of souvenirs and smells of street food as we make our way to Maxwell Food Centre, one of Singapore’s most famous hawker centers. It’s packed with delicious stalls, and we settle in for sliced fish bee hoon soup from the famous Jin Hua Fish Head Bee Hoon.

Temple in Chinatown, Singapore

Later we cool off with a drink at Oxwell & Co, an expat-run bar with a great roof terrace on nearby Ann Siang Hill.

Oxwell and Co, Singapore

Afterwards it’s back to Marina Bay for an evening trip to the viewing platform at the Supertrees and dinner on the rooftop of the Marina Bay Sands. I love the way they glow in the sunset.

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Singapore: Day 2

I start the second of my 3 days in Singapore on a solo mission to Little India, where the streets are decked in color in honor of Diwali, the Hindu festival of lights.

Little India at Diwali, Singapore

Walking down Serangoon Road, I take in the decorations and duck down side streets to find magical umbrella trees and colorful markets.

Umbrella Trees, Singapore

I walk by the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, with its intricate details, and wander through the stalls at the Little India Arcade.

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, Singapore

My senses are tempted by all that I see, and it’s hard not to pick up a million gifts for friends back home.

Little India, Singapore

In the afternoon I head to the Singapore Zoo, which I’ve heard so many good things about that I can’t wait to visit. It certainly lives up to its reputation, with a vast number of species represented in a variety of habitats.

Singapore Zoo

I spend so much time there that I’m almost late for dinner at Creatures in Little India. But I make it in time to enjoy a good meal, and have energy left over for a pilgrimage to The Long Bar at Raffles Hotel for a Singapore Sling (it’s the birthplace of the cocktail, after all).

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Singapore: Day 3

Boat in Singapore

Back on shore, I head over to Lau Pa Sat, another of Singapore’s hawker centers. Set in a beautiful Victorian arcade, it’s home to a modern mix of stalls selling everything from noodles to teh tarik tea. I settle in for a pineapple and guava juice and soak up the smoky smells of the satay stalls.

Merlion, Singapore

In the afternoon my boyfriend and I meet up and head to the National Gallery. The huge museum has a range of exhibitions on, and we make our way through its corridors to see an eclectic mix of art. While we’re there, we also discover great views from the roof terrace.

National Gallery, Singapore

Afterwards we brave the heat to walk around Marina Bay, taking in the Esplanade, Helix Bridge, and lotus-like ArtScience Museum as we go.

Marina Bay Sands, Singapore

Then it’s off to the Botanical Gardens to soak up Singapore’s most beautiful green space. It’s hard to believe how big the gardens are, and I feel like I could keep coming back forever and still not take in all the lakes, groves, and glens here.