3-Day Singapore Itinerary for First-Timers: Complete Tickets, Prices & Opening Hours Guide
Planning your first three days in Singapore? This comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about the must-see attractions, current admission prices, opening hours, and practical tips to maximize your experience. Whether you're visiting before investing in Singapore property or simply exploring the city, this itinerary balances iconic landmarks with authentic local experiences while keeping you informed about costs and logistics.
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Day 1: Marina Bay Icons & Cultural Immersion
Theme: Contemporary Singapore and Culinary Discovery
Start your Singapore adventure in the Marina Bay district, home to the city's most recognizable landmarks. This day introduces you to Singapore's modern skyline while incorporating authentic hawker dining—a quintessential local experience.
Morning: Merlion Park & Marina Bay Waterfront
Merlion Park
- Location: 1 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039803 (MRT: Raffles Place, Exit C, 5-minute walk)
- Hours: 24/7 (free access)
- Cost: Free
- Best time to visit: 8:00-10:00 AM to avoid crowds and capture clear photos
- Duration: 30-45 minutes
The iconic 8.6-meter Merlion statue—combining a lion's head with a fish's body—symbolizes Singapore's heritage as a fishing village and its transformation into a modern city-state. Arrive early to secure photos without crowds. The park offers excellent views of Marina Bay Sands and the surrounding skyline. Note: The fountain occasionally closes for maintenance; check the Singapore Tourism Board website before visiting.
Insider tip: Walk along the waterfront promenade toward Boat Quay and Clarke Quay for additional photo opportunities and heritage shophouses converted into restaurants and bars.
Late Morning: Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay
- Location: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953 (MRT: Bayfront, Exit A, 2-minute walk)
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM daily
- General admission: Free (outdoor gardens)
- Supertree Grove Admission: Free (outdoor viewing)
- Cloud Forest Conservatory: SGD 28 adults, SGD 15 children (4-12 years), free for children under 4
- Flower Dome: SGD 28 adults, SGD 15 children, free for children under 4
- Combo ticket (both domes): SGD 40 adults, SGD 22 children
- Duration: 3-4 hours
This 101-hectare botanical garden opened in 2012 and has become Singapore's most visited attraction. The futuristic Supertree Grove features 18 tree-like structures (25-50 meters tall) that light up nightly at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM with spectacular light and sound shows (free to watch from the ground level). The conservatories offer immersive experiences: the Cloud Forest features a 35-meter indoor waterfall, while the Flower Dome showcases Mediterranean and semi-arid plant collections.
Money-saving tip: Visit the outdoor gardens and Supertree Grove for free. If budget-conscious, skip the conservatories on Day 1 and revisit for the evening light show instead.
Afternoon: Lunch at Chinatown Hawker Centre
Take the MRT from Bayfront to Chinatown (Downtown Line, 2 stops). Explore the historic Chinatown district and lunch at one of Singapore's most authentic hawker centres—Maxwell Food Centre or Chinatown Complex Food Centre. Expect to spend SGD 3-8 per dish. Popular items include chicken rice, laksa, and char kway teow. Hawker centres operate typically 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily.
Late Afternoon: Marina Bay Sands & ArtScience Museum
Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck
- Location: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956 (MRT: Bayfront, Exit A, 5-minute walk)
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
- Admission: SGD 29 adults, SGD 21 seniors/children (13-16 years), SGD 15 children (3-12 years), free for children under 3
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
The iconic Marina Bay Sands towers 57 stories with a distinctive curved roofline. The SkyPark Observation Deck on the 57th floor offers 360-degree views of Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay, and the city skyline. On clear days, you can see Malaysia's Johor Bahru. The observation deck is less crowded in late afternoon (3:00-5:00 PM).
ArtScience Museum
- Location: Marina Bay Sands, 6 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018974
- Hours: 10:00 AM - 7:00 PM daily
- Admission: SGD 19 adults, SGD 12 seniors/children, free for children under 6
- Duration: 1-2 hours
Located within Marina Bay Sands, this unique museum combines art and science with rotating exhibitions. The lotus-shaped building is architecturally distinctive and offers immersive, visually engaging experiences ideal for afternoon visits.
Evening: Clarke Quay & Dinner
Walk from Marina Bay Sands to Clarke Quay (15-minute riverside walk or MRT). This heritage district features restored colonial shophouses converted into restaurants, bars, and entertainment venues. Enjoy dinner with river views. Expect SGD 15-40 per person for casual dining, SGD 40-80 for mid-range restaurants. The area comes alive after 6:00 PM with vibrant nightlife.
Day 2: UNESCO Heritage & Shopping Districts
Theme: Natural Heritage and Urban Lifestyle
Morning: Singapore Botanic Gardens
Singapore Botanic Gardens
- Location: 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569 (MRT: Botanic Gardens, Exit A, 1-minute walk)
- Hours: 5:00 AM - Midnight daily
- Admission: Free (general gardens)
- National Orchid Garden: SGD 14 adults, SGD 10 seniors, free for children under 12
- Duration: 2-3 hours
A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015, these 63-hectare gardens represent one of Asia's finest botanical collections. The gardens feature wide, shaded pathways, serene lakes, and diverse plant collections. The National Orchid Garden showcases over 1,000 species of orchids—Singapore's national flower. Morning visits (8:00-11:00 AM) offer cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. The gardens are exceptionally well-maintained with excellent accessibility features including paved pathways and numerous rest areas.
Insider tip: Visit the Orchid Garden first to avoid afternoon heat. The adjacent Botanic Gardens Restaurant offers lunch with garden views (SGD 15-30 per meal).
Afternoon: Orchard Road Shopping & ION Orchard
Orchard Road
- Location: Orchard Road, Singapore (MRT: Orchard, Dhoby Ghaut, or Somerset stations)
- Hours: Shops typically 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM daily
- Cost: Free to explore; shopping costs vary
- Duration: 2-3 hours
Singapore's premier shopping district stretches 2.2 kilometers and features luxury brands, local boutiques, and flagship stores. ION Orchard (MRT: Orchard, Exit A) is the district's architectural centerpiece with 15 stories of retail and dining. The area is air-conditioned and comfortable for afternoon exploration. Nearby Takashimaya and Paragon shopping centers offer additional retail options.
Money-saving tip: Window shop for free or visit during Singapore's Great Singapore Sale (typically June-August) for significant discounts.
Late Afternoon: Singapore Flyer
Singapore Flyer
- Location: 30 Raffles Avenue, Singapore 039803 (MRT: Promenade, Exit C, 5-minute walk)
- Hours: 8:30 AM - 10:00 PM daily
- Admission: SGD 33 adults, SGD 20 children (4-12 years), SGD 23 seniors, free for children under 4
- Duration: 30 minutes per rotation
The world's tallest observation wheel (165 meters) offers panoramic views across Marina Bay, the city skyline, and on clear days, Malaysia's Johor Bahru. Each enclosed capsule holds up to 28 people. The 30-minute rotation is gentle and smooth, making it accessible for most visitors. Late afternoon rides (4:00-6:00 PM) offer excellent light for photography.
Money-saving tip: Purchase tickets online in advance for approximately 10% discount (SGD 29.70 adults).
Evening: Dinner & Entertainment
Return to Marina Bay area or explore Tanjong Pagar district for dinner. Tanjong Pagar features heritage shophouses converted into trendy restaurants and cocktail bars. Expect SGD 20-50 per person for casual dining, SGD 50-100+ for fine dining. The area is particularly vibrant after 7:00 PM.
Day 3: Cultural Neighborhoods & Local Experiences
Theme: Multicultural Singapore and Authentic Neighborhoods
Morning: Kampong Glam & Arab Street
Kampong Glam & Sultan Mosque
- Location: Arab Street, Singapore (MRT: Bugis, Exit B, 5-minute walk)
- Sultan Mosque Hours: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM, 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM (closed during prayer times)
- Admission: Free (modest dress required; headscarves provided)
- Duration: 2-3 hours
This historic neighborhood is the heart of Singapore's Malay-Muslim community. The stunning Sultan Mosque features golden domes and intricate architecture. Arab Street is lined with shops selling textiles, spices, perfumes, and traditional crafts. The area is pedestrian-friendly with numerous cafes serving traditional Malay cuisine. Explore the narrow lanes and heritage shophouses that reflect Singapore's multicultural heritage.
Insider tip: Visit the mosque in the morning before midday heat. Respect prayer times and dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees). The adjacent Kampong Glam Heritage Gallery (free admission) provides historical context.
Late Morning: Little India
Little India & Sri Veerakaliamman Temple
- Location: Serangoon Road, Singapore (MRT: Little India, Exit A/B, 2-minute walk)
- Temple Hours: 6:30 AM - 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM daily
- Admission: Free (remove shoes before entering)
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
Little India is Singapore's South Asian cultural hub. The Sri Veerakaliamman Temple features ornate Hindu architecture with colorful gopuram (tower). The neighborhood is packed with spice shops, textile stores, jewelry boutiques, and restaurants serving authentic Indian cuisine. Serangoon Road is the main thoroughfare with numerous hawker stalls and small eateries. The area is vibrant and bustling, particularly on weekends.
Insider tip: Visit the Indian Heritage Centre (5 Campbell Lane, SGD 6 adults, SGD 3 children, closed Mondays) for deeper cultural understanding. Lunch at a local Indian restaurant—expect SGD 5-15 per meal at hawker stalls, SGD 15-30 at casual restaurants.
Afternoon: Chinatown & Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
- Location: 288 South Bridge Road, Singapore 058840 (MRT: Chinatown, Exit A, 3-minute walk)
- Hours: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM daily
- Admission: Free (temple), SGD 15 adults for museum (children under 12 free)
- Duration: 1-2 hours
This ornate five-story temple, completed in 2007, houses a tooth relic believed to belong to Buddha. The architecture blends traditional Buddhist design with modern construction. The temple features a rooftop garden with 108 bronze Buddha statues. The museum displays Buddhist artifacts and provides cultural education. The ground floor offers incense, prayer items, and vegetarian food.
Chinatown Heritage Exploration
