If you have 3 days in Singapore, the safest and most efficient itinerary for first-timers is: Day 1 – Marina Bay & Gardens by the Bay, Day 2 – Sentosa Island, and Day 3 – Historic districts (Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Gelam) and the Singapore River, with tickets bought in advance, off-peak time slots, and cashless payments for a smooth, secure Singapore trip.
This cluster guide expands on Homejourney's main itinerary guide Homejourney's Ultimate 3-Day Singapore Itinerary for First-Timers with precise tickets, prices and opening hours so you can lock in your 3 Day Singapore Itinerary for First-Timers Tickets, Prices and Opening Hours with confidence.
How to use this 3 day itinerary Singapore guide
This 3 day itinerary Singapore plan is designed from a local perspective – I’ve lived around Marina Bay and East Coast for years, and I’ve walked these routes many times with visiting friends.
For each day, you’ll find:
- Priority attractions with typical opening hours
- Indicative ticket prices in SGD (check official sites for the latest updates)
- Exact MRT routes and walking times
- Insider safety and money-saving tips
Day 1 – Marina Bay & Gardens by the Bay (City Icons)
Day 1 focuses on the classic "what to do Singapore" question: the Marina Bay skyline, Supertrees, and observation decks that most first-timers picture when planning a Singapore trip.
Essential information: Marina Bay & Gardens by the Bay
- Key attractions: Merlion Park, Helix Bridge, ArtScience Museum, Gardens by the Bay (Flower Dome & Cloud Forest), OCBC Skyway / Supertree Observatory, Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
- Nearest MRT: Bayfront (CE1/DT16, Exits B/D for Gardens by the Bay & MBS), Raffles Place (EW14/NS26, Exit B for Merlion Park)
- Best time: Late afternoon to evening for cooler weather and night lights
- Recommended duration: Full day (10–12 hours with breaks)
Tickets, prices and opening hours (Day 1)
Prices are indicative and commonly used by local trip planners; always verify on the official site or Singapore Tourism Board before purchasing.
- Gardens by the Bay – Flower Dome & Cloud Forest
Typical hours: 9:00am – 9:00pm (last admission ~8:30pm)
Indicative prices: ~S$35–S$43 (adult), ~S$27–S$30 (child 3–12) for both conservatories (non-resident bundle).
Insider tip: Buy a timed ticket in the late afternoon, do Flower Dome first, then Cloud Forest just before sunset to see both day and night moods. - OCBC Skyway / Supertree Observatory
Typical hours: 9:00am – 9:00pm.
Indicative prices: OCBC Skyway ~S$12–S$14 (adult), Observatory ~S$18–S$20 (adult).
Insider tip: Time your slot to overlap with Garden Rhapsody light show (usually 7:45pm & 8:45pm) for an elevated view. - Garden Rhapsody (Supertree light & sound show)
Hours: Usually twice nightly around 7:45pm & 8:45pm.
Price: Free – one of the best-value experiences in the city.
Safety note: Arrive 10–15 minutes early and avoid standing under tree edges where crowds compress at the end. - Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck
Typical hours: ~11:00am – 9:00pm (shorter hours on certain days; check official site).
Indicative prices: ~S$32–S$38 (adult), lower for children and seniors.
Local tip: Sunset slots sell out quickly on weekends and public holidays – reserve online a few days ahead. - ArtScience Museum (selected exhibitions)
Typical hours: 10:00am – 7:00pm (last entry ~6:00pm).
Indicative prices: ~S$19–S$30 per adult, depending on exhibitions and bundles.
For families, the interactive exhibitions are air-conditioned and good for mid-day heat.
Suggested Day 1 route (local-tested)
- Morning – Merlion & Marina Bay walk
• MRT Raffles Place, Exit B, walk 8–10 minutes to Merlion Park.
• Stroll the Marina Bay waterfront towards Esplanade and Helix Bridge (flat, stroller-friendly, with railings).
Photo tip: Best skyline shots are from the promenade facing Marina Bay Sands before 10:00am or just before sunset when the light is soft. - Afternoon – Gardens by the Bay
• MRT Bayfront, follow signs to “Gardens by the Bay” and use the underground link – this keeps you out of the sun for most of the walk.
• Visit Flower Dome then Cloud Forest (air-conditioned, barrier-free, lifts available).
• Grab snacks and water at the gift shops; prices are higher than hawker centres but convenient. - Evening – Supertree Grove & Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
• Do OCBC Skyway or Supertree Observatory just before the first Garden Rhapsody show.
• After the show, use the covered link back to Marina Bay Sands, then take the elevator up for the SkyPark Observation Deck if you booked a night slot.
Practical & safety tips (Day 1)
- What to wear/bring: Light, breathable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, a small umbrella or light rain jacket, and a refillable water bottle – there are water points in malls and some attractions.
- Weather: Humidity is high; pace yourself and use indoor sections like ArtScience Museum or The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands to cool down.
- Accessibility: Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly with lifts and ramps, but OCBC Skyway has height and weather restrictions.
- Money-saving: Consider Singapore tourist passes or attraction bundles that include Gardens by the Bay and observation decks via Singapore Tourism Board-approved channels CNA Property News .
Day 2 – Sentosa Island (Theme Parks, Cable Car, Beaches)
Day 2 focuses on Sentosa – ideal for visitors asking what to do Singapore beyond the city skyline: beaches, Universal Studios Singapore, and cable car views.
Essential information: Sentosa
- Key attractions: Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, SkyHelix Sentosa, Skyline Luge, Siloso/Palawan/Tanjong Beach
- Nearest MRT: HarbourFront (NE1/CC29, Exit E for VivoCity)
- Getting in: Sentosa Express monorail from VivoCity L3, or walk via Sentosa Boardwalk, or taxi/ride-hail directly into the island.
- Best time: Weekdays, arrive around opening time to avoid queues and mid-day heat.
- Recommended duration: Full day; families with young children may want to leave by late afternoon.
Tickets, prices and opening hours (Day 2)
- Universal Studios Singapore
Typical hours: Often 10:00am – 7:00pm; seasonal changes apply.
Indicative prices: ~S$81–S$90 (adult), ~S$61–S$70 (child 4–12).
Insider tip: For school holidays and weekends, locals often book 1–2 weeks ahead; consider Express Pass if you dislike queues. - S.E.A. Aquarium (Resorts World Sentosa)
Typical hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm or 6:00pm, depending on season.
Indicative prices: ~S$43–S$50 (adult), ~S$32–S$39 (child).
Great rainy-day alternative if thunderstorms make outdoor rides unsafe. - Sentosa Cable Car (Mount Faber & HarbourFront line)
