Explore Singapore in 7 Days: Culture, Cuisine & City Life

Singapore is one of those rare cities that feels both hypermodern and deeply rooted in tradition. For those of us who crave rich experiences, love to eat well, and want to explore without rushing, this island city-state offers an ideal blend of vibrant neighborhoods, world-class food, lush green escapes, and buzzing nightlife.

This 7-day itinerary is crafted with you in mind: the thoughtful explorer who wants to dive into street food and rooftop bars, temples and art museums, beach mornings and night market strolls. Whether you’re sipping cocktails on a sky-high terrace, biking through rustic Pulau Ubin, or tasting your way through hawker centers, each day is designed to balance culture, comfort, and adventure.

Let this guide lead you through a week of discovery—of flavors, sights, and the unique rhythm of Singapore. It’s more than a vacation; it’s a full-on experience.


Day 1

Arrival
Chinatown
Telok Ayer

Day 2

Gardens by the Bay Marina Bay Sands

Day 3

Sentosa Island VivoCity

Day 4

Tanjong Pagar
Outram Park
Orchard Road

Day 5

Pulau Ubin
Clark Quey

Day 6

Little India
Arab Street
Haji Lane

Day 7

National Museum
CHIJMES
Changi Airport


Night view of the beautifully lit Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore's Chinatown.

Day 1: Arrival and Chinatown Exploration

Morning

  • Arrival at Changi Airport. Use Grab or GoJack for transport to your hotel to drop your things
  • Travel to Telok Ayer neighborhood and have lunch in one of the many restaurants and hawkers in the area.
    • Uptown Nasi Lemak: For Singapore’s best nasi lemak.

Afternoon

  • Explore Telok Ayer and Chinatown
    • Thian Hock Keng Temple: An iconic Chinese temple.
    • Ann Siang Hill Park: A scenic walk from Telok Ayer to Chinatown.
    • Sri Mariamman Temple: Visit Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple.
    • Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: Admire the rooftop garden.
  • Have dinner at Wang Dae Bak Pocha, my favorite Korean BBQ in the city.
garden by the bay, singapore, night

Day 2: Gardens by the Bay & Marina Bay Sands

Morning

  • Morning at Marina Bay Sands (MBS):
    • Explore luxury shops and the iconic Apple Store.
    • Snap photos outside the ArtScience Museum.
  • Enjoy lunch at MBS
    • Din Tai Fung: Renowned for its soup dumplings.
    • For a luxurious touch, try TWG Tea Garden’s High Tea.

Afternoon

  • Take the MBS boardwalk from the top of the mall to the Gardens by the bay.
  • Visit Gardens by the Bay:
    • Wander the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest.
    • Marvel at the Supertree Grove, and if adventurous, take the OCBC Skyway walk.
    • Dinner at Satay by the Bay: Satay skewers and seafood BBQ under the stars.

Evening

  • Watch the Garden Rhapsody light show at 7:45 PM.
  • Walk back to MBS for the Spectra Light Show at Marina Bay Sands (8:00 PM).
  • Drinks: Visit LAVO or CÉ LA VI rooftop bars for breathtaking skyline views.
Stunning aerial view of a tropical beach with palm trees and turquoise waters, perfect for tourism.

Day 3: Sentosa Island & VivoCity

Morning

  • Morning at Sentosa
    • Palawan Beach: A serene spot for swimming and sunbathing.
    • Skyline Luge: A thrilling downhill ride with panoramic views.
  • Enjoy lunch along the beach at one of the many beach clubs and diners

Afternoon

  • Visit the S.E.A. Aquarium for mesmerizing marine life displays.
  • Take the scenic boardwalk back to VivoCity.
Vibrant Peranakan-style houses showcasing detailed architecture in Singapore.

Day 4: Tanjong Pagar, Outram Park & Orchard Road

Morning

  • Morning in Outram Park
    • Breakfast: Savor artisanal pastries at Baker’s Bench Bakery or try Bu Bu Gao Sheng Pancake for a traditional twist.
  • Stroll along Everton and Blair Road to admire heritage shophouses.
  • Visit Ji Xiang Confectionary for traditional kueh pastries.
  • Climb to the Pinnacle@Duxton Sky Park for panoramic city views.
  • Have lunch in the neighborhood:
    • Slurp up Japanese ramen at Keisuke Tonkotsu King or grab a burger at Potato Head.

Afternoon

  • Orchard Road:
    • Wander through malls like ION Orchard and Paragon, enjoying the festive Christmas lights.
    • Shop at Don Don Donki for unique Japanese products.
  • Dinner: Hawker delights at ION Food Court

Evening

  • Drinks: Cocktails at the Other Room at the Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel or a beer at Ice-Cold Beer on Emerald Hill Road
Dazzling view of the Singapore cityscape with Merlion and illuminated skyscrapers at night.

Day 5: Pulau Ubin & Clark Quey

Morning

  • Travel to Pulau Ubin via bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal.
    • Breakfast: Savor artisanal pastries at Baker’s Bench Bakery or try Bu Bu Gao Sheng Pancake for a traditional twist.
  • Rent bikes to explore the island’s nature trails and rustic villages.
  • Visit the Chek Jawa Wetlands for mangroves and coastal views.
  • Have lunch in one of the local restaurants close to the ferry terminal before returning to the city.

Afternoon

  • Return to the mainland, head back to the hotel to have a shower, and relax.
  • If you still have some energy left, Visit the National Gallery of Singapore or the Asian Herritage Museum
  • Go for a stroll after 5pm, when the weather starts cooling a bit.
    • Walk from the Asian Herritage Museum up Queen Elizabeth Walk towards Esplanade.
    • Then take the Jubilee Bridge over to see the Merlion and the impressive view of MBS at night.
    • Follow the walkway towards Fullerton Waterboat house to the Old Fullerton Hotel.
    • Follow the river north passing throigh Boat Quey and all the way to Clark Quey. Both these Areas offer ample options for eating and drinking.
  • Dinner: Dumpling Darlings. The pork noodles and duck dumplings are highly recommended.

Evening

  • Enjoy the nightlife of Clark Quey and Boat Quey.
  • For the nightcrawlers, check out one of Clark Quey’s many nightclubs, like Zouk.
singapore, sculpture, statue

Day 6: Little India, Arab Street & Haji Lane

Morning

  • Morning in Little India:
    • Visit the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.
    • Shop at Tekka Centre for souvenirs or try Indian sweets.
    • Shop at Mustafa Centre for a huge department store where you can find anything for a good deal.
  • Lunch: Authentic indian cusine at one of the many restaurants in the area. Or enjoy steamy dumplings at Swee Choon.

Afternoon

  • Afternoon in Kampong Glam:
    • Admire the grand Sultan Mosque on Arab Street.
    • Stroll down Haji Lane for indie shops and murals.
  • Drinks and dinner in Haji Lane. Visit Blu Jaz for a high chance of live music.

Evening

  • Have drinks at ATLAS, a famous gin bar, is worth visiting for the venue alone. They also have amazing mocktails. There is a dress code, so consider going another time if you want to freshen up at the hotel before going.
Stunning view of the Jewel Rain Vortex surrounded by lush indoor gardens at Changi Airport, Singapore.

Day 7: National Museum, CHIJMES & Changi Airport

Morning

  • Morning in Fort Canning Park:
    • Walk through Fort Canning Park before it gets too warm.
    • Visit the National Museum of Singapore. You can enter the museum from the back via the park.
  • Lunch: True Blue Cuisine: A traditional Peranakan experience.

Afternoon

  • Afternoon at CHIJMES and City Hall malls
    • Explore the historic CHIJMES, home to cafes and restaurants.
    • If you have a late flight, consider visiting Funan Shopping Mall for a view of a Sporty and Modern mall equipped with a climbing wall, and Raffles City for a luxury vibe and last-minute food souvenirs from Bengawan Solo on the basement floor.

Evening

  • Arrive early at the airport and check in your luggage so you can freely explore the airport before the security check-point.
    • Explore Jewel Changi Airport, with highlights like the Rain Vortex and Canopy Park.
    • Buy local snacks at Bengawan Solo, if you have not yet done so.
    • For those midnight flyers, enjoy dinner at Din Tai Fung before making your way to your Terminal to head for your flight.

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