Singapore in 4 days

Do you need an itinerary to see Singapore in 4 days? Look no further. Here, you will find the best route with a map so you don’t miss anything.

Moreover, it is a technological archipelago that boasts the best of Southeast Asian cuisine, with some street food stalls even holding Michelin stars.

This is the list of everything you will find in this article:

A. Information of Interest

Location

Singapore, officially the Republic of Singapore, is a city-state and an island country located in Southeast Asia, about 137 km (85 miles) from the Equator.

It consists of a central island, Singapore, and 64 small islands, one of which is artificial (Jurong Island). It is separated from Malaysia, a country to the north, by the Strait of Johor. The capital is Singapore.

Area

The current area of ​​Singapore is 720 km², but it continues to grow due to land reclamation from the sea between islands. It is forecasted to increase by another 100 km² before 2030.

It has a coastline of approximately 193 kilometres, and 23% of the country is covered by forests and nature reserves.

Its highest geographical point is Bukit Timah Hill, which has an altitude of 163.6 metres.

Population

Demonym

Singaporean.

When to go and for how long

Beware of the monsoon, the most humid and windy period, which takes place between November and March. So, I do not recommend going during that season.

Given the high level of humidity, the thermal sensation in Singapore is often much higher than indicated by the thermometers.

If you want to pick a different travel destination based on the most suitable time to visit, see my posts Best Time to Go and Where to Travel Each Month. It will help you plan your trip better.

*️⃣ As mentioned earlier, this is a city-state, and due to its size, it can be fully explored in just 3 days. I stayed for four days due to the convenience of flights.

However, if you prefer a more leisurely pace or want to explore the city more thoroughly, you can extend your visit to five or six days.

Singapore is a great place to visit for a short stopover while travelling through Asia, and it is definitely worth the opportunity.

Language

Currency

Plugs and Voltage

Remember that you can refer to my article Plug Types by Country to find out about the different types of plugs used in each country and the corresponding voltage. This will help you determine if you need an adapter and the specific type required. You can find this information in the Travel Logistics section, along with everything else you might need to ensure your trip goes smoothly.

Flag

The flag of Singapore was officially adopted in 1959 after it became an autonomous state of the British Empire.

The flag consists of two horizontal stripes—red symbolises universal brotherhood, while white represents purity and virtue. In the upper left corner, there is a white crescent moon, which represents a young and growing nation, with five small white 5-pointed stars that symbolise Singapore’s ideals: democracy, peace, progress, justice, and equality.

Origin and Brief History of Singapore

Next, I will provide a brief summary of the history of Singapore:

1. Singapore’s historical roots can be traced back to the 2nd century when it first appeared on a map created by Ptolemy.
2. In the 14th century, the city was named Singapore, which means “city of lions” in Sanskrit (Singapura). This name was given when the prince of the ancient empire of Srivijaya claimed to have seen a lion during a visit, although it’s unlikely because the area is known for tigers, not lions.
3. In 1819, the Johor Sultanate granted the British the establishment of a trading enclave. This would be the origin of modern Singapore.
4. During World War II (1942-1945), the Japanese invaded the British colony and committed brutal acts against the Chinese population.
5. In 1955, Prime Minister Lee Kuan Yew secured self-government for Singapore. In 1958, the British Parliament approved the formation of the state of Singapore.
6. Later, in 1963, Singapore, Malaya, Sabah and Sarawak (both in Borneo) were united to form Malaysia.
7. On August 9, 1965, Singapore separated from Malaysia and became the independent Republic of Singapore.

Currently, it is often referred to as “Garden City” due to its abundance of green spaces and parks.

Interesting Facts about Singapore

Singapore has some of the strictest laws in the world, making it important to be aware of them:

• The sale of chewing gum is not allowed, and it is also prohibited to discard it on the ground or stick it anywhere.
• It is not allowed to bring electronic cigarettes or vaporisers into the country, and smoking is prohibited mainly in all public places, with only a few exceptions.
• You cannot eat or drink on public transport, nor make a fuss.
• Crossing the street outside of pedestrian crossings can result in a fine and up to 3 months in prison.
• Passionate kisses in public are prohibited because they are considered inappropriate.
• Spitting in public carries a fine of up to $1,000.
• Feeding pigeons has been prohibited since 1973.

B. How to Get Around

Singapore has a fantastic public transport system that allows you to get around without problems. There are several options: underground, bus, tourist bus, taxi, and water taxi.

The best way to get around Singapore is by using the underground (Mass Rapid Transit or MRT), which allows you to travel anywhere without any hassle.
I recommend visiting their official website and checking the metro map for a smooth journey.

Car rental is not recommended in this city because parking is expensive and traffic can be a problem at certain times.

C. Singapore: 4-Day Itinerary

Below, you have the map for visiting Singapore in 4 days. Each day is colour-coded and numbered to indicate the order of the sites to visit.

Our hotel is located in Little India, so it will be the starting point of this route. 

If your accommodation is located in a different part of the city, you can arrange the order of the places you visit to better suit your schedule.

1. Singapore – Day 1

Abdul Gafoor Mosque

The first stop will be the Abdul Gafoor Mosque (Masjid Abdul Gafoor), built in 1859. This mosque has unique architecture that combines South Indian, Mughal, and European influences.

It is designated as one of Singapore’s national monuments. After its remodelling and reopening in 1998, it now has a capacity for 3,000 people.

Tekka Market / Tekka Centre

Next, we will dine at one of the renowned Hawker Centres, Tekka Centre, situated on Buffalo Road, less than 500 meters from the mosque (adjacent to the “Little India” metro station).

Singaporean Hawkers were established to improve public hygiene and eliminate street vendors. These open spaces feature various stalls offering a wide variety of food and drinks and shared tables and chairs.

They are a significant institution in Singapore, recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with specific mention of their culinary practices and community eating.

In addition to offering a wide variety of dining options, they are budget-friendly, which is always a plus, and they provide an opportunity to dine like a local.

⚠️ Notice! If you don’t enjoy spicy food, be cautious, as “a bit” spicy here means it’s very hot!

Sri Veeramakaliamman Hindu Temple

With renewed energy after the meal, we will visit this Hindu temple, located just 350 meters from the Tekka Market.

It was built in the second half of the 19th century and is one of the oldest and most famous Hindu temples in Singapore.

It is designed in the style of South Indian (Tamil) temples and is devoted to the Hindu goddess Kali, who is the fierce incarnation of Shakti and the wife of the god Shiva, Parvati.

Mustafa Centre

Before visiting the Kampong Glam neighbourhood, also known as Singapore’s Muslim Quarter, we will stop at the Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour shopping complex.

It’s not a fancy mall, and it’s very easy to get lost in it, but you can find almost anything and visiting it is a unique experience.

Kampong Glam Neighbourhood

Walking about 15 minutes to the southeast, we arrive at the Arab neighbourhood of Kampong Glam.

With a unique combination of historical heritage and modern charm, the most interesting things to see here are:

Sultan Mosque

Also known as Masjid Sultan, it is one of the most important and iconic religious monuments in Singapore.

It was initially built in 1824 for Sultan Hussein Shah, the first sultan of Singapore. Later, it was rebuilt between 1924 and 1928 by Denis Santry.

It stands out for its golden dome, minarets and pointed windows.

It can be visited from Saturday to Thursday.

Bussorah Street

Arab Street

Haji Lane

Bugis Neighbourhood

A little more than 10 minutes walking west, we arrive at the Bugis neighbourhood.

Bugis is famous for its vibrant street and popular market. The district is adorned with boutiques and old colonial buildings, creating a charming shopping destination. This street has more than 800 stalls selling souvenirs and jewellery.

2. Singapore – Day 2

Today, we will start with Chinatown, the city’s Chinese community located in the centre of Singapore.

It has its origins in the early 19th century, when Chinese immigrants settled in the area.

Chinatown is known for its many bars, restaurants and street craft stalls. On weekend nights, it becomes a lively nightlife area with pubs and karaoke clubs.

This neighbourhood also stands out for its diverse cultural mix, with two Arab mosques and a Hindu temple in the centre of it.

Masjid Jamae (Chulia)

Masjid Jamae is a Muslim mosque located on Mosque Street in the heart of Chinatown. Also known as Chulia, it was built in 1826 by Tamil Muslim immigrants.

It stands out for its two twin minarets, the neoclassical pediment, and the simple but functional interior, which can accommodate 1,500 people.

Sri Mariamman Temple

A few meters from the mosque is the Sri Mariamman Temple. Founded in 1827, it is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore.

It is dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, worshipped primarily for her powers to cure diseases and protect against epidemics.

Its Dravidian architecture stands out, representing the typical style of South Indian temples. In particular, its entrance tower (gopuram) is adorned with colourful sculptures of Hindu deities, mythological figures, and elaborate carvings.

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

Continuing along the same street, South Bridge Rd, 250 meters south, we reach the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.

This majestic Chinese temple houses a stupa made of 320 kg of gold, which contains the relic of the Sacred Tooth of Buddha.

The temple also functions as a museum, featuring an exhibition dedicated to Buddhist doctrine and another that narrates the history of the relic. According to one version, the relic was found in Myanmar in 1980 under a collapsed stupa. Others say the tooth is too large to be human.

Admission is free.

Al-Abrar Mosque

500 meters from the Temple of the Buddha Tooth Relic, still in Chinatown (Telok Ayer Street), we find another mosque: Al-Abrar.

Showing architectural influence from South India, this Muslim mosque was established in 1827 and formalised in 1855. It was designated a national monument in 1974 and has a capacity of 500 people.

Thian Hock Keng Temple

On the same street, less than 100 metres north, we find another building that you cannot miss in Singapore: the Thian Hock Keng Temple.

This Chinese temple is the oldest and most important in the country. It was inaugurated in 1840 in honour of the Chinese goddess of the sea, Mazu. Sailors who arrived in Singapore visited this temple to express gratitude to the goddess for their safe arrival.

It follows a traditional Chinese design with three rooms grouped around a central courtyard, which houses the Mazu shrine, with pagodas on either side. In another courtyard, you can find a smaller altar dedicated to Kuan Yin.

Nagore Dargah

Next to the Chinese temple, there is the Nagore Dargah, also called Nagore Durgha.

This Muslim shrine was built between 1828 and 1830 in honour of Shahul Hamid, a preacher saint from South India. It features a unique combination of classical and Muslim elements.

✳️ Recommendations for eating:

Gardens by the Bay

After eating, we headed to see one of the symbols of Singapore: The Gardens by the Bay.

Opened in 2012, the area consists of ​​101 hectares and houses more than a million plants from all over the world. It is the largest park in the city.

They are a spectacle that you cannot miss, both during the day and at night.

It is made up of three parks in one:

1️⃣ South Bay: with its 54 hectares, it is the largest. Among its main attractions are:

⭐ The Flower Dome, where it’s always spring.

⭐ The Cloud Forest, with its famous waterfall, is a wonder that I personally loved ?

It opens every day. For more information about the different exhibitions or to purchase tickets, here are several links to its official website:

• Detailed information about each of the attractions and tickets
• Opening hours
• Interactive map

2️⃣ East Bay: It covers ​​32 hectares and has a two-kilometre promenade leading to the Marina reservoir. Entry to this part of the gardens is free.

3️⃣ Central Bay: It’s the smallest of the three, with an area of ​​15 hectares and a 3 km promenade offering impressive views of the city. Admission is also free.

Marina Bay Sands

It is one of the most well-known building complexes in Singapore, featuring three 55-story towers utilised as hotels topped with a single platform at the top. It is also home to the world’s longest elevated infinity pool.

The northern end, 67 metres long, is also the largest public overhanging platform in the world. You can go up to this panoramic terrace and you can buy your ticket on its official website.

3. Singapore – Day 3

Singapore Flyer

Today, we will start the day by seeing Singapore from above. This Ferris wheel, inaugurated in 2008, is one of the landmarks of the city’s landscape.

It is 165 meters high, 30 meters taller than the London Eye. Each of its 28 cabins can accommodate 28 people. One full rotation takes approximately 30 minutes, and on a clear day, you can see parts of Malaysia and Indonesia.

Esplanade – Theaters on the Bay

Just 1 km to the west, we arrive at the Esplanade – Theaters on the Bay complex, one of the icons of Singapore.

It was inaugurated in 2002 and is considered one of the most prestigious artistic centres in the world.

It has 6 hectares of land next to the sea that includes a theatre with a capacity for 2,000 people, a concert hall (1,600 seats), an outdoor theatre, a library, and a shopping centre, among other things.

Take advantage of the spectacular views of Marina Bay Sands from its terrace (free entrance).

It opens daily. To make it easier for you to visit, here is the map of the venue.

I didn’t have the chance to watch any of the shows, but I’m sure they are amazing. If you have the opportunity to go, check out everything they offer on their website.

Merlion Park

Just across the bridge from the Esplanade complex is Merlion Park, home of the Merlion, the half-fish, half-lion statue that has become the symbol of Singapore.

The original sculpture, designed in 1964, measures 8.6 meters high, weighs 70 tons and spews water from its mouth. Later, another smaller statue of only 2 meters was added.

The lion (“singa” in Sanskrit) represents the one that the prince of the ancient empire of Srivijaya claimed to have seen when he visited the island. The fish, on the other hand, symbolises the city’s maritime past.

If you visit at night, you can take one of the most beautiful photos of the city with all the skyscrapers illuminated.

Singapore River Bank

Next we will explore the banks of the Singapore River, the most famous river in the city.

Do not miss:

✳️ Recommendations to go out:

4. Singapore – Day 4

Raffles Hotel

Today, we’ll start the day at Raffles Hotel, a historic luxury hotel known for its colonial charm, iconic status, and exceptional service. Opened in 1887, it is named after Singapore’s founder, Sir Stamford Raffles.

It’s not cheap, but if you can afford it, have a drink at their bar. You will believe that you are in another era.

National Museum of Singapore

Established in 1849, this is the oldest museum in the country, providing an ideal setting to explore the nation’s history and culture. The exhibits lead visitors on a journey from the island’s discovery to the reforms that have led it to its current status as a technologically advanced country.

The museum is open daily from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. You can view its temporary exhibitions and reserve your ticket on the museum’s official website.

Orchard Road

If we turn left at the museum exit, we will encounter Orchard Road, an avenue that houses over 50 shopping centres in just over 2 km.

The most famous is Orchard Central, with more than 24,000 m² and 12 floors of shops and restaurants.

Walking along this street is almost essential for every traveller.

Botanic Gardens

From Orchard Road, we took the metro to reach the Botanic Gardens.

This lovely garden, which covers an area of ​​82 hectares, was established in 1859 and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2015.

There are waterfalls, lakes, a spice garden, a Japanese forest, the National Orchid Garden, and even a concert stage.

Here I will leave you its map to help you with your visit.

It opens every day from 5 a.m. to midnight, and admission is free, except for the National Orchid Garden.

Sentosa

To end the day, we will relax on Sentosa Island and enjoy the attractions offered by its 4.71 km² area.

You can access the island by train, bus, cable car, or taxi. There is a mandatory entrance fee of SGD 2, which is already included in the transportation price.

Since the 19th century, the island had a defensive origin, which was vital for Singapore. That was especially significant during World War II when a British military fortress was built. It wouldn’t be until 1972 that it received the current name of Sentosa (previously Pulau Blakang Mati).

Since then, it has developed as a popular tourist destination with numerous attractions such as Fort Siloso, an aquarium where it is possible to swim with dolphins and sharks (Underwater World), a butterfly garden (Butterfly Park), a rotating observation tower (Tiger Sky Tower), as well as shops, restaurants, and, of course, beaches.

Our time in Singapore has come to an end, but we are now going to Bali to enjoy the natural beauty and cultural richness of this wonderful Indonesian island. If you want to know more about the second part of our adventure, don’t miss my post Exploring Bali in 7 days: Beaches, Temples, and Culture.

Other things to do in Singapore

I hope you enjoyed this itinerary to discover Singapore in 4 days.

Additional Information

? If you prefer to see them separated by continents, check them in Portfolios.

Alternatively, in the section Destinations, they are classified based on the type of trip:

• Amazing Experiences. It covers the most extensive and complete trips.
• Beach and Sea. For those who prefer quieter activities by the sea.
• City Breaks. Short trips with a single destination.

If you need any clarification, you can leave me a comment or fill out the contact form. I will be happy to help you ?

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