Singapore might look small on the map, but it’s one of the most exciting and efficient cities in the world. You can actually see a lot in 1 day in Singapore – from cultural neighborhoods to futuristic gardens – if you plan it smartly and move strategically.
We explored the city in a full day on foot and by MRT, and this route gives you the perfect balance of food, culture, and iconic views.
We’ve also added a map at the end of the blog to help you find everything easily!
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What to Know Before Visiting Singapore
Before starting your 1 day in Singapore, here are a few things that will make your day 10x easier:
- Wear light & breathable clothes: It’s unbelievably humid. You will sweat a lot, so skip the heavy fabrics. I practically lived in linen and fast-drying synthetics.
- Comfy shoes are non-negotiable: You will log easily 20,000+ steps. Seriously. Wear your most comfortable, broken-in walking shoes.
- Umbrella for the sun: Locals use it too – it really helps in the midday heat.
- Always carry water (and refill!): This is crucial. The great news? Singapore is loaded with free refilling points and drinking fountains, especially in malls and attractions. No need to buy endless plastic bottles.
- Toilets are free and spotless: You can walk into any big building or mall – they’re all super clean.
- Eat at hawker centres: This is where the real Singaporean food is – incredibly good, authentic, and much cheaper than restaurants.
- Public transport is excellent: The MRT is air-conditioned, safe, and connects all main areas.
- Stay connected: We used an Aerlo eSIM, which worked perfectly across the city — fast internet, easy setup, and no need to swap SIM cards. (You can grab yours below 👇)
Morning: Kampong Glam & the Sultan Mosque
Start your 1 day in Singapore in the beautiful Kampong Glam district. It’s wonderfully calm in the morning, making it perfect for a slow coffee and a meaningful cultural walk before the tourist crowds and the heat arrive.
What to see:
- The stunning Sultan Mosque: Its shimmering golden dome is one of Singapore’s prettiest and most recognizable landmarks. Tip: Go early (before 10 am) to see it sparkle in the gentle morning light.
- Haji Lane: My personal favorite! Look for the colorful street art and murals that make this tiny lane so famous, and peek into the quirky local shops. It has a fun, bohemian vibe you won’t find elsewhere in the city.
- Arab Street: Stroll past the beautiful textile and fabric shops and soak in the atmosphere
Breakfast idea: Try Symmetry or Brunch Club by The Halal Corner – both have great coffee and brunch options.
Why start here? It’s less crowded early in the day, and the light is perfect for photos before the heat sets in.
Late Morning: Chinatown & the Temples
Next, hop on the MRT (Downtown Line) and head straight to Chinatown – it’s a dynamic mix of history, culture, and (most importantly) a true food heaven.
What to do:
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: Free entry, incredibly peaceful, and the interior is truly impressive. Spend a quiet moment here.
- Sri Mariamman Temple: Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple – the colorful and intricate tower entrance is a great contrast to the surrounding Chinese shophouses.
- Chinatown Street Market: A great spot for inexpensive souvenirs or interesting snacks like dried fruit and traditional pastries.
Lunch tip: Go to Maxwell Food Centre – one of the best hawker centres in the city. Just make sure you carry cash with you! Try:
- Hainanese chicken rice
- Laksa or char kway teow for something more flavorful
Time needed: Around 2.5 hours to explore and enjoy a proper, unrushed hawker lunch.
Early Afternoon: Marina Bay & the Merlion
From Chinatown, a short MRT ride or a quick Grab (we actually walked) will take you to Merlion – the area with the city’s most recognizable skyline.
What to see:
- The Merlion Statue: You can’t leave without a selfie with the half-fish, half-lion symbol of Singapore.
- Waterfront Walk: Stroll along the promenade for stunning panoramic views of the entire bay and skyline.
- The Classic Photo: Get a shot with the famous three-towered Marina Bay Sands (MBS) hotel perfectly framed in the background.
Tip: This is the hottest part of the day. Take short breaks in the shade, and don’t feel guilty about nipping into the beautiful, air-conditioned Marina Bay Sands mall for a quick cool-down and a refill of your water bottle!
Late Afternoon & Evening: Gardens by the Bay
From Marina Bay, take the scenic route! Walk across the stunning Helix Bridge (great for photos but especially in the night) or cut through the MBS complex to reach Gardens by the Bay, which is an absolute world-class must-see.
What to see:
- Cloud Forest – the huge indoor waterfall and lush greenery.
- Flower Dome – always beautifully themed.
- Supertree Grove – This is the highlight. Head here around 5 PM so you can see the magnificent trees in daylight and secure a great viewing spot.
Tip: Keep in mind that visiting Supertree Grove and the surrounding park is free, but Cloud Forest and Flower Dome require tickets, and it’s best to buy them in advance as they often sell out.
Stay for the light shows:
Singapore has two amazing free daily shows. First, you can enjoy the Garden Rhapsody at Supertree Grove (7:45 PM & 8:45 PM), where the trees light up to music – it’s magical! Then, take a short walk to Marina Bay Sands for the Spectra light & water show (usually 8 PM & 9 PM). By planning it this way, you can experience both shows in one evening without rushing.
For an even more unique way to experience the light shows..
Hop on the Starry Night Tour and see Singapore sparkle like never before! Glide along the river on a scenic cruise, snap the Merlion and Marina Bay skyline, stroll through Gardens by the Bay as the Supertrees light up, be mesmerized by the Spectra and Garden Rhapsody shows, and end your night with complimentary satay at Lau Pa Sat – all in one seamless, unforgettable evening.
Dinner: Lau Pa Sat & Satay Street
After the dazzling light show, take a short Grab ride (about 10 minutes) to Lau Pa Sat, Singapore’s most beautiful food market with its unique Victorian architecture.
The real show, however, is Satay Street (Boon Tat Street), which closes to traffic every evening. It fills with smoke, the aroma of spices, and lively chatter – the perfect final stop.
Must-Eat Hawker Delights:
- Chicken, Beef, or Mutton Satay: Served right off the smoky grill with peanut sauce and cucumber. Order a big plate!
- Grilled Stingray: Served with a spicy sambal (chilli paste). Don’t knock it ’til you’ve tried it – it’s succulent and flavorful.
- Wash it all down with a cold Tiger beer!
Tip: Go around 8:30-9 PM for the best atmosphere – lively, but not too crowded.
Where to Stay in Singapore
If you’re spending just one day in Singapore, staying central will make a huge difference.
- Kampong Glam (Arab Street area) – Our favorite!
We stayed here and it was ideal. It’s lively, walkable, and safe at night, with great cafés and food spots all around. We stayed in this hotel and we highly recommend it for its great location, affordable price and the convenience of online check-in and check-out. - Chinatown – great for food lovers and cultural vibes. You’re close to temples and hawker centers, and it’s usually more affordable.
- Marina Bay / Downtown – perfect if you want a short, luxurious stay close to all the big attractions, but hotels here are pricier.
If you only have 1 day in Singapore, pick a hotel near an MRT station – it’ll make your day much easier.
How to Move Around Singapore
- MRT: The easiest and cheapest way to travel. Get an EZ-Link card or a 1-day tourist pass.
- Grab: Quick and affordable for short rides.
- Walking: You’ll walk a lot between attractions, so wear comfy shoes and take breaks indoors when it’s too hot.
Here’s a handy map with all the spots mentioned in this guide. You can also click the top right corner to open it directly in Google Maps and use it on the go.
Final Thoughts
Even with just 1 day in Singapore, you can experience so much – the cultural heart of Kampong Glam, the vibrant energy of Chinatown, the skyline views from Marina Bay, and the glowing Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay.
Singapore feels like a city of contrasts: futuristic yet deeply traditional, perfectly clean yet full of life and color. If you plan your day right, it’s more than enough to fall in love with its mix of flavors, cultures, and stunning sights – and you’ll probably leave already planning to come back.