If you find yourself with just 48 hours in Singapore, don’t worry! This vibrant city-state is packed with incredible sights, delicious food (reasonably priced at the Hawker Centers), and unforgettable experiences. Changi airport is an adventure in itself! Follow this itinerary to make the most of your time, arriving at lunchtime on Day 1 and departing after lunch on Day 3.

Getting to the City from Changi Airport

Singapore’s Changi Airport is well connected to the city, and you have several transport options:

• MRT (Mass Rapid Transit): Take the East-West Line from Changi Airport MRT Station and transfer at Tanah Merah to head towards the city. The journey takes around 30-40 minutes.
• Taxi/Grab: Taxis are available at the airport and take around 20-30 minutes to the city, depending on traffic. Ride-hailing apps like Grab and Gojek are also convenient options.
• Airport Shuttle: A shared airport shuttle service is available, offering an affordable transfer option to major hotels in Singapore.

48 Hours in Singapore Day 1: Arrive, Explore the Bay, and Enjoy the Lights

Lunch on Orchard Road

We Arrived around midday, and started our 48 hours in Singapore by heading straight to Orchard Road, Singapore’s famous shopping boulevard. Here, you can enjoy a delicious meal at one of the many high-end restaurants or food courts. ION Orchard’s Food Opera or Ngee Ann City’s Takashimaya Food Village offer a variety of local and international dishes. Alternatively , as we had been in Asia for a while, we headed to Shake Shack for a bit of a change!

Afternoon at Marina Bay & Gardens by the Bay

After lunch, take the MRT to Bayfront station and explore the iconic Marina Bay area. Stroll along the waterfront promenade, taking in breathtaking views of Singapore’s skyline. Visit Gardens by the Bay, where you can admire the futuristic Supertree Grove, Flower Dome, and Cloud Forest. There is an entrance fee, if you want to go inside and have the time.

Evening Light Shows: A Double Spectacle

• Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay: This dazzling light and music show at Supertree Grove runs at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM daily. It’s a mesmerising experience that transforms the gardens into a dreamlike spectacle. Get there early as it gets very busy.
• Spectra – Marina Bay Light Show: Walk over to Marina Bay Sands and catch this stunning light and water show at 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM (with an extra show at 10:00 PM on weekends).

Walk Around the Bay & Return to Hotel

After the shows, take a scenic walk around Marina Bay, stopping at Merlion Park for the classic photo with Singapore’s iconic symbol. Then, head back to your hotel for a well-deserved rest.

48 Hours in Singapore Day 2: Cultural Exploration & Wildlife Adventure

Morning: Kampong Glam & Little India

On the second day of our 48 hours in Singapore, we started by exploring Kampong Glam, the historic Malay-Arab quarter. Visit the stunning Sultan Mosque, browse Haji Lane’s trendy boutiques, and generally enjoy this colourful area. Then, head to Little India to experience the vibrant colors and scents of this cultural hub. Stop by Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and explore the bustling Mustafa Centre for unique souvenirs.

Midday: Raffles Hotel & Hawker Center Lunch

No visit to Singapore is complete without a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel. This historic colonial-era hotel is the birthplace of the famous cocktail, which is obviously a must try. One of the unique traditions at Raffles is the complimentary peanuts served at the Long Bar, where it’s perfectly acceptable to toss the peanut shells onto the floor—a remnant of old colonial customs. Sit down, relax and enjoy!

After your drink, grab a delicious and affordable lunch at a hawker center. Maxwell Food Centre or Lau Pa Sat are great choices, with a vaiety of food stands to suit everyone!

Afternoon: Shopping on Orchard Road

Spend the afternoon shopping on Orchard Road, where you’ll find luxury brands, department stores, and local boutiques and souveniers. ION Orchard, Paragon, and 313@Somerset are some of the top malls to explore.

Evening: Night Safari Adventure

As night falls, we embarked on a unique wildlife experience at the Night Safari, the world’s first nocturnal zoo. From Orchard Road, take the MRT to Khatib station (North-South Line) and transfer to the Mandai Khatib Shuttle. The safari offers a tram ride through different ecosystems, where you can see animals like tigers, elephants, and leopards in a naturalistic setting. Walking trails provide an up-close experience with nocturnal creatures. Make sure to book in advance or use Getyourguide to book your trip with a return transfer.

48 Hours in Singapore Day 3:– Sky-high Views & Airport Wonders

Morning: Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

We started our last day with breathtaking views from the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck. Perched atop the iconic hotel, the SkyPark offers panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline, Gardens by the Bay, and the bustling port.

Lunch: Hawker Center Feast

Before heading to the airport, enjoy one last hawker center meal at La Pau Sat, which is within walking distance of the bay.

Ending our 48 hours in Singapore – Exploring Jewel Changi Airport

Singapore’s Changi Airport is an attraction in itself, and you can check in early to explore Jewel, the stunning nature-themed retail and entertainment complex. Key attractions include:

• HSBC Rain Vortex: The world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
• Shiseido Forest Valley: A lush indoor garden perfect for a relaxing stroll.
• Canopy Park: Features hedge mazes, bouncing nets, and sky walkways.
• Dining & Shopping: From luxury brands to local delights, Jewel has it all. Don’t miss the food street in terminal 2 which has been designed to replicate a hawker market and sells a great selection of food.

With plenty to see and do at the airport, your 48 hours in Singapore ends on a high note before your flight home.

Where to Stay in Singapore

We chose YOTEL Singapore on Orchard Road, a centrally located hotel which made our short trip much more convenient. The rooms were compact yet stylish and it was an excellent base for exploring the city. The hotel is within walking distance of major shopping centers and MRT stations, making it easy to get around. Another plus is that YOTEL allows you to leave your bags after check-out, so you can continue exploring before heading to the airport.

Although it may be small, you can pack an incredible amount into 48 hours in Singapore. From cultural sites and shopping to stunning cityscapes and unique experiences, this itinerary ensures you see the best of what the Lion City has to offer. This itinerary covers the highlights but there is plenty more to explore if you have longer. Whether it’s your first time or a return visit, Singapore never fails to impress!

Why not combine your visit to Singapore, with a trip to Thailand. Check out our great 2 week Thailand Itinerary!