Jam-Packed 2 Days in Singapore Itinerary: Food, Culture, Shopping

Renowned as Asia’s greenest city, famed for its iconic airport (you might think it’s weird to bring this up, but owning the title of World’s Best Airport for the 13th time in a row, you’ll quickly learn why), and with a globally famous food scene drawing in chefs and foodies from around the world, Singapore is a bucket list country! 

Many people think it’s crazy expensive, and well, it kind of is. But don’t let this deter you from visiting. Or, for this reason, spending one or two days here is sufficient, but so worth your while! In this way, you’re not breaking bank accounts (too much)…At least in comparison to other Asian countries like Vietnam or Thailand. 

For these reasons — and then some — I’ve put together an agenda for the ultimate 2 days in Singapore itinerary! Dive into its iconic shopping scene, explore natural landmarks, or those which tick spiritual boxes. I’ve explained how best to visit the city’s most vibrant areas like Little India and Chinatown, showcasing the island’s ever-diverse cultural side. 

There’s so much to do in Singapore, so hold on tight! 

Where to stay in Singapore

I always recommend Chinatown for affordable stays, and there is loads to do around there too! Stay at ST Signature Tanjong Pagar, Habyt Clarke Quay, or CUBE Boutique Capsule Hotel. If you’re here to shop, shop, shop, pick a place around Orchard Road, like the Pullman Singapore Orchard. 

For another experience, Bugis is where you’ll feel like a local. Check into ibis Singapore On Bencoolen or Mercure Singapore Bugis. And then, if money isn’t a problem for you, bougie Marina Bay is super upmarket. You’ll want to book your accommodation at The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore. 

How to get around around Singapore

Transport, in general, is efficient, and lines run late. I’d say Singapore has some of the best public transport in the world!

Public transport

The most cost-effective way is to use the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) train system. The city boasts 140 stations. To complement this system, the local buses are super reliable and cheap! 

Taxis and ride-sharing

Use local taxi services, both cars and motorbikes, via services like Gojek and Grab. 

Walk 

Singapore is pedestrian-friendly, with dedicated lanes and markings for those traveling on foot. It’s obviously free, as well! 

Day 1 

Morning

They say breakfast is the most important meal of the day, right? If your stay doesn’t offer breakfast options, start your 2 days Singapore itinerary by visiting one of the island’s insta-worthy cafes. For a Japanese-inspired situation, head to Hello Arigato. For heavenly baked goods and pastries, Pelle and Pépé is where it’s at. I also love Daily Ground, and Korio’s breakfast sarnies are baller!

I’ve often been curious as to why Singapore doesn’t have the biggest “spiritual rep.” Don’t get me wrong, there are many spiritual sites, but it’s not the first place you think of in Asia when it comes to temples, Buddhism, etc. Cough, cough, Thailand, Indonesia, India, and Vietnam. 

Singapore Buddhist Lodge and Temple is filled with golden Buddhas, varying in deity and details. It’s actually a charity organisation, but a lovely stop for a fix of all things Buddhism. Additionally, there is a library, as well as a Chinese medicine clinic available, if you have any ailments you would like to have checked, or simply to determine your hot and cold properties. I’m extremely interested in Chinese Traditional Medicine (CTM) and I love his spot offers acupuncture, cupping, gua sha, etc. 

When first relocating to Southeast Asia, one aspect I was most excited about was to fall into a world of all things spiritual. You just don’t get this living in the West. Asia’s spirituality is undeniable, and just naturally fills the air. 

Mid-Morning

It’s no secret that many visitors head to Lion City for the…shopping! Be prepared to shop ‘til you drop during your 2 days in Singapore itinerary, whether it’s for Korean skincare, vintage numbers, or the latest tech products. 

My top picks for shopping in Singapore? 

• Orchard Road (Paragon and ION Orchard malls are along here)
• Vintagewknd (for vintage vibes) 
• Bugis Street Market for cheap knick-knacks 
• The Social Space for eco-friendly products
• Chinatown Street Market
• Peranakan Tiles Gallery for traditional tiles
• Mustafa Centre open 24/7 

Shopping requires a lot of energy! Grab a cup of coffee for a caffeine kick before your next activity as part of your 2 days in Singapore itinerary. 

Serving specialty coffee, matcha, and teas, epic spots include Cata Coffee, Same Days Coffee Stand, Humble Origins Coffee Roasters, The Better Half, Baristart Coffee, and 2050 Coffee.

Afternoon

In a city of skyscrapers, it’s kind of criminal not to visit at least one viewpoint. I say go big, or go home! 

Wandering around the city, have you noticed the boat-shaped structure in the sky? That would be none other than Marina Bay Sands’ Skypark Observation Deck! Elevated 56 levels off ground zero, grab a drink, take in the views, and then head to lunch!

Take your pick from these restaurants: 

1. RISE (inside Marina Bay Sands) 
2. Godmama serves up heritage Peranakan cuisine
3. The Coconut Club (Michelin Bib Gourmand winner)
4. Shunsui for Japanese/sushi 
5. Belimbing (super cool, they do ‘New-Gen Singaporean’ food as they put it) 

Now that you’ve got some serious fuel, the rest of the first afternoon of your 2 days in Singapore itinerary is savored for sightseeing. 

First up: Chinatown! It’s my favorite place in Singapore…Shop for spices at Anthony The Spice Maker, cool home and lifestyle products at Egg3, and traditional Chinese mooncakes at Poh Guan Cake House. Visit HULS Gallery. Pick up all sorts of Chinese goods at Yue Hwa. And then prepare to be wow-ed at the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. Finally, round it up at a traditional tea house: Pek Sin Choon.

For those who want to get deeper under the skin of Singapore’s Chinatown, don’t miss this excellent walking tour of Singapore’s most fascinating neighborhood.

Late Afternoon

Around Little India (next door to Chinatown), the Little India Art Trail is not to be missed for all street art fans. Also in this part of Singapore is the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, the golden Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, and the famous colorful House of Tan Teng Niah. 

I honestly can’t nap during the day, so I like to have my days busy busy. If you’re still keen on exploring the city as part of your 2 days in Singapore itinerary over chilling back at your accommodation, venture over to Fort Canning Park. Don’t forget to snap an iconic picture for your socials at its Tree Tunnel! 

Evening 

You can either choose to witness Gardens by the Bay’s free light show (Garden Rhapsody) before or after dinner, depending on what time you like to eat. There are two time slots for the famous spectacle: 7.45 pm and 8.45 pm. 

For dinner, I’d highly recommend visiting a hawker centre to get a real taste of Singapore! This is where vendors sell the most authentic street food vibes, from Hainanese chicken rice to satay. Top choices include Lau Pa Sat, Maxwell Food Centre, and Tiong Bahru Market. Can’t decide where to begin? Join an organised night market food tour to literally sample the best of all of them!

But if you’d prefer restaurants, here are some of my ultimate Michelin-listed picks. (Singapore is renowned for its restaurant scene, so I can’t help including amazing recs for our foodies.) 

• For three-star Michelin service, food, and vibes, pick Odette
• For two-star Michelin expectations, both Thevar and Meta are amazing!
• Among the 32 (!!!) one-star Michelin restaurants, go for Restaurant Labyrinth, Willow, or Esora.   

I know today was super jammed packed, but if you’re an Energizer bunny or are running on a high from being in the Lion City, end the first day of your 2 days in Singapore itinerary with a Singapore sling! 

Most locals only go to bed after midnight, anyway. 

Some of my favorite bars in Singapore include Native, Mr. Stork, Bitters & Love, and Southbridge.  

Day 2 

If you’ve got an early flight to catch, you’ll head straight to the airport. Luckily for you, Singapore’s airport has been voted the world’s best! Even if you need to kill a couple of hours beforehand, spend it among its six levels. Discover the indoor waterfall (Rain Vortex), Shiseido Forest Valley, Topiary Walk & Petal Garden, a maze, kids’ play areas, and so much more! 

Morning  

If there were any cafes for your first day of this 2 days in Singapore itinerary you didn’t have the chance to enjoy, then opt for one of these for breakfast. 

Or, better yet, have a read through my curated list of the best cafes in Singapore!

Afternoon

Still have a lot of time before flying out of the Lion City later on in the day? Breathe in some fresh air and Mother Nature at the Southern Ridges! There are various starting points to the 10-kilometer walking trail in the air. 

If you’re more interested in other diverse areas of Singapore, I just love the neighborhood around Sultan Mosque. You’ll find lots of little trinket shops, souvenirs, cafes and even a branch of Birds of Paradise (Singapore’s ultimate gelato shop).

Beyond 2 days in Singapore

Not planning on leaving the island after two days, you just love it here that much?! Consider one of these incredible (and easily doable) day-trips from the city center, like over to Sentosa Island, Kranji countryside, or Kusu Island!

Also, if you are keen to break stereotypes about Singapore, we’re prepared a guide on how enjoy the city on a budget-friendly expedition!  

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