5-Day Singapore Itinerary: The Perfect First Trip

Singapore packs an incredible amount into a compact destination — a futuristic garden city where diverse cultures blend seamlessly. Five days gives you enough time to hit the highlights, discover a few secret spots, and still leave room for spontaneous detours.

Here is a tried-and-tested 5-day itinerary that balances must-sees with off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Day 1: Arrival & First Impressions

Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and settle into your accommodation in Marina Bay — futuristic skyline and iconic waterfront. Take it easy — grab a coffee, orient yourself, and shake off the jet lag.

Late Afternoon: Head to Gardens by the Bay for your first taste of what makes Singapore special. The late-afternoon light is ideal for photos and the crowds start to thin.

Evening: Dinner in the Marina Bay — futuristic skyline and iconic waterfront area. Try Hainanese Chicken Rice — poached chicken with fragrant rice — it is the quintessential local dish and the perfect way to kick off your trip.

Day 2: The Iconic Highlights

Morning: Start early at Sentosa Island. Arriving before 9 AM means fewer tourists and better photo opportunities.

Afternoon: After lunch, make your way to Merlion Park. Budget about 2–3 hours here to fully appreciate the experience.

Evening: Explore the Little India — colorful streets and spice markets neighborhood on foot. Street food stalls serve excellent Laksa — spicy coconut curry noodle soup at a fraction of restaurant prices.

Day 3: Deep Dive into Culture

Morning: Visit Marina Bay Sands SkyPark — one of Singapore's most culturally significant sites. Hire a local guide for about $15 to get the stories behind the sights.

Afternoon: Wander through the Orchard Road — premier shopping boulevard district. This is where locals shop, eat, and socialize, so the vibe is refreshingly authentic.

Evening: Treat yourself to a mid-range dinner featuring Kaya Toast — coconut jam toast with soft-boiled eggs and coffee. Expect to spend around $38 per person.

Day 4: Off the Beaten Path

Morning: Today is about discovery. Head to Haw Par Villa — bizarre Chinese mythology theme park with free entry — a spot most tourists overlook entirely.

Afternoon: Check out Tiong Bahru — art-deco neighborhood with indie bookshops and bakeries. The Kampong Glam — Arab Quarter with Sultan Mosque and hip cafes area is great for a leisurely walk and a late lunch.

Evening: Experience Singapore's nightlife scene — Clarke Quay — riverside bars and clubs.

Day 5: Final Gems & Departure

Morning: Use your last morning to visit Rail Corridor — old Malayan railway line converted into a green walking trail or revisit a favorite spot from earlier in the trip.

Late Morning: Pick up souvenirs at Orchard Road — miles of luxury and mid-range malls — support local artisans and avoid airport markup.

Afternoon: Head to the airport with memories (and a full camera roll) to last a lifetime.

Pro Tips

• Transport: MRT subway network is fast, clean, and covers all key areas
• Budget: A comfortable mid-range daily budget is about $150 per day including meals, transport, and activities.
• Packing: Pack light and breathable fabrics for constant tropical heat You will average 12,000–15,000 steps per day on this itinerary.
• Etiquette: Queue orderly — Singaporeans take queuing seriously
• Safety: Singapore is one of the world's safest cities with very low crime

Budget Breakdown (Per Person)

Category	Budget	Mid-Range	Luxury
Daily Total	$50	$150	$500
5-Day Total	$250	$750	$2500

Final Thoughts

Five days in Singapore is enough to fall in love with the place — and to start planning your return trip. This itinerary is a starting point; feel free to swap days around based on weather, energy levels, and serendipitous discoveries.

---

Planning a trip to Singapore? Let TripGenie create your perfect itinerary — it's free and takes just 60 seconds.