Spending 4 days in Singapore? This Singapore itinerary provides in-depth information on all of the best food, sights and places to stay. Keep reading to uncover the best things to do in Singapore.
When planning my trip to Singapore, I was unsure of exactly how much time I would need to explore the country. Spending 4 days in Singapore ended up being a perfect amount of time to experience most of what I wanted to see and do. This post share my exact Singapore itinerary from beginning to end.
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The Best Itinerary for 4 Days in Singapore
Day 1 in Singapore
Once you’re all settled in to your hotel it’s time to start exploring! For your first of four days in Singapore, consider doing a tour with a local to help get you acquainted with the city.
I love doing tours with locals when I travel and make a point to do them early in my trip so I can learn more about the city and get tips, recommendations, and advice directly from someone who really knows the city. Click here to check out a highly-rated tour with a local that is the perfect intro for your Singapore trip.
Kampong Glam
Kampong Glam is a must-visit neighborhood in Singapore. Kampong Glam was home to the Malay aristocracy before the British colonized Singapore in the early 1800s. While this area still has strong connection to the Muslim community, it’s also become a vibrant and hip place to hang out.
Kampong Glam is where you will find beautiful mosques, delicious Middle Eastern eateries, and trendy boutique shops and bars. When walking around the neighborhood you can still very much feel the original culture and community through architecture, goods being sold, and the aroma of food. At the same time you’re guaranteed to spot young people with cameras posing next to colorful street art and preserved shophouses.
If you want to learn more about Kampong Glam from a local, check out this Kampong Glam guided walking tour.
Try Middle Eastern Food for Lunch
Kampong Glam is a hot spot for so much delicious Middle Eastern. Be sure to take advantage of the wide variety of options in this area. A few popular choices in Kampong Glam are Zam Zam, Byblos Grill, and Beirut.
Traveling with family? Check out the best things to do in Singapore with kids!
Browse Haji Lane
When you visit the Kampong Glam area you’ll want to make sure you don’t miss Haji Lane. A narrow street lined with colorful shophouses is where you’ll find people browsing specialty shops and boutiques filled with art, fashion, and other cool things you’ll be tempted to buy.
Every city has its share of ultra-hip blocks where youngsters, locals, and tourist alike go to stroll—this is Haji Lane.
Street Art
There is some really awesome street art located on and around Haji Lane. If you walk up and down and poke your head into the small side streets you’ll be sure to find it.
You could also just opt to follow the people with the cameras because they are all over and they love the street art. And I’m not hating, I was one of them. Haji Lane will leave you feeling creatively inspired, it’s that type of place.
See this colorful mural along with many more of the most Instagram-Worthy Places in Singapore
Sultan Mosque
At the heart of Kampong Glam lives the vast and beautiful Sultan Mosque. This place of worship can house up to 5,000 people and is one of Singapore’s most popular religious sites.
The Sultan Mosque is impressively large and topped off with stunning gold domes, making it easy to spot as you explore the Kampong Glam neighborhood by foot. I consider this area a must-visit if you are spending 4 days in Singapore.
Singapore Sling
If Singapore is known for one cocktail it is most definitely the Singapore Sling. While sweet fruity cocktails aren’t typically what I go for at the bar, the story behind the Singapore Sling convinced me to try one. The Raffles Hotel is located within walking distance of Kampong Glam so you can get there by foot if you have about 20 minutes to spare.
The original drink was created in 1915 at Singapore’s famous Raffles Hotel. The story says that the Raffles Hotel was a popular gathering place, but women were not supposed to drink alcohol in public at the time.
That inspired bartender Ngiam Tong Boon to create an alcoholic beverage that looked like fruit juice so women could enjoy a drink, too. The gin-based Singapore Sling was born and has been a hit amongst locals and visitors since. Click here to check pricing and availability for the Raffles Hotel.
Dinner at Mrs Pho
It’s impossible for me to be in Asia and not dine on some form of delicious noodles at least once per day. For dinner around Kampong Glam, Mrs Pho on Beach Road is a solid option. If pho isn’t your thing or you’re not in the mood for hot soup, the restaurant also has vermicelli noodle bowls and rice plates.
Or…
Dinner at Golden Mile Food Center
If you want to get a head start on tackling Singapore’s incredible food centers, Kampong Glam is a 10-minute walk away from the Golden Mile Food Center. While I wouldn’t say this is the top food center in Singapore, it’s a food center nonetheless with tons of vendors and options.
The food center scene in Singapore is amazing because there is something for everyone and pretty much everything I ate at one of these centers was really good. With 4 days in Singapore, you have plenty of time to check out some of the city’s best food centers.
Drinks at Blu Jazz
For an evening drink Blu Jazz Cafe is a great option. The bar hosts regular music performances, which is really neat, but the outdoor seating area is what drew me in.
The bar seating fills the small side street that cuts between the main road and Haji Lane, making it a popular pedestrian lane. If the weather is clear grab a seat outside and enjoy the warm Singapore weather with some solid people watching.
Cocktails at Bar Stories
Hidden upstairs on Haji Lane you will find Bar Stories, a trendy cocktail bar that I almost gave up trying to find. Maybe it was the fact that I just got off a 16-hour flight that morning but I nearly overlooked this place when I was so desperately searching for it, so keep an eye out for a sign on the ground, which I luckily spotted after looking helplessly in every other direction.
Bar Stories feels hip and cool, I really love the ambiance. The interior is minimalistic and clean, but it still gives off a warm and welcoming vibe.
Day 2 in Singapore
Brunch at My Awesome Cafe
Day two of this Singapore itinerary starts off with good food and visually-pleasing aesthetics at My Awesome Cafe. This place reminded me of a hip brunch spot I’d see in San Francisco or Portland—it feels so trendy! And if you’re into boozy brunches, this is the perfect place to have a morning beverage. It’s totally acceptable when you’re on vacation.
Marina Bay Center
After brunch you’ll be within walking distance to Marina Bay. I highly recommend getting yourself there by foot, as long as it’s not raining. The walk allows you to enjoy the waterfront and different angles of Singapore’s impressive skyline.
When you reach the other side of the bay don’t forget to turn around and take a minute to snap some photos of the city. For tour options check out this Marina Bay Segway Tour.
ArtScience Museum
As the name pretty much explains, this museum is where art and science meet. The two work magically together to give visitors unique exhibits that are like nothing else you’ll find in any other museums.
Get ready to experience exhibits of lights, motion graphics, and much more in this fascinating meld. The ArtScience Museum is a must on everyone’s 4-day Singapore itinerary.
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Marina Bay Sands is home to one of the largest and cleanest shopping malls I’ve ever seen. I tend to despise malls generally, but I took a stroll through this one as it connects the ArtScience Museum and Marina Bay Sands Hotel.
Singapore doesn’t mess around when it comes to malls, so it’s worth one walk through, especially if you actually like shopping. Literally ever brand you can think of has a store here.
Ce La Vi
Anyone spending 4 days in Singapore likely intends to visit Marina Bay Sands. Everyone has seen photos of the epic view from the rooftop infinity pool at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. Apparently there used to be an option to pay admission to swim, but now you have to have a guest room at the hotel to enter the pool.
A room will cost you $500+ per night, so if that’s not appealing or in your budget you can do what I did and get the same exact view at the bar next to the pool. Ce La Vi is literally adjacent to the pool.
Like me, you’ll be sad that you aren’t in the pool for, like, ten seconds then you’ll be happy you still have your $500. The bar charges $20 to get in but you then get a voucher to use that value on drinks. A much easier piece tag to swallow, in my opinion. Click here to check pricing and availability for Marina Bay Sands hotel.
The Cheapest Michelin Star Restaurant
Did you know that Singapore is Home to the world’s cheapest Michelin Star restaurant? Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle was awarded its first Michelin Star when it was solely a food stall. This is a must-do for any foodie’s 4-day Singapore itinerary.
Since becoming so popular the owner has opened a restaurant to offer a more comfortable dining experience. While the restaurant prices are a few bucks higher to cover the overhead costs, you can still dine on the famed chicken and rice or chicken and noodle dishes for under $4–who can say no to that?
Day 3 in Singapore
Joo Chiat and Katong Neighborhood
I stayed one night at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong specifically so I could have a full day to experience the culturally-rich Katong neighborhood. In this area you can learn about the Peranakan culture and why it is an important part of Singapore’s history.
The Katong neighborhood is full of color, traditional food, cool shops, and much more that will give you an experience unique to any other parts of Singapore. I recommend spending the better part of one day exploring this area and everything it has to offer.
Eat at 328 Katong Laksa
Laksa is a local specialty that I quickly became a huge fan of and a great place to try it is 328 Katong Laksa. The dish is a spicy noodle soup that is popular in Peranakan culture. The soup broth is made of coconut curry and generally comes with chicken, prawn, or fish.
If you’re concerned about the level of spiciness, I’m not someone who hands spicy food very well but I was able to eat this dish. It ended up being one of my favorite things to eat in Singapore, and this is a country full of delicious food. I’d say this is a must-eat during your 4 days in Singapore.
Birds of Paradise
The Singapore heat and humidity justifies a sweet treat at Birds of Paradise. The theme here is botanical inspired gelato so the flavors are really unique and everything is made with a healthy spin using natural flavors.
The thyme-infused cones made here also smell incredible, sadly I didn’t try one because I think they contained dairy. This shop is the cutest though and the interior design had all of my creative juices flowing.
Joo Chiat Road
If you are in search of some of the most Instagram-worthy places in Singapore, Joo Chiat Road must be on your list. This is the road lined on each side with vibrant, colorful shophouses that you and your camera will quickly fall in love with.
Each house is uniquely painted in varying color palettes and it’s obvious to see why tourists flock to this block for photos. Keep in mind that people do live in these houses so be respectful of their property. The architecture and design of each house is on Joo Chiat Road is stunning so it’s definitely worth checking out.
Fatty’s Wan Tan Mee
My trips consist of a lot of eating, no shame in my game. When you’re in a country with as much good food as Singapore has you really need to pace yourself and plan to eat constantly throughout your trip.
I wasn’t quite ready for another meal when I stumbled upon Fatty’s Wan Tan Mee and learned they are well-known for wonton noodles and soup—of course I had to try!
No regrets here, as this was one of my favorite dishes I ate in Singapore. No joke, I have dreams about this meal and need it back in my life. This spot is really close to Joo Chiat Road so plan to stop by on your walk to check out the colorful shophouses.
Gardens by the Bay
Is a trip to Singapore complete without a visit to the world famous Gardens by the Bay? I think not. After spending the day exploring the Katong neighborhood head to the Gardens by the Bay for the evening. This is a must-do during your 4 days in Singapore.
My advice is to save your trip to Gardens by the Bay for an evening so you can also linger around and catch the light show. Don’t forget to also check out the Cloud Forest and other attractions. I arrived an hour before sunset so I was able to enjoy the gardens a bit while it was still light out, but then shortly after the light show started.
A lot of times I question if things like this are going to be cheesy but the light show here is actually really neat. The garden itself is also incredibly impressive. A visit here is definitely one of the top ten things to do in Singapore. Click here to save money on a combo ticket for entry to the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, and OCBC Skyway.
City Skyline View
After watching the light show at the Gardens by the Bay, consider walking back to the bay waterfront (where you were when you went to the ArtScience Museum) to enjoy the city skyline lit up against the dark sky. This is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike to hang out and enjoy the view. It’s stunning, Instagram-worthy scene that you shouldn’t miss while in Singapore.
Clarke Quay
For a taste of the Singaporean party scene experience a night out in Clarke Quay, a bustling riverside area for dining, shopping, and most definitely nightlife. Clarke Quay is filled with bars and I love how they all have primarily outdoor seating, especially since it can be so hot and humid in Singapore, even at night.
Sitting outdoors makes the area feel very alive as all of the bar crowds feel like they just run together and create one big party. The entire area is covered with giant umbrellas so even the rain can’t stop this party. Clarke Quay is worth a stop at least one night during your 4 days in Singapore to see what it’s all about.
Day 4 in Singapore
Group Therapy
Kick off the day with breakfast and coffee at Group Therapy, a hip and popular brunch spot in Singapore. The menu consists of items you’d expect to see on your standard breakfast or brunch menu and the interior has a fun vibe. If you don’t have much of an appetite for food in the morning you can also stop in for coffee to take away.
Little India
Start the morning off by exploring Little India, one of Singapore’s ethnic enclaves. As with many of the neighborhoods in Singapore, Little India is a great place to take advantage of a walking tour with a local who can provide a ton of information, history, and recommendations in the area that are just hard to come by on your own.
I love walking tours with locals and always find them to be well worth the money, solely for the things I learn in the short time spent with a local. Here is a great option for a tour in Singapore’s Little India.
Chinatown
After a couple of hours in Little India, get ready for another dose of rich culture and good food in Singapore’s Chinatown. Chinatown is where I ate some of my favorite meals in Singapore—it’s truly a foodie goldmine. Your 4-day Singapore itinerary would not be complete without visiting Chinatown.
To get a thorough understanding of the history and significance of this area, consider another walking tour with a local who can really provide in-depth information (and show you where all of the hidden gems are!) This walking tour in Chinatown is casual and will give you all of the information and insights you are looking for.
Chinatown Complex Food Center
By your fourth day in Singapore you should be well aware of the food culture and Singapore’s hawker centers. The Chinatown Complex Food Center is in the heart of Chinatown and full of so many must-eat local dishes.
There are tons of food stalls in the center and the basement level is where the wet market is located if you want to browse where the locals shop for fresh produce, seafood, meat, spices, and much more.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
It’s impossible to miss this enormous beauty when walking around Chinatown. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is located right in front of the Chinatown Complex Food Center and a must-see during your 4 days in Singapore.
This is a Buddhist temple built in the style of the Tang Dynasty with the purpose of housing the relic tooth of the historical Buddha. The temple is ornate and beautiful on the inside and outside making it a great place to take photos.
Where to Stay in Singapore for 4 Days
If you’re visiting Singapore for four days one of the first things you probably want to do is figure out where you are going to stay. There are so many awesome hotels to choose from in Singapore.
The good news is that no matter where you stay Singapore is easy to get around by public transit, food, or cab. In my Singapore travel experience I have been fortunate to stay at a few amazing hotels in different parts of the city.
Sometimes I like to move hotels every few days, if I’m staying in one city for a fair amount of time, so that I can experience a new neighborhood more extensively. I know that might be too much for some people—and I totally get it—but if you’re like me and don’t mind moving around it can be really fun to experience different hotels and neighborhoods.
Here are the hotels I recommend that I have personally stayed at and loved. These properties are all mid-range when it comes to budget, they are not the cheapest but they are far from being the most expensive. Personally I look for hotels that are creative and unique, so I tend to gravitate towards moderately-priced boutique hotels like the three below.
The Quincy Hotel
The Quincy Hotel is a really sleek property with a modern yet fun design. My guest room here was so comfortable and spacious, I was so happy to get a few nights of solid sleep here after arriving in Singapore. The hotel has an amazing rooftop pool to relax and take in the city views.
I loved that the pool was also covered so swimming could still be enjoyed during the random warm tropical rain that would occasionally hit. The Quincy Hotel had a great breakfast to start the day and my room included a couple pieces of laundry service, which is so helpful when you are traveling out of a carry-on.
The hotel is centrally located near the famous Orchard Road, making it very convenient to get around via all forms of transportation. Click here to check pricing and availability at The Quincy Hotel
The Scarlet Hotel
This boutique hotel property is located right next to Singapore’s vibrant Chinatown, one of my absolute favorite neighborhoods to explore. The Scarlet Hotel is built in a historic shophouse building which plays a huge role in the stunning character and design of the hotel.
The aesthetic is sophisticated, sexy, and edgy, with rich jewel tones and fun textures leading the design. The Scarlet Hotel is another moderately-priced boutique hotel. Of all the hotels I stayed in I’d say that this location is the most convenient for walking to many of the major sights visitors want to see in Singapore.
I was able to explore Chinatown and the Marina Bay Sands area from here. Not to mention there is so much good food in Chinatown Singapore. Click here to check pricing and availability at The Scarlet Hotel.
Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong
This gorgeous hotel is located in Singapore’s historic Katong neighborhood. With an interior design inspired by the local culture, Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong is one of the dreamiest places I’ve ever stayed.
My creative inspiration was bursting at the seams the second I stepped into this place. From the tile and color palette, to the artwork that lines the walls, I’ve never seen the history of a culture be brought to life in such a complete, modern, and straight-up hip way.
It’s impossible to talk about my stay at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong without mentioning two things: the bathroom and the pool. The bathroom is lined with the most gorgeous teal tile and floor to ceiling windows, topped off with the dreamiest bathtub on the planet.
And if you’re tired of soaking in the tub with a view over the Katong neighborhood, you can head up to the rooftop pool. This hotel is a winner and worth staying at least one night to explore the neighborhood’s gems. Click here to check pricing and availability at Hotel Indigo Singapore Katong .
Lodging Recommendation for all Budgets
The three options above that I recommend are what I would consider a happy medium when it comes to the spectrum of hotel prices in Singapore. I found this range to be ideal for me during my 4 days in Singapore.
Since I recommend three moderately-priced options, here are a few more recommendations for the budget-friendly shopper. I’ve also included a few of the best luxury lodging options if you are looking to splurge during your 4-day trip to Singapore.
Budget-Friendly Options
- Dream Lodge: This hostel is centrally located with convenient access to 3 of Singapore’s MRT stations (the city’s public transit system) to make traveling to and from your lodging a breeze. The hostel is housed in a 1950s era shophouse and is adorned with the cutest interior details.
This property has excellent ratings for being exceptionally clean and is a great option for those on a budget. Click here to check pricing and availability for Dream Lodge.
- Cube Hostel: If you want a unique hostel experience with privacy consider staying at Cube Hostel, a boutique capsule hostel experience in Singapore’s Chinatown. If you aren’t familiar with capsule hostels you’ll want to check out the photos of Cube Hostel to understand exactly what this lodging experience is like.
Cube Hostel has amazing reviews and is conveniently located in Chinatown near a TON of good food. Click here to check pricing and availability for Cube Hostel.
- The Bohemian Chic Hostel: This property is centrally located near the busy nightlife in Clarke Quay. The Bohemian Chic Hostel describes itself as a place for the fun-loving traveler with a free spirit.
The interior is bright and colorful, the perfect vibe for travelers looking to meet people and have a good time. Click here to check pricing and availability for The Bohemian Chic Hostel
- CouchSurfing: This hospitality and social networking app connects travelers with locals who open their homes to guests—for free! If you’ve never used it, be sure to brush up on CouchSurfing best practices and tips for using this service.
Splurge-Worthy Options
- InterContinental Singapore: If you’re looking to treat yourself to a luxury hotel experience in Singapore, the InterContinental Singapore is a solid option. Not only are the rooms gorgeous but the hotel features an outdoor pool and rooftop garden for guests to enjoy.
The property is very centrally located making it convenient to walk everywhere or access the nearby Bugis MRT station. Click here to check pricing and availability for the Intercontinental Singapore.
- The Fullerton Hotel Singapore: This beauty is housed in a post office from the 1920s overlooking the Singapore River. The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is less than a 5-minute walk from the nearest metro station and also includes a free local shuttle.
The guest rooms, gym, spa, and outdoor pool are all top-notch, as you’d expect from a 5-star property. Click here to check pricing and availability for The Fullerton Hotel Singapore
- Naumi Hotel: This 5-star property is chic, trendy, and stylish. Naumi Hotel is the perfect place for the traveler who is looking for a luxurious experience without sacrificing the creativity that is found in boutique hotels.
The guest rooms are lush, a bit edgy, while being tastefully done. The rooftop lounge area and pool are a must-see and a selling point in themselves. Click here to check pricing and availability for Naumi Hotel.
Apartment and Home Rentals
If hotels and hostels aren’t your jam, check out the Singapore rental options listed on Airbnb. Click here to get $40 towards your first Airbnb booking.
Tours for 4 Days in Singapore
I love exploring and getting lost on my own in a city, but sometimes I really enjoy a good tour. It’s nice to have a local expert lead you around and provide historical context and local insight that you wouldn’t otherwise have.
Spending four days in Singapore allows time for a tour (or more) if you tend to be interested in them. Here are some of the tours that I recommend.
SINGAPORE PRIVATE GUIDED FOOD TOUR // Oh how I love me a good food tour. This private, guided Singapore food tour takes you to explore three different areas that influence Singapore’s cuisine and have made it what it is today. You will get a taste of the Malay Village, Chinatown and Little India, with a total of over 10 foods and drinks to try.
LITTLE INDIA WALKING TOUR // Explore Singapore’s Little India on this guided walking tour of the neighborhood. You will love the busy, colorful, aromatic streets and your guide will share stories of the past. This district is a must!
SIGHTSEEING HOP-ON HOP-OFF TOUR // These tours really help you cover a lot of ground and gain information while you’re at it. If you are short on time in Singapore, this is a great choice to see a lot of the city’s highlights.
Packing List for 4 Days in Singapore
When writing this post I kept thinking of all the things I learned on this trip. This was my first time in Singapore and Southeast Asia I learned a lot about how to best pack for this climate and the type of trip I had. Here are a few of the things that I highly recommend packing for 4 days in Singapore:
- POWER ADAPTER // You will definitely need one of these for your electronics. I love this one and use it myself.
- EXTRA BASIC ADAPTERS // I like to pack a few of these extra basic adapters since I usually have to charge my cell phone and multiple camera batteries. These are great to have on hand.
- TRAVEL PILLOW // I used to be so against the idea of carrying around a neck pillow for an entire trip just to use on the flight, but gone are those days. The flight to Singapore from California is 15+ hours and having a comfortable neck pillow is a game changer. Strap it on to your carry on backpack and it won’t take up any space in your luggage. It’s the BEST investment.
- TRAVEL SUNSCREEN // You most definitely want sunscreen in Singapore. This travel-sized sunscreen is my favorite because it is sensitive on your skin and safe for the creatures in the ocean. No skin-irritating ingredients, no parabens, no fragrance, and will not damage delicate coral reef.
- SWIMWEAR // Singapore is full of stunning pools so swimwear is a must. This bathing suit is incredibly affordable, cute, and flattering on so many body types. It has become my go-to travel suit.
- SUN HAT // Having a hat on my trip to Singapore was a lifesaver. The sun was so hot and bright at times, a hat was a must. This hat is one of my favorites for travel, it’s stylish and functional!
How to Stay Connected in Singapore
When I travel abroad I stay connected to the internet using TEP Wireless, which is my favorite travel wi-fi service. The devices work in 100+ countries all over the world and are a lifesaver when it comes to accessing maps for directions, or finding my next place to eat. Click here to check where TEP provides coverage and see the current device rental prices.
Perfect timing! i’m so glad I found this…I have a friend headed there tomorrow. I’m going to forward your tips to her. (Hopefully I’ll be able to make use of them someday, too!)
OMG THIS IS LITERALLY PERFECT FOR MY UPCOMING TRIP!! I am also going to be there for 4 days! Thanks for all the great tips! Those bars look awesome!
Singapore looks so amazing! I would love to visit that part of the world one day!
I love this post! I’m going to Singapore this summer and this list is so useful. Thanks for sharing, I’ll definitely check this list out
Wow! Amazing and thorough post about Singapore. I just were there 2+3 days during this summer but both it was so hot (and I was tired after over 10 hour night flights) that we did mostly explore the areas near our hotels of which the first one was Marina Bay Sands and the second one was Jen Orchadgetaway. Both of them and areas around were stunning but I think we missed all the real life in Singapore. Next time I’ll definitely go explore some of these beautiful streets and delicious restaurants you shared!