5 days in Singapore itinerary — What to do in Singapore for 5 days on a budget?

Singapore is one of the most beautiful island nations with a skyline like something out of a science fiction movie. Beneath the majestic beauty of the sky lies a unique culture in a picturesque setting that will leave you spellbound. Singapore is small in size but boasts a plethora of tourist attractions that will take you a week or two to fully explore. However, if you have less time than that, a 5-day itinerary with us will help you experience all the tourist attractions here.

So, how many days in Singapore is enough and how many days should you spend in Singapore? I think 5 days is enough to discover almost all the beauty of Singapore? But if so, what to do in Singapore for 5 days? Let’s check out our suggested Singapore itinerary 5 days 4 nights (Singapore travel itinerary 5 days, Singapore itinerary 5 days, 5 days in Singapore itinerary) on how to spend 5 days in Singapore on a budget with the most prominent places to visit in Singapore in 5 days and top things to do in Singapore for 5 days as follows!

Means of transportation (# what to do in singapore for 5 days)

Getting to Singapore

Only about 2 hours flight from Vietnam. The simplest way is to hunt for cheap tickets about 3 – 6 months before going. With a little luck you will be able to find flights for only $69 to $99 round trip from Air Asia, Vietjet or Pacific airlines. Or if you don’t have time to “watch” for cheap tickets, contact us for the best support advice or go to flight search engines such as Google Flights, Skyscanner or Kayak and turn on alerts!

Getting around Singapore

There are three modes of public transport in Singapore: MRT (fastest means of travel), bus and taxi. We recommend using the metro as the fastest way to get around the city. The underground train system is so well established that most of Singapore’s attractions are within walking distance of the nearest station.

Where to stay in Singapore? (# 5 days in singapore itinerary)

Whether you’re looking for a high-end luxury hotel, a great value mid-range hotel or a budget guesthouse, Singapore has options for everyone. If you plan in advance, accommodation is no longer a matter. Here are some suggestions from Living Nomads for you refer to.

Claremont Hotel

Located close to Mustafa Center and close to the city centre, it’s convenient to get out and about to visit Singapore’s main attractions. Ideal for a budget vacation!

Ascott Raffles Place

If you want to enjoy a wonderful vacation then choose to stay at Ascott Raffles Place. This is one of the top-rated hotels in Singapore and is located right on Orchard Road. It has colonial luxury and delicate style buildings! (Agoda, Booking)

Fullerton Bay Hotel

If you want a view of Marina Bay Sands when wake up every morning, it doesn’t get much better than the Fullerton Bay Hotel. It’s right at Merlion Park, so you can spend some fun time there, day or night! (Agoda, Booking)

Marina Bay Sands (# what to do in singapore for 5 days)

Why would you ignore a resort destination like Marina Bay Sands when listing the best places to stay in Singapore? This is an iconic building that represents international Singapore. The stay is quite pricey but it comes with a 57th floor infinity pool that offers great views of the city skyline. (Agoda, Booking).

Below are some best cheap, budget, mid-range and upscale hotels with good ratings and reviews you can refer to.

YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road: a 4-star hotel with room rates from $97/night. (Agoda.com or Booking.com).

Crowne Plaza Changi Airport: a 5-star hotel with room rates from $157/night. (Agoda.com or Booking.com).

M Social Singapore: a 4-star hotel with room rates from $86/night. (Agoda.com or Booking.com).

Hotel G Singapore: a 4-star hotel with room rates from $84/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

Village Hotel Changi by Far East Hospitality: a 4-star hotel with room rates from $82/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

Orchard Hotel Singapore: a 5-star hotel with room rates from $108/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay: a 4-star hotel with room rates from $106/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel: a 5-star hotel with room rates from $109/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

One Farrer Hotel: a 5-star hotel with room rates from $131/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

ibis Singapore on Bencoolen Hotel: a 3-star hotel with room rates from $84/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

Hotel Jen Orchardgateway Singapore by Shangri-La: a 4-star hotel with room rates from $138/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

Mandarin Orchard Singapore: a 5-star hotel with room rates from $162/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

Shangri-La Hotel, Singapore: a 5-star hotel with room rates from $212/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore: a 5-star hotel with room rates from $211/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

Village Hotel Katong by Far East Hospitality: a 4-star hotel with room rates from $88/night. (Check rates and reviews on Agoda.com or Booking.com).

You can find more, check rates, availability & booking for Singapore hotels on Agoda.com or Booking.com.

Below are the detailed of 5-day itinerary to explore Singapore

Day 1 – Explore Singapore’s local culture (# singapore itinerary 5 days 4 nights)

For your very first day, start with exploring tourist hotspots like Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam to learn about Singapore’s diverse cultural heritage. Here you can visit ancient temples, grand mosques and traditional shops. On Serangoon Road, the diversity is the key. Little India’s main street is lined with traditional Indian tailors, jewelry stores, and fashion boutiques that will delight shoppers’ hearts. Likewise, Chinatown is a hub for all Chinese things. This colorful market is the ideal place to buy traditional Chinese goods, imported toys and rare antiques.

At the other end, Kampong Glam is home to mosques, carpet shops and Middle Eastern cuisine. It has recently seen a surge in cocktail bars and funky restaurants. It’s hard not to have a great time shopping in these picturesque streets famous for Singapore’s best vintage and style shops.

For those who consider themselves adventurous when it comes to food, check out Singapore’s local delicacies in popular eateries such as People’s Park Complex, Kampung Glam Cafe and central Tekka cuisine. If you have some time left, head down to Mustaffa Center, Singapore’s largest 24-hour shopping mall located in Little India selling lifestyle products at bargain prices.

Day 2 – Visit the National Museum, Singapore Botanic Gardens and Singapore Flyer (# 5 days in singapore)

On the day 2 of your 5 days in Singapore itinerary, we’ll suggest some of the main attractions the city has to offer. Start your day at the Singapore Botanic Gardens – a World Heritage Site and the only tropical botanical garden on the UNESCO list. Take your time to explore the picturesque gardens, including the Botanical Center and Tanglin Gate. You can then head to the National Museum of Singapore on Stamford Road, museums worth visiting include the National Gallery of Singapore, National Museum of Singapore and Singapore Art Museum (SAM).

While these museums house different types of art, visiting all three gives you a comprehensive appreciation of Singapore’s visual arts history. Please note that most museums close after 5pm, so make sure to plan your time properly. Here you can immerse yourself in the fascinating history of this remarkable city and learn about its colonial past.

Finally, end your second day with a ride on the Singapore Flyer. At a staggering 165m tall, the Flyer is one of the world’s largest ferris wheels – think of it as the London Eye of Asia. It is even considered one of the biggest tourist attractions on the continent. Spectacular views aboard the Flyer promise a sweeping view of the horizon, along with glimpses of Malaysia and Indonesia from the top. The urban architecture is a masterful addition to the country and displays impeccable engineering. Sip champagne as you take in panoramic views of Singapore from the cabin of the Flyer and see the city in a whole new light.

Day 3 – Explore and have fun in Sentosa Island (# singapore travel itinerary 5 days)

The third day of this 5 days itinerary in Singapore is dedicated to Singapore’s famous entertainment island – Sentosa. Start your day with a cable car ride from the mainland to Sentosa Island. Spend a day of enjoyment with your loved ones at Universal Studios Singapore – arguably the best theme park in all of Southeast Asia. Finally, end your third day by watching the seaside audio and visual therapy show – Wings of Time. Some main activities at Sentosa that you should not miss include:

Singapore cable car

Spend your third day on beloved Sentosa Island. Known for its breathtaking views between Faber Peak and Sentosa Island, Singapore’s cable car is the first and only cable car line connecting mainland Singapore to Sentosa Island. Enjoy 360-degree views of forests, skyscrapers and sandy beaches as the cabin takes you nearly 5km in a 30-minute ride. The cable car has two lines: Mount Faber Line and Sentosa Line. The Mount Faber Line runs between Mainland Singapore and Sentosa Island, while the Sentosa Line runs only within Sentosa Island.

With a round trip ticket, you can complete the entire trip, no matter which station you start from. Pass a skyscraper and cross the harbor on your way up Mount Faber. As you approach this famous hill station, enjoy stunning photos as you pass by the lush greenery. On the Sentosa route, fly over jungle, sand and sea; plus, catch views of the city’s main attractions.

Universal Studios Singapore (# things to do in singapore for 5 days)

Thrill seekers can have a great time at Singapore’s Universal Studios, located on Sentosa Island. Go beyond the screen and experience cutting-edge rides, shows, and attractions based on your favorite blockbusters like Puss In Boots’ Giant Journey, Battlestar Galactica: HUMAN vs CYLON, TRANSFORMERS The Ride: The Ultimate 3D Battle, Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure and many others. Also, don’t miss the Hollywood Dreams Parade, a special holiday show that brings all your beloved characters to life.

Wings of Time (# singapore itinerary 5 days 4 nights)

Engaging and captivating, Wings of Time is Singapore’s award-winning outdoor night show. A multi-sensory extravaganza, the show combines water displays, laser projections and fire effects all into one captivating presentation. With an amazing musical production playing in the background, experience the magic of 3D projection mapping and breathtaking fireworks. Created by a team of highly regarded national and international entertainment experts and set to signature sets and larger-than-life water screens, the show tells a contemporary story of courage, mystery and magic. Sit back and get lost in this magical world as you travel through time.

Day 4 – Witness Singapore’s exotic wildlife (# places to visit in singapore in 5 days)

On your day 4, head to three of the most popular nature and wildlife refuges north of the city. Start your day with River Safari – Asia’s first river-themed wildlife park. Next on your itinerary is the Singapore Zoo, along with its special evening exhibition – Rainforest Lumina. Finally, end your fourth day at the Night Safari – a unique wildlife safari where you can watch animals come to life at night and discover 2,500 fascinating nocturnal creatures in their natural habitats.

River Safari

Nestled right between the Singapore Zoo and the famous Night Safari, River Safari is a river-themed zoo and aquarium. Designed to recreate wildlife experiences along famous rivers from around the world, the park is home to some of the rare and impressive creatures from across the globe. Begin your journey along the meandering rivers and enjoy the chance to see exotic animals such as squirrel monkeys, wolves and leopards…

Singapore Zoo & Rainforest Lumina

The impressive Singapore Zoo is famous around the world, thanks to its 11 different areas and 12 exhibits home to more than 2,800 animals, including more than 300 species of mammals, birds and reptiles. The zoo has made sure to create exhibits that recreate the exact natural habitats in which each of its animals would live.

Opened to celebrate Singapore Zoo’s 45th anniversary, the new Rainforest Lumina experience is an exciting new addition to the list of attractions in Singapore. Rainforest Lumina is a nighttime experience that allows people to visit the zoo after dark and experience a unique walk through a set of carefully placed interactive installations – allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the audiovisual spectacle before them.

Night Safari

Singapore Night Safari lets you explore the animal kingdom under the stars! As you walk through the park at night, you’ll encounter areas representing landforms from around the world. Night Safari is home to more than 2,500 animals, 38% of which are threatened in the wild. The animals are raised in specially designed environments that mimic their natural ecological systems, highlighted by outdoor exhibits. Night Safari is divided into the following regions: Indian Subcontinent, Asian Riverine Forests, Himalayan foothills, Equatorial Africa, Nepal River Valley and Burmese Hills.

Day 5 – Enjoy the last day at Marina Bay – the symbol of Singapore

On the fifth and final day with this Singapore itinerary 5 days 4 nights, you’ll visit two of the most famous attractions in Singapore as well as enjoy a break from all the sights into the symbol of Singapore for shopping and eating. Start your day at Gardens by the Bay – a unique blend of nature and man-made architecture. Follow this with a visit to the iconic Marina Bay Sands Skypark and take in amazing views of Singapore’s city and harbour. Finally, end your day at Orchard Road – Singapore’s most famous and loved shopping street.

Gardens by the Bay

Start your day 5 at what is considered one of the most unique tourist attractions in Singapore. Gardens by the Bay is famously like a sci-fi movie, one that is sure to surprise. It was initially launched by the Government’s initiative to transform Singapore into a “city in a garden” instead of “a garden city”. Gardens by the Bay is divided into three complex sections: Bay Central Garden, Bay East Garden and Bay South Garden. In each area, visitors can enjoy a natural flora and fauna. With its alien-like appearance, you’ll feel like you’ve entered a colorful, friendly fantasy world.

 

Marina Bay Sands SkyPark

A trip to Marina Bay certainly wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the SkyPark Observation Deck. Standing at the observation deck above the city and witness the heart of Singapore in all its glory. The public observation deck at Marina Bay Sands SkyPark resonates with luxury and even showcases the world’s largest infinity pool. Sip a glass of champagne as you look out at the city’s breathtaking skyline. If it’s within your budget, you can also enjoy a delicious lunch at one of the classy restaurants in the vicinity. Offering a wonderful wine and dinner experience, this is sure to be an unforgettable meal. Be sure to take home some exclusive souvenirs from Sandy Sky Park beauty shop.

Shopping on Orchard Road

If you ask anyone in Singapore, the first thing that comes to their mind when they think of shopping is Orchard Road. Today, a 2.2km road is marked by some of the most popular retail stores, malls and food outlets in Singapore. Orchard Road has a history that saw it begin as a small lane lined with orchards, plantations and pepper farms. Today, you can find everything here – from designer, ethnic labels, luxury restaurants and art galleries to malls and streets lined with Angsana trees.

When the sun sets, the beautiful city of Singapore comes alive with bright lights. Be sure to see the spectacular light show illuminating some of the iconic landmarks. With such beautiful scenery, this will be the perfect ending to your trip.

Some useful information for visitors

Visa on arrival is not available for Indians. However, they do offer an online tourist visa. The visa application process is hassle-free and usually takes up to 5 days to process. Another option is to have a relative or friend in Singapore with PR or citizenship fill out the reference letter for the visa application.

Transportation in Singapore ranges between taxis, MRT and buses. Taxis are easily available and prices are fixed. If you go with a group of four or more, it works out cheaper with a taxi. Else, stick to the subway. It is convenient and well connected as well. Additionally, there are hop-off buses for a day or two for tourists that cover many places to visit. If you are not sure about the itinerary, you can try!

Travel costs in Singapore dollars (S$) in Singapore. An average of S$100-200 per person per day covers the length of stay and a moderate number of activities within the budget.

Singapore is hot and humid mostly throughout the year. July – September is usually the ideal time to visit. Additionally, the Great Singapore food and sales festival takes place during that time. February – April is also a good time as the weather is pleasant this year and however, not as expensive as the tourist months.

Singapore is a country that never makes visitors feel bored with its rich and diverse culture and history along with many interesting attractions and entertainment. Come along with us to have a complete trip to Singapore.

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Singapore you can refer to

• Singapore Changi Airport (SIN) Private Transfer
• Shared Changi Airport Transfers (SIN) for Singapore Hotels
• Singapore Big Bus Hop-On Hop-Off Tour (Open-Top)
• Sentosa FUN Pass
• Singapore City Pass (2/3 Days)
• [Klook Exclusive] Universal Studios Singapore™ 1 Day Ticket
• Gardens by the Bay Ticket Singapore
• S.E.A. Aquarium™ One-Day Ticket
• ArtScience Museum at Marina Bay Sands Ticket
• Singapore Cable Car Sky Pass
• Jewel Changi Airport Attraction Tickets in Singapore
• Singapore Flyer Tickets
• Skyline Luge Singapore: Skyline Luge & Skyride
• Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck or Sampan Ride
• Adventure Cove Waterpark™ One-Day Ticket
• Science Centre Singapore, Butterflies Up-Close, Omni Theatre
• Singapore River Cruise
• Madame Tussauds Singapore Ticket
• Wings of Time Show Ticket in Singapore
• LiHO TEA in Singapore
• Singapore Travel Card (NETS FlashPay)
• Universal Studios Singapore Tickets
• Klook Pass Singapore
• 4G Prepaid Sim Card (Changi Airport Pick Up) for Singapore
• 4G WiFi (SG Airport Pick Up) for Singapore
• 4G Portable WiFi for Singapore from Uroaming
• 4G WiFi (SG Pick Up) for Europe

Are you finding more top things to do in Singapore: Tours, activities, attractions and other things? Read more: Singapore travel blog — The fullest Singapore travel guide blog for a budget trip to Singapore for the first-timers.