Singapore 3 Day Itinerary: The Hour-by-Hour Guide That Actually Works for Indian Travelers

I've done Singapore in 2 days (exhausting), 5 days (too slow), and exactly 3 days (perfect). After helping dozens of friends plan their trips, I've finally nailed down a singapore 3 day itinerary that hits the right balance — enough time to see the icons, eat properly, and not feel like you're running a marathon in 90% humidity.

Here's the thing most itineraries won't tell you: Singapore is small but deceptively tiring. The heat drains you faster than expected. Attractions that look close on maps involve more walking than you'd think. And some "must-sees" are honestly skippable if you're short on time. This guide gives you realistic timings, actual costs in INR, and honest advice about what deserves your three precious days.

Before You Land: The Prep Work That Saves Hours

Your singapore 3 day itinerary actually starts before you board the plane. Get your eVisa sorted 2-3 weeks ahead through Singapore's ICA website — it costs SGD 20 (around Rs 1,250) and takes 3-5 working days. Complete the SG Arrival Card online within 3 days of arrival. Both are non-negotiable; immigration will turn you back without them.

Book your major attractions in advance. I'm talking about Universal Studios Singapore (from Rs 4,800), Gardens by the Bay (from Rs 2,078), and Night Safari (from Rs 3,015). Pre-booked tickets save 30-60 minutes of queue time, and some attractions offer slight online discounts. TripCabinet can handle all these bookings as part of your Singapore tour package if you prefer someone else to sort the logistics.

One more thing: download Google Maps, Grab (Singapore's Uber), and an MRT map app before landing. Changi Airport has excellent wifi, but having these ready means you can hit the ground running.

Day 1: Marina Bay and the City Icons

Your first day focuses on Singapore's famous waterfront and colonial district. This is the postcard Singapore — the one with the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, and futuristic Supertrees. Start early to beat both the heat and the crowds.

Morning (8:00 AM - 12:30 PM): Marina Bay Walk

8:00 AM - Breakfast at Ya Kun Kaya Toast (Raffles Place)
Skip the hotel breakfast. Walk to Ya Kun for traditional Singaporean breakfast — kaya toast with soft-boiled eggs and kopi (coffee). Cost: Rs 350-450 per person. The thick toast with coconut jam and butter is the right fuel for a walking-heavy day. Raffles Place MRT drops you right there.

9:00 AM - Merlion Park
The half-lion, half-fish statue isn't as big as photos suggest, but it's free and you need the photo. Spend 20-30 minutes here. The view across to Marina Bay Sands is better in morning light anyway. Get your photos done before tour groups arrive around 10 AM.

9:45 AM - Walk to Marina Bay Sands via Helix Bridge
The DNA-shaped Helix Bridge is one of Singapore's most photogenic walks. Free, covered sections, and the views of the city skyline are worth the 15-minute stroll. Stop at the ArtScience Museum for exterior photos — the lotus-shaped building looks stunning from this angle.

10:30 AM - Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
Head up to the MBS SkyPark observation deck (from Rs 2,740) for that iconic rooftop view. The infinity pool is hotel-guests-only, but the observation deck gives you the same panorama. Clear mornings offer views all the way to Indonesia. Book the 10:30 slot online — it's less crowded than afternoon sessions. Spend about 45 minutes here.

11:30 AM - The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Even if you're not shopping, walk through for the air conditioning and the canal that runs through the mall (yes, with actual gondolas). The food court in the basement has decent options if you need a snack. The Rain Oculus water feature is worth seeing.

Afternoon (12:30 PM - 6:00 PM): Gardens, Flyer, and Chinatown

12:30 PM - Lunch at Satay by the Bay
Walk through to Gardens by the Bay and find Satay by the Bay hawker center. Satay sticks (Rs 100-150 for 10), laksa, and char kway teow in an open-air setting with garden views. Budget Rs 400-600 for a proper lunch. Much cheaper than the tourist restaurants nearby.

1:30 PM - Gardens by the Bay (Outdoor Gardens)
The outdoor sections are free — Supertree Grove, Heritage Gardens, and the waterfront areas. Walk around for an hour, find shade under the Supertrees, and take photos. Save the paid conservatories (Cloud Forest and Flower Dome) for later when you need aircon escape.

2:30 PM - Cloud Forest and Flower Dome
Now hit the conservatories. The Cloud Forest's 35-meter indoor waterfall will make your jaw drop — it's genuinely one of the most impressive things I've seen anywhere. The Flower Dome is pleasant but less dramatic. Combined ticket from Rs 2,078. Spend 90 minutes total between both.

4:00 PM - Singapore Flyer
Take the MRT one stop to Promenade and walk to the Singapore Flyer (from Rs 2,375). This giant observation wheel gives you 30 minutes of panoramic views. Late afternoon light is ideal for photos. The capsules are air-conditioned, which your body will appreciate by now.

5:00 PM - Chinatown
MRT to Chinatown station. Walk through Pagoda Street's souvenir stalls, peek into Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (free entry, beautiful architecture), and absorb the contrast between old shophouses and modern Singapore. This area comes alive as evening approaches.

Evening (6:00 PM - 10:00 PM): Dinner and Light Show

6:30 PM - Dinner at Maxwell Food Centre
The most famous hawker center in Chinatown. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice has the longest queue for a reason — the chicken is impossibly tender. Also try the char siu (BBQ pork) from Lian He Ben Ji. Entire dinner: Rs 400-600. Arrive by 6:30 to beat the dinner rush.

8:00 PM - Return to Marina Bay for Spectra
MRT back to Bayfront. The Spectra light and water show happens nightly at 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM (extra 10:00 PM show on weekends) at the Event Plaza outside MBS. It's free and genuinely impressive — fountains, lasers, and projections synchronized to music. Stake out a spot 15 minutes early.

9:00 PM - Supertree Grove Light Show
Walk over to Gardens by the Bay for the Garden Rhapsody light show at 8:45 PM and 9:45 PM. The Supertrees light up and "dance" to music. Lie on the grass and watch — it's surreal and completely free. This is how you end Day 1 properly.

Day 1 Budget Breakdown: Breakfast Rs 400 + MBS SkyPark Rs 2,740 + Gardens Rs 2,078 + Singapore Flyer Rs 2,375 + Lunch Rs 500 + Dinner Rs 500 + Transport Rs 300 = approximately Rs 8,900

Singapore 3 Day Itinerary Day 2: Sentosa Island

Sentosa deserves a full day. Trying to squeeze it into half a day means rushing through Universal Studios or skipping the beaches entirely. Neither is acceptable. Read our complete Sentosa Island guide for deeper coverage, but here's the optimized day.

Morning (9:00 AM - 2:00 PM): Universal Studios Singapore

9:00 AM - Arrive at Sentosa via Cable Car
Start at HarbourFront MRT and take the Singapore Cable Car (from Rs 2,215) to Sentosa. Yes, the Sentosa Express monorail is cheaper, but the cable car views over the harbor and Sentosa are worth the extra cost. It's also less crowded in the morning.

9:30 AM - Universal Studios Singapore Opens
Universal Studios Singapore opens at 10 AM, but be at the gates by 9:30 AM. The first hour has the shortest queues. Head straight to the two most popular rides: Transformers: The Ultimate 3D Battle and Battlestar Galactica roller coasters. If you have kids, prioritize Sesame Street and Madagascar zones first — they get crowded by midday.

The park has seven themed zones. My recommended order for minimal walking and optimal queue times: Sci-Fi City first (Transformers, Battlestar), then Ancient Egypt (Revenge of the Mummy — excellent), New York, Hollywood, Far Far Away (Shrek), Madagascar, and finally The Lost World.

Express passes cost extra but save significant time during peak season. If visiting during school holidays or weekends, seriously consider them. Otherwise, the regular ticket plus smart timing works fine.

1:30 PM - Lunch inside Universal Studios
Mel's Drive-In (burgers) and Loui's NY Pizza Parlor are decent. Or exit the park, get your hand stamped for re-entry, and eat at the cheaper Malaysian Food Street nearby. Budget Rs 600-900 for park food, Rs 400-600 outside.

Afternoon (2:00 PM - 6:00 PM): Beaches and S.E.A. Aquarium

2:30 PM - Siloso Beach
Sentosa has three beaches. Siloso is the most happening — beach bars, volleyball courts, and actual waves (artificial, but still). Rent a beach chair (Rs 500-800), swim, or just people-watch. The water is clean enough for swimming, though it's not Maldives-clear. Spend 2-3 hours here.

5:00 PM - S.E.A. Aquarium (Optional)
If beaches aren't your thing, swap this time for S.E.A. Aquarium. The Open Ocean exhibit has a massive viewing panel — one of the world's largest. Manta rays and sharks swimming past you is mesmerizing. Ticket around Rs 3,000. Skip if you've been to Dubai Aquarium or similar; this one is good but not dramatically different.

Evening (6:00 PM - 10:30 PM): Wings of Time and Clarke Quay

7:40 PM - Wings of Time Show
Sentosa's outdoor night show combines water screens, lasers, fire, and fireworks. Shows at 7:40 PM and 8:40 PM. Tickets around Rs 1,500. The premium seats aren't necessary — standard seating has perfectly good views. This is a proper "wow" moment, especially for families.

9:00 PM - Dinner at Clarke Quay
Take the Sentosa Express and MRT to Clarke Quay. This riverside entertainment district has everything from Indian restaurants to craft beer bars. Jumbo Seafood serves Singapore's famous chili crab — expensive (Rs 3,000-4,000 for a crab) but a must-try at least once. More affordable options line the streets too. The area stays lively until midnight.

Day 2 Budget Breakdown: Cable Car Rs 2,215 + Universal Studios Rs 4,800 + Lunch Rs 600 + Beach Rs 500 + Wings of Time Rs 1,500 + Dinner Rs 1,500 + Transport Rs 400 = approximately Rs 11,500

Day 3: Wildlife, Culture, and Departure

Your singapore 3 day itinerary final day mixes Singapore's world-class zoo with cultural exploration. The evening ends with Night Safari — saving the best for last. This works perfectly if you have a late-night or next-morning flight.

Morning (9:00 AM - 1:00 PM): Singapore Zoo

9:00 AM - Singapore Zoo Opens
The Singapore Zoo (from Rs 2,832) is genuinely one of the world's best. Open-concept enclosures mean animals roam in naturalistic habitats rather than behind bars. The orangutan breakfast is famous (extra Rs 2,500) but honestly, you can see them up close during the free-roaming sessions at 10:30 AM anyway.

Must-sees: Fragile Forest (walk through with butterflies and lemurs), Frozen Tundra (polar bears in tropical Singapore — the irony isn't lost), and the Elephants of Asia show. The zoo is huge; use the tram service (included in ticket) between zones to save energy for Night Safari later.

12:00 PM - Lunch at Zoo Food Court
The Ah Meng Restaurant inside isn't bad. Try the laksa or nasi lemak. Budget Rs 500-700. Alternatively, exit and eat at nearby Mandai food options — slightly cheaper.

Afternoon (1:00 PM - 5:30 PM): Little India and Arab Street

1:30 PM - Little India
MRT to Little India station. This is where Singapore feels most familiar to Indian travelers — the smells, the colors, the chaos. Walk through Tekka Centre (wet market downstairs, food upstairs), browse the sari shops on Serangoon Road, and visit Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple. The flower garland sellers outside transport you straight to Chennai.

For Indian food that rivals home, try Komala Vilas (pure vegetarian South Indian) or Muthu's Curry (fish head curry — sounds weird, tastes incredible). Our first-time visitor's guide has more restaurant recommendations if you're craving specific cuisines.

3:30 PM - Arab Street and Kampong Glam
Walk 15 minutes or take one MRT stop to Arab Street. The Sultan Mosque dominates the skyline — non-Muslims can enter outside prayer times (robes provided). Haji Lane is Singapore's hipster central — tiny boutiques, street art, and Instagram-worthy cafes in converted shophouses.

Have Turkish coffee at a sidewalk cafe, browse the perfume shops, and watch the sun set over the golden mosque dome. This neighborhood perfectly captures Singapore's multicultural identity.

Evening (5:30 PM - 10:30 PM): Night Safari

5:30 PM - Return to Mandai Area
MRT to Khatib, then take the Mandai Khatib Shuttle (free) to the wildlife parks. Or grab a Grab taxi directly — about Rs 1,200-1,500 from Arab Street. Arrive by 6:30 PM to explore the pre-show areas.

7:15 PM - Night Safari Opens
The Night Safari (from Rs 3,015) is unlike any zoo experience. The world's first nocturnal zoo houses 900+ animals across seven geographic zones. Start with the Creatures of the Night show at 7:15 PM or 8:15 PM — the animal behaviors are fascinating.

Then board the tram for a 40-minute guided ride through the habitats. You'll spot leopards, lions, elephants, and dozens of species you'd never see during daytime zoo hours. After the tram, walk the four trails on foot — the Leopard Trail is the best, with fishing cats and civets visible at close range.

Our detailed Night Safari guide for Indian travelers covers optimal timing, what to eat there, and photography tips (spoiler: flash is prohibited, but newer phones handle low light surprisingly well).

10:00 PM - Late Dinner or Airport
If flying out tonight, head directly to Changi Airport — the MRT runs until midnight. Changi has excellent food options if you're hungry. If staying another night, grab supper at one of Singapore's 24-hour hawker centers. Old Airport Road Food Centre is worth the taxi fare for its diversity and late hours.

Day 3 Budget Breakdown: Zoo Rs 2,832 + Lunch Rs 600 + Little India food Rs 400 + Night Safari Rs 3,015 + Dinner Rs 600 + Transport Rs 800 = approximately Rs 8,250

What to Skip (Honest Advice)

Every Singapore itinerary includes things that sound essential but waste your limited time. After many trips, here's what I'd skip on a 3 days in singapore visit:

• Orchard Road shopping — Unless you specifically need luxury brands, it's just malls. Bugis Street and Chinatown offer more interesting shopping for less.
• River Safari — Good but not essential. Night Safari and the Zoo are better uses of your wildlife budget.
• Marina Bay Sands Casino — If you're not gambling, there's nothing to see. The dress code is strict and the minimum bets are high.
• Madame Tussauds Sentosa — It's wax figures. You have them in India. Skip.
• Trick Eye Museum — Fun for photos but eats 2+ hours. Not worth it on a 3-day trip.

Transport Tips for Your Singapore 3 Day Itinerary from India

Singapore's MRT is clean, air-conditioned, and runs every 3-5 minutes. Buy an EZ-Link card at Changi MRT station (SGD 10 including SGD 5 stored value) and top up as needed. Single rides cost SGD 1-2.50 depending on distance. Google Maps shows real-time MRT timings and is extremely accurate.

Grab taxis are useful for the Mandai wildlife parks (no direct MRT) and late-night returns. Budget SGD 15-25 for most cross-island rides. Surge pricing applies during rain and rush hour — the app shows the fare upfront.

Walking is viable in Singapore thanks to covered walkways connecting many buildings and MRT stations. Still, the humidity means you'll sweat. Carry a small towel, stay hydrated, and don't feel bad about ducking into malls for aircon breaks.

Singapore 3 Day Itinerary: Budget Summary

Here's what a mid-range singapore 3 day itinerary actually costs per person:

• Attractions: Rs 22,000-25,000 (all major sites)
• Food: Rs 4,000-6,000 (hawker centers + one nice meal)
• Transport: Rs 1,500-2,500 (MRT + occasional Grab)
• Miscellaneous: Rs 2,000-3,000 (water, snacks, souvenirs)
• Total in-Singapore spend: Rs 30,000-36,000

Add flights (Rs 8,000-20,000 depending on season and how early you book), hotel (Rs 12,000-24,000 for 3 nights mid-range), and visa (Rs 1,250), and your total trip cost lands around Rs 55,000-85,000 depending on your choices.

Budget travelers can cut this by staying in hostels (Rs 2,000-3,000/night), eating exclusively at hawker centers, and skipping one or two paid attractions. Luxury seekers should budget Rs 1,00,000+ once Marina Bay Sands rooms and fine dining enter the picture.

Practical Information Box

Best time to visit: February to April (driest), avoid November-January monsoon
Visa: eVisa required for Indians, SGD 20, apply 2-3 weeks ahead
Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD), 1 SGD approximately Rs 62
Language: English widely spoken, signage in English
Power plugs: Type G (UK-style 3-pin), same as India
Timezone: SGT (UTC+8), 2.5 hours ahead of IST
Emergency: Police 999, Ambulance 995
SIM card: Singtel, StarHub, M1 available at Changi, Rs 1,000-1,500 for tourist SIM with data

For stress-free planning, TripCabinet's Singapore destination packages include flights, hotels, transfers, and attraction tickets bundled together. We handle the logistics so you can focus on the experiences. Check our attraction booking page for individual ticket prices and availability.

This singapore 3 day itinerary covers the highlights, but three days isn't enough to see everything — no amount of time is, really. But follow this itinerary and you'll hit the highlights, eat memorably, and leave with that specific Singapore feeling: the one where ultra-modern and deeply traditional coexist so naturally you stop noticing the contrast. That's when you know you've experienced the city properly.

For more detailed coverage of specific areas, read our Marina Bay complete guide and browse our other Singapore travel articles. Safe travels.

One important note: Singapore has strict alcohol laws that catch many tourists off guard. Check our Singapore alcohol laws guide before heading to Little India or any nightlife areas — fines start at SGD 1,000.