5 Days Singapore Itinerary
This 5-day itinerary balances popular attractions with kid-friendly activities, ensuring a memorable family vacation in Singapore. It includes a mix of cultural experiences, outdoor adventures, and delicious dining options suitable for all ages.
Duration
5 days
Budget
$800-1200
Best Time
Singapore experiences a tropical rainforest climate, meaning it's hot and humid year-round with temperatures averaging 25-31°C (77-88°F) and frequent rainfall
Activities
18
Daily Avg
$200/day
Pace
Moderate
Singapore is a fantastic family destination offering a blend of cultures, stunning gardens, and delicious food. Its efficient public transport and safe environment make it easy to navigate with kids.
Your itinerary covers 8 of 10 must-have experiences
Iconic Hawker Centre Food Crawl
Day 4: Lunch at Maxwell Food Centre
Sky-High Architectural Marvels & Viewpoints
Day 1: Supertree Grove Light Show
Lush Gardens & Nature Sanctuaries
Day 1: Gardens by the Bay - Cloud Forest
Cultural Enclave Exploration
Day 4: Chinatown Heritage Centre
Rooftop Bars & Vibrant Nightlife
e.g., CĂ LA VI (Marina Bay Sands), 1-Arden (formerly 1-Altitude)
Island Escapes & Beach Adventures
Day 2: Palawan Beach
World-Class Museums & Art Galleries
Day 3: Rainforest Kidzworld (Singapore Zoo)
Unique Themed Parks & Wildlife Encounters
Day 3: Singapore Zoo
Quirky Cafes & Brunch Hotspots
e.g., Tiong Bahru Bakery, Common Man Coffee Roasters
Immersive Shopping & Retail Experiences
Day 5: Shopping at Orchard Road
Singapore's culinary scene is a vibrant melting pot of cultures, offering a diverse range of flavors from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan cuisines. From hawker centers to fine dining restaurants, there's something to satisfy every palate. Be prepared for bold flavors, spices, and a truly unforgettable gastronomic experience.
Must-Try Dishes
Considered Singapore's national dish, it features succulent poached chicken served with fragrant rice cooked in chicken broth, accompanied by chili sauce, ginger paste, and dark soy sauce. It's simple, comforting, and utterly delicious.
đ Hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre, Tian Tian Chicken Rice
A signature seafood dish featuring crab stir-fried in a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy tomato-based sauce. The sauce is perfect for dipping with fried mantou (buns).
đ Seafood restaurants like Jumbo Seafood, Long Beach Seafood Restaurant
A spicy noodle soup made with coconut milk, prawns, fishcake, cockles, and bean sprouts. There are different variations, but the Katong Laksa, with its cut-up noodles, is particularly famous.
đ Hawker centers, specifically 328 Katong Laksa
Grilled skewers of marinated meat (chicken, beef, mutton, or pork) served with a peanut dipping sauce, ketupat (rice cakes), cucumber, and onions. A perfect snack or appetizer.
đ Lau Pa Sat (Telok Ayer Market), Satay Street
Food Neighborhoods
known for traditional Chinese cuisine and street food
known for South Indian dishes like Roti Prata and curries
known for Malay and Indonesian food
known for cafes and local delights
Singapore offers a wide variety of cuisines, making it relatively easy to find vegetarian, vegan, and halal options. Many restaurants clearly label their dishes with dietary information. For halal food, look for the 'Halal' certification logo. Communicate any allergies clearly to restaurant staff before ordering.
It's common to reserve tables, especially at popular restaurants. Chopsticks are the main eating utensil for many dishes. Don't stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as it resembles funeral rites. 'Chope-ing' seats at hawker centers with a packet of tissues is a common practice. Tipping is not customary in Singapore.
Chinese New Year in Singapore
ChunjieVibrant celebrations in Chinatown with River Hongbao and Chingay Parade.
Note: Book 1-2 months ahead
đŁď¸Interesting Detours & Side Trips
- đśFrom hotel in Marina Bay, walk or take a short taxi/Grab ride to Gardens by the Bay.$21
10:00 AM - Gardens by the Bay - Cloud Forest
Explore the Cloud Forest, a cooled conservatory featuring a stunning indoor waterfall and diverse plant life. Stroller accessible, but can get crowded. Allow 2-3 hours. Age appropriate for all ages.
- đśSatay by the Bay is located within Gardens by the Bay, a short walk from Cloud Forest.$20
1:00 PM - Lunch at Satay by the Bay
Enjoy a variety of local satay and other hawker fare with views of the Marina Bay skyline. Kid-friendly options available. Lots of seating.
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- đśFlower Dome is located within Gardens by the Bay, a short walk from Satay by the Bay.$21
3:00 PM - Gardens by the Bay - Flower Dome
Visit the Flower Dome, another cooled conservatory showcasing flowers from around the world. Less humid than the Cloud Forest. Stroller accessible. Allow 1.5-2 hours.
Book on Klook - đśSupertree Grove is located within Gardens by the Bay, a short walk from Flower Dome.FREE
7:45 PM - Supertree Grove Light Show
Witness the spectacular Garden Rhapsody light and sound show at the Supertree Grove. Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. Free.
Book on Klook
Marina Bay
Central location with stunning views and easy access to major attractions.
đ Best Time to Visit
Singapore experiences a tropical rainforest climate, meaning it's hot and humid year-round with temperatures averaging 25-31°C (77-88°F) and frequent rainfall. The traditional 'dryer' months are generally February to April, offering slightly less rain and more sunshine. November to January marks the Northeast Monsoon, bringing heavier rainfall, though showers are typically short and intense. Major events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix (September) and various festivals can lead to increased crowds and higher accommodation prices, so consider these factors when planning your visit.
Singapore experiences a tropical rainforest climate with consistently high temperatures and humidity. Rainfall is frequent throughout the year, but showers are often short and intense.
Singapore has a tropical climate, so there isn't a distinct 'off-season'. February to April offers slightly less rain and more sunshine, making it a pleasant time to visit.
Public holidays can affect opening hours and crowd levels. Check local listings before visiting attractions.
Getting Around
Excellent MRT and bus network covering the entire island
EZ-Link / NETS FlashPay
Get an EZ-Link card at any MRT station. Use the MyTransport app for real-time arrivals.
Travel
$200-400 (Flights vary greatly)Accommodation
$300-500Food
$200-300Activities
$100-200Embrace Singapore's hawker centers for delicious and incredibly affordable local food, often costing S$5-10 per meal for a wide variety of dishes.
Indulge in a luxurious experience like a swim in the iconic rooftop infinity pool at Marina Bay Sands, or enjoy high tea at a historic hotel like Raffles.
Utilize Singapore's extensive network of free public parks and gardens (e.g., Singapore Botanic Gardens, part of Gardens by the Bay's outdoor areas) for budget-friendly activities and stunning views.
Opt for the efficient MRT and bus system over taxis or ride-shares for daily transport to significantly cut down on travel costs.
Consider a fine dining experience at one of Singapore's numerous Michelin-starred restaurants, showcasing world-class culinary artistry.
Look out for lunch deals or happy hour promotions at restaurants and bars, especially in business districts, for more affordable dining and drink options.
- Familiarize yourself with Singapore's strict local laws; violations like littering, jaywalking, and chewing gum (import/sale) carry hefty fines.
- Utilize Singapore's highly efficient public transport system (MRT and buses); an EZ-Link card or contactless credit/debit card offers seamless travel.
- Tipping is generally not expected or common in Singapore as a service charge is often included, and staff are well-compensated.
- Stay hydrated in the intense heat and humidity; carry a reusable water bottle and refill it frequently at public water dispensers.
- When dining at hawker centers, 'chope' (reserve) your table by placing a tissue packet or umbrella on it while you order your food.
- 1Lightweight, breathable clothing (cotton, linen) for the hot and humid tropical climate.
- 2Comfortable walking shoes or sandals as you'll likely do a lot of walking and exploring.
- 3Compact umbrella or light rain jacket for sudden tropical downpours.
- 4Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and reduce plastic waste.
- 5Sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses for sun protection.
- 6Insect repellent, especially if visiting outdoor areas like Botanic Gardens or nature reserves.
- 7A light cardigan or jacket for heavily air-conditioned indoor spaces (malls, museums, MRT).
- 8Universal travel adapter (Type G plug is standard in Singapore).
- 9Swimwear for hotel pools or water parks like Adventure Cove Waterpark.
- 10A small daypack or crossbody bag for carrying daily essentials securely.
Flights and Accommodation
Book 3-6 months ahead for best rates, especially during peak travel seasons, school holidays, or major events like the F1 Grand Prix.
Gardens by the Bay (Flower Dome & Cloud Forest)
Book timed entry tickets 1-2 weeks in advance, particularly for weekends and evenings, to ensure preferred slots and avoid queues.
Universal Studios Singapore
Purchase tickets online several days to weeks in advance to skip ticket counter lines and secure entry, especially during peak periods.
Travel Insurance
Arrange before departure to cover unforeseen circumstances such as medical emergencies, trip cancellations, or lost luggage.
eSIM/SIM Card
Consider purchasing an eSIM online or plan to buy a physical SIM upon arrival at Changi Airport for immediate connectivity.
Special Dining Experiences (e.g., Michelin-starred restaurants, popular rooftop bars)
Make reservations several weeks to a month ahead, as top establishments fill up quickly.
Airport Transfer
While public transport is excellent, consider pre-booking a taxi or private car for late arrivals or if traveling with heavy luggage for convenience.
Note: Travel conditions, regulations, and local customs may change. We recommend verifying essential details â such as visa requirements, emergency contacts, and payment options â closer to your travel date.
SIM & Connectivity
SIM Options
đ Airalo website or app
đ Changi Airport, Singtel shops
đ Changi Airport, M1 shops
đ Online rental, Changi Airport
Free WiFi is widely available in Singapore, especially in hotels, cafes, shopping malls, and public areas. Changi Airport offers free WiFi throughout the terminals. Look for the Wireless@SGx network in public areas; registration is often required.
Useful Apps
Consider purchasing a local SIM card at Changi Airport upon arrival for the best value and convenience. If you plan to use public transportation extensively, download the Citymapper app for easy navigation. Ensure your phone is unlocked before purchasing a local SIM card. eSIMs are a great option if your device supports them, avoiding the need to physically swap SIM cards.
Electric Socket Guide
Socket Types
Three rectangular pins (UK style)
230V
50Hz
Tipping Etiquette
Not expected â 10% service charge usually added
Not expected; round up if desired
Not expected; service charge included
Tipping is not customary in Singapore. Service charges cover gratuity.
Safety & Travel Advisories
Singapore is generally a very safe country with a low crime rate. Exercise normal precautions against petty theft in crowded tourist areas.
Check official government advisories for the latest safety information, entry requirements, and travel warnings before your trip.
Emergency Numbers
999
995
995
SMS emergency service available at 71999
Payments
Cash accepted but declining; many places are cashless
Universally accepted
Widely used â Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayNow
Singapore is very cashless-friendly. PayWave/contactless accepted almost everywhere.
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Trip Summary
How was this itinerary?
The best time to visit Singapore is generally from February to April, during the dry season. You can expect less rain and more sunshine during these months, making it ideal for outdoor activities. However, Singapore is a year-round destination, and even during the wetter months, the rain is usually short-lived.
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