One Day Itinerary in Singapore

This route is designed with explorers in mind. Therefore, be prepared to do much walking. You can take public transport from one place to the next, but the experience won't be the same ;)

The 'time spent' is an approximate timing on how long you will spend in the place, as well as the journey to get there. How long you will really spent in a place, of course, is entirely depends on how much you're having fun in that place!

Nearest MRT: Chinatown MRT Station (North-East Line or the purple colour MRT line).

If breakfast is not served in your lodging, or you arrive in Singapore early in the morning, Chinatown is the perfect place to have the morning meal. Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre in the Smith Street offer a delicous variety of local dishes. Or drop by Hong Lim Market & Food Centre and try out the famous Lee Kheong Roasted Delicacy of roasted duck and pork.

After breakfast, don't leave yet! There is A LOT of things you can do and see in Chinatown. There are many stalls selling souvenirs and snacks, and beautiful decorations along the small streets.

Highlights:
-Garden Bridge just atop the Chinatown MRT.
-Buddha Tooth Relic Temple.
-Chinatown walking tours.

Time spent: 2 to 3 hours
I suggest you take it easy by choosing and taking your breakfast slowly. Explore the sights of Singapore's biggest ethnic neighbourhood.

Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay (North-East Line or the purple colour MRT line).

Buses from Chinatown to Clarke Quay: 2, 12, 33, 61, 63, 80, 197, or 961

Clarke Quay is just some 10 minutes North-East from Chinatown and is located along Singapore River. The Singapore River has been the centre of trade since modern Singapore was founded in 1819. The shophouses along the river can still be seen today, except, they're now mostly restaurants/cafes and nightclubs.

There's a mall called The Central right above Clarke Quay MRT, where you can escape Singapore's heat for a bit. Across the river, try to locate a Turkish Ice Cream stall for a drop of cold dessert and laughter.

From Chinatown to Clarke Quay, you can take the MRT again or a bus (choose between bus number 2, 12, 33, 61, 63, 80, 197, or 961). However, try to spend the 30 minutes walking along the way to enjoy souvenirs shops and beautiful hotels.

Highlights:
-Hong Lim Park.
-The Central Mall.

Time spent: Half an hour to one hour.

If you have more time, get on the Singapore River Cruise. The cruse will take you on a 40-minutes to see all the landmarks along Singapore River. The starting and end point of the cruise is in front of Cafe Iguana, near Read Bridge in Clarke Quay.

Nearest MRT: City Hall (North-South Line or the red colour MRT line).

Buses from Clarke Quay to City Hall: 2, 12, 33, 51, 61, 63, 80, or 197.

Further down North-East from Clarke Quay, is the City Hall. City Hall has been the stage for many historic events associated with Singapore's nationhood. It was here that the British accepted the surrender of the Japanese on 12 September 1945, formally ending the Japanese Occupation of Singapore (Feb 1942- Aug 1945). It was also here that Lee Kuan Yew, as Prime Minister, proclaimed self-government for Singapore. Today, other than history, visitor can enjoy sightseeing and other fun.

One of the hotspots in City Hall is Funan IT Mall. It might not be the cheapest place to get electronics, but it is one of the places that offer the most complete options for gadgets shopping. If you are already hungry, and feeling adventurous, drop by Peninsula Plaza that is located next to Funan to try some Burmese food.

In front of the two shopping malls, toward the next destination, Singapore largest Anglican cathedral St. Andrew's Cathedral awaits visitors. The cathedral that is built in Neo-Gothic architectural style opens to the public Mondays to Saturdays 9.00am - 5.00pm.

Highlights:
-Mason House.
-Firefighter.
-The Bible House.
-Funan IT Mall.
-St. Andrew's Cathedral.
-Fort Canning Park

Time spent: 2 hours.

Nearest MRT: Esplanade (Circle Line or yellow colour MRT line).

Buses from City Hall to Esplanade: None.

As you can see from the map below, Esplanade Theatre is NOT that close to Esplanade MRT. If you are in City Hall, it is actually closer to walk down to the Theatre by the Bay than to take the MRT. There are no direct bus goes from City Hall to Esplanade either. But no worries, spend some time to walk down to Merlion Park instead. Drop by the beautiful Fullerton Hotel in the way and enjoy the Neo-classical architecture of this five-star luxury hotel.

Merlion Park is the home of Singapore's mascot, the Merlion. One of the only 5 Merlion statues in Singapore, the 8.6-metre-tall Merlion here is the original statue that was installed in 1972. Located right in front of The Fullerton Hotel, the Merlion is facing the breathtaking skyline of Singapore made up of the whole stretch of Marina Bay Sands.

After you take enough pictures with the sea lion and of the skyline, walk along Esplanade Park to reach Esplanade Theatre. Esplanade Theatres on the Bay is the centre for performing arts in Singapore. It contains a Concert Hall which seats about 1,600 and a Theatre with a capacity of about 2,000 for the performing arts. Drop by Makansutra next door, for a taste of local delicacies.

Highlights:
-The Fullerton Hotel.
-Free concerts.
-Makan Sutra.

Time spent: 2 to 3 hours.

Nearest MRT: Promenade (Circle Line or yellow MRT line).

Bus from Esplanade to Marina Bay Sands: 97.

Marina Bay Sands (MBS) is not just a hotel, it is an Integrated Resort that also offers luxurious shops and restaurants, a casino, a theatre, a museum, and nightlife entertainments.

Walking from Esplanade to MBS to retrace the path of F1 and the journey of Youth Olympic Games. Also, experience the state-of-the-art Helix Bridge that connects Marina South area to MBS. The bridge resembles the structure of DNA and even bear the 4 bases of DNA: A, T, C, and G.

Highlights:
-Sky Garden.
-Water and Light Show.

Time spent: 2 to 3 hours.

Nearest MRT: Promenade (Circle Line or yellow MRT line), exit B.

Alternative to go back to city: bus 400.

If you still have time (and energy) left, enjoy a relaxing stroll in Gardens by the Bay. The park is situated right next to Marina Bay Sands adjacent to Marina Reservoir. It is divided into 3 parts: the South, the Centre, and the East. The Bay East is across the river and can be access through a bridge in Marina Barrage.

Highlights:
-"Planet" sculpture or a.k.a. the baby sculpture.
-Satay by the Bay Foodcourt.
-Marina Barrage.

Time spent: To explore all of this 101 hectares of park, you might need hours. But you can go straight to the centre of attraction, the Conservatories and Supertrees and spend only an hour.