Singapore Holidays

Three nights in Singapore might sound like a squeeze, but as Ian discovered on his recent trip, it makes for the perfect little add-on to a longer holiday in Asia. With its unmistakably iconic architecture, culture, lush green spaces, and some of the best food on the planet, you can pack a lot into 48 hours in Singapore . Getting around is simple, the metro is clean and easy to navigate, and taxis are quick and affordable, so you can spend less time worrying about logistics and more time soaking up the city. Below, Ian shares his tried-and-tested tips for making the most of 48 hours in Singapore , from iconic landmarks to hawker centre feasts. Day One In my opinion, you can’t beat a late flight out of the UK, travelling overnight and then arriving in the city for late afternoon. Changi Airport is something to behold when you arrive; once through arrivals, I would always recommend venturing straight for the Rain Vortex – the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. It stands (falls?) tall at 40 meters, and you can see it from multiple levels – it really is quite impressive. What a way to start the trip. Once you arrive at the hotel for your first night, check in and take some time to relax after the journey. You may be too tired to do anything (zero judgment here!), but I would always recommend freshening up and heading straight out for dinner. Even if it is just to a local restaurant down the street, it’s the best way to stay awake and to help get a good night’s sleep because you’ll need it! The impressive welcome at Changi Airport Day Two Morning Start off your day with an amble towards the iconic Raffles Hotel , stopping for a coffee along the way. At the other end, you’ll be treated with a famous Singapore Sling (they do a non-alcoholic version too). The Long Bar at Raffles opens at 11am and is walk-in only; from experience, arriving at 11am, you get sat down pretty quickly. I would suggest arriving a bit earlier and heading round to the front of the hotel to get that snapshot of the beautiful frontage before heading to the bar. Even if you don't fancy a drink, the bar itself is well-worth a visit; you can see the heritage of the building and just take in the atmosphere; jazz music playing on the speakers, free peanuts on every table, and delicious drinks. Ian outside the iconic Raffles in Singapore Ian on his second(?) Singapore Sling One you've had a drink, or two (the Singapore Slings can be quite strong); it’s time to walk it off. If you walk along North Bridge Road, you will arrive at the Parliament House of Singapore which is a worthy quick stop because you get the view of the parliament building with the backdrop of modern Singapore, a mix of old and new – exactly how I would describe Singapore itself really. As well as this, it is on the bank of the Singapore River and only a 10 minute further walk to see the most well-known building in the city. To see it in its full glory, walk to the Marina Bay Sands viewpoint (on Google, it is the MBS Viewpoint) and admire the view because you’ll be heading there tomorrow! You will have worked up an appetite so you could have lunch at one of the restaurants or bars along the street looking out onto Marina Bay Sands, but these could be pricey. Another option would be to walk to Clarke Quay, around 15 minutes way with lots of options to eat and drink and still with a lovely view of the quay. Marina Bay Sands Viewpoint Afternoon After lunch, you could walk around Fort Canning Park, this is a free park and really nice to walk round for some shade on a hot day. There are also some payable activities in the park which you can do too. Alternatively, head back to the hotel to relax, enjoy the amenities and freshen up for dinner. Evening My recommendation for dinner would be to head to Maxwells Food Centre, along Tg Pahar Road or you may have seen a local restaurant on your travels today! 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"Show More" : "Show Less"; if (anyHidden) { const expandButton = document.getElementById("zen-gallery-expand"); const rect = expandButton.getBoundingClientRect(); const scrollTop = window.pageYOffset || document.documentElement.scrollTop; window.scrollTo({ top: rect.top + scrollTop - 200, behavior: "instant" }); } } }); Fort Canning Park and Maxwells Food Centre Day Three Morning Another full day in Singapore to soak in the sights. Today, head out to Chinatown, take a walk around the stalls and shops, see Pagoda Street, the Sri Mariamman Temple, and the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. These are all walkable from Maxwell Station and the perfect way to spend a morning, finishing of course at Maxwell Food Centre for lunch (you can absolutely visit here more than once, there are so many stalls to choose from!) Singapore is known for its hawker centres, with Maxwell's being the most famous, and it does not disappoint. It can be a lot on the senses when you walk in (the smells in particular are incredible) but here are my top tips. Take a couple of laps, see what there is, what you fancy to eat and then find somewhere to sit. People can sometimes ‘reserve’ a seat with a random item so keep an eye out for these but once you find somewhere, take a seat (it’s a lot easier doing this with someone than solo!) Feel free to share tables with people. On my most recent visit, I sat with first-generation Singaporeans who were telling me about their parents' emigrating from China. It was amazing to listen to their stories. Once you have chosen your food, they'll give you a buzzer so you can sit down and wait for it to be cooked, and it really is worth the wait! I can still smell the chicken rice and mixed veg I had (I also went back for some more gyoza). Chinatown, Singapore Afternoon After lunch you may wish to freshen up before this evening’s visits. Depending on sunset would depend on the time you want to book the Marina Bay Sands observation deck and also Gardens by the Bay. Ideally, you want to be heading into the gardens at dusk ready for the lights to come on (and hopefully witness the lights show). You do not need loads of time at the observation deck, the best station to get off at is Bayfront and it is signed from there. If you have a ticket already, join the queue and the lift will take you straight up to the deck. Enjoy the panoramic views of the city, it’s quite something, I loved being able to see the Gardens from above! Evening Once you’ve finished, there are signs to Gardens by the Bay so it is an easy walk between the two. There are lots of options to eat just outside the Gardens, just head for Satay by the Bay! At the Gardens, there are many options you can do. Walking around the park is easy and free but I would recommend the Skywalk, this is a great way to see the gardens from about (but the queue can be quite long even with a ticket). There are other exhibitions which you can pay for so check online to see the options. Once the sun has set, there is a light show which is quite spectacular and you will see the crowds build up in anticipation so find you spot and enjoy! It really is a lovely way to end the Singapore experience. Marina Bay Sands Observation Deck Evening Once you’ve finished, there are signs to Gardens by the Bay so it is an easy walk between the two. There are lots of options to eat just outside the Gardens, just head for Satay by the Bay! At the Gardens, there are many options you can do. Walking around the park is easy and free but I would recommend the Skywalk, this is a great way to see the gardens from about (but the queue can be quite long even with a ticket). There are other exhibitions which you can pay for so check online to see the options. Once the sun has set, there is a light show which is quite spectacular and you will see the crowds build up in anticipation so find you spot and enjoy! It really is a lovely way to end the Singapore experience. Array ( [0] => stdClass Object ( [content] => Top Tip: If you head to the metro station names Gardens by the Bay, there is a great viewpoint which you can see Marina Bay Sands with the iconic lit-up towers in front of it. It is a bit of a walk from the main Gardens but also a great station for getting out of the site away from the crowds. [name] => Ian [location] => [text_color] => [quote_color] => [admin_label] => Item 1 ) ) “ Top Tip: If you head to the metro station names Gardens by the Bay, there is a great viewpoint which you can see Marina Bay Sands with the iconic lit-up towers in front of it. It is a bit of a walk from the main Gardens but also a great station for getting out of the site away from the crowds. Ian ” Marina Bay Sands view from Gardens by the Bay After just a couple of days in Singapore, you’ll see why it’s so often recommended as the perfect add-on to an Asian adventure. It’s compact, easy to get around, and full of culture, history and flavour... the kind of place where you can pack a lot in without feeling rushed. Get in touch Singapore holidays Ian recommends