Top things to do in Singapore!

I was recently in Singapore for a few days and enjoyed every bit of it. However, I also realized that many of us don't have the luxury of time and often get to spend just a day there, often in-transit. Lose no heart, for I have created this special one-day itinerary especially for those who have just one day in the city. It would be a busy day, but I shall try and give you a wholesome Singapore experience.

With a portrait of LKY at National Museum

Morning

Start your day at one of my favorite places in the county - Gardens by the Bay. Built completely on reclaimed land, these gardens are bound to surprise and impress you. Things that shouldn't be missed here include the two domes, Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, and the elevated walkway outside called Supertrees Grove.

Supertree Grove

Me at the Cloud Forest in the background

Walking here would certainly tire you down so next on the agenda is food - traditional Singaporean breakfast Kaya Toast. This is available at most places, but I would recommend going to one of the oldest Kaya shops in the city in China Town called Ya Kun Kaya (18 China St, Far East Square). Use the rest of the morning walking around in the area. 

There is shopping to be done, but you must also explore how beautifully the different faiths of Singapore coexist on a single lane (read more). If you want to buy some traditional art, I would recommend Yong Gallery. I didn't buy anything, but I interviewed the owners for my project and loved the passion with which they did their work. If you want to read more about them, read them here and here. 

A calligraphy shop at China Town

Next on the agenda is lunch and you must have it at Potato Head Folk at Keong Saik Street. The place serves some great continental food with nice desserts as well. If you prefer oriental, I would suggest Blue Ginger on the Tanjong Pagar Road. Both are very hip and trendy places and you must make a reservation before you go.

Read more: Explore Vegetarian Food in Singapore

Afternoon

Once done with food, next is a visit to the museum. This is also practical as Singapore can get quite hot in the day and the museum can provide you a cool respite as you discover the history of the country. This year Singapore is celebrating its 50th anniversary and there is an exhibition at National Museum, with also had a section on LKY (you can still see it online on their website). Coming from India, I knew little about this man who almost single-handedly built the present day Singapore. 

As your museum visit gets over, things would have also become cooler outside. And so it's time for some more nature (you will be surprised by the green cover in Singapore). So next on the agenda is Southern Ridges. These are natural parks which are interconnected by some beautiful bridges so that you can hop hills and parks for hours without ever crossing a road. Don't overdo the walking/ running bit as there is some more walking after this :)

At the Southern Ridges

Head back to China Town to join a walking tour with The Original Singapore Walks. The tour that I did is called 'The Red Lantern' and it allowed me to see Singapore in completely unique way. As you walk peeling layers of history in China Town and later in Geylang, you will realize there is so much more to the city than you would see as a tourist. The walk gives a very humane face to the country and brings you closer to the people, their food, their habits. I strongly recommend this or any other walk with this group.

Our guide taking us along!

Night

Once done with the walk, you will be exhausted both physically and mentally. Hence to relax PS cafe on Harding Road is the perfect place to chill out - good food and even better desserts! The place is popular with both the locals as well as the visitors. Once done with food, do take a walk around in their garden or even outside on the hill. Evenings can be particularly charming in this part of Singapore.

The lovely PS Cafe on Harding Road

To end the day, go to one of most happenings nightclub of Asia - Zouk! Located on the 

Jiak Kim St, the night starts late and the party goes on till the wee hours of the next morning. There are multiple dance floors and you can shuffle around in these, each with a unique ambience and music.

Me at Zouk :)

The day would almost get over by early morning, so it’s even feasible to have your breakfast and then go off to sleep :)

If you are looking for more resources for Singapore, check out this article with some great information: Singapore Travel Guide


This isn't all though, and there are many more places to see in Singapore. My blogger friend Sandy also has an excellent guide which you can use for reference: Must see places in Singapore

Where to stay in Singapore?

Singapore has some of the best hotels, but if you are looking at a more intimate places to stay, I can recommend some luxurious airbnb stays in the city. Check out this guide to know more: Ten luxurious airbnb stays in Singapore.

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Disclaimer: In was in Singapore on invitation of Singapore Tourism Board and Singapore Airlines. All views expressed are my own and based on my personal experiences.