Singapore in 2 Days: everything you need to know

A short stay in Singapore allows you to have a first-glance crush on the city's best activities. You can't miss its gastronomic wonders, as well as the most important monuments, themed neighbourhoods, adrenaline-filled attractions and amusement parks. Pack your comfiest trainers to walk the streets of Chinatown and Little India, or have a blast at Universal Studios.

If you plan to stay only 2 days you can take advantage of Singapore's best tourist cards by buying a 24 or 48 hour pass to save on transport and attractions. This way, you'll be sure to visit iconic locations like the Gardens by the Bay and famous attractions like the S.E.A. Aquarium. Are you up for visiting the City of the Future in a short time? Let's get started!

If you only have a short time in the city, perhaps the most appropriate thing to do is to make the most of every second. During your time in Singapore you need to squeeze in the best local activities, sheltered in ethnic neighbourhoods such as Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam. These areas bring together the gastronomic, architectural and cultural contrasts of the Chinese, Indian and Arab communities. Complement your day with other relaxing plans, such as a tour of the Bay Gardens. At the end of the evening, be sure to get your first glimpse of Clarke Quay, where the vibrant nightlife takes place.

Chinatown

Get an early start to the day and head to Chinatown, a themed neighbourhood with quaint streets and a bustling life. It is believed that this community arrived around 1821, attracted by the commercial possibilities offered by the country. Nowadays it is one of the most important and diverse areas, included in the stops and excursions of the best tourist buses in the city. However, if you prefer, you can access it by metro or bus to enjoy:

• Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle: at lunchtime you'll probably want to indulge in some of the region's gastronomic delights, so there's nothing better than heading to the world's cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant. It's a self-service buffet, where you can find a full meal for as little as 5 euros.
• Buddha Tooh Relic Temple: A trip to Asian countries is not complete without a visit to the captivating Hindu temples. This one in particular has a Buddha tooth and a giant stupa made of 320 kg of solid gold. In its corridors, allow yourself to inhale the incense that floats in the air, guiding you to the coolness of the zen garden, which is welcome in the Singapore heat.
• Padoga Street is a small street with stalls and street markets, whose colours will dazzle you. Here you can learn about traditional Chinese medicine, in classic shops with shelves full of healing pots and edible bugs.

Don't worry about transport! All of these locations can be reached on foot in less than five minutes. It's definitely one of the best things to do in Singapore, especially if you want to see ancient Chinese scrolls, lantern decorations and dragon puppets.

Gardens by the Bay

From Chinatown you can get to the Bay Gardens on board the SMRT underground or the local Tower Transit Singapore bus. The journey will take you between 20 and 30 minutes and is a good option if you don't want to spend too much on transfers, although you can get there in less than 5 minutes by taxi . It is worth it because you will be able to see the metallic super trees that are between 25 and 50 metres high and are an emblematic monument of Singapore.

It also has an impressive glass greenhouse and I assure you that its passages will not leave you indifferent. There are exotic plants, an artificial waterfall and themed gardens inspired by Chinese, Malay, Indian and colonial culture. The tour can take about four hours, but it really depends on what you want to see. Note that you can customise the experience, as there are different types of tickets depending on the areas you want to visit.

Little India

Back to the themed neighbourhoods, you can head to Little India, a striking area that stands out for its unique atmosphere. Get to know this little piece of India in Singapore, which can be reached in seven minutes by taxi or less than 20 minutes by underground. Delight yourself with the contrast of stimuli generated by the smell of incense, the flavours of Indian cuisine and the colours of its typical objects. I recommend wandering around the area for a while and then spend some time at:

• Tekka Centre: it is a traditional Indian market, where you can buy jewellery, traditional clothes and handicrafts.
• Tan Teng Niah House: a Chinese house that belonged to a well-known merchant in 1900 and over the years has become a historic building in the area.
• Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple: is a Hindu temple built in 1881, which is completely free and is dedicated to the goddess Kali.
• Typical shops: stop at the cafes and shops to drink a chai tea or buy typical sweets such as Barfi which is made from condensed milk and sugar.

Kampong Glam

Continuing through the ethnic neighbourhoods, this time head to the Arab quarter Kampong Glam. If you want to stretch your legs, you can take a fifteen-minute walk, or get a taxi to get there in less than two minutes. The most interesting thing is that this is one of the first inhabited areas of the city, so its historical and cultural heritage is unparalleled.

Some of the best things to do in Singapore are hidden here, plus you can see architectural and cultural wonders such as:

• Sultan Mosque: it is the most impressive mosque in Singapore and was originally built in 1820, however the structure you can see is a 1924 remodelling. I recommend you to visit it before 16:00 so that you can enter.
• Arab Street: it is a passage where you can buy fabrics, carpets, perfumes and Arab delicacies.

Clarke Quay

To end your first day's tour, perhaps you could consider a visit to Clarke Quay. Its nightlife is characterised by being vibrant and full of interesting proposals. You'll be on the banks of the river watching the twinkling lights and surrounded by attractions such as the GX-5 extreme swing In addition, the skyscrapers will loom over you creating a unique atmosphere.

Here I recommend you go out for drinks until sunrise, or enjoy the view from a comfortable terrace. You can get there on your own from Kampong Glam in less than three minutes by taxi, or you can hop on Singapore' s best sightseeing buses that have an overnight route. Generally, the bus experience gives you a more complete perspective and takes you to sample the local cuisine at the Lau Pa Sat market, which is within walking distance.

Two days can be enough time to explore Singapore, if you have a good itinerary with timetables, specifications and optimised routes. Therefore, I suggest you dedicate your second and last day to the wonderful Serosa Island, where some of the best things to do in the city are hidden.

Sentosa Cable Car

To start your day, head to the Sentosa Cable Car, which opens at 8:45am. It's a fascinating and out-of-the-ordinary mode of transport where you can immerse yourself in a fun-filled adventure. Not only does it get you to the island in record time, it also offers panoramic views of Singapore's most iconic landmarks. In addition, it has several stops that connect to stunning attractions, such as Megazip Adventure Park.

From the heights Singapore shows off its splendour and you can capture postcard photographs to immortalise the moment. This unforgettable trip is the best way to start the day with all the energy you'll need to tackle the itinerary.

Universal Studios Singapore

To get to your next stop, take the line connecting Sentosa to Faber Peak, the ride takes approximately 30 minutes. You'll arrive at Waterfront station, where you can take public transport or cover the remaining distance on foot. Finally, you'll come to the mighty Universal Studios Singapore, a park that takes you through themed worlds filled with the magic of film, TV and entertainment.

The park's facilities will be waiting for you with the most enthralling attractions such as roller coasters, climbing walls and immersive experiences. You can meet the dinosaurs of Jurassic Park, or stroll through the castle of Far Far Away to enjoy encounters with endearing characters such as Shrek and Fiona.

In addition, the food court allows you to sample dishes from themed areas such as Hollywood, New York and Egypt, and even sample the favourite food of animated characters. If you plan to visit Singapore with children, this can be a good option to drain their energy and offer them a fun itinerary.

Madame Tussauds Museum

Madame Tussauds Museum is one of the best museums in Singapore, as it offers a unique collection of wax depictions of celebrities and historical figures. In addition to the figures, you can detail photographs, ceramic crafts, themed and interactive exhibits and much more.

This global chain was established in Singapore in 2004 and has since become a must-see in Southeast Asia. It is divided into themed zones focusing on entertainment, sports, politics and culture, making it easy to navigate. The best part is that it's only an eight-minute walk from Universal Studios, but you can also take a taxi to get there in less than five minutes. Another bonus is that it's an attraction included on the city's best tourist cards, so there's no excuse to miss it.

S.E.A. Aquarium

Continuing your journey through Singapore, I suggest you head to the S.E.A. Aquarium, especially if you are planning to visit Singapore with children. It's a place for all ages, where you can spend a different kind of afternoon exploring the lives of over 100,000 marine creatures from 1,000 species. Specifically, it is divided into 50 habitats and different themed zones that will allow you to enjoy a more enjoyable tour. Here you can participate in feeding sessions and observe cucumbers and starfish up close.

In addition, you will find exploration games that allow you to learn about the species through clues and puzzles. In the dolphin world you have the opportunity to interact with this friendly mammal and learn about its lifestyle. To get from the museum you only need to hop in a taxi, which takes less than four minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for public transport which will get you to your destination in around fifteen minutes.

Dolphin Island

If you enjoyed the aquarium experience and want to make the most of your day, then you need to head to Dolphin Island. It's a six-minute bus or underground ride away, and you can even walk there. Dolphin Island is one of the best things to do in Singapore, as you'll have an emotional encounter with these friendly animals, who are sure to be happy to swim and play with you.

You can go on your own, but it's best to join one of Singapore's best dolphin tours for a professionally guided experience. This way, you can learn about the dolphins' anatomy, take stunning photographs and touch them under supervision. You'll form an intimate bond with this species and develop sympathy for the hazards of marine life. You can dive here for hours, so I recommend getting there before 15:00 to get the most out of it.

Osia Steak & Seafood Grill

To end the day there is nothing better than to enjoy a different gastronomic proposal, so I recommend you take a taxi to Osia Steak & Seafood Grill, where you can enjoy a modern restaurant specialising in Australian food. Just hop in a taxi, which will take you there in less than five minutes.

This spot is known for its delicious dishes to match this Michelin-starred restaurant, including the beef-based Stockyard Beef Tomahawk, grilled lobsters and a myriad of seafood, scallops, mussels and oysters.

This gastronomic journey can be accompanied by a traditional Singaporean cocktail or traditional beers. The best thing about this experience is that the tables usually offer panoramic views of the reserve. You can visit until 22:30 and reservations are required, but if you prefer a romantic evening, you can book into the private dining room.

• Accommodation: There is something to suit all budgets, from hostels to luxury hotels in the best areas of the city.
• WiFi: Free WiFi is generally available in different areas of Singapore.
• Weather: Singapore is a hot city most of the year, so bring cool clothes.
• Family plans: if you plan to travel with children to Singapore, you can rest assured! There is something for all ages and it is one of the best countries to organise a family holiday. In addition to attractions such as Universal Studios, there are other entertainment and learning spaces that you can take advantage of.