Singapore in 3 Days: a guidebook for getting the most out of your visit

Singapore is the epicentre of fun in Southeast Asia, blending culture and centuries-old ethnic neighbourhoods with modern attractions for the whole family. You can have a great time here, as there are certainly plenty of things to see and do that are ideal for planning an itinerary of just a few days.

Three days will be enough to have fun on the rollercoasters at Universal Studios Singapore, get lost in hidden gems like the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and see the best corners of Chinatown. For this tour I suggest including the Colonial District, where the Asian Civilisations Museum is located. Put on your comfiest trainers and head out to tour the City of the Future in 3 days!

Singapore is a city famous for entertainment options for all ages. On the first day I recommend you start with the attractions that demand the most energy, so that you can complete the itinerary without any problems. Start your day one at the wonderful Universal Studios Singapore, whose magical worlds will leave you spellbound. Later, marvel at nature at the Gardens by the Bay.

Universal Studios Singapore

After a long flight, you'll probably want to sleep in and stay in the comfort of your hotel. As you have little time to fall in love with the city, I recommend you savour every second to the fullest, at a comfortable pace but without pauses. The best way to do this is to arrive early at Universal Studios Singapore, a theme park focused on the world of entertainment. Here you'll enter magical worlds that hide gems such as Shrek's castle and Fiona in Far Far Away.

Here it's best to book a full day, especially if you want to make the most of all the attractions. But at the very least, I recommend you set aside three hours to visit the recreation areas and see the shows in the themed areas such as Hollywood, New York, Sci-Fi City, Ancient Egypt, The Lost World, Far Far Away and Madagascar. Of course, you can't miss the intense roller coasters, which will give you an adrenaline rush.

Gardens by the Bay

If you want to see other places during the day, I recommend heading to Gardens by the Bay. Public transport links the two areas very well and you can get there by bus or metro in less than forty minutes. If you don't want to waste time, a taxi will take you there in about ten minutes. This green paradise is an ideal place to spend the afternoon exploring exotic plants and delighting in the natural scenery around you.

Specifically, you can see an impressive waterfall and relax to the sound of it cascading in the background. You can also walk through a beautiful glass greenhouse, or go straight to the main attraction which is the metallic super trees that decorate the room. Don't forget to wear comfortable trainers as it's a huge place with structures that blend technology with nature. Also, if you plan to visit Singapore at Christmas time, you will be very lucky, because at this time of the year, there are lightings and shows that emulate Wonderland.

After a good night's rest and with the previous day's adventures still throbbing in your mind, it's time to slow down and embark on an unforgettable historical tour. Treat yourself to a taste of Singapore's oldest side in the Colonial District. This area offers you the chance to immerse yourself in centuries of history, as the first buildings were constructed in 1822.

Here you can find some of Singapore's best museums, such as the Asian Civilisations Museum and the iconic Raffles Hotel which offers unforgettable experiences that are often included on city sightseeing cards. Or soak up vitamin D at the iconic Fort Canning Park. Before heading back to the hotel take in the best views from the Singapore Flyer and finish on a wild adventure.

Asian Civilisations Museum

A visit to Singapore is not complete without a stop at the Asian Civilisations Museum, one of the best local museums. Here you can find the most valuable collection of pan-Asian treasures, which will take you on a journey through this country's cultural connections with other Southeast Asian powers. Tour at your own pace and appreciate relics from civilisations across Asia such as jewellery, historical artefacts, travel maps, coins and much more.

Explore the ancestral stories spread across the three floors of this vast building, where you can see sculptures, paintings and ritual objects. You'll also learn about the predominant Asian religions including Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. Permanent exhibits include treasures from a 9th-century shipwreck and more than 300 Chinese ceramic figurines.

Fort Canning Park

After enriching your knowledge of Asian culture, I invite you to visit a tranquil and historically rich place known as Fort Canning Park. It's only a two-minute taxi ride away, but most people opt for the bus which takes you there in less than twenty minutes at a more affordable price.

It's an underrated gem and tourists often skip a visit due to lack of time, but it's worth at least an hour. This way, you can see the forbidden hill where some of the Malay nobility were imprisoned.

You can also visit an old bunker, used centuries ago, or simply lose yourself in its leafy labyrinth. The area is surrounded by picturesque streets and avenues and offers outdoor activities for the whole family. If you're lucky, your visit may coincide with concerts, cultural performances and festivals.

Raffles Hotel

After a day out in old Singapore, you're probably in the mood for a good meal and a drink. A two-minute taxi ride or ten-minute walk away is the Raffles Hotel. It is a magical stop that offers pleasant spaces and experiences, which are included in Singapore's best tourist cards, such as the Explorer Pass.

This building is a showcase of the modern and colonial contrasts of this imposing city. It has also become very popular because at the Long Bar you can try the Singapore Sling, a patented cocktail in the city that is made from gin and flavoured with other essences. It was created by a barista at this hotel in 1915 and definitely made history. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about its origins and sip this refreshing drink in an open-air courtyard with lush gardens.

Singapore Ferris Wheel

Your next destination is the Singapore Flyer, the famous Ferris wheel that gives you a 360° panoramic view of the city. To get there you can take a taxi that will take you there in two minutes, or take a bus that connects the two points in about ten minutes. The best views of the city are hidden here, so your photographs will look professional and unrepeatable. But that's not all! For about thirty minutes you can see sights from another perspective and on sunny days catch a glimpse of neighbouring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia.

This attraction offers special events during the Chinese New Year and you can also watch the fireworks displays from a unique perspective. If you're looking for things to do in Singapore at night, you can board a private cabin to dine in front of the twinkling stars. On board you'll find an audio guide with helpful commentary, which will take you through ancient stories.

Singapore Zoo Night Safari

Before heading back to your hotel for a rest, you must stop off at the Singapore Zoo. It's a twenty-minute drive from the Ferris wheel, but you can also take the Safari Gate bus line 1 which takes you there in about forty minutes. In the daytime this location is amazing, but nothing compares to the activities after sunset. Here you can experience the lifestyle of nocturnal animals, which come out exclusively at night to play, hunt and feed.

From imposing lions to elegant giraffes, each has something to fascinate you. It's also a must-see on any itinerary, as it was the world's first nocturnal zoo created in 1994. You can walk around the zoo on your own, but we recommend you take advantage of the best tours in Singapore to take a ride aboard a tram, which usually includes an audio guide. You can't miss it! This wild adventure will introduce you to more than 1,000 nocturnal creatures and is ideal if you want to see the city by night.

To bid farewell to your Singapore holiday, there's nothing better than to become a professional detective and set off in search of the local gems. Spend time at the Buddha Temple in Chinatown, or explore some of the best things to do in the city, where the Botanical Gardens are a standout for their natural beauty. You can also move to Little India to get a taste of its culture and check out the iconic Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple.

Buddha Temple in Chinatown

To start your day head to Chinatown, where you're sure to keep yourself entertained. You can browse the streets for a while, but the aim is to visit the Buddha Temple, better known as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum Without a doubt, it is one of the best things to do in Singapore, as here you can find the Buddha Tooth, an authentic Southeast Asian relic. The grounds also have stunning gardens, which are set on rooftops that offer panoramic views of Chinatown.

In addition, the ornate rooms have been preserved over time and are a historical heritage worth exploring. During the tour you will notice that it is a cultural and spiritual space, where there is a calming energy in the air. In fact, there are a variety of activities such as meditation classes, spiritual workshops, rituals and traditional ceremonies, recitation of mantras and making offerings to the gods who guard the temple.

The building is unbeatable and in every room you will find jaw-dropping treasures, its majesty spans four floors divided as follows:

• First floor: the gentle aroma wafting through the air comes from the souvenir shop, where you can buy books on Chinese culture, savour authentic Chinese tea or sample perfumes that relax the mind.
• First floor: learn in the galleries and museums that explore Chinese culture, and learn how the Buddha's tooth came to be here.
• Third floor: discover the original Buddha's tooth, which is the temple's main attraction. You can see it through an audiovisual projection, but if you are lucky and your visit coincides with the monks' ceremony, you will be able to see it live. There are other teeth but they are kept in China, Mongolia and Sri Lanka.
• Fourth floor: explore the sacred areas and rooms, such as the pure gold Buddha statue.

Note that the best tour buses in Singapore usually include stops in Chinatown and Little India.

Singapore Botanic Gardens

After marvelling at the treasures of this temple, I suggest you take a taxi which will take you in about eight minutes to the Singapore Botanic Gardens It is one of the most important green spaces in the city, as it is home to more than 10,000 types of plants. In fact, it is such a striking location that it is used for cultural performances, local events and open-air concerts.

Here you can de-stress and see the world's largest collection of orchids, located in the Orchid Garden. There are other themed gardens here which attract thousands of tourists a year and are well worth a visit. The main advantage is that it is usually not as crowded as the Bay Gardens, so you can relax under the trees, appreciate ancient sculptures or simply enjoy the enchanting scenery.

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

Head to Little India to appreciate the treasures of Hindu culture, specifically the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple You can take the underground or bus to get there in about twenty minutes, or you can cut your time aboard a taxi that will take you there in seven minutes. It is located on the main avenue and is one of Singapore's sacred sites, having been built in honour of the goddess of power Kali.

Inside you can learn about the history of the goddess and see sculptures or paintings that compile her famed beauty. You'll also see weapons that are used in Hindu culture to fight evil and balance good. Even if you are looking for things to do in the city with children, you can take advantage of the touching anecdotes that narrate Kali's attentions and care for her children.

Additionally, if you plan to visit Singapore in November, you must visit this place during the Deepavali Festival of Lights. The temple is dressed in its gala attire, with the decorations consisting of small flickering chandeliers giving it a magical aura.

A 3-day holiday in Singapore will give you an unforgettable experience and allow you to experience some of the attractions. Of course, you need to organise yourself properly to make the most of every second of the itinerary. This way, you will be able to appreciate the shows at Universal Studios, the beauty of its futuristic gardens and its cultural diversity permeating every corner.