Singapore in 2 Days: everything you need to know

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

If you plan to stay only 2 days you can take advantage of the best tourist cards in Singapore, buying a 24 or 48 hour pass, to save on transportation and attractions. This way, you will have a guaranteed visit to iconic locations such as the Gardens by the Bay and famous attractions such as 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 have little time in the city, perhaps the most appropriate thing to do is to make the most of every second. During your stay in Singapore you have to squeeze the best local activities, sheltered in ethnic neighborhoods 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 neighborhood 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. Today it is one of the most important and diverse areas, included in the stops and excursions of the best tourist buses in the city. Although, if you prefer, you can access by subway or bus to enjoy:

• Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle: at lunchtime you will probably want to indulge in gastronomic delights of the region, nothing better than going to the cheapest Michelin-starred restaurant in the world. It is a self-service buffet, where you can find a full meal from 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 appreciated in the heat of Singapore.
• Padoga Street: is a small street with stalls and street markets, whose colors will eclipse 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 transportation! 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, decorative lanterns and dragon puppets.

Gardens by the Bay

From Chinatown you can reach the Bay Gardens aboard the SMRT subway or the local Tower Transit Singapore bus. The ride will take you between 20 and 30 minutes and is a good option to not spend a lot on transfers, although by cab you can get there in less than 5 minutes. It is worth it because you can see the metal super trees that measure between 25 and 50 meters 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 customize the experience, as there are different types of tickets depending on the areas you want to visit.

Little India

Back to the themed neighborhoods you can head to Little India, a striking area that stands out for its peculiar atmosphere. Get to know this little piece of India in Singapore, which you can reach in seven minutes by cab or in less than twenty minutes by subway. Delight yourself with the contrast of stimuli generated by the smell of incense, the flavors of Indian cuisine and the colors of its typical objects. I recommend wandering around the area for a while and then spend time at:

• Tekka Centre: it is a traditional Indian flea market, where you can buy jewelry, traditional clothing and handicrafts.
• Tan Teng Niah House: it is a Chinese house that belonged to a renowned merchant in 1900 and over time 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 stores: stop at the cafes and stores 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 neighborhoods, this time you have to head towards the Arab neighborhood Kampong Glam. If you want to stretch your legs you can take a fifteen minute walk, or take a cab to get there in less than 2 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 incomparable.

Here are hidden some of the best things to do in Singapore, plus you will 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 appreciate is a remodeling from 1924. I recommend you to visit it before 16:00 so you can enter.
• Arab Street: is a passage where you can buy fabrics, carpets, perfumes and Arab delicacies.

Clarke Quay

To end the tour of your first day, maybe you can consider a visit to Clarke Quay. Its nightlife is characterized by being vibrant and full of interesting proposals. You will 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 be girded above you creating an unparalleled atmosphere.

Here I recommend you to go out for drinks until dawn, or enjoy the view from a comfortable terrace. You can get there on your own from Kampong Glam in less than three minutes aboard a cab, or hop on Singapore' s best tour buses that have a night 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 to explore Singapore, if you have a good itinerary with optimized schedules, specifications and routes at hand. 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 8:45 am. It is a fascinating and out-of-the-ordinary means of transportation, where you can immerse yourself in a fun adventure. Not only does it allow you to reach 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 impressive attractions, such as Megazip Adventure Park.

From the heights Singapore shows its splendor and you can capture postcard photographs to immortalize 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 you must take the line connecting Sentosa to Faber Peak, the ride takes approximately 30 minutes. You will arrive at Waterfront station, where you can take advantage of public transportation or cover the remaining distance on foot. Finally, you will find the imposing Universal Studios Singapore, a park that takes you through thematic worlds full of the magic of movies, TV and entertainment.

In its facilities will be waiting for you the most exciting 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 like 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 taste the favorite 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, here you can detail photographs, ceramic crafts, themed and interactive exhibits and much more.

This global chain settled in Singapore in 2004, since then it has become an obligatory stop in Southeast Asia. It is divided into thematic zones dedicated to the world of entertainment, sports, politics and culture, which facilitates the tour. The best thing is that it is only an eight-minute walk from Universal Studios, but you can also take a cab to get there in less than five minutes. Another plus is that it's an attraction included in the city's best tourist cards, so there's no excuse to overlook 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 is a space for all ages, where you can spend a different afternoon exploring the lives of more than 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.

Additionally, 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 move from the museum you will only need to get into a cab to get there in less than four minutes. Alternatively, you can opt for public transportation that will get you to your destination in about 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 subway ride away, and you can even walk there. Dolphin Island is one of the best things to do in Singapore, as you will have an emotional encounter with these friendly animals, who are sure to be happy to swim and play with you.

You can approach on your own, although it is advisable to join the best tours in Singapore, to enjoy an experience controlled by professionals. This way, you can learn about the dolphins' anatomy, take stunning photographs and touch them under supervision. You will create an intimate bond with this species and develop sympathy for the risks of marine life. You can dive here for hours, so I recommend getting there before 3:00 pm to get the most out of it.

Osia Steak & Seafood Grill

To end the day nothing better than to enjoy different gastronomic proposals, so I recommend taking a cab to Osia Steak & Seafood Grill, where you can enjoy a modern restaurant specializing in Australian food. You will only have to get into a cab, which will take you there in less than five minutes.

This spot is known for its delicious dishes at the height of this Michelin-starred restaurant, among which highlights the Tomahawk of Stockyard Beef based beef, grilled lobsters and countless options starring seafood, scallops, mussels and oysters.

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

• Accommodation: you will find options for all budgets, from hostels to luxury hotels in the best areas of the city.
• WiFi: there is usually free WiFi in different areas of Singapore.
• Weather: Singapore is a hot city most of the year, so I recommend you to bring cool clothes.
• Family plans: if you plan to travel with children to Singapore, you can rest assured! There are proposals for all ages and it is one of the best countries to organize a family vacation. In addition to attractions such as Universal Studios, you have other entertainment and learning spaces that you can take advantage of.