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

Singapore is the epicenter of fun in Southeast Asia, blending culture and centuries-old ethnic neighborhoods 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 ideal for planning an itinerary of just a few days.

Three days will be enough to have fun on the roller coasters at Universal Studios Singapore, get lost in hidden gems like the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and get to know the best corners of Chinatown. For this tour I suggest including the Colonial District, where the Asian Civilizations Museum is located. Put on your most comfortable sneakers and go 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 you can complete the itinerary smoothly. 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. Since you have little time to fall in love with the city, I recommend you savor every second to the fullest, at a comfortable pace but without pauses. Thus, it is best to arrive early at Universal Studios Singapore, a theme park focused on the world of entertainment. Here you will enter magical worlds that hide gems like Shrek's castle and Fiona in Far Far Away.

Here the ideal is to book a full day, especially if you want to take advantage of all the attractions. But at the very least, I recommend setting aside three hours to visit the recreational 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 visit other places during this day, I recommend you to go to Gardens by the Bay. Public transportation connects both areas very well and you can get there by bus or subway in less than forty minutes. If you do not want to waste time, you can ask for a cab that will take you in about ten minutes. This green paradise is an ideal place to spend the afternoon exploring exotic plants and delighting in the natural scenery that surrounds you.

Specifically, you can see an impressive waterfall and relax with the sound of it falling in the background. You can also walk through a beautiful glass greenhouse, or go directly to the main attraction which are the metallic super trees that decorate the room. Don't forget to wear comfortable sneakers because it is a huge place with structures that mix 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 rest and with the previous day's adventures still throbbing in your mind, it's time to slow down to embark on an unforgettable historical tour. Treat yourself to a chance to get to know 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 Civilizations Museum and the iconic Raffles Hotel, which offers unforgettable experiences that are often included in the city's tourist cards. Or soak up vitamin D at the iconic Fort Canning Park. Before heading back to the hotel delight in the best views from the Singapore Flyer and end on a wild adventure.

Asian Civilizations Museum

A visit to Singapore is not complete without a stop at the Asian Civilizations 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 it at your own pace and appreciate relics from civilizations across Asia such as jewelry, historical artifacts, travel maps, coins and much more.

Explore the ancestral stories spread across the three floors of this expansive building, where you can see sculptures, paintings and ritual objects. You will also learn about the predominant Asian religions including Buddhism, Hinduism and Jainism. In addition, its 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 quiet place of great historical significance, known as Fort Canning Park. It is located just two minutes away by cab, but most people opt for the bus that takes you in less than twenty minutes at a more affordable price.

It is an underrated gem and tourists often skip a visit for lack of time, however it is worth spending at least an hour. This way, you will be able to see the forbidden hill where some of the members of the Malay nobility were imprisoned.

You can also visit an old bunker, used centuries ago, or simply get lost through its leafy labyrinth. This space is surrounded by picturesque streets and avenues, and offers outdoor activities for the whole family. If you are lucky, your visit may coincide with concerts, cultural performances and festivals.

Raffles Hotel

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

This building is a sample of the modern and colonial contrast of this imposing city. In addition, it has become very popular because in the Long Bar you can try the Singapore Sling, a patented cocktail in the city that is prepared with gin and flavored with other essences. It was created by a barista of this hotel in 1915 and definitely marked history. Don't miss the opportunity to learn about its origins and taste 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 allows you to see the city with 360° panoramic views. To get there you can take a cab 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 see a glimpse of neighboring countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia.

This attraction offers special events during the Chinese New Year and you can also see the fireworks displays from an unparalleled perspective. If you are 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 to rest, you have to make a stop at the Singapore Zoo. It is located a twenty minute drive from the Ferris wheel, but you can also take the Safari Gate bus line 1 which will take you there in about forty minutes. In the daytime this location is amazing, but nothing compares to its 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 one has something to fascinate you. It is also a must-see on any itinerary, as it was the first nocturnal zoo in the world created in 1994. You can walk through its facilities on your own, but it is recommended to take advantage of the best tours in Singapore to ride aboard a streetcar, which usually includes an audio guide. You can't miss it! This wild adventure will take you to meet more than 1,000 creatures of nocturnal habits and is ideal if you want to see the city at night.

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

Buddha Temple in Chinatown

To start your day head to Chinatown, where you are sure to keep yourself entertained. You can browse the streets for a while, but the goal is to visit the Buddha Temple, better known as the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum It is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Singapore, as here you can find the Buddha Tooth, an authentic relic of Southeast Asia. This compound also has impressive gardens, which are located on rooftops that offer panoramic views of Chinatown.

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

The building is unbeatable and in each room you will find treasures that will leave you speechless, its majesty covers four floors divided as follows:

• Second floor: the gentle aroma wafting through the atmosphere comes from the souvenir store, where you can buy books on Chinese culture, savor authentic Chinese tea or sample perfumes that relax the mind.
• Second 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 can 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 marveling at the treasures of this temple, I suggest you take a cab that 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 orchid collection, located in the Orchid Garden. This place has other thematic gardens that 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 I invite you to enjoy the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple You can take the subway or bus to arrive in about twenty minutes, or shorten time aboard a cab that will take you in seven minutes. It is located on the main avenue and is one of the sacred places of Singapore, as it was built in honor of the goddess of power Kali.

Inside you can learn about the history of the goddess and appreciate 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 tell of Kali's attentions and care for her children.

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

A 3-day vacation in Singapore will allow you to live an unforgettable experience and get to know some of its attractions. Of course, you need to organize yourself properly to take advantage 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 impregnated in every corner.