Singapore, one of the world's leading financial capitals, with a busy commercial port and award-winning airport, attracts many visitors every year. Last year, 6 million tourists came to this city-state for business and leisure tourism purposes. Singapore's small size, as well as its many attractions, make it an ideal destination for a long holiday. Next time you fly to Asia, spend a few days exploring this dynamic and futuristic city. here's how to maximize your 72 hours in Singapore.
Singapore. Day 1:
Visit Raffles Singapore, one of the few remaining 19th century hotels in the world. Originally built in 1887 as a 10-room beach bungalow, it is now a luxury property with 115 spacious suites that pay homage to Singapore's colonial history. White marble columns, manicured tropical gardens and teak-paneled terraces will transport you back in time, while legendary butler Raffles ensures your stay is relaxing and unique. The hotel, now 136 years old, is a national landmark and home to some of the city's best dining and drinking options.
Relax at the spa
You'll probably arrive late in Singapore, so plan to spend your first day enjoying the best Raffles deals. Opt for a refreshing dip in the hotel's beautiful swimming pool or indulge in a relaxing massage at Raffles Spa, where all treatments begin with jewel-colored water. Hot basalt massage uses essential oils and hot volcanic stones to relieve tension by activating various energy points.
Enjoy your afternoon tea
After relaxing, enjoy Afternoon Tea, an elegant gathering held from 12:00 to 18:00 in the hotel's sun-drenched Grand Lobby. This British tradition was introduced to Singapore when Singapore was still a British colony from 1819 to 1963, and remains a beloved ritual to this day. Sit under a large chandelier while enjoying sandwiches, scones and cakes served with tea or champagne.
Enjoy a Fusion Dinner
Afterwards, enjoy the acclaimed cuisine of Michelin-starred chef Anne-Sophie Pic at La Dame De Pic, a French gourmet restaurant with Asian flavors. The tasting menu includes dishes such as tomato and tuna pie with seaweed and mirin, and pork with green tea, passion fruit and white miso. Creative cocktails, sake and selected wines will enhance your meal.
Singapore. Day 2:
After a good night's sleep, today you'll set off to explore modern Singapore at Gardens by the Bay, an award-winning garden and park complex that combines nature and fun with eco-friendly design. With 18 supertrees towering 50 meters above ground level, this vertical garden is home to more than 162,000 plants that capture solar energy to illuminate the supertrees at night for two free music concerts at 7:45 and 8:45 p.m. . The area has a number of attractions including the Cloud Forest, a giant conservatory with towering waterfalls, exotic plant species and walking trails offering panoramic views of Marina Bay.
Explore colorful Chinatown
Then head to Chinatown to explore this dynamic area that's been around since the 1820s. Chinese immigrants played an important role in Singapore's economic development, and their traditions, language, cuisine and festivals are still celebrated on the island. Visit the Tian Hok Keng Temple, the oldest Chinese temple in Singapore, before heading to the Buddha's Tooth Temple, a sacred temple with many prayer rooms for pilgrims. Don't miss climbing to the roof, where you'll find a large decorative Buddhist prayer wheel inspired by Tibetan Buddhist traditions.
Eat at the mall
For lunch, visit Maxwell Food Centre, one of Singapore's famous eateries known for its chicken rice and dim sum. Listed as a UNESCO Intangible World Heritage Site in 2020, this local hawker center is a testament to the city's multicultural roots and is a great place to sample Chinese, Malaysian, Indian and Indonesian cuisine. Fast, casual and cheap food stalls are favorite places to visit and are busy all day long. At Mawell Food Center, look for dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, fragrant laksa (spicy coconut noodles), or Charquai Teow stir-fried noodles.
Try the famous Singapore swing.
After a day of sightseeing, return to Raffles Singapore for delicious food and drinks in the evening. Start your evening at the legendary Long Bar, a historic cocktail bar that has attracted writers for centuries, from Ernest Heminway and Joseph Conrad to Dorothy Parker and Aldous Huxley. In the early 20th century, the country's famous sling, a red cocktail made with gin, cherry brandy and grenadine, was invented here. Garnished with slices of pineapple that resembled fruit tails and disguised pure alcohol, it allowed women to enjoy the drink in an era that did not prohibit drinking in public. Today, Singapore slingshots attract the attention of people of all ages due to their sweet and fruity taste.
After enjoying a cocktail or two, try the best of Singaporean Indian cuisine at Tiffin Room, another historic venue serving delicious North Indian dishes from award-winning chef Kuldeep Negi. The menu is inspired by the culinary heritage of the Maharaja's Kingdom with a modern touch. Don't miss the tiger prawn skewers with cardamom, Indian spices and mango salsa, and the yellow lentil soup with coconut, curry leaves and mustard.
Singapore. Day 3:
Spend your final day exploring Singapore's multicultural neighborhoods by visiting Kampong Glam and Little India. Located in the heart of a vibrant Malay and Arab community, Kampong Glam offers unique architecture, plenty of street food and some of Singapore's best street art. The Sultan's Golden Mosque, built in 1824, is a landmark of the area and is large enough to accommodate 5,000 worshipers at a time. Stroll down Haji Lane and Arab Street for some local shopping before heading to Little India.
As a former British colony, Singapore witnessed the arrival of many Indian laborers and traders in the early 19th century, mostly from Tamil Nadu and other regions in South India. As you explore this neighborhood, you'll see fragrant flower bouquets, colorful textiles, and homages to Bollywood everywhere. It's a great place to buy spices, enjoy Indian cuisine, and admire the unique architecture, including the huge Hindu Sri Veeramakaliamma Temple and the Tan Teng Nia Technical House, the last surviving Chinese villa in Little India.
Singapore River Cruise
Transfer to Clarke Quay and board a wooden barge ("dog") for a cruise on the Singapore River. This 45-minute tour passes historic warehouses, modern bridges and landmarks such as Singapore's famous symbol, the Merlion; a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The tour ends with a spectacular view of Marina Bay Sands from the water.
Enjoy its soothing aroma
On your final night, enjoy artsy cocktails at Raffles Writer's Bar (where Rudyard Kipling reputedly wrote his famous children's classic , The Jungle Book ) and dine at Butcher's Block. Led by Hawaiian chef Jordan Keo, this avant-garde steakhouse turns succulent meats, fresh seafood and seasonal vegetables into delicious dishes over a wood fire.
