1-Week Singapore Itinerary: A Guide on the Best Places to Eat, Shop & Explore on the Little Red Dot

Off to Singapore? Good choice. It’s one of the most-visited destinations in Southeast Asia for a reason: From exceptional food, art, and architecture to vibrant neighbourhoods showcasing rich multicultural heritage, you’re bound to find it here! Family-friendly theme parks and attractions are in abundance, too, as well as world-class shopping spots for travellers ready to splurge. Even with its relatively small size, Singapore truly comes packed with things to do and see. 

And so, we recommend spending at least a week on the island. Take your time soaking in the urban vibes, hidden gems, and iconic sights of the Little Red Dot; with one week at your disposal, you’ll also have the time to go back to your new favourite spots. We love how easy it is to explore Singapore, too. As long as you’re connected to the internet, you’ll have no trouble looking for directions, booking a ride on Grab, staying connected with travel buddies, and even finding places to eat when you’re hungry!

No idea where to start? We’ve got you covered with our one-week Singapore travel itinerary that whisks you from one major tourist attraction to the next. Feel free to mix and match according to your preferences. But don’t be surprised if you end up not wanting to leave after seven days!

Where to stay in Singapore

If you’re staying in Singapore for an entire week, then you’ll want the best accommodations, whether you’re on a solo splurge-worthy journey, a romantic getaway, or a family trip with your loved ones. The Lion City is home to an abundance of hotels and resorts, but on top of our list is Sofitel Singapore City Centre. A five-star hotel in the heart of the city, it’s the stylish urban sanctuary perfect for a blissful staycation. 

The infinity pool, 24-hour gym, and beautifully landscaped gardens promise a Singapore stay fit for royalty. Not to mention, Sofitel Singapore City Centre has exceptional food and drink: Sit down for a refined meal of French and Chinese cuisine at Racines, or sip afternoon tea and delicious signature cocktails at the chic in-house bar dubbed 1864. Sofitel keeps you close to Chinatown and the Central Business District, too — undoubtedly ideal for tourists who always want to be in the centre of all the action!

Bonus: If you purchase a Singapore Travel Pass, you’ll enjoy up to 30% off dining and accommodations at Sofitel Singapore City Centre. 

The ultimate 1-week Singapore travel itinerary for Filipinos

Day 1: Mandai Wildlife Reserve

It’s your first day. Let’s make the most of it and venture out to a more remote area of the island! Kickstart your trip at the Mandai Wildlife Reserve. Home to Singapore Zoo, Bird Paradise, River Wonders, and Night Safari, it’s the best place in the Little Red Dot to add a taste of nature and wildlife to your Singapore travel itinerary.

Bird Paradise

Right now, the highlight of Mandai Wildlife Reserve is the recently launched Bird Paradise. As Asia’s largest bird park, the park lets you feast your eyes on a stunning number of feathered friends. It’s home to 3,500 birds of 400 species, ranging from flamingos, pelicans, and emus to waddling little penguins!

Head to the Ocean Network Express Penguin Cove to witness Happy Feet cuteness in real life as the penguins waddle, swim, and dive in the cold saltwater. If you’re here at 1:30pm, then you can catch the Penguin Keeper Talk to learn more about these delightful flightless birds. Rarer predatory birds live in the Winged Sanctuary zone, while the open-concept Hong Leong Foundation Crimson Wetlands features a 20-metre waterfall surrounded by vibrant macaws and bright pink flamingos. Meanwhile, to watch daily presentations, make your way to the 2,000-seater Sky Amphitheatre. 

Eight separate aviaries mean you’ll have more than enough attractions to explore at Bird Paradise. Truly, you can spend the whole day here without getting bored! Hungry? Multiple restaurants in the park host visitors all day: Crimson restaurant with the scenic backdrop of the wetlands’ waterfall, Penguin Cove Restaurant for a yummy buffet spread, and the more casual Food Central serving local favourites.

Singapore Zoo

A 26-hectare expanse, the award-winning Singapore Zoo houses more than 4,200 animals of over 300 species, including elephants, white tigers, lions, and wallabies. Here, the animals live in bright, spacious enclosures that simulate their natural habitats. It’s definitely a relief to animal lovers, as the creatures look comfortable and happy! 

Each zone in Singapore Zoo showcases a different habitat: From the charming kangaroos in Australasia to the big cats and large animals of Wild Africa, you’ll get to travel the world through animal encounters. Plus, feeding sessions, spectacular shows, and kid-friendly activities promise an interactive experience for tourists. Don’t miss seeing the world-renowned orangutan area, hailed for being the world’s first free-ranging orangutan habitat in a zoo.

It’s so easy to get lost wandering the different zones. But if you still have time after Bird Paradise and Singapore Zoo, try to squeeze in a visit to River Wonders, too. The river-themed park lets visitors meet over 11,000 land and aquatic animals of 260 species — including adorable giant pandas!

Night Safari

Nope, it’s not quite time to go home, yet! When the sun sets at Mandai Wildlife Reserve, travellers are invited to stay for a nocturnal adventure at the Night Safari. The world’s first nocturnal wildlife park, Night Safari gives travellers the rare opportunity to get a glimpse of the creatures that only venture out under the moonlit sky. 

The unique park is home to more than 900 nocturnal animals across 100 species. You’ll see — even at night, the wild is teeming with life! Tram rides take you through the different park areas, where you’ll see creatures from all around the world: Asian elephants, tapirs, and white African lions, among others. On the other hand, walking trails like the Leopard Trail and Tasmanian Devil Trail let animal lovers enjoy closer encounters with wildlife.

Day 2: Marina Bay Area

Tired from travelling? Let’s stay in the city centre on the second day of your Singapore itinerary. Take time to explore the vibrant Marina Bay area, a neighbourhood teeming with expansive natural grounds, state-of-the-art attractions, and gleaming light shows at night. It’s home to some of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks, so gear up for an action-packed day. 

Gardens by the Bay

Once you’re ready and rested, kickstart your journey at the hugely popular Gardens by the Bay. The award-winning tourist attraction is an essential part of any Singapore travel itinerary. Designed like a futuristic tropical rainforest, the sprawling garden’s most eye-catching features are the 18 massive tree-like vertical gardens known as the Supertrees. These colossal alien trees rise 25 to 50 metres high! Travellers who aren’t afraid of heights can even stroll along the towering treeline on the OCBC Skyway.

It’s fun enough to wander through Gardens by the Bay exploring the lush pockets of greenery and encountering dozens of sculptures hidden amid the foliage. But if you’re looking to see as many iconic Singapore attractions as possible, then we recommend buying tickets to enter the Gardens’ two conservatories: Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. An hour in each glass dome should be enough — but it’s just as easy to lose track of time as you roam mesmerised by the exotic blooms and incredible plant life!

Need to fuel up? There’s an abundance of yummy dining spots within the gardens. Near the glass dome, there’s the Conservatory Cafe with refreshing drinks, ice cream, and snacks perfect for cooling down. For a more filling meal, there’s the fan-favourite Hawker Chan for soya sauce chicken rice, burger and fries at Shake Shack, and the Michelin-starred Marguerite at the Flower Dome for a more refined experience.

Marina Bay Sands Skypark

After enjoying your fill of flora at Gardens by the Bay, wind down in style at Marina Bay Sands Skypark, found on the 57th floor of the five-star Marina Bay Sands Resort. Dizzying heights make for amazing panoramic views. The Skypark is home to an observation deck where you’ll get to marvel at surrounding tourist spots, including the extraordinary Supertrees. Dusk is an especially fantastic time to visit, with the rooftop attraction overlooking the stunning sunset and multiple light shows in the Marina Bay area. When it’s time for dinner, reserve a table at Lavo Italian Restaurant & Rooftop Bar for contemporary Italian-American dishes and breathtaking views of the cityscape. 

The Skypark is open from 11am to 9pm daily. Tickets cost S$32 (~₱1,315) per person.

If you have some time to spare between visiting Gardens by the Bay and your nighttime escapades in Marina Bay Sands, you may drop by the nearby ArtScience Museum, too. Other attractions to experience in the Marina Bay area include Merlion Park and Singapore Flyer.

Day 2: Chinatown, Little India, & Kampong Glam

On the second day of your Singapore itinerary, dive a little into local life, why don’t you? Part of what makes the Lion City such an exciting place to visit is its role as a melting pot of different cultures from around the world. Thus, a trip here is incomplete without exploring the various ethnic enclaves on the island. Luckily, it’s easy enough to visit multiple neighbourhoods in a single day!

Chinatown

Start your day at Chinatown that’s nestled near the Singapore River. A neighbourhood bursting with colour and energy, it’s a fantastic place to spend a morning. History buffs eager for a peek into Singapore’s rich Chinese heritage can visit the Chinatown Heritage Centre on Pagoda Street, where exhibits offer a peek into the life of the first Chinatown residents. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum on South Bridge Road is also a pretty popular stop, filled with artworks and Buddhist artefacts. 

Less of a culture vulture? Trust us when we say Chinatown is still worth a visit. The alleys known as Chinatown Street Market are lined with stalls selling all sorts of souvenirs, from clothing and accessories to artworks and antiques. The Pinoy favourite Tiger Balm is readily available, too! Prices range from super-cheap to pricier one-of-a-kind items; but even if you’re not looking to splurge, it’s a delight browsing local gems. Travellers may also visit Chinatown Point, Yue Hwa, and Ann Siang Hill for excellent shopping opportunities. 

For lunch, hunker down at Chinatown Complex Food Centre. As one of Singapore’s largest hawker centres, it’s home to a dizzying array of local specialities. You can’t go wrong with walking around and ordering what catches your eye (or nose). Some of the renowned standouts are Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao, Lian He Ben Ji Claypot, Jin Ji Teochew Braised Duck & Kway Chap, and Xiu Ji Ikan Bilis Yong Tau Fu. Before leaving, power up with a cup of kopi at the main branch of The 1950s Coffee is a must.

Little India

From Chinatown, take the North East Line to the Little India MRT Station. It’s only a quick ride to another colourful ethnic neighbourhood that’s a must-add to your Singapore travel itinerary: Little India. Drop by the Indian Heritage Centre to learn more about the history and modern culture of the Indian community around Singapore, then set out on foot to snap photos of vibrant shophouses, brightly coloured pagodas, and eye-catching murals. Don’t miss capturing the vivid Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple! 

If you’re in town to shop till you drop, the Mustafa Centre, Tekka Centre, and Little India Arcade are all worth a peek. 

Kampong Glam

Finally, the lovely Kampong Glam is the last stop on the second day of our Singapore travel itinerary. If you’re all about saving the best for last, then we’re happy to note that the Arab enclave is one of the prettiest parts of Lion City. Photographers will have a ball, for sure! 

As the largest mosque in the Lion City, the striking Sultan Mosque is an absolute must-see. It was inspired by India’s Taj Mahal, decked out with Persian, Turkish, and Moorish design elements. Another beautiful establishment in the heart of Kampong Glam is the former royal palace Istana Kampong Gelam, which now stands as the Malay Heritage Centre. 

After paying homage to local heritage at these sites, feel free to explore the side streets of Kampong Glam. Expect a fun mix of local restaurants, charming cafes, cool bars, quaint boutique shops, tiny galleries, and plenty of colourful murals, particularly once you make your way to the hip back alley known as Haji Lane. Stay until dinnertime — you’ll have plenty of picks for food, drink, and post-supper cocktails and beer here. 

Day 4: Sentosa

Ready for another day of fun and excitement? A complete Singapore itinerary always includes at least one day at the resort island Sentosa, whether you’re with your family, friends, or a travel buddy. One day isn’t really enough to experience all the notable things to do on the island, so you have to pick the hotspots you really want to experience. The good news is you can’t go wrong with any of them!

Universal Studios Singapore

Most people who make the trip to Sentosa are on the island to experience the movie magic of Universal Studios Singapore. We can’t say we blame them: Heart-stopping rides, fantastical sets of beloved blockbusters, and kiddie characters roaming the streets make this a fun-filled stop for travellers of all ages.

Adrenaline junkies definitely can’t miss the world’s tallest duelling roller coaster, Battlestar Galactica — a personal favourite. The spooky Revenge of the Mummy offers a different kind of scare with the undead, while Transformers: The Ride uses state-of-the-art 3D animation for thrills and spills. Not keen on roller coasters? Universal Studios Singapore hosts many more attractions suitable for different age ranges and different levels of scare threshold!

Author’s Tip: The lines at Universal Studios Singapore can be incredibly long, especially for the most popular rides. So, head to the rides on top of your personal list first — as soon as you enter the park, preferably. Travellers willing to shell out extra cash can also purchase skip-the-line express passes to get through the crowds faster. 

Skypark Sentosa by AJ Hackett

If you’re ready to take your adrenaline junkie activities to new heights, then your stop is the Skypark Sentosa by AJ Hackett over Siloso Beach. A world-class facility for bungy jumping, this is where you go to shed your fear of heights, leap off the edge, and hurtle down at death-defying speeds. It’s certainly not for everyone, but for thrill-seekers on the hunt for your next rush, this will be the best part of your Singapore travel itinerary.

For anyone who isn’t quite ready to take the ultimate plunge yet, Skypark Sentosa also has a Giant Swing that will have you zipping through the air at 120kph and a Skybridge for casual strolls 50 metres above ground. The scenic views may even be enough to distract you from the fear of being so high up!

Skyline Luge Sentosa

Some adrenaline junkies prefer to stay on land. If so, take the wheel at Skyline Luge Sentosa. The three-wheeled luge carts make for a thrilling gravity-fuelled ride! Speed through downhill slopes, hairpin turns, and exhilarating tunnels, all against the scenic island backdrop. When the track ends at the bottom, hop on the chairlift for a quick treetop ride back up. As a bonus, the ride back up treats travellers to a stunning view of Sentosa Island, the Singapore skyline, and the West Philippine Sea. 

Back at the top, it’s time to do it all over again! There are four different trails to zip through — each one delivers a unique experience for adrenaline chasers. 

Sentosa Beaches

For travellers who don’t enjoy hair-raising activities or getting scared out of their wits, plan a sun-soaked day on the Sentosa beaches instead. It’s a nice respite from the urban rush and frenetic crowds. 

You can choose from three popular white-sand corners of Sentosa: Tanjong, Palawan, and Siloso Beaches. All three are man-made, but they’re home to all the essentials of a tropical adventure, anyway: calm blue waters perfect for swimming, soft sandy shores, palm trees, and fun little beach bars. Activities include kayaking, skimboarding, cycling, and beach volleyball. Tanjong Beach Club is also a great spot to grab a few drinks with pals! 

Day 5: Museums + Orchard Road

Let yourself indulge in local art and heritage on the fifth day of your Singapore travel itinerary. The Little Red Dot is a hotbed of multicultural history, art, and architecture — it would be a shame if you don’t spend a little time learning about it all. 

National Museum of Singapore

In the morning, head to the Civic District for the National Museum of Singapore, the island nation’s oldest museum dating back to 1849. This is a fantastic stop to dive into local history and culture, with permanent exhibits that include the Singapore History Gallery which traces Singapore’s past through the different colonial periods. Rotating exhibits and cultural events throughout the year also give returning travellers a reason to visit the National Museum every time they’re in town.  

National Gallery Singapore

When you’re ticking the major museums off your travel itinerary, don’t skip the National Gallery Singapore. Housed in two historic buildings — the former Supreme Court and City Hall — the stunningly restored museum features the world’s largest public collection of modern Southeast Asian art. We could spend hours browsing the impressive array of over 8,000 artworks from across the region. As a plus to Pinoys, the museum showcases masterpieces by some of the greatest Filipino artists such as Juan Luna, Carlos “Botong” Francisco, and Fernando Amorsolo, among others.

Need to eat? There are plenty of foodie hotspots around the National Museum and the National Gallery — you can veer off course anytime to grab a bite to eat. Hawker centres are always a satisfying stop; Albert Centre Market & Food Centre is a quick cab ride or a manageable stroll away from the National Museum.

Orchard Road

Once you’ve gotten your museum fix, make your way to Orchard Road for some retail therapy (or window shopping). Tourists flock to Singapore’s shopping mecca, weaving in and out of the many malls along the famous stretch. 

Whether you’re planning to splurge or not, ION Orchard is always worth a visit, not just for the flagship luxury stores found within but also for its award-winning architecture and design. And if you’re still up to see more art, this sprawling mall is also home to a gallery space known as ION Art. Other notable shopping malls along Orchard Road include Plaza Singapura, Paragon Shopping Centre, 313@somerset, and Orchard Central — and many more if you really can’t get enough of retail tourism!

Day 6: Nature spots

Outdoorsy travellers won’t have to go through a week-long Singapore travel itinerary without beautiful green spaces. The island nation isn’t all gleaming skyscrapers and cutting-edge architecture, after all. 

Singapore Botanic Gardens

Anytime you need fresh air, sunshine, and flourishing flora in the city centre, the UNESCO World Heritage Site Singapore Botanic Gardens is your best bet. Wander this 160-plus-year-old tropical wonderland, home to themed gardens, a patch of tropical rainforest, lakes, and a huge variety of plant life. Additionally, the National Orchid Garden is a must-see, featuring the world’s largest collection of tropical orchids consisting of 1,000 orchid species and 2,000 hybrids.

The gardens are open as early as 5am. That means you can explore the lush park before the midday heat gets too much! After your forest bathing session, grab a leisurely brunch or lunch. The popular Adam Road Food Centre would typically be our pick, but the hawker centre is closed for renovations from 1 Oct 2023 to 31 Dec 2023. The Halia at Singapore Botanic Gardens offers a chic choice for vegetarian and halal-friendly dishes, too. 

Southern Ridges

Tree huggers and bird watchers, this one’s for your Singapore itinerary. The 10-kilometre Southern Ridges urges travellers closer to nature, connecting some of Singapore’s greenest open spaces via pathways, trails, and ridges. It will take you to five national parks: Mount Faber Park, Labrador Nature Reserve, Kent Ridge Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, and HortPark. 

At sunset, make your way to the Henderson Waves, the tallest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. Not only is it an impressive engineering marvel, but it’s also a fine place to watch the sun set over the city skyline.

Day 7: Jewel Changi Airport

For the final day of your Singapore travel itinerary, it’s best to take it easy before your flight. Travellers with enough time in the morning can get in some last-minute souvenir shopping. Otherwise, enjoy a languid breakfast near your accommodations, then whisk away to Changi Airport earlier than your flight. Why? Well, the airport is a tourist attraction in itself!

Jewel Changi Airport

Singapore’s airport is not just any airport; it’s a cool airport. Some might even say the coolest! Besides a vast array of dining and shopping options, Jewel Changi Airport is also home to many unique tourist attractions that you just won’t find in a regular mall or airport. 

At the very least, marvel at the HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. The mesmerising attraction is the crowning glory of the airport, with an hourly light-and-sound show at night. Surrounding the waterfall is also the Shiseido Forest Valley, where you can take a slow stroll in a forest-like setting — it’s a bit strange to experience in the centre of a modern mall! 

Other highlights include the bouncy nets at the Canopy Park, the Petal Garden to spot seasonal blooms from around the world, and the Hedge Maze. Since you’ll be at the airport waiting for your flight, why not tick a few more attractions before saying goodbye? 

And there you go: a one-week Singapore travel itinerary that takes you through all the top highlights of the Little Red Dot. Ready to book your flight yet? 

Brought to you by HL Assurance.