The compactness of the Little Red Dot makes Singapore the perfect city to enjoy a variety of experiences properly without rushing. Here’s a 48-hour itinerary to get you started that mixes in the country’s nature-based experiences as well as its colourful culture.
Day 1 – Back to nature
8am – Henderson Waves
Get up bright and early for a revitalising walk along the 10km-long Southern Ridges trail that connects Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park and Labrador Nature Reserve. With options to get on or off the trail depending on the distance you’d like to do, these ridges have something for everyone, whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or walking enthusiast.
The architecturally stunning Henderson Waves (Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge) opens up to sweeping views of the city and HortPark’s themed gardens offer peaceful green spaces that fascinate and soothe the mind.
11am – Gardens by the Bay
Enjoy some cool respite from the Singapore heat in the air-conditioned conservatories at the award-winning Gardens by the Bay. Enter the Flower Dome, where it is perpetually spring, and Cloud Forest, a misty wonderland home to rare plants that thrive in the mountains. If you have kids, they will love mucking about in the Active Garden and PropNex Family Zone or cooling off in the Children’s Garden water play.
For lunch, head over to nearby Marina Bay Sands for a plethora of celebrity chef options including Spago Dining Room by Wolfgang Puck and Bread Street Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay. For something more casual, head to Roberta’s Pizzeria or Black Tap.
4pm – Mandai Wildlife Reserve
Continue your nature-themed day with a trip out to Mandai Wildlife Reserve, home to not one but five parks with different animal experiences. At Asia’s first and only river-themed wildlife park, learn about various river habitats and their inhabitants, including the Amazon (with its giant anteaters and tapirs) and the Ganges (with its Goonch Catfish and Indian Gharial). River Wonders is also home to well-loved giant pandas Kai Kai and Jia Jia.
For something a bit more adventurous, visit the newest park, Rainforest Wild Asia, where you can hike through lush green trails or suspend yourself above ground with harnessed experiences in the canopy and karsts. After the sun sets, pop over to the Night Safari, the world’s first wildlife night park where you can observe the otherwise hidden lives of nocturnal animals.
Day 2 – Heritage trail
10am – Singapore’s last standing Teochew mansion
Recently reopened as a living heritage landmark, The House of Tan Yeok Nee is over 140 years old and has just been opened to the public. Built between 1882 and 1885, it was owned by prominent merchant Tan Yeok Nee and considered one of the last “Four Grand Mansions” constructed by Singapore’s early Teochew pioneers. Over the years, the mansion has served as a refuge for orphaned girls, a university campus and a traditional Chinese medicine hall.
Explore its meticulously preserved halls and spaces which feature an immersive heritage gallery and various cultural touchpoints.
12pm – Haji Lane
Explore this narrow walking street, a hip fashionista’s paradise located in the heart of the Malay heritage quarter which offers an eclectic selection of food and shopping. Try a wide variety of flavours, from hearty nasi padang at Hjh Maimunah and tasty prawn noodles at Blanco Court Prawn Mee to sweet and savoury pastries and chai at Mother Dough.
Chase down your lunch with a piping hot cup of teh halia (ginger milk tea) at Bhai Sarbat and hit the shops. Check out beautiful Persian carpets along Arab Street or discover some vintage treasures at thrift stores Vintagewknd and Kaeru Thrift.
4pm – National Gallery Singapore
Located within two beautifully restored national monuments – the former Supreme Court and City Hall – the National Gallery, with its balanced architecture that deftly marries the old and new, is the crown jewel of Singapore’s contemporary art scene. The gallery’s complimentary guided tours are a great way to get to know the building and its collections: our picks are the one-hour Building Highlights tour and the DBS Singapore Gallery Highlights. World-class exhibitions are also organised regularly.
When you’re ready for a break, grab a coffee – and some souvenirs – at The Gallery Store, or if you have time to spare, have an early dinner at National Kitchen by Violet Oon, which serves delicious, elegantly plated Peranakan fare.
9.30pm – Chinatown
Round off your day with a tipple (or two) from the few Singapore bars on Asia’s 50 Best Bars’ list. Many trendy watering holes are nestled between the historic temples and traditional medicinal halls scattered throughout the streets of Chinatown.
Begin at the third best bar in Asia on the list, Jigger & Pony, an award-winning stalwart tucked away in the Amara hotel lobby. Then end the night at Native (coming in at number 45), a cocktail bar, restaurant and fermentation lab with a sustainability-first philosophy.
This article was originally written by Therese Tay and published by Singapore Press Holdings on 2 May 2018. It has been updated by Karen Fong on 5 November 2025.
For more information on Singapore Airlines’ flights to Singapore, visit singaporeair.com.
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