24 Hours in Singapore: Must-Do Activities & Sights to See

singapore china town visit in 24 hours

Transiting in Singapore or just short on time? Here is our 24-hour itinerary, so you can get the most out of your 1 day in Singapore!

We really enjoyed visiting Singapore and the city lends itself perfectly for quick a stop-over. Getting around by public transport is convenient and the connection to and from the airport is super easy too.   

Our itinerary starts in the morning, and this way our 24-hour guide also works if you would spend two nights in Singapore and have 1 full day to explore.

This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

Morning: Explore Kampong Glam

Start your 24-hours in Singapore by heading over to Kampong Glam, one of the most colorful and historic neighborhoods in Singapore. This area is full of charm with its street art, boutique shops, and cozy cafes.

Be sure to visit the stunning Sultan Mosque and then wander down Haji Lane, where murals, indie fashion stores, and fun coffee spots fill the narrow street. It is one of the most photogenic places in the city and the atmosphere is relaxed and friendly.

kampong glam singapore

Afternoon: China Town – Explore and Lunch

After Kampong Glam, go to Chinatown by MRT (Stop at D18 Telok Ayer) for some lunch and more sightseeing.

China town is vibrant, colorful, and the perfect place to spend your (early) afternoon. Wander through the lively streets, see the China Town street market, visit the beautiful Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, and just soak in the atmosphere.

Make sure you stop by a hawker center for lunch. There are many hawker center’s available, but we recommend going to either the Maxxwell food center or to the famous Lau Pat Sat. Both centers have numerous food options available and almost all dishes are delicious and super affordable.

China Town Street Market Singapore
China Town Street Market

Afternoon: Experience the Iconic Marina Bay Sands

In the afternoon, make your way to the legendary Marina Bay Sands. Even if you have seen this famous hotel in pictures, standing right in front of this enormous hotel is nothing but impressive.  

Buy tickets for the SkyPark Observation deck if you want to go on top of the Marina Bay Sands and admire the  beautiful skyline of Singapore.

Alternatively if you don’t want to pay for an entrance ticket, you can also make your way up to the bar. If you’re there you can simply order a drink and enjoy the same views!

marina bay sands hotel

Evening: Watch the Gardens by the Bay Light Show

End your day with something truly magical. Head over to Gardens by the Bay around sunset and grab a good spot at the Supertree Grove.

Every evening, the Supertrees come alive with a free light and music show that feels absolutely dreamy. It’s a great way to end your day and the music in combination with the lights make it feel magical.

After the show, take a slow stroll along the waterfront and enjoy the view of the city lights shimmering over Marina Bay. It is the perfect closing moment to a fast but unforgettable day  in Singapore.

super tree grove singapore

✈️ Reading Tip: Flying into Changi Airport? We wrote about what to do at Singapore Terminal 4 and we now know why this airport is considered to be one of the best in the world!

Where to Stay in Singapore

For a good and convenient place to stay, we recommend Lyf Bugis Singapore (formerly known as G Hotel). We stayed here ourselves and loved the location across from the MRT, the style of the hotel and the fact that it was sort of affordable. Singapore is expensive!

When we stayed here in 2023 we booked a room for 160 SGD per night and our rate included a good buffet breakfast. 

singapore laurens laura marina bay sands

Thank you for reading and safe travels! 

– Laurens & Laura

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links. This means that if you click through and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. These commissions help us keep exploring, so thank you for your support! 
Scroll to Top