How to spend the perfect 48 hours in Singapore

Singapore is a fascinating blend of cultures from all over Asia. This tiny city-state, half the size of metropolitan London, packs in an unbelievable amount of creativity and commerce while keeping its history and heritage alive. 

Colourful Peranakan shophouses sit next to ultra-modern architecture, and vintage stores go hand in hand with trendy boutiques. You can treat yourself to a Michelin-star meal for under a fiver or pay hundreds to swim in the world’s highest infinity pool. Whatever your preference, Singapore has it covered. 

Saturday

9 am – The traditional bite

Start your day with a coffee and kueh at HarriAnns. Considered one of Singapore’s most acclaimed cafés, this family-run business has been serving authentic Peranakan delicacies since the 1940s. From rainbow-coloured cakes to nut cookies, there is plenty of bite-sized food on offer including all-day breakfast sets. For a heartier meal, try their signature laksa or nonya curry chicken made with fresh ingredients and cooked using the traditional recipe from four decades ago.  

10 am – Escape the heat   

From tree-lined neighbourhoods to cascading vertical gardens, green spaces are one of this city’s top draws and the Botanic Gardens is at the heart of this revolution. As well as being a public park, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is also a research and conservation centre with a library of over forty thousand books and more than seven hundred and fifty thousand preserved plant specimens. Nestled within, the National Orchid Garden is home to the largest collection of orchids in the world and is undeniably the most Instagrammable section of the park. There is also a rainforest and themed gardens exploring ginger, healing plants, fragrant flowers and foliage.  

2 pm – Flavours of Asia

Candy-coloured colonial buildings line both sides of Serangoon Road and occupying them are equally vibrant sari shops, flower stalls, and handicrafts. The street better known as ‘Little India’ boasts an ornately carved Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, a modern-looking Indian Heritage Centre built in 2015 and the best curry restaurants in Singapore. MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms) champion South Indian vegetarian cuisine and specialise in rava idli (steamed semolina cakes filled with mustard seeds and curry leaves), masala dosa and traditional filter coffee. Chicken biryani eaters should head to The Banana Leaf Apolo on Race Course Road for an experience that will leave your taste buds dancing. On the menu is everything from rice and dal to spicy fish curry cooked in coconut milk.

4 pm – Go Glam 

No matter where you are in Kampong Glam, you will find yourself naturally gravitating towards the shiny, golden dome of Sultan Mosque. Constructed in 1824 for Sultan Hussein Shah, the national monument is a must-see. The area around the mosque comes to life during the holy month of Ramadan when the streets turn into an all-night food market. A short walk from the mosque is another crucial establishment, the Malay Heritage Centre. The beautifully designed culture centre provides insight into Singapore’s Malay community and looks at Kampong Glam’s past well before the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles in 1819.  

6 pm – Drink at Haji Lane 

Graffiti covered walls, trendy independent stores and compact spaces are all part of Haji Lane’s charm. As darkness falls, neon takes over, tiny bars start to fill up with youngsters looking to enjoy a booze-fuelled evening in Singapore’s original indie hood. Apart from its hole-in-the-wall boutiques, the mural-filled lane is also home to organic cafés, yoga studios and restaurant serving Asian and Middle-Eastern cuisine. The Singapura Club serves up an eccentric selection of local-inspired drinks. Try the sugarcane martini garnished with an orchid.

11 pm – When hunger strikes

Feeling peckish at 11 pm? Not a problem. Join hundreds of Singaporeans at one of the hawker centres to get your healthy, savoury or sweet food fix. Dotted around different neighbourhoods, these food courts are made up of small stalls selling everything from chilli crab to grilled lobsters and even craft beer. Newton Food Centre is a particular favourite with food lovers wanting to relish cuisine from India, China and Malaysia all under one roof. For fine dining on a budget, keep an eye out for stalls with the famed Michelin star. The Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice and Noodle stall in Chinatown Complex became the first-ever street food establishment to win the accolade in 2016. A hearty meal here costs under £5. 

Sunday

9 am – Trendsetter

Renowned for its Art Deco buildings, French boulangeries and Australian-style coffee shops, Tiong Bahru has long wowed expats with its architecture and charm. One place that sums up its character is Tiong Bahru Market. Occupying one the oldest estate in Singapore, this two-storey building consists of a wet market on the ground floor and a hawker centre just above it. You’ll find a traditional spread of chicken rice, herbal soups, pork ribs prawn noodles, and wanton mee among other delights. Can’t decide what to eat? Just join the longest queue. 

11 am – Get inspired

Singapore’s largest public collection of modern art sits within its two national monuments – City Hall and former Supreme Court. The buildings went through a transformation before being turned into a gallery space in 2015. More than 8,000 pieces of artwork by acclaimed Southeast Asian artists hang within the wood-clad rooms and marble corridors of the National Gallery. Make your way up to the rooftop bar on the sixth floor for panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline and a glimpse of the performing arts centre, Esplanade, shaped like a durian. 

1 pm – Photo shoot

The half-lion, half-fish (mermaid) mythical creature called the Merlion is Singapore’s official mascot and one of its most recognisable landmarks. The 8.6 metres tall statue originally sat at the mouth of the Singapore River before being moved to its current location outside The Fullerton Hotel in 2002. Today you’ll find this symbol taking centre stage on souvenirs, graduation photos and even wedding albums. 

2 pm – Cruise control 

Spend a leisurely afternoon cruising along Singapore River admiring the futuristic Art Science Museum, Marina Bay Sands and Esplanade before heading upstream to the Asian Civilisation Museum, Boat Quay, and into Clarke Quay. Disembark here for lunch options ranging from ramen and hot pot to American chicken wings and satay. As the night falls, Clarke Quay transforms into a party lover’s paradise with happy hour deals, crafty cocktails and live music.  

4pm – The Skyline

It would be criminal to leave without photographing the world-famous skyline. At 165 metres above ground level, the Singapore Flyer is Asia’s largest giant observation wheel and gives 360-degree views of this captivating city. To take in the postcard landscape at your pace, head 57 floors up to the Marina Bay Sands SkyPark observation deck. It doesn’t offer the same all-round views, but with a bar on the floor and Singapore Sling in hand, does it matter?

5pm – Future-tastic

Your trip to Garden City would be incomplete without a visit to this one-of-a-kind project. Built on more than a hundred hectares of reclaimed land, Gardens by the Bay is home to more than a million plants from around the world. The Flower Dome conservatory replicates flora and fauna from the Mediterranean regions while the centrepiece in the Cloud Forest is a 35-metre tall mountain with a waterfall descending from it. The highlight, however, is the stunning, Avatar-esque Supertrees. These man-made structures are designed to replicate functions of an actual tree such as absorb sunlight and preserve water. At 50 metres tall, these trees come alive at night in a special light and music display called Garden Rhapsody. Sit back and enjoy the show. 

9pm – Dance the night away in Keong Saik Road

Once a prominent red-light district, this lively, bustling hood – a few streets from Chinatown – is the place to be. Try some French homemade delicacies at Gaston Burgundy Bistro and Wine Bar or dig your folk into freshly prepared tortellini at Pasta Bar. For something more relaxed, there’s Potato Head – your one-stop shop for all things food and drink. This popular hangout spot serves delicious burgers, has a reservation-only bar called Studio 1939 and a laid-back rooftop garden. Make sure to get here early to avoid disappointment or hour-long queues. 

Before you take off

The world’s best airport has so much to offer; it’s an attraction in itself. With more than 200 boutiques and an elaborate food court, Jewel, Changi Airport’s new lifestyle hub makes dreary long layovers a whole lot more fun. The 1.3 billion dollar project took more than four years to build and you can see why. It has the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, an IMAX cinema, a family-friendly park and even a hotel. In keeping with Singapore’s reputation as a Garden City, the airport also has nine themed gardens from butterfly and cactus to sunflower and an orchid garden. 

Getting there

Singapore Airlines fly daily between London Heathrow and Singapore Changi Airport. Economy fares start from £650 and Premium Economy from £1,620. Premium economy passengers can reserve their main course and select a beverage of choice through ‘Book the Cook’ up to 24 hours before flying. 

Getting around

Singapore Airlines Explorer Pass, available for 24, 48 or 72 hours, offers travellers one-time access to more than 20 attractions including museums, gardens, Singapore Zoo, adventures at Sentosa Island and river cruise. 

Unpack 

Quincy Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel located only a few streets from the bustling shopping street of Orchard Road. Rooms start at £140 and include breakfast, all-day light refreshments and complimentary cocktails every evening. 

For more info visit: www.visitsingapore.com