You know how it goes: long airport layovers usually mean nothing but endless scrolling on your phone and sipping overpriced coffee. But if you’re flying to Asia or Australia and your ticket shows a stopover at Changi Airport, you’ve hit the jackpot. Singapore is the ideal stopover destination, one you can turn into a proper travel experience. The airport itself is regularly rated the best in the world, and the city is so compact and brilliantly connected by public transport that you can see incredible things in just a few dozen hours. In this article we’ll walk through a Singapore itinerary for 2-3 days, explain how luggage storage works, and show you everything you can experience in this futuristic city completely free of charge.
TL;DR
- Ideal length of stay: Seasoned travellers recommend setting aside at least 2 to 3 days so you can take in both the modern centre and the traditional neighbourhoods.
- When it makes sense to leave the airport: If your layover is longer than 6 to 8 hours during the day, definitely head out. With less time, it’s better to explore Changi Airport itself.
- Free Singapore Tour: For transit passengers with a layover of 5.5 to 24 hours, the airport offers free guided city tours.
- Top attractions: The futuristic Gardens by the Bay, the iconic Marina Bay Sands hotel, and the incredible Rain Vortex waterfall right inside the Jewel airport complex.
- Transport and money: You’ll reach the centre from the airport comfortably by metro (MRT) in about 30 minutes, and you can pay everywhere with a contactless card without any hassle.
- Weather: Be ready for year-round tropics, high humidity around 84 percent, and occasional heavy downpours that pass quickly.
When to Take This Trip
You can fly to this island nation pretty much any time of year. The weather here is tropical all year round, temperatures stay steadily around 27 to 31 degrees Celsius, and humidity is very high. Occasional tropical downpours can catch you off guard in January just as easily as in July, so an umbrella or a light rain jacket really shouldn’t be missing from your bag. If you have a choice, travellers often praise the spring months or autumn, when there tends to be a little less rainfall than in December.
The most important question, though, is how much time you actually have. If your stopover in Singapore lasts less than 6 hours or falls at night, the smartest move is to stay at the airport. The Jewel complex, with its enormous indoor waterfall and gardens, will keep you busy for hours. To really enjoy a trip into the centre without stress, it’s worth having a layover of at least 8 hours, because you need to factor in time for immigration and the metro ride there and back.
If you meet the transit conditions and your layover lasts between 5.5 and 24 hours, you can take advantage of the fantastic Free Singapore Tour service. These are free city tours organised directly by the airport. You can choose from four routes (such as Heritage & Culture or City Sights), each lasting about 2.5 hours. You register in the transit area (at Terminal 2 near Gate F50 or at Terminal 3 near Gates A1 to A8). The condition is that your luggage is checked through to your final destination and you only pass through immigration once. Spots can also be booked online around 50 days in advance.
Practical Info: Transport, Laws and Budget
Before you arrive, don’t forget to sort out the electronic SG Arrival Card, which is mandatory for all travellers. You fill it in free of charge online on the official immigration authority (ICA) website, no more than three days before arrival. Watch out for fraudulent websites that charge fees for it. UK citizens can travel to the country visa-free for up to 90 days — you just need a passport valid for at least six months and an onward ticket.
At the airport you don’t need to worry about your main luggage, because baggage storage operates 24 hours a day at all terminals. Prices for 24 hours range from roughly 8 to 16 Singapore dollars (SGD) depending on the size of your case. You can also use cheaper third-party services, where prices start at 5 dollars a day. Bear in mind that the metro stations in the centre don’t have luggage lockers, so you’ll need to leave your case at the airport.
Getting from the airport to the centre is incredibly easy. Hop on the airport MRT, change to the green line at Tanah Merah station, and in about half an hour you’re in the centre (Raffles Place or Bugis station). The ride costs around 2 SGD, and you pay simply by tapping your regular bank card at the turnstile. For more intensive travel you can pick up a Singapore Tourist Pass (one day costs 22 SGD). An alternative is the Grab app, where a car from the airport comes to 25 to 35 SGD.
Singapore is famous for its strict rules and hefty fines, which keep the city spotlessly clean. Eating and drinking is strictly forbidden on all MRT trains and in stations, and you risk a fine of up to 500 dollars. Smoking is only allowed in designated yellow zones. It’s extremely important to know that vapes and e-cigarettes are completely banned throughout the country and you must not even carry them in your luggage. You’re not allowed to import chewing gum for resale, but if you have a packet for personal use nobody usually makes a fuss — just don’t stick it around the streets.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
This itinerary is designed to cover the best of the city over three days. If you have a shorter stopover in Singapore from Changi Airport, just pick the single day that appeals to you most. You can rearrange the order however you like, but definitely save the evening shows for day one, because according to reviews they are absolutely breathtaking.
Day 1: Marina Bay and the Modern Heart of the City
Your first day should start at the biggest draw of all: the iconic Gardens by the Bay. The easiest way to get there is by metro to Bayfront station. Entry to the park beneath the giant trees is completely free, but it’s well worth paying to go inside the two enormous conservatories. A combined ticket to Cloud Forest and Flower Dome costs about 46 SGD (open from 9:00 to 21:00). In Cloud Forest, visitors are said to be instantly wowed by the 35-metre indoor waterfall and the mysterious misty garden full of exotic plants. These tickets are very easy to book through GetYourGuide in advance.
In the afternoon, move on to the iconic hotel that looks like a ship sailing atop three pillars. Marina Bay Sands SkyPark offers an observation deck on the 57th floor, which you can reach for 32 SGD off-peak (or 36 SGD at sunset). The famous rooftop infinity pool is unfortunately only open to hotel guests, but even the view over the city and harbour is said to be worth every penny. From here, take a pleasant stroll to the Merlion statue. Merlion Park, with its half-lion, half-fish statue, is a classic you have to see, and it’s completely free (the nearest station is Raffles Place).
Save the best for the evening. Two fantastic light shows take place around the bay, and both are free. At 19:45, the Garden Rhapsody show begins in Gardens by the Bay, when the giant Supertree Grove lights up in time with the music. 💡 Tip: As soon as the show in the gardens ends, hurry across the bridge to the Marina Bay Sands shopping centre. Here, on the Event Plaza promenade, the stunning Spectra water and laser show starts at 21:00. If you love good food, head for a late dinner at the historic Lau Pa Sat market. For vegetarians, they whip up an absolutely fabulous vegetable biryani that smells of cardamom and clove.
Day 2: Culture, Temples and Ethnic Neighbourhoods
Dedicate your second day to contrasts and history. Start in Chinatown (Chinatown metro station), where modern skyscrapers tower directly above low historic shophouses. The biggest attraction is the massive Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, which houses a sacred relic. Just a short walk away you’ll find Sri Mariamman, the oldest Hindu temple in the country. Try losing yourself in the lanes of Ann Siang Hill and Keong Saik, which are packed with trendy cafés and gorgeous architecture. For lunch I recommend visiting the Maxwell hawker centre, where you can grab authentic Asian food for a few dollars.
In the afternoon, hop on the purple line and ride over to Little India station. You’ll find yourself in a completely different world full of the scent of spices and vivid colours. Take a look at the beautifully decorated Sri Veeramakaliamman temple and snap a photo at the colourful Tan Teng Niah House. If you love shopping, don’t miss the legendary Mustafa Centre, an enormous department store open 24 hours a day where you can buy absolutely anything. For meat-free food lovers, a stop at Tekka Centre is a must. Be sure to try a traditional Indian dosa or a hearty vegetarian thali — a huge platter loaded with different vegetable curries at an unbelievably low price.
By late afternoon, head to the Muslim quarter of Kampong Glam (Bugis station). The area’s landmark is the beautiful Sultan Mosque with its golden dome. Right next to it you’ll find the famous Haji Lane. This narrow street is full of independent boutiques, colourful murals and hipster cafés. Finish the evening in the Clarke Quay area. A cruise on a traditional bumboat along the Singapore River costs about 28 SGD and lasts 40 minutes. The view of the illuminated city from the water is said to be exceptionally romantic. As you stroll along the river, you’ll pass plenty of restaurants offering the local speciality chilli crab (crab in a spicy sauce), a favourite dinner choice among tourists.
Day 3: Fun, Nature and the Airport of Dreams
You can tailor your final day to whatever you enjoy most. If you’re travelling with children or love adrenaline, head to Sentosa Island. You get there by the Sentosa Express monorail from the VivoCity shopping centre or by the very photogenic cable car. Here you’ll find Universal Studios (admission around 83 SGD), the huge S.E.A. Aquarium (around 40 SGD), and several sandy beaches such as Siloso or Palawan, where you can relax completely free of charge.
Another great option is visiting the nature parks in the Mandai area. Here you’ll find the famous Singapore Zoo, the unique River Wonders, and above all the Night Safari. The Night Safari is the world’s very first nocturnal zoo, where you ride a tram through the dark and watch animals in their natural night-time rhythm (a combined ticket to several parks comes to about 95 SGD). A third, very peaceful alternative is the Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with free admission. You’ll only pay an extra 15 SGD to enter the stunning National Orchid Garden.
Whatever you choose, you’ll need to wrap up your trip by heading back to the airport with plenty of time to spare. That’s because the Jewel Changi complex, with its incredible 40-metre indoor Rain Vortex waterfall, is an attraction in its own right. The waterfall is surrounded by the terraced Shiseido Forest Valley, and entry is completely free. 💡 Tip: If your flight is in the evening, wait for the waterfall’s light show, which runs Monday to Thursday at 20:00 and 21:00 (with an extra 22:00 slot at weekends). Set aside at least two hours for Jewel before check-in — you won’t regret it.
Alternatives: Singapore in a Flash, With Kids, and What’s Free
If you really only have one day or half a day for the city, don’t try to see everything. The best strategy is to focus purely on the bay area. The combination of Gardens by the Bay, Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion statue is ideal, because all these landmarks lie a short walk apart, and in the evening you’ll catch those amazing light shows. If you prefer culture instead, simply walk the route from Chinatown to Kampong Glam.
When travelling with children, focus on interactive experiences. Sentosa Island is a safe bet, as are the animal parks in Mandai. In the Jewel complex, kids will love the paid Canopy Park, home to giant mirror mazes and suspended nets high above the trees.
And what to do when you don’t want to spend a single dollar more? You’ll be surprised how much is free in Singapore. You can stroll beneath the artificial Supertree Grove, watch the evening Garden Rhapsody and Spectra shows, admire the Rain Vortex waterfall at the airport, snap a photo at the Merlion, or relax on the beaches of Sentosa Island. The city also offers a reliable free Wi-Fi network, Wireless@SGx, so you don’t even need an expensive data SIM.
Where to Stay Along the Route
💡 Tip for accommodation and experiences: We prefer to look for places to stay on Booking.com, where the cancellation terms tend to be the best. For tickets, tours and activities, it’s worth comparing and booking through GetYourGuide.
Your choice of accommodation depends mainly on how long your stopover is. If you only have one night or a very early morning departure, definitely stay right at the airport or very close to it. That way you’ll avoid the stress of an early-morning metro journey. Here are the top-rated options:
- Crowne Plaza Changi Airport: This hotel is directly connected to Terminal 3 and regularly wins awards for the best airport hotel in the world. Prices start at roughly 195 to 290 SGD per night, and travellers rave in their reviews about the huge pool with a view of the runway. Everything is easy to book through Booking.
- YOTELAIR Singapore Changi: The ideal choice for a short rest, as it’s located right inside the Jewel complex. They offer compact cabin rooms inspired by first class on a plane and can even be rented for just a few hours. Prices per night start at around 116 SGD.
- Aerotel Singapore T1: A special transit hotel located right in the transit zone of Terminal 1. You don’t have to go through immigration at all — just walk up to your room, and you can even take a dip in the outdoor pool with a bar.
If you’re staying two to three days, it’s worth setting up a base right in the city centre to save time on commuting. It’s a good idea to look for hotels near metro stations.
- Marina Bay Sands: The city’s absolute icon. A night in this luxury colossus starts at roughly 600 SGD, but it gets you exclusive access to the famous rooftop infinity pool, which is otherwise closed to the public.
- Boutique hotels in Chinatown: If you’re after the mid-range price bracket and a great location, stay in this district. You’ll be close to everything, with the best hawker centres for cheap food just around the corner. Many of the hotels here occupy beautifully restored historic shophouses.
Where to Go Next
If you’re wondering where to head next or need more inspiration for your Asian trip, be sure to check out our other detailed guides.
- For even more detailed information about the city, read our big article Singapore Holiday: 21 Tips on What to See.
- If your final destination is the Indian subcontinent, don’t miss our guide Sri Lanka: Holiday and Tips, where you’ll find itineraries for nature and tea plantations alike.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Singapore expensive?
Compared to the rest of Southeast Asia, accommodation and alcohol are quite expensive. A night in an average hotel costs more than in Thailand, but you can save a lot on food and transport. If you eat at local hawker centres and use the metro, your daily spending doesn’t have to be high at all.
Do I need a visa for a stopover?
Citizens of the Czech Republic do not need a visa and can stay in the country as tourists for up to 90 days. However, it is absolutely essential to fill out the online SG Arrival Card form before your flight, which is completely free and takes just a few minutes.
Can I drink tap water in Singapore?
Yes, tap water here is completely safe and drinkable. You’ll find drinking fountains in many places throughout the city and at the airport where you can refill your own bottle for free. It’s a great way to save money and help the environment.
Is it customary to tip in restaurants?
In this country, tipping is generally not given at all and is not expected. Most restaurants and cafes automatically charge a 10% service charge, which is added to your bill. In hawker centres, don’t leave a tip at all.
Can I bring an electronic cigarette with me?
Under no circumstances, vapes and electronic cigarettes are strictly banned in Singapore. You must not use them, purchase them, or even carry them in transit luggage. If customs officers find them on you, you face immediate confiscation and a very hefty fine.
What is the Free Singapore Tour and how does it work?
It’s a free city tour by bus with an English-speaking guide offered by Changi Airport. It’s designed for transit passengers with layovers from 5.5 to 24 hours. It covers the main attractions and takes about 2.5 hours. You need to register for it while still in the transit zone before passing through immigration control.
Where can I eat in Singapore as a vegetarian?
The city is an absolute paradise for meat-free dining, the best choice is the Indian quarters and hawker centres. Head to Little India for excellent dosa or thali at Tekka Centre. For a traditional breakfast, try the sweet kaya toast with local coffee, which is also suitable for vegetarians.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
