Singapore Things to Do on a Stopover: How to Spend 48 Hours in Singapore

Mr Plane Guy
Apr 27
8 min read

Singapore Things to Do on a Stopover: How to Spend 48 Hours in Singapore

Singapore might be compact, but it punches way above its weight. From skyline views to street food, tranquil temples to futuristic parks, the city is packed with experiences. Whether you’re on a long layover or a short two-day stop, it’s one of the most rewarding places to visit in Southeast Asia and you can squeeze a lot in without burning out.

What I love most about Singapore is how easy it is to explore. The MRT is spotless and efficient, neighbourhoods are walkable, and there’s a real blend of cultures. Colonial history, modern architecture, vibrant street life, it’s all here.

So if you’re planning a stopover and wondering what to do in Singapore, here’s a relaxed but tightly planned itinerary that covers the big sights, a few hidden gems, and some useful travel tips along the way.

Before You Even Leave Changi Airport

First things first, don’t rush through the airport. Changi is consistently voted the best in the world, and for good reason. If you’ve got time before heading into the city, spend an hour or two at Jewel Changi. The indoor waterfall is incredible, and the surrounding gardens, cafes, and shops are worth a wander. It’s the perfect soft landing after a long-haul flight.

You can store luggage at the airport and take just a daypack into town, it makes navigating MRT stations and walking the streets much more pleasant.

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Day One: Classic Icons, Hawker Feasts, and Colonial Elegance

8:00am – Wake Up Central

If you want easy access to Singapore’s key areas, stay somewhere central and close to an MRT station. I highly recommend the Mondrian Singapore Duxton, which is walking distance from Chinatown and full of personality.

Here is the hotel on Booking.com

Are you heading to Singapore? I loved this hotel, check out my review

Blog Post: My Favourite Singapore Hotel Mondrian Singapore Duxton Review

9:00am – Gardens by the Bay

Start your day with one of the best things to do in Singapore: exploring Gardens by the Bay. This enormous green space blends art, technology, and conservation. Even if you’re not a garden person, this place will impress.

The Supertree Grove is unmissable. These towering vertical gardens are not just for show, they also help regulate temperature and solar power across the park.
The Flower Dome features Mediterranean and desert flora from around the world.
The Cloud Forest is a misty, cool oasis. Walk along the elevated trails and take in the cascading indoor waterfall and lush tropical plants, including carnivorous species.

Allow at least 1.5 to 2 hours here, more if you’re into photography or want to explore every dome in detail.

11:30am Walk the Marina Waterfront

From the Gardens, stroll along the promenade towards Marina Bay Sands. This part of town is all about sleek lines and shimmering reflections. You’ll pass the iconic Merlion statue, stop for a photo with the skyline behind you, and maybe grab an iced kopi to beat the heat.

Even if you’re not staying at Marina Bay Sands, you can still go up to the SkyPark Observation Deck for panoramic views. Alternatively, make a lunch reservation at LAVO it’s a bit of a splurge but worth it for the view alone.

1:00pm – Lunch at Chinatown Hawker Stalls

For lunch, head to Chinatown, one of the best places to visit in Singapore for local food. This is where you’ll find the legendary hawker centres that are UNESCO-recognised for their cultural value.

Top picks:

Maxwell Food Centre for Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
Chinatown Complex Food Centre for stir-fried noodles, oyster omelette, and satay
Try a lime juice or sugarcane drink, it’s the ultimate refresher

Wander the market streets after lunch. The area is still shaped by the way it was divided in the 19th century, with heritage temples and shophouses nestled between stalls and restaurants.

2:30pm – Coffee Break & City Views

If you’re after a quick coffee break post-lunch, make your way to the Starbucks on Smith Street – a unique stop you won’t want to miss. Nestled right in the heart of Chinatown, this branch stands out with an exclusive menu featuring locally inspired drinks and desserts you won’t find at typical Starbucks locations, like the Pandan Gula Melaka Latte. It’s also a great spot to pick up special Singapore-themed merchandise, from mugs to tumblers showcasing local icons. Open daily from 7:30am to 10:30pm, it’s the perfect pit stop before heading back out into the buzzing streets.

From here, take a short stroll to CapitaSpring – one of Singapore’s sleekest skyscrapers – to check out one of my personal favorite hidden gems: the Sky Garden on Level 51. This lush, elevated green space offers sweeping 360° views of the city skyline, from Marina Bay to the CBD. Best of all, entry is completely free – you just need to book a time slot online in advance via CapitaSpring’s official website. Visiting hours are weekdays only, from 8:30am–10:30am and 2:30pm–6:00pm (closed on weekends and public holidays), so it’s best to plan ahead. While you're there, consider grabbing a drink at Sol & Luna, the garden’s stylish rooftop bar – a great spot to relax with a cocktail as you take in the views.

3:00pm – Raffles Singapore and the Original Singapore Sling

This is my number one thing to do in Singapore. Even if you’re only here for a few hours, a visit to Raffles Hotel for a Singapore Sling at the Long Bar is a must. There’s something timeless about sipping this sweet, gin-based cocktail under colonial-style ceiling fans. It’s fun, a little theatrical, and full of history. Don’t forget to toss your peanut shells on the floor it’s tradition.

You can also peek into the hotel’s open courtyard and luxury boutiques—it’s one of the city’s most beautiful buildings.

6:00pm – Dinner with a View

After freshening up at your hotel, make your way to the top of the city again—this time, for dinner. Book a table at Ce La Vi, LAVO, or any of the restaurants at Marina Bay Sands with skyline views.

If you’re more in the mood for local food, Clarke Quay or Boat Quay offer great riverfront spots where you can eat satay, sambal stingray, or grilled prawns by the water.

Day Two: Neighbourhood Wandering, Colourful Culture, and River Views

9:00am – Katong & Joo Chiat

Start day two in the quieter neighbourhood of Katong-Joo Chiat, a charming area full of colour and culture. These leafy streets are home to Peranakan heritage, a blend of Chinese and Malay influences that’s unique to Singapore and parts of Malaysia.

Walk along Koon Seng Road for the iconic pastel shophouses
Grab a coffee and kaya toast at Chin Mee Chin, a beloved bakery since the 1920s
Visit little boutiques for traditional textiles, beaded shoes, and local snacks

This area feels like stepping back in time, and it’s one of the lesser-known places to see in Singapore that offers something completely different from the city centre.

11:30am – Kampong Gelam and Haji Lane

From there, head to Kampong Gelam, formerly the royal seat of Malay sultans. The golden-domed Sultan Mosque dominates the skyline, while surrounding streets like Arab Street and Haji Lane buzz with colour.

Explore the mosque (modest dress required)
Wander Haji Lane for murals, vintage shops, and indie fashion
Grab lunch at Fatt Choy Eating House or Overrice
Cool off with an iced tea or craft beer at Good Luck Beerhouse

This neighbourhood is a perfect blend of old-world heritage and youthful creativity.

2:00pm – Afternoon Break

Return to your hotel for a swim or a rest. Singapore’s humidity catches up with you fast, and you’ll appreciate having a couple of hours to recharge before your evening plans.

5:00pm – Clarke Quay and the River

Head to Clarke Quay, one of the best spots for Singapore sightseeing in the early evening. The riverside has had a major facelift, and there’s a solid mix of dining, bars, and local shops.

Stop by Swee Lee Café & Bar for pasta with chilli crab, live music, and a chance to browse their record collection.

7:30pm – Cruise the Singapore River

Board a traditional bumboat for the Singapore River Experience. The 40-minute ride takes you past some of the city’s most iconic landmarks—Raffles Landing Site, Parliament House, the Merlion, and the lights of Marina Bay. It’s a great way to take in the city from a different angle, especially around sunset.

9:00pm – Nightcap at ATLAS

Finish your stopover at ATLAS, a stunning Art Deco bar inside Parkview Square. Known for its curated gin collection and old-world elegance, this is the kind of place that makes you feel like you’ve travelled back in time. A fitting end to a city that blends tradition and modernity so well.

Helpful Tools for Your Singapore Stopover

Download Grab

Taxis can be hard to hail, and Grab is the easiest way to get around. It’s Singapore’s ride-hailing app of choice, and often cheaper than cabs.

Download in advance
Use the promo code SGSTOP25 for a discount on your first ride

Get a San eSIM

An eSIM means instant data on arrival. No swapping SIM cards or wasting time at airport counters. Just scan a QR code and you’re online. It’s affordable, fast, and ideal for Google Maps, Grab, and translation apps on the go.

Don't forget to get an eSim before you travel and save yourself data roaming fee's!

Use a VPN

Connecting to public Wi-Fi in airports or hotels? A VPN keeps your data secure and lets you access your usual websites, news, or streaming services without region locks. Especially handy for banking, emails, or catching up on your favourite shows during downtime.

"Travelling without NordVPN? Forget it. In China, I couldn’t even access Gmail, maps, or podcasts until I fired up NordVPN. Instantly, I was back online, safe, and free to browse anything, anywhere."

HERE is an amazing deal with NordVPN don't travel without it!

Singapore is more than a stopover, it’s a destination in its own right. Whether you’re here for 24 hours or 48, the city offers a deep dive into culture, cuisine, and creativity. From rooftop pools to riverside beers, temples to tech gardens, you’ll leave feeling like you’ve experienced a whole world in miniature.

And if you plan it right, you might even start wondering if you should come back for longer next time.