It really is possible to cover the best things to do in Singapore on a budget. So here’s our tried and tested 4 days in Singapore itinerary.
Getting Around Singapore + Tips
Before we start, if you’re looking for transfers from the airport to your hotel, you can secure a cheap and easy Singapore Airport Shuttle 1-Way Hotel Transfer.
For exploring the city, here are a few good ways to get around Singapore:
By Bicycle:
Another option would be to bike everywhere.
A great way to explore the city by bicycles is by using SG Bikes. They are Singapore’s local bike sharing operator!
Simply download the SG Bike app, scan, unlock and ride! You will easily spot their signature red and white bicycles scattered around the city.
Singapore is a super eco-friendly city so SG Bikes is not the only scan and go bike app. There are lots of other different branded bikes like ‘Mobike’ and ‘Anywhere’, and they are all easily identifiable.
If you’re not so tech-savvy you could even book onto a Singapore Small Group Bike Tour with a Local Guide.
By MRT (Subway):
The best way to get around Singapore is via the MRT subway system.
Simply grab a Singapore Tourist Pass (STP), a special card which will allow you unlimited travel for one day (S$10), two days (S$16) or three days (S$20).
The Pass can be bought at the TransitLink Ticket Office at most MRT stations.
This underground network has lines that stretch across the entire city. However, once you’re in the desired neighbourhood, walking is your best option.
If you’re visiting the main city centre, Singapore can easily be discovered by foot.
By Hop On Hop Off Bus:
MRT also operates bus routes that can get you just about anywhere on the island.
However, there is also of course the famous Singapore Sightseeing Hop-On Hop-Off Tour.
This is always popular among tourists, and a is great way to see many famous landmarks around the capital at ease.
By Tour:
Some of the best activities we’ve had in Singapore have been on private tours.
For those short on time, or that prefer everything to be organised for them, there are some awesome tours on Get Your Guide available to book in advance.
From food tours, to river cruises and pub crawls, there’s plenty to keep you busy in the Lion City!
What To Pack:
Day 1 Of Your 4 Day Singapore Itinerary
Marina Bay
The most popular place to start!
One of the most important places on tourists bucket lists when visiting Singapore, is the Marina Bay area.
Marina Bay is an upscale area of skyscrapers, posh hotels and luxury malls. It’s known for the iconic Marina Bay Hotel and it’s proudly standing Merlion.
The Bay is the hub of the city, and performances and cutting-edge art exhibitions are put on at the futuristic Esplanade Theatre.
Not only that, the neighbourhood has a diverse range of eating options, from low-key food centres to upscale restaurants.
If you’re looking for a great way to see the Marina Bay area there are even Marina Bay Segway Tours!
Most of the best things to do in Singapore lay in and around the Bay Area, so this iconic spot should definitely be your main focus for your 4 days in Singapore.
Check Out The Art Science Museum
Whilst walking around Marina Bay, you’ll probably notice the famous Art Science Museum.
The Art Science Museum has become one of the top tourist things to do in Marina Bay.
It’s hard to miss the lotus shaped building, and it’s very own lotus garden located at the foot of the Museum.
Inside there are different styles of art depending on the season and this is also where you can walk through the famous sparkling lights feature.
The Art Science Museum is situated right in the Marina Bay area, so it’s easy to tie in on the first day of your 4 day Singapore itinerary.
Visit Gardens By The Bay
Around mid afternoon on day 1 of your 4 day Singapore itinerary is probably a good time to head to Gardens By The Bay.
The home of the incredible Supertrees and one of the most famous gardens in the world.
Gardens By The Bay is definitely high on most people lists of places to visit, and if you’re looking at things to do in Singapore on a budget, the majority of Gardens By The Bay is free.
Fees apply for the cooled conservatories, such as the Flower Dome & Cloud Forest.
You must also purchase tickets if you wish to walk the OCBC Skyway. Which is why its best to book your Gardens By The Bay + OCBC Skyway Combo Tickets in advance.
Gardens by the bay is located just behind the Marina Bay Sands Hotel, so it’s within walking distance of everything on day one.
Eat At The Best Hawker Centre In Singapore
After all this exploring you’re definitely going to want some good Singapore street food.
Lau Pa Sat was one of our favourite Hawker centres in Singapore, selling every cuisine you can think of from Costa Rican to delicious Thai and Vietnamese.
This hawker centre is just outside of the Marina Bay area so if you’re hungry, definitely save Lau Pa Sat on your google maps for some of the cheapest and best eats in the city.
For those true foodies there are even some Singapore food tours that take you deep into the heart of Asian cuisines.
Pick and choose your cuisine and sit in the canteen style dining area. Grab any drink from the separate beverage section and relax!
Watch A Famous Singapore Light Show
After refuelling, hopefully you’ll have enough energy in you to hold out for one of the spectacular Singapore Light Shows!
If you’re around the bay area, remember to catch the daily light shows, which are ‘Spectre’ at Marina Bay and the ‘Garden Rhapsody’ at Gardens By The Bay.
The light shows in Singapore are truly incredible and the perfect way to close out the first day of your 4 days in Singapore itinerary.
Day 2 Of Your 4 Day Singapore Itinerary
Explore Little India
To begin the second day of your 4 day Singapore itinerary, we recommend catching the MRT slightly North of the CBD to Little India.
For spicy foods and hearty curries, Little India will definitely tickle your senses. Plus, if you’re unsure of exploring alone, there’s a great Singapore’s Little India Guided Walking Tour.
It’s an awesome little break up of culture and is almost like it’s own little country within a country!
Add a splash of colour in to your 4 days in Singapore by visiting one of the most culturally influenced areas of the city.
Our favourite cuisine is Indian, so we had to stop and have a Indian Thali for lunch here.
It also makes for some awesome photography spots, for those looking to up their Singapore Instagram game.
Take A Walk Of Haji Lane
From Little India, the next natural stop is just a 15 minute walk away.
Haji Lane is one of the most vibrant streets in Singapore, and a hub for all things quirky.
From cafes in Haji Lane, to impressive street art, this single street is the most happening place amongst the concrete jungle.
If you have time, you can also walk not so far around the corner to the very famous mosque, Masjid Sultan. Certainly a place worthy of a photo.
Another way to see Haji Lane is by booking onto the Sultans of Spice: A Kampong Glam Guided Walk. A popular tour around the area with an expert guide.
Alternatively, if you like your bike rides, the Lion City Highlights Bike Tour also visits Haji Lane.
Overall Haji Lane was one of our favourite places in the city, and a quirky spot to shop for souvenirs or grab a coffee.
Catch A Singapore Sunset
Once back in the city for the final night of your 4 day Singapore itinerary, our advice is to grab a spot for sunset.
After cruising around the beautiful bay and ticking off all the top spots, watching the sun go down behind the cityscape is a great way to end it.
An awesome option for this is the Big Bus Night Tour.
On this 3 hour trip you’ll try some local cuisine at Chinatown Food Street, catch a light show at Gardens by the Bay, then sample tropical fruits and barter at Bugis Street.
Or, if you’re more of a fine diner, you could try the Singapore by Night Dining Experience, a 4 hour tour that includes dining by the river, a bumboat cruise, and an optional Singapore Sling cocktail.
Either way, by the time you’re at the end of your 4 days in Singapore, your feet are certainly going to be aching.
So finding a place to sit down and watch the sun go down is the best way to recap over the experiences you’ve had.
Day 3 Of Your 4 Day Singapore Itinerary
Swing By Chinatown
A great place to start day 3 of your 4 day Singapore itinerary!
For cuisine, culture and chopsticks, Chinatown is a bustling place that’s full of energy.
You can buy pretty much anything you need in Chinatown, from camera accessories to steamed dumplings.
There are also many daily tours available in Chinatown, such as the standard Guided Walking Tour or even a 3.5 Hour Chinatown Food Adventure.
If you like to take souvenirs home with you, Chinatown is definitely a great opportunity to do some gift shopping.
Ride The Singapore Flyer
The Singapore Flyer is a giant observation wheel at Downtown Core, Singapore.
It opened in 2008, with construction having taken about 2 1/2 years, and is Singapore’s answer to the London Eye.
Standing at 165m tall, if you want a true panoramic view of the city then this is the place to find it.
Stroll The City At Night
If you’ve watched one of the Singapore Light Shows, day 3 is the perfect opportunity to watch a different one.
However, if you’re all lightshowed out, the city by night has a completely different feel to it.
When we first saw the skyline fully lit up, we stood completely in awe.
From travelling the local side of Asia with tuk tuks and houses on stilts, this really was an eye opener for us.
The big bright lights of the city are a pretty amazing way to end your 4 days in Singapore!
Day 4 Of Your 4 Day Singapore Itinerary
Visit Universal Studios Singapore
Universal Studios Singapore is a once in lifetime day trip and we highly recommend spending a full day exploring your inner child at this incredible adventure park.
For a unforgettable day, Universal Studios will have you smiling from ear to ear with its truly magical atmosphere.
From meeting your favourite movie characters, to snacking on burgers in the land of far far away, make sure to beat the queues and Universal Studios Singapore Tickets.
For us, definitely one to add to your Singapore bucket list!
Where To Stay In Singapore
Luxury – Marina Bay Sands
Towering over the bay, this iconic hotel offers the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool, 20 dining options and a world-class casino.
It has direct access to Singapore’s premier shopping mall and the ArtScience Museum, which features the permanent exhibition, Future World.
All rooms at Marina Bay Sands come with a flat-screen cable TV. Furnished with contemporary-style dark wood decor and carpeted floors, free WiFi is also available.
Floor-to-ceiling windows open up to panoramic views of the Singapore skyline.
Mid-Budget – Holiday Inn Express Clarke Quay
Holiday Inn Express Singapore Clarke Quay is centrally located in Singapore. It’s located just 750 yards from the Clarke Quay MRT Station and 0.6 miles from Chinatown.
It offers a 24-hour rooftop fitness centre, 2 whirlpools and a 40 yards swimming pool overlooking Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay.
Each air-conditioned hotel room comes with a 32-inch LED TV, an iPod dock and free Wi-Fi access.
Backpacker – Blue Jazz Hostel
Strategically located in Jalan Besar, Blue Jazz Hostel offers budget accommodation in Singapore.
Just 450 yards from City Square Mall, Blue Jazz Hostel is a 5-minute walk from Farrer Park MRT Station.
Guests can also take a stroll through the interlocking streets to cultural heritage sites such as Little India and Arab Street.
Blue Jazz provides air-conditioned dormitories with a personal reading light, power socket and personal locker. Shared bathrooms include hot/cold shower facilities.
Guests can also enjoy meals at the in-house cafe or have a drink at the bar. Free WiFi is available throughout the property.
For more places to stay in Singapore, you can check the latest prices on Booking.com.
More Singapore Blogs
The Ultimate Singapore Bucket List – A Go To Guide
Gardens By The Bay Singapore – Complete Guide
The Best Hawker Centres In Singapore
11 Most Instagrammable Places In Singapore
Pin It For Later!
Christine
Sunday 26th of June 2022
Wow! I like how this is arranged. Can you share how much you spent for this 4-day itinerary?
Charlie Pauly
Monday 27th of June 2022
Thanks Christine! Most of this was sponsored so not sure how much it would cost sorry.
Bituin
Wednesday 31st of July 2019
Where is that spot where you waited for the sunset? ? Will be in Singapore over the weekend & learning a lot from your posts about Singapore. Thanks.
Charlie Pauly
Wednesday 31st of July 2019
Ah thanks so much! :) That was from just outside the Louis Vutton glass building. You can find all of our photo spots here: Instagrammable Places In Singapore – Ultimate Guide
etwasmitreisen
Thursday 29th of March 2018
What a great post about Singapore! :-) We've been there on the weekend for a short stopover with a free City Sights Tour (operated by Singapore Airlines) and we will definitely come back again for a longer stay. :-)
Charlie Pauly
Thursday 29th of March 2018
Thanks so much! Yes people say Singapore is small but there’s still plenty to see ?