1-Day Singapore Nightlife and Shopping Guide for Locals

Singapore

1 days

Skyline and view of Marina Bay
Masjid Sultan
Merlion statue fountain in Merlion Park
Skyline
Skyline

About Singapore

Experience the vibrant fusion of tradition and modernity in Singapore, a dynamic city-state at the heart of Southeast Asia. Marvel at the iconic skyline dominated by futuristic architecture, explore the lush Gardens by the Bay, and immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam. Indulge in a gastronomic adventure at the famed hawker centers, offering a diverse array of local and international cuisines. Visit Sentosa Island for thrilling attractions and sandy beaches, or take a leisurely stroll along the Marina Bay Sands promenade. With its efficient public transportation, safe streets, and English-speaking locals, Singapore offers a seamless and enriching travel experience. Whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or an adventure-seeker, Singapore has something for everyone.

1-Day Itinerary

Day 1

A Day of Shopping and Nightlife in Singapore

Morning

Start your day with a leisurely stroll around the Marina Bay area. Take in the stunning views of the city skyline and the iconic Marina Bay Sands. This area is also home to several shopping malls where you can indulge in some retail therapy.

Lunch

Head to a local Hawker Centre for lunch. These food centres are a staple in Singapore and offer a wide variety of local dishes. Try some Hainanese chicken rice or laksa, two of Singapore's most famous dishes.

Afternoon

Spend your afternoon exploring Orchard Road, Singapore's famous shopping street. Here, you'll find a mix of high-end boutiques, street brands, and department stores. Don't forget to check out the local designers' shops as well.

Dinner

For dinner, venture to a seafood restaurant in the East Coast area. This area is known for its fresh seafood dishes, including the famous chilli crab and black pepper crab.

Evening

End your day at Clarke Quay, a riverside quay in Singapore known for its vibrant nightlife. Enjoy a cocktail at one of the many bars and clubs, or simply take a leisurely stroll along the river.

Attractions in Itinerary (5)

Marina Bay

1
Marina Bay

A bay located in the Central Area of Singapore surrounded by the perimeter of four other planning areas, the Downtown Core, Marina East, Marina South and Straits View.

Attractions
Landmarks
Tours
Entertainment
Architecture
Marina Bay Sands

2
Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is an integrated resort fronting Marina Bay in Singapore. At its opening in 2010, it was billed as the world's most expensive standalone casino property. The resort includes a 2,561-room hotel, a 120,000-square-metre convention-exhibition centre, the 74,000-square-metre The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands mall, a museum, two large theatres, celebrity chef restaurants, two floating Crystal Pavilions, art-science exhibits, and the world's largest atrium casino with 500 tables and 1,600 slot machines.

Attractions
Landmarks
Entertainment
Architecture
Hawker Centre

3
Hawker Centre

A hawker centre in Singapore is a type of food court offering a wide variety of inexpensive local food from hundreds of stall vendors. It's a unique cultural experience where you can taste traditional and authentic Singaporean dishes.

Food and Drink
Orchard Road

4
Orchard Road

A famous shopping street in Singapore, Orchard Road is lined with malls, boutiques, hotels, and a variety of dining options. It's a great place to spend a day shopping and eating.

Attractions
Shopping
Neighborhoods
Clarke Quay

5
Clarke Quay

A riverside quay in the city, known for its stunning waterside restaurants, exciting nightclubs and attractive shops.

Attractions
Food and Drink
Entertainment
Shopping

Local Food and Drinks (12)

Hainanese Chicken Rice

Hainanese Chicken Rice

A dish adapted from early Chinese immigrants from Hainan province in southern China, Hainanese Chicken Rice is considered Singapore's national dish. It consists of succulent steamed white chicken cut into bite-size pieces and served on fragrant rice with some light soy sauce.

Chilli Crab

Chilli Crab

One of Singapore's greatest culinary inventions, Chilli Crab is a must-try for seafood lovers. It's a dish where mud crabs are stir-fried in a semi-thick, sweet and savoury tomato and chilli based sauce.

Laksa

Laksa

A Peranakan dish that's a blend of Chinese and Malay cuisine, Laksa is a spicy noodle soup that's a staple in Singapore. It's made with rice noodles, coconut milk, and a variety of seafood.

Char Kway Teow

Char Kway Teow

A popular noodle dish in Singapore, Char Kway Teow is stir-fried rice noodles with shrimp, bloody cockles, Chinese lap cheong (sausage), eggs, bean sprouts, and chives in a mix of soy sauce.

Roti Prata

Roti Prata

A South-Indian flat bread made by frying stretched dough flavored with ghee (Indian clarified butter), it is usually served with a side of fish or chicken curry.

Satay

Satay

A dish of seasoned, skewered and grilled meat, served with a sauce. Satay is a popular street food in Singapore, with influences from Indonesian cuisine.

Hokkien Prawn Mee

Hokkien Prawn Mee

A stir-fried noodle dish that's a favorite in Singapore, Hokkien Prawn Mee is made with a mix of yellow noodles and rice noodles stir-fried with egg, slices of pork, prawns and squid, and served and garnished with vegetables, small pieces of lard, sambal sauce and lime.

Bak Kut Teh

Bak Kut Teh

A pork rib dish cooked in broth popularly served in Malaysia and Singapore, Bak Kut Teh is a hearty and flavorful dish made from meaty pork ribs simmered in a complex broth of herbs and spices.

Fish Head Curry

Fish Head Curry

A dish where the head of a red snapper is semi-stewed in a Kerala-style curry with assorted vegetables such as okra and eggplants. It is usually served with either rice or bread.

Ice Kacang

A popular dessert in Singapore, Ice Kacang is a mountain of shaved ice topped with sweetened syrups of various colors and flavors, condensed and evaporated milk, and small toppings such as red beans, sweet corn, and attap chee (palm seed).

Teh Tarik

Teh Tarik

A hot milk tea beverage which can be commonly found in restaurants, outdoor stalls and kopi tiams within the Southeast Asian countries of Malaysia and Singapore. Its name is derived from the pouring process of 'pulling' the drink during preparation.

Tiger Beer

Tiger Beer

Singapore's first locally brewed beer, Tiger Beer is a 5% abv bottled pale lager. It's a popular choice among locals and tourists alike.

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Singapore is between February and April. These months fall within the region's dry season and experience less rainfall than other times of the year. Additionally, this period is considered the most enjoyable time to explore the city's outdoor activities. However, it's worth noting that Singapore has a fairly consistent tropical climate year-round, so any time can be a good time to visit depending on your preferences.

National holidays

Here you can find the national calendar of all public holidays for the year. These dates are subject to change as official changes are announced, so check back regularly for updates.

DateDayHoliday Name

January 1

Mon

New Year's Day

February 10

Sat

Lunar New Year's Day

February 11

Sun

Second Day of Lunar New Year

February 12

Mon

Day off for Lunar New Year's Day

March 29

Fri

Good Friday

April 10

Wed

Hari Raya Puasa

May 1

Wed

Labour Day

May 22

Wed

Vesak Day

June 17

Mon

Hari Raya Haji

August 9

Fri

National Day

October 31

Thu

Diwali/Deepavali

December 25

Wed

Christmas Day

Please note that during national and public holidays, opening hours for establishments, museums, etc. may vary. Don't forget to check in advance!

How to get around

Singapore's MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system is probably the fastest way to zip around the city. The extensive rail network means that most of Singapore's key attractions are within walking distance from an MRT station.

Singapore's bus system has an extensive network of routes covering most places in Singapore and is the most economical way to get around, as well as being a scenic route for sightseeing.

Taxis are comfortable and especially handy if you want to go to places not accessible by the bus or MRT. Cabs here are metered, but there may be surcharges depending on when, where and which company’s taxi you board.

Ride-sharing services such as Grab are widely available in Singapore. They offer a convenient and often cheaper alternative to traditional taxis. You can book a ride using their smartphone apps.

Bicycle sharing services like SG Bike and Anywheel are available for short trips around the city. You can rent a bike using their respective smartphone apps.

Trishaws, a type of rickshaw, offer a unique and traditional means of transportation in Singapore. They are mainly used for short trips around the central tourist areas.

River taxis, also known as bumboats, offer a scenic way to explore Singapore's iconic Marina Bay, Clarke Quay, and Boat Quay.

Renting a car in Singapore is a good option if you plan to drive around the city. However, it's worth noting that Singapore has an excellent public transportation system and heavy traffic can make driving a challenge.

Singapore is a compact city and it's possible to walk to many of the main attractions. The city is pedestrian-friendly with plenty of walkways and pedestrian crossings.

While we strive for accuracy in our "How to get around" section, the information may not always be up-to-date or 100% accurate; we highly recommend cross-checking with local resources before your travel.

Important information

Currency SGD

Time zoneUTC+8

Driving sideLeft

Emergency phoneAmbulance: 995; Fire: 995; Police: 999

Drinking waterYes

Power sockets

Power socket type G

Voltage230 V

Things to know about Singapore as a first time visitor

1

Singapore is a city-state located in Southeast Asia, known for its multicultural population and high standard of living.

2

The official languages are English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil. However, English is widely spoken and understood.

3

The currency used in Singapore is the Singapore Dollar (SGD). Credit cards are widely accepted, but it's always good to have some cash on hand for smaller establishments or hawker centers.

4

Singapore is known for its strict laws and regulations. For example, littering, jaywalking, and chewing gum are all punishable offenses.

5

The country has a tropical rainforest climate with no distinctive seasons. The temperature usually ranges from 75°F to 89°F (24°C to 32°C).

6

Singapore is 8 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+8). It does not observe daylight saving time.

7

Tipping is not customary in Singapore. It is often included in the bill as a service charge.

8

Singapore's public transportation system is highly efficient and includes the Mass Rapid Transit (MRT), buses, and taxis.

9

The country is known for its cleanliness. Public toilets are generally well-maintained and clean.

10

Singapore's tap water is safe to drink. Bottled water is also readily available.

11

The country has a high cost of living compared to other Southeast Asian countries. Plan your budget accordingly.

12

Singapore is a food paradise. Don't miss out on trying local dishes like Hainanese chicken rice, chili crab, and laksa.

13

Singapore is a shopping haven, from luxury brands to local markets like Bugis Street Market.

14

The country has strict drug laws. Possession, consumption, or trafficking of illegal drugs can lead to severe penalties, including death.

15

Singapore uses the Type G plug. The standard voltage is 230 V, and the standard frequency is 50 Hz.

16

The country has an excellent healthcare system, but it can be expensive for tourists. It's recommended to have travel insurance that covers health.

17

Singapore is generally safe, but it's always important to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

18

The country is very pedestrian-friendly, with well-maintained sidewalks and pedestrian crossings.

19

Singapore has a high humidity level year-round, so lightweight and breathable clothing is recommended.

20

The country has a zero-tolerance policy towards corruption. Bribery and other forms of corruption are severely punished.

Packing List

  • Clothing

  • Lightweight clothing

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Sunglasses

  • Hat

  • Umbrella or raincoat

  • Swimwear

  • Toiletries

  • Travel-sized toiletries

  • Sunscreen

  • Insect repellent

  • Hand sanitizer

  • Personal medication

  • Travel documents and essentials

  • Passport

  • Visa (if required)

  • Travel insurance

  • Hotel booking confirmation

  • Local currency (Singapore Dollar)

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Electronics and gadgets

  • Smartphone

  • Charger

  • Power bank

  • Universal adapter plug

  • Camera

  • Miscellaneous items

  • Reusable water bottle

  • Snacks

  • Travel guidebook

  • Map of Singapore

  • Emergency contact numbers

Weather Conditions

Singapore, located near the equator, experiences a tropical rainforest climate with high humidity and abundant rainfall. The temperature usually ranges from 77°F to 89°F (25°C to 32°C) throughout the year. When planning your trip, it's important to note that Singapore doesn't have distinct seasons like summer, winter, spring, and autumn. Instead, it has two main monsoon seasons. The Northeast Monsoon occurs from December to early March and the Southwest Monsoon from June to September. During these periods, expect heavy and frequent rainfall. Despite the rain, there's plenty of sunshine in Singapore. The city-state receives an average of 5.5 hours of sunlight daily, so don't forget your sunscreen, sunglasses, and hats to protect yourself from the strong UV rays. The high humidity, which can reach up to 80%, can make the heat feel more intense. Lightweight, breathable clothing is recommended. Also, stay hydrated and take breaks in air-conditioned places whenever possible. Even though it's warm throughout the year, it's a good idea to carry a light jacket or sweater. Many indoor areas, like shopping malls and restaurants, are heavily air-conditioned and can feel quite chilly. Lastly, always carry an umbrella or a raincoat, as rain showers can be unpredictable and sudden. Despite the rain, Singapore's weather is generally warm, so don't let it dampen your spirits or your plans. There's always something to do, rain or shine!

MonthHi / Lo (°C)Weather Overview

January

31° / 23°

January is the wettest month in Singapore with heavy rainfall. Despite the rain, temperatures remain high, so pack light clothing and an umbrella.

February

31° / 23°

February sees slightly less rainfall than January. It's still warm, so light clothing is recommended, but don't forget your umbrella.

March

32° / 24°

March is the start of the hot season in Singapore. Expect high humidity and occasional thunderstorms.

April

33° / 24°

April is one of the hottest months in Singapore. It's also the start of the Southwest Monsoon season, so be prepared for sudden showers.

May

33° / 25°

May continues to be hot and humid in Singapore. Rainfall is less frequent but when it does rain, it can be heavy.

June

33° / 24°

June is a hot month with occasional rain showers. It's a good time to visit indoor attractions or enjoy the city's nightlife.

July

32° / 24°

July is slightly cooler but still hot. Rainfall is less frequent, making it a good time for outdoor activities.

August

32° / 24°

August is similar to July with less rainfall. It's a good time to explore the city and its many attractions.

September

32° / 24°

September marks the end of the hot season. It's still warm, but there's less rainfall compared to the earlier months.

October

32° / 24°

October is the start of the Northeast Monsoon season. Expect more rainfall, especially in the afternoons and evenings.

November

31° / 23°

November is one of the wettest months in Singapore. Pack an umbrella and plan for indoor activities.

December

31° / 23°

December continues to be wet with high humidity. Despite the rain, it's a festive time to visit with Christmas and New Year celebrations.

Did you know?

Did you know that Singapore is one of only three surviving city-states in the world?

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