SINGAPORE – Amazing Things To Explore In Just 48 Hours!

Welcome to Singapore, where sweet culture meets cool innovation. Known as the ‘Lion City’, Singapore is one hell of a destination. Futuristic skyscrapers and architectural genius dominate the skyline, which I absolutely LOVED! It’s a premium destination and hot on the bucket list for travellers, and I’m not surprised; it’s well worth the visit!

With so much to see, you could easily spend four or five leisurely days exploring Singapore, especially if you plan to unwind at the beach. But, if you find yourself short on time, experiencing the best of Singapore in just 48 hours is entirely feasible—I’ve done it myself!

In this blog, I’ll explain the essentials you need to know about Singapore and the incredible things you can do within this time frame, ensuring you make the most of your visit to this spectacular city.

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Diversity & Languages: Diversity isn’t just celebrated in Singapore—it’s the nation’s heartbeat. Singapore gives intelligent vibes with four official languages—English, Malay, Mandarin, and Tamil—plus the unique ‘Singlish,’ a blend of Singaporean English.

Currency: The Singapore Dollar (SGD) is used in Singapore. Singapore’s currency is known for its stability and is widely accepted throughout the country for various transactions. Although cards are commonly accepted in most establishments, it is highly advisable to carry some cash, especially for small transactions.

Singaporean Dollars, approx 30 GBP

Areas & Hotels To Stay In Singapore

Finding a hotel in Singapore that won’t drain your wallet and gives you room to breathe? Now that’s a challenge! Hotels in the hot spots tend to have tiny rooms—blame it on the city’s crazy land prices and sky-high population.

I shelled out £230 for two nights in Hotel Mi Bencoolen and ended up in what felt like a glorified shoebox—but it wasn’t so bad; I was out most of the time, and the staff were lovely!

Best Areas In Singapore

Marina Bay. Marina Bay is the place to be, for luxury and jaw-dropping skyline views. Home to the famous Marina Bay Sands, this area is packed with luxury hotels, rooftop bars, and stunning waterfront attractions. It’s perfect for first-time visitors who want to experience Singapore’s high-end side, with Gardens by the Bay and the Merlion just a short walk away.

🩵 Recommends: Fairmont Singapore is a gorgeous 5-star with spacious rooms and upscale vibes. Alternatively, ParkRoyal Collection is another 5-star hotel with stunning rooms and boujee vibes.

Bugis. For a more affordable yet vibrant vibe, Bugis is a top pick. This area blends modern shopping malls with traditional markets, offering a mix of trendy hostels and budget-friendly hotels. You’ll be close to Haji Lane’s colourful street art, delicious hawker food, and the iconic Sultan Mosque. Plus, it’s super central, making exploring the rest of the city easy!

🩵 Recommends: Village Hotel Bugis is a beautiful 4-star hotel with spacious rooms for great rates! Alternatively, Hotel Mi Rochor offers a vibrant, fabulous 4-star stay with an urban vibe.

Clarke Quay. Clarke Quay is perfect if you love buzzing nightlife and scenic riverside strolls. Packed with lively bars, waterfront restaurants, and cool boutique hotels, it’s the ultimate area for socializing and meeting fellow travellers. Plus, it’s close to major attractions like Chinatown and Fort Canning Park, making it a great mix of fun and convenience!

🩵 Recommends: Paradox Singapore is a 5-star hotel with spacious rooms and resort vibes. Alternatively, The Grand Park City Hall is gorgeous and provides a sophisticated 5-star stay.

Transport In Singapore

Getting around Singapore is a breeze thanks to its well-developed transportation system. Here are the three most popular modes of getting around:

MRT is one of the fastest and most frequent ways to get around Singapore. Credit: JoyT (Adobe)

Mass Rapid Transit (MRT): This comprehensive and popular metro system connects various parts of the city. It’s a fast and convenient way to travel, with extensive coverage and frequent trains.

Buses: Singapore has an extensive bus network covering virtually every island corner. Buses are a cost-effective means of transportation, and the routes are well-connected, making it easy to navigate around the city.

Taxis: Taxis are the most convenient way to explore Singapore. Many drivers understand English, so using services like GRAB, similar to the British taxi ordering service UBER, makes booking easy.

Also, I recommend pre-ordering a taxi from the airport, as you could wait hours for one to become available if it’s busy—and boy, that ain’t no fun! I spent an hour trying to book a taxi on arrival, which was such a hassle at 1 a.m.

48 Hour HOHO Bus Singapore

I highly recommend purchasing a Hop On-Hop Off (HOHO) Ticket. You can buy a 24 or 48 hours ticket, which provides access to two distinct hop-on and hop-off routes. The ticket covers the main Singapore attractions and iconic places you MUST SEE. Also, it’s great fun on an open-top bus and is the best way to catch the vibes of the locals!

An easy-read map with pictures and routes on the HOHO Bus

Before you hop on the bus, you’ll be given an easy-to-read map with pictures of attractions at stops and headphones to listen to audio available in seven languages. This will give you a good understanding of your surroundings throughout the route.

The HOHO buses run regularly (approximately every 15-20 minutes), and you can hop on and off as often as you like. I love this convenience, making the HOHO Bus the number one choice for travelling around at the best price. Depending on the time of year, the buses typically operate until about 6 p.m.

The First Day In Singapore: The Red Route

On my first day of my 48 hours trip in Singapore, I kicked things off with the Red Route of the Hop-On-Hop-Off Bus Tour. Starting early lets you enjoy a full day of fun—the first bus leaves around 9:30 a.m. This route takes you through the city’s three vibrant ethnic districts: Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam.

The Red Route is a fantastic way to explore Singapore’s rich heritage and history. You’ll see pre-World War II shophouses, Buddhist and Hindu temples, traditional trades and handicrafts, and the unique charm and diversity of ths countries ethnic neighbourhoods.

Starting from Suntec City Mall (Stop 0), here are some must-see attractions along the way:

Discover Little India: A Vibrant Stop

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple in Little India, Singapore

Little India covers both stops 2 and 3 on the Red Route. Hop off the bus and step into this vibrant neighbourhood, where you’ll feel the colourful vibes of Indian culture. Known for its bustling streets, lively markets, diverse shops, restaurants, and temples, Little India offers a sensory experience like no other.

Little India is a gem to explore. I love that this hot spot blends into the Singaporean community seamlessly. It’s lively and fun, with so much colour and flavour, so make Little India a stop to explore.

Kampong Glam On The Red Route

Street view of Masjid Sultan in Kampong Glam. Credit: Vasilevich (Adobe)

Kampong Glam covers stops 5, 6, and 7 on the Red Route. Hop off here to explore a vibrant, culturally rich neighbourhood that perfectly blends history and modernity. It was once the seat of Malay royalty, but now Kampong Glam represents trendy shops, cool cafes, and a lively atmosphere. You’ll experience the traditional Malay and Arab influences that make Kampong Glam a winner stop.

While In Kampong Glam

Explore The Vibrant Chinatown!

Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown

Hop off at stops 11, 12, or 13 to dive into the heart of Chinatown. Alongside Little India and Kampong Glam, Chinatown is one of Singapore’s most colourful and culturally rich neighbourhoods, showcasing the city-state’s Chinese heritage. I love that each district oozes culture; you can tell one from the other; it’s like mini-size countries within Singapore.

You’ll love walking down the narrow lanes in Chinatown, laced with traditional shophouses and bustling markets as the aromas of delicious Chinese cuisine guide you as you explore. There’s plenty of food around the Chinatown area if you’re looking for a delicious feast.

While In Chinatown

Evening Adventure From Suntec City

The Supertree Grove lightshow at night. Credit: Ronniechua (Adobe)

On my second day of my 48 hours trip in Singapore, I hopped on the Yellow Route of the HOHO Bus Tour, known as the City Tour. The first bus leaves around 9:40 am and is perfect for exploring some of the city’s most prominent landmarks and attractions before the crowds kick in. Highlights include the UNESCO World Heritage Site Botanic Gardens and the glamorous Marina Bay Sands.

Starting from Suntec City Mall (Stop 0), here are some fantastic attractions you can explore:

The Singapore Flyer

Singapore Flyer Overlooking Downtown. Credit: JoyT (Adobe)

Located at stop 1 on the Yellow Route, the Singapore Flyer is a must-see in Marina Bay. This giant observation wheel stands at a whopping 165 meters, making it one of the world’s largest!

Hop into an air-conditioned capsule for a 30-minute spin and soak in the stunning panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline. You’ll catch glimpses of iconic landmarks like Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and the Singapore River. It’s the perfect way to see the city from a new perspective!

The Iconic Marina Bay Sands

The iconic Marina Bay Sands

Jump off at stop number 2 for the Marina Bay Sands. This integrated resort is a masterpiece of architecture in Singapore’s heart. Marina Bay Sands dominates the city skyline with its three interconnected towers reaching for the sky. But the real showstopper? The SkyPark perched on top! Enjoy panoramic city views, cool off in the stunning infinity pool, and wander through lush gardens—all in one unforgettable stop, the Marina Bay Sands!

The Art Science Museum

Also located at stop number 2 is the Art Science Museum, which is hard to miss because of its distinctive lotus-shaped building at Marina Bay Sands. Renowned for its innovative and interactive approach to art and science, this museum is not your average visit!

I’m a museum-type girl, so I loved this experience. It was cool and colourful and kept me inside for the best part of an hour. Get ready for immersive displays, cutting-edge technology, and thought-provoking installations that inspire and amaze you.

Skyline of Marina Bays – The Art Science Museum is the lotus-shaped quirky building

Explore The Garden Of The Bays

At stop three on the Yellow Route lies the Garden of the Bays, a horticultural wonderland in the Marina Bay Sands area. The Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest, and Flower Dome are here.

Garden Of The Bays Entrance Ticket: With a Garden of the Bays Entrance Ticket, visitors can enjoy leisurely walks, witness awe-inspiring light shows, and delve into educational exhibits.

Supertree Grove: The distinctive Supertree Grove boasts futuristic tree-like structures for aesthetic and environmental purposes. These towering giants, ranging from 25 to 50 meters, are showcased with environmentally sustainable features. You can also watch the ‘Garden Rhapsody,’ a captivating light and sound show that brings the Grove to life at night.

Cloud Forest: Prepare to be amazed by the Cloud Forest, home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall! This striking glass structure houses a unique mountain ecosystem featuring a 35-meter-tall cascading waterfall in lush vegetation. Also, take a trip to the top on their elevated walkway for a different view of the garden, which is pretty cool.

Flower Dome: Step into the impressive Flower Dome, the world’s largest greenhouse, replicating the cool-dry climate of the Mediterranean region. The diverse collection of plants and flowers from around the globe is on display. With changing floral displays, the Flower Dome offers a vibrant and ever-changing landscape that highlights the Garden of the Bays. It’s super pretty!

The Flower Dome is the world’s largest greenhouse – inside the Garden of the Bays

Evening River Cruise

After a full day of exploration on day 2, you might have limited time of your 48 hours trip, but there’s still a perfect way to end your trip: the Singapore River Cruise!

Singapore at night? Absolute vibes! Hop on a comfy bus and cruise through the city’s best nighttime spots. Snap a pic at Merlion Park, glide along the Singapore River on a scenic boat ride, and catch the epic Rhapsody Light Show at Gardens by the Bay.

Just when you think it can’t get better, the Spectra Light & Water Show at Marina Bay Sands will blow your mind! No need to stress about getting around—hotel transfers are included. Just sit back, soak it all in, and enjoy the magic of Singapore after dark!

Along the river on the River Cruise

Botanical Gardens Delight

If you have spare time during your 48 hours visit, check out the Botanical Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With over 10,000 plant species, including rare and endangered ones, this lush paradise is one for the senses. There are themed gardens, like the National Orchid Gardens and the Healing Garden, that showcase medicinal plants. It’s nice for some downtime to relax with swan-filled lakes and picturesque trails.

Opt for Guided Tours

Alternatively, consider squeezing in a few pre-planned guided tours during your 48 hours adventure in Singapore. Let knowledgeable guides lead you on immersive journeys through the city’s hidden gems, offering unique insights and memorable experiences. You can find tours on popular third-party sites like Viator for more attractions like Universal Studio and The Zoo.

That’s A Wrap!

In the whirlwind of a 48 hours adventure in Singapore, this vibrant city will leave a lasting impression on you. Every moment is a blast, from the dazzling skylines of the Marina Bay Sands to the cultural immersion in Chinatown and Little India.

With a perfect blend of dynamic energy and diverse attractions, this short escape will give you lifetime memories. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get you to Southeast Asia, Singapore!

Travelling alone but feeling nervous? The How To Travel Solo Ebook has tips for planning safe, confident, and unforgettable adventures!