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Singapore, the Lion City, is a gateway city where the Far East traditions meet modern Western life. It is a fascinating city steeped in history, yet extremely modern and design-led, with incredible cuisine from all over the world.
Singapore Changi Airport is a routinely voted amongst the best in the world, and is a key stopover point for many airlines, connecting the USA, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand to Europe and the Middle East. So chances are, at some stage, you will pass through Singapore.
If you get the chance to book a 2-night Singapore stopover, you absolutely should. After my extended visit in late 2023, I wouldn’t hesitate to book a short stopover in Singapore on my next time passing through. There is so much to discover, and so much to eat. And so much I am yet to do.
So the real question is, with so much to do in Singapore, what should you do on a 2-Night Stopover?
Arriving into Singapore Changi
Singapore Changi is a very modern and well connected airport, consisting of 4 terminals. Once you arrive in and collect your bags, you need to head into the city to your accommodation. You have several options, with all transport options being very cheap compared to most other cities in the world.
Taxi
Usually I wouldn’t suggest a taxi as an airport transfer in most cities due to the cost, but in Singapore, I thought the cost was reasonable and it saves you time.
A standard taxi airport transfer to Marina Bay costs roughly SGD$30 (US$23).
Grab is also available, and I was only charged SGD$21 (US$16) which I thought was very good. It only took about 20 minutes to my accommodation in Boat Quay too, which I thought was well worth it after a long travel day and late arrival.
City Shuttle
The City Shuttle is a great option for your transfer to and from Singapore Changi. It drops passengers off at most downtown hotels, and departs all four terminals at Singapore Changi every hour on the hour between 7am and 11pm. Tickets are only SGD$10 for adults and SGD$7 for kids under 12, so it’s a cheap, quick and direct way to get to your hotel without hassle. Find the Ground Transport Concierge Desk in the Arrivals Hall of your terminal for more information and to book.
Metro
The Singapore Metro does run all the way to Singapore Changi which is a great budget option to get to and from the airport. It takes roughly 40 minutes to get to Raffles Place/Downtown, however you do have to change trains at either Tanah Merah MRT Station (East West Line) or Expo MRT Station (Downtown Line). Keep this in mind if you are travelling with lots of luggage. Metro fares are cheap (SG$2.07/US$1.50), and you can simply use a contactless debit or credit card to tap on and tap off. No tickets required. And the metro trains are super frequent. Very easy and cheap.
Need a Sim Card?
If your phone supports e-sims, it’s definitely the way to go in Singapore, since you’re only visiting for a couple days. I did this, and it was super easy to install, and I still had access to my normal number, for receiving text messages. I just made sure to switch off mobile roaming data on my main sim card.
You should install the e-sim whilst waiting for boarding at your departure airport, so that when you land in Singapore, you will have mobile internet straight away from when you turn off airplane mode. There is nothing worse than try to find wi-fi in a unfamiliar airport just to use Grab to get a taxi or find out where your friend or family is picking you up from, or figure out directions to your hotel.
I bought an e-sim through Klook, and it was super easy and cheap for my Singapore stopover. Under US$6 for 30GB of mobile data. An absolute bargain, by international standards.
Where to Stay on your Singapore Stopover
Accommodation in Singapore is expensive. It’s an expensive city. But there is something for everyone, and every budget. For cheaper options, you could look further out from the heart of the city, but you will spend more time in taxis or on public transport to get to and from the sights. Below are four of my top hotel recommendations for your Singapore stopover, that are all in great locations, central to all the must-sees. I couldn’t decide on just one “Luxury” option, so I’ve included my top two recommendations.
Budget – KINN Capsule
I stayed here on my Singapore stopover, and highly recommend it. This is a luxury capsule hotel, with spacious capsules, luxurious bathrooms with rain showers, and a range of helpful amenities to help you save on your Singapore stopover. There is also air conditioning in all the rooms, a must in Singapore.
Whilst the rooms are shared dorms, privacy blinds make your space feel very private.
KINN Capsule is suitable for all-ages, and is not age restricted (no 18-35 age limit).
Located in Boat Quay, this area is super central and walkable to all areas you’ll want to visit in Singapore. The area itself has plenty of food options including hawker markets, bars, pubs and 7-11’s, and is full of historic Singapore charm. There are also great bus connections and an MRT station under 5 minutes walk away, so you are well connected if you do want to venture a little further than walking distance too.
Check out the price for KINN Capsule for your Singapore stopover dates with Booking.com.
Mid Range – KINN Studios
Sister to the KINN Capsule Hotel, this luxury minimalist private-room only hotel is located in the heart of Chinatown. Design-led, rooms at KINN Studios feature marble bathrooms with rain showers, desks and flat screen TV’s. Rooms also feature air conditioning, a must in Singapore. After a fantastic experience at KINN Capsule, I would not hesitate to stay here if I wanted a bit more space on my next Singapore stopover. Prices are pretty affordable by Singapore standards, so check out the price for your dates here with Booking.com.
Luxury – Marina Bay Sands
If money is no object, Marina Bay Sands has arguably the best view and rooftop pool in all of Singapore. Rooms are luxurious, with iconic Singapore views. With plenty of restaurants, bars and amenities including endless shopping in the mall below, staying at Marina Bay Sands on your Singapore stopover puts you right in the heart of the action.
The rooftop pool is exclusively for hotel guests, so it really is something special and memorable, making the most of your Singapore stopover. Check out room rates for your Singapore stopover here.
Luxury – PARKROYAL COLLECTION Pickering
So I ended up visiting this brand-new hotel, and was really impressed by the incredible design and facilities, including the incredible infinity pool (with cabanas) looking over Hong Lim Park. In a great central location, this hotel is truly spectacular. The hotel has a fantastic gym featuring brand-new top-of-the-line Technogym equipment, and an extensive in-house spa. Rooms are spacious and decadent, especially by Singapore standards. A green oasis in a concrete jungle.
Check out the price for your dates with Booking.com here.
Day 0
Once you’ve arrived into town and dropped you luggage off at your accommodation, you’ll probably want to stretch your legs and grab a bite to eat.
Familiarise yourself with the area you’re staying in, by going for a walk around the area.
Food-wise, Singapore is infamous for its hawker markets. These attract people from all walks of Singapore life. Find some local hawker markets for lunch and dinner, and partake in a variety of dishes from different stalls, showcasing Singaporean cuisine, and food from all around the world. There are hawker markets on almost every street corner in Singapore, so you won’t be far from one wherever you are staying.
Singapore Sling at Raffles
If you have time in the afternoon or evening, head to the infamous Long Bar at Raffles Singapore for a Singapore Sling, the home of the original Singapore Sling. This bar opens at 11am daily until 10:30pm (11:30pm Thursday to Sunday), and the queue always stretches out the door, so be prepared to wait at any time of the day. The original Singapore Sling is quite pricey at SGD$39 (US$29) + service charge and tax, so maybe just stay for one, but trust me, it’s worth the wait. A non-alcoholic version is also available, as well as alternative versions, a luxury vintage Singapore Sling and other cocktails and mocktails as well. In true tradition, dive into the bag of provided peanuts, and dump the shells on the floor.
Day 1: Maximizing Your Time in the Lion City, Singapore
Today’s itinerary walking directions are here on Google Maps, in case you get lost. You will need to find your way first from your accommodation to Prive ACM at the very start of this itinerary, and add Level 33 at the end if you wish to go.
Brunch
Once you wake up, time to find breakfast. As an epicenter of global cuisine, Singapore has something for everyone. There are plenty of brunch spots to explore.
One of my favourite brunch spots is Prive ACM (next to the Asian Civilisations Museum). It’s located right on the Singapore River, which is worth a pre-brunch stroll along. If the weather isn’t too humid, grab a table outside for prime riverside views. The menu features a range of breakfast and lunch options with both local and international western options available, and great coffee.
After brunch, head to the famous Singapore Merlion Park, located right on Marina Bay. It’s only about a 5 minute walk, and you’ll walk past the famous Fullerton Hotel as well.
Marina Bay Walk
Head north, and walk along the waterfront towards Marina Bay Sands. You’ll have fantastic views over Marina Bay, and look back on the Singapore skyline. Walk across the stunning Helix Bridge (which looks even better at night when it’s all lit up). Just before you reach the doors into the Marina Bay Sands Mall, head right, down the stairs and walk under the Benjamin Sheares Bridge.
Gardens by the Bay
This area is known as Gardens by the Bay. It’s lush and green, and features lots of attractions to explore, for all ages. Here are just some of the options you could choose to explore:
- Flower Dome – An indoor air-conditioned greenhouse of exotic plants from all around the world. A must-visit for avid plant geeks.
- Cloud Forest – An indoor aerial plant walk, with plants sourced from all over the world.
- Supertree Grove – The famous vertical garden area of Gardens By The Bay. Walking around at Ground level is free, but you can buy tickets to access the Supertree Observatory, located at the top of the biggest Supertree, or the OCBC Skyway to walk amongst the 12 Supertrees in Supertree Grove at canopy level, 22m above the ground.
Tickets for these attractions are super cheap, starting at just SGD$14 (US$10). You can buy tickets for Garden by the Bay attractions in advance here. You can buy tickets for the OCBC Skyway here or at the ticket counter on the day.
Once you’re done, head to the Gardens by the Bay MRT Station and catch the Thomson East Coast Line to Shenton Way station. Exit the station and walk to Lau Pa Sat for lunch.
Lau Pa Sat
Arguably one of the best hawker markets in Singapore, Lau Pa Sat is a octagonal food mecca and Singapore institution. Dating back over 150 years, Lau Pa Sat is a 24-hour hub of 80 stalls consisting of food from all over Asia and the world, as well as retail shops and bars. Head here for lunch, and get lost in the mesmerizing maze of hawker stalls. Grab a few small dishes from different stalls, sit down and enjoy the fantastic people watching.
From 7pm everyday, the street outside shuts down and Satay Street opens. 10 Satay stalls cooking fresh satay skewers over coals, to the floods of people sitting on tables in the street.
Lau Pa Sat is somewhere I visited several times on my Singapore stopover, and I can’t wait to return again soon.
Marina Bay Sands
After lunch, head to the Marina Bay Sands Mall. Located in basement of Marina Bay Sands, this is Singapore’s new Orchard Road. There is something for everyone, and even if you aren’t in the retail therapy mood (my luggage was already too full), the building is stunning, with indoor canals, incredible atriums and plenty of international food and beverage spots.
From here, head back to your accommodation to relax or have a nap. Otherwise if you are still full of energy, you can head to Chinatown via the MRT to explore the area.
Chinatown (Optional)
If you have time to spare after checking out Marina Bay Sands, catch the MTR to Chinatown for a walk around. It’s only 3 stops from Bayfront MTR station, roughly 5 minutes.
The area is actually a mixture of nationalities and religions these days, a true melting pot symbolic of Singapore as a whole. There is plenty of fantastic dining spots, bars and shopping, as well as beautiful historic architecture and winding streets. Get lost and explore. A really special area that’s so different to the rest of Singapore.
Once you are ready, Lau Pa Sat is only a 10-15 minute walk away down Cross Street.
Satay Street at Lau Pa Sat
Open from 7pm, head to Lau Pa Sat for a Satay dinner on Satay Street. The 10 vendors spill out onto Boon Tat Street, with the entire street covered in tables and bench seats. The perfect al fresco atmosphere for a hot Singapore evening.
Lau Pa Sat also has plenty of other dinner options for all tastes. There are also takeaway bars and drinks stalls as well. There are options available for all dietary requirements, religions (including separate Halal trays and cutlery), and cuisines.
Soak up the atmosphere, before heading to the Marina Bay Sands Light Show or the Gardens by the Bay Lightshow. Both are only a short walk away.
Marina Bay Sands Light Show (8pm/9pm/10pm)
Spectra, the incredible light and water show in Marina Bay, in front of Marina Bay Sands kicks off at 8pm and 9pm daily, with an additional 10pm show on Friday and Saturday nights. The show is 15 minutes long.
Head to the waterfront of Marina Bay, by Marina Bay Sands. For the best view, the seating area is located in front of Marina Bay Sands. Between the Apple store and Louis Vuitton store in the bay. Check the map below for the viewing area.
This spectacular (and free) water and light show is a must-do in Singapore. Depending on the timing of your evening, you could do the Spectra Light Show first at 8pm, then the Gardens by the Bay Light Show after at 8:45pm. Alternatively, you could do the 8:45pm Gardens by the Bay Light Show, then the 10pm Spectra show. There is a roughly 15 – 20 minute walk between the two. You will also need time to buy a ticket for the OCBC Skyway if you choose to do that (you can also buy tickets online here), so bear that timeframe in mind and plan your evening accordingly.
Gardens by the Bay Light Show (7:45pm/8:45pm)
Located behind Marina Bay Sands, within Gardens by the Bay, is Supertree Grove. A collection of 12 vertical gardens, plus there is another 4 located further away. At 7:45pm and 8:45pm everyday there is a spectacular lightshow, which changes seasonally. Every stopover you have in Singapore should have a different show.
Another tip I highly recommend is buying tickets for the OCBC Skyway, for during the light show. The OCBC Skyway closes at 9pm daily (with the last entry at 8:30pm). So allow enough time to get there to buy tickets and enter in time. That way, you’ll be walking amongst the vertical gardens during the light show. A very magical experience indeed. And something especially special if you have kids in tow on your Singapore stopover.
Level 33 Rooftop Brewery (Optional)
If after today, you want to go for a nightcap, walk to Level 33 in the Marina Bay Financial Center Building. They take walk-ins but you can also book in advance. The rooftop brewery features a fantastic selection of fresh beers, wines and spirits, with arguably the best view over Marina Bay. What’s nice about not going to a typical Marina Bay Sands Rooftop is that you have a view of Marina Bay Sands itself. The terrace tables have an absolutely incredible view, that will surely be one of your highlights of your Singapore stopover.
Day 2: How to get back to Singapore Changi
As your memorable Singapore stopover comes to an end, its time to relax, get packed and head to the airport if you have a morning flight. If you have an afternoon or evening flight, have a sleep in. Savour the last of the amazing Singapore cuisine for breakfast and lunch, and head to the airport when you are ready. There is plenty to do at Singapore Changi, so I recommend heading to the airport 4+ hours early and exploring all there is to do there.
Early Check-in Facility
If you are departing on one of the airlines listed on the Singapore Changi Website here, you can utilize the Singapore Changi early check in facility. With the ability to check in your bags early up to 24 hours before on some airlines, you are free to check out the incredible Singapore Changi Jewel.
Do note, some airlines, like British Airways, operate their own early check-in facility with timings varying from airline to airline.
If your airline does not offer this early check-in service, there are Baggage Storage facilities located at each terminal where you can store your bags before check in. Check out the Singapore Changi website for more information on where each facility is located within each terminal.
Must-Visit: Singapore Changi Jewel
Located landside right in the center of Singapore Changi is the Jewel. After checking in or storing your bags, head to the giant dome in the center of the airport. I was flying out of Terminal 1 today, so I just had to use the crossing over the departures forecourt to reach the entrance.
The Singapore Changi Jewel features over 250 food and shopping outlets. All centered around the incredible HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. For the best view, I recommend heading to the Shiseido Forest Valley Trail on level 3 or 4.
There are also several paid attractions available too, perfect for kids and adults alike:
- Canopy Park – a series of interactive gardens located on the top level of the Jewel.
- Bouncing Net – suspended bouncing net, 8 meters above the ground.
- Walking Net – suspended walking net, 25 meters above the ground with great views.
- Canopy Bridge – Glass-bottom bridge 23 meters above the ground overlooking the HSBC Rain Vortex.
- Hedge Maze – Singapore’s largest hedge maze.
- Mirror Maze – fun for kids and adults alike.
You can buy tickets online in advance via Klook here.
Once you’ve explored and seen the amazing HSBC Rain Vortex, head back to your terminal. Pick up and check in your bags if you were storing them. Otherwise, if you are already checked in, you can head straight through immigration.
Do note that at Singapore Changi, security is located at each boarding gate. So you just need to pass through immigration to access airside. Make sure to allow enough time to reach your gate before boarding, as there will be a security queue.
Butterfly Garden
Located in the transit area in Terminal 3, the Butterfly Garden at Singapore Changi features over 40 species of butterflies, with over 1,000 in total. Best of all, it’s free and perfect for both adults and kids alike. Wherever you are coming from and heading to, you’ll feel a million miles away in this tropical paradise.
Airport Swimming Pool
Singapore Changi has an airside hotel called Aerotel. The hotel features a gym and rooftop pool, as well as rooms for as little as 6 hours, perfect for transiting passengers. There are also single rooms available for solo travellers. The Aerotel is located airside after immigration. For just SGD$27.58, you can access the rooftop swimming pool and poolside “Aerobar” all day long before your flight. Sounds like a fantastic way to pass time if you ask me. The pool is open from noon until 10pm daily. You can book your visit here.
Airport Lounges
Singapore Changi was voted the World’s Best Airport in 2023, according to Skytrax. And as such, there are also fantastic airport lounges as this is a key connection airport hub for many airlines, connecting the Far East, Australasia and the UK, Europe and the US. If you have access to airport lounges through airline elite status, Singapore Changi makes for a perfect lounge hop.
Eligible Passengers departing Singapore Changi with the following airlines have access to the following airport lounges:
oneworld passengers:
- Qatar Premium Lounge (business class and first class passengers only)
- Qantas International First
- Qantas International Business
- British Airways Lounge
- Cathay Pacific (Terminal 4)
- dnata Lounge (Sri Lankan Airlines only)
- Marhaba Lounge Terminal 1 (Finnair and Japan Airlines only)
- SATS Premier Lounge (Malaysia Airlines only)
Star Alliance passengers:
- Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer Gold Lounge (Terminal 2 and 3)
- Singapore Airlines SilverKris First Class (Terminal 2 and 3)
- Singapore Airlines SilverKris Business Class (Terminal 2 and 3)
- SATS Premier Lounge Terminal 3 (Air India, Eva Air, LOT, Asiana, Ethiopian, Turkish)
- SATS Premier Lounge Terminal 1 (Air China)
- dnata Lounge Terminal 1 (Air China)
SkyTeam passengers:
- Qantas International Business (KLM and Air France)
- Marhaba Lounge Terminal 3 (China Airlines and Garuda Indonesia)
- SATS Premier Terminal 3 (China Eastern, Korean Air, Saudia and XiamenAir)
- dnata Lounge Terminal 1 (XiamenAir)
For me, the Qatar Premium Lounge is the standout airport lounge at Singapore Changi. If you do have access, you must go. The Qantas International Business Lounge (and First) are also fantastic, if you arrive early enough to avoid the evening peak and can manage to find a seat. Make sure to check out my reviews of the Qatar Lounge and the Qantas Lounge.
Conclusion
I absolutely adore Singapore. It’s a city steeped in history and rich in culture, with incredible food, panoramic vistas, and lots to do and see. Singapore is a gateway between east and west, so chances are you will pass through Singapore Changi at some stage in your life. If you have time, just a 2 night stopover in this incredible city is a perfect length of time to get a taste of Singapore. Enough of a taste that you’ll soon be wanting to come back for more.