Singapore may be tiny in size but is definitely packed with lots of fascinating tourist attractions. This itinerary curated by Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay will let you get the best out of the island.
Day 1: Take the Downtown Line or North-East Line to Chinatown MRT Station
10 am: Visit the iconic Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
As the namesake, this temple houses the tooth relic of Buddha. Four stories of lavish interior will have you in awe and wait till you see the two-metre tall gold stupa in the Sacred Light Hallon the top floor.
10.45 am: Visit Sri Mariamman Temple
A few steps down the road, you can explore Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple – Sri Mariamman Temple. Be greeted by the colourful five-tiered gopuram (the entrance’s tower) fully decked with sculptures of Hindu deities as you enter the temple. Wander around the shrines in the temple and marvel at vibrant sculptures around the temple to find out about the rich culture and history.
11.30 am: Lunch at Hong Lim Market and Food Centre
Countless food stalls sprawled over two levels will ensure you never run out of food options here. Try the Outram Park Fried Kway Teow and Ji Ji Wanton Noodle for a hearty lunch. End it off with some coconut tarts from SL II Muffin.
1.30 pm: Haji Lane
After lunch, hop on the MRT and alight at Bugis MRT Station to take a short walk over to Haji Lane. The hipster hood is lined with shophouses, selling vintage clothing, colourful textiles and quirky accessories. Step into one of the alleys to discover some of the rare street arts in Singapore.
4 pm: Art Science Museum
Get on the train again to Bayfront MRT Station where the Art Science Museum will provide a cool respite from the humid late afternoon weather of Singapore. Explore permanent
and seasonal exhibits like Future World, featuring interactive installations that will transport you into the digital universe.
6.30 pm: Dinner at Food Republic, Wisma Atria
Another short train ride will bring you to Orchard MRT Station. Food Republic food court offers some of the best local hawker foods in an indoor setting. This place seats 800 to cater to the crowds visiting the famed shopping street of Asia: Orchard Road.
8 pm: Shopping at Orchard Road
Be spoilt for choice as you strut along Orchard Road. International luxury brands, latest entertainment centres and local offers will leave you wanting more. At nightfall is the best time of the day to visit Orchard Road as the cool breeze blows while you are hopping from one mall to another.
Day 2: Take the North-East Line to Clarke Quay MRT Station
9 am: Singapore River Cruise
Hop onto the electric bumboat to cruise down the Singapore River passing iconic and historical sites. Sit on the right-hand side of the boat as the audio guide on the cruise usually explains the landmarks on the right.
10.30am: Singapore City Gallery
Head on over to Tanjong Pagar MRT Station to reach the Gallery. Learn about the amazing transformation of Singapore into an urban landscape. A 3D model of the island will give you a glimpse of the history and culture of Singapore.
11.30 am: Lunch at Maxwell Food Centre
Maxwell Food Centre is located right beside the Gallery. It is a popular spot for both tourists and locals. Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay admitted defeat to Madam Foo Kui Lian of Tian Tian Chicken Rice in a cook-off a few years ago. Try this famous chicken rice and taste it for yourself.
1 pm: The National Gallery
One MRT stop away is City Hall MRT Station where you will be able to reach the National Gallery. This Gallery used to house Singapore’s Supreme-Court and is now home to more than 8,000 artworks from around the region, as well as several temporary and permanent exhibitions. Every part of this massive building tells a story of Singapore’s past, from courtrooms to prison-cells.
3.30 pm: Gardens By The Bay
Next, alight at Bayfront MRT Station to take a short walk to Gardens By The Bay. Take in sunset at this world renowned 101-ha park known for the Supertree Grove, the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest. A walk up the mist-filled ‘Cloud Mountain’ will get you a closer look at the world’s tallest indoor waterfall.
6 pm: Dinner at Satay By The Bay
End your culinary trip in Singapore with another round of local hawker delights. This food centre is known for its satay (grilled meat skewers) stalls. Besides satay, you can also get other local delights such as kueh pie tee and Asian carrot cake.
8 pm: Watch the Spectra Water Show
Take your spot early at the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza. Be dazzled by the 15-minute dancing water fountains show paired with an impressive soundtrack.
That’s your 48 Hours in Singapore! Located right in the heart of Singapore, Novotel Singapore Clarke Quay gives you the convenience to explore the city to the fullest.