48 Hours in Singapore - Ultimate Travel Itinerary 2023: things to do, where to stay and how not to break the bank!
An iconic view of Singapore.
As one of the smallest countries in the world, Singapore is the perfect place to spend a few days. However, it’s also one of the most expensive so it makes sense for budget travellers to limit their time here to around 2 days.
While 48 hours in Singapore isn’t necessarily a long time, it’s more than enough to visit all the main sights and attractions due to the compact size of the city.
This travel guide will provide you with everything you need to know on how to spend 48 hours in Singapore, from the best places to stay, how not to break the bank, and the best times to visit.
Where is Singapore?
Singapore can be found in South-East Asia, with its closest neighbour being Malaysia. Being one of the smallest countries in the world, it can be difficult to find on a map, so for extra help you can view the exact location below.
What is the currency of Singapore?
The currency in Singapore is the Singaporean dollar. 1 US dollar is around 1.3 Singaporean dollars. For the purposes of this travel guide, all prices mentioned below will be in US dollars due to it being a highly recognised currency.
How to get to Singapore?
99% of travellers will arrive to Singapore through Changi Airport. With it being one of the largest airports in the world, you can get direct flights to Singapore from countless locations, especially in Asia. If coming from the UK or North America, expect to have a layover due to the distance involved.
When you do arrive at Changi Airport, don’t leave in a hurry, as one of Singapore’s best attractions is found in the airport - make sure to read on below to find out more!
Is Singapore expensive?
Singapore is consistently ranked as one of the worlds priciest locations (use a link). During my first night in Singapore, I remember visiting a coffee shop where we ordered 2 coffees and 2 small cakes to share - the bill amounted to the equivalent of $25. An average pint of beer should also set you back around $10.
This should give you an idea of the prices that you can expect to see, however that’s not to say you can’t live on a budget…
Can you travel Singapore on a budget?
Of course you can! Just a heads up though, a ‘budget’ trip in Singapore isn’t the same as a ‘budget’ trip in Bangkok or Hanoi for example. You will still spend significantly more than you are used to compared to other SE Asian countries, but in relation to Singapore there are easy ways to cut costs to a minimum.
The main expense in Singapore is accommodation costs. The great majority of hotels are simply unaffordable for a typical backpacker, therefore hostels are a must. While a typical hotel will easily set you back the equivalent of $100 plus, hostel beds can be found for around $20-30. While still on the pricey side, it is deemed cheap for Singapore.
You should also consider staying in capsule hostels, as they are a great way to get some privacy, while still being affordable. A double bed pod will be around $50-60 USD, and while it won’t be the best sleep you ever have, the experience in my opinion is worth it alone.
Capsule hostels are worth a try in order to save some money on accommodation.
Another must for cost-cutting is eating at the local Hawker Centres in the city which contain a multitude of food stalls. You will never be too far away from one, and they are by far the cheapest places for food. I visited several times, with an average meal being $3. Surprisingly, these prices not only rivalled, but in fact surpassed the affordability for street food compared to nearby countries such as Thailand and Malaysia.
The food on offer here is also fairly healthy due to Singapore’s laws on how much salt can be used in the preparation of food. I’d recommend the famous Hainanese Chicken Rice, which is arguably Singapore’s most famous dish.
Finally, try and avoid alcohol if possible, as even a few beers can quite easily add up on the expense list. Try the local coffee - kopi - instead, with a cup going for as little as $2.
Where to stay in Singapore?
Singapore is relatively small, and due to the excellent transport system, it doesn’t really matter where you are located.
If you are looking for luxury, the obvious choice would be the world famous Marina Bay Sands. The cheapest room here goes for around $500 per night, and you have access to the infinity pool on the roof.
A true once in a lifetime experience at Marina Bay Sands.
As mentioned above, if you’re looking to stick to a budget, opt for hostels and capsule hotels. The Marina Bay area should be avoided, with room rates here being higher than elsewhere in the city.
48 Hour Itinerary
Now to the best part - how to spend your time in Singapore!
Day 1
After arriving at the airport, you would expect the next thing on your list to be getting to your hotel and relaxing for a little while - but this is Singapore and things aren’t quite so predictable. To kick off your trip, look no further than the Jewel: an indoor entertainment complex found in Changi Airport.
Housing hundreds of shops, restaurants and cafes, alongside the largest indoor waterfall in the world, this place will take your breath away. You could easily spend a full day here exploring all the different levels.
When you first arrive, make sure to drop your luggage off at one of the luggage counters - for the sake of a few dollars, it will make the whole experience much better instead of carrying around suitcases and backpacks!
Can you believe this waterfall is located in an airport?!
After spending the majority of your morning gazing at the epic waterfall, it’s time to head into the city. You can get the Singapore MRT from the airport into the city, with the journey taking around 30-40 minutes depending on your stop.
By the time you settle in at your hotel and relax for a short while, you should be approaching mid-late afternoon. I’d recommend visiting the Chinatown district of Singapore where you will find some cheap and tasty eats. Make sure to visit a Hawker Centre for the best prices! Chinatown also has a fair share of bars, coffee shops and restaurants, so take your time and enjoy what the area has to offer.
While you will no doubt want to head to Marina Bay, I would encourage you to leave this until your 2nd day so as not to rush the experience.
Day 2
After breakfast, head to the world famous Marina Bay. There is so much to do here that it will take up most of your day. First off, head to the Singapore Flyer and enjoy unparalleled views from the top of the wheel over the bay.
From here, I’d recommend spending some time in the Marina Bay shopping centre to avoid the intense heat of mid-day Singapore - it’s easily one of the warmest places I have visited. There are plenty of shops and cafes to spend a few hours, with an extensive high-end luxury selection.
The lower floors of the Marina Bay shopping mall also contain food courts which have a variety of surprisingly affordable food options. With most meals being around $8-12, it won’t break the bank.
During late afternoon, make sure to take a leisurely stroll around Marina Bay, which offers superb views of Marina Bay Sands from all angles. You may be wondering whether you can use the famous infinity pool at the top of Marina Bay Sands - sadly it is only guests who have access to this. A full loop will take around 40 minutes, and with the sun setting it can make for a very peaceful experience.
When dusk arrives, an absolute must-visit is the ‘Gardens by the Bay’. Connected to an exit of Marina Bay Sands, the Gardens consist of a huge park with an emphasis on greenery and nature. The main attraction is the ‘Supertree Grove’, which dominates the nearby skyline with huge tree-like structures that light up when night falls. While visiting during the day is still enjoyable, after dark really is another level, and highlights how Singapore is truly a city of the future.
Get up close and personal with one of the many trees found in Supertree Grove!
Photo Tips
If you have an interest in photography, Singapore certainly won’t disappoint. The Marina Bay Area has countless photo opportunities. If you walk around the bay, you will be able to get some nice shots of the iconic Marina Bay Sands - be sure to bring a tripod and try some long exposures during dusk. Similarly, the Gardens by the Bay are great for night photography when the lights come on.
Marina Bay at dusk…
If you have a drone, flying around Marina Bay is pretty spectacular, but whether it is officially permitted is unclear. Make sure to take off at a secluded spot, and ensure you are over the water at all times and away from the general public. If you’re unsure on Singapore drone laws, it is worthwhile to Google search this beforehand. While a drone can bring your photography to another level - creatively and literally - it can also create headaches, especially when travelling to foreign countries, so always make sure it is lawful.
Final Thoughts
Singapore is up there with Bangkok and Osaka when it comes to my favourite cities, and while it can be expensive to visit, there are always ways to keep your costs to a minimum. 48 hours is the perfect amount of time to explore Singapore and see the main attractions, and you’ll no doubt leave wondering when you can come back again. A gem of South-East Asia and beyond, make sure to add Singapore to your bucket list soon!
