Singapore. Seriously, if you’re on the fence about going, just book the ticket. It’s clean, green, undeniably futuristic, and the food… oh, the food is world-class. Planning 7 days in Singapore gives you the perfect amount of time to explore the iconic landmarks without rushing, dive deep into the diverse cultural neighborhoods, and eat your way through the city’s legendary hawker centers.
Here is a complete rundown of our incredible week exploring the Lion City.
Highlights: How to Spend 7 Days in Singapore
We packed a lot into our schedule. Here are the absolute must-dos that defined our trip.
- Gardens by the Bay (2 visits!): You simply HAVE to do this. The Cloud Forest with its massive indoor waterfall completely blew my mind, and the Flower Dome was breathtakingly beautiful. We actually went back a second evening just to catch the Supertree Grove light show (Garden Rhapsody) – it was magical, and completely free!
- Marina Bay Sands SkyPark: Is it pricey? Yes. Is it worth it? Absolutely. The views are iconic. We went up just in time for sunset, and watching the city light up was unforgettable. Afterward, catch the Spectra light and water show in front of the hotel (also free!)—another evening must-see.
- ArtScience Museum: Located right next to MBS, the lotus-shaped building itself is a masterpiece. We loved the “Future World” exhibit – it is super interactive and incredibly fun, even for adults.
- Singapore Zoo & Night Safari: We dedicated a whole day to this wildlife area. The Zoo is amazing thanks to its open-concept enclosures. The Night Safari was a totally unique experience, allowing us to see nocturnal animals in their element. Pro tip: Book your tram slots in advance for the Night Safari!
- Chinatown: This district is so vibrant! We explored the temples (the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is stunning inside and out), browsed the bustling markets, and ate SO MUCH good food.
- Little India: A total sensory explosion – the vivid colors, the smell of spices, and the music. We visited the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and got lost in the Mustafa Centre (a 24-hour shopping labyrinth where you can literally find anything).
- Kampong Glam (Arab Street & Haji Lane): We loved the vibe here. The Sultan Mosque is beautiful, and Haji Lane is packed with quirky independent boutiques and street art. It’s also the best spot for great Middle Eastern food.
- Botanic Gardens (UNESCO World Heritage): A peaceful escape from the city buzz. The National Orchid Garden located within the park is stunning with thousands of orchid varieties. It is perfect for a cool morning stroll.
- Sentosa Island: We took the cable car over, which was a fun ride with great views. We spent a relaxed afternoon at Palawan Beach. If you have kids (or are a kid at heart), Universal Studios Singapore is here, though we skipped it this time to focus on more local experiences.
- Orchard Road: If you love shopping, this is your mecca. There are miles of malls connecting to one another. We mostly window-shopped, but the sheer scale of retail therapy available here is impressive.


What We ATE (The REAL Reason to Go!)
Honestly, you could spend your entire 7 days in Singapore just eating and still not try everything. Hawker centres are your best friend here – they are cheap, authentic, safe, and absolutely delicious!
- Hainanese Chicken Rice: A MUST. We had it multiple times. Tian Tian at Maxwell Food Centre is the most famous spot, but honestly, most local places do it incredibly well.
- Chilli Crab: Get ready to get messy! It’s a bit of a splurge compared to hawker food, but the sweet and spicy tomato-based sauce is legendary. Don’t forget the fried mantou buns to mop up the sauce.
- Laksa: A spicy noodle soup based on coconut milk and curry. It is rich, flavorful, and the ultimate comfort food after a long day of walking.

If you love diverse cultures, modern architecture, and incredible cuisine, this city-state should be top of your bucket list.
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