One Day in Singapore: Things to Do, Attractions, Stay & Budget

Be Ready for a Delightful Sight Seeing Experience

The moment you have been dreaming for years is finally going to be a reality. You are sure to visit the City of Singapore in the near future. Naturally, you are pretty excited for your upcoming visit to the city. However hard you try to hide your excitement, still you can’t hide it. 

The Singapore City is relatively small in size compared to large-sized nations of the world. It is an island nation made up of one main island and 60 smaller islands. The country covers only about 736 square kilometres. In spite of its small size, Singapore has many attractions to offer to international travellers. They include iconic landmarks, entertainment spots, cultural districts, camera museums, gardens, adventure facilities, shopping malls, and places for dining and hotels. 

To explore all these attractions, you need around a week or more. But if you do not have this much time, then you can enjoy your time in Singapore. Only you have to selectively choose your most favourite destinations and manage your time and budget accordingly. 

When it comes to budget, Singapore offers multiple choices for both lavish travellers looking for luxurious experiences as well as those preferring to enjoy less costly or free tourist attractions. 

Here are some worth visiting destinations that you can visit in One Day in Singapore. 

Best Attractions to Explore in One Day in Singapore

1. Jewel Changi Airport

You need not go far from Changi Airport to start enjoying your Singapore exploration experience. The Jewel is linked with the Changi Airport itself.

The place features some of the most popular Singapore Must-See Attractions, including a captivating indoor waterfall. Hedge Maze and Canopy Park are also located here. The Jewel also houses retail shops and restaurants and a luxurious hotel. 

Rain Vortex

Rain Vortex is the name of the world’s tallest indoor waterfall located at the Jewel. It is a breathtaking tourist attraction themed around nature. 

Hedge Maze

The Hedge Maze is a giant-sized maze featuring tall hedges. Walking through the maze and trying to figure your way out is a thrilling experience. Hidden clues and puzzles to solve will simply add to your excitement.  

Canopy Park

The Canopy Park is a gigantic indoor garden. Here you will get many different things to see and do. You can enjoy a ride on the Discovery Slides that will drive their way through the park. Alternatively, you can cool down in the Foggy Bowls. It has two huge bowls filled with mist. The park will also grant you the opportunity to explore big sized sky nets. Walking nets and bouncing are the other attractions here. 

Petal Garden

You can also have a relaxing time in the Petal Garden. It is a beautiful garden with many captivating different flowers. Alternatively, you can walk at a leisurely pace through the Topiary Walk. It is a path adorned with sculptures made of plants. 

If you are planning to spend 2 Day in Singapore with Kids or Family, then the Hedge Maze and Canopy Park are the perfect places to visit and enjoy your time. 

The Jewel at Changi Airport also features the Petal Garden. Here you can see and fall in love with flowers from various parts of the world. 

These various attractions at the Jewel will not only give you a relaxing and refreshing time, but also provide you with one of the Nice Photo Spots in Singapore. Therefore, you can capture the enjoyable and priceless moments of your experience in your device’s camera. This will allow them to revisit later and cherish them for the rest of your life.  

You can enjoy most of these activities at a budget-friendly price, though  not all of them. The price may vary due to the demand, season, or travel plan you have chosen. To get some idea of the budget and prices, you can check out popular travel-related platforms like Tripadvisor.

You can also check the prices on Reddit through r/travel and r/singapore. Here you will get price and budget suggestions from the travellers themselves. 

If you are planning for your budget for your upcoming visit to Singapore, then too these platforms can help. To look for help on them, you just have to key in Prices for 1 Day in Singapore Tripadvisor or Prices for 1 Day in Singapore Reddit. This will throw up various results to go through. 

In the results, you can get or seek price and budget related help, advice and recommendations from experienced travellers. These include affordable transportation options, eating and dining-related charges in various restaurants, including the Average Breakfast Cost in Singapore. Here you will also get insights about whether One Day in Singapore Pass for travel is available or not, how much cash to carry, etc.

The Jewel at Changiarh airport also features various retail shops, good restaurants and a hotel. The prices for dining at these restaurants can vary between affordable to moderately priced. But if you are planning to have seafood at Jumbo Seafood, then charges here are on the expensive side. The price incurred in shopping at these retail shops depends on the brand. The facilities at the hotel are definitely pricey. 

If you want to explore all the attractions at the Jewel, then it will take around half a day. Therefore, plan your 1-Day Singapore Itinerary accordingly. 

2.   Merlion Park

Merlion Park comes next in the list of popular places to visit during your 1 Day in Singapore Journey.

Its main attraction is the Merlion Statue. It is a mythical creature that resembles a mermaid with the head of a lion. The Merlion Statue is the national symbol and pride of Singapore. It is a place of great cultural and historical significance. The statue symbolizes Singapore’s history when it used to be a humble fishing village. 

Merlion Park Activities

The Merlion Park gives you the opportunity to indulge in various recreational and relaxing activities. These include going for morning walks, performing free hand exercises or taking a leisurely stroll. The place has a serene ambience. Moreover, you will get the opportunity to enjoy delicious snacks in cafes and restaurants here. 

Merlion Park is one of the most prominent landmarks of the Singapore City. It is surrounded by popular attractions. One of them is Marina Bay Sands. The Esplanade and Gardens by the Bay are the other attractions surrounding this park. 

Most Popular Attractions

Are you finding it hard to get the answer to your question, “How to enjoy your 1 Day in Singapore? What to do there?” Then you can effortlessly get the answer to this question at the Merlion Park. 

Here you can enjoy a scenic river cruise on the Singapore River. It will  provide you a glimpse of the most popular and great-looking attractions in Singapore. This includes the Raffles Landing Site, a historically significant  place.

You can also visit the Merlion Statue at night. Moreover, you can enjoy the extravagant light and water show at Marina Bay Sands at night. It lies  some kilometres away from Merlion Park. 

You will get to enjoy LED lights, lasers, and fountains at the Marina Bay Sands. All this makes it one of the best and most sought after Night Places to Visit in Singapore. Here, you will not only get an unforgettable relaxation experience, but will also get the opportunity to pose before the camera in this one of the Most Picturesque and Nice Photo Spots in Singapore. 

3. Little India

This place is associated with rich South Indian culture. It takes around 20 minutes in a taxi from the Changi Airport to reach Little India. It offers various attractions to explore, including multiple dining and staying options in the form of hotels. 

Temple

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, a Hindu temple, is one of the foremost attractions in Little India. The temple is dedicated to Kali, the Hindu goddess Kali. She is the fierce embodiment of Shakti, and happens to be Lord Shiva’s wife, Parvati. The temple has an incredibly ornate gate in the form of Gopuram. 

The next place worth exploring in Little India is Tan Teng Niah. This  colorful building is actually the former residence of Tan Teng Niah. He was a sugarcane factory owner in the 1900s. This building is the last Chinese Villa located in Little India. 

The place also houses the Tekka Centre. It is a traditional wet market and food court. Fresh meat, seafood, vegetables, fruits and dry goods are sold here. 

You will find more groceries, teahouses, restaurants, and tailors when you move down Serangoon Road. 

Moreover, you will come across Mustafa Centre here.  This particular shopping mall is extremely famous in Little India of Singapore. Both tourists and locals can buy items of their choice here on a 24/7 basis.

Mustafa Centre

Mustafa Centre is a huge department store selling a wide variety of items. These include groceries, electronics, gold and textiles. Moreover, it deals in perfumes, Bollywood DVDs, electronics, spices, and jewelry. All these items are available at bargain prices. 

This shopping center also ends the search of international travellers asking questions like “Where to Buy Pasalubong in Singapore?” These items are available on the third floor of Mustafa Center. 

This shopping mall also offers cheap clothes, bags, jackets, sweaters and more. This thus makes it the Best Place to Shop for Clothes in Singapore. They are available for purchase on the second floor of the center. 

Therefore, if you do visit Little India, then don’t forget visiting Mustafa Center to enjoy an unrivalled shopping experience. Among the range of goods offered at this supermarket, you will definitely come across the most exciting items that you Must Buy in Singapore Supermarket of this unmatched popularity. You are assured to get a truly memorable and thoroughly enjoyable shopping experience at this ultimate supermarket. For this reason, you just can’t afford to miss a visit to this centre.  

More Attractions

The other exciting attractions available at Little India are Little India Arcade, Masjid Abdul Gaffoor, and Indian Heritage Centre. Moreover, Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple, Tekka Centre and Banana Leaf Apolo restaurant and Komala Vilas are also housed here.

For those looking for answers revolving around the question “1 Day in Singapore Where to Stay?”, Little India is a perfect place for staying purposes. 

Here you will find many budget hotels. They include Hotel 81 Dickson and Taj Hoe Hotel. Moreover, you can go to Perak Hotel and Hotel 81 Rochor for your staying needs in Singapore. Furthermore, you can choose Broadway Hotel and Sandpiper Hotel for your stay. 

Moreover, hostels are available here for staying purposes. One such hostel is Campbell Inn. Furthermore, you can also choose one of the boutique hotels here. They include The Great Madras and ST Signature Jalan Besar. They offer international travellers stylish budget stays.  

Budget Friendly 1 Day in Singapore

If you are looking for 1 Day in Singapore Budget Friendly Places for cheap eats, then too Little India is an appropriate place.

Here you can visit Tekka Center to taste different kinds of hawker food. You may also visit Komala Vilas or Ananda Bhavan to experience South Indian vegetarian food. The Cafe at Mustafa Center provides both Indian and worldwide food options for global travellers and that too on a 24/7 basis . 

Therefore, when you visit Little India, you can allow your taste buds to take liberty. Because there is no dearth of local eateries offering authentic food at pocket-friendly prices. 

4. Chinatown

For those travellers whose questions revolve around 1 Day in Singapore What to See Else in Singapore, Chinatown is a great option.  

Here you will find some very exciting ways to spend your One Day in Singapore. 

Temple

One of them is going to The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum. The Temple is devoted to the Maitreya Buddha, which means ‘The Compassionate One.’ He is also called ‘The Future Buddha’. The Ceremony Drum Beat is one of the attractions of this Chinese Buddha temple.   

Hindu Sri Mariamman temple is yet another religious place to explore in Chinatown. It is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore City. It  showcases Dravidian culture. 

Chinatown is also home to murals, colorful streets, typical gift shops and parlors. Here the influence of Chinese culture on the modern Singapore nation is clearly visible.  

On Telok Ayer Street, you can explore Thian Hock Keng temple. It is the oldest Hokkien temple in the country. 

While exploring the temple, you can view beautiful tiles in and around the temple. For your knowledge, they are the beautiful Peranakan tiles. 

If you really want to view various breathtaking tile designs from a close angle, then a visit to Peranakan Tile shop is worth your time. 

Chinese New Year period is the best time to visit Chinatown because then  you will find the entire area beautifully decorated and buzzing with activities.

Shopping

If you are fond of shopping, then do visit Chinatown Street Market. Here, you will come across Pagoda and Temple Streets. Moreover, you will come across shops selling souvenirs and handicrafts. Furthermore, they offer  street food and local goods. 

It is also worth visiting Yue Hwa Building. It houses a department store that sells traditional herbs. Moreover, it deals in calligraphy, snacks, and more.

Pek Sin Choon is a historic tea merchant that is famous for offering traditional fragrant teas. 

If you are an ardent food lover, then you can visit Maxwell Food Centre in Chinatown. Here, you can taste Hainanese Chicken Rice which is also called Tian Tian in the Chinese language. Moreover, you can experience  various other local culinary delights here. 

Furthermore, you can visit Chinatown Complex Food Centre. It is a huge hawker centre offering a myriad of diverse food options. Bee Cheng Hiang is yet another place to taste freshly barbecued meat. It is also called Bak Kwa. 

Chinatown Heritage Centre and Singapore City Gallery are great places if you are interested to know more about Chinese heritage. While the former lets you explore the lives of early migrants in restored shophouses, the latter gives you an opportunity to learn more about urban planning and development. 

If you want to have unique experiences of Chinatown, then your best options are walking tours and traditional workshops. 

Walking tours help you discover hidden stories of the area. Traditional workshops impart you an opportunity to take part in Laksa cooking or durian tasting. If you want to experience exciting Singapore Night Time, then too you can enjoy local bars and eateries in Chinatown. 

5. Kampong Glam 

Malay royalties used to live in this area in the 1800s. This place has been converted to conservation areas since 1989. 

Kampong Glam also houses Haji Lane. It is an artsy alley presenting colorful murals. Moreover, the lane features shophouses from local indie brands. Furthermore, this place is home to stylish cafes. 

Arab Street is yet another attraction in the Kampong Glam region. It is home to Sultan Mosque. It is one of the most important mosques for the Muslim community in the nation of Singapore. There are many middle eastern restaurants located in front of this grand mosque. You can relish authentic middle eastern food in one of these restaurants. Moreover, you can enjoy live entertainment in them at night.  

Parkview Square

Parkview Square is located next to the Kampong Glam area. It is the best place to explore modern architecture. Gotham Building is the other name given to the Parkview Square by locals. The building is lavishly decorated in art deco style. Moreover, you can view a few Dali sculptures in the courtyard.

If you are an ultimate lover of drinks, then you can go to Atlas. It is a grand art deco bar. It is housed in the lobby of Parkview Square. Here you enjoy cocktails or afternoon tea. 

These various exciting options at Kampong Glam make it the Best Place for One Day Trip in Singapore. 

6. Gardens By The Bay

Wondering during 1 Day in Singapore Where to Go Next?  Then Gardens By The Bay is an ideal choice. 

Gardens by the Bay is a huge futuristic nature park located within the Marina Bay area. It is known for its Supertrees and conservatories. 

Gardens by the Bay is a world-famous attraction located inside the larger Marina Bay precinct. It lies alongside the hotel and the shopping, and dining facilities. 

Entry to the general Gardens by the Bay area in Singapore is free. This includes the outdoor gardens like the Supertree Grove for viewing purposes only. Moreover, entry is free to Bay East Garden and Heritage Gardens. Furthermore, you can enter Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lake, and the Children’s Garden without paying any charge. 

Main Highlights

One of the main free highlights here is strolling the grounds. The other main highlight is a stunning Garden Rhapsody light and sound show at the Supertrees. It is organized in the night hours. Moreover, you can explore various themed gardens and sculptures here.

You only need to pay for the two cooled conservatories. They include the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest. The visit to the OCBC Skyway is also chargeable.

Garden Rhapsody (Free Entry)

So be ready to enjoy the free show Garden Rhapsody. It lets you view the Super Tree in all its glory. A matching musical number is an added attraction. The shows take place every night at 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m. Therefore, you just can’t afford to miss this grand spectacle. 

For your knowledge, the entry to the Garden Rhapsody area is free. But the visit to the skywalk is a paid affair. It gives you the opportunity to move even closer to the trees. 

If you are really looking for What to Do in Singapore for Free, then 

Gardens By The Bay is worth exploring for a refreshing and spectacular experience. 

7. Universal Studios Singapore

If you are bothered about What to See in Singapore in One Day that really excites and entertains you, then visiting Universal Studios Singapore is a great option. It is located at Resorts World Sentosa complex on  Sentosa Island at 8 Sentosa Gateway. 

The highlights of the studio include a Universal Christmas. It gives you the opportunity to celebrate with new electrifying shows. Moreover, it features meet-and-greets with fan-favourite characters. Furthermore, you can have priority access with an exclusive bracelet and charm included in the Christmas group offers.

Minion Land

Minion Land is yet another attraction at Universal Studios Singapore. It lets you step into the world of Illumination’s Despicable Me. Moreover, you can share a fun-filled day of laughs and mischief with your favourite movie characters.

One-of-a-kind theme park is still another excitement at the Studios. It lets you get a feel of Southeast Asia’s first and only Universal Studios themed park. It features world-class rides, shows, and other attractions. They center around iconic films and TV shows of the times gone by.

The only downside of this place is that its ticket is priced on the higher side.  

8. Mandai Wildlife Reserve

As a wildlife lover, you may be wondering What to See in Singapore in 1 Day that you really love from the core of your heart. Then a visit to  Mandai Wildlife Reserve is the best choice as it gives you the opportunity to be a part of the breathtaking Night Safari. 

The reserve lets you follow the paths of various fascinating animals on foot. Moreover, you will  get to explore the places where leopards, fishing cats, wallabies and others live. Furthermore, you can gain more knowledge about these wild animals. 

Moreover, you will get to take part in the captivating Creatures of the Night presentation. Here you will be viewing various interesting animals exhibiting their skills. Furthermore, you will get to learn all about their unique behaviours and traits.

You need to book your tickets in advance for the visit to this safari. Its ticket is on the higher side in spite of any available discounts. Your investment will surely pay you back by providing you with delightful and thrilling viewing experiences involving different animal species. 

9. Do Ziplining at Sentosa

If you are an ardent adventure lover, then you may be keen to know What to Do in Singapore for 1 Day to live your passion for adventure sports. Then your quest definitely ends at Sentosa where you can enjoy a great thrill by taking part in ziplining.

This adventure sports option is available at pristine Siloso Beach in Sentosa. Spanning 450 metres, the zip-line gives you incredible views of the beach area as well as the ocean. Moreover, it grants you unlimited excitement and thrill. 

Its ticket is also on the higher side in spite of any available discount offers. But the thrill and enjoyment makes it a worthwhile investing option. 

10. Tanjong Beach

Are you curious to know What to See in Singapore in 1 Day that provides you immense relaxation without costing you much? Then Tanjong Beach is an ideal choice for you. It is located on Sentosa island. Here you can swim and enjoy the quiet and peace of the beach.

Tanjong Beach looks even more stunning at night due to the lights of the city shining on the ocean. This creates a shimmering effect. 

Here, you can also visit various beach clubs along the coast to get an ultimate experience. The beach is a favorite spot for people who want to unwind and recharge themselves in the lap of nature as well as those looking for cheap things to do in Singapore.

Entry to this beach is totally free, but you have to pay for availing various facilities. The prices for taxis or shared rides vary. Food or drinks or daybeds at Tanjong Beach Club are minimally priced, though the entry to the club is free. 

If you are driving a vehicle then you have to pay either flat rates or pay on an hourly basis. This depends on the time you have to park your vehicle.

If you want to enjoy water sports like kayaks and surfboards or avail attractions like HydroDash, then you will have to shell out an extra price. 

One Day Trip in Singapore

These are not only options for your upcoming One Day Trip in Singapore. There are many more which we will talk about some other day. 

We hope the places covered here are enough to guide and inspire you for your future visit and plan it in a better way. This eventually will help you extract maximum enjoyment from visiting your carefully chosen spots in the limited time you have with you. 

Once you visit these spots, they will inspire you to return to Singapore again in the future and spend more days here for even more enjoyment and relaxation. Because One Day in Singapore is not enough as this island nation has much more to offer to avid travellers like you.

Still, a visit to the above-mentioned spots will act as a foundation for your future visits to this wonderful land, where cultures meet and people share joys and soak in the colours and sounds of the land.

Before saying goodbye to you, we would like to extend you a Grand Welcome for your upcoming visit to Singapore, the Lion City, and hope you have a great time here.

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