Singapore is the easiest, cleanest and most efficient trip in Asia, a city state where futuristic gardens, world-class food and multicultural neighbourhoods sit within a short train ride of each other. This 5 day Singapore itinerary covers the icons, the culture and a day on Sentosa without rushing, and shows exactly what it costs in your own currency.
See every price in your money. Pick your home country below and all the costs on this page update instantly.
Quick facts before you book
Best time to go: Singapore is warm and humid year round, so there is no bad time. February to April is slightly drier, and the city is superb for indoor attractions whenever it rains.
Daily budget: around 130 US dollars a day for comfortable mid-range travel, or about 80 US dollars a day eating at hawker centres and using the MRT.
Visa: some nationalities enter visa-free while others, including Indian passport holders, need an e-visa arranged before travel through an authorised agent. Confirm your rule in the GlobeDude Explorer.
The route at a glance
One day for Marina Bay, one for the cultural quarters, one on Sentosa, one for nature and shopping, and a final morning at Jewel Changi before you fly. The MRT metro links almost everything cheaply.
Day by day
Day 1: Marina Bay
Start at the heart of modern Singapore. See the Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion, walk the waterfront, then spend the evening at Gardens by the Bay, where the Supertree light and sound show runs free after dark. The Cloud Forest and Flower Dome domes are worth the ticket.
Day 2: Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam
Eat your way through Singapore’s cultures. Chinatown for temples and hawker stalls, Little India for colour and spice, and Kampong Glam with the Sultan Mosque and the street art and boutiques of Haji Lane. This is the city at its most characterful, and its cheapest.
Day 3: Sentosa
Cross to Sentosa island by cable car or the boardwalk for a full day of fun: Universal Studios Singapore, the S.E.A. Aquarium, beaches and zip lines. Pick one or two big attractions rather than trying to do everything, and stay for the evening light show.
Day 4: Nature and Orchard Road
See the greener side. The Singapore Zoo and Night Safari are among the best in the world, or spend a calmer morning in the UNESCO-listed Botanic Gardens. Afternoon on Orchard Road for shopping, or the National Museum if you prefer history.
Day 5: Jewel Changi and fly out
Have a final hawker breakfast, then head to the airport early to see Jewel Changi, with its indoor waterfall and gardens, which is a genuine attraction in its own right. Few airports are worth arriving early for, but this is one.
What this trip actually costs
Per person for a mid-range trip. Pick your home country above and the flight row updates with live return fares from your nearest hub:
| Expense | Per person |
|---|---|
| Accommodation, four nights | 440 US dollars |
| Food | 140 US dollars |
| Transport (MRT) | 35 US dollars |
| Tours and entries (Gardens, Sentosa, zoo) | 170 US dollars |
| Est. flights from your country | Pick your country above |
| Total for the trip, with flights | 785 US dollars |
Compare it to your income in the Salary Goes Furthest tool.
Where to stay
Stay near an MRT station and you can reach everything fast. Bugis, Chinatown and Clarke Quay are central and lively, while Geylang and Little India have cheaper rooms. Find hotels in Singapore on Agoda.
Getting around
The MRT is fast, cheap and covers the whole island, including the airport. Tap in with a contactless card or buy a stored-value pass. Taxis and ride-hailing are reliable but pricier, and the city is very walkable in the cooler evenings.
Book ahead
Universal Studios, the Gardens by the Bay domes and the Night Safari are much smoother with tickets bought in advance. Browse tours and tickets in Singapore on GetYourGuide.
Stay connected
A travel eSIM gets you online the moment you land, so maps and ride-hailing just work.
Pay at the real rate: a Wise account avoids the markup on Singapore dollars. Cover the trip with SafetyWing, and compare flights to Singapore across dates.
Frequently asked questions
Is 5 days enough for Singapore?
Yes, and it is close to ideal. Five days covers Marina Bay, the cultural neighbourhoods, a full day on Sentosa and the zoo or gardens, with time to enjoy the food. Three days is enough for the highlights alone.
How much does a Singapore trip cost?
Around 785 US dollars per person for a mid-range five-day trip excluding international flights, covering hotels, food, transport and attractions. Eating at hawker centres and picking one big attraction keeps it lower.
What is the best time to visit Singapore?
Any time, as it is warm year round. February to April is marginally drier, but the city is built for its climate and most top attractions are comfortable in any weather.
Do Indians need a visa for Singapore?
Yes, Indian passport holders need a Singapore e-visa arranged before travel through an authorised agent. It is straightforward, but it is not visa-free, so allow a few days. Check your rule in the GlobeDude Explorer.
Is Singapore expensive?
Hotels and alcohol are pricey, but food and transport are excellent value. Hawker centre meals cost a few dollars and the MRT is cheap, so day-to-day spending can be very reasonable.
This itinerary is AI assisted and reviewed before publishing. Costs, opening hours and visa rules change, so confirm current details before you book. Some links above are affiliate links that support GlobeDude at no extra cost to you.
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