48 Hours In Singapore
My husband and I spent 48 hours in Singapore our way back from Bali. Everyone I spoke to said a trip to Singapore is perfect as a stop back from Bali since you can cover a lot of ground in a short period of time. I had heard a lot of great things about Singapore, but honestly did not expect to love it so much.
Seriously, I’m obsessed.
First, it’s a city filled with details that make it SO aesthetically pleasing. There are so many things the city does to "show itself off" and entertain its visitors (light shows, street art, buildings, to name a few).
Second, Singapore is SO clean and beautiful. At one point during our trip, we fully laid down on the cement to watch one of the light shows. But more on that later.
Third, it's definitely a city/country you can see in a very short period of time.
Here's how we spent 48 hours in Singapore. And if you're booking a trip to Singapore and want more help planning, check out my Singapore travel guide.
48 Hours In Singapore
Day 1
Marina Bay Sands Hotel
Our cab ride from the airport to the Marina Bay Sands Hotel was about 15 minute. The Marina Bay Sands Hotel is probably one of the most photographed hotels in the world. When we arrived, I felt like I was in a Vegas hotel except without the cigarette smoke + casino game noises (although there actually is a casino in a separate part of the hotel).
This hotel is also famous for the amazing rooftop/infinity pool, which, let's be honest, was the main reason for picking this as a place to stay. You can only access this pool if you're a guest of the hotel. (Note: if you're a guest, make sure everyone in your party has a room key. Otherwise they will not let you in the pool section.) This hotel is definitely more of a splurge, but worth it in my opinion.
Lunch @ Maxwell Hawker Centre
You cannot spend 48 hours in Singapore without going to a Hawker Centre. Hawker Centers are basically the equivalent to food courts - a big open-air space with multiple different food shops. They are a big part of Singapore's food culture... there are 100+ Hawker Centres in Singapore! Anthony Bourdain had raving reviews about a number of stands, specifically at the Maxwell Hawker Centre. First we tried Fuzhou Oyster Cake, home of the Fried Oyster Cake. The Fried Oyster Cake is literally the only thing on the menu, but it's so good. Anthony Bourdain had a good point. If you've been in business for years, with only one thing on the menu…you must be doing it right. The second place we tried was Tian Tian Hainanese - famous for their Chicken Rice.
*Lau Pau Sat is another popular Hawker Centre, known for their satay stalls. At night, they block off the street too.
Marina Bay Sands Pool + Ce La Vi
We made our way back to the hotel where we headed straight to the pool. If you're looking to get pictures without 839 guests in the way, you'll have much better luck getting to the pool first thing in the AM (we did that our second morning). Regardless, we were able to get some fun pics and even enjoyed a few drinks in the pool lounge chairs. We also checked out Ce La Vi, the rooftop lounge/restaurant, to grab an appetizer + another round of drinks.
Spectra Light & Water Show
Remember how I said there are so many things Singapore does to show itself off to visitors? Enter the Spectra Light & Water Show. The show is located right outside the Marina Bay Sands mall area. The show is at 8p and 9p on Sunday-Thursday and 8p, 9p, and 10p on Fridays/Saturdays. The good seating for this show filled up fast, but you can always stand in the back. It's about 15 minutes of lights, lasers, water movement, + music. It's so cool!
Gardens By The Bay Rhapsody Light & Sound Show
After the Spectra show, we headed to the Gardens By The Bay show. We didn't think anything could top the Spectra Light & Water show, but Gardens by the Bay proved us wrong. Walking into the area, we were both in awe of the huge trees lit up with sparkling lights. When the music started we decided to lay on the ground and stare up to watch the lights/show. I know, it sounds gross. But I swear, Singapore is so clean, I didn't even think anything of it. This also has multiple showings: 7:45p and 8:45p, and is 15 minutes. The show is free, so you literally just walk in and watch.
After the show, we walked along the elevated OCBC Skyway and saw gorgeous views of the surrounding gardens and the city all lit up.
Spago
To end the evening, we went back to the Marina Bay Sands and got dinner at Spago, one of the rooftop restaurants. The restaurant has sliding doors that open the inside to the outside, so the view of the city was amazing. We at at the lounge and ordered sushi and some appetizers. You really can't go wrong with anything on the menu.
Day 2
Breakfast @ Ya Kun Kaya Toast
You HAVE to try Kaya Toast. It's a popular breakfast dish in Singapore, and is essentially buttered toast with Kaya (coconut/egg jam) on top with a side of soft boiled eggs. The place we went to recently closed, but I have heard Ya Kun Kaya Toast is a super popular chain for Kaya Toast (hence the name).
Fullerton Hotel
We decided to spend our second night at the iconic Fullerton Hotel. It's filled with so much history, and even used to be Singapore's General Post Office. The best part was our room had views of the Marina Bay Sands, which was especially nice at night.
Explore Sentosa Island
After dropping off our bags at the Fullerton Hotel, we took a taxi and headed to Sentosa Island, the most southern part of continental Asia. The beach was super tropical and everything was so clear. If we had more time, we probably would've spent a half day here lounging on the beach. BUT if you're pressed for time during your 48 hours in Singapore, you can easily explore in an hour. It's only about a 40 minute round trip drive from where we were staying.
Lunch/Walk Around Boat Quay
We came back and walked around Boat Quay. It's situated along the Singapore River, so it's filled with waterfront views. We spotted a restaurant that had a cute seating area right on the riverfront, Dallas Steakhouse.
Gardens By The Bay
We walked off our meal by walking to the Gardens of the Bay. Gardens by the Bay are 250 acres of living gardens, with a very futuristic and innovative feel. They really showcase Singapore's commitment to sustainability and greening. We explored the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome exhibits. Both conservatories display a diverse range of flora from around the world, including rare and exotic plants. Cloud Forest was my favorite - a modern greenhouse complete with a massive waterfall. This place is just...amazing and such a cool experience. My husband was obsessed and still talks about how it's one of the coolest things he's been to. Definitely be sure to experience this during your 48 hours in Singapore!
Dinner @ La Belle Epoque Restaurant & Bar
We loved the Boat Quay area so we came back here to find a spot for dinner. The restaurant we came across recently closed, but the owners reopened another restaurant in the same location. If it's run the same way as the previous restaurant, it's amazing. The staff was super friendly, and the location was gorgeous at night. We ate dinner outside with views of the Marina Bay Sands all lit up. It was heavenly! After dinner, we walked back to our hotel and enjoyed the Marina Bay Sands "laser show" from across the river. It was the perfect way to end our trip to Singapore.
The Quick List
Day 1:
Stay @ Marina Bay Sands
Lunch @ Maxwell Hawker Centre
Marina Bay Sands Infinity Pool
Spectra Light & Water Show
Gardens By The Bay Rhapsody Light & Sound Show
Dinner @ Spago
Day 2:
Stay @ the Fullerton Hotel
Breakfast @ Ya Kun Kaya Toast
Sentosa Island
Lunch/walk around Boat Quay
Gardens By The Bay Exhibits
Dinner @ La Belle Epoque Restaurant & Bar
Looking for more?
*Check out my Singapore travel guide post for my 3 must-dos during your 48 hours in Singapore
*Check out my Singapore travel guide which includes where to stay, how to get around, 40 things to do, and 45+ places to eat/drink during your trip to Singapore
*This post is not affiliated with any of the mentioned establishments.