24 Hour Trips
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24 Hour Trips 〰️
24 Hours in Singapore 🇸🇬
If you’ve only got one day in Singapore, don’t stress, you can actually pack in a ton without feeling like you’re just racing around. The city is ridiculously easy to get around thanks to the MRT, and there’s this amazing mix of street food, futuristic buildings, and old traditions that makes it feel different from anywhere else in Asia. Here’s how I’d spend a full day here if I wanted to hit all the highlights, eat like a local, and still have time to just soak it in.
24 Hours in Singapore | How to Make the Most of One Full Day in Singapore
9:00 AM – Start at Tiong Bahru Bakery ☕🥐
Kick off your morning in Tiong Bahru, a neighborhood that mixes old-school charm with trendy cafes. At Tiong Bahru Bakery, order the famous Kouign Amann (buttery, caramelized layers that are basically life-changing) and a flat white to get you moving. If you want something lighter, their almond croissant is flaky perfection.
Pro Tip 💡 Grab a seat outside if you can, it’s the best way to people-watch as the neighborhood wakes up.
10:30 AM – Chinatown Wander + Sri Mariamman Temple 🏮
Next stop: Chinatown. Walk past the colorful shophouses, check out the quirky shops tucked into side alleys, and then head toward Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. The front tower is covered with brightly painted statues that look even more detailed up close. It’s a nice contrast to the fast pace of the market streets just outside.
Pro Tip 💡 If you see a hawker stand with a long line of locals, that’s your sign, jump in line. It’ll be worth the wait.
12:00 PM – Maxwell Food Centre Lunch 🍜
By now, you’ll be hungry, and Maxwell Food Centre is the spot. Here’s your game plan:
Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice – silky chicken, garlicky rice, and chili sauce that ties it all together.
A bowl of Laksa – spicy, coconutty noodle soup that feels comforting even in the heat.
A tall cup of fresh sugarcane juice – sweet, refreshing, and perfect against the humidity.
💡Pro Tip Don’t try to sample everything, stick to 2–3 dishes max so you can actually finish and keep moving.
2:00 PM – Gardens by the Bay 🌳
Walk off lunch at Gardens by the Bay, Singapore’s futuristic green space. The Supertree Grove feels like something straight out of a sci-fi movie—towering vertical gardens lit up at night but still incredible during the day. Walk the OCBC Skyway for sweeping views, then step inside the Cloud Forest Dome if you want to see a giant indoor waterfall surrounded by lush greenery.
Pro Tip 💡 Buy tickets online ahead of time—it saves you from standing in the brutal sun at the entrance.
4:00 PM – Merlion Park & Esplanade 🎭
Instead of heading into a museum, stroll over to Merlion Park, home of the half-lion, half-fish statue that’s basically Singapore’s mascot. From here, you’ll have killer views of Marina Bay Sands, the skyline, and the water. Keep walking along the promenade and you’ll reach the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, a quirky dome-shaped building locals joke looks like a durian. This whole area is buzzing in the late afternoon, with performers, buskers, and perfect spots for photos.
Pro Tip 💡 Go just before sunset—the light hits the skyline perfectly for photos, and it’s way less harsh than midday.
6:00 PM – Dinner at Candlenut 🍲
For dinner, give your feet a break and sit down at Candlenut, the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan (Straits Chinese) restaurant. The vibe is cozy yet modern, and it’s a great way to dive into Singapore’s heritage cuisine without the hawker center chaos. Must-try dishes include:
Buah Keluak Chicken – tender chicken braised with earthy black nuts (a Peranakan signature).
Blue Swimmer Crab Curry – rich, creamy, and perfectly spiced.
Chap Chye – a comforting braised vegetable stew that balances everything out.
Pair it with a cold beer or a glass of wine and just enjoy slowing down.
Pro Tip 💡 Reserve ahead of time, Candlenut books up quickly, especially for dinner.
7:30 PM – Clarke Quay Nightlife 🌊
After dinner, head over to Clarke Quay, where the river comes alive with neon lights, music, and packed riverside patios. If you’re into nightlife, this is where you’ll find it, Zouk is the club to know, but there are also plenty of laid-back spots. Even if you’re not drinking, the colorful buildings and lively atmosphere make it worth a stop.
Pro Tip 💡 Try a Singapore Sling here, it’s sweet, fruity, and iconic, even if it’s a bit touristy.
9:00 PM – Night Safari at Singapore Zoo 🐅
Here’s something you won’t find anywhere else: the Night Safari. You board a tram that rolls quietly through different habitats where animals like leopards, elephants, and hyenas roam in naturalistic enclosures. The lighting is subtle, so it doesn’t feel staged, and the whole experience is strangely peaceful.
Pro Tip 💡 Book tickets in advance, slots often sell out, especially on weekends.
11:00 PM – End at Marina Bay Sands Light Show ✨
Finish the night back at the bay with the Spectra Light & Water Show outside Marina Bay Sands. Lasers, fountains, and music all sync together with the skyline glowing in the background, it’s a proper “wow” moment to end your 24 hours.
Pro Tip 💡 The best viewing spot is right at Event Plaza outside the Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, get there a few minutes early for a front-row view.
