Singapore is known for its spectacular airport. During a layover, you can spend all of your time at Changi airport BUT if you’re hoping to get out and explore on your own, this is the itinerary for you! This Singapore layover guide will provide you with the best places to check out during a long layover in Singapore.
How to spend your Singapore layover
So you’ve just landed and you’re ready to make the most of your Singapore layover. 24 hours isn’t a lot of time but it’s enough to get a feel for the city and will give you a chance to experience the mix of Asian culture. Let’s break it down!
Morning:
Take the train directly from the airport (or grab a cab) and make your way over to Haji Lane. If you’re able to get an early start, you just might miss the crowds! This area was formerly known as the Muslim Quarter but is now riddled with independent boutiques, cafes and known for its spectacular street art. It’s a great spot if you’re after unique souvenirs to bring home or with you to your next destination.
From there, you can make your way over to Common Man Coffee Roasters for a quick brekky or Apartment Coffee for a coffee break. This will give you the opportunity to decide what you want to do with the rest of your day.
Afternoon:
The next stop is Gardens By the Bay. You can spend hours here if you want, wandering through the many attractions. The Supertree Grove is made up of beautifully designed canopies that are there to provide shade on sunny, humid days and display colour lights throughout the evening. You can also see the gardens from a different vantage point if you stroll along the OCBC Skyway that connects the Supertrees! Don’t forget to book tickets ahead of time to ensure you get a slot. You’ve also got the option to head over to the Cloud Forest where you can learn about rare plants or venture through the Flower Dome – the largest greenhouse in the world.
If you find you’re getting a little hungry, walk down the road and check out Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre. It’s known for it’s diverse range of foods with local and international options. There’s something for everyone!
Next, you have two options. You can either continue your garden exploration at Singapore’s Botanic Gardens and then check out the best of Singapore’s shopping on Orchard Road OR you can spend the rest of your day at Sentosa Island.
Sentosa Island can be found right off the southern coast of Singapore’s mainland, so you don’t need to go far! The island has a picturesque floating rope bridge that will lead you to three artificial beaches. There, you can soak up the sun and play some water sports before heading back to the mainland.
Siloso Beach is the right spot if you’re looking for a lively vibe and beach clubs, Palawan Beach isn’t quite as busy but still has shops and it’s where you can get a photo with the hanging bridge! Tanjong Beach is the third beach. It’s a little further out and quieter for those looking to escape the crowds.
Evening:
When the evening rolls around, the party isn’t over. There’s still a lot happening within the city – but the question is, can you keep up?
If you’re going to make the most of your Singapore layover, you can’t miss out on Marina Bay Sands. This iconic hotel is nothing short of spectacular and is a must-see! Keep in mind that you won’t be able to use the rooftop infinity pool unless you’re staying at the hotel BUT they can’t stop you from sipping a cocktail while overlooking the entire city.
Afterwards, you can head to Clarke Quay to continue the party. This is Singapore’s entertainment district so you’ll find heaps of restaurants, bars and clubs. If you’ve got enough energy to hit up a club, here’s a list of some of the best bars/clubs in the area!
Your Singapore Layover is Over
By the time your layover is up, you’ll probably be exhausted from a long day of activities. You’re sure to have an excellent sleep on your next flight and will need to come back to Singapore when you have more time to fully explore the country!
Looking for more budget travel tips? Head over to my TikTok or Instagram and I’ll be back shortly with a new blog.
Cheers,
Amy x
