What activities can I enjoy during a 24-hour layover in Singapore?

Despite its small size, Singapore offers a wealth of experiences, allowing you to capture the essence of the island-state even on a brief visit.

After living in Singapore for 12 years, I've guided many friends on making the most of a 24-hour stopover. Here’s a guide to spending your time wisely before your next flight.

What’s the best way to travel from the airport to the city?

Singapore excels in public transport. You can easily take the MRT, bus, taxi, or Grab (Southeast Asia’s equivalent of Uber) from the airport straight to the heart of the city. The whole island can be crossed in just 40 minutes, making it quick to reach your accommodation, no matter where you stay. If you're on a tight schedule, utilize the luggage storage services at the airport terminals to explore without any baggage.

A Singapore Tourist Pass starts at SGD$22 per day, providing unlimited access to buses and the MRT for that duration. While taxis incur additional costs, they remain affordable. Many popular spots are conveniently close; for instance, a five-minute taxi ride can take you from Marina Bay to Chinatown, and a ten-minute ride can transport you from Little India to the luxury shopping haven of Orchard Road. The city is also quite walkable, although you might prefer to find some shade during the midday heat.

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What can I do with just 24 hours in Singapore?

To truly grasp the essence of Singapore, exploring its food is essential. Hawker centers, where locals gather to enjoy their favorite meals, are at the heart of this culture. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Heritage list, these spots are beloved by many. A fantastic starting point is Lau Pa Sat, situated near the financial district, which offers an array of dishes. Housed in a grand structure resembling an oversized bandstand, this bustling food court operates 24/7. Adjacent to it, Satay Street comes alive from 6pm each evening, with hawkers serving delectable skewers grilled over open flames.

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You can stroll around the bay or take a quick six-minute taxi ride to Gardens by the Bay, perfect for snapping an Instagram-worthy shot by the iconic Supertrees. While there, ascend to the top of the tallest Supertree for a panoramic view of the city, including sights of the sea, Marina Bay Sands, and the Singapore Flyer. If time allows, enjoy the air-conditioned comfort of the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, open from 9am to 9pm.

For your next adventure, hop in a taxi to the charming heritage area of Kampong Glam. Amidst the pastel-hued shophouses and vibrant street art, you'll discover delightful cafes and unique shops, like Sifr Aromatics, where you can create your own personalized fragrance. On the second floor of a Haji Lane shophouse, check out Type8ar, a treasure trove of vintage typewriters.

Kampong Glam is also a foodie’s paradise. Treat yourself to a sweet potato donut drizzled with palm sugar known as gulu melaka from KS Keria, try a cake infused with local flavors at Julie Bakes, or refresh yourself with a bowl of chendol (shaved ice, jelly noodles, and pandan) at Makan Melaka. Don’t miss Tarik, a former hole-in-the-wall that serves pulled tea poured from a height, now showcased in one of Kampong Glam’s largest murals.

Next, head to Sentosa Island, a hub of beach clubs, theme parks, and a historic 19th-century fort. Here, you can board a tall ship, sip cocktails, and admire the iconic Singapore skyline as you cruise along the coast.

Where should I stay in Singapore?

If you arrive at night and need a place to stay, consider two new Singaporean hotels. The stylish 21 Carpenter, located in a heritage building near Clarke Quay, boasts a stunning stainless-steel rooftop pool with views of Marina Bay—perfect for cooling off after a day of exploring. Alternatively, Artyzen, situated near the upscale Orchard Rd shopping district, celebrates Singapore’s Peranakan culture with vibrant room designs and serves traditional kopi (coffee) or teh (tea) during breakfast.

What are the costs associated with a layover in Singapore?

You don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy your time in Singapore. A budget-friendly option is the YMCA One Orchard hotel, which offers a rooftop pool and rooms starting around S$128 per night.

There are plenty of affordable and free activities as well, such as renting a bike for a small fee to cycle along Singapore's park connectors, or simply relaxing in one of the city's parks. Spread out a picnic blanket at the UNESCO-listed Botanic Garden (free entry) or on the beach at East Coast Park. You can also visit Singapore's first theme park, Har Paw Villa, established in the 1930s and showcasing sculptures from Chinese folklore, which is free to enter. However, if you're curious about what lies in the afterlife, visiting the onsite Hell’s Museum will cost S$20.

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What if I only have a few hours in Singapore?

If your layover is at least 5.5 hours, you can participate in the free Singapore tour offered by Changi Airport, provided your luggage is checked through to your final destination.

Another exciting way to explore the city is to book a vintage Vespa sidecar tour with Singapore Sidecars. The Singapore in a Nutshell tour lasts between one to three hours, taking you past landmarks like the iconic Marina Bay Sands, through the historic Civic District, and into cultural neighborhoods such as Little India and Chinatown. You don’t need a motorbike license, as the team will drive you around, allowing you to simply enjoy the ride, though you will need to get from the airport to the starting point.

If you only have a couple of hours to spare, don’t miss the stunning glass-domed centerpiece known as Jewel at Singapore’s Changi Airport. Here, you'll find cafes, high-end stores, a cinema, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, 2000 trees, and a canopy park.

Whatever you choose to do, you'll discover that a stopover in Singapore is truly rewarding.