Singapore
Day 1: cultural neighborhoods and Gardens by the Bay
Today you'll explore Kampong Glam, Little India, The Shoppes, and Gardens by the Bay.
Start your day in Kampong Glam
Begin your morning with a visit to Kampong Glam, a historic district rich in Malay and Arabic culture. The Sultan Mosque and its golden dome is an unmissable landmark, with a fun little walking street in front of it that’s full of Mediterranean restaurants. When in Kampong Glam, you should also stroll down Arab Street. Here you’ll find a mix of traditional textile shops and trendy cafes. The colorful murals and lively atmosphere set the tone for a fantastic day ahead.
It’s a 20-minute walk to your next location.
Explore Little India
After soaking in Kampong Glam, head over to Little India. This vibrant neighborhood is home to the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, a stunning Hindu temple filled with intricate statues. A little further along, you’ll also find the charming House of Tan Teng Niah. This is a beautifully restored Chinese villa known for its vivid colors. And if you’re feeling hungry, Little India is also a great place to grab an affordable lunch. You can find tons of eateries at Tekka Centre that offer amazing Indian dishes!
A 25-minute MRT journey is all it takes to get to your next destination.
Window-shopping at The Shoppes
Even on a budget, The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands is worth a visit. This mall is packed with fancy designer stores, luxury boutiques, and even has an indoor canal. We had a blast window-shopping and admiring the stunning interior, all without spending a dime. ;-)
Your next location is only 10 minutes away.
Catch light shows at Gardens by the Bay and the Marina Bay Spectra
When night falls, prepare to be mesmerized by Singapore’s light shows. Start at Gardens by the Bay, where the trees come to life with music and lights at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM. Then, take a short stroll to Marina Bay for the Spectra light and water show, which has performances at 8 PM and 9PM. Both shows are free and offer a magical way to end your evening. If you time it just right and leave Gardens by the Bay 5 minutes before it ends, you might be able to get a glimpse of the final minutes of Spectra in the same sitting. ;-)
Your dinner spot of the day is a 15-minute walk away.
Dinner at Makansutra Gluttons Bay
Enjoy a delicious and affordable dinner at Makansutra Gluttons Bay, our favorite hawker center in Singapore. Here we enjoyed delicious Pad Thai, Tom Yum fried rice, and arancini for about € 20, including drinks.
