How to Plan a Trip to Singapore (Step-by-Step Guide)

Singapore trip planning is one thing we do best, and the reason we created this guide is to help you plan your own trip to Singapore! This article will take you step by step through all the details.

From deciding when to go, to how much to budget, what to pack, and how to use your mobile phone while you’re there! These steps are designed to remove the overwhelm and make your Singapore trip planning process as smooth sailing as possible. 

Even if you choose to hire a travel agent to help you with all the bookings, these steps will still assist with the planning process – although you will most likely save money by booking directly through the links we provide on this website.

Follow our quick and easy guide and you’ll be on your way to planning your trip to Singapore in just 10 easy steps!

Let’s dive in…

But first… we just need to let you know this guide may contain affiliate links. If you click through and make a purchase we may earn a small commission which helps to keep this site running. We appreciate your support! Refer to our Privacy Policy.

Timeline for Planning a Trip to Singapore

The timeline outlined below is what we consider to be the ‘ideal’ timeline for planning a trip to Singapore. You may be in a situation where you’re planning a last minute trip, or one in 2-3 months time, in which case, we recommend you still follow this timeline, however you may need to speed up the research and start booking flights and accommodation asap (as prices generally continue to rise the closer it gets to your departure date).

Step 1: Research Your Trip (6-12 Months Before)

There are thousands of resources out there to help you get inspiration for your trip to Singapore. We like to use Instagram, Pinterest, Singapore travel blogs (like this one), guidebooks, and even Facebook groups! 

This part of the planning is (almost) as fun as actually going on the trip! It helps to create an online folder to bookmark useful content from websites. You can also save Instagram posts to a “Singapore Trip Planning” Collection in the app, or pin articles to a Board in Pinterest. Check out our Singapore trip planning Pinterest board here!

I like to create a list in the Notes app on my phone of all the places I think I want to visit and then start planning an itinerary around that.

Many first time visitors make the mistake of wanting to “do it all”, but remember Singapore is a big city/country and there are loads of activities. Even if you spend two weeks there it probably won’t be enough time to do everything. So really have a think about the activities that would best suit your interests. Take a look at our list of the best things to do in Singapore to get some inspiration!

Do you just want to tick off the top highlights of Singapore? Or perhaps you want to take some time to explore the hidden gems and less touristed side? Are you visiting with kids? Or with a significant other? Do you love gardens? Hiking? Museums? Walking tours? There are activities in Singapore to suit everyone.

Once you’ve bookmarked some ideas and are feeling inspired, you’ll be ready to start putting firm plans into place and book your trip!

Read: Our full guide of the best things to see and do in Singapore >>

Step 2: Decide When to Visit (6-12 Months Before)

Deciding when to visit is the first big decision you need to make during your Singapore trip planning process.

Perhaps you already have a time of year in mind for your visit, but getting to know a little about Singapore’s weather, events, and peak tourist season might help your decision making.

Weather in Singapore

The good thing about Singapore is that the temperature is fairly consistent throughout the year, that is… it’s hot all the time! Temperatures vary between 26°C to 31°C (about 79°F to 88°F) year-round, so you probably won’t need to pack a sweater!

One thing to note however, is that being a tropical climate, Singapore experiences frequent showers during the two monsoon seasons. The Northeast Monsoon occurs from December to early March and includes more frequent rain, particularly in December and January. The Southwest Monsoon runs from June to September, with lighter, more infrequent rain. 

For the driest weather, February to April are typically the best months. Note that November is generally the wettest month in Singapore.

Events in Singapore

Singapore holds a number of festivals and events each year. Chinese New Year is usually held in January/February, and the Hindu Festival of Deepavali is usually held in October or November. There is also the Singapore Food Festival in July, Singapore’s National Day on August 9, and Formula One Grand Prix in September. Christmas is also a very festive period, when the city comes alive with lights, markets and decorations.

Crowds in Singapore

The busiest tourist seasons in Singapore usually coincide with School Holidays and local festivals and events. Visiting during these times will mean that tourist spots will be more crowded, hotel prices are higher, and restaurant bookings are harder to come by.

If you prefer to visit during a quieter period, then we recommend visiting during March to May, July to August, or late September to November. You’ll potentially find better deals on accommodation during these times.

Read: Our full article on the best time to visit Singapore >>

Step 3: Decide How Many Days to Spend in Singapore (6-12 Months Before)

The ideal length of your stay in Singapore can vary depending on your interests and what you want to experience, but generally, a stay of 3 to 5 days is sufficient for most travelers.

As a general rule, for a 1-2 day trip you’ll spend most of your time exploring around the city centre – Marina Bay, Chinatown, The Quays, Bugis, Little India, Kampong Glam. 

If you have 3, 4 or 5 days then you’ll be able to venture out of the city and explore some of the districts and tourist attractions outside the city centre, such as the Singapore Zoo, Sentosa Island or Mount Faber Park.

If you are planning a trip of 7+ days, then we recommend staying in the city for half the time and on Sentosa Island for the other half of your trip.

Read: Our full guide on how many days to spend in Singapore >>

Step 4: Workout Your Budget (6-12 Months Before)

When it comes to cost, your Singapore trip budget can vary greatly depending on how many days you stay, what time of year you go, and what level of accommodation you choose.

In spite of what most people think, Singapore can actually be quite easy to experience on a budget, check out our top tips for how to do Singapore on the Cheap.

Average Costs in Singapore

Here is a quick rundown of average costs in Singapore to guide your budgeting (all costs are in SGD):

• Accommodation: A budget hotel or hostel in Singapore typically range from S$50 to S$100 per night. For a mid-range hotel, expect to pay between S$150 to S$250 per night. Luxury hotels can start at S$300 per night and go up from there.
• Food: Hawker Centre and Food Courts are the most affordable options, where you can get a dish for S$3 to S$8. Meals at a cafe or casual sit-down restaurant can cost anywhere from S$15 to S$50 per person, whereas fine dining restaurants will set you back S$60 to S$300+ per person.
• Public Transport: Single trip tickets on the MRT (metro) cost between S$0.80 to S$3 for adults. You can also get a multi-trip tourist pass starting at S$10 for one day.
• Taxi or Grab: Generally for short to medium distances within the city, you can expect to pay between S$10 to S$40 (more for longer distances or during peak periods).
• Attractions: Prices for attractions vary greatly, and there are some great free attractions, such as Gardens by the Bay, and the laser light show. Some of the best attractions like the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome, ArtScience Museum, and Marina Bay Sands Skypark Observation Deck will cost between S$20 to S$30. Some of the more expensive activities such as Universal Studios, Singapore Zoo, and S.E.A. aquarium can range upwards of S$40 to S$80.

Daily Budget Guide

Expert Tip: This guide provides average costs. You could spend more or less depending on if you travel during peak or off-peak seasons.

To give you an idea on how much you should plan to spend per day in Singapore, we recommend the following budget guide:

Budget (S$80-180 per person per day):

• Stay at Hostels
• Eat at Hawker Centres
• Use the MRT to get around
• Visit mostly free and cheap attractions
• Avoid the most expensive attractions and activities 

Mid-Range (S$200-350 per person per day):

• Stay at mid-range hotels (3-4 star)
• Dine at a combination of Hawker Centres and restaurants/cafes
• Use the MRT to get around, with the occasional taxi or Grab
• Be selective with the attractions and activities you choose.

Top End (S$450+ per person per day):

• Stay at Luxury hotels (5-star)
• Dine at the best restaurants
• Use taxi, Grab, or private transport to get around
• Experience all the top tours and attractions (or private tours).

Read: Our full guide on budgeting for a trip to Singapore >>

Step 5: Check Visa  & Passport Requirements (4-6 Months Before)

This is one step most people forget until weeks before. But truth be told it should be one of the first things to check. Can you imagine getting through the planning process and booking everything and then finding out you need to apply for a visa and it takes 2 months to go to the Embassy for assessment?

Thankfully in this digital age that’s not the case for most passport holders, and Singapore has one of the smoothest visa processing systems in the world. But this is something that is super quick to check so it pays to do it early.

Visa Exemptions

Citizens of the United States, Australia, UK, many EU states, South Korea, Japan, and several other countries have a visa exemption, which means they may enter Singapore for tourism purposes and stay up to 90 days without a visa. 

There are several other nationalities that are not exempt and will be required to apply for a visa to enter Singapore.

To get the most accurate and up-to-date information, it’s best to visit the official Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) of Singapore website for specific details regarding your nationality and purpose of visit.

Passport Validity

And while you’re checking visas, you better also check your passport validity (or apply for one if you don’t already have one). To enter Singapore you must have at least 6 months validity on your passport.

Step 6: Book Flights (3-4 Months Before)

Booking flights to Singapore at least 3 to 4 months in advance can help you secure the best rates, especially if you are traveling during peak tourist seasons.

Often booking mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) can yield cheaper fares, but you also might find a bargains on Saturdays.

We like to use Skyscanner to compare airline prices and set prices alerts for when airfares drop. We usually set alerts at least 6-8 months before departure just in case there’s an early sale we can jump on.

Singapore’s Changi Airport is a major global hub so it’s serviced by a number of different airlines. However, Singapore Airlines offers the most connections and routes to and from Singapore.

If you’re travelling from Australia, Qantas or Singapore Airlines are the two major carriers servicing this route. Scoot (Singapore Airlines low cost carrier) also services some Australian airports.

From the UK and Europe – British Airways, Emirates, or Lufthansa offer direct or connecting flights (as well as Singapore Airlines).

United Airlines and Singapore Airlines service several destinations in the US.

From other Asian cities, Cathay Pacific, Malaysian Airlines, Air India, JAL, ANA, and Thai Airways, to name a few, all have flights to and from Singapore.

Step 7: Decide Where to Stay (3-4 Months Before)

Choosing where to stay in Singapore depends on your interests, budget, and the type of experience you’re looking for. Each area has its unique characteristics and access to tourist attractions. Here’s a quick rundown:

1. Marina Bay: Close to attractions. Ideal for first time visitors and those who want to stay in the heart of Singapore. Expect to spend a bit more on accommodation in this area.
2. Chinatown: Great for those on a budget. There’s plenty of hostels and boutique hotels, as well as good Hawker Centres and affordable food options nearby.
3. Downtown: Ideal for business travellers or those looking for a quieter atmosphere or a good deal on luxury hotels during the weekend.
4. Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay: This area is bustling with cafes, bars, restaurants, and clubs. Particularly appealing for younger travellers. 
5. Orchard Road: A convenient base for those who want easy access to shopping and entertainment options, and a better deal on accommodation prices.
6. Bugis and Kampong Glam: This area is popular with visitors interested in museums and cultural attractions.
7. Sentosa Island: Ideal for families or those looking for a resort-style stay.

We generally advise to book accommodation at least 3 to 4 months in advance when there’s better availability and hotels offer better rates before they start to rise as availability decreases. 

If your travel coincides with big events like Chinese New Year or the Singapore Grand Prix, book as soon as you know your dates—ideally 4 to 6 months in advance. Hotels in prime locations can sell out quickly due to the influx of visitors.

Off-peak season can yield some great last-minute deals, but generally speaking earlier bookings tend to offer lower rates, particularly for popular hotels in prime locations.

Read: Our full guide on the best neighbourhoods and where to Stay in Singapore >>

Step 8: Book Activities & Attractions (1 Month Before)

About a month prior to your departure date is when we recommend you start finalising your itinerary and booking in restaurants and attractions. 

There are some popular attractions in Singapore that we recommend booking before you arrive, because you can take advantage of “skip the line”privileges. 

For popular attractions such as Universal Studios, Singapore Zoo, Gardens by the Bay, etc., it’s wise to book tickets at least a few weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons or around public holidays.

If travelling during off-peak season, it’s not uncommon to secure tickets on the day, but there’s always a risk of facing long lines and the more popular time slots being sold out. 

We always recommend booking tickets online in advance to secure a lower price, as well as your ideal time slot. You’ll also save time queuing at the ticket counter.

Read: Our recommendations of the best tours & attractions to book in Singapore >>

Step 9: Book Restaurants (2-4 Weeks Before)

Popular restaurants and dining experiences will also need to be booked a few weeks in advance, particularly during peak tourist season.

For highly-popular or fine dining restaurants, such as those with Michelin stars (like Odette, Burnt Ends, or Tippling Club), we suggest you book as early as possible. Reservations for this type of establishments can sometimes book up a month or more in advance, especially on weekends or evening slots.

For most other local or mid-range dining venues, booking 1-2 weeks ahead is usually sufficient time.

Casual dining spots, cafes or Hawker Centres generally don’t take reservations, so it’s first come, first serve. Tables at these spots will fill up quickly during peak dining times.

The two most popular online reservation platforms in Singapore are Chope and Quandoo. Some restaurants may offer special deals by booking through these platforms. If you can’t find a particular restaurant on Chope or Quandoo then you can usually book through the restaurants own website.

Read: Our full guide on the best places to eat and drink in Singapore >>

Step 10: Work out What to Pack

Packing for a trip to Singapore is relatively easy. Due to its tropical climate, you generally won’t need to pack any warm weather gear. 

Here’s a quick rundown of the kinds of clothes and essentials you may want to consider packing for Singapore:

1. Light weight comfortable clothing made from breathable fabrics such as cotton and linen.
2. Comfortable footwear and walking shoes for exploring the city, and sandals or flip flops for going out.
3. Swimwear for taking advantage of Singapore’s many infinity hotel pools.
4. Sun protection – sunglasses, hat and SPF, as the sun can get hot in Singapore.
5. A lightweight raincoat or umbrella – for the typical tropical weather in Singapore.
6. Reusable water bottle, as Singapores water is clean and safe to drink.
7. Type G adapter plug (same as UK).
8. Mobile phone, charger, and camera.
9. personal toiletries and medications.

Read: Our full guide on what to pack for a trip to Singapore >>

Final Tips. Don’t Forget to…

• Complete the Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) within 3 days of arrival – every visitor must complete this even if you have a Visa Exemption.
• Exchange Singapore dollars – while card is generally accepted at most places in Singapore, there are some Hawker stalls and other places where only cash is accepted.
• Book Airport Transfers – taxis are readily available at Singapore airport but if you prefer a private transfer or meet and greet service then you should arrange this through your hotel.
• Get a SIM Card – to ensure you can use data on your phone while you’re in Singapore without costing an arm and a leg.
• Purchase our Singapore Google Maps – access over 500 locations around Singapore via the Google Maps App on your phone.