Singapore may be small, but it’s packed with sights, flavors, and culture. Whether you’re stopping over or enjoying a short getaway, you can experience a lot in just 24 hours. The best part? Singapore is senior-friendly, with excellent public transport, plenty of benches for resting, and clean, accessible facilities. Let’s explore the best of Singapore, one district at a time!
A Little About Singapore
Located at the southern tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore is a vibrant island nation that blends modernity with deep-rooted history. Once a humble fishing village, it transformed into a major global hub after gaining independence in 1965. Today, it’s known for its towering skyscrapers, lush green spaces, and multicultural society. The vibe? A mix of fast-paced city life and tranquil garden escapes, making it a great destination for both adventure and relaxation.
Singapore is a melting pot of cultures, with influences from Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Western traditions. This diversity is reflected in its food, architecture, and festivals. Despite its small size, Singapore punches well above its weight in terms of attractions, making it an exciting yet easy-to-navigate destination.
Singapore Changi Airport – A Destination in Itself
Changi Airport isn’t just a place to catch a flight – it’s an experience. Consistently ranked as one of the world’s best airports, it features indoor gardens, a butterfly park, a rooftop swimming pool, and even a massive indoor waterfall at Jewel Changi. If you have a long layover, you can enjoy free movies, relax in the lounge, or explore the world-class shopping and dining options.
If you have 24 hours, take the opportunity to explore Singapore. Getting from the airport to the city is a breeze. The MRT (subway) runs directly from Changi Airport to the city center in about 30 minutes, making it the most budget-friendly option. Taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab are also readily available and reasonably priced. If you’re carrying luggage, the airport shuttle service is another convenient possibility. With such easy transport options, there’s no stress in getting from the runway to the heart of Singapore!
Morning: Marina Bay & Chinatown
Marina Bay – Start with the Iconic Skyline
Marina Bay is the epitome of Singapore’s modern skyline, a glittering waterfront filled with architectural marvels. It’s where the city’s futuristic ambitions meet green spaces and cultural landmarks. The area is home to some of the city’s most famous sights, like the towering Marina Bay Sands and the beautiful Gardens by the Bay. Expect a mix of business professionals, tourists snapping photos, and locals enjoying a morning jog along the waterfront promenade.
- Merlion Park – Snap a picture with Singapore’s famous half-lion, half-fish statue. It’s free, and the view of Marina Bay Sands is stunning.
- Gardens by the Bay – Visit the Supertree Grove, a futuristic garden with massive tree-like structures. The Cloud Forest is a cool retreat if the morning heat is too much.
- Marina Bay Sands SkyPark – Want a bird’s-eye view? The observation deck offers sweeping city views (skip the infinity pool – it’s only for hotel guests!).
Chinatown – Heritage and Hawker Delights
Stepping into Chinatown is like stepping into Singapore’s past. Amidst the shophouses and lantern-lit streets, you’ll find temples, traditional medicine halls, and markets selling everything from silk to street food. This is where Singapore’s early Chinese immigrants settled, and it still holds on to its rich heritage despite modern influences. The vibe here is a mix of old and new—trendy cafés sit next to age-old temples, and bustling hawker centers feed both office workers and curious tourists.
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple – A beautiful, ornate temple said to house a tooth of Buddha.
- Chinatown Complex Food Centre – A great place to try Singapore’s famous hawker food. Maxwell Food Centre nearby is another excellent choice. Try Hainanese chicken rice!
Budget Bites: Liao Fan Hawker Chan (Michelin-starred soy sauce chicken for under $5!)
Stay: Porcelain Hotel – Affordable, stylish, and in the heart of Chinatown.
Afternoon: Little India & Kampong Glam
Little India – A Burst of Colors and Spices
Little India is a sensory delight—colorful, fragrant, and always bustling. The streets are lined with vibrant shophouses, flower garlands, and the rich aroma of Indian spices. This is where Singapore’s Indian community thrives, keeping traditions alive through food, temples, and lively markets. The energy here is infectious, and the mix of history, culture, and street vendors makes it a must-visit.
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple – One of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples, filled with intricate carvings.
- Tekka Centre – Great for Indian street food. Try roti prata with curry or a cup of teh tarik (pulled tea).
Budget Bites: Komala Vilas – A local favorite for vegetarian South Indian meals.
Kampong Glam – Malay Heritage & Arab Street
Kampong Glam is where Singapore’s Malay and Arab heritage shines. Once home to Malay royalty, this area blends history with hipster cafés and boutique shops. The golden domes of Sultan Mosque dominate the skyline, while Haji Lane is packed with colorful street art, trendy fashion, and Middle Eastern eateries. The relaxed yet vibrant atmosphere makes it a great place to wander and soak in the multicultural charm.
- Sultan Mosque – A grand mosque with golden domes, perfect for photos.
- Haji Lane – A fun street lined with quirky shops and cafés.
Budget Bites: Zam Zam – Serving legendary murtabak (stuffed pancake with meat and egg) for over 100 years.
Stay: Hotel NuVe – A cozy and affordable boutique hotel in Kampong Glam.
Evening: Clarke Quay & Sentosa Island
Clarke Quay – Riverside Dining
Clarke Quay is the heart of Singapore’s nightlife, but don’t let that fool you—it’s also a fantastic spot for a leisurely riverside walk. The colorful, restored warehouses now house restaurants, bars, and live music venues, making it an ideal place to soak in the evening ambiance. You’ll see a mix of retirees enjoying a quiet dinner, young professionals unwinding, and tourists taking in the dazzling city lights.
- Boat Quay & Clarke Quay – A beautiful place for an evening stroll by the Singapore River.
- Singapore River Cruise – A relaxing way to see the city lights without too much walking.
Budget Bites: Song Fa Bak Kut Teh – Famous for peppery pork rib soup.
Sentosa Island – End with a Beach Escape
Sentosa is Singapore’s resort island, where the pace slows down, and tropical vibes take over. It’s home to sandy beaches, theme parks, and luxurious resorts, but there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to enjoy it too. Whether you’re lounging on the beach, taking a scenic cable car ride, or catching a free outdoor light show, Sentosa is the perfect way to wind down your day.
- Skyline Luge & Skyride – A fun, easy-going ride with great views.
- Beaches of Sentosa – Palawan Beach is a quiet spot to enjoy the sea breeze.
Budget Bites: Malaysian Food Street (inside Resorts World Sentosa) – Great variety at reasonable prices.
Stay: Costa Sands Resort – An affordable option for a beachside stay.
Getting Around Singapore
Singapore’s MRT (subway) is the fastest and cheapest way to travel. Payment is super easy with either the EZ-Link card or you can also use contactless bank cards or mobile wallets with the SimplyGo system for fare payments. Taxis are available but can be pricey. For short distances, walking is a great way to explore – just carry an umbrella for sun or rain!
SimplyGo System
The SimplyGo System in Singapore allows you to simply tap your Visa or Mastercard credit cards as you enter the subway. The fare is charged directly to your credit card. No additional travel card is needed. You can also us your mobile wallet on your smart phone or download the SimplyGo app. It is incredibly easy to use and efficient.
EZ-Link Card
In Singapore, the EZ-Link card is a rechargeable, contactless smart card used for public transport (MRT, LRT, and buses) and can also be used for payments in certain stores and supermarkets.
- Where to use: All public buses, MRT and LRT trains, SMRT and TransCab taxis, ERP and carpark payments (with 2GIU), Food & Beverage outlets, Shopping & Retail outlets, Leisure & Entertainment outlets, Government Services, Community Clubs, Transport services: taxis and private buses, Self Services like Vending Machines, photo copying and photo printing services.
- How to use: Tap the card on the reader to pay for your fare.
- Where to buy: Passenger Service Centres in train stations, any SimplyGo Ticket Office, or convenience stores like 7-11, Buzz, and Cheers.
- Cost: A standard EZ-Link card costs S$10, which includes a S$5 non-refundable card cost and a S$5 credit.
- Top-up: You can top up your EZ-Link card at Top Up Kiosk (TUK) at train stations, SimplyGo Kiosks at selected MRT stations, bus interchanges and Integrated Transport Hubs, SimplyGo Ticket Offices, Cheers and 7-Eleven convenience stores, ATMs (DBS/POSB and OCBC), AXS Stations, and selected car parks that accept EZ-Link card payments.
Singapore Tourist Pass
- What it is: A special EZ-Link card offering unlimited travel on Singapore’s basic bus services, MRT, and LRT trains for a specific duration.
- Where to buy: Selected MRT SimplyGo Ticket Offices or at 24/7 Automated SimplyGo Kiosks.
- Types of passes: 1-day, 2-day, 3-day, 4-day, and 5-day passes.
- Cost: 1-day pass: $17, 2-day pass: $24, 3-day pass: $29, 4-day pass: $37, 5-day pass: $45.
- Where to use: All public buses, MRT and LRT trains.
Final Thoughts
Singapore is a fantastic place to explore, even in just one day. It’s the perfect stopover on your way to Thailand or Cambodia. The city is safe, clean, and easy to navigate, making it perfect for retirees looking for a stress-free adventure. Whether you love history, food, or just a beautiful skyline, there’s something here for everyone. So pack light, wear comfy shoes, and enjoy the Lion City!
