24 Hours In Singapore-Make The Most Of A Layover - Updated 2024

Hannah
Hannah 
Updated
| 4 min read

With its wondrous architecture, world-class attractions, and vibrant districts, Singapore is a charismatic destination that captivates the imagination. This tiny city-state is a brilliant hub of history, culture, gastronomy, and shopping. Even if you only have 24 hours to visit, Singapore has an incredible amount to do, see, and explore. Marvel at the glittering sprawl of the cityscape from atop soaring skyscrapers, or take in the views as you skim the glimmering waters of the Singapore River. Tour spectacular architectural feats like the awe-inspiring Gardens of the Bay, and revel in the energetic atmospheres of neighborhoods like Chinatown and Little India. The city is a cultural oasis where you can indulge in epicurean gastronomy as you stroll through markets, discover Southeast Asian art at the National Gallery Singapore, and explore the intersection of technology and art at world-class museums. From family-friendly attractions like the Night Safari to reveling in the amazing nightlife, Singapore is filled with unbeatable experiences. Make the most of a 24-hour trip or layover, and check out these 10 tour ideas!

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1. ArtScience Museum Admission (from USD 16.25)

The lotus-shaped building of the ArtScience Museum is an iconic part of the Singapore skyline, but the inside of this beautiful building is just as impressive as its exterior. In the 21 different galleries, the disciplines of art, science, technology, and design intersect in fantastic and creative ways. The interactive displays are futuristic and unique, and the museum is always updating and changing its installations. This tour also includes admission to the Future World exhibit and the brilliant Digital Light Canvas.

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ArtScience Museum Singapore Ticket at Marina Bay Sands

12916 reviews

2. Singapore Heritage Food Tour (from USD 151.0)

Singapore brims with gastronomic flair, and you can discover new flavors and favorites in this 3.5-hour walking tour. There are so many diverse dishes to try on this foodie extravaganza! Snack on local favorites like Roti Prata, slurp down Teh Tarik, sample South Indian pancakes, and much more as you stop at hawker centers, street vendors, and old-world cafes. As you explore the Geylang Serai Market and check out Joo Chiat and Katong, you’ll feast on Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan cuisine.

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Singapore Street Food with Geylang Serai Market: Private Tour

Duration: 3 hours 30 minutes

1 review

3. Singapore Walking Tour: Secrets of Marina Bay (from USD 18.41)

24 hours in singapore | singapore walking tour: secrets of marina bay

This incredible three-hour tour lets you explore the wonderful attractions and beautiful sights in Singapore’s Marina Bay. Ramble across the Jubilee Bridge and learn about the country’s national icon, the mythical Merlion, as you head to Merlion Park. Immerse yourself in history at the Old Custom’s House before you check out the vibrant, cosmopolitan heart of Singapore’s Central Business District. The tour also takes you past sights like The Float at Marina Bay and Helix Bridge, and through the Red Dot Museum.

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Singapore Walking Tour: Secrets of Marina Bay

Duration: 3 hour

5 reviews

4. Gardens by The Bay & OCBC Skyway Combo Tickets (from USD 24.0)

24 hours in singapore | gardens by the bay & ocbc skyway combo tickets

The Gardens by The Bay is one of Singapore’s most renowned attractions, and is a breathtaking attraction to visit. This massive horticultural space is filled with exotic flora, and it is home to the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, and the spectacular Supertrees, the soaring, tree-shaped, vertical gardens. Suspended walkways swing from the tops of these Supertrees and overlook the brilliant gardens below. This tour includes admission to the gorgeous Flower Dome, the Cloud Forest Garden, and the OCBC Skyway, which affords some of the most beautiful panoramas across the Marina Bay.

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Singapore: Gardens By The Bay + OCBC Skyway Combo Tickets

Duration: 1 day

428 reviews

5. Singapore's Little India Guided Walking Tour (from USD 27.98)

singapore's little india guided walking tour

This brilliant 2.5-hour tour guides you through the vivid and energetic neighborhood of Little India. The aroma of fragrant herbs and spices float in the air as you wind your way through the narrow streets and colorful stalls. Learn about the area’s fascinating history as your knowledgeable guide leads you to a spice shop and a sari and garland shop where you can pick up unique souvenirs. Your tour will also take you to Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu monuments.

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Singapore's Little India Guided Walking Tour

Duration: 2.5 hour

24 reviews

6. National Gallery Singapore (from USD 10.29)

More than 1,000 works of art are on display in the spectacular National Gallery Singapore. This brilliant museum is the largest visual arts venue in Singapore, and it is housed in the iconic Supreme Court and the City Hall building. Strolling through the exhibits is an exploration of history and culture, as you pass by works from Singaporean and Southeast Asian artists. The museum houses both classic and modern works, and it features special exhibitions throughout the year.

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National Gallery Singapore

Duration: 1 Day(s) Duration

2059 reviews

7. 1-Altitude Viewing Gallery Admission (from USD 19.0)

altitude viewing gallery admission

Enjoy breathtaking vistas of Singapore from one of the most picturesque spots in the city. The 1-Altitude Gallery & Bar Marvel is one of the highest points in Singapore, and the Viewing Gallery provides magnificent 360° panoramas. No matter the time of day, the platform offers magnificent views and is a must-see during any trip to Singapore. There is also an al-fresco bar, and the Viewing Gallery is the perfect spot to enjoy a cocktail as you watch the sun slip behind the sparkling skyline.

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Singapore: 1-Altitude Viewing Gallery Entrance Ticket

Duration: 1 day

20 reviews

8. Singapore Chinatown Night Tour (from USD 104.1)

singapore chinatown night tour

If you’re in Singapore in the evening, this tour through Chinatown is a brilliant way to explore Singapore. This tour takes you through winding streets and helps you discover the unique cultural experiences of Chinatown. Learn about the healing practices of acupuncture, moxibustion, and tai chi in a Chinese Medical Hall, and explore the bustling stalls in a Night Market. Ride a traditional trishaw to Clarke Quay, where you’ll then board a bumboat for a nighttime cruise along the Singapore River. This unforgettable experience also includes dinner at a local Chinese restaurant.

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Singapore Chinatown Night Tour: Dinner, Trishaw & Boat Ride

Duration: 4.0 hour

94 reviews

9. Singapore Night Safari & Tram Ride (from USD 36.87)

singapore night safari & tram ride

Embark on a unique wildlife expedition at the world’s first nocturnal animal safari. This exploration highlights over 2,500 nighttime creatures, including leopards, wallabies, and fishing cats. Explore the lush exhibits of seven geographical regions as you wander along walking trails or ride along on the tram. This brilliant attraction is an exciting way to get up close and personal with some of the world’s more elusive creatures.

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Singapore: Night Safari and Tram Ride Ticket

391 reviews

10. Singapore Pub Crawl (from USD 26.0)

Explore Singapore by night on this eight-hour pub crawl! This walking tour excursion is a great way to meet new friends as your professional guide leads you to five fantastic nightlife venues. The tour includes admission to each bar and nightclub, and you’ll even receive four complimentary shots.

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Singapore Pub Crawl (SG Pub Crawl)

Duration: 3 to 5 hours

180 reviews

11. hours of adventure, exploration, and surprises

24 hours will go by in a flash as you indulge in Singapore’s fantastic art, entertainment, culinary, and cultural experiences. These tours are a wonderful way to get a taste for what Singapore has to offer. As your quick layover comes to end, you may just find yourself planning your next trip back. So if there’s a tour that you missed on this quick excursion, you’ll just have an excuse to come back!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Hannah is a freelance writer, list making aficionado, and world traveler currently based in Germany. She is an avid explorer, and believes in creating new experiences to put on her bucket list to...Read more

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