A tight, realistic route through the essentials — built for a first visit, paced so you're not sprinting between MRT stations. Swap any afternoon for a rain contingency; Singapore's downpours are short but genuine.
Day 1 — Central & Marina Bay
Skyline, gardens, and the CBD
Merlion Park
The obligatory photo, and a clean first read of the skyline across the bay.
Gardens by the Bay
The Supertrees and at least one conservatory dome — book ahead in peak season.
Lunch at a nearby food court
Refuel before the afternoon heat properly sets in.
Marina Bay Sands SkyPark
The infinity-pool view, without needing to be a hotel guest.
Gardens by the Bay light show
Free, and worth timing dinner around.
Day 2 — Chinatown, Little India & Kampong Glam
Three neighbourhoods, three cultures
Chinatown Complex
A working hawker centre and wet market, not a tourist recreation of one.
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
A short, worthwhile stop in the middle of Chinatown.
Little India
Serangoon Road's markets and some of the city's best-value food.
Kampong Glam & Haji Lane
Sultan Mosque, then browsing the independent shops on Haji Lane.
Dinner in Kampong Glam or Katong
Middle Eastern grills near the mosque, or a longer trip out to Katong for Peranakan food.
Day 3 — Sentosa or Gardens & Museums
Pick your pace — island day or culture day
Cable car to Sentosa
Or the short walk across the boardwalk if you'd rather skip the queue.
Beach time or Universal Studios
Depending on whether you're travelling with kids.
S.E.A. Aquarium
A calmer indoor option if the weather turns.
Sunset at Siloso or Palawan Beach
Before heading back for a last dinner in the city.
Add a half-day trip to Pulau Ubin for a completely different pace, or the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Tiong Bahru for a quieter, more residential side of the city.