How to Spend a 24-Hour Layover in Singapore

Getting from the Airport to the City: Singapore's efficient public transport system makes it easy to get to the city from the airport. Options include the MRT, buses, taxis, and Grab (Southeast Asia’s Uber). The journey takes around 40 minutes. Consider using the airport's luggage storage facilities for hands-free exploration.
Exploring Singapore in a Day:
1. Food Adventure at Hawker Centers:
o Lau Pa Sat: A 24-hour hawker center in the financial district offering a wide range of local dishes. Nearby Satay Street comes alive in the evening with vendors serving skewers of meat cooked over hot coals.
2. Gardens by the Bay:
o Supertrees: Take stunning photos and enjoy a 360-degree view of the city from the tallest Supertree. If time permits, visit the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories.
3. Kampong Glam:
o Explore pastel-colored shophouses, street art, and unique cafes. Visit Sifr Aromatics for bespoke perfumes, Type8ar for vintage typewriters, and sample local treats like gulu melaka, gateaux, and chendol.
4. Sentosa Island:
o Relax at beach clubs, explore theme parks, and visit historical sites. Enjoy a cocktail cruise on a tall ship for panoramic views of the Singapore skyline.
Accommodation Options:
- 21 Carpenter: A design-led hotel near Clarke Quay with a rooftop pool offering Marina Bay views.
- Artyzen: Located near Orchard Road, this hotel features vibrant rooms inspired by Peranakan culture and offers traditional coffee and tea at breakfast.
Budget-Friendly Activities:
- YMCA One Orchard: A budget hotel with a rooftop pool, costing around S$128 per night.
- Free Attractions: Visit the Botanic Gardens or East Coast Park, cycle along parkway connectors, and explore Har Paw Villa (entry to Hell’s Museum costs S$20).
Short Layover Options:
- Free Singapore Tour: Available for layovers of at least 5.5 hours, offered by Changi Airport.
- Vespa Sidecar Tour: A one to three-hour guided tour covering major landmarks and heritage areas.
- Jewel at Changi Airport: Features cafes, designer stores, a cinema, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, and a canopy park.
No matter how short your stay, Singapore offers a variety of activities to make your layover memorable.