Singapore is the ideal destination for foodies, culture vultures and nature lovers alike. Its proximity to Perth makes it perfect for a long-weekend getaway or a pit stop on the way to Europe. But there is so much to see and do here, that no matter how long I go for, I always find myself wishing I had an extra day or two.

All visitors are required to complete a Singapore Arrival Card (SGAC) within three days (including the day of arrival) before arriving in Singapore. This is a simple and free process which can be done online or on the MyICA Mobile app.

A taxi into the centre of Singapore from Changi Airport takes about 25 minutes. If arriving late at night, this may be the more convenient option. However, I usually jump on the underground train (MRT), which takes about 45 minutes and only costs $S2.40 ($2.70) — you can tap on and off with whatever bank or money card you are travelling with.

As well as being cheap, the MRT is a safe, clean and reliable way to get around the city. The East/West (Green) line has direct links from the airport (with a quick change at Tanah Merah), so choosing a hotel on this line is my go-to. Look at accommodation around City Hall, Bugis, Raffles Place and Tanjong Pagar.

The East/West line intersects with the North/South (Red) line at City Hall so hotels around Dhoby Ghaut, Somerset and Orchard stations are also a good option.

It’s worth finding accommodation that’s close to an MRT station, you will appreciate it when you are on your way back from a day exploring the hot and humid city (and a pool never goes amiss).

Even better if you can find a hotel that’s located on top of a station. I recently stayed at the Sofitel City Centre, which is above Tanjong Pagar MRT. It’s in an excellent location on the edge of Chinatown, and very walkable to the CBD and riverfront areas too.

+ Oasia Downtown, Amara Singapore, Carlton City Hotel and Mondrian Singapore Duxton are within easy walking distance of the station.

Swissotel The Stamford is connected to City Hall MRT and has rooms with two double beds, which makes it ideal for families. City Hall is a good base for exploring the Civic District, the riverfront and Clark Quay.

+ Grand Park City Hall, Pullman Hill Street and lyf Funan are near the MRT, so worth considering too.

JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La has a direct link to Somerset MRT. Its rooftop infinity pool has lovely views over the city and is perfect for a cooling dip after a day spent exploring Orchard Road’s shopping malls.

+ Hilton Singapore Orchard, Pullman Singapore Orchard, Holiday Inn Express and Concorde Hotel Singapore are all less than 400m from the station.

Frasers House (formerly the InterContinental Singapore) is an elegant and stylish hotel which has easy access to Bugis MRT. Kampong Glam’s attractions are a 10-minute walk from here.

+ Andaz Singapore by Hyatt also has a direct link to Bugis MRT, or the Parkroyal on Beach Road is a short walk away.

While the MRT is a great way to get around (and there are excellent bus routes too), it can make you see the city in compartments, not realising how easy it is to walk from one district to the next. I recommend getting out early in the morning, when it’s cooler, on foot. Doing this has really helped me get my bearings around the city.

Here’s my suggestion for a three-day itinerary to see the best of what the city has to offer.

Day 1: Chinatown & Kampong Glam

Morning There are brilliant murals on the walls of Chinatown. Yip Yew Chong is the most prolific, but you will find many paintings by other artists too. There is a self-guided trail here: thecuriousjournal.com/chinatown-street-art/ but weaving in and out of the streets and laneways between Chinatown and Maxwell MRTs will give you a taster.

Nanyang Old Coffee Stop off for morning tea and a look at the quirky coffee museum on the top floor.

Chinese Heritage Centre Fascinating museum with original shophouse interiors from the 1950s which tells the stories of Chinatown’s evolution and its migrant residents.

Lunch Hawker centres are clean and provide delicious and cheap food. You’ll find a wide selection at Maxwell or Amoy Street hawker centres (try Hainanese chicken rice, wanton noodles, char kway teow or laksa). Many stalls are cash-only.

Afternoon Explore Kampong Glam where you will find Sultan Mosque, Haji Lane, colourful shophouses, more street art and Malay, Turkish and Middle Eastern cuisine. I’m looking forward to revisiting the Malay Heritage Centre, which has been closed for refurbishment since 2022. It’s due to reopen on April 25. It contains five galleries exploring what it means to be Malay in Singapore, from early 19th century to present day. It was good before; I have high hopes for the revamped version.

Tarik Enjoy an afternoon teh tarik (or coffee) at this hole-in-the-wall cafe opposite Sultan Mosque.

Evening The dishes kept on coming the last time we dined in Anatolia Restaurant on Arab Street. Delicious Turkish fare and generous, friendly staff. On the way back to Bugis MRT, pop into Atlas Bar for a nightcap.

Day 2: Civic District

Morning Make your way to the river (walkable from City Hall or Chinatown, or MRT it to Clark Quay) and take a stroll east along the riverbank. You will pass some Colonial gems (Old Parliament, Victoria Concert Hall, Asian Civilisations Museum) as well as the Fullerton Hotel. Continue on to see the Merlion or cross the Anderson Bridge and make your way back along the other side.

Asian Civilisations Museum Discover the connections between Asian cultures and the rest of the world in this treasure trove of beautiful artefacts over 13 galleries.

Lunch There’s so much variety in the hawker centres that I’d happily try a different one every day. I really like Market Street Hawker Centre, in the CapitaSpring building in Raffles Place which has 56 stalls over two floors.

Afternoon or sunset A cruise is a lovely way to see the sights along the river. Cruises take about 40 minutes and if you time it right, you will see the city’s skyscrapers in sunlight, through sunset, then lit up against the night sky.

Evening If you cruise in the afternoon, revisit CapitaSpring to enjoy sunset and a pre-dinner cocktail at Arden rooftop bar, which has one of the best views over the city. I’ve heard dinner at Kaarla is out of this world. It’s on my list.

Day 3: Green spaces

Botanic Gardens (including National Orchid Garden). If you are short on time, just do the orchid garden, it’s stunning, but the wider gardens have a lot to offer.

Brunch There are several branches of Killiney Kopitiam in Singapore but the original shop in Killiney Road (near Somerset MRT) offers the most authentic experience. Try kaya butter toast dipped in soft-boiled egg, seasoned with soy and white pepper (don’t knock it till you’ve tried it), chee cheong fun or chicken curry and roti prata. This is a cash-only venue.

Afternoon Enter Fort Canning Park from nearby Dhoby Ghaut MRT and walk through this verdant space to the Fort Canning Flagstaff and down the steps to Hill Street. Check out the Fort Canning Tree Tunnel, giant rain trees, colonial buildings, the Gothic Gate, spice gardens and a banana tree trail along the way.

From Hill Street it’s less than a 10-minute walk to the Peranakan Museum, which is an interesting way to spend a couple of hours. Nine galleries which showcase Peranakan culture and featuring ornate hand-carved furniture, exquisite painted porcelain, intricate beadwork, jewellery and textiles.

Evening You will find excellent Indian food at Tekka Centre in Little India (it’s a great spot for breakfast after a morning stroll around the colourful streets) but for refined Indian cuisine, push the boat out and dine in the Tiffin Room at Raffles. My mouth is watering thinking about the Mera Dabba set menu, which starts from $S86 ($95).

If you dine early enough, there may be time to fit in the light show at Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay. You can catch a bus (106, 133, 502 or 518) outside Raffles Hotel, alighting at Bayfront B. Light shows start at 7.45pm and 8.45pm.

Got more time

Gardens by the Bay Especially Supertree Grove, Cloud Forest and Flower Dome.

Singapore Zoo Home to more than 4200 animals over 300 species.

Tiong Bahru Hawker market, Art Deco architecture, eclectic boutiques and cool cafes.

Emerald Hill Beautifully restored shophouses, away from but close to, busy Orchard Road.

Sentosa It’s not just theme parks — take the cable car across to explore lovely beaches, Fort Siloso and rainforest walks.