Instead of waiting at the airport for your connecting flight, choose a long layover to explore a new city. Singapore is the perfect place for a long layover as the airport is close to the city centre and there’s lots to see and do. It also helps you beat the jetlag for your final destination as you have some time to adjust to the different time zones. We’ll take a look at how to spend a long layover in Singapore.

Rachel standing in front of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel in Singapore. — Outside the Marina Bay Sands Hotel

Planning Your Layover

I spent 36 hours in Singapore on a long layover between Sydney, Australia and Cebu, the Philippines. I’m glad we opted for a longer layover so we could actually go out and see some of this impressive city, and I recommend you do the same. I didn’t get time to see everything I wanted to in Singapore, but that just means I’ll have more things to do next time I have a layover there.

If you plan on leaving the airport during your layover in Singapore, make sure you have a visa. I had a 96-hour VFTF visa issued on arrival so I didn’t need to apply for one, but you can check the immigration website for the visa requirements for your country.

If you have an overnight layover then you’ll want to book accommodation. Not only is this a good idea so you can get some sleep, but it’s also somewhere to freshen up between flights. You can also store your bags there while you’re out in the city. I booked a space pod hostel for my stay in Singapore. Not only was this a unique experience, it was affordable and in a great location. I would recommend this hostel if you want to try something different and you’re only in Singapore for a night or two.

If you’re not staying overnight, then you may want to leave your luggage at the airport while you explore the city. You might also consider the Changi Aiport lounges to have a shower and freshen up between flights.

Getting around Singapore is easy, you can take the MRT or use Grab for taxis.

Things to Do

A long layover isn’t enough time to see all of Singapore so you’ll want to choose just a few activities for your time here.

Changi Airport

I know I said you should get out of the airport and see the city, but the airport is an attraction of its own. If you’ve not got enough time between flights there’s plenty to do at the airport. The Jewel is an iconic spot in Changi Airport and one of the reasons this airport is so fascinating. In the centre of the Jewel is a 40-metre-high rain vortex surrounded by plants, which is actually the tallest indoor waterfall in the world. The evening is the best time to visit as it’s all lit up in different colours. There are different shops and restaurants surrounding the waterfall on different levels. The Jewel is located in Terminal 1 before departures. This means you need to see it before you go through security to leave Singapore, or when you first arrive in the country. Try not to make this mistake or you could end up missing out.

There is more in the Changi airport to keep you entertained during your layout. The Canopy Walk is a bridge above the Jewel which allows you to get a different view of the rain vortex and forest from above. You can also try the Sky Nets suspended above the airport, or the hedge maze and a mirror maze. There’s also a flower garden if you’d like something more relaxing. Otherwise, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from, a cinema, and many huge retail stores to shop at. Entering the Jewel is free, but some of these activities require a ticket at an additional fee.

Rain vortex in a pink light at the Jewel Changi Airport in Singapore. — The Rain Vortex at The Jewel Changi Airport

See Singapore From Above

Singapore’s city skyline makes it an impressive view to witness from above. The SkyPark Observation Deck is the perfect place for this. Located in the Marina Bay area, the SkyPark is in Tower 3 of the Marine Bay Sands Hotel. The entrance is on the ground floor of the tower and an escalator will take you to the ticket desk. Tickets cost around $26 Singapore dollars and it’s open from 11 am to 9 pm. I’d recommend visiting just before sunset so you can watch the city turn from day to night.

Once you have your ticket, you take the 30-second elevator up to the 57th floor. Once at the top you can walk around and enjoy the incredible views of the city below. It’s a great place to start your layover in Singapore so you get a birdseye view of the city and where everything is located. You can purchase drinks and snacks at the top, which I’ll be honest are a little pricey, but I did end up purchasing a frozen Singapore Sling cocktail because this seemed like the perfect place to enjoy one.

If you have a bigger budget than I did, I’d choose to eat at the Ce La Vi Restaurant at the top of the hotel. It definitely looks like a luxury experience and I imagine it would be incredible.

Singapore cityscape from the top of the SkyPark Observation Deck at the Marina Sands Hotel — View from the SkyPark Observation Deck

Immerse in Nature

From the SkyPark Observation Deck, you’ll no doubt spot the Gardens By The Bay. Gardens By The Bay is a landscaping masterpiece, a fusion of surrealism and nature. It feels like something out of the Avatar movie. It’s something you need to see in person to appreciate and enjoy. The main attraction is the super trees that are up to 50 metres high. We visited in the daytime due to our layover time, but this really comes alive at night. At 7:45 pm and 8:45 pm daily, the light show begins. I won’t tell you too much more to spoil the surprise, but it’s free to witness, just choose your spot to watch the show and enjoy.

There are also a few different areas of the Gardens By The Bay which you can explore. You can get joint tickets for this and the SkyPark if you know you’ll be visiting both. The other attractions include the cloud forest and flower dome. These are both exciting displays to walk around and be immersed in.

Marvel at Art

Another popular activity to do in Singapore is to visit the Art Science Museum. Entry is around $32 Singapore dollars and tickets allow you to explore the museum and the Future World exhibition. I particularly enjoyed this exhibition as it felt very futuristic and surreal, particularly the room with all the lights hanging around in front of you. It’s an immersive experience and enjoyable for both adults and children. You get to experience digital art in a fun and playful way. The museum is an iconic spot in the city and a respite from the humidity outside. It’s also a great activity to do when it rains.

Gardens By The Bay in Singapore — Gardens By The Bay

Shop and Eat

Singapore is known for its luxury shopping outlets, there are many to visit and experience. The Jewel Changi Airport will give you a taste of what’s to come. If you want to explore more of this side of Singapore, visit Orchard Road where you’ll find ION Orchard and Paragon House, the mecca of designer brands.

If you’re less into luxury but still want to see what Singapore has to offer check out Chinatown. There are lots of little gems here and great places to eat at. Haji Lane is a beautiful street to wander down, there are murals painted all over the walls. Down this street you will find, bars, cafes and local shops. It feels very different to the more luxurious side of Singapore and an area that I would highly recommend visiting for yourself. Next to Haji Street is Arab Street, where you will find more local shops as well as a beautiful mosque.

There’s plenty more that Singapore has to offer but in a short layover these activities should keep you busy. Always ask your taxi drivers for recommendations as these people are the locals who know the city best.

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How to Spend a Long Layover in Singapore