Planning a family trip to Singapore on a budget? This Singapore Itinerary 5 Days guide shows you how a family of three can enjoy the Lion City for under USD $1000 (excluding flights). From thrilling rides at Universal Studios Singapore to peaceful afternoons in lush free parks, and from exploring cultural neighborhoods to tasting affordable meals at Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants, this itinerary blends fun, culture, and authentic food experiences.
With smart planning, you’ll balance theme park excitement, sightseeing highlights, and local dining — all while keeping costs family-friendly.
💰 Budget Breakdown (Approx. SGD for 2 adults + 1 child)
- Accommodation (4 nights): $400
- Food (hawker + Michelin Bib Gourmand): $200
- Transport (MRT & bus): $60
- Attractions: $300 (USS + optional Gardens/Cloud Forest)
Total: ~$960
🏨 Family-Friendly Hotel Recommendations
Affordable, clean, and well-located options:
- Hotel Boss (Lavender MRT) – Central, with family rooms (~$120/night).
- ibis Budget Singapore Clarke Quay – Budget stay near Marina Bay (~$100/night).
- Holiday Inn Express Katong – Great for families, local food nearby (~$130/night).
- Value Hotel Balestier – Basic but convenient (~$90/night).
📅 Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1 – Arrival & Marina Bay
- Check-in to hotel, refresh.
- Marina Bay Walk: See Marina Bay Sands, Helix Bridge, and Merlion Park.
- Free Spectra Light Show at Marina Bay Sands (8pm & 9pm).
🍴 Dinner: Hawker Chan (Chinatown) – Michelin Bib famous soy sauce chicken rice (~$5/plate).
💵 Daily Spend: ~$90 (food + transport + hotel).
Day 2 – Universal Studios Singapore (USS)
- Head to Sentosa Island for a full day at USS.
- Tickets: ~$80/adult, ~$60/child (book online for discounts).
- Top rides: Transformers, Jurassic Park Rapids, Shrek 4D, Sesame Street Spaghetti Space Chase.
- Stroll around Sentosa Boardwalk in evening (free entry if walking).
🍴 Dinner: Alliance Seafood (Newton Food Centre) – Michelin Bib chili crab & sambal stingray (~$40–50 family meal).
💵 Daily Spend: ~$280 (USS tickets + food + hotel + transport).
Day 3 – Gardens, Culture & Chinatown
- Morning: Gardens by the Bay outdoor gardens (free). Option: Pay for Cloud Forest & Flower Dome (~$25/adult).
- Afternoon: Explore Chinatown temples & souvenir shops.
- Evening: Clarke Quay riverside stroll.
🍴 Dinner: Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle (Michelin Bib) – bak chor mee, ~$6–8 per bowl.
💵 Daily Spend: ~$120 (attractions + food + hotel).
Day 4 – Parks & Wildlife
- Morning: Singapore Botanic Gardens (UNESCO World Heritage, free).
- Afternoon: Jurong Lake Gardens or East Coast Park – great for cycling, playgrounds, picnics.
- Evening: Optional add-on → Night Safari (extra $50/adult, $35/child).
🍴 Dinner: Shi Hui Yuan Hor Fun (Michelin Bib, Mei Ling Food Centre) – braised hor fun from $4.
💵 Daily Spend: ~$100 (parks are free, food + hotel).
Day 5 – Little India & Orchard
- Morning: Little India – colorful temples, Tekka Market.
- Afternoon: Orchard Road stroll & last-minute shopping.
- Evening: Souvenir hunt at Bugis Street Market before airport.
🍴 Lunch/Dinner: Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Noodle (Michelin Bib, Chinatown) – ~$5–6 per person.
💵 Daily Spend: ~$90 (food + hotel + transport).
🍴 Where to Eat: Michelin Bib Gourmand Restaurants (Family-Friendly Picks)
Here are some tried-and-tested Bib Gourmand spots you can weave into your itinerary:
- Hawker Chan (Chinatown) – Soy sauce chicken rice & noodles.
- Hill Street Tai Hwa Pork Noodle – Minced pork noodles, one of Singapore’s most famous bowls.
- Alliance Seafood (Newton) – Chili crab at hawker centre prices.
- Shi Hui Yuan Hor Fun (Mei Ling Market) – Herbal braised noodles.
- Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle – Another Michelin hawker legend.
💡 Most dishes are under $10, making them family-budget-friendly.
🚆 Transport Tips
- Get an EZ-Link Card or Singapore Tourist Pass for MRT & bus rides.
- Family rides per day cost ~$12–15 total.
- Singapore is compact; taxis are optional but MRT is reliable and cheap.
📝 Final Tips
- Book Early for Savings
Reserve hotels 2–3 months in advance to secure cheaper family rooms and avoid last-minute price hikes. - Stay Hydrated
Carry refillable water bottles — public fountains are widely available in malls, parks, and MRT stations. - Beat the Crowds
Arrive early at attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and Gardens by the Bay to minimize waiting time, especially during weekends and holidays. - Pre-book Tickets Online
Universal Studios, Gardens by the Bay domes, and Night Safari often sell out. Online booking saves up to 20% and guarantees entry. - Best Time to Visit Singapore
For families who want the most fun and culture packed into their trip, plan around these months:- January–February: Chinese New Year – Lion dances, festive markets, and street light-ups.
- June: The Great Singapore Sale for shopping lovers and the start of the school holidays.
- July–August: Singapore Food Festival – perfect for foodies who want to try local and Michelin Bib dishes.
- September: Mid-Autumn Festival – Chinatown lantern displays and mooncake tasting.
- November–December: Christmas on Orchard – magical light displays, family activities, and cooler weather.
- 💡 If you prefer fewer crowds and lower hotel prices, March–April and October are great off-peak months with pleasant weather.
👉 With this Singapore Itinerary 5 Days, your family of three can experience the best of Singapore for under $1000 — from thrilling rides at Universal Studios and cultural discoveries in Chinatown and Little India, to relaxing in free parks and enjoying Michelin-approved meals.
💡 Before you book, don’t forget to check Singapore’s public holiday calendar. Aligning your trip with local holidays or avoiding peak dates can make a big difference in crowds, costs, and overall experience.
