A story-driven 3-day Singapore itinerary exploring Boat Quay, hawker culture, rooftop bars, and the iconic Jewel Vortex during Formula 1 weekend.
Singapore greeted us with a rhythm I could feel before I understood it — a pulse humming through its skyline, its people, and its streets. Landing during Formula weekend meant stepping straight into high gear: crowds everywhere, the soft thunder of the track in the distance, and a city vibrating with anticipation. It wasn’t overwhelming… it was electric. And in the middle of it all, four friends dropped into the rush, ready to sync ourselves to Singapore’s heartbeat.
Changi Airport set the tone immediately. Instead of rushing for a taxi, we followed the signs to The Jewel, and the moment the Rain Vortex revealed itself, I finally understood why people talk about it like a pilgrimage. The whole space felt surreal — part nature sanctuary, part futuristic dream — and for a second, it didn’t feel like an airport at all.
Stepping into Singapore felt like stepping into a polished, hyper-organized version of the big-city energy I imagined. I expected it to feel a bit like Times Square — all skyscrapers and spectacle — but the city had its own rhythm. Despite being more expensive than Malaysia, Singapore didn’t feel nearly as extreme as New York or even Turks and Caicos. Tourist-friendly, efficient, and surprisingly walkable, it welcomed us fast.
We checked into Heritage Collection on Boat Quay, and that’s when Singapore threw its first curveball. There’s no roadside entrance. None. We dragged our luggage along the busy riverside walkway, weaving through crowds already buzzing for the F1 weekend. It was a chaotic, funny, slightly confusing start — but by the time we reached our compact room, it already felt like the kind of travel story we’d laugh about later.
And honestly? Tiny rooms aside, Heritage Collection redeemed itself with one perfect detail: free laundry. After two weeks on the road, that felt like luxury.
We wandered along the river for the rest of the night, letting Boat Quay and Clarke Quay reveal themselves through color and sound. At Wings Bar, live music poured into the walkway like an open invitation. Neon Pigeon was pulsing with energy. Somewhere between a stop at Safre and trying the Chicken Rendang burger at Burger King — because how could I not? — I started to understand Singapore’s cultural mash-up.
Everything felt familiar, and yet unlike anywhere else.
The next morning started with pastries and coffee at Paris Baguette (SGD 37.10 for the group), followed by grabbing some cash before the day’s big plan: a walking tour with Adam, our guide and easily one of the coolest locals we met on the trip.
For three hours, he unfolded Singapore’s past and present through architecture, food, and alleyways. We explored the brilliantly colored Old Hill Street Police Station, wandered Chinatown’s hidden corners, and tasted our way through Maxwell Food Centre and Lau Pa Sat. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple rose above us in deep red tiers, and Adam’s stories — part history, part humor — made the place come alive.
At Tekka Centre, we crossed from the Chinese side into the Indian side, where we later returned for lunch. He also dropped local recommendations like Singapore Zam Zam and the mysterious “Nameless Crab.” After the tour, we cooled off with ice cream, grabbed cold beers from Pasha, and let our feet recover before diving into Indian dishes: naan, butter chicken, mutton, dhal, and a honey-ginger drink that I’m still thinking about.
By late afternoon, we slipped into the historic Long Bar at Raffles Hotel for the original Singapore Sling. It tasted light and fruity by design — created to disguise alcohol because women weren’t allowed to drink publicly. The history made every sip feel iconic.
We freshened up and slipped back into the city for cocktails at Jigger & Pony — a pear & tonic for me, a yuzu whiskey sour that honestly ruined other whiskey sours forever — and rooftop drinks at Arbora before dinner at Jungle on Ann Siang Hill. The menu changes often, but our spread of northern duck laap, sugarcane-smoked pork jowl, grilled barramundi, and southern crab yellow curry felt like an edible map of the region.
We ended the night drifting along Boat Quay, letting the neon reflections and river breeze carry us home.
Our last full day started at Da Shi Jia Big Prawn Noodles — for bowls rich with broth and giant prawns that looked like they came straight from a seafood fairytale.
Then we escaped the city heat with a walk across Henderson Waves, Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge. We’d hoped to do the full Southern Ridges trail, but part of the forest walk was closed due to slippage earlier in the year. Still, the curved wooden architecture and green views were worth the climb.
Later, we cooled off with craft beers at The Good Beer Company before embracing a bit of chaos — hunting down free F1 viewing spots. Singapore during Formula 1 is no joke. Boat Quay was packed, the energy electric, and even without tickets the atmosphere was contagious. We checked out spots around Suntec City and Marina Square, joining crowds craning for glimpses of turns 6 and 7.
When the engines roared through the night, Singapore took on a different personality — fast, loud, and fully alive.
Singapore surprised me in every way. I went expecting a high-rise city with Times Square energy, and instead found a place that blends culture, history, and polished city life with effortless flow. As a curious explorer and culture seeker, it was easy to fall into rhythm here — from hawker classics to rooftop cocktails to quiet moments along the river.
If you’re planning 3 days in Singapore, especially near Boat Quay, expect compact rooms, incredible walks, and food inspired by its multicultural roots. And if you’re visiting during Formula 1? Embrace the crowds — the energy is part of the experience.
But for a tag-along trip with friends, Singapore delivered exactly the adventure I didn’t know I needed.
