Traveling abroad is always enjoyable, not just for tourist attractions but also for the memories made with loved ones. Part of flying to far-flung countries includes layovers, where you have a break between flights and can spend time exploring the airport or the city. While it can be nice to take a break and relax at the airport, there’s so much more you can do during a layover than most people realize. If you have a layover in Singapore, there are plenty of activities and excursions to enjoy, depending on how long you have in the Lion City.

Here are the best ways to maximize your layover in Singapore.

5-Hour Layover: Explore Jewel Changi Airport

If you have a layover of five hours or less, staying at Changi Airport and visiting Jewel is a great choice. Jewel Changi Airport has lots of activities to keep you entertained. You can take in the beauty of the stunning Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, and explore the lush Shiseido Forest Valley.

For some retail therapy, Jewel offers a wide range of stores where you can pick up fashion items, electronics, and unique souvenirs. If you’re hungry, there are a wide variety of dining options, from local favorites at Five Spice to international spots like Shake Shack and Tim Ho Wan.

If you’re in the mood for a coffee or a refreshing drink, head to Starbucks or visit Tiger Street Lab. There’s also a kid-friendly Canopy Park, which features fun attractions like mazes, bouncing nets, and a giant slide.

With its mix of nature, shopping, dining, and entertainment, Jewel Changi Airport will make your layover fly by.

8-Hour Layover: Shop at Bugis Street Market and Visit Merlion Park

To experience the vibrant energy of Singapore, start your journey at Bugis Street. Follow the signs directing you to the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) station at Changi Airport and take the East-West Line towards Tanah Merah. Transfer to the Downtown Line at Bugis MRT Station, which is just a short walk away from Bugis Street. The travel time is approximately 30 minutes.

At Bugis Street Market, you can shop for trendy clothing, unique accessories, and a variety of local souvenirs. The market is also a food lover’s paradise, with numerous stalls offering delicious street food, from satay and fried snacks to refreshing fruit juices and traditional desserts.

After shopping, it’s also nice to visit the iconic Merlion Park. To get there, head back to Bugis MRT Station and take the Downtown Line towards Chinatown, alighting at Bayfront Station. From there, it’s a short walk to Merlion Park, home to Singapore’s famous Merlion statue.

Take the opportunity to capture photos of the iconic Merlion statue, which has the head of a lion and the body of a fish, symbolizing Singapore’s beginnings as a fishing village and its original name, “Singapura,” meaning “Lion City.”

12-Hour Layover: Go Beyond the City Centre

Begin your exploration of Singapore at the Science Centre Singapore in Jurong. To get there, you can take the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) from Changi Airport. Follow the signs to the MRT station and board the East-West Line towards Tuas Link. Alight at Jurong East Station and transfer to the Jurong East Bus Interchange or take a short taxi ride to the Science Centre.

Immerse yourself in interactive exhibits and engaging displays covering topics such as technology, ecology, and space exploration. Don’t miss the outdoor Kinetic Garden, where you can view interactive installations that demonstrate scientific principles in action.

After a visit to the Science Centre, continue your journey to the Uttamayanmuni Buddhist Temple. Head back to Jurong East MRT Station and take the East-West Line towards Pasir Ris. Alight at Boon Lay Station and take a short taxi ride to the temple. The journey should take approximately 30 minutes.

Uttamayanmuni Buddhist Temple offers a serene retreat from the city’s hustle and bustle. Explore the temple grounds adorned with intricate sculptures, colorful prayer flags, and tranquil ponds. Pay your respects at the main shrine and take in the spiritual atmosphere of this sacred site.

Conclude your 12–hour layover with a visit to Bangkit Market. From Uttamayanmuni Buddhist Temple, hop on a taxi or take a short walk to the nearest bus stop and catch a bus towards Bangkit Road. Bangkit Market offers a glimpse into the local community’s rich culinary scene. Explore the bustling market stalls offering fresh produce, traditional snacks, and local delicacies. Try out authentic Singaporean flavors as you sample hawker favorites like Nasi Lemak, Laksa, and Chicken Rice.