London to Singapore, Auckland, Tokyo and London Multi-City Route
Arrival and exploration in Singapore
- London Heathrow–Singapore flight — Heathrow to Singapore Changi; depart as scheduled, allowing ~17–19 hours including the direct flight and time-zone change. On arrival, use official taxis or the MRT; skip sightseeing today due to arrival fatigue.
- Jewel Changi Airport — Changi; evening, ~1 hour after baggage collection, for the Rain Vortex and easy dinner before checking in.
- Lau Pa Sat — Downtown Core; late evening, ~1 hour, for Singaporean hawker dishes such as satay and chicken rice (about S$10–25 per person).
Arrival from London
Your direct London Heathrow Airport–Singapore Changi Airport flight will take roughly 13 hours, with the full journey usually around 17–19 hours once you include the time-zone change and airport procedures. Singapore is seven hours ahead of London in August, so expect to arrive tired and a little disoriented. After landing, follow signs for immigration and baggage collection; Changi Airport is exceptionally efficient, but allow 45–75 minutes before you are ready to leave. Use an official taxi from the rank—typically S$25–40 to central Singapore—or take the MRT if you still have energy, changing at Tanah Merah for trains toward the city.
Evening at Jewel Changi Airport
Before heading to your hotel, spend about an hour at Jewel Changi Airport, connected to Terminals 1, 2 and 3 by covered walkways. The Rain Vortex is especially atmospheric after dark, when the surrounding gardens and glass roof are lit; it normally runs from 10:00 until midnight, though timings can vary. Have an uncomplicated dinner here rather than trying to start sightseeing properly—there are plenty of restaurants and food-court options, and you can keep your luggage with you. If you arrive at Terminal 4, take the free airport shuttle to the main terminals first.
Late dinner at Lau Pa Sat
Take an official taxi from Changi Airport to Lau Pa Sat in the Downtown Core—around 20–25 minutes in light traffic, longer during the evening peak. The historic market is generally open late, making it a dependable first-night stop. Try Singaporean staples such as satay, chicken rice or laksa; budget around S$10–25 per person, and carry some small cash as individual stalls may not all accept cards. After dinner, go straight to your accommodation rather than adding more sights: tomorrow is better suited to exploring, and a shower and proper sleep will make Singapore’s heat and humidity much easier to handle.
City highlights in Singapore
- Singapore Botanic Gardens — Tanglin; morning, ~2 hours, for a relaxed walk through the UNESCO-listed gardens.
- National Gallery Singapore — Civic District; late morning, ~2 hours, for Southeast Asian art in the former City Hall and Supreme Court buildings.
- Maxwell Food Centre — Chinatown; lunch, ~1 hour, with inexpensive local dishes (about S$8–20 per person).
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple — Chinatown; early afternoon, ~45 minutes, for its richly decorated Buddhist shrine.
- Gardens by the Bay — Marina Bay; late afternoon and evening, ~3 hours, combining the waterfront gardens with the Supertree Grove light show.
Morning
Start at Singapore Botanic Gardens around 8:00am, before the heat builds. Allow about two hours for the National Orchid Garden, rainforest paths, and quieter lakeside trails; the gardens open from 5:00am and general admission is free, while the orchid garden costs about S$3–5 for adults. From Tanglin, take a taxi or MRT via Stevens and Dhoby Ghaut toward the National Gallery Singapore—roughly 20–30 minutes depending on traffic. Arrive around 10:30am; the gallery is generally open from 10:00am to 7:00pm, with standard admission commonly around S$20–25. The former City Hall and Supreme Court buildings are as compelling as the Southeast Asian collection, so leave time for the courtyards and connecting galleries.
Lunch and Chinatown
Take a taxi or MRT to Maxwell Food Centre, allowing 15–20 minutes, and eat between 12:30pm and 1:30pm before the largest lunch queues. Try Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice, Ah Tai Hainanese Chicken Rice, or a bowl of fish soup; most meals cost S$5–12, though S$8–20 is comfortable if you sample several stalls. After lunch, walk a few minutes to Buddha Tooth Relic Temple on South Bridge Road. Its richly ornamented interior is best approached quietly; entry is free, shoulders and knees should be covered, and a 45-minute visit is enough. Check the temple’s visitor hours on the day, as prayer halls can occasionally close during ceremonies.
Late Afternoon and Evening
From Chinatown, take the Downtown Line from Chinatown MRT to Bayfront, or use a taxi in about 10–15 minutes, for Gardens by the Bay. Give yourself roughly three hours: wander the outdoor waterfront gardens first, then visit the Cloud Forest or Flower Dome if you want an air-conditioned break—combined conservatory tickets are typically around S$32–40 for adults. Be at Supertree Grove for the free Garden Rhapsody light-and-music show, usually at 7:45pm or 8:45pm; the later performance is often less crowded. Finish with dinner at Satay by the Bay or nearby Marina Bay, and carry water and a light layer—the outdoor paths are humid, while the gallery and conservatories can feel surprisingly cold.
Auckland arrival and waterfront
- Singapore Changi–Auckland flight — Changi to Auckland; allow ~10–11 hours plus airport formalities, with departure timed for your booked flight and early arrival at Changi.
- Auckland Airport to central Auckland — Airport to Britomart by SkyDrive bus or taxi; allow ~45–75 minutes depending on traffic, then check in and rest.
- Commercial Bay — Downtown waterfront; late afternoon, ~1 hour, for a compact introduction to Auckland’s harborfront shopping and dining.
- Auckland Viaduct Harbour — Viaduct; evening, ~1.5 hours, for a waterfront walk and dinner at a well-reviewed seafood restaurant (about NZ$35–70 per person).
Arrival and Check-in
After your flight from Singapore Changi Airport to Auckland Airport, allow roughly 45–75 minutes to reach central Auckland. The SkyDrive bus is the simplest budget option to Britomart and usually takes about an hour, while a taxi or rideshare is more convenient if you have luggage; traffic can make the trip slower at afternoon peak. Check in, shower, and take a proper break—this is not the evening to force in a major sightseeing circuit.
Late Afternoon
Once rested, walk through Commercial Bay, Auckland’s sleek downtown waterfront complex, for about an hour. It is useful for a first orientation to the city, with cafés, shops, and views toward the ferry terminal and harbor. Most retail outlets generally operate until around 7:00pm, while restaurants often stay open later. If you need a quick coffee, Daily Bread has a branch here; expect roughly NZ$6–10 for coffee and a pastry.
Evening
Continue on foot toward Viaduct Harbour, about 10–15 minutes along the waterfront. The area is at its best in the evening, when the superyachts, marina lights, and promenade restaurants give you an easy introduction to Auckland without much effort. For dinner, book a table at Soul Bar & Bistro for New Zealand seafood and modern Pacific-influenced dishes; allow around NZ$35–70 per person before drinks. Afterward, take a relaxed walk around the marina rather than adding another attraction—the waterfront is compact, and jet lag will catch up with you quickly.
Auckland city and harbor
- Auckland War Memorial Museum — Auckland Domain; morning, ~2 hours, for Māori, Pacific, and New Zealand history.
- Auckland Domain — Grafton; late morning, ~45 minutes, for a leafy walk around the city’s oldest park.
- Giapo — Central Auckland; lunch or dessert stop, ~45 minutes, for inventive New Zealand ice cream (about NZ$10–20 per person).
- Mount Eden / Maungawhau — Mount Eden; afternoon, ~1.5 hours, for volcanic-crater views across Auckland; observe any current summit access restrictions.
- Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki — Central Auckland; late afternoon, ~1.5 hours, for New Zealand and international art.
- Wynyard Quarter — Waterfront; evening, ~1.5 hours, for a relaxed harbor walk and casual dinner (about NZ$25–50 per person).
Morning
Begin at Auckland War Memorial Museum in Auckland Domain, ideally around 9:00am. Set aside about two hours for the Māori and Pacific galleries, New Zealand’s natural-history displays, and the military-history floors; the museum generally opens from 10:00am, so check the date-specific opening time and allow roughly NZ$25–35 for an adult general admission ticket. From the museum, walk straight into Auckland Domain, Auckland’s oldest park, for an easy 45-minute loop through broad lawns, mature trees, and volcanic contours. It is a particularly pleasant way to reset after the previous day’s flight, and you will not need transport between these two stops.
Lunch and Afternoon
Head downhill by bus or rideshare toward central Auckland—usually 10–20 minutes depending on traffic—and stop at Giapo on Gore Street for its inventive New Zealand ice cream. Allow about 45 minutes and NZ$10–20 per person; expect unusual flavors and elaborate portions rather than a quick scoop, so it works well as a light lunch-dessert stop. Continue by bus or rideshare to Mount Eden / Maungawhau, allowing around 15 minutes from the center. Spend roughly 90 minutes walking the lower slopes and summit path for wide views over the city and harbor. Check the current summit-access rules before setting out: vehicle access is restricted, and temporary closures or walking-only arrangements can apply. Return to central Auckland for the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki, which usually stays open until 5:00pm; give it about 90 minutes for its Māori, Pacific, New Zealand, and international collections, with free general admission but charges for some special exhibitions.
Evening
Finish at Wynyard Quarter, reached from the gallery in about 15–20 minutes on foot or a short bus ride. Wander along the waterfront promenades and pedestrian bridges as the light softens, then choose a casual dinner around North Wharf or Jellicoe Street—Baduzzi for richer Italian-style plates, The Lula’s Boat for a more relaxed waterfront setting, or the food-focused Urban Collective area for flexibility. Budget approximately NZ$25–50 per person, more at a sit-down restaurant. Keep the evening unhurried: Wynyard Quarter is best enjoyed as a final harbor stroll rather than another tightly timed attraction, and winter daylight fades early in late August, so arrive by about 5:00–5:30pm.
Tokyo arrival and central neighborhoods
- Auckland–Tokyo flight — Auckland to Narita; allow ~11 hours plus airport procedures, then reserve ~1.5–2 hours for the Narita Express or airport limousine bus into central Tokyo.
- Shibuya Scramble Crossing — Shibuya; evening, ~45 minutes, for Tokyo’s iconic pedestrian spectacle.
- Shibuya Sky — Shibuya; evening, ~1.5 hours, for panoramic views from the rooftop observation deck; reserve a timed entry.
- Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka — Shibuya; dinner, ~1 hour, for affordable conveyor-belt sushi (about ¥2,000–4,000 per person).
Arrival and Check-in
After landing at Narita International Airport, allow 1.5–2 hours for immigration, baggage, and the trip into Tokyo. The Narita Express is the most straightforward option to Shibuya Station—reserve a seat and expect roughly 90 minutes—or take an airport limousine bus if your hotel is near a major stop. Keep the evening deliberately light after the long flight: check in, leave larger luggage at your accommodation, and use an IC card such as Suica or PASMO for the rest of the night.
Evening in Shibuya
Head first to Shibuya Scramble Crossing just after sunset, when the surrounding screens and streams of pedestrians make the intersection especially atmospheric. The best free view is from the upper levels of Shibuya Station or the Shibuya Magnet building; spend around 45 minutes wandering the surrounding Center-gai and Dogenzaka streets before your timed entry at Shibuya Sky. The observation deck is at Shibuya Scramble Square, directly above the station, and gives you a superb first look at Tokyo from the rooftop—on clear evenings, Mount Fuji may be visible. Reserve a specific time online, arrive 15–20 minutes early, and check the weather policy; tickets are typically around ¥2,000–2,500, with the rooftop occasionally closing in strong wind.
Dinner
Walk down Dogenzaka to Uobei Shibuya Dogenzaka, a lively, inexpensive sushi restaurant where individual plates arrive on high-speed lanes after ordering from the touchscreen. Expect about ¥2,000–4,000 per person; queues are common, but they usually move quickly, and you can join the list before browsing nearby streets. It is a good first-night meal—casual, fast, and open late—though the restaurant’s hours and ordering system can change, so check the current listing on the day. After dinner, keep the return walk short and turn in early; Tokyo’s late-night energy will still be there tomorrow.
Tokyo cultural districts
- Meiji Jingu — Harajuku; morning, ~1.5 hours, for a forested shrine experience beside central Tokyo.
- Takeshita Street — Harajuku; late morning, ~1 hour, for youth fashion, snacks, and colorful street culture.
- Koffee Mameya Kakeru — Kiyosumi-Shirakawa; lunch and coffee, ~1.5 hours, for a focused specialty-coffee experience (about ¥2,000–4,000 per person; reservations may be needed).
- Senso-ji — Asakusa; afternoon, ~1.5 hours, for Tokyo’s oldest temple and the Kaminarimon gate.
- Nakamise-dori — Asakusa; late afternoon, ~1 hour, for traditional souvenirs and street snacks.
- Tokyo Skytree — Oshiage; evening, ~2 hours, for high-altitude city views and dinner in the Solamachi complex (about ¥2,000–5,000 per person).
Morning
Start around 8:00am at Meiji Jingu, entering through the broad, shaded paths from Harajuku Station. The walk through the cedar forest feels remarkably removed from the surrounding city; allow about 90 minutes to see the main shrine buildings, and keep voices low during ceremonies. Admission is free, though opening hours follow sunrise and sunset, so an early start is especially worthwhile in August before the humidity rises. From the shrine, it is only a few minutes on foot to Takeshita Street. Spend about an hour browsing its brightly styled shops and sampling crepes or the famously oversized rainbow cotton candy, but expect crowds from late morning onward. The side streets around Cat Street are generally calmer if you need a breather.
Lunch and Afternoon
Take the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line from Omote-sando toward Kiyosumi-Shirakawa, allowing roughly 30–40 minutes including the walk and transfer. Settle in for the coffee-led tasting experience at Koffee Mameya Kakeru, where a curated flight and light food typically costs ¥2,000–4,000 per person. Reservations are sensible because seating is limited and the experience can run 90 minutes; confirm the day’s booking and menu before setting out. Afterwards, continue by Tokyo Metro toward Asakusa, usually around 25–35 minutes. Begin at Senso-ji, approaching through the imposing Kaminarimon gate and taking time around the main hall and incense burner. It is free and generally open throughout the day, though the temple grounds are much more atmospheric before the evening crowds disperse.
Evening
Wander along Nakamise-dori after visiting the temple, when the historic shopfronts and snack stalls make an easy, unhurried transition toward Oshiage. Try ningyoyaki cakes, rice crackers, or traditional sweets, keeping in mind that many smaller vendors close by early evening. Walk or take the Toei Asakusa Line one stop to Tokyo Skytree; reserve a timed Tembo Deck ticket if you want guaranteed sunset access. Allow about two hours for the observatories and dinner in the Tokyo Solamachi complex, with casual Japanese restaurants and food-court options generally costing ¥2,000–5,000 per person. For the clearest views, arrive before sunset and watch the city lights come on; trains back toward central Tokyo run frequently from Oshiage Station.
Return to London
- Tsukiji Outer Market — Tsukiji; early morning, ~1.5 hours, for a final seafood breakfast and market walk (about ¥1,500–4,000 per person).
- Tokyo Station Marunouchi — Marunouchi; late morning, ~1 hour, for the historic red-brick station and surrounding architecture.
- Narita Express from Tokyo Station to Narita Airport — Tokyo to Narita; depart ~3.5–4 hours before the London flight, allowing ~1 hour for the train and airport check-in/security; continue onward to London Heathrow.
Early Morning
For a London-bound flight from Narita International Airport, leave central Tokyo about 3.5–4 hours before departure. Begin at Tsukiji Outer Market around 7:30am, when the lanes are lively but not yet at their busiest. Wander through the covered streets and small seafood counters, choosing a simple breakfast—perhaps sashimi, grilled fish, tamagoyaki, or a bowl of rice—for roughly ¥1,500–4,000 per person. Most stalls open in the morning and close by early afternoon, but individual hours vary; bring cash, avoid eating while walking, and remember that the market is still a working food district rather than just a sightseeing area.
Late Morning
From Tsukiji, walk about 15 minutes to Higashi-Ginza Station and take the Tokyo Metro Hibiya Line to Ginza, then continue on foot toward Tokyo Station Marunouchi, or simply walk the roughly 25 minutes if the weather is comfortable. Spend about an hour around the station’s grand red-brick façade and the broad Marunouchi streets. The plaza is especially photogenic in the morning, while the surrounding office district has good underground cafés if you want one final coffee; KITTE Marunouchi is a useful nearby stop for a quick drink, restroom, or last-minute gift without straying far from the railway station.
Departure to Narita
Collect your luggage and board the Narita Express from Tokyo Station approximately 3.5–4 hours before your London flight. The journey to Narita International Airport takes about an hour, with reserved seating and space for larger bags; check the departure board carefully because not every service runs directly to the terminal you need. At the airport, allow around two hours for check-in, security, and exit formalities—more if you are checking luggage or travelling during a busy evening period. This leaves a sensible buffer before continuing onward to London Heathrow Airport.
