Solo Travel in Singapore on a Budget

Singapore is one of the most expensive places in the world! So, you might think solo travel in Singapore is not a good idea. I’d say don’t rule it out too quickly because guess what, I traveled to SIngapore solo for under $60/day. In this post, I’ll share with you all my tips on navigating this country solo. From what to do, where to eat, and how to travel there as a solo traveler on a budget. Singapore is one of the safest places to travel solo and it should definetly be on your travel bucketlist.

Not ready to solo travel yet?
Join my solo female travel community on FB to find travel buddies or for advice: Girls Who Wander Solo!

Note: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to purchase something through the links, at no additional cost to you. Read our Affiliate Disclosure here.

Quick Facts before visiting Singapore:
💱 Currency: Singapore Dollar (SGD $)
💡 Quick conversion tip: S$1 ≈ $0.75 USD (as of recent rates). To estimate prices in USD, multiply the SGD amount by 0.75 (or think of $10 as roughly $7.50 USD)
💶 Budget for a trip to Singapore: The average daily cost for a trip to Singapore is $150-250 per night for food and accommodation. If you’re on a budget, staying in hostels and eating at hawker centers can bring your daily costs down to around $60-100 per night.
💜 Is tipping required in Singapore? Tipping is not common in Singapore. Many restaurants include a 10% service charge in the bill, and tipping is not expected in taxis or other services.
☀️ Best time to visit: Singapore is a year-round destination with a tropical climate, meaning hot and humid weather throughout the year. The driest months are February to April, while the rainiest season falls between November and January.
🏥 Travel Insurance in Singapore: I recommend SafetyWing, which will cover you in case of trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or any accidents during your travels.

Is Singapore Safe for Solo Travel?

Singapore is 1000% safe for solo travel. In fact, it consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in the world due to its low crime rates, strict laws, and efficient public services.

The city is very well-lit and well-maintained, with a visible police presence in most public areas, which contributes to the overall sense of security.

Violent crime is rare, and petty crimes like pickpocketing are uncommon.

The public transport system is reliable and easy to navigate, making it convenient for solo travelers to get around.

Not only that, Singaporeans are generally friendly and helpful, which can make traveling alone even more enjoyable.

But like any place you visit, it’s always wise to remain aware of your surroundings, keep your belongings secure, and follow basic safety precautions.

How to get around Singapore

Singapore is pretty well connected and you can get around either by the metro system, known as the MRT or by using buses. I usually search Google Maps for my destination and use the public transport option to plan my journeys. You can pay for the public transport with your contactless payment like Apple Pay or Google Pay.

Central Singapore is also very walking friendly. And if you choose to travel by cab, the Grab app is the equivalent of Uber here.

How much does a solo trip to Singapore cost?

Below are some general travel costs for Singapore. It can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be at all. As mentioned, I traveled on a budget and spent less than $60 a night by staying in a capsule hotel (this is the one I stayed in!)

You can also save by eating at Hawker Centers which are basically food halls and you can get a meal for as little as $3. The best ones are: Maxwell Food Centre, Amoy Street Food Centre, Newton Food Centre, or Chinatown Complex Market.

There’s also many free activities to take part in. For example, you can watch the light show in the evening at 7:45pm or 8:45pm at Gardens by the Bay. This is free so if you’re on a budget just skip the entry to the Cloud Forest & Flower Dome!

Where to stay in Singapore as a solo traveler

For solo travelers visiting Singapore, I’d recommend the following areas in terms of safety and convenience.

• Bugis is a fantastic choice for its central location, affordable shopping, and cultural spots like Haji Lane and Kampong Glam.
• Chinatown provides a mix of history and nightlife, with great street food and easy MRT access.
• Clarke Quay is perfect for solo travelers who enjoy riverside dining and a lively atmosphere.
• Orchard Road is ideal for those who love shopping and want to stay near major malls.
• Tiong Bahru is great for a more local and laid-back vibe.

When it comes down to narrowing the best accomodation, just know that it doesn’t have to be expensive. There are many sleek capsule hotels available. These hotels are like little private pods making it less daunting as staying in a hostel with open bunk beds. You can close the screen for privacy and there’s lockers to store your belongings overnight. I stayed in KINN Capsule and thought it was in a good location for exploring. You can also explore other hostels here.

If you don’t want to stay in hostels, I’d recommend some excellent mid-range hotels like lyf Bugis (stylish and budget-friendly in Bugis).

The Scarlet Singapore is a chic boutique hotel in Chinatown.

lyf Funan Singapore is a co-living space with social areas, great for meeting other travelers.

If you prefer a modern stay with great amenities, Holiday Inn Express Clarke Quay is a solid choice, offering a rooftop pool and complimentary breakfast.

Solo Travel in Singapore: Top Tips

Here are some top tips for solo travel in Singapore:

1. Use Public Transport: Singapore’s MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system is super efficient and affordable. It’s the best way to explore the city, and you can easily navigate with a contactless card (EZ-Link or Singapore Tourist Pass).
2. Stay Safe and Connected: Singapore is one of the safest cities for solo travelers, with low crime rates. For staying connected, consider getting an eSIM for internet access, especially if you rely on maps or online guides.
3. Explore Food Halls: Singapore is a huge foodie destination which is perfect for solo travelers. Don’t miss out on trying hawker centers like Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, or Chinatown Food Street. The communal seating is great for meeting fellow travelers while enjoying local dishes like Hainanese chicken rice and chili crab.
4. Take Advantage of Free Activities: Many of Singapore’s top attractions are free or low-cost, including gardens like the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Merlion Park, or walking around Marina Bay Sands’ waterfront promenade. Don’t miss the Gardens by the Bay’s outdoor gardens, which are free.
5. Book Tours or Experiences for Solo Travelers: There are many fun solo activities like cooking classes, art workshops, or even solo city tours. These are fantastic ways to meet other like-minded travelers while doing something enjoyable. I use GetYourGuide to find local tours in any city I visit.
6. Stay in Central Locations: For convenience, book accommodations in central neighborhoods like Chinatown, Orchard Road, or Bugis. These areas have a good mix of attractions, restaurants, and transport links.
7. Safety First: Even though Singapore is safe, always keep an eye on your belongings, especially in crowded places like Orchard Road or Chinatown.
8. Download Essential Apps: Make your solo trip smoother by downloading apps like Grab (ride-hailing), Google Maps, and MyTransport.SG (for MRT routes).

Best things to do in Singapore as a solo traveler

1. Eat at Hawker Centres

These markets are in a few different areas around Singapore and feature really delicious food for cheap.

The best ones are: Maxwell Food Centre, Amoy Street Food Centre, Newton Food Centre, or Chinatown Complex Market.

You will spend $3 a meal which is super affordable if you’re on a budget. 

Must-try dishes: Chicken Rice, Laksa, and Chili Crab.

Michelin-Star Street Food: Try the famous Hawker Chan’s soya sauce chicken rice, the world’s cheapest Michelin-star meal.

2. Try the Famous Singaporean Ice Cream Sandwiches

Try the ice cream sandwiches, a Singapore specialty for $1.50. You can find them all over Orchard Rd as there’s at least 5 stalls selling them here. They come in all sorts of flavors and are truly delicous.

3. Take a walk in Downtown Singapore

Start at the National Gallery Singapore, a stunning art museum with Southeast Asian masterpieces. You’ll pass by the historic St. Andrew’s Cathedral and the open field of Padang. Next cross the Anderson Bridge toward Marina Bay. As you continue you’re walk, you will reach Merlion Park, and enjoy beautiful skyline views. End your stroll at the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay by the waterfront.

4. Watch the Gardens of Bay Light Show

One of the top things to do in Singapore as a solo traveler is to watch the light show in the evening at 7:45 or 8:45 at Gardens by the Bay. This is free so if you’re on a budget just skip the entry to the Cloud Forest & Flower Dome!

But, if you do have the budget to enter the theme park, I highly recommend it as it’s very cool. When I visited, I choose the Flower Dome + Cloud Forest ticket which costs around $24 and can be purchased ahead of time here.

5. Head to Sultan Mosque & Haji Lane

Admire the stunning golden dome of the Sultan Mosque. Stroll through the surrounding areas to find some of Singapore’s best shopping and cafes. Really near to the mosque is Haji Lane which is a super colorful street full of cafes.

6. Visit the most beautiful library in the world

Library@orchard  is one of the most beautiful libraries in the world and it’s free to visit. Making a stop here the perfect relaxation stop on your trip.

7. Snap a photo at Singapore’s most colorful street

Koon Seng Road is one of Singapore’s most colorful streets. The architecture is super unique and each home is a different pastel color.  Peranakan Chinese built these homes in the early 20th century. You can find the exact location on Google Maps.

8. Visit the Old Hill Street Police Station

This historic building is famous for its rainbow-colored windows and was originally a police station and barracks. Now, it houses government offices, but it’s still a popular photo spot. Located near Clarke Quay, it’s easy to visit while exploring the downtown area.

9. Walk through Fort Canning Park

Fort Canning Tree Tunnel (exact location) has to be one of the most beautiful photo spots in Singapore. But be ready for a long queue to take a photo here even in the early morning. Best thing is that everyone takes turns and so you won’t have any one in your shot. I was of course solo and another girl behind me was solo so we helped each other take pictures here.

How to meet friends in Singapore

I’ve written a full guide on how to meet friends while solo traveling so be sure to check it out. But my top tips are always to join a group tour when you first arrive. Some of my go tos are food related – like this Hawker Food tour! I’ve met so many friends on group tours that would hang out with me later on the trip.

Also, you could join my solo travel community on FB to meet travel buddies!

What to pack for your solo trip to Singapore

You can generally wear what you’re used to in your home country as the dress code in Singapore is relaxed and casual. It can get hot so be sure to wear breathable fabrics and comfortable walking shoes.

Solo travel in Singapore is pretty safe and easy. One thing I never leave home without this portable charger. You don’t want to be stuck without a phone, trust me, as you won’t be able to get around! I always go for a charger with over 10,000mAh or above. This means it will give you at least 2 phone charges.

Another travel essential is my tripod! That’s how I get all the best solo travel shots. If you want more info on how I take solo travel photos read my full guide.

I also always carry a mini first aid kit in case of any accidents and I can be a clumsy person!

Travel Insurance for solo travelers in Singapore

It’s definitely worth getting travel insurance whether you’re traveling alone or with others and I recommend SafetyWing which will cover you in case of any accidents or hospital visits. While it’s unlikely to happen, better safe than sorry!

Hopefully, you enjoyed this post on solo travel in Singapore and you have more confidence to travel this world solo and fearlessly!

For further reading, you might like these posts!
🤎 Solo Travel Tips & FREE solo travel e-book!
👩❤️👱‍♀️How to Meet Friends Traveling Solo
📸 Best Camera Gear for Solo Female Travelers
🍴Tips for eating out alone
🇮🇹 Traveling Italy Alone
🤫 Travel Secrets & Tips
👩 Solo Travel Interview with Samantha
💬 Solo Travel Quotes to Inspire You