Singapore Solo: 3 Days of Culture, Confidence, and Culinary Bliss on a Budget
When I first booked a solo trip to Singapore, I’ll admit- I hesitated. Known for its futuristic skyline and squeaky-clean streets, it also had a reputation for being one of Asia’s most expensive cities. But after three unforgettable days exploring this cultural melting pot alone, I’m here to tell you: it can be done affordably and solo travel here is a dream.
Whether you’re a seasoned solo explorer or considering your first trip alone, Singapore offers a unique blend of safety, accessibility, and vibrant diversity that’s perfect for solo female travelers. Here’s my full 3-day itinerary, complete with real costs, helpful tips, and what I learned along the way.
💼 What to Pack for Solo Travel in Singapore
Singapore is tropical year-round, so think light, breathable clothing, but keep in mind modesty for temple visits and cool indoor AC temps.
Essentials:
- Lightweight clothes (cotton/linen tops, dresses, shorts)
- A light scarf or pashmina (for temples and indoor chills)
- Comfortable walking sandals and sneakers
- A refillable water bottle (tap water is safe to drink!)
- Power adapter (Type G plug)
- Mini umbrella or light rain jacket (frequent short showers)
- Portable fan (optional but amazing)
🌏 Day 1: Urban Icons & Skyscraper Views
Budget Breakdown:
- Breakfast: SGD $6 (kopi + kaya toast)
- MRT card (EZ-Link): SGD $15 ($5 card + $10 credit)
- Gardens by the Bay: Free outdoor areas, SGD $28 for Cloud Forest & Flower Dome
- SkyPark Observation Deck: SGD $26
- Dinner at Satay by the Bay: SGD $12
Morning:
I started my day early in Kampong Glam, one of Singapore’s oldest and most colorful districts. Staying here instead of the city center saved me a good bit on accommodation (I paid SGD $110/night for a stylish capsule hotel with great reviews). Haji Lane’s street art, indie boutiques, and cozy cafés are ideal for a relaxed solo start.
Solo Tip: Singapore is incredibly walkable and safe. I felt comfortable wandering alone, even at night.
Afternoon:
A quick MRT ride took me to Marina Bay Sands, where I treated myself to a ticket up to the SkyPark. Was it touristy? Yes. Worth it? Also yes. Watching the city stretch into the horizon alone was a moment of pure reflection.
Then came Gardens by the Bay…a must. I recommend buying a combo ticket for both the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories, and visiting during the day and returning at night to see the Garden Rhapsody light show (8pm & 9pm nightly free!).
Evening:
I headed to Satay by the Bay, a hawker-style outdoor food court. Satays, chili crab, and an icy lime juice cost under SGD $15 total. I shared a table with a local family who gave me tips on using the MRT and suggested lesser-known places to explore, one of those spontaneous solo travel moments I’ll always remember.
🕌 Day 2: Culture, Spice, and Serendipity
Budget Breakdown:
- MRT rides: SGD $3
- Breakfast: SGD $5 (Chinatown hawker stall)
- Entry to Buddha Tooth Relic Temple: Free (donation optional)
- Lunch in Little India: SGD $10
- Museum: SGD $6 (Indian Heritage Centre)
- Drinks at Clarke Quay: SGD $18
Morning:
Chinatown buzzes in the early morning with markets and food stalls. I had a delicious SGD $5 breakfast of dim sum and wandered into the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. It’s beautiful, peaceful, and free to enter (donations encouraged).
Afternoon:
Next, I took the MRT to Little India, and wow the colors, smells, and music made it feel like I’d stepped into another country. I visited the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, then cooled off with an air-conditioned break at the Indian Heritage Centre. Bonus: It’s rarely crowded and a great place to learn more about Singapore’s cultural blend.
I had lunch at a vegetarian restaurant and ordered a thali platter (SGD $10), a delicious assortment of curries, rice, and naan. It was enough to keep me full for hours.
Evening:
For a solo night out, Clarke Quay is lively and safe. I found a riverside bar with live music, grabbed a cocktail (SGD $18 pricey but worth the view), and watched the riverboats cruise by. Being alone here felt totally normal, the atmosphere is social, and many travelers fly solo.
🏖️ Day 3: Island Chill & Wild Nights
Budget Breakdown:
- Cable car round-trip to Sentosa: SGD $18
- Aquarium ticket: SGD $41
- Beach lunch: SGD $12
- Night Safari tram + park: SGD $55
- Total: ~$126 (a bit of a splurge day!)
Morning:
Craving nature, I hopped on the cable car to Sentosa Island. The ride itself offers incredible views of the harbor, and the beaches are surprisingly serene for a city escape.
Packing Tip: Bring a swimsuit and towel in your daypack if you plan to swim. I opted to sunbathe, journal, and people-watch.
Afternoon:
I visited the S.E.A. Aquarium, one of the world’s largest. The ocean tunnel was hypnotic, and I ended up sitting there for 20 minutes in complete awe. As a solo traveler, you can really linger in those moments without feeling rushed.
Evening:
For my final night, I went on the Night Safari — a unique zoo experience where you explore nocturnal habitats via tram. It’s well organized, easy to navigate alone, and honestly a blast. If you’re nervous about doing it solo, don’t be — many travelers go in small groups or solo.
🧭 Final Thoughts: Is Solo Travel in Singapore Worth It?
Absolutely. Singapore is:
✅ Extremely safe (even at night)
✅ Easy to navigate (MRT + signs in English)
✅ Culturally rich and diverse
✅ Friendly to solo female travelers
✅ Delicious — the food alone is worth the trip
💸 Final Budget Summary (3 days):
| Category | Estimated Spend (SGD) | USD Equivalent (~) |
|---|---|---|
| Accommodation (3 nights) | $330 | ~$240 |
| Food & Drink | $90 | ~$65 |
| Transport | $25 | ~$18 |
| Attractions/Experiences | $150 | ~$110 |
| Total | SGD $595 | ~$433 |
Note: You can save significantly by choosing hostels (SGD $30-50/night), skipping the pricier attractions, and eating exclusively at hawker centers.
✈️ Travel Tips for Solo Women in Singapore
- Use the MRT — clean, fast, safe, and cheap.
- Hawker centers are your best friend for amazing meals under SGD $10.
- Stay in cultural districts like Kampong Glam or Little India for more affordable stays and authentic vibes.
- Buy tickets online in advance to skip lines and sometimes save a few dollars.
- Say yes to spontaneity. Sit with strangers, ask questions, and let yourself wander.
If Singapore isn’t already on your solo travel bucket list, I hope this inspires you to add it. It’s a place where you can feel empowered, curious, and at ease — all while eating some of the best food on earth.
Ready to book your flight? 🌏💼
Have questions? Drop them in the comments or message me on Instagram @solotravelsara.
