Solo Travel in Singapore: My Tips & Tricks for a Magical Singapore Solo Trip (2025)

I’ve traveled solo to over 40 countries now—from Colombia and Ghana to Australia and all over Europe—so I know a thing or two about what makes a place great for solo travelers. And let me tell you, Singapore is up there.

There’s just so much to do, whether it’s hitting up the big sights like Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands Hotel or eating your way through Chinatown and Little India. If you want your days packed with activities, you’ll have no problem finding things to do.

In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about traveling solo in Singapore—where to stay, what to do, where to eat, and of course, whether it’s safe (especially for solo female travelers).

Hopefully, this will answer all your questions before you head out on your trip so you’ll feel prepared and ready to have an amazing time exploring Singapore on your own!

What I Think About Solo Travel in Singapore

Ok, so after visiting Singapore solo a couple of times—both times for at least three days—I feel like I can give a pretty solid take on what it’s actually like to travel here alone. And honestly, that’s about as long as most people spend in Singapore anyway since it’s usually a quick city trip.

Solo travel in Singapore has a ton of upsides and just one downside (I’ll get to that in a sec). There’s so much to do—river cruises, rooftop cocktails, stunning botanical gardens, indoor waterfalls, Michelin-star street food, even beaches. You’ll never run out of things to keep you busy, and I’ll cover all of that later in this guide.

But here’s the thing—Singapore has always felt like a bit of a lonely place to travel solo. Coming here after spending time in places like Vietnam, the Philippines, or Thailand, where hostels are super social and backpackers are everywhere, it’s a bit of a shock. Hostels in Singapore just don’t have that same vibe (if you can even find one). But don’t worry—there are still ways to meet people, and I’ll get into that too!

That being said, I still think Singapore is 100% worth exploring solo, even if it’s just for a couple of days. Honestly, I actually love that sometimes. It’s nice to just do your own thing—grab a drink at a fancy rooftop bar, take in the views, and enjoy your own company without worrying about anyone else’s plans. It’s a good reminder that you don’t always need to be around people to have a great time. And hey, after a couple of days of solo time, you can always head off to the rest of Southeast Asia and dive back into the social backpacker scene!

Where I Stayed in Singapore as a Solo Traveler

Alright, let’s start with the not-so-great part before getting into all the fun stuff. If you’re a solo backpacker hoping for a great hostel experience, I have to be honest—Singapore’s hostel scene is pretty disappointing. Compared to places like Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, or Ho Chi Minh City, the options here just don’t hit the mark. Even when you compare Singapore to other big cities worldwide, like London or Berlin, the hostel situation still falls short.

That being said, not all solo travelers are backpackers! If you’re more of a hotel person and weren’t planning on staying in a hostel anyway, then you’re in luck—hotels in Singapore are incredible. They’re expensive, but they’re top-tier. Since I’ve been to Singapore many times (though only a few times solo), I have experience with all kinds of accommodations. So, let’s break it down:

💡Check out my Guide on Where to Stay in Singapore for the Best Hotels, Hostels and Areas

Hostels for Solo Travellers Singapore

I’ve had some pretty mediocre (and even bad) hostel experiences in Singapore. Most hostels here just aren’t as social or well-maintained as those in other Southeast Asian cities. If you check Hostelworld or Booking.com, you’ll notice that many hostels have ratings of 7.9/10 or lower—not terrible, but not great either.

Instead of listing all the hostels I didn’t like, I’ll just recommend the only one I would actually stay in again:

Atelier Hostel – Click here for more information & bookings

Atelier Hostel is one of the few hostels in Singapore that truly impressed me. The dorm setup is great—the bunk beds are super comfortable and each has its own plug. The whole place is incredibly clean, modern, and, surprisingly, one of the more social hostels I’ve come across in Singapore. There’s a good mix of male and female travelers, and unlike some other hostels, you won’t find long-term middle-aged locals staying here. Overall, a great experience, and at around $40 per night, it’s a solid deal for Singapore.

I’ve also heard great things about Betel Box Hostel in Singapore. It’s definitely a more basic, budget-friendly option but is known for being social—a great choice for backpackers to check out!

Best Hotels in Singapore for Solo Travellers

If you’re a solo traveler who doesn’t care about the social aspect of hostels, Singapore has plenty of great hotel options. The key things to look for are:
✔ A central location (since we’re here to explore and walk around!)
✔ Affordability (because hotels in Singapore can get expensive)
✔ A good mix of comfort and style

Here are two hotels I recommend for solo travelers:

Claude Hotel – Click here for more information & bookings

If you’re traveling solo and staying in a hotel, you probably don’t want to spend more than $100 a night (at least, I don’t—or rather, I can’t). Claude Hotel is a great option for that. It’s a small boutique hotel with modern, stylish rooms located in Chinatown, which is a fantastic area to stay in. If you book early enough, you can snag a room for just under $100 a night. I stayed here for a couple of nights and was super happy with it.

Cube Social Boutique Hotel – Click here for more information & bookings

If you’re open to trying a capsule hotel, this is my top pick. I know cube hotels have a bad rep, but hear me out—this one is really well-designed. The decor is stylish, the mattresses are super comfy, and the overall facilities are excellent. If you’re okay with the small space, this is a fantastic budget-friendly option in Singapore.

If you want a deeper dive into the best areas and accommodations for solo travelers, check out my full guide on where to stay in Singapore as a solo traveler!

How Safe Did I Feel Traveling Solo in Singapore? (Especially as a Solo Female Traveller)

This one’s easy—super safe! Whether it was day or night, full moon or solar eclipse, I’ve never felt unsafe in Singapore.

For starters, the whole city is ridiculously clean. I know cleanliness doesn’t automatically mean safety, but it definitely helps when everything feels neat and well-maintained. Singapore is easily the cleanest city I’ve ever been to, and none of the areas around the city center feel sketchy—even late at night. You won’t see groups of questionable people hanging around, and the streets always feel well-lit and calm.

The public transport system is another big plus. MRT stations are brightly lit, well-organized, and have cameras everywhere. And if you’d rather not take the MRT, there’s Grab and Gojek (the Southeast Asia version of Uber), so you always have an easy way to get around.

Honestly, the only time I’ve ever felt a little uncomfortable was in some hostels where most of the guests were older men who seemed to be living there long-term. But even then, I never felt truly unsafe—just out of place.

And if personal experience isn’t enough, the numbers speak for themselves. In 2022, Singapore ranked #1 as the safest country in Asia and #9 globally. That pretty much says it all!

My Favorite Solo-Friendly Activities in Singapore

One of the things I love about solo travel in Singapore is that there’s so much to do on your own without ever feeling awkward or out of place. Whether it’s wandering around random neighborhoods, eating way too much at a hawker centre, or just finding a quiet spot to chill, I’ve never once been bored here.

And just for the record, I don’t think there’s anything you shouldn’t or couldn’t do just because you’re by yourself. Want a cocktail? Go grab one at a rooftop bar. Feel like having some fun at a theme park? Head to Universal Studios solo and enjoy skipping the awkward group decision-making. Whatever you want to do, just go for it—being alone is never a reason to miss out.

💡I also have a 2 Days in Singapore Itinerary with all the best activities and things to do in Singapore.

1.Having a Cocktail at Marina Bay Sands (Cé La Vi Rooftop Bar)

I love going out for drinks by myself. I know some people find it weird, but honestly, there’s something kind of nice about just sitting at a bar, people-watching, and treating yourself. And if you’re going to do it anywhere, the Marina Bay Sands rooftop bar is the place. The drinks are insanely overpriced (I’m talking $25 for a cocktail), but the views? 100% worth it.

2.Walking Along the Singapore River (With Plenty of Stops for Food & Drinks)

One of my favorite things to do in any city is just walk around with no real plan. And Singapore is perfect for that. I love starting at Clarke Quay, walking along the Singapore River, and stopping wherever looks good—sometimes for coffee, sometimes for a drink, sometimes for snacks (or all three). Boat Quay has some great little bars, and by the time I reach Marina Bay, I’m usually full, slightly tipsy, and very happy with my life choices.

3.Eating Everything at a Hawker Centre

I could go on about hawker centres forever. They’re cheap, they’re delicious, and they’re honestly one of the best parts of solo travel in Singapore because you can eat as much as you want without anyone judging you.

• Maxwell Food Centre – Best Hainanese chicken rice
• Lau Pa Sat – Satay heaven, especially at night
• Chinatown Complex – Endless options and huge portions

4.Exploring Little India (and Eating Even More Food)

If I had to pick one neighborhood in Singapore that I could wander around forever, it’s Little India. The streets are colorful, the shops are packed with everything from spices to gold jewelry, and amazing Indian food.

Here, you can also join a Little India food tour—a great way to socialize and meet new people.

5.Visiting the Singapore Botanical Gardens

Sometimes I just need a break from the city, and the Singapore Botanical Gardens is my go-to for that. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but more importantly, it’s peaceful, it’s green, and it’s a great place to just sit with a coffee and do absolutely nothing. The Orchid Garden is especially pretty, and if I’m feeling ambitious, I’ll walk all the way to Bukit Timah Hill for a little hike.

6.Going to the Night Safari Like an Excited Kid

I don’t care how old I am—going to the Night Safari at Singapore Zoo is always fun. It’s the world’s first nighttime zoo, and instead of the usual zoo setup, you take a tram through different zones where the animals are just out there, chilling in their natural habitats. I go full tourist mode here, camera in hand, ready to spot a leopard or a slow loris (yes, that’s a real animal).

7.Ordering a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel Just to Say I Did It

Is the Singapore Sling the best cocktail in the world? No. Is it worth ordering one at Raffles Hotel anyway? Absolutely. This is one of those “just because” experiences—I sit at the Long Bar, sip my ridiculously expensive pink drink, and toss peanut shells on the floor like it’s the 1800s (it’s a thing, I promise).

8.Watching the Light Show at Gardens by the Bay

I’ll be honest, the first time I went to Gardens by the Bay, I wasn’t expecting much. But the Supertree Grove light show at night? It’s actually kind of magical. I love just finding a spot to sit and watching the trees light up to the music—it’s cheesy in the best way. And if I have time, I’ll check out the Cloud Forest and the Flower Dome, because walking through a misty waterfall and a giant indoor garden never gets old.

9.Taking the Cable Car to Sentosa for a Beach Day

Singapore isn’t exactly known for its beaches, but Sentosa Island is always a fun little getaway. The cable car ride over is an experience in itself, with incredible views of the city. Once I’m there, I either head straight to Tanjong Beach Club to lounge around with a drink or check out something exciting like Universal Studios, which is actually pretty fun—even on my own—or the new Harry Potter experience, “Vision of Magic.”

Eating Out Alone: Best Restaurants to Eat on Your Solo Trip to Singapore

First off, let’s get one thing straight—there’s no such thing as restaurants where you can eat alone and ones where you can’t. Getting a table for one should be the most normal thing in the world, just like going to the movies by yourself. If you want a nice dinner, you shouldn’t feel like you have to bring someone along to enjoy it. Honestly, I feel like people in Western countries struggle with this the most—meanwhile, in places like Japan, it’s totally normal to eat out alone.

And honestly? There’s something really enjoyable about sitting down with a great meal and a drink, completely focused on the food in front of you. No distractions, no awkward small talk—just you and a seriously good plate of food.

Hawker Centres

That being said, some places are just easier for solo diners than others, and hawker centres are the best example of that. People come here alone all the time—grabbing a quick meal after work, a late-night bite, or just satisfying a craving.

My personal favorite (yes, it’s touristy, but I don’t care) is Lau Pa Sat. It’s right in downtown Singapore (Singapore City), inside a beautiful old Victorian market building, and it’s open 24/7. You can grab a steaming bowl of noodle soup with fish balls, some satay, and a cold beer—honestly, what more do you need? If you want something a little more local and chaotic, Maxwell Food Centre is a great option. It’s a bit cheaper but way less touristy.

Single Dining Spots (Yakiniku Like & Genki Sushi)

While Singapore isn’t quite on the level of Japan when it comes to restaurants built for solo diners, there are some spots that cater to it.

Yakiniku Like is one of them—it’s a Japanese BBQ restaurant where everyone gets their own little grill. The seating is long communal tables, but the whole setup is designed for solo diners. It’s a really fun experience if you’ve never tried it before, and the food is so good.

Then there’s Genki Sushi, a sushi train restaurant that’s very Japanese in both its setup and vibe. You order from a screen, and your food arrives on a little conveyor belt straight to your table. It’s super fun trying different things, and eating alone here is totally normal.

Restaurants & Bars in Singapore

And of course, you can go anywhere by yourself. The places above are just some extra options if you’re looking for something particularly solo-friendly.

If you’re happy to splurge a little, my go-to spot for a nice but not overly fancy sit-down meal is PS.Cafe One. It’s right next to Merlion Park, with views of Marina Bay Sands, and the food is amazing. I always get their parmesan & truffle fries and the grilled octopus—absolute perfection.

For drinks, you can’t go wrong with the Long Bar at Raffles (especially if you’re after the classic Singapore Sling). But if you want something a bit more stylish, I love Smoke & Mirrors. It’s on the rooftop of the National Gallery Singapore, and it’s just a really sleek, cool cocktail bar. If you ever feel like putting on a dress and treating yourself to a fancy drink, this is the spot.

How to Navigate Singapore for Singapore Solo Travel

Singapore is honestly one of the easiest cities to get around—it just feels so modern and well thought out. Google Maps is your best friend here, and while you can get a SIM card, I personally don’t think it’s worth it if you’re only in town for a few days. Just download the offline map of Singapore on Google Maps before you arrive, and you’ll be fine. Every restaurant, shopping mall, and tourist attraction usually has free WiFi, so I’ve never felt like I was missing out by not having a local SIM.

That said, Google Maps is all you need to navigate. If you’re sticking to central areas like Marina Bay, Downtown, Chinatown, and Clarke Quay, I usually just walk everywhere—Singapore is compact, pedestrian-friendly, and my dad always told me that you explore every city best on foot.

For other areas like Little India or Kampong Glam (a.k.a. Arab Street), or if you just want to save time, the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) is the way to go. It’s super clean, fast, and well-connected. There’s a Singapore Tourist Pass that gives you unlimited rides starting at $17 per day, but since I don’t use the MRT that much, I just tap my contactless debit/credit card whenever I need to take a train.

If you don’t feel like dealing with public transport, Grab and Gojek (the Southeast Asian versions of Uber) are super easy to use. Just set up your account in your hotel before heading out so you don’t have to deal with any last-minute app issues.

A couple of things that might be useful:

• Getting from Changi Airport to the city → The MRT is the cheapest and easiest option (you’ll have to transfer once, but it’s straightforward). Otherwise, Grab is a solid choice if you have luggage or just don’t feel like dealing with trains.
• Getting to Sentosa Island → The MRT will take you to HarbourFront station, where you can transfer to the Sentosa Express monorail that takes you right onto the island. Again, public transport in Singapore is amazing—they’ve thought of everything.

More Singapore Travel Tips & Things to Know for Solo Traveling in Singapore

Alright, so before wrapping this up, here are a few extra things I think are useful to know if you’re traveling solo in Singapore:

1.It Can Get Expensive, But You Can Do It on a Budget

Singapore has a reputation for being pricey, and yeah, if you’re staying at Marina Bay Sands, dining at Michelin-starred restaurants, and hitting up rooftop bars every night, your wallet will feel it. But you can absolutely do Singapore on a budget.

• Hawker centers are your best friend for cheap and amazing food.
• Public transport is cheap, reliable, and super easy to use.
• Free attractions like Gardens by the Bay, Merlion Park, and East Coast Park make it easy to enjoy the city without spending a dime.

2. The Weather is No Joke

Singapore is hot and humid all year round, so be prepared to sweat. I always carry a refillable water bottle (there are water fountains in most malls and attractions), and I take breaks in air-conditioned malls whenever I can. Oh, and don’t forget sunscreen—even if you think it’s cloudy, the sun will get you.

3.Tissues Are Basically Currency at Hawker Centers

If you see a packet of tissues on a table at a hawker center, that table is taken. Locals use tissue packs to “chope” (reserve) seats, so don’t make the mistake of sitting down just because no one is there. And while we’re on the topic—carry tissues with you! A lot of hawker stalls don’t provide napkins.

4.Don’t Get in Trouble With the Law

Singapore has some strict laws, and while most of them won’t affect you, here are a few you should definitely know:

• No eating or drinking on the MRT – They will fine you.
• Drug laws are intense – Just don’t even think about it.
• Littering and jaywalking come with heavy fines – Singapore is spotless for a reason.

5.Singaporeans Are Friendly, But Not Super Chatty

People in Singapore are polite and helpful, but they won’t necessarily start random conversations with strangers. If you need help, don’t hesitate to ask—they’ll definitely help you out—but don’t expect the same kind of small talk you might get in the States.

6.Singapore is Super Walkable, But Bring Comfy Shoes

I’ve said it before, but you’ll be walking a lot in Singapore. The city is super walkable, but the heat and humidity can make it exhausting. Trust me, wear comfortable shoes—you do not want to be breaking in new sandals here.

7.The Airport is Actually an Attraction

If you have extra time before your flight, go early. Changi Airport is easily one of the best airports in the world—they have a butterfly garden, a rooftop pool, a movie theater, and the insane Jewel complex with the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. It’s genuinely a cool place to explore before leaving Singapore.

FAQs About my Singapore Solo Travel Guide

Is Singapore good for solo travelling?

Yes, Singapore is one of the easiest and safest places to travel alone. It’s super walkable, public transport is amazing, and English is widely spoken. Whether you’re into sightseeing, food, or just exploring, there’s plenty to do solo.

Where to go solo in Singapore?

Honestly, anywhere. Hawker centers like Lau Pa Sat and Maxwell are perfect for grabbing a meal alone. Marina Bay Sands SkyPark is great for solo drinks with a view. Gardens by the Bay is a fun place to wander, and Sentosa Island has beaches and Universal Studios if you’re up for an adventure.

Is 4 days in Singapore too much?

Not at all! There’s plenty to do, especially if you go beyond the main tourist spots. If you’re short on time, my 2 day Itinerary in Singapore covers all the must-sees, but with four days, you can dive into neighborhoods like Little India, Kampong Glam, or even take a day trip to Pulau Ubin.

Is Singapore safe for solo female travelers?

100% yes. It’s one of the safest cities in the world, and I’ve never felt uncomfortable, even at night. Public transport is reliable, and the streets are well-lit. The only mildly weird experience I had was in some hostels with long-term guests hanging around, but I never felt unsafe. If you’re a solo female traveler, Singapore is as stress-free as it gets.

Would I go Traveling Alone in Singapore Again?

Absolutely, 100% yes. Singapore is hands down one of the easiest and most stress-free places to travel solo. It’s safe, easy to get around, full of amazing food, and packed with things to do. I never once felt out of place being alone here, and honestly, it’s one of those cities where solo travel just works.

If I came back solo, I’d probably do things a little differently—maybe explore more of the lesser-known areas, spend more time cafe-hopping, and try out different hawker centers. But overall, Singapore is one of those places that’s so well-organized and enjoyable that you don’t need a travel buddy to have an amazing time.

So, if you’re thinking about visiting Singapore alone, just do it. You won’t regret it.

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