Singapore was my first destination as a female solo traveller before I decided to leave Australia for good. I already had no issue doing things solo. I eat out alone, go to the movies alone, go clubbing on my own; basically, anything I am fine to do alone. I had not yet travelled out of my country alone.

I planned a 6-day itinerary and had the best time. Singapore has a reputation for being expensive and a doable city in 2-3 days. Let me show you how to slowly travel Singapore and make the most out of your budget. I was lucky enough to have friends show me around the city and share the best advice.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO

1. Raffles High Tea

Raffles High Tea is one of the more prestigious places to dine and have high tea. I personally love to indulge in treating myself to a high tea experience.

​2. Sky Deck Observation

Amazing 360 views of Singapore. Unfortunately, it was pouring with rain when I reached the top; nevertheless, it was still very beautiful.

​3. Gardens by the Bay: Light Show

My favourite free experience: visit the botanical gardens and stay for sunset to witness a spectacular light show. When I was there, it was an extravagant light show to classical music.

​4. Sentosa Island: Palawan Beach

Sentosa Resort Island is super popular for families, and I would definitely stay there if I had children. I walked my way over there to visit the beach! It was beautiful, with refreshing waters.

​5. Orchard Road shopping

Now I am not the biggest shopper, but I thoroughly enjoyed spending my time walking up and down this road to see what Singapore shopping offers, from luxury to any basics you need.

​6. Fort Canning Park

This park is conveniently behind my accommodation; you could really spend half a day to a whole day here exploring the park, reading up on history and spending time in nature within the concrete jungle city.

​7. Singapore Zoo Night Safari

I visited the zoo and partook in the night safari. You can catch a tram through the park and catch sight of the nocturnal animals and even walk different paths. It was surreal to see an Australian section of the Zoo!

8. Must See Day Trip

If you are in the main centre of the city, you can check out these sites all within the same day: Fullerton Hotel, Merlion Statue, Cenotaph, Esplanade, Marina Barrage, Marina Bay Sands, Boat Quay.

WHERE TO EAT

Please eat at the Hawker Markets! You can grab a decent-sized meal and a drink for only $4 USD. I ONLY ate at these markets; it saved me so much money, and I ate the most delicious foods. The Hawker Markets are hard to navigate in the sense that there are so many options to choose from. Usually a stall has expertise in a single item. There are also Michelin-star stalls; be sure to check them out!

The markets I recommend are Chinatown Complex, Tekka Centre, Hong Lim Centre and Tiong Baru Market. Maxwell and Lau Pa Sat are more of a tourist trap; thus, they have higher prices. Regardless, the food is still great.

Special mention: Absurdities dinner: I treated myself to a dinner worth $200 AUD where you have to travel to different worlds and try 6 different courses within 120 minutes. It was an interesting experience; the food was delicious! I do recommend participating in a pair if you can.

Must Try Local Food:  Kaya Toast, Laksa, Bak Kut Teh & drink a Singapore Sling @ Long Bar

WHERE TO STAY

I stayed at the YMCA and had a great time. It was super affordable, comfortable and in a very convenient location. I was able to walk to all my destinations. The staff were very friendly and helpful. You have access to a gym, pool and coffee stations.

WHEN TO GO

I visited in mid-January 2026 and experienced hot, humid weather with the occasional downpour, but it was manageable to walk around in; just bring an umbrella!