Singapore on a Budget: The Complete 3-Day Itinerary

Is visiting Singapore on a budget actually possible? Before visiting Singapore, the city-state’s reputation as one of the world’s most expensive destinations was all I heard.

Hearing this intrigued me; I wanted to find out whether I could see Singapore on a budget. After six months backpacking in Southeast Asia, I spent 3 days in Singapore in July 2025 and yes it is more expensive than neighboring countries. But this futuristic city is completely accessible by spending only $70 a day. It just takes planning and consideration.

Don’t let misconceptions prevent you from experiencing the wonder of Gardens by the Bay, the vibrant history of Chinatown or the best street food. Singapore became one of my favourite places, and I’m sharing the proven 3-day itinerary, budget breakdown, and money-saving tips that makes budget travel in Singapore accessible to any backpacker.

Singapore Budget Breakdown: Money Saving Tips for $70 USD Per Day

You can enjoy budget travel in Singapore, but only if you master a few critical spending areas. Singapore’s reputation for being expensive often comes from visitors falling into expensive tourist traps like restaurants and taxis. Instead, I want to show you how to visit Singapore on a budget by sticking to just $70 per day in this guide. This approach proves that an affordable Singapore trip is completely achievable for backpackers. The costs below are based on a solo traveler spending three days in the city-state, and exclude international flights and travel insurance.

Here is the quick breakdown of daily costs in Singapore:

To help stick to the $70 USD daily budget, you must be disciplined in the three essential money-saving categories below. Small expenses add up quickly in the Lion City.

Eating Cheap Singapore Food – The Hawker Centre Strategy

Singapore’s world-famous Hawker Centres provide amazing low-cost food, so aim to eat all of your meals at one. Your average meal should cost between S$4 and S$8. The prices are kept low because hawker centers are often government-subsidized and do not charge the 10% service fee or GST charged in regular restaurants. Budget travel in Singapore relies on eating at Hawker Centres to save money.

Stick to local favorites like Hainanese Chicken Rice, Laksa, Char Kway Teow, and simple noodle dishes. I always advise eating where the locals eat.

Essential Drink Hack: The perks of a reusable water bottle in Singapore are massive, as the tap water is safe to drink. Never buy bottled water. Iced coffee (Kopi) or tea (Teh) are good value at around S$2, far cheaper than Alcohol which is heavily taxed. Alcohol is the biggest budget killer in Singapore, with some draught beer costing around S$14. If you want a drink, look for happy hour deals, or buy a few cans from a 7-Eleven before 10:30 PM (alcohol sales are restricted after then).

Finding the Best Budget Accommodation in Singapore

Finding budget accommodation is the hardest part of planning a trip to Singapore on a budget. You want a clean, well-connected dorm bed for around $28–$38 USD per night. A decent capsule hotel will run in the region of $40 – $50 USD. Hostels in Singapore are expensive with good value hostels filling up fast, so book early.

Your hostel needs to be within a 5-minute walk of an MRT station. Saving S$5 on accommodation only to spend an extra S$5 on transport is poor financial sense. Look specifically in the cultural districts for the best value accommodation. The Budget Neighborhoods are:

• Little India/Lavender: Great atmosphere, direct MRT access, and close to cheap food.
• Kallang: A slightly further out but safe area with cheaper per-night rates and good transit.
• Chinatown: Slightly higher cost, but puts you within a 5-minute walk of two of the best Hawker Centres and gives you direct access to three MRT lines.

Singapore Public Transport Tip – Mastering the MRT

Singapore has fantastic public transport. The Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) is the most cost-effective way to cover distance in the Lion City. Exploring Singapore on a budget heavily relies on using local public transport and avoiding taxis and ride-shares.

• Get a Transport Pass: You can get an EZ-Link card immediately at the airport or any MRT station (costs S$10 and comes loaded with S$5 credit). Alternatively, check out the 3-day Tourist Transport Pass which costs S$29 and provides unlimited rides on public buses and MRT/LRT.
• Walk: If the journey time is 15 minutes or less on foot, walk it. Never take the MRT for one stop. Singapore is incredibly walkable and you will save money, see more, and walk off all the Hawker meals.
• Avoid taxis/Grab: A standard 15-minute Grab ride can easily cost you S$15–$20, instantly blowing your daily transport budget. Stick to the MRT and local buses.

How to get to Singapore from Changi Airport: I opted to use the MRT as it was a huge saving over Grab. The Green (East-West) line runs from Changi through Kallang, Bugis, City Hall, Raffles Place, and Chinatown, taking around 1 hour.

Day 1: Fort Canning, Culture Hubs and Gardens By the Bay

Start your affordable Singapore trip right in the centre of the country’s colonial founding, exploring free attractions that won’t cost you anything.

Start in the Civic District at Merlion Park for the classic photo. Walk past the Fullerton Hotel, crossing Anderson Bridge to pass the Asian Civilisations Museum and the Old Parliament House.

The historic Raffles Hotel, birthplace of the famous Singapore Sling cocktail, is nearby. Warning, do not stop here as the cocktail costs S$39 which is half of the daily budget.

Instead, head to Fort Canning Park, which is entirely free to enter and explore. It offers great views of the city from its hilltop vantage point (don’t miss the famous spiral staircase). Be sure to stop by the iconic Old Hill Police Station to see the colourful rainbow windows.

Free Attraction: Consider visiting the Battlebox. The basic experience is free if you do not take the guided tour, though you still need to reserve a slot in advance. The Battlebox is the former British Army Command during WWII, recounting the decisions leading to their surrender in 1942. 

Optional Upgrade: Singapore National Museum. If you spend on only one attraction, make it the National Museum (S$15 entry fee) as this offers a deep dive into the varied history of the city-state. Check the official website for free exhibits, as some themed displays are free at specific times.

Now take the MRT from Fort Canning Station (DT20) to Jalan Besar (DT22), or walk 20 minutes to Little India.

Afternoon: Cultural Immersion in Singapore’s ethnic Districts

Little India: Temples and Tekka Centre

Eat at the Tekka Centre as this is the go-to place for budget-friendly, authentic Indian cuisine. Look for stalls specialising in Biryani, Tandoori Chicken. Roti Prata or Masala Dosa are great vegetarian options, each costing around S$5. 

Walk down Serangoon Road to take in the sounds and smells of Little India, from sweet spices to lively Bollywood music. Stop by the iconic House of Tan Teng Niah, a colourful Chinese Mansion from the 20th century.

Visit the beautiful Sri Veeramakaliamman Hindu Temple, one of the oldest temples in Singapore and the heart of Little India. Entry is free, just remember to take off your shoes.

Transport Tip: Walk from Little India to Kampong Glam as the 15-minute walk will be quicker than taking the MRT.

Cultural Immersion in Kampong Glam (Arab Quarter):

Kampong Glam is also known as Singapore’s Arab and Malay Quarter due to its Muslim heritage. It was founded in 1822 by Sir Stamford Raffles, making it the oldest ethnic district in Singapore.

Haji Lane is packed with incredible street art, quirky boutiques, and hip bars. It’s free to walk around taking in the atmosphere and snap photos of the colourful shophouses. Nearby Arab Street also has authentic shophouses and restaurants. 

Walk up Bussorah Street which gives the feeling of being in the Middle East, with the iconic Sultan Mosque providing the perfect background.

Budget Warning: While the street art is free, the boutique clothes and hipster cocktails are not budget-friendly. Enjoy the vibe, but head elsewhere for food. Head back to Bugis to eat at the Albert Centre Market Food Centre. You can get a range of local noodle dishes here within the budget of S$7. This also sets you up to take the MRT from Bugis (DT14) to Bayfront (DT16) for Marina Bay Sands.

Evening: Marina Bay Sands and the Gardens by the Bay Garden Rhapsody Show

The Marina Bay area is the perfect way to see Singapore on a budget as its home to some of the best free activities in Singapore. That’s right, tonight’s attractions are completely free.

Bottle Cap Moment: Before dark, look over downtown from the Marina Bay area to see the three distinct architectural phases in the development of the Financial District in Singapore.

The Gardens by the Bay are free to walk around, so allocate more time if you want to explore. The OCBC Skywalk, Flower Dome, and Cloud Forest are paid attractions, with the package costing S$59.

Make your way to the Supertree Grove in Gardens by the Bay. Find a spot on the ground directly underneath the giant trees, I reccomend heading here 15 minutes early as it quickly fills up . At 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM every night they put on the Garden Rhapsody Light and Sound Show. It’s 15 minutes of pure magic, and it is completely free. You can find out what the theme will be when you visit on the official calendar of events.

If you are still hungry, nearby Satay by the Bay is an open-air eating experience surrounded by the smokey smells of satay. The prices of the dishes here are slightly higher priced at S$7 – S$10, but you are paying for the premium location.

Day 2: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Chinatown, and Free Iconic Sights

Today’s itinerary is packed with walking, so start with Singapore’s best budget breakfast: Kaya Toast, eggs and coffee for only S$3.50 at many Hawker Stalls. Fill up before heading to the Botanic gardens for a morning of walking.

Morning: Explore Singapore Botanic Gardens For Free

How to get to Singapore Botanic Gardens: Take the Blue line or Yellow line MRT to Botanic Gardens station (CC19 / DT9). Allow 45 minutes one-way for the journey from downtown.

Spend the morning exploring the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Entry to the main gardens is completely free. Spend two hours wandering the paths and enjoying the tropical flora. It’s a peaceful break from the city bustle. Skip the National Orchid Garden as this is a paid attraction. Head down through the gardens to Napier MRT Station.

Budget Food Tip: Take the MRT Maxwell (TE18). This places you right at the famous Maxwell Food Centre for lunch. Maxwell is home to Singapore’s most famous hawker dish: Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice. Instead of queuing there, go to Ah Tai stall as a local told me that it’s run by Tian Tian’s former chef and you can get food just as good without queing. Chicken rice at Maxwell costs as little as S$3.50.

Afternoon: Chinatown Singapore Free Attractions

I reccomend allocating two hours to explore Chinatown as it is a fantastic place to spend time when exploring Singapore on a budget.

The top attraction is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. The impressive main hall is free to enter. The nearby stunning, vibrantly painted Sri Mariamman Temple is also worth a visit.

Telok Ayer Street was the original seafront where early immigrants arrived. They set up places of worship to thank their gods, which is why there are many temples here. A large mural illustrates the original seafront.

Fuk Tak Chi Temple is now a museum displaying exhibits and artifacts from the early migrants. Similarly,  Thian Hock Keng Temple is dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess so that Hokkien seafarers could give thanks for their safe journey. A large mural illustrates the original seafront.

Ann Siang Hill offers an iconic view of the contrast between the modern financial district and historical Chinatown.

Optional Extra: The Chinatown Heritage Centre (S$20 foreign visitor admission) provides a detailed look at how early Chinese settlers lived in shophsouses.

Chinatown Complex Food Centre, located directly behind the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, is Singapore’s largest hawker center and offers the lowest food prices in Sinagpore. Look for budget Wanton Noodle, Hokkien Mee, or Claypot stalls, as these make a great budget meal for around S$4

Here you can have a Bottle Cap Moment. For S$2, you can get a portion of Cendol, a very traditional Malay dessert. I highly recommend Old Amoy Chendol stall.

Evening: The Free Light Show Spectacular

Transport Tip: Walk 15 minutes, or ride the MRT two stops from Chinatown to Bayfront Station DT16

Watch the Spectra Light and Water Show at the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza. This is free, usually at 8 PM and 9 PM. You can also view it from the Merlion Park side to see the Marina bay Sands Hotel light up.

Free Optional Extra: Explore the city area near the Merlion, walking along the Singapore River towards Clarke Quay, enjoying the historic buildings illuminated at night.

Day 3: Sentosa Island on a Budget & Jewel Changi Finale

Our final day of budget travel in Singapore shows you how to enjoy the best of Sentosa Island on a budget before finishing with the world’s most impressive airport.

Morning: Sentosa Island Free Entry & Fort Siloso

Sentosa Island is often overlooked because of the perceived expense, but you can enjoy the best of the island for nearly nothing.

How to get to Sentosa Island: Take the MRT to HarbourFront station. Instead of paying for the monorail, walk across the Sentosa Boardwalk as entry is free via the boardwalk.

Walk straight to Palawan Beach, home to the southernmost point of Continental Asia. It’s also a pristine beach to relax and soak up the sun.

Free Attraction: Head to Fort Siloso. This free museum is a preserved coastal fort exploring the island’s crucial role as a British colony.

Don’t Miss: Walk the Fort Siloso Skywalk. This free, elevated walkway provides panoramic views of the entire Singapore skyline and the busy shipping lanes.

Free Transport Tip: The free beach shuttle bus runs between the main beaches (Siloso, Palawan, Tanjong), so use it to get around the island to save time and your feet.

Lunch: Affordable Eats at VivoCity

To avoid the inflated food prices on Sentosa Island, walk back across the boardwalk to the massive VivoCity Food Court on Level 3 for lunch. This is where you can get a S$7 meal instead of paying double on Sentosa. VivoCity is right above the MRT station which makes it easy to head back into town and onto the airport.

Afternoon: Jewel Changi Airport Free Attractions

The grand finale of your affordable Singapore trip is the airport itself! The Jewel at Changi is rated one of the most impressive free attractions in Singapore.

How to get to Singapore Changi Airport: Take the MRT to Changi Airport (CG2) using the Green (EastWest) line. Allow at least 1 hour for the journey from the Downtown area.

Top Tip: You can check your bag early before heading to the Jewel. The Jewel is connected to Terminal 1, 2 and 3. 

The HSBC Rain Vortex is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Standing beneath this a stunning final send-off to the city of the future. If you have a late flight, wait around for the Light and Sound Show at the Rain Vortex that takes place at 8pm and 9pm everyday.

Wander through Shiseido Forest Valley, the multi-level indoor terraced jungle surrounding the waterfall. This is surrounded by a massive shopping centre so pick up anything you need for your onward journey.

NOTE: The Jewel does not open until 10 AM, so time your visit around your flight, depending on your arrival or departure time. 

5 Essential Budget & Safety Tips for Singapore

Singapore is ultra-safe, clean, and efficient, but it has strict rules that catch first-time travelers by surprise. Follow these critical tips to ensure your trip is smooth, safe, and free of expensive fines.

1. Carry Cash: While major attractions take cards, Hawker Centres are mostly cash-only. Always carry S$20–S$30 in small bills for your meals. This ensures you can stick to the cheapest food options to eat in Singapore on a budget.
2. Be Aware of Singaporean Law: Singapore strictly enforces public order. All vaping and e-cigarette products are illegal (leading to detention/fines). Chewing gum is prohibited, and food is forbidden on the MRT. Ignoring these laws can result in fines that immediately annihilate your budget.
3. Get Discounts on Paid Attractions: If you plan on visiting any paid attractions (the ArtScience Museum or Sinagpore Zoo), never pay the gate price. Use sites like Klook, Trip.com or local deals to secure significant discounts. You could save 20-30%.
4. Buy Travel Insurance: Singapore has excellent medical care, but it is extremely expensive. Travel insurance is non-negotiable for backpackers, do not go without it. 
5. Skip the Paid Walking Tours: Paid walking tours often cost S$20–S$40 . Instead, head to any Tourist Information Centre (like the one in Changi Airport or Chinatown) for a free city map. These maps are excellent and contain all the key historical info and walking routes you need for a self-guided experience, particularly useful in the Colonial District and Cultural Areas.

Let Singapore Smash Your Expectations, Not Your Budget

You now have the full, proven 3-day itinerary. By eating at Hawker Centres, mastering the MRT, and prioritising the city’s countless free attractions, you will be well under budget. Ignore the warnings! You can travel comfortably in Singapore on a budget of $70 per day. 

So here is proof that visiting Singapore on a budget is possible, and highly rewarding!

The Lion City is waiting. Go experience it for yourself.