Singapore on a Shoestring in 2025

Travelling to Singapore on a tight budget can be tricky, but having visited Singapore many times, here are some tips to help you make the most of your trip.

When to go

The cheapest time to visit Singapore typically falls during the off-peak travel periods, when demand for flights and accommodations is lower. Here’s a breakdown to help you plan a budget-friendly trip:

Avoid Peak Seasons

Major Holidays: Avoid travelling during the Singapore Grand Prix Formula One on the 3rd—5th of October 2025. This will be the most expensive time, and hotel prices and flights will rocket. Travelling during the Chinese New Year (January or February, depending on the lunar calendar), Raya (dates vary), and Deepavali (October or November) can also be expensive. These festivals attract crowds, and prices for flights and hotels tend to rise.

School Holidays: Singapore’s school holidays in June, November, and December see an influx of local and regional tourists, leading to higher travel costs.

Best Off-Peak Months

February to April: After the Chinese New Year celebrations, visitor numbers drop. The weather is pleasant, and there are fewer tourists.

July to September: This period coincides with the Hungry Ghost Festival and fewer major holidays, making it less crowded and more affordable.

Weather Considerations

Singapore has a tropical climate with consistent temperatures year-round, but the monsoon season (November to January) might deter some tourists. While you can expect occasional rain, it’s a great time to snag deals on flights and accommodations. Bring light clothing and sunscreen if you’re not used to the climate.

Midweek vs. Weekend Travel & Flights

Flights and hotels tend to be cheaper midweek compared to weekends, especially if you avoid public holidays and long weekends. One of the best places to find cheap flights is CheapFlights.co.uk or Expedia. You can also ask to use Google Flights to send you an email alert when destination prices fall.

Accommodation Tips:

1. **Hostels and Capsule Hotels:** Affordable hostels and capsule hotels in areas like Chinatown, Little India, Kallang, or Bugis. Platforms like Hostelworld or Agoda often have great deals. Personally, I like to stay in the Chinatown area as it has good public transport connections.

Top 5 recommended hostel stays in Singapore

1. Atelier’s Hostel in Chinatown
2. The Bohemian in Chinatown. This is a fun Backpacker’s only with good vibes.
3. Betel Box Backpacker Hostel in Joo Chiat, Restored 1920 property
4. ST Signature Tanjong Pagar in Tanjong Pagar.
5. Bluewaters Female-Only Hostel in Clarke Quay

Top 5 low-cost recommended hotel stays:

While it may be easy to find cheap hotels in Singapore on some booking websites, you need to be aware that this may be used by the hour! I had experienced myself while staying at Kam Leng Hotel in Little India, in what I thought was a boutique hotel, looking at the pictures. It was a big mistake, and I would rather have slept in a hostel than in those dirty conditions. I’ve noticed that some of these cheaper hotels may also bribe you into leaving 5-star feedback on Google for a free drink.

Staying in a nice low-cost hotel in Singapore will cost on average, around £90-£120 or $150 to $200 and this depends on the number of nights you stay.

Habyt Cantonment – Tanjong Pagar – Trip Advisor 4.1 Stars

This is a good option if you plan to stay a week in Singapore; the room is nicely decorated and suitable for solo or couples, and the bathroom is nice and modern. This is a perfect place to stay on a budge,t as the hotel also has a shared kitchen area so you can cook or prepare food. There’s also free coffee and tea in the communal area and workstations, allowing you to update your travel blogs or catch up on business projects. The hotel has an outside area for socialising and a small pool when you need to just relax. There was a gym area, but it wasn’t very well equipped. You are about a 10-12 minute walk to the nearest MRT and a short walk to Tanjong Pagar. Prices start at around $130-$170 SGD, depending on the season.

Hotel Boss – Jalan Sultan Road – Trip Advisor 3.9 Stars

The Hotel Boss offers pleasant rooms with a Pool, Gym and restaurant. Its next to the Rochor River and offers a great view, it’s a prime location for the Sultan Mosque with the nearest MRT at Lavender or Bugis.

Rooms come with free Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs, plus minifridges and tea and coffee-making facilities. Prices range from $100 – $160, depending on the session when booked in advance.

Furama RiverFront – Havelock – Trip Advisor 4.1 Stars

Furama RiverFront is a family-friendly hotel located along Havelock Road in Singapore, nestled between the vibrant districts of Chinatown and Clarke Quay. Offering spacious rooms with wifi, themed family suites, and a range of facilities, including a swimming pool, gym, and kids’ play area, the hotel caters well to both leisure and business travellers. While the interiors are slightly dated, the warm service and generous room sizes make up for it, especially for those seeking value for money. Though not directly next to an MRT station, guests benefit from a free shuttle service to Orchard Road and Chinatown, making it a convenient base for exploring the city. There is also a Furama in Chinatown if you seek a closer location to the MRT. For breakfast, there is a good variety of Asian and Western food.

Prices are from $120 – $180 per night, depending on the session when booked in advance.

Hotel Faber Park – Faber Park – Trip Advisor 4.2

A little more expensive but tucked away in Singapore’s lush Rochester area near Buona Vista, Hotel Faber Park blends nature, design, and convenience in a sleek, modern package. This contemporary hotel offers stylish rooms with smart layouts, rain showers, free Wi-Fi, and floor-to-ceiling windows that let in plenty of natural light. It’s a peaceful yet well-connected retreat, surrounded by greenery and just a short walk from Star Vista Mall and Buona Vista MRT. The rooftop pool and terrace offer a relaxing space with views. Prices from $150 – $200 per night, depending on the session when booked in advance.

Hotel 81 Dickson – Little India – Trip Advisor 3.6

Hotel 81 Dickson is a top pick for travellers on a shoestring budget who want to experience the heart of Singapore without breaking the bank. Located in the vibrant Little India district, this budget-friendly hotel offers clean, compact rooms with air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, and en-suite bathrooms—perfect for resting after a day of exploring. While the rooms are basic and some may not have windows, the unbeatable location more than makes up for it. Just a short walk from Bugis and Little India MRT stations, guests have easy access to all corners of the city. Surrounded by bustling markets, cultural landmarks, and delicious street food, Hotel 81 Dickson is ideal for backpackers and thrifty adventurers who value convenience, affordability, and a real taste of local life. More recently, reviews have improved for this hotel, and there are other Hotel 81 sites in Singapore. Prices from $80-100 per night.

Transportation Tips:

Use Public Transport: Singapore is famous for its efficient and clean transport system. You can take the MRT from the airport into the city centre, each trip costs a few dollars. The MRT is very well connected to every major part of Singapore, but sometimes the bus can be even quicker. There is less traffic in Singapore than in other major capitals because owning a car is very expensive and limited to the number of residents. You can purchase an EZ-Link or just pay with a debit or credit card. Charges depend on the number of stops but range from around $1.20 – $2.30, which is super cheap.

Taxis

There is NO Uber! So, try Grab or Gojek instead.

Grab and Gojek are popular ride-hailing and delivery platforms in Singapore, offering convenient transportation and on-demand services through their mobile apps. Both platforms allow users to book private cars, taxis, and motorbikes, as well as order food, groceries, and parcels for delivery. Price varies depending on peak hours and if it rains! Regular taxis flag-down rates are around $4 and then $0.24 per 400 meters.

Food Tips:

Singapore’s hawker markets are a vibrant tapestry of the nation’s diverse culinary heritage, offering an unforgettable street food experience that blends Chinese, Malay, Indian, and Peranakan flavours. Among the most iconic is the Maxwell Food Centre, nestled in the heart of Chinatown. This bustling food haven is a must-visit for any traveller, famed for its authentic local dishes served at humble prices.

1. Maxwell Food Centre – Chinatown
   • Famous for: Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
   • Vibe: Bustling, central, tourist-friendly
2. Lau Pa Sat (Telok Ayer Market) – Downtown Core
   • Famous for: Satay Street (nighttime outdoor satay stalls)
   • Vibe: Historic Victorian-style structure with modern fusion
3. Chinatown Complex Food Centre – Chinatown
   • Famous for: Liao Fan Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice (Michelin-starred)
   • Vibe: Huge selection, local crowd
4. Tiong Bahru Market – Tiong Bahru
   • Famous for: Chwee Kueh (steamed rice cakes), Lor Mee
   • Vibe: Clean, trendy neighbourhood hotspot
5. Old Airport Road Food Centre – Geylang
   • Famous for: Char Kway Teow, Hokkien Mee
   • Vibe: OG local favourite, consistently good food
6. Newton Food Centre – Newton
   • Famous for: BBQ seafood, sambal stingray
   • Vibe: Nighttime tourist hangout (also featured in Crazy Rich Asians)
7. Tekka Centre – Little India
   • Famous for: Indian and Malay food like biryani, roti prata, and teh tarik
   • Vibe: Bold flavours, colourful culture
8. Amoy Street Food Centre – CBD
   • Famous for: Lunchtime crowd, fish soup, dry mee pok
   • Vibe: Popular with office workers, fast-paced
9. Golden Mile Food Centre – Beach Road
   • Famous for: Vietnamese food, chicken rice, and unique stalls
   • Vibe: Underground, eclectic mix
10. Zion Riverside Food Centre – Near Robertson Quay

• Famous for: Fried kway teow, satay, prawn noodles
  • Vibe: Small but high-quality, near the riverwalk

Food Courts in Malls offer inexpensive meals similar to hawker centres but with air conditioning. For the best budget experience, head to Food Republic, which is my favourite and can be found in VivoCity and 313@Somerset, Kopitiam (at Plaza Singapura), or Food Opera at ION Orchard. These spots serve everything from chicken rice and laksa to Thai, Korean, and Japanese fare, all in one convenient space—perfect for a tasty, low-cost feast.

Attractions

So now you know how to get around and where to eat, what about the attractions and places to visit without costing a fortune!

Gardens by the Bay

You can walk around the SuperTrees at the Gardens by the Bay for free and take in the light show at night. For a little extra, you can take the skywalk for a better view.

Marina Bay Sands Light Show

There is a nightly light show of the Marina Bay Sands, which is best viewed near the Merlion. Travellers’ tip: If you’re looking to grab a drink and watch the light show, head over to the Empire Lounge at 50 Raffles Place Singapore Land Tower, Singapore Land Tower, Level 45 for this view. Booking in advance is recommended.

Sentosa for Beaches and Adventures

You have to visit Sentosa for the beautiful beaches and fun activities. You can visit any of the Sentosa beaches for free and explore all the activities. This family fun adventure has a Universal Studios theme park, a water park, and so much more.

Free activities include Fort Siloso Skywalk, Fort Siloso and beaches.

Traveller’s Tip: Visit Palawan beach, it’s the perfect spot to relax and swim

Sultan Mosque:

The Sultan Mosque, located in the heart of Kampong Glam, is a must-visit landmark in Singapore that beautifully represents Islamic heritage. Its impressive golden dome and intricate architecture create a visual delight, while the serene atmosphere provides a unique cultural retreat. Visitors can explore local Muslim traditions and appreciate one of the city’s most iconic sites.

Little India:

Bursting with colour, spice, and life, Little India is where Singapore’s vibrant Indian culture comes alive. Wander through bustling markets, savour delicious curries, and admire ornate temples like the Sri Veeramakaliamman. It’s the perfect place to experience rich traditions, festive energy, and authentic street scenes—all in one lively neighbourhood.

Other Tips:

SIM Cards: You can purchase a prepaid tourist Singtel SIM card in most 7-Eleven shops starting at $12 for 100GB over 14 days, which is pretty cheap. They also offer an esim. There are other providers that sell eSIMs online, so check out what works for you.

FREE WIFI: Most shopping malls and public area have free wifi, so if you don’t manage to get a SIM card or rather not roam.

Cheaper Activities: Try Klook for packages and discounts. I tend to use this app and find it very useful. You can also look at TripAdvisor.

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