7-Day Shoestring Budget Itinerary in Singapore

Saturday, February 24: Arrival and Marina Bay Sands

Start your trip by arriving in Singapore in the morning. After checking into your hotel, head to Marina Bay Sands, an iconic integrated resort. In the morning, explore the Gardens by the Bay, a beautiful garden with futuristic Supertrees. In the afternoon, visit the ArtScience Museum and immerse yourself in its interactive exhibits. In the evening, catch the Spectra light and water show at the Marina Bay Sands Promenade.

• Gardens by the Bay: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• ArtScience Museum: Estimated Cost - $15, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Marina Bay Sands Promenade: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1 hour

Restaurants

• For breakfast, head to Toast Box at Marina Bay Sands Mall for traditional Singaporean breakfast dishes such as kaya toast and soft-boiled eggs. The average cost for a meal is about $5 per person.
• For lunch, try Satay by the Bay, located near the gardens. Enjoy a variety of grilled satay skewers with peanut sauce, along with other local delicacies. The average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
• For dinner, dine at Rasapura Masters Food Court in Marina Bay Sands. This food court offers a wide range of local and international cuisines, from Chinese to Indian to Western. The average cost for a meal is about $15 per person.

Sunday, February 25: Chinatown and Sentosa Island

Start your day by exploring Chinatown. In the morning, visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, a stunning Buddhist temple with cultural artifacts. Enjoy a budget-friendly lunch at a hawker center. In the afternoon, take a cable car to Sentosa Island and spend the day at Universal Studios Singapore, enjoying thrilling rides and attractions. In the evening, catch the Wings of Time show at Siloso Beach.

• Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Chinatown Hawker Center: Estimated Cost - $5-10, Time Spent - 1 hour
• Universal Studios Singapore: Estimated Cost - $80-90, Time Spent - Full day
• Wings of Time: Estimated Cost - $18, Time Spent - 30 minutes

Monday, February 26: Orchard Road and Singapore Botanic Gardens

Spend your morning exploring Orchard Road, Singapore's famous shopping street. Visit the various malls and shop for souvenirs. Enjoy lunch at a local food court. In the afternoon, head to the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discover the lush greenery, beautiful orchids, and relax by the Symphony Lake. In the evening, explore the vibrant Clarke Quay area and enjoy dinner by the river.

• Orchard Road: Estimated Cost - Free (Shopping costs vary), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Singapore Botanic Gardens: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Clarke Quay: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Tuesday, February 27: Little India and Night Safari

Begin your day in Little India, a vibrant neighborhood. Explore the colorful streets, visit Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, and indulge in Indian cuisine for lunch. In the afternoon, take a trip to the Singapore Night Safari, where you can observe nocturnal animals in their natural habitats. Enjoy the night shows and be amazed by the fire-eating performances. Return to your hotel for a good night's rest.

• Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 30 minutes
• Little India: Estimated Cost - Free (Shopping costs vary), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Night Safari: Estimated Cost - $45-55, Time Spent - 4-5 hours

Wednesday, February 28: Singapore River Cruise and National Museum of Singapore

Start your day with a relaxing Singapore River Cruise, offering panoramic views of the city. In the morning, explore the vibrant Clarke Quay and Boat Quay areas. Enjoy a delicious lunch at a riverside restaurant. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of Singapore and delve into the country's rich history and culture. In the evening, explore the nearby Bugis Street for shopping and street food.

• Singapore River Cruise: Estimated Cost - $25, Time Spent - 1 hour
• National Museum of Singapore: Estimated Cost - $15, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Bugis Street: Estimated Cost - Free (Shopping costs vary), Time Spent - 1-2 hours

Thursday, March 1: East Coast Park and Haw Par Villa

Start your day at the scenic East Coast Park. Rent a bicycle and cycle along the coastline, enjoying the sea breeze. Have a picnic lunch at one of the designated spots. In the afternoon, visit Haw Par Villa, a unique theme park depicting Chinese mythology. Explore the various statues and learn about the folklore. In the evening, head to the nearby Katong and Joo Chiat area for delicious Peranakan cuisine.

• East Coast Park: Estimated Cost - Free (Bicycle rental costs vary), Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Haw Par Villa: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 1-2 hours
• Katong and Joo Chiat: Estimated Cost - $10-20, Time Spent - 2-3 hours

Friday, March 2: Singapore Zoo and Botanic Gardens

Spend your last full day in Singapore at the Singapore Zoo. In the morning, explore the various animal exhibits and catch the animal shows. Enjoy lunch at one of the zoo's restaurants. In the afternoon, visit the Botanic Gardens again and relax amidst nature. Explore the stunning Orchid Garden before bidding farewell to Singapore. End your trip with a visit to a local hawker center for a final taste of Singaporean cuisine.

• Singapore Zoo: Estimated Cost - $35-45, Time Spent - 4-5 hours
• Botanic Gardens: Estimated Cost - Free, Time Spent - 2-3 hours
• Hawker Center: Estimated Cost - $5-15, Time Spent - 1 hour

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For budget-friendly hidden gems, explore the vibrant Haji Lane in Kampong Glam, known for its quirky shops and street art. Visit the Singapore City Gallery to learn about the city-state's urban planning. To experience local culture, head to Tiong Bahru, a charming neighborhood filled with hip cafes and traditional shophouses. Don't miss the chance to try local street food at Lau Pa Sat Hawker Center and experience the bustling atmosphere.

Check here for hotel and flight prices.