An honest account of my 10-night stay exploring Singapore independently.

Singapore had been on my travel list for some time. Known for its incredible skyline, diverse cultures, excellent public transport and reputation for safety, it seemed like an ideal destination for a solo female traveller over 60.

I spent 10 nights staying in Chinatown, using Singapore as my base to explore the city's many different neighbourhoods, attractions and culinary delights.

Did I enjoy my visit? Yes, there was plenty to see and experience. Did it live up to my expectations? Not entirely.

Singapore is undoubtedly an interesting destination, but I also discovered that feeling safe and feeling welcome are two very different things.

Here's my honest review of Singapore, including the places I visited, getting around independently, the food I enjoyed and why my experience was not quite what I had anticipated.

Is Singapore safe for solo female travellers over 60?

My first response would be an emphatic yes!

I felt comfortable exploring Singapore independently, walking around different neighbourhoods and using the MRT, the city's efficient rail network.

Singapore has a reputation for being clean, orderly and safe, which can make it an appealing choice for women who want to travel alone. Its public transport system also makes getting around relatively straightforward without needing to rely on organised tours or taxis.

As with any destination, sensible precautions are important. Keep an eye on your belongings, plan your route back to your accommodation and trust your instincts, particularly when exploring unfamiliar areas after dark.

Personally, I tended to return to my hotel relatively early in the evening. This was my own preference rather than the result of any particular safety incident.

For me, Singapore was a destination where I felt able to explore independently, which is an important consideration when travelling alone.

Exploring Singapore's different neighbourhoods

One of the things I enjoyed most was discovering how different each area of Singapore felt.

The city's mix of cultures, religions, architecture and cuisines makes it a fascinating place to explore. Within a relatively short journey, you can move from traditional shophouses and temples to modern skyscrapers, luxury shopping malls and waterfront attractions.

Chinatown — my home for 10 nights

I stayed in Chinatown, which proved to be a convenient base for exploring the city.

I loved wandering through the streets, admiring the traditional architecture and discovering the temples, shops and food centres. It offered a glimpse of a more traditional side of Singapore, although modern developments were never far away.

Chinatown was also a great place to experience the local food scene, with plenty of opportunities to try different dishes without necessarily spending a fortune.

One of my favourite experiences was sitting at the Yellow Seat restaurant on a busy street corner, watching the world go by.

There was something lovely about simply sitting there and observing everyday life around me. As a solo traveller, I've learnt that some of the best travel memories come from moments when you're not rushing to see another attraction.

Little India — colour and character

Little India offered a completely different atmosphere.

The colourful buildings, lively streets, shops and distinctive architecture made it a fascinating area to explore. It was another reminder of how Singapore brings together different communities and traditions within one city.

I particularly enjoyed seeing the contrast between the different neighbourhoods. Each had its own identity, and visiting them helped me appreciate Singapore's multicultural character.

Kampong Glam and Haji Lane

Kampong Glam was another highlight, with its beautiful mosque, heritage buildings and distinctive character.

Nearby Haji Lane offered colourful street art, independent shops and plenty of interesting corners to photograph.

I would recommend allowing time to wander rather than simply visiting one attraction and leaving. These neighbourhoods are best appreciated by exploring the surrounding streets and taking in the atmosphere.

Marina Bay — Singapore's modern side

Marina Bay showcases the Singapore many people recognise from photographs.

The impressive skyline, waterfront views and striking architecture around Marina Bay Sands provide a complete contrast to the historic neighbourhoods.

It is a wonderful area for photography, particularly if you enjoy cityscapes and capturing the changing light around the water.

I found this contrast between old and new one of the most interesting aspects of Singapore.

Sentosa Island

Sentosa offers something different again, particularly if you enjoy beaches, attractions and entertainment.

Universal Studios Singapore is one of its best-known attractions, making the island a possible addition to your itinerary if theme parks are your thing.

However, Sentosa has a very different feel from the cultural neighbourhoods of Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam. What you choose to do there will depend on your interests and how much time you have.

Orchard Road and Clarke Quay

Orchard Road revealed another side of Singapore, with its designer shops, large shopping malls and luxury hotels.

It was quite a contrast to the traditional streets and local food centres I had been enjoying elsewhere.

Clarke Quay also offered a different atmosphere, with its riverside setting, restaurants and entertainment venues.

Together, these areas demonstrate just how varied Singapore can be. Whether you enjoy shopping, history, architecture, food or modern city life, there is plenty to explore.

Food, glorious food!

Singapore is famous for its diverse cuisine, and one of the pleasures of visiting is the opportunity to sample food influenced by different cultures.

From traditional dishes served in local hawker centres to international cuisine and fine dining, there is a huge amount of choice.

Prices vary considerably depending on where you eat. Local food centres can offer affordable meals, while restaurants in luxury hotels can be considerably more expensive.

I enjoyed trying food in different settings, including local eateries in Chinatown and afternoon tea at the famous Raffles Hotel.

These experiences showed me another side of Singapore, from everyday local dining to a more luxurious treat.

My advice would be to try something new and be open to different cuisines. If you have a sensitive stomach, however, be cautious about unfamiliar dishes and choose food outlets carefully.

Food can be one of the best ways to experience a destination, and Singapore certainly offers plenty of opportunities to do that.

Getting around Singapore independently

One of the easiest aspects of my visit was getting around.

I used the MRT extensively, alongside walking, to explore the different neighbourhoods. The network made it straightforward to travel between many of the places I wanted to visit.

For anyone considering a solo trip, being able to navigate a city independently can make a huge difference. You don't need to join a tour every day or pay for taxis to see the main sights.

I also found paying for things relatively easy. I used my Monzo card for MRT journeys and shopping, while keeping some cash available for hawker centres and smaller local eateries.

My recommendation is to check your card's current overseas charges before travelling and carry a small amount of cash as a backup.

Planning a few destinations around the MRT network can also help you make the most of your time without spending too much of the day travelling.

The part I found disappointing: friendliness and social interaction

Now for the part of my Singapore experience that surprised me most.

Although I found Singapore clean, organised and easy to navigate, I personally experienced it as rather unfriendly.

People seemed busy and often focused on their mobile phones. I had very little spontaneous social interaction during my stay, and I can only recall one memorable conversation. That was with a taxi driver who was taking me back to the airport.

Of course, this is only my personal experience. Everyone has different expectations of a destination, and other travellers may have a completely different impression.

However, as someone who travels alone, I genuinely enjoy those little moments of connection: chatting to someone in a café, exchanging stories with a local or simply having a friendly conversation while exploring somewhere new.

Those interactions can make a destination feel special, particularly when you're travelling solo.

I missed that during my time in Singapore.

It made me realise that, although I appreciate safety, good transport and interesting attractions, the people I meet and the atmosphere of a place are also important parts of my travel experience.

I don't expect everyone to stop and chat, of course. People have busy lives, and a large modern city naturally has a different pace from a small village or a more relaxed holiday destination.

Nevertheless, I had hoped for more opportunities to connect with people.

Is Singapore expensive?

Singapore can be expensive, but how much you spend depends very much on your choices.

Accommodation, luxury shopping, hotel restaurants and certain attractions can take a substantial bite out of your budget. On the other hand, local hawker centres and public transport can help keep everyday costs under control.

I enjoyed the contrast between eating at local establishments and treating myself to afternoon tea at Raffles Hotel.

For a solo traveller, it is worth deciding in advance which experiences are worth spending more on and where you can save money.

You don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy Singapore, but it is sensible to budget carefully, particularly if you plan to stay for several nights.

Would I recommend Singapore to women travelling alone over 60?

Yes, I would.

I found it a fascinating destination with a great deal to offer. The variety of neighbourhoods, the food, the architecture and the ease of getting around make it a practical option for independent travellers.

However, I would encourage anyone considering a visit to think about what they most enjoy when travelling.

If you love exploring cities, visiting cultural attractions, photographing impressive buildings, trying different cuisines and having the freedom to travel independently, Singapore could be an excellent choice.

If, like me, you particularly value spontaneous conversations and a strong sense of social connection, you might find the experience less rewarding than expected.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't go. It simply means that different destinations suit different personalities and travel styles.

And remember, being over 60 should never be a reason to rule out an adventure!

My final verdict on Singapore

Looking back on my 10 nights in Singapore, I am glad I went.

I explored fascinating neighbourhoods, experienced a wonderful variety of food, admired impressive architecture and learnt more about the different cultures that make up this remarkable city.

I also felt comfortable travelling independently and found the MRT particularly useful.

However, I came away with mixed feelings. Singapore impressed me with its organisation, cleanliness and variety, but I personally found the social atmosphere less welcoming than I had hoped.

Would I return? I'm not sure.

For me, the lack of social interaction made the experience less enjoyable than I had anticipated. That is my honest opinion, rather than a judgement of everyone who lives there or of every visitor's experience.

Travel is wonderfully personal. One person's favourite destination may not be another person's perfect place, and that is part of the adventure.

My advice? Go with an open mind, explore beyond the obvious attractions, sample the local food and make your own judgement.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has visited Singapore. Did you find people friendly? Was your experience similar to mine, or did you discover a completely different side to the city?

Share your experiences with me — I would genuinely love to hear them.

And remember, wherever you choose to go next, adventure doesn't have an age limit!

Happy travels,

Sue — Travel the World Sue