So you’ve finally taken a long-awaited day off, or want to spend some time alone – but what do you do with all that time to yourself? Whether it’s exploring an aquarium, getting your hands dirty at a workshop, or eating alone, here is a list of 21 things to do, see, and even eat in Singapore on your solo date.
1. Solo dining
While eating alone might seem intimidating, it’s always important to take some me-time and return to the joy of enjoying a simple meal undisturbed, where you can truly focus on appreciating your meal. Here are some restaurants that offer options for solo diners, like individual seats and your own personal grills, perfect for treating yourself to that long-deserved meal.
Haidilao
You can now dine alone at Haidilao, thanks to the hotpot chain’s single diner booths that give you all the privacy you need. If you go during a weekday before 6pm, you can also get their lunch sets at S$15.80++ (excluding soup bases)! The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands outlet exclusively offers solo dining booths, so if you’re feeling a little fancy, you know what to treat yourself to.
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???? 2 Bayfront Avenue B2-01 The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 018972
???? 10.30am – 6am (Mon to Sun)
FuFu Pot
For affordable solo hotpot, FuFu Pot is one of the most wallet-friendly and varied options, offering nine soup bases (including miso and Korean army stew) in individual pots you can enjoy on your own. They only have one outlet in Plaza Singapura, so why not wander the National Museum and Fort Canning Park after your meal?
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???? 68 Orchard Rd, #06-07 Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839
???? 11am-8pm (Mon to Sun)
Hey!Yakiniku
Hey!Yakiniku’s self-cooking grills suit solo diners as well, and you can get good yet affordable yakiniku here like karubi beef sets for S$15.90, inclusive of miso soup and sides. With no GST or service charge, you can settle in for a hearty meal that won’t break the bank.
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???? #01-92/96 Bugis Junction, 80 Middle Rd, Singapore 188966
???? 11am-10pm (Mon to Sun)
Sushiro
One of the most popular conveyor belt sushi chains from Japan is Sushiro, a hotspot for solo diners seeking a comforting meal of sushi, sides, hot food, and even matcha parfaits. Although there are several outlets islandwide, long queues are to be expected, especially during peak hours.
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???? Outlets islandwide
???? 11am-10pm (Mon to Sun)
Omakase
For the classic Japanese solo dining experience, you can’t go wrong with an omakase meal. Most omakase restaurants have counter seating where you can watch the chef whip up delectable seasonal dishes — it truly is an experience everyone must try at least once.
2. Go museum hopping
Feeling artsy? Wandering Singapore’s many museums is one of the best ways to spend a solo outing, and there are plenty of options, from Singapore’s very own natural history museum to a historical fighter plane museum. Go on a guided tour and learn more about the museum, or slowly admire the many exhibits.
3. Watch a movie at an indie cinema
There’s nothing like watching a movie for a quick pick-me-up, and what better way to look cool and mysterious than watching a movie at an indie cinema? Projector X Picturehouse is conveniently located in the Cathay, where you can explore a cafe and record store, as well as a vintage photobooth.
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???? 2 Handy Rd, #05-01, Singapore 229233
???? 4pm – 8.30pm (Wed to Fri), 1pm–8.30pm (Sat to Sun and PH)
4. Have tea at a lounge in the sky
If you’re looking to unwind over a cup of tea and a book, head to the Atico Lounge, a cosy nook 57 stories in the sky at ION Sky. They offer high tea sets which include a wide variety of sweet and savoury items, as well as free-flow tea. The panoramic views and quiet atmosphere are sure to make you feel relaxed.
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???? ION Sky, 2 Orchard Turn, Level 55 & 56, Singapore 238801
???? 12pm – 11pm (Mon to Sun)
5. Snap some pics at a self-photography studio
Hanging out at a self-photography studio is a great solo activity – you just need to dress up and start shooting. You can find costumes and cute backdrops at most self-photography studios, and pick a theme. It’s a great way to commemorate a day well spent alone too!
6. Explore Sentosa on your own
There’s so much to see in Sentosa, enough for more than a day’s worth of fun. For instance, you can definitely take a solo trip to Universal Studios, given that there are lines for single riders (the lines are shorter too), and go on all the rides. Alternatively, there are also plenty of walking trails around the island to choose from, as well as sandy beaches for those in dire need of a beach day.
7. Sign up for a craft workshop
Working with your hands can be therapeutic, and unwinding by going for a craft workshop is one of the ways to let off some steam. You’ll be so absorbed in creating your own masterpiece that it’ll take your mind off your worries for a few hours. Most craft workshops in Singapore let you take your works home too, so it’s both fun and functional.
8. Unwind at an onsen
There’s nothing like relaxing in a tranquil floral bath and getting to lounge around in a yukata for the ultimate self-care day. Take your pick from Singapore’s many onsens — some even offer massages, facials, and other spa services for a well-deserved pampering session!
9. Shop at a thrift store
Enjoy hunting for vintage outfits? Switch up your usual outfits or curate a new wardrobe at the many thrift and vintage stores around, each offering unique pieces that cater to different styles. After all, it’s always fun to do some affordable retail therapy on your own, and you just might find a cute top or two.
10. Café-hopping
Looking for somewhere to sip a good cup of coffee and just chill? Café hopping is one of the most relaxing and fun things to do, and you can visit unique places like an artistic coffee house and tapas bar, a mini art gallery in a café, and more!
11. Visit a bookstore
Picking out a new book in the solitude of a bookstore is always a good feeling, especially if you’re trying to cultivate a good reading habit, or explore a new fiction genre. It’s hard to go wrong with Kinokuniya, the biggest bookstore in Singapore, with plenty of books to discover your next read. Alternatively, why not explore some lesser-known indie bookstores like Littered with Books and Zall Bookstore?
12. Have a picnic for yourself
Who says you can’t have a solo picnic? Grab a picnic mat, get your favourite snacks, and spend the day in nature lounging by the beach or in a park. There are plenty of scenic places in Singapore you can spend a chill afternoon!
13. Spend the day exploring nature parks
Take a peaceful hike through Singapore’s diverse nature parks, including wetlands and forests and the chance to spot rare animals. Some of the nature parks have unique features too, like arboretums and cliffs.
14. Take a staycation
Solo staycations can be pretty fun – you get the entire room to yourself, you can take a dip in the pool whenever you want, and if you pick a hotel near a mall or an attraction, it’s even more convenient to head back after a day out. Order in, or watch TV, it’s up to you!
15. Go to the zoo
Relive your field trips spent at the Singapore Zoo by visiting it yourself! You can spend a leisurely day at the Zoo, see baby panda LeLe at River Wonders and when it opens in 2023, visit the highly-anticipated Bird Paradise.
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???? 80 Mandai Lake Rd, 729826
???? 8.30am – 6pm (Mon to Sun)
16. Watch marine creatures at SEA Aquarium
Spending a lazy afternoon at an aquarium watching the fish go by is one of the best ways to spend a free day. You can even dive with sharks, if you’re up for an experience unlike any other, or go on a curated tour of the aquarium. From sharks to jellyfish, there’s plenty to see here!
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???? 80 Mandai Lake Rd, 729826
???? 9am – 5pm (Mon to Sun)
17. Changi Jewel
Changi Jewel has a naturally tranquil atmosphere and natural lighting, making it a nature lover’s haven. After all, there are plenty of breathtaking sights like the iconic indoor waterfall, garden, and walking trails, to explore. You can even watch planes depart at the viewing gallery, and if you feel like it, take on the Jurassic Mile, a scenic 3km long trek where you can walk among dinosaurs.
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???? Jewel Changi Airport, 78 Airport Boulevard, Singapore 819666
???? 10am – 10pm (Mon to Sun)
18. Work out in privacy at the Gym Pod
Want to work out, but hate people staring at you in public gyms? You can embark on your intensive solo gym routine with peace of mind at the Gym Pod, a private individual gym container boasting a treadmill, dumbbell rack, and deadlift stations.
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???? Locations islandwide
???? 24 hours (Mon to Sun)
19. Cuddle adorable cats at a cat café
Cuddle up next to adorable cats at Singapore’s many cat cafés! You can’t help but smile when interacting with these kawaii felines, and it’ll lift your mood for sure. You can even purchase treats to feed the kitties, making it one of the cutest solo trips you’ll remember.
20. Explore Singapore’s history
History buffs, this one’s for you. Trace the epic history of Singapore’s struggle in World War 2, from the cannons used in the war to the bunker in which the surrender documents were drafted, at museums like Battlebox in Fort Canning, Changi Chapel, and the Former Ford Factory.
21. Visit the Botanical Art Gallery (Inverturret House)
Get lost in nature at the Botanic Gardens, home to many unique species of flora to marvel at, and plants from all cultures! There’s also the Inverturret House, where you can admire works of botanical art, and even try your hand at the various techniques involved in botanical illustration, such as sketching, mixing colours, and composing layouts. The activity room also offers panoramic views of the forested areas surrounding the house, so you’re in for a scenic treat.
Taking a slow day for yourself can give you the inspiration you’ve been looking for and refresh your mind, so the next time you find yourself at a loss for what to do alone in Singapore, why not try out these activities?
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