Singapore is a vibrant city full of culture, history, and stunning scenery. And the best part, there are plenty of free things to do in Singapore that let you explore the city without spending a fortune! Whether you’re visiting as a solo traveller, a couple, or with kids, these budget activities in Singapore will let you enjoy the top attractions, stunning parks, and local culture without breaking the bank.
We spent 4-days in Singapore on a stopover before heading to Borneo and was amazed at how much we could do without spending anything. Here’s our guide to the best things to do for free in Singapore, perfect for first-time visitors and families alike.
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Top free attractions in Singapore
Go to Marina Bay & Gardens by the Bay
One of the very best things to do in Singapore is visit to Gardens by the Bay . Spanning over 100 hectares of reclaimed land by the marina, this nature park has a collection of over 1.5 million different plants and trees.
Although some areas of the Gardens by the Bay require tickets, the outdoor gardens and waterfront promenade are completely free.
Gardens by the Bay has three waterfront gardens and many more attractions including the Cloud Forest, sculptures, a children’s play park and splash pool and of course its famous futuristic trees, Supertree Grove, which is stunning at sunset.
Watch the Garden Rhapsody Light Show
The Supertree Grove is free to enter in the evenings. At night, the 18 supertrees (25-50 metres tall) are illuminated during the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show, which takes place at 7.45 and 8.45pm.
The combination of music, lights and the Marina Bay skyline makes this one of the top free things to do in Singapore and a must-see experience for first-time visitors.
We were lucky enough to be in Singapore during rehearsals for the Singapore Heritage Day celebrations, so we even got to enjoy a free firework display too.
If you are hungry afterwards, head to Satay by the Bay, a nearby open-air hawker centre offering a great choice of local dishes and budget food.
See free performances at the Esplanade
A short walk from Marina Bay is The Esplanade (Theatres on the Bay), which regularly hosts free outdoor concerts and performances throughout the year. These include music, dance, and cultural shows. The waterfront area around the Esplanade Concourse is a lively area and provides one of the top free activities in Singapore for families and couples alike. It’s a great opportunity to enjoy new music and artists.
In addition to this, Beautiful Sundays is a series of free concerts by local orchestras, wind bans, and music ensembles in the Concert Hall.
Explore China Town
Another brilliant spot for first-timers in Singapore is Chinatown, which has a fantastic atmosphere, making it one of the top free things to do in Singapore. Wander the streets for free to see beautifully restored colonial buildings, colourful shopfronts and the bright lights of the neighbourhood.
Chinatown is organised into four main areas: Temple Street, Pagoda Street, Mosque Street, and Smith Street, each with its own character and charm. You could even join a free walking trail to learn more about the area’s history and culture.
Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum
While in Chinatown, visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum, which tells the stories of thousands of years of culture and heritage. Legend says that the temple houses the actual left canine tooth relic of Buddha!
Open until 7pm, admission is free, making it another excellent free thing to do in Singapore. Remember to wear respectful clothing when entering.
Afterwards, explore the Chinatown Street Market, where you can browse stalls selling everything from local handicrafts to electronics and souvenirs. It’s a vibrant, bustling area and is free to browse.
Discover Singapore's UNESCO heritage site - Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015 and is the only tropical botanic garden on the list.
The gardens offer free admission and are open until midnight, making them one of the top free things to do in Singapore.
Within the gardens, you’ll find a variety of botanical plants to explore. Our children loved spotting unusual plants, like banana trees and wandering through the Rain Forest. As well as plants, there’s plenty of wildlife to discover – we spotted chipmunks and lizards along the trails.
For families, the Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is a must-visit. Spread over four hectares, this garden features four zones, where children can play, learn, and interact with nature. Highlights include nature play areas with swings and zip wires, a mini farm, tree houses, , a forest, and a suspension bridge.
The best time to visit the Singapore Botanical Gardens is in the morning when it is cooler. However, there are plenty of sheltered areas, shaded benches, and even an ice-cream vendor. This makes the gardens ideal for a relaxing, family-friendly activity in Singapore, without spending a dollar!
The Jewel at Changi Airport
Whether you are arriving or departing from Singapore, The Jewel at Changi Airport is a must-see free attraction. This nature themed entertainment complex is on the landside of Changi Airport and houses the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, the 40-metre high Rain Vortex.
Be sure to also catch the light and sound show, which runs from 7:30 pm to 11:30 pm at hourly intervals.
For nature lovers, there are several short walking trails through the Forest Valley, a lush indoor garden with over 2,000 trees.
While many of the attractions at the Jewel are free, some family attractions, such as nets, mazes and canopy walks, require tickets. You can save money by purchasing these experiences in advance as a package.
Relax on Sentosa beaches
Sentosa is an island resort off the south coast of Singapore. While it’s famous for its paid attractions, there are also some great free things to do.
For a relaxed, day head to Palawan Beach. We took the free beach tram to Beach Station and spent the day playing on the sand and in the sea. It’s best to get there early to find a shady spot, as it can get very hot. There are good changing and shower facilities at Sentosa and plenty of places to grab food and drinks.
If you want free activities in the evening, watch the Crane Dance (a light, water and sound show) at 8pm (10 mins) or the Lake of Dreams laser show at 11pm.
Visit Fort Siloso at Sentosa
For something more active, try the scenic treetop walk to Fort Siloso, which is 11 storeys above ground and offers great views over Sentosa. You can also explore Siloso Point Fort, a historic site that once protected Singapore’s defences. Both are free to visit.
Do a Little India walking tour
Little India is bursting with colour and energy and home to The Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples.
Exploring Little India is completely free and offers a good insight into Singapore’s cultural diversity, making it a must-do budget activity in Singapore.
Walk along the Singapore River
A walk along the Singapore River is a peaceful way to explore the city for free.
You’ll iconic landmarks like Clarke Quay, Boat, Quay, watch boats glide buy and take in the colonial architecture. Walking the riverfront is perfect for free sightseeing in Singapore. It’s particularly special at sunset.
Wild Wild Wet Waterpark
We came back to Singapore for one night after our jungle adventure in Borneo. This time, we booked an overnight stay at the D’Resort in Downtown East (which is only about 10 mins from the airport) before flying back the airport.
We made our booking through Hotels.com and were given 4 free tickets for the Wild Wild Wet Waterpark, which is walking distance from the hotel.
Wild Wild Wet is an excellent waterpark, with a range of slides and rides for all ages. There are high speed rides and free-fall slides (think trap door!). It has a long lazy river and splash zones for little ones. The only disappointment for us was the wave pool, which was more of a ripple than a giant wave!
The showers and changing facilities at Wild Wild Wet are superb and have payable lockers. However, the place seemed very safe and we just left our bags by the lounger. Loungers are free and most are in the shade.
Wild Wild Wet has several food kiosks, where you can buy food. However, if you are on a budget, you could take your own picnic.
Tips for exploring Singapore on a budget
Here are some top tips for sticking to a budget in Singapore:
- Use public transport – Use the tourist pass to get unlimited MRT travel for a day
- Check for free museum days – National Gallery Singapore has free entry on certain days
- Time your visits – Go early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures
- Free walking tours – go with a local guide and choose what you pay
- Eat at the hawker market – enjoy local food at great prices
- Look for free festivals and cultural events
PIN FOR LATER: Top 7 free things to do in Singapore
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