Singapore may be famous for being one of the world’s most expensive cities, but that doesn’t mean budget travelers can’t have plenty of fun in this unique tourist destination. Despite the city-state’s reputation, there are a large number of free things to do in Singapore.
Gardens by the Bay
While you may not be able to visit the Flower Dome or Cloud Forest without paying an admission fee, the rest of the Gardens by the Bay are completely free to the public. Boasting a surreal landscape looking like something from another planet, the Supertree Grove is considered to be one of the must-see attractions in Singapore. The gardens are open almost 24 hours a day, but they’re a particularly spectacular sight at night with the Supertree lit up.
Watch the Sunset at Marina Bay Sands Boardwalk
The Marina Bay area of Singapore is known for its stunning skyline, which looks even more amazing at sunset. From the Marina Bay Sands Boardwalk, you can find unobstructed views of the Central Business District skyline.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is an expansive destination for nature lovers that was established more than 150 years ago and is easy to reach by the Downtown and Circle MRT lines. There are over 10,000 species of plants at the gardens and is now an UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sentosa Island
Often called Singapore’s island of fun, Sentosa Island is a free place to visit if you take the 10-minute walk along the Sentosa Boardwalk (rather than taking the Sentosa Express). Once there, buses, trams, and monorails can get you around the rest of the island. Three beaches each offer something different for visitors. Palawan Beach is great for families with kids, Tanjong Beach is a place for relaxing and enjoying a drink, and Siloso Beach is the place to go for activities.
Brave the MacRitchie Treetop Walk
The MacRitchie Treetop Walk isn’t for the faint of heart. This free-standing suspension bridge spans across 250 meters at the MacRitchie Reservoir between the park’s two highest points. Situated 25 meters above the ground, anyone with a fear of heights may want to skip this one.
Take a Photo with the Merlion
The mascot of Singapore, the Merlion is a mythical creature with the body of a fish and the head of a lion. The Merlion near Marina Bay at Merlion Park is the easiest to find and take a photo with, however, there are actually five official Merlion statues placed throughout the city.
Walk the Southern Ridges
If you’re looking for a trek of a walk in Singapore and some great views, look no further than the Southern Ridges. Spanning across Kent Ridge, Telok Blangah, and Mount Faber, this walking trail travels through approximately nine kilometers of canopy walks and forest and crosses the Henderson Waves, the highest pedestrian bridge in the city. Make sure you bring plenty of water and wear sunscreen. There are several places along the way to refill your water bottle.
Scavenger Hunt at Mustafa Centre
You could definitely get lost in the massive Mustafa Centre. Open 24 hours, this five-story shopping center is rumored to have pretty much anything you would want to buy. This makes it an excellent place for a scavenger hunt, especially if you want something different to do late at night.
Buddha Tooth Temple
Found in Chinatown, the four-story Buddha Tooth Temple is a Buddhist temple, as well as a museum. It’s known for housing a tooth from the original Buddha. There are also numerous other “tooth relics” and this unique, iconic Singapore landmark.
Changi Point Coastal Walk
A bit more out of the way than many other many free things to do in Singapore, the Changi Point Coastal Walk is a great place to get some peace and quiet in the city. Stretching a few kilometers along the water, Changi Point offers a relaxing place for a stroll near the airport.
Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa is a park featuring more than 1,000 statues representative of Chinese mythology and folklore. The Ten Courts of Hell is the park’s more popular area and overall the park is just an interesting and unique place to explore in the city.
Festivals
Festivals happen most months of the year, ranging from the Lunar New Year to Deepavali to several music and arts festivals. Planning a trip to Singapore during one of the major festivals adds even more fun and excitement to your visit.
Free Concerts
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra presents free concerts as part of its community outreach at several institutions, gardens, and concert halls throughout the city. Their Classics at the Park series are typically performed at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. For even more music, you can catch a free concert at the Esplanade.
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