Yes, granted that Singapore is one of the world’s most expensive countries, but don’t feel discouraged. If you’re on a budget, then Singapore is one of the cheapest countries to visit! How is that? There are many free things to do in Singapore, and many free attractions, that you might just put your wallet away. Check out our list of things to do in Singapore for free and tell us what you think!
Free & Cheapest Things to Do in Singapore for free
Sightseeing
1. Check Out The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Buddha’s Tooth Temple is reputed to contain the tooth of Siddharta Gautama, the Buddha. Experience the peaceful tranquility of the temple and let the mesmeric chanting take you to a different dimension. Want to enjoy a simple vegetarian meal here for free? Go right ahead.
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 7.00 AM to 7.00 PM
(The Museum and Stupa Chamber is open daily from 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM)
Location: South Bridge Road
How to Reach: You can either take the local bus or MRT to reach the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple. If opting for the bus, get down at the bus stop on South Bridge Road and walk towards the temple, which is only a minute away. In the case of the metro, take the one that goes towards Chinatown and opts for Exit A at the station.
Tips for Travelers
- As you are visiting a temple, make sure to dress modestly. Avoid clothes that show bare-backs, shorts, miniskirts, off-shoulders, etc. Even men should avoid shorts and tank tops. Ensure to cover your shoulders and knees
- You would have to remove your footwear outside, before entering the temple
- You cannot take any non-vegetarian food inside the temple
- Pets are also not allowed inside the temple
- A special ceremony happens inside the temple On New Year’s day
2. Check Out Amazingly-Alien Supertrees
Avoid the paid attractions at the Gardens by the Bay. Enter the Bay South’s Outdoor Gardens between 7:45 and 8.45 P.M. and enjoy the most captivating 15-minute light and sound show. The incredible Supertrees (tall structures of metal and plant life) will be lit up to the heavens. It’s a sight that must be seen to be believed.
Timings: Monday to Sunday – 5.00 AM to 2.00 AM
Location: 18 Marina Gardens Drive
How to Reach: Apart from cabs, you can take either Bus Service 400 or the MRT (get down at Bayfront MRT Station) to reach the place.
Tips for Travelers
- While entry to the garden is free, you would have to pay for an entry ticket for some of the attractions within the park.
- You can easily spend 2-4 hours exploring the park
- The best possible time to visit the park is during the early hours or late at night when the weather is cooler
- If you want to avoid crowds, visit the gardens on weekdays
- There is a special area for children with both wet and dry playgrounds
3. Enjoy Some Quiet at Bukit Brown Cemetery
The Bukit Brown cemetery is a lovely green spot surrounded by old tombstones. This heritage site attracts several historians who love to poke among the tombstones. Many migratory and local birds have made their home here; it’s a bird lover’s paradise.
Timings: 24×7
Location: 36 C Lor Halwa
How to Reach: While traveling by MRT, get w=down at Botanic Gardens MRT Station and take a bus. You would have to get down two stops before Singapore Island Country Club. From here, you would have to walk a bit till you see Lor Halwa.
Tips for Travelers
- A self-guided tour of the cemetery would take around 2 hours
- You can also go for a guided tour of the cemetery if you want to know more about its history
- It would be best to leave the cemetery before sunset so that you do not get lost
4. Explore Some Seriously Old Temples
Foot it around Chinatown and check out the Thian Hock Keng Temple (oldest in Singapore), which has the most wonderful carvings. Then visit the Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery, complete with drum tower, statues, and bell. The crème-de-la-crème is the very colorful Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple. Here is a list of the best temples to visit in Singapore:
- Sri Mariamman Temple (Opening Hours: 7:00 AM to 12:00 PM & 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM)
- Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple (Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM & 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM)
- Thian Hock Keng Temple (Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM)
- Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery (Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM)
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum (Opening Hours: 7.00 AM to 7.00 PM)
- Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple: (Opening Hours: 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM)
- Sri Thendayuthapani Temple (Opening Hours: 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 5:00 PM to 8:30 PM)
- Sri Vadapathira Kaliamman Temple (Opening Hours: 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM and 6:30 to 8:30 PM)
Note: Do not forget to check the opening and closing timings of these temples before you visit.
5. Go on a Merlion Hunt
Do you know how many Merlion statues there are in Singapore? There are five Merlion statues in total in Singapore. Pack a nice picnic one fine sunny day and go hunting. Hunt them all down and take selfies at each one. Bonus points if you find one more hidden somewhere. To make it easier for you, we provide you the locations of these five statues.
- The original Merlion statue and its smaller replica are located at Merlion Park
- Another Merlion statue is located on Sentosa Island
- One of the Merlion statues is located at the Singapore Tourism Board headquarters
- You would also find a statue of the Merlion on Mount Faber
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Adventure and Recreation
6. Swim with Wild Dolphins!
Head over to Sisters Islands Marine Park; snorkel among rich coral reefs and play with the friendly wild dolphins. The waters are clean and blue and you can see quite a way down in the bright Singapore sunshine. Picnic or camp under the shady palms and enjoy yourself.
Timings: 7 AM to 7 PM (Monday to Sunday)
Location: Sisters’ Island
How to Reach: To reach the island, you would have to charter a boat from Marina South Pier or West Coast Pier. If you have booked a tour with NParks, they would arrange the charter for you.
Tips for Travelers
- Fishing and poaching are prohibited on the island.
- Do not feed the animals on the island, especially the monkeys, as they can get pretty aggressive
- You cannot have a barbecue picnic here as open fires and barbecues are not allowed on the island
- If you are playing any kind of music on the island, keep the volume low
- Do not litter on the island. Dispose of all the garbage in the dustbins to provide
- If you are bringing along your pets, make sure to clean after them. Also, keep them on a leash near other visitors.
- You need to get the required permit to fly drones or other model aircrafts
7. Enjoy a Hike on Mount Faber
Eschew the cable car and hike to the top of Mount Faber. You’ll be rewarded with incredible views of Singapore’s cityscape. Beneath a platform on the summit, you’ll notice several copper-tooled murals that depict Singapore’s history. All this beauty is for free, so enjoy it!
Timings: 24×7
Location: Telok Blangah Road
How to Reach: You can reach the foot of Mount Faber through the cab, MRT and public bus as well.
Tips for Travelers
- The hike is not too difficult and can be done by kids too. It is a great time to spend time with family.
- Wear good, sturdy walking shoes
- The trails are well marked, so you do not have to worry about getting lost during the hike
- Carry ample amount of water bottles and stay hydrated
- If you are carrying snacks for the hike, remember not to litter anywhere
8. Hike Along The Southern Ridges
Enjoy a blissful hike that takes you through Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Kent Ridge Park, and West Coast Park via quaint foot trails. Start your hike at Hort Park, proceed to Alexandra Arch’s forest and enjoy the incredible aerial views of a lit-up Singapore’s at the Henderson Waves connection bridge.
Timings: 24×7
Location: Kent Ridge Park and Telok Blangah Hill Park
How to Reach: If you are commuting by bus, you can get down at the HarbourFront Station bus depot and walk from there to the ridges. In the case of MRT, get down at the HarbourFront MRT station and walk towards the Marang Trail by taking Exit D.
Tips for Travelers
- It can take anywhere between 3-5 hours to complete the trail, depending on your pace and how many breaks you take
- The hike is easy and does not have too many elevations
- Wear sturdy and comfortable walking shoes
- Carry water bottles to keep yourself hydrated
- The best time to hike on this trail is either early morning or later in the day to avoid the harsh Singaporean sun
- Do not forget to apply sunscreen
- Do not feed the wild animals you see on the trail
- It would be advisable to bring insect repellent
- Wear comfortable, cotton clothes. Also, wear a hat or cap to protect yourself from the sun
9. Fly Some Kites at Marina Barrage
Marina Barrage is a huge, blissful stretch of green, perfect for chilling out, picnicking, playing with kids and flying kites! Set on a hilltop, Marina Barrage is the perfect spot for some great views too!
Timings: 24×7
Location: 8 Marina Gardens Drive
How to Reach: If you are taking the MRT, the nearest MRT stations are Marina Bay MRT and Bayfront MRT. From here, you can take SBS Bus Service 400. You can also travel in a cab or a private car too.
Tips for Travelers
- Although Marina Barrage is open 24 hours, the information counter would only be open from 9 AM to 9 PM.
- The Sustainable Singapore Gallery opens at 9 AM and closes at 6 PM.
- The entire place is a smoke-free area
- It is essential for visitors to keep the place clean and not litter around
- You can rent the public space in the Barrage for events and celebrating special occasions.
- In case you are visiting the place during an event, you would have to stay clear from the booked
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Sightseeing at Night in Singapore
10. Cycle Scenic Places At Night
Tone those leg muscles a bit by cycling through parkways and colorful places like Changi Village, Ulu Sembawang Park Connector and Punggol Waterway. These scenic places look amazing at night. Wear light-colored clothing and keep your helmets on, please.
11. Grab Some Scintillating Views
The amazing views of Singapore are absolutely free but do enjoy them from the best places. Go to the 56th level of the ION Orchard building – open between 2:00 PM and 6:00 PM – and enjoy the incredible vistas all around. The best part is watching the sunset from the 56th floor – incredible!
Tips for Travelers
- Singapore is a safe city with almost 0% crime rate. Still, take the necessary precautions and keep yourself safe during your night tours in the city.
- Join a tour so that you would be sightseeing along with a group. You would also be accompanied by a guide, making the tour informational.
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Entertainment
12. Enjoy Free Movies Under the Stars
Movie Mob sets up its outdoor movie theater at different locations each time. Enjoy the old-world experience of sitting on the grass and watching movies under the stars. Sign up and vote for the movie you want to watch next time. Beats having to pay for movie tickets each time!
Timings and Location: Keeps changing and hence should be checked on the official website of Movie Mob. Singapore Botanic Gardens and Marina Bay are some of the popular spots for open-air movie screenings
Tips for Travelers
- Arrive early not only to reserve a good spot for watching the movie but also to enjoy the vibe of the place
- It would be better to get some insect or mosquito repellent
- Do not forget to get some snacks before the movie begins. You can also get your own picnic basket
13. Watch the Marina Bay Sands Light Show!
The brilliant night light show at the Marina Bay Sands is called Spectra – a light and water extravaganza showcased at the Event Plaza. Watch the fascinating story of Singapore unfold before you during this 15 minute show wherein water fountains sway in perfect harmony of colorful projections, high-end mist effects and amazing orchestral music track.
Timings: 8:00 PM and 9:30 PM
Extra Shows: 11 Pm (Friday and Saturday)
Location: Marina Bay Sands
How to Reach: The easiest way to reach Marina Bay Sands is by taking a cab or car service. However, if you do not want to spend money, you can be taken an MRT and get down at Bayfront Station. Public bus service is also available and you can descend at the bus stops at Marina Bay Sands on Bayfront Avenue. There are also ferry services that would take you to the Bayfront South Jetty at Marina Bay Sands.
Tips for Travelers
- The best place to see the light show is on the deck of The Shoppes at the Event Plaza
- The duration of the show is 15 minutes
- Arrive early to grab a good spot to view the show
14. Enjoy Free Festivals!
With festivals that range from the eclectic Buskers Festival to the artistic Singapore Night Festival to the musical Mosaic Music Festival, there’s quality free entertainment for visitors most months of the year. Here are some of the festivals in Singapore that you can enjoy for free.
- Singapore Raffles Cultural & Arts Festival
- Singapore Night Festival
- Hungry Ghost Festival
- Grand Prix Season Singapore
- ZoukOut
- The GREAT Wine & Dine Festival
- Singapore Art Week
- Chinese New Year
15. Enjoy Free Concerts
Sit on the rooftop of The Esplanade’s outdoor theater, drink in hand, and grab your share of free theater and fabulous views. Plays, music concerts, and dances are organized here every week – food for the artsy soul. Head to the Singapore Botanic Gardens and watch free shows at The Classics outdoor theater (sso.org.sg/outreach/family-concerts.html). Some of the free concerts you can enjoy in Singapore include:
- Pipes de Deux
- Lunchtime Concert @ VCH
- Second Wind
- Gardens By The Bay
- Southwest Singapore
- Organ, Francais
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Art
16. Take A Free Art Tour
Singapore has art everywhere. Attend art exhibitions at the Pan Pacific Public Art Space, and the artworks in Marina Bay Sands’ public areas. Singapore’s large hotels (Ex: The Ritz-Carlton Millenia) allow free access to their art collections. Don’t miss visiting the 16 art galleries at the Gillman Barracks. Check out the Jendela gallery exhibitions (esplanadesingapore.com) and lovely art doodles on the walls of Somerset Skate Park.
FAQs
Q1. Are there any free museums or galleries in Singapore?
Yes, there are several museums and galleries in Singapore that offer free admission, such as the National Museum of Singapore, the Singapore Art Museum, and the Asian Civilizations Museum.
Q2. What are some free events or festivals in Singapore?
Singapore hosts many free events and festivals throughout the year, such as the Singapore International Festival of Arts, the Singapore Night Festival, and the Marina Bay Singapore Countdown. You can also opt for free concerts and performances at the Botanic Gardens.
Q3. Are there any free beaches in Singapore?
Yes, there are a few free beaches in Singapore, such as Changi Beach, East Coast Park, and Pasir Ris Park. You can enjoy at the beach without spending a dime.
Q4. Name some of the best free things to do in Singapore.
- Sightseeing
- Entertainment
- Adventure and Recreation
- Sightseeing at Night
- Art
Q5. Do I require a visa to travel to Singapore?
Several nationals of other nations can travel to Singapore sans a visa, but many others must first apply for the visa. Even if you are not a UAE citizen and simply a resident employed there, you can still apply for a visa for Singapore from Dubai.
Conclusion
With so many free things to do and places to see, it is a wonder that tourists unzip their wallets at all! As you now know what to do and where to go in Singapore for free, you can have an amazing holiday without worrying about breaking your budget. Enjoy the many wonders of Singapore every day you are there. While all the sights are free, they are priceless too. However, before you start your journey, enquire about a Singapore visa. While citizens of several countries can visit Singapore without a visa, there are many who have to apply for the visa beforehand. It is also possible to apply for a Singapore visa from Dubai even if you are not a citizen of UAE but only a resident working in the country.
