31 Best Things To Do In Singapore For Free (Explore Singapore On A Budget!)
Singapore is a place filled with cultural mosaic, a huge selection of delicious food and has the perfect tropical weather which makes it a great holiday destination.
Please hold that thought while I teach you on how to spend a minimal amount of money and still have an enjoyable time in Singapore!
With this in mind, I have collated for you 31 things to do in Singapore for ABSOLUTELY FREE!
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1. Enjoy A Nature Hike At Sentosa Nature Discovery Park
2. Over 15 FREE Things To Do At Changi Airport
3. Go Along The Historical Little India Heritage Trail
4. Leisure Walk Along Sentosa Boardwalk
5. Artistically Side Of Singapore’s Art Museum (SAM)
6. Go Green At Singapore Botanic Gardens
7. Hunt & Pose With All Merlion Statues In Singapore
8. Immerse In Classical Music With Singapore Symphony Orchestra
9. Tiger Your Way To Haw Par Villa
10. Admire The Supertrees & Stroll Around The Bewitching Gardens By The Bay
11. Visit Singapore’s Places Of Worship
12. Take A Selfie At The Southernmost Point Of Continental Asia
13. Stand Tall At Fort Siloso Skywalk
14. Admire The Art History At National University Of Singapore Museum
15. Explore The Wonders Of Nature Through Farm Hopping
16. Experience Calmness At St Andrew’s Cathedral & Armenian Church
18. Be Astounded By The Architectural of Sultan Mosque
19. Stroll Through Singapore Chinese Garden
20. Get Your Perfect Snapshot At Fort Canning Park
21. Stand On Ion Sky To Enjoy A Panoramic View Of The City
22. Museums, museums, museums!!
23. Surround Yourself In Stars At Science Centre Singapore Observatory
24. Experience A Different Kind Of Kite Flying At Marina Barrage
25. Discover The Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
26. Watch Movies The Unique Way At MovieMob
27. Be Captivated With A Variety Of Art Performances At The Esplanade
28. Hike And Enjoy The Panoramic View at Mount Faber
29. “Wave” Yourself Across Henderson Waves at Southern Ridges
30. Get Active In The Sun, Sea & Sand Of Siloso Beach
31. Get Up Close With Birds At Sentosa
31 Things To Do In Singapore For Free
1. Enjoy A Nature Hike At Sentosa Nature Discovery Park
Experience the eight types of habitats throughout this Sentosa Forest Trail with an opportunity to spot local wildlife and if you are lucky, the Magpie Robin!
Being around nature with the sounds of birds and insects is definitely a great getaway from all the hustle and bustle of the city!
Tips:
- Wear a light type clothing as it can be quite warm during your walk
Nearest MRT: Imbiah MRT Station
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
2. Over 15 FREE Things To Do At Changi Airport
Don’t worry if you are stuck in Changi Airport for a few hours.
Here are just some of the things you can do for free:
- Free Singapore Tour
- Latest Jewel (Vortex Waterfall, Canopy Bridge, Maze and Forest)
- Butterfly Garden
- Orchid Garden by the Koi Pond
- Cactus Garden
- Free Foot Massage
- Movie Theatre
- Gaming Stations (eg: Xbox, PS3)
- Playground
- 12m height SLIDE
Tips:
- (Although not free) it is worth mentioning the rooftop pool featuring Jacuzzis and poolside bar available for SGD17
3. Go Along The Historical Little India Heritage Trail
Grab your booklet of Little India Heritage Trail at Indian Heritage Centre and start exploring more than 40 heritage sites spanning across four kilometers.
Learn about the different major cultural and religious institution through its architectural sites along this trail.
Nearest MRT: Little India MRT Station
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Friday to Saturday: 10:00am – 8:00pm
Sunday and Public Holidays: 10:00am to 4:00pm
Closed On: Monday
4. Leisure Walk Along Sentosa Boardwalk
Sentosa Boardwalk shares the same bridge vehicles use to enter Sentosa and it is one of the places to visit in Singapore for free especially if you are nearby VivoCity Mall.
Expect astounding scenery as you walk along the boardwalk that shines in elegance at night with decorative LED lights along the way.
Nearest MRT: Harbour Front MRT Station
Opening Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
5. Artistically Side Of Singapore’s Art Museum (SAM)
Visiting the Singapore Art Museum which was once a 19th century Catholic Boy’s School is one of the things to do in Singapore for free.
- Largest collection of Modern Southeast Asian Art
- Visual Art
- Art Exhibition and Events
Tips:
- SAM is currently undergoing major redevelopment until year 2023
- Art exhibitions and events are still being organised at their partner sites
- Visit Singapore Art Museum for its latest updates and exhibitions
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah MRT Station
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
Friday: 10:00am – 9:00pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am – 7:00pm
6. Go Green At Singapore Botanic Gardens
Honoured as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Site and Trip Advisor’s Top Travellers Choice Award, you certainly would love the fresh breathe of air at this 183-acre garden.
Highlights of Singapore’s Botanic Garden:
- 161 years old Rainforest
- National Orchid Garden
- Ginger Garden
- Jacob Ballas Children Garden
- Botany Centre and Tanglin Gate
- Tropical Plants Along Saraca Stream
- Symphony Lake, Swan Lake and Eco Lake
- Restaurant and Cafe
Tips:
- Occasional free concerts on Symphony Lake during weekends
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 5:00am – 12:00am
7. Hunt & Pose With All Merlion Statues In Singapore
One of the things to do in Singapore for free would be to hunt and pose with all the Merlion Statues which is known as a Mythical Creature of ‘Singapura’ (Lion City).
The largest Merlion statue is located in Merlion Park against the modern city backdrop and it stands up tall at 8.6 meters with water sprouting out of its mouth.
Tips:
- Light shows at 8pm and 9pm from Sunday to Thursday
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily (24 hours)
8. Immerse In Classical Music With Singapore Symphony Orchestra
There is no place better to appreciate symphonic classical music in a world-class orchestra than this 90 membered Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
Open your heart and let in the creation of beautiful music made by this amazing musicians ring in your ears.
Tips:
- Arrive 15 minutes before the concert to find your seat
- Arrive 30 minutes before the concert if you are collecting your tickets at the venue
Nearest MRT: City Hall MRT Station
Opening Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00am – 6:30pm
Closed On: Saturday, Sunday and Public Holidays
9. Tiger Your Way To Haw Par Villa
This one of a kind “Outdoor Art Gallery” was previously known as Tiger Balm Garden with tigers painted on the grand archway entrance of Haw Par Villa.
Highlights of Haw Par Villa:
- 5 hectare Asian Cultural Park
- Guided Tour
- Asian Historical Sculptures
- Modern Art Painting
- Animal Sculptures
- Chinese Legend Sculptures (Journey to the West, Eight Immortals)
- Chinese Legend Ten Courts of Hell
- Lifestyle Activities (Wushu, Yoga)
- Art Market
- Food Market
Tips:
- Hell’s Museum (coming soon)
Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 9:00am to 10:00pm
10. Admire The Supertrees & Stroll Around The Bewitching Gardens By The Bay
Whether it is day or night, you’ve got to visit the latest Singapore’s paradigmatic landmark Supertrees Grove in the enchanted Gardens By the Bay.
Be blown away with the astounding architecture and highlights below:
- 5 million types of plants
- Cloud Forest with breath-taking mountain views
- Flower Dome (Glass Greenhouse)
- Dragonfly and Kingfisher’s Lake
- Heritage Garden (four themed gardens)
- Vertical Garden of Supertrees
Nearest MRT: Bayfront MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 5:00am – 2:00am
11. Visit Singapore’s Places Of Worship
Due to its variety of ethnic groups, hence there are many types of religion supported by Singapore.
Here are some of the temple places to visit in Singapore for free:
- Mun San Fook Tuck Chee (Cantonese Temple)
- Lian Shan Shuang Lin Buddhist Monastery (Oldest Buddhist Monastery in Singapore)
- Sri Mariamman Temple (Oldest shrine and for Tamil Hindus)
- Sultan Mosque (Biggest Muslim mosque)
- Cathedral of the Good Shepherd (Oldest Catholic Church)
Tips:
- A hat is useful on a sunny day
12. Take A Selfie At The Southernmost Point Of Continental Asia
Just off Sentosa Island, you will find a wooden suspension rope bridge that connects between an island to the mainland.
Walking from one tower to the other is definitely one of the things to do in Singapore for free because it offers beautiful scenery at the tower decks which is great for a selfie!
Tips:
- The bridge may be a bit wobbly for some but it is certainly safe.
Nearest MRT: Harbour Front MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 9:00am – 7:00pm
13. Stand Tall At Fort Siloso Skywalk
Standing on an 11-storey high skywalk, you will be welcomed to a 10 minutes journey through a span of 181 meters walkway towards Fort Siloso.
Some highlights of Siloso Skywalk are:
- A section of this skywalk is made out of glass (gives you the impression of floating in the air)
- Kids and Stroller Friendly
- Historical Fort Siloso (World War II memorabilia)
Tips:
- Stop by the signboards and identify all the islands stated on them from the skywalk.
Nearest MRT: Harbour Front MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 9:00am – 7:00pm
14. Admire The Art History At National University Of Singapore Museum
This museum located inside the compound of National University of Singapore brings you around the history of art with over 8000 artworks and artefacts.
Be prepared to be awed by their displays which consists of four different types of collection which are:
- Straits Chinese Collection (Baba House)
- Ng Eng Teng Collection (sculptures and paintings)
- Lee Kong Chien Art Museum (bronze, jade ceramics)
- South and Southeast Asian Collection (Indian Classical Sculptures, Southeast Asian ceramics and textiles)
Nearest MRT: Kent Ridge MRT Station
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Thursday: 10:00am – 6:00pm
Monday: Only for School and Faculty Visits
Closed On: Sunday and Public Holidays
15. Explore The Wonders Of Nature Through Farm Hopping
Take this educational tour along with your children and you would be surprised that you are enjoying the trip as much as them!
Check out these farms for FREE:
- Hay Dairies Goat Farm
- Qian Hu Fish Farm
- Farmart Centre
- Bollywood Veggies
- Oh Chin Huat Hydroponics Farm
- Ground Up Initiative Kampung Kampus
- Edible Garden City Citizen Farm
- The Animal Resort
- Urban Farm and Barn
- Open Farm Community
Tips:
- Pay a minimal fee to enjoy the activities and tours
16. Experience Calmness At St Andrew’s Cathedral & Armenian Church
Enjoy the architectural beauty of St Andrew’s Cathedral which is the national monument and largest cathedral in Singapore.
Highlights of St Andrew’s Cathedral:
- Majestic pure white exterior wall made out of shells, lime, sugar and protein dipped in soft coconut shell
- This cathedral shines brightly during the night thanks to its lighting
- Guided tour available
Do also visit the oldest Christian church, Armenian Church which was built as a dedication to the first Armenian monk, St Gregory the Illuminator.
Location: 11 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178959.
Nearest MRT: City Hall MRT Station
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00am – 6:00pm
Closed On: Sunday (open only for worshippers)
Armenian Church Singapore
Location: 60 Hill Street, Singapore 179366
Nearest MRT: City Hall MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00am – 6:00pm
17. Bring Yourself High Up At Reservoir’s Treetop Walk
Stride above the trees and experience the MacRitchie Treetop walk which is 25 meters above ground connecting the two highest point of MacRitchie.
- Suspension Bridge
- 250 meters length
- Nature Recreation
- All-round view of plants and animals in this forest
- Round trip walk from carpark inclusive of Treetop Walk takes about 3 to 5 hours (total 7km)
Tips:
- Bring 1 litre water
- Mosquito spray
- Shoes with good grip
- Best to start journey early morning
Nearest MRT: Caldecott MRT Station
Opening Hours: Tuesday to Friday: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Saturday to Sunday: 8:30am to 5:00pm
Closed On: Monday
18. Be Astounded By The Architectural of Sultan Mosque
Sultan Mosque or also known as Masjid Sultan is the largest mosque in Singapore and is a perfect place to learn about the culture of Muslim community in this country.
- Design influenced by Indian, Islam and European elements
- Unique dome base made out of the end of glass bottles
- Guided tour with language options of English, Malay, Chinese and Japanese
Nearest MRT: Bugis MRT Station
Opening Hours:
Monday to Thursday: 10:00am – 12:00pm and 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Friday: 2:30pm – 4:00pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10:00am – 12:00pm and 2:00pm – 4:00pm
19. Stroll Through Singapore Chinese Garden
This 13.5 hectare Chinese Garden was designed by a Taiwanese architect with the basis of Chinese Imperial style especially during the Sung dynasty.
Highlights:
- White Rainbow Bridge styled according to Peking’s Seventeen-Arch Bridge
- Bridge of Double Beauty which connects to the Japanese Garden
- Main Arch leading to Early Spring Courtyard and Garden Courtyard
- 7-storey Pagoda
- Four pavillions based on the design of Northern Chinese Pavillions
- Garden of Abundance with the sculptures of 12 Chinese Zodiac Animals
Nearest MRT: Chinese Garden MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 6:00am – 10:00pm
20. Get Your Perfect Snapshot At Fort Canning Park
Fort Canning Park is a very important landmark in Singapore’s history as it is where Singapore was handed over to Japanese and it was used by the British Army Forces.
To mark the historical moments of Singapore, you can expect to find them below:
- Nine Historical Gardens
- World War II Underground Far East Command Centre
- James Brooke Napier Memorial
- Archaeological Excavation Site
- British Army Fort Canning Centre
Tips:
- Park lighting hours are from 7:00pm to 7:00am
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 24 hours
21. Stand On Ion Sky To Enjoy A Panoramic View Of The City
On Level 56 of Orchard Mall, you will not only find various spots to snap photos looking through the lens of a 360 degrees bird’s eye view.
You could also enjoy their light projection shows all along the glass panels which consist of many different themes such as:
- Evolution of Orchard Road and ION Orchard
- The wonders of Singapore’s Food
- The World of Lego Bricks
Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 2:00pm – 8:00pm
For time for light projection shows, you may refer to ION Sky
22. Museums, museums, museums!!
Singapore has an array of museums that you would be able to enjoy for free!
The list below are a few of the museums worth visiting:
- National Gallery Singapore (Art history)
- National Museum of Singapore (Oldest Museum, Singapore History)
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum (Buddhist artefacts)
- National University of Singapore Museum (Asian culture artifacts)
- Singapore Maritime Gallery (Maritime heritage)
- Red Dot Design Museum (Design research project exhibition)
- Indian Heritage Centre
- Malay Heritage Centre
- Fort Siloso (British and Japanese Surrender)
23. Surround Yourself In Stars At Science Centre Singapore Observatory
Every Friday night, there would be a free stargazing session at the Science Centre Singapore Observatory and also basic astronomy talks.
Learn how to identify planets, discover constellations, visit star clusters and revisit the moon as well as the experience of looking through a telescope.
Tips:
- Suitable for kids 2 years old and above
- Check the weather before your visit because the stargazing depends on it (the main telescope will be closed during wet weather)
Nearest MRT: Jurong East MRT Station
Opening Hours: Friday: 7:45pm – 10:00pm
24. Experience A Different Kind Of Kite Flying At Marina Barrage
Kite flying as never been so fun since you will be able to do it on a building’s rooftop with the scenic background of Singapore’s skyscrapers.
It is a perfect place for you to kite around, picnic and enjoy the beautiful sunset at the Marina Barrage.
Tips:
- Don’t worry if you haven’t got a kite because you will be able to purchase one in the shop (Barrage Cove) on ground floor.
Nearest MRT: Marina Bay MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 9:00am to 9:00pm
Closed On: Tuesday
25. Discover The Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
This temple’s name was derived from the ancient sacred relic of the left canine tooth of Buddha that was discovered at his funeral pyre in Kushinagar, India.
Below are some other highlights of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple:
- Architectural and detailed design of the building (Tang Dynasty)
- 2-meter solid gold stupa
- Sacred Light Hall
- Artefacts such as bone and tongue relics
- Eminent Sangha Museum (theatre of cultural performance)
Tips:
- Guided tours available on Saturdays
Nearest MRT: Chinatown MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 7:00am – 7:00pm
26. Watch Movies The Unique Way At MovieMob
Another one of the things to do in Singapore for free would be watching a movie outdoors under the stars.
MovieMob offers you a movie experience that you would never forget with their drive-in outdoor movie concept for Singapore’s as well as Hollywood films.
Tips:
- If you are not coming by car, just bring along a FM radio and a mat to enjoy this outdoor movie.
For further details on the locations and timing availability, you can click here.
27. Be Captivated With A Variety Of Art Performances At The Esplanade
If you are into performing arts and wondering what are the things to do in Singapore for free, The Esplanade is the place to get your culture fix.
Highlights of this world-class venue:
- Various performing arts presentation (dance, theatre, orchestra and others)
- Design similar to a spiky fruit known as durian.
- 1600 seat concert hall and 2000 seat theatre.
Tips:
- Guided tour available to understand the venue’s history and design.
- For details on free performances, you can refer here.
Nearest MRT: City Hall or Esplanade MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 8:00am – 6:00pm
28. Hike And Enjoy The Panoramic View at Mount Faber
Mount Faber is a popular tourist attraction due to its appeal of nature on a height of 94 meters hill.
There are actually many activities that you can do at Mount Faber, such as:
- Hike to the peak of the hill for an amazing panoramic view
- Take a snapshot at a static cable car
- Ring the Bell of Happiness to celebrate friendships
- Wishing Bell
- ‘Baby’ Merlion (replica of the famous Merlion at Merlion Park)
- Murals of Singapore History
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 24 hours
29. “Wave” Yourself Across Henderson Waves at Southern Ridges
Walk around the meandering Southern Ridges, which include the magnificent Henderson Waves which stands proudly at 36 meters above ground.
The breath-taking curvy conceptualized design of Handerson Waves fits its name perfectly as it mimics the ocean waves and you can also expect the below:
- “Never ending” stunning view spanning across 274 meters length bridge
- Places to rest while enjoying the breeze
- Catch the sunset view
Tips:
- LED Lighting Display starts from 7:00pm till 7:00am
Nearest MRT: Redhill MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 24 hours
30. Get Active In The Sun, Sea & Sand Of Siloso Beach
Siloso Beach located on Sentosa Island.
It is the most sought after beach and also one of the places to visit in Singapore for free if you are looking for physical activities.
Have a nice day out at the beach with these activities:
- Beach volleyball places
- Take a dip into the clear waters
- Get that sun tanned that you have always wanted
Tips:
- Skimboarding, kayak and other activities available for a fee
Nearest MRT: HarbourFront MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 24 hours
31. Get Up Close With Birds At Sentosa
Witness the playful antics of the intelligent and agile birds of prey, macaques, parrots and snake at the birds show inside Palawan Amphitheatre, Palawan Beach.
Depending on the time of your visit, you would be able to join one of the below activities (or more!) for free:
- Lory feeding at the Bird Aviary
- Encounter with parrots
- Close encounter with multi animals
- Pose for photos with the animals
Nearest MRT: Vivocity MRT Station then take the Sentosa Monorail
Opening Hours: Daily: 2:00pm – 5.30pm