23 Best Things To Do In Singapore On A Budget (7 & 8 Must Go)
In this post, we’re going to uncover some of the best things to do in Singapore on a budget.
If you’re looking for things to do that are:
- Inexpensive to enjoy and experience
- Accessible via an MRT Station to save on cab fare
- Packed with adventure, culture, food and sights
Then you’ve come to the right place! Whether you’re into nature, arts or shopping or yummy grub — there’s something for everybody in this list. Let’s dive right in!
1. Discover A Tropical Paradise at The Botanic Gardens
2. Kindle Your Love For Nature At Gardens By The Bay
3. Go Watch Spectra At Marina Bay Sands Boardwalk
4. Feast On A Budget At Chinatown
5. Go Hiking A The MacRitchie Nature Trails
6. Visit Singapore’s Mascot At Merlion Park
7. Getaway For A Day To Sentosa Island
8. Admire The Greenery At Jewel Changi Airport
9. Learn About Buddhism At Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
10. Cross The Helix Bridge
11. Cruise Around Singapore River
12. Listen to Melodies At Esplanade’s Theatres By The Bay
13. Unearth Singapore’s Roots At National Museum of Singapore
14. Live Out Your Safari Dream At Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
15. Go On An Adventure At The Southern Ridges
16. Uncover The Coolest Street Art Spots At Haji Lane
17. Get Fit At East Coast Park
18. Pay A Visit to St Andrew’s Cathedral
19. Savour Cheap Eats At Little India
20. Explore Chinese Mythology at Haw Par Villa
21. Go Bargain-Hunting At Mustafa Centre
22. Get Your Fill of Art At The Singapore Art Museum
23. Feel The Breeze At Changi Point Coastal Walk
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23 Best Things To Do In Singapore On A Budget
1. Discover A Tropical Paradise At The Botanic Gardens
The Botanic Gardens is a vibrant oasis in the heart of the city, complete with a swan lake (with real swans!), nature trails and the occasional wildlife sighting — and it’s all free to explore!
- The National Orchid Garden is a staggering display of rainbow blooms and charges only S$5 per adult entry — one of the best cheap things to do in Singapore for sure
Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 5:00am — 12:00am
Entrance Fee: Free
2. Kindle Your Love For Nature At Gardens By The Bay
Sprawling over 250 acres of prime land, Gardens by the Bay is a magnificent showcase of horticulture and botanical artistry in Singapore city.
- The Supertree Grove is famous for its 50-meter vertical gardens that imitate massive trees. While other observatories are ticketed, admission to the Supertree Grove is free
Nearest MRT: Bayfront MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 9:00am — 9:00pm
Entrance Fee: Free admission to the Supertree Grove
3. Go Watch Spectra At Marina Bay Sands Boardwalk
One of the most entertaining things to do in Singapore on a budget is to watch Spectra — a free-to-watch light and water show led by an orchestral soundtrack performed nightly at Marina Bay Sands Boardwalk.
- The city’s stunning skyline makes for a totally Instagram-worthy snap!
- The boardwalk is a great vantage point to watch fireworks
Nearest MRT: Marina Bay MRT Station
Entrance Fee: Free
4. Feast On A Budget At Chinatown
Hawker centers are just about everywhere in Chinatown — It’s also home to the world’s cheapest Michelin-starred meal.
Live like a local and be in on some of the best eats hawker centers have to offer:
- Hong Kong Soya Sauce Chicken Rice & Noodle (the Michelin-starred hawker stall)
- Lian He Ben Ji Claypot at Chinatown Complex Food Centre
- Zhong Guo La Mian Xiao Long Bao at Chinatown Complex Food Centre
Highlights:
- Souvenir shopping! Bargain-hunt for best souvenirs and trinkets at Pagoda Street
5. Go Hiking A The MacRitchie Nature Trails
The MacRitchie Nature Trails is a hotspot for nature and fitness enthusiasts. The trails stretch 11km around the reservoir, surrounded by lush forestry and wildlife.
Highlights:
- Water sports fans can cruise through the reservoir by renting a kayak or canoe
- Brave the TreeTop Walk, a 250-meter free-standing suspension bridge, to get a birds-eye view of the treetops — you may even catch a glimpse of the rare flying lemurs native to the park
Nearest MRT: Caldecott MRT Station
Opening Hours:
Tuesday to Friday: 9:00am — 5:00pm
Saturday, Sunday & Public Holidays: 8:30am — 5:00pm
Closed on: Mondays, except Public Holidays
Entrance Fee: Free
6. Visit Singapore’s Mascot At Merlion Park
Merlion Park is home to two of the seven iconic Merlions scattered throughout Singapore. The mythical beast is an amalgamation of the head of a lion and body of a fish.
- Snap a selfie with both Merlions — one stands at 2-metres and the other is a mighty 8.6 meters tall
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place MRT Station
Entrance Fee: Free
7. Getaway For A Day To Sentosa Island
Sentosa Island is a stunning beach paradise that’s only a 30-minute ride away from the central business district.
- Optical illusions at Trick Eye Museum and your favourite celebs and Marvel characters at Madame Tussauds
- The Crane Dance is a free light and water show with an enthralling storyline that will leave you in awe
- Visit Tanjong Beach for scenic views, Siloso Beach for water sport activities, and Palawan Beach if you’re travelling with kids
- Try your luck at Resorts World Sentosa Casino
- Mesmerising marine animals at S.E.A Aquarium
Nearest MRT: Harbourfront MRT Station
Entrance Fee: Free
8. Admire The Greenery At Jewel Changi Airport
Jewel is the ultimate destination for travellers stuck with a long layover in between flights and planned correctly — one of the best things to do in Singapore on a budget.
- Admission is free to the Rain Vortex — a free-standing indoor waterfall and the world’s tallest waterfall at 40-metres high
- Most attractions are ticketed, but some like the Canopy Bridge and Canopy Park are under S$10 per entry
Opening Hours: 24/7
Entrance Fee: Admission to the Rain Vortex and general area is free. Other attractions are ticketed.
9. Learn About Buddhism At Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Architecturally striking, this five-storey Buddhist temple exudes grandiosity reminiscent of the Tang dynasty.
The spiritual building invokes a sense of calmness and has many exhibits showcasing Buddhist art and history.
- The sacred tooth relic of the Buddha on the 4th floor
- Visit the tranquil and serene rooftop garden where you’ll find a pagoda and Buddha prayer wheel
- Experience the ambience of devotees chanting in the hall during evening prayers
Nearest MRT: Chinatown MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 9:00am — 6:30pm
Entrance Fee: Free
10. Cross The Helix Bridge
The Helix Bridge links Marina Centre to Marina South and is undoubtedly a spectacular work of engineering.
The pedestrian bridge was inspired by the structure of DNA and is also the world’s first curved bridge.
- The entire stretch of the spiral bridge lights up at night and makes for a superb Instagrammable moment
Nearest MRT: Promenade MRT Station
11. Cruise Around Singapore River
Board a bumboat and cruise down Singapore River in comfort, shaded from the scorching sun and rainfall.
- The Singapore River Cruise sails from Clarke Quay to Boat Quay to Marina Bay
- Your boat ride experience is complete with an audio-guide narrating the journey
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00am — 10:00pm
Entrance Fee: S$25 (Adult), S$15 (Child)
12. Listen to Melodies At Esplanade’s Theatres By The Bay
Its prickly cladding is hard to miss — coined as the “durian” amongst locals, Esplanade is one of the busiest, not-for-profit arts centers in the world.
The Outdoor Theatre is situated right next to the Marina Bay Waterfront – where you can listen to some tunes and catch a free performance.
- Orgo is a European rooftop gastrobar where you can sip a cocktail and feast your eyes on striking views of the cityscape
Nearest MRT: Esplanade MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 8:00am — 2:00am
Entrance Fee: Free
13. Unearth Singapore’s Roots At National Museum of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore was established in 1849 and is the country’s oldest museum, cataloguing its journey from birth to present day.
Learn about lion city’s history — including the colonial era, Lee Kuan Yew, the Japanese occupation and more!
- Free guided tours that take you through the entire building, which makes it one of the best cheap things to do in Singapore
- The Glass Rotunda (Level 2) presents artwork from the Story of The Forest in a three-dimensional, animated landscape
Nearest MRT: City Hall Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 10:00am — 7:00pm
Entrance Fee:
Singaporean: Free
Non-Singaporean: S$15 (Adult), S$10 (Concession, Senior, Student, Special Access)
14. Live Out Your Safari Dream At Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
A massive 200-acre reserve situated north of the island, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is home to hundreds of animals including rare and exotic birds.
The trails are flat and shaded, ideal if you’re not particularly outdoorsy but want to be out in nature.
- Crawling with monitor lizards, mudskippers, horseshoe crabs and more!
- A hotspot for birdwatching, especially migrating birds, with pods to hide in to avoid being noticed by the birds
Nearest MRT: Kranji MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 7:00am — 7:00pm
Entrance Fee: Free
15. Go On An Adventure At The Southern Ridges
The Southern Ridges is a 10km expanse of greenery over the hills, where you’ll find picturesque views of the port, city and Southern Islands.
- The pedestrian bridge Henderson Waves is shaped like a wave, snaking and twisting along its full 274-metre length
- The Southern Ridges is comprised of Kent Ridge Park, HortPark, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Mount Faber Park and Labrador Nature Reserve, making it an all-in-one hiking experience
Nearest MRT: HarbourFront MRT Station
Entrance Fee: Free
16. Uncover The Coolest Street Art Spots At Haji Lane
Looking for that perfect Instagram-worthy shot?
Look no further than Haji Lane — one of Singapore’s most hipster spots for a vibrant medley of murals, graffiti and paintings.
It’s without a doubt, one to check off the list of things to do in Singapore on a budget.
- The streets are lined with independent shop houses, boutiques, bars and eateries where you can do some trinket shopping and duck under the shade
Nearest MRT: Bugis MRT Station
Entrance Fee: Free
17. Get Fit At East Coast Park
The East Coast Park comes out top for Singapore’s largest park and is chock-full of fun-filled activities, and the sheer number of visitors that flock over the weekend is a testament to its popularity.
- Go cycling — rent a bicycle from a kiosk or bicycle-sharing company and enjoy pedalling on the park’s flat terrain
- Get high on the adrenaline rush at the Xtreme SkatePark
Nearest MRT: Bedok MRT Station
Entrance Fee: Free
18. Pay A Visit to St Andrew’s Cathedral
Billed as an oasis and home in the midst of a bustling modern city, St Andrew’s Cathedral is a sparkling white Neo-Gothic church and the largest Anglican cathedral in the nation.
Highlights:
- Take a coffee break and chill at The Cathedral Cafe
- The cathedral served as a field hospital in the Second World War, you’ll find plaques and headstones in remembrance of the war
Nearest MRT: City Hall MRT Station
Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00am — 6:00pm
Closed on: Public Holidays & Sundays (open for worship only)
Entrance Fee: Free
19. Savour Cheap Eats At Little India
Little India is a vibrant ethnic enclave where you can find delish, authentic Indian cuisine for as low as S$5.
While we recommend that you try everything, we’ve whittled down the endless choices to this:
- Ananda Bhavan (oldest Indian vegetarian restaurant in Singapore)
- Azmi Restaurant
- Ghandi Restaurant
- Tekka Center is a wet market, hawker centre and shopping complex in one
- For a complete cultural experience, visit Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, a Hindu temple in the heart of Little India
20. Explore Chinese Mythology at Haw Par Villa
Kitschy, bizarre and definitely intriguing — Haw Par Villa is the place to go to satisfy your morbid fascination for all things weird.
Set up by Haw Par brothers who created Tiger Balm, it’s also widely known as the Tiger Balm Gardens.
- Home to over 1000 quirky sculptures and dioramas from Chinese folklore and mythology
- Don’t skip the Ten Courts of Hell, an exhibit depicting hell in Chinese mythology. Eerie, but cool!
Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa MRT Station
Opening Hours: Daily: 9:00am — 10:00pm
Entrance Fee: Free
21. Go Bargain-Hunting At Mustafa Centre
Mustafa Centre is a 24/7 mall, standing at a whopping 5-storeys high, and rumour has it that you can literally find anything in there for a bargain.
This is one of the best things to do in Singapore on a budget all under one roof!
- Money changers at Mustafa Centre offer excellent exchange rates
- You’ll find jewellery, electronics, bags, clothes and many many more things at deals you can’t refuse
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park MRT Station
Opening Hours: 24/7
Entrance Fee: Free
22. Get Your Fill of Art At The Singapore Art Museum
Singapore Art Museum is the nation’s first museum dedicated solely to visual arts and has harnessed an exceptional collection of contemporary art from all across Asia.
This is sure to top your list of cheap things to do in Singapore if you’re an avid art lover.
Highlights:
- Many exhibits are interactive, digital and kid-friendly so bring the whole family so you can all have a blast!
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah MRT Station
Opening Hours:
Daily: 10:00am — 7:00pm
Fridays: 10:00am — 9:00pm
Entrance Fee: S$10 per person, but free on Fridays from 6pm — 9pm
23. Feel The Breeze At Changi Point Coastal Walk
Changi Point Coastal Walk is quite a change of scenery from the glitz and glam of the city’s skyscrapers and high-rise buildings.
The coastal walk is scenic and breezy, with crystal clear waters that make for a wonderfully tranquil stroll.
Image credits: flickr.com/photos/market2garden
Highlights:
- A great vantage point to watch the planes fly very low overhead as they prepare for landing at Changi Airport
- If you’re lucky you may spot some giant monitor lizards or a romp of otters
Entrance Fee: Free