Singapore has a reputation for being an expensive destination, but you don’t need to spend a fortune to enjoy the city. From colourful neighbourhoods and beautiful temples to gardens, beaches and iconic landmarks, there are plenty of things you can do for free.
Here are 10 of my favourite free things to do in Singapore.
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1. Explore Chinatown
Wander through Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street and Smith Street to explore the heart of Singapore’s Chinatown.
The colourful streets are lined with traditional shophouses, souvenir shops, restaurants and street food stalls. It’s a great area to simply wander around and take in the atmosphere without spending anything.
2. Visit Sri Mariamman Temple
Sri Mariamman Temple is Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple and is one of the most impressive places of worship in Chinatown.
Entry is free, although you’ll need to dress respectfully and remove your shoes before entering.
Even if you’re not particularly interested in religious sites, the incredibly detailed architecture and colourful decorations make this worth a visit.
3. Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is one of Singapore’s most beautiful temples.
The impressive building has multiple levels, a grand main prayer hall and a rooftop garden. It’s an incredible place of worship, and the peaceful atmosphere makes it a welcome escape from the busy streets of Chinatown.
Entry is free, making it an easy addition to your Singapore itinerary.
4. Explore the Hawker Centres
You can’t visit Singapore without experiencing its famous hawker centres.
They’re one of the best ways to try classic Singaporean food without spending a fortune. From fried rice and dumplings to satay and noodles, you’ll find an enormous variety of affordable food.
While the food itself isn’t free, exploring the hawker centres is – and you’ll struggle to resist buying something once you see what’s on offer!
5. Wander Along Haji Lane
Haji Lane is a colourful, quirky little street in Singapore’s Kampong Glam neighbourhood.
Think independent boutiques, colourful murals, quirky shops and plenty of places to eat and drink. It’s a small street, but it’s packed with character and makes for a fun place to wander and take photos.
6. See Marina Bay Sands
One of Singapore’s most recognisable landmarks, Marina Bay Sands is the iconic luxury hotel made up of three towers with a boat-shaped SkyPark sitting across the top.
You don’t need to be staying at the hotel to visit the complex, although access to the SkyPark Observation Deck is paid.
Even if you don’t pay to go up, walking around the property and taking in the architecture and views from the surrounding Marina Bay area is completely free.
7. Explore Gardens by the Bay
Located in the heart of downtown Singapore, Gardens by the Bay is one of the city’s most famous attractions.
The outdoor gardens are free to explore and showcase an incredible collection of plants from around the world, right beside the waterfront.
While some attractions within Gardens by the Bay require an admission fee, you can still see the iconic Supertrees and explore plenty of the gardens without spending anything.
Come back after dark to catch the free Garden Rhapsody light and sound show, when the Supertrees light up to music.
8. Visit Merlion Park
No trip to Singapore is complete without seeing the famous Merlion.
The half-lion, half-fish statue sits overlooking Marina Bay and has become one of the city’s most recognisable symbols.
Merlion Park is completely free to visit and offers fantastic skyline views, including a great view of Marina Bay Sands across the water.
It’s also one of the best places to get that classic Singapore travel photo.
9. Spend the Day on Sentosa Island
You might associate Sentosa Island with expensive attractions and theme parks, but you can actually explore the island without spending anything.
Walk across the Sentosa Boardwalk, explore the island and relax on the beaches. While many of Sentosa’s attractions are paid, you don’t need to spend money to enjoy a day by the beach.
It’s a great option if you’re looking for a slower-paced day in Singapore.
10. Explore Changi Airport
Yes, you read that correctly – Changi Airport is worth visiting even if you don’t have a flight!
Home to Jewel and the famous Rain Vortex, Changi has an enormous range of free things to see and do. You can explore gardens, watch movies, visit art installations, go down an indoor slide and even see a robot bartender making drinks.
I actually spent around nine hours exploring Changi before my flight and was surprised by just how much there was to do for free.
If you have a long layover in Singapore, don’t just sit at your gate – give yourself some time to explore this incredible airport.
If you want to read more about free things to do at Changi Airport you can find it here
Final Thoughts
Singapore may be one of the more expensive destinations in Southeast Asia, but you definitely don’t need a huge budget to enjoy it.
Some of the city’s best experiences – from wandering Chinatown and exploring temples to seeing the Merlion and relaxing in its parks – won’t cost you a thing.
So if you’re travelling Singapore on a budget, add these free attractions to your itinerary and save your money for all that delicious hawker food!