Are you planning a trip to Singapore? Whether travelling alone, with toddlers, or with friends, you’ll be amazed by the plenty of free things to do in Singapore making it a perfect destination for budget travellers. Singapore, also known as the “Lion City” is a tourist hotspot with its skyscrapers, lush green spaces, and a melting pot of cultures. 

Most people think that Singapore is an expensive destination to travel, but let me tell you, Singapore can be travelled on a budget as well. Yes! You read that right! 

After experiencing Singapore for a solid 6 months, I can confidently say that it’s surprisingly affordable, especially with numerous free attractions available to travellers. 

Here’s my recommendation to the top 10 free adventures awaiting you in this vibrant city:

1. Experience the awe-inspiring Supertrees up close at Gardens by the Bay

OH MY GOD! Yes, this was the reaction when I first saw the supertree grove and the light and sound show. 

Yes, there are few attractions within Gardens by the Bay like Cloud Forest, Flower Dome & OCBC Skyway walk that are not free, but you can actually see a lot of Gardens by the Bay for free like the iconic Supertree Grove. It’s also home to the Garden Rhapsody light and sound show and the BOREALIS featuring Northern lights every evening, which I HIGHLY RECOMMEND. 

I love wandering around the Gardens for free and seeing it from several angles. You can take photos of the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands and the incredible Helix Bridge from here.

Just a short walk from Gardens by the bay is the Marina Barrage where you can catch the breath-taking skyline of Singapore and absolute beautiful sunset for FREE.

2.  Marina Bay Sands Spectra: A Symphony of Light and Water

As night falls, stroll around the scenic Marina Bay-for FREE and enjoy the iconic skyline of Singapore. Head to the waterfront in front of Marina Bay Sands for a 15 minute Spectra show, a mesmerizing dance of light, music, and water happening every evening. This free nightly show dazzles audiences with its choreographed fountains set against the glittering Marina Bay skyline. After the show, take a leisurely stroll along the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade, where each turn reveals stunning views of Marina Bay Sands and the Art Science Museum. 

Additionally, you can catch daily dance and singing performances by local artists, all completely free to enjoy.

3. Merlion Park: 

No visit to Singapore is complete without a snapshot with the Merlion- Part lion and Part fish, the city’s beloved symbol that symbolizes Singapore’s journey from a fishing village to a global city. Located at Merlion Park, this mythical creature spouts water majestically into Marina Bay, offering a picturesque backdrop of the cityscape. Interesting fact alert! Did you know there are a total of 6 Merlion statues within Singapore? Make sure to seek out these 6 statues during your visit to Singapore.

4. Sentosa Island Beaches & trails

While a day on Sentosa Island with its theme parks and beach bars can be pricey, there are plenty of free activities for an affordable day of fun. Bask in the tropical weather on any of the island’s 3 beaches- Palawan, Siloso or Tanjong beach- all free of cost. Do not miss on visiting the Southernmost point of Continental Asia located at the Palawan beach connected with a picturesque suspension bridge. This point gives you an uninterrupted view of the South China Sea and a beautiful view of Singapore strait. There are also free beach trams to take you from one beach to another.

Another free activity to catch at Sentosa is the Sentosa Sensory Escape. I felt a sense of childlike wonder as I wandered through the misting, lit-up floor on the lower deck of Lookout Loop. Upstairs, I was fascinated by the floor projections that responded to my every step with captivating animations. You can make the most of a day at Sentosa Island’s beaches without worrying about your budget.

5. Botanic Gardens: Singapore’s First UNESCO heritage site

I often wonder why The Botanic Gardens, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is frequently omitted from many Singapore itineraries, especially considering it’s free to visit. Soak in the lush landscapes, serene lakes, and themed gardens at this garden. While I’ve been to gardens before, experiencing a tropical garden listed by UNESCO was a new and thrilling prospect. Although most sections are free to enter, the National Orchid Garden requires a nominal fee. You will also get to see Otters and monitor Lizards if you are lucky. This garden is also home to a variety of wildlife and migratory birds. The Jacob Ballas Children garden located here is the first garden in Asia dedicated to children. Children accompanied by adults can enter for free.

6. Fort Canning Park

Imagine a place in Singapore where Malay royalty once ruled in Mediaeval times! Uncover the history and serenity of Fort Canning Park, one of the best free parks in Singapore. By the way, did you know there are 451 parks in Singapore? True to its title “A city in a garden”! 

Bring a picnic mat, your favourite book and relax on the grassy slopes while soaking in the fresh air. 

You can grab a bite and a coffee at the famous Tiong Bahru bakery foothills located within the tranquil grounds of this Park. Be sure to capture an Instagram-worthy photo at the spiral stairs in Fort Canning’s Tree Tunnel. 

7. Chinatown, Arab street and Little India: Cultural Neighbourhoods

Little India, Arab Street, and Chinatown are lively districts adorned with captivating street art and murals at every turn. These vibrant neighbourhoods aren’t just hubs for art enthusiasts but also rich in culinary delights, cultural treasures, and historical landmarks. These are also the best places to buy souvenirs to take back home.

Pro tip:  Do not miss to visit the iconic Buddha Tooth Relic temple in Chinatown, The Sultan mosque at Arab street and Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple in Little India. 

8. MacRitchie Reservoir Park: Nature’s Playground

As someone once wisely said, “The best things in life are free,” just like MacRitchie Reservoir Park. If you enjoy leisurely jogging or walking, McRitchie offers short, accessible trails that can be completed in under an hour. If jogging isn’t your thing, no worries! Simply relax by the reservoir, soak in the surroundings, kayak, capture wildlife with your camera, enjoy a meal in the park—McRitchie caters to all nature lovers. It is also a habitat for Singapore’s diverse wildlife, including numerous long-tailed macaque monkeys, monitor lizards, squirrels, birds, and more. As a tourist, if you are looking for offbeat experiences, then this place is for you.

9. Watch free arts performances at the Esplanade

FREE shows every day! The Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, distinguished by its distinctive durian-like rooftops, stands as Singapore’s premier performing arts centre. It ranks among the world’s busiest, offering a rich array of free dance, music, and theatre performances on evenings and weekends. Its outdoor waterfront theatre, framed by the Marina Bay skyline, provides a particularly picturesque setting.

I visited the Esplanade during New Year’s Eve and it had such a vibe. If you are in Singapore, catch a free show here in the evening and you won’t regret it.

10. East Coast Park

Many tourists in Singapore skip this place, but I would highly recommend visiting East Coast Park. This 15 km stretch of beach is a great place to chill and de-stress yourself. You can swim, go cycling, read a book, or just enjoy solitude. There are also a few fun rides and activities for kids such as Marine Cove Playground, rock climbing, digital game stations, and more. The entry to the Park is FREE but these activities might have a nominal fee. People can even fish here or carry out overnight camping. I personally love cycling over the 15 km stretch enjoying the cool breeze and the sounds of the waves and birds chirping.

Best time to visit: 

The park is open the whole day, but the best time to head out there is either early morning  or late afternoon.

Conclusion: And that’s just scratching the surface—Singapore boasts a wide array of additional free things and activities to enjoy. Not too shabby for a city often known for its high costs, right? Singapore demonstrates that exploring on a budget can be as enriching and enjoyable as any high-end journey. From hidden gems, to typical tourist spots, go ahead and add these spots on your itinerary to ensure a fun adventure, while keeping to your budget. So when are you planning your trip to Singapore?

For any queries, you can reach out to holidays@lykke.travel

About the Author – Kritika Jain, is a travel content creator based in Singapore. She is also a Chartered Accountant whose passion is travelling, uncovering hidden gems and savouring exquisite vegetarian cuisine across the world. She is currently exploring Singapore and other parts of South East Asia. Follow her @theroamingtoes as she delivers captivating content that inspires and informs.