Singapore is one of the best places to visit in Asia. It has a mix of cultures, modern facilities, restaurants with Michelin stars, and friendly people. Even though Singapore is a busy island city, there is a long list of things to do there for free. You did read that correctly! There are a lot of free things to do and places to go in Singapore that are just as fun as the things you’d do if you spent money on them. We also list exactly what we offer, and we don’t try to hide the costs.
But keep in mind that our list of the best cheap things to do in Singapore is not complete. These are just a few of the many free things you should do here that we chose for you.
Singapore’s best free things to do
Here’s a list of fun, free things to do in Singapore so you can finally have the cheap vacation you’ve always wanted. Start moving down!
1. Singapore’s market is really, really, really free (SRRFM).
The word “free market” is hard to believe, which is possibly why there are two “really”s before it and not just one. But you did read that correctly. The SRRFM exists, and it is based on the idea of building a society by giving and sharing resources. From old things and toys to fortune-telling books and massages, there is nothing here that costs money. Here’s a tip: Don’t bring your cash with you.
- Where is it: Post-Museum’s premises on Rowell Rd.
- When to go there: The next SRRFM is happening on 2nd June 2018, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Check out their Facebook page for more details.
2. Free Movie Night Under the Stars
Tickets now cost twice as much as they did a few years ago. Your high-quality entertainment for the big screen shouldn’t be wasted. There are a few movie theaters in Singapore, and every two weeks, movies are shown all over the island. MovieMob’s drive-in theater would be a great way to feel nostalgic. Bring a blanket and some snacks and watch a free movie with your family or friends under the stars. You could vote for your favorite movie to be shown, which was even better.
- Where is it: Next to The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands.
- When to go there: Third or fourth weekend of the month. Checkout MovieMob’s Facebook page for more details.
3. The Singapore Festival
Festivals in Singapore are lively, colorful, and full of happy people. They are a great place to meet new people and learn more about Singaporean culture. No matter if you go to the colorful Buskers Festival, the artistic Singapore Night Festival, or the musical Mosaic Music Festival, you’ll be sure to have a good time without spending a dime.
- Where is it: The festivals happen year-round all over the city.
- When to go there: You can find information about some of the most vibrant festivals in Singapore here. Keep a check on their social media pages as most information is updated there.
4. The Gardens by the Bay
Take a walk through Singapore’s beautiful Gardens By The Bay to feel better. The yard has stunning views of the water. The huge Super trees here are a pleasure to look at. Between 9 and 16 stories high, the suspended walkway between two Supertrees gives you a bird’s-eye view of the grounds. In the evening, it’s fun to sit among the Supertrees and watch beautiful light and sound shows in the sky. Visit the most famous place in Singapore on your way to finding the best free things to do there. The parks are free to visit, but the path costs SGD 5, which is well worth it.
- Where is it: 18 Marina Gardens Drive Singapore.
- When to go there: The garden opens at 5:00 AM and closes at 2:00 AM. The Garden Rhapsody light show begins at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM.
5. Go to the beach for a day
Sentosa beach, which was made by people, is a great place to relax and maybe go for a swim. There, drinks and food are expensive, but there’s no harm in lying on the golden sand and taking in the salty air. So bring a towel and put on a lot of sunscreen, because this is the best way to relax.
- Where is it: Sentosa, Singapore
- When to go there: Visit the beach in the noon if you feel like soaking in some sun or in the evening if you want to wander around the pristine waters.
6. Park at Fort Canning
Singapore is definitely a concrete jungle, but there are some green spaces hidden in there. Get away from the busy city for an afternoon and jog on these tracks that haven’t been used before. Keep an eye out for the beautiful and rare plants you see along the way. There is no cost to get in, so spend as much time as you can and get to know nature.
- Where is it: River Valley Rd, Singapore
- When to go there: The park is open 24/7
7. The Marina Bay has a light show.
Marina Bay is one of the most expensive places in Singapore, so it goes without saying that anything you do there will put a big dent in your pocket. One thing is different, though. You can watch the Spectra light show at Marina Bay for free. When the beautiful laser lights and sounds come together, they make a symphony that will definitely hypnotize you.
- Where is it: Event Plaza at Promenade
- When is it: 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM every day.
8. Merlions
Singapore’s official mascot is the famous Merlion, a creature that looks like a cross between a lion and a fish. It’s fun to go on a hunt for all seven merlions. You get to see a lot of the city, and it’s a cheap way to spend the day. Test your friends to see who can find them all and take a picture of them the fastest.
- Where is it: All over the city.
- When to go there: Any time of the day.
9. Concerts at Esplanade
Marina Bay is one of the most expensive places in Singapore, so it goes without saying that anything you do there will put a big dent in your pocket. One thing is different, though. You can watch the Spectra light show at Marina Bay for free. When the beautiful laser lights and sounds come together, they make a symphony that will definitely hypnotize you.
- Where: On the Promenade, at the Event Plaza
- When: Every day from 8 PM to 9 PM.
10. Check out the ethnic neighborhoods.
Singapore is a place where many different cultures meet. In Chinatown, you can check out the old medicine shops and spiritual churches, or you can go to Little India and get lost in the lively area. You can see a lot. There are Hindu shrines, traditional places to eat, people selling flower garlands, and more. Put on your sweats, fill up a bottle of water, tie your shoes, and hit the streets to take advantage of this great free exercise.
- Where is it: China Town/ Little India
- When to go there: Any time of the day.
11. Chek Jawa
Read more: 21 Best Singapore Places for Photoshoot!
Do you have an extra day? Go to Chek Jawa, a protected environment away from the world of shopping malls and fancy restaurants. Chek Jawa is a place to see nature in its best form. It is tucked away in a corner of Pulau Ubin. Walk around in nature, take a lot of pictures, and remember a lot of things. The best part is that there’s no charge to get in. Nature doesn’t charge for anything, after all.
- Where is it: Chek Jawa Trail
- When to go there: The park is open from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM.
12. Marina Barrage
The best place to fly a kite in Singapore is at Marina Barrage, which has the most wind. Yes, flying kites is once again a custom in Singapore, and you can join in on the fun. Bring your own kite or go to the Barrage Cove to buy one. They have kites of all sizes and colors for all ages. Not sure how to make a kite fly? No fears. You could just stand back and watch as the sky gets filled with bright colors. Want to do something fun and free in Singapore? You get this one!
- Where: 8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore
- When to go: You can go to the park from 9 AM to 9 PM.
13. Play with animals from a farm
This is for people who like animals. There are a number of farms in Singapore where you can cuddle with animals for free. Visit Hay Dairies to see how the cute goats are milked. You can also buy goat milk that was just made. At the Ericsson Pet Farm on Pasir Ris Farmway, you can pet the animals that have four legs and fur. Farmart Centre is a place where you can get up close and personal with chickens and hamsters. Get your fill of farming at the farm of your choice.
- Where: In different places.
14. Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens are said to be the world’s first children’s park and have some of the most beautiful plants and animals. They are well worth a visit. The Singapore Botanic Gardens is the country’s only tropical botanic garden on the UNESCO World Heritage List. It is also the country’s first and only UNESCO World Heritage Site. Over 150 years old, these gardens were the first of their kind in all of Asia and the third in the world. These gardens have great horticultural attractions and a long past. They also have a wonderful collection of plants that should be known all over the world. So, taking a walk through these parks is not only one of the free things to do in Singapore, but also a priceless experience.
- Where is it: 1 Cluny Rd
15. The Villa Haw Par
People who say that Singapore is full of shocks are not exaggerating. Every nook and cranny has a draw that is very different from the others. From mosques to museums to temples to theme parks, Singapore is full of beautiful sights for people to see. Step into the strange world of Haw Par Villa at Pasir Panjang Road to start a trip you wouldn’t expect. This Asian culture park, which used to be called the Tiger Balm Garden and was built in 1937 by Aw Boon Haw and Aw Boon Par, is where you need to be if you want an exciting time.
- Where is it: 262 Pasir Panjang Rd
16. Ridges in the south
A walk along the Southern Ridges is one of the best free things to do in Singapore. The thing that makes a city stand out is how well it balances nature and man-made things, and in this way, Singapore has never been behind. Even though almost every month a new skyscraper goes up against the cobalt sky, Singapore has never stopped making real efforts to protect its natural parks and lush green woods. Because of these efforts, places like the Southern Ridges have been made that are beautiful and peaceful. People go there to get away from the city and feel closer to nature. This 10-kilometer road goes through the hills of four parks and along beautiful paths. It’s a great way to walk through nature without leaving the city.
- Where: In the parks between Kent Ridge Park and HarbourFront.
17. The East Coast Park
East Coast Park is a beautiful beach park in the southeastern part of Singapore. It is spread out over 185 hectares and has 15 km of seashore. It is Singapore’s biggest park and was built on land that was once a swamp. The beach is man-made, and you can swim there. With “recreation for all” as its theme, this park has something for everyone. If you want to relax for an hour or two, the swaying palm trees and the beautiful view of the ocean are the best things to do with. This is also a great place to have a lunch. Nearby is the Marine Cove Children’s Playground, where kids can build sandcastles or play. There are also places to cook on a grill in the park. Aside from that, you can find great places to eat at the East Coast Food Lagoon and other nearby places.
- Where: E Coast Park Service Rd
18. Gardens in China and Japan
The Chinese Garden and the Japanese Garden next to it have always been very popular in Singapore because of their beautiful Asian buildings and many things to do. At the entry to the Chinese Garden, two stone lions stand guard over the gates that lead to a 13-arch white bridge that looks like and is a copy of Beijing’s 17-arch bridge. This bridge is a very popular place to take pictures, and you may have seen some of them on social media. The white bridge goes to the main arch building of the garden, which has a pond full of Koi fish, another tribute to China, and two beautiful courtyards in front of which is everything the garden has to offer, from museums and statues to unique natural displays. The Mid Autumn Festival and the Chinese New Year (January/February) are the best times to visit the garden.
- Where is it: 1 Chinese Garden Rd
19. Gillman Barracks
Gillman Barracks, which used to be the home of the British Army, is a key part of Singapore’s national art and culture scene. It is a contemporary arts cluster with international art galleries, restaurants, and the prestigious Nanyang Technological University’s NTU Centre for Contemporary Art. The well-kept colonial buildings on the site are where all of these services are held. People can be amazed at how well the colonial style of the barracks and buildings blends with the constantly changing arts scene of the modern world, making it Singapore’s Contemporary Art Enclave. Who says that an art walk isn’t the best thing to do for free in Singapore?
- Where is it: 9 Lock Rd
20. Temple of the Buddha Tooth Relic
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple Museum is a Chinese Buddhist temple that is in Singapore’s Chinatown neighborhood. It was built in 2007 and is dedicated to the Sacred Buddha Tooth Relic, which is said to be Lord Buddha’s left canine tooth. The most interesting thing about the temple is its design and architecture. A lot of study went into making it look like the Tang Dynasty and the Buddhist Mandala.
- Where: 288 South Bridge Road
21. City Gallery of Singapore
The Singapore City Gallery is between Chinatown and the Central Business District, which are both well-known places. It is a three-story building with huge model copies that give people a full view of the Central Area of Singapore. Learn something about the beautiful city of Singapore if you’re looking for free things to do there.
Read more: 21 Interesting Places in Singapore to Celebrate Birthday!
- Where: The URA Centre, 45 Maxwell Rd.
22. Ion Orchard
The ION Sky Observation Deck is part of the ION Orchid shopping mall in Singapore, which is a very famous place to shop. The ION Orchard opened in 2009 and has 335 places to eat and buy things. Forbes named it one of the best shopping malls in Singapore, and its indoor viewing deck on the 56th floor is one of the best in the world. From there, you can see amazing views of the city. At the remodeled Ion Sky, you can go back in time to learn about the past of Orchard Road. On the 56th floor of the Ion Sky, there is a show that shows how Singapore and Orchard Road have changed over time.
- Where is it: 2 Orchard Turn
23. The Macritchie Treetop Walk is for People Who Love Nature
If you like being outside, you have to go to this place. Take a walk on a suspension bridge with a treetop roof. As the name suggests, the Macritchie Treetop is a place where you can look down on nature and wildlife from a bridge high in the trees. One can also walk to the bridge, which is an 8 km round-trip hike. It’s a real treat to look at. The best thing about this bridge is that you can see and get a close look at the animals that live here.
- Where is it: Reservoir Road, Singapore
- When to go: It is always best to visit it in the mornings and evenings otherwise it’s extremely hot during the afternoons.
24. See the Singapore Symphony Orchestra play for free.
If you think that going to orchestra events is too expensive, guess what? There is an orchestra in Singapore that puts on free shows for everyone. Bring your family, have a little picnic, and listen to some beautiful classical music. You can’t miss out on this chance.
- Where: They put on shows in different places, like schools, parks, and other places. So find out where they are and be there.
- When to go: The music sets the time. To get the best seats, you should get there before the planned time.
Conclusion
Here is a list of interesting things to do in Singapore that are free, so you can make the most of your trip without going over budget. Now that you know about it, you can stop worrying about your money. Tell someone about it the next time they say that Singapore is too expensive.
