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The top 18 best free things to do in Singapore that won’t cost you a single dollar! Singapore is widely known for two things. It has a fantastic multicultural food scene and an expensive budget compared to other Asian countries. But there are loads of options to keep your expenses in check!
Having been to Singapore quite a few times, I found out that Singapore is actually an excellent budget destination if you know where to go. To help the budget traveler out, I’ve run around Singapore to find out what free things this city has to offer.
1. Go ‘avatar’ in Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is the major attraction in Singapore, and it’s completely free. Gardens by the Bay is lovely to visit during the day, but the best thing is in the evening when the supertrees will light up with neon lights. Walking around made me feel like I was an extra in Avatar.
2. Enjoy the magnificent Garden Rapshody show
In the evening at 8pm and 9.30pm, there is a free ‘sound and light show’ in Gardens by the Bay called Garden Rhapsody. The theme changes every three months, and you can check online what the music will be.
The last time I was there, there was a Disney theme, and it was mindblowing. The combination of the fantastic Lion Kings The Circle Of Life, with the special light effects from the Supertrees, was epic.
3. Stroll around Marina Bay
Another prominent tourist spot in Singapore is Marina Bay Sands in the beautiful harbor area. The Marina area is lovely for a walk, and the view is fantastic. You’ll have a great skyline view of the city and of Marina Bay Sands, the famous luxurious hotel with the iconic three towers.
4. Enjoy the water spectacle ‘Spectra’
In the evening at 8pm and 9.30pm, there is a free sound and light show in Marina Bay’s water. The best location to view the water spectacle is in front of the Marina Bay Sands Shoppes. Everybody sits on the steps in front of the mall and watches the show—such a great vibe.
5. Go fun shopping at Orchard Street
Orchard Street is a long famous shopping street in Singapore with all the high-end brands. While a Rolex might be a little out of range as a budget traveler, we can still enjoy some fun shopping and window shopping. There is nothing wrong with manifesting your goal purchases into the universe!
>> Do you want to know more budget tips on Singapore? Check out my post on how to travel to Singapore on a budget! <<
6. Go green at the Singapore Botanic Garden
If you want to escape the city for a moment and surround yourself with lots of trees and green, visit the Singapore Botanic Garden. There is an orchid garden with over a thousand different species and a spice garden where you can wander through. The Botanic Garden is free to visit, and there are free walking tours to join.
7. Visit a free Singapore festivals
Every now and then there are free festivals in Singapore. A good example is the Singapore Night Festival, where you’ll find art, cultural acts and spectacular light shows. The night lights shows are free to visit, while you’ll need to buy a ticket for some cultural performances.
8. Listen to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra
The Singapore Symphony Orchestra holds free concerts every couple of months in different locations in the city. Every now and then, one is even in the Singapore Botanic Garden or in Gardens by the Bay. These concerts are completely free, and you can check online if they’re playing.
9. Visit the Sultan mosque near Arab Street
Arab Street is vibrant and vivid, with the Sultan Mosque as a prominent landmark. The mosque is free to visit outside prayer hours, and the area itself is fantastic for drinks, food, and pictures. In the evening and especially on weekends, the site turns into a busy street.
10. Sip on free cocktails on Wednesday’s Ladies Night
Every Wednesday it’s Ladies Night in Singapore which means good deals and free drinks, and when I say free, I mean A-brands gin-tonics for absolutely free. Check out Cuba Libre in Clarke Quays, a Latin bar which offers complimentary mixed drinks for ladies from 9pm until 12 p.m.
11. Check out the view at Cé La Vie
On Wednesdays after 22.00, I recommend going to Cé La Vie on the 57th floor of the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. There is a magnificent view of the city, a free entrance, and a complimentary drink. We enjoyed a tasty GT and were in absolute awe of the magnificent skyline.
12. Take a stroll in Chinatown
Chinatown is my favorite area in Singapore. The neighbourhood has everything from colourful Chinese shophouses and restaurants to hostels and bars. The Chinatown hawker center or Night Market is incredible for all kinds of delicious cheap eats. Chinatown is one of the more affordable areas that needs a spot in the top 18 best free things to do in Singapore.
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13. Walk the Southern Ridges
The Southern Ridges is one of Singapore’s walking trails. It goes through a big forest and crosses the highest bridge in Singapore. If you’re looking to leave the city for a morning and burn those GT calories, you’ll do great here. Just keep in mind that it can be extremely hot in Singapore, so pick your moment wisely and bring lots of water and sunscreen.
14. Take a selfie with Merlion
There is a giant statue of a lion’s heads on a fish body spewing water into the marina in Marina Bay. This lovely weird creature is called Merlion and became Singapore’s worldwide mascotte. Hop on over and take a selfie with this magical creature.
15. Relax at Sentosa island
Sentosa Island is Singapore’s beach island where you can easily spend a day relaxing. The beaches are free, and so are the beach courts. Every night at 11pm there also is a free special laser effects show. Enjoy a day sunbathing, playing beach volleyball and in the evening check out the laser show.
16. Create your own Street Art Walking Tour
A different approach on discovering street art, that definitely belongs in the top 18 of best free things to do in Singapore! Instead of joining a paid street art tour, create your own. Walk from Haji Lane to Chinatown to Little India. Nothing gets me happier then a street art walking tour with my camera in my hand, exploring everything in my own pace.
17. Get a history lesson in a museum
It’s good that cities have free museums to get people to know more history and background information. Singapore has a few museums free to visit, like the National Gallery Singapore or the Singapore Art Museum.
18. Look out for yearly ethnic celebrations
Singapore is such a diverse city, the chances are that there might be a cultural festival. At the beginning of November, there is Deepavali, the Festival of Lights in Little India.
There is the Chinese New Year celebration in February in Chinatown. In the holy month of Ramadan, the area of Kampong Gelang comes alive after sundown with people breaking their fast, at the night markets.
The top 18 best free things to do in Singapore! This will give you a great start of your travel in Singapore. I really hope you’ll get to try every one of them, and do report back with your thoughts. Don’t forget to check my post on how to travel Singapore on budget!
