Free and Affordable Things to Do in Singapore for First-Time Visitors
Singapore’s probably one of the world’s biggest tourism hubs and draws thousands of people for its unique fusion of manmade and natural wonders. Are you also a first-timer looking to spend a magical holiday in the island-city? If yes, it doesn’t always have to cost as much! Yes, you read it right! While you may be worrying about costly entry fees to popular landmarks, there are still several free things to do in Singapore worth considering. You can enjoy these activities and get a glimpse of the city’s pulse without spending a dime. What can possibly be better?
Singapore Free Tourist Attractions Worth Exploring
Here’s a list of Singapore free tourist attractions that you should definitely explore on your vacation.
1. Supertree Grove & Gardens By The Bay
You can cover two of Singapore’s biggest landmarks without spending anything! Check out the amazing Supertree Grove at the picture-perfect Gardens By The Bay. This marvel covers 101 hectares right next to the Marina Reservoir. From three waterfront gardens to the world’s biggest glass greenhouse (Flower Dome in the Bay South Garden), there’s plenty to admire here. The Supertrees will leave you mesmerized, to say the least! Entry timings are between 5 AM to 2 AM here.
2. Merlion Park
You haven’t explored Singapore if you don’t visit the iconic Merlion. This famous landmark is housed in a park across the CBD and features the statues of the mythical creature with a lion’s head and the body of a fish. Take pictures of the statues that spout water from their mouths, while exploring the lovely park as well. It’s also open 24 hours in case you were wondering!
3. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
One of the best things to do in Singapore is to stop at this amazing museum complex cum Buddhist Temple. You’ll find it in the bustling Chinatown District and can take photographs of the fabulous Tang Dynasty-style architecture. The main relic itself is on the fourth floor and the basement offers tasty vegetarian food for free as well. Timings are from 9 AM to 12 PM and from 3 PM to 6 PM.
4. Mariamman Temple
One of the wonderful yet cheap activities in Singapore is checking out the city’s oldest Hindu temple that showcases unique Dravidian architecture. It’s also located within the Chinatown District and dates back to 1827. You can visit anytime between 5.30 AM and 12 PM for the best experiences.
5. Pulau Ubin Instawalk
Jazz up your Insta feed with this lovely Pulau Ubin trail that will take you through the last village or kampung of Singapore. You can go on a stunning walk across the region, getting a glimpse of what life was back in the 1960s.
6. Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Yes, this one’s absolutely free to enter and you can click gorgeous photographs of the natural wonders that it contains. From milky storks to whistling-ducks, there are several unique species that you can glimpse here. The reserve covers a massive 130 hectares and is also paradise for birdwatchers. Timing are between 7 AM and 7 PM.
7. Changi Point Boardwalk
This one’s another must-visit for your Insta feed! You’ll find the lovely boardwalk offering stunning views along with several sections like the Sunset Walk, Cliff Walk, Creek Walk, Kelong Walk, Changi Beach Walk, and the Sailing Point Walk.
8. Singapore Botanic Gardens
It is one of Singapore’s biggest tourist magnets and you can explore this 150+ year-old marvel with its diverse collection of botanical and horticultural wonders. There are several events taking place here regularly while there are educational and recreational amenities too. Timings are between 5 AM and 12 AM.
9. Dolphin Watching at the Sisters Islands
If you’re into snorkeling, the Sisters Islands offer the perfect spots. You’ll also find corals and opportunities to view cute dolphins that’ve been seen here several times. You can go swimming or take a picnic as well. The best time to visit is just before sunset for incredible views.
10. Free Movies Under the Stars
If you’re looking to experience Singapore on a budget, then you shouldn’t miss checking out the free movie theater offered by Movie Mob. Watch your favorite flicks while taking picnic under the stars on the huge outdoor screen. Follow this community’s Facebook page for information on screenings at various locations in and around Singapore.
11. Free Esplanade Concerts
Staying near the Esplanade cultural hub is anyway a wise decision since it puts you near almost all major landmarks of the city. You will find best holiday apartments in Singapore lined up near this huge attraction with its concert hall, theater, performance zone outdoors, and multiple shows. Watch several free concerts here including dances and local band gigs along with foreign cultural performances as well.
12. Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa opens at 9 AM and closes at 10 PM, offering fascinating glimpses of something truly unique. It is a cultural park that covers 8.5 hectares and you’ll find 150+ huge dioramas and 1,000 statues showing Chinese history scenes, legends, mythological anecdotes, illustrations, folklore, and more. It is one of the few such attractions in the whole world!
13. Marina Bay Light & Water Show
Enjoy the amazing Spectra light and water show at the Marina Bay without paying anything! You can watch this at the Event Plaza on the water for about 15 minutes. The show has four components, i.e. colored and visual projections, lava and mist effects, advanced laser technologies, and dancing fountain jets. They are all accompanied by orchestral sound for an impressive effect. The timings are 8-8.15 PM from Sunday to Thursday along with shows from 9 PM as well. Fridays and Saturdays have shows from 10 PM too.
14. National Museum of Singapore
You shouldn’t miss exploring the beautiful National Museum of Singapore on your trip. It goes all the way back to 1849 and showcases an amazing collection of exhibits for visitors. Don’t miss the unique Renaissance and Palladian architectural styles on display here along with viewing some of Singapore’s most ancient treasures. Timings are between 10 AM and 7 PM each day.
Free Events in Singapore
It’s not just attractions; there are several free events in Singapore that you can attend for a fun time! Here’s looking at the list (there are more added regularly!):
- St. Patrick’s Day Celebration (free to attend)
- Community Concert-Brahms: Forward Together and many other such community musical events
- World Ageing Festival
- Artsobi and other art-oriented events
- Five Footway Festival in Chinatown
- Free Movies by the Beach at Sentosa
- Free Hari Raya Celebrations
- Ramadan Bazaars and Pop-Up Markets
Keep looking for more such free events and community celebrations in Singapore throughout the year. Trust us, there are plenty of such events to keep you engaged without spending anything!
Singapore Budget Travel Tips
So, of course, one of the best ways to explore Singapore on a budget is to look up the free things and events that you can check out. There are several other tips that will help you if you’re looking to save more money on your vacation. These include the following:
- Use public transport as much as you can, especially the MRT (mass rapid transit) system and buses. Consider a Singapore Tourist Pass or EZ-Link Card for higher savings. The City Shuttle is another option worth considering.
- It’s best to skip the cocktails and fancy drinks when you’re in Singapore, since they’re quite expensive here. The island city taxes alcohol heavily and you should thus stick to beers at hawker centres at cheaper rates.
- You can easily drink the tap water in Singapore without having to buy costly bottled water.
- Free walking tours are readily available across Singapore and you’ll find plenty of them online, covering areas like Chinatown, Kampong Glam, Little India, and more. This will help you get fascinating insights of the region without spending much.
- When it comes to eating out, check out the amazing hawker centres. There are tons of big and small food courts throughout the city and you can try the Lau Pa Sat, Maxwell Food Centre, Chinatown Complex Food Centre, and the Golden Mile Food Centre on your visit. Affordable local food is readily available at these outlets, with the national dish of chicken rice being sold round the clock!
- Book your flights strategically to get lower airfares. Try to travel just outside the peak season for better deals on accommodation and airfare alike. Find serviced apartments in Singapore that offer attractive rates on extended stays.
Enjoy Exploring Singapore Without Exceeding Your Budget
Enjoy exploring the wonders of Singapore on a budget with these tips. You can make a note of the list of free things to do in Singapore, while looking up events happening near your trip. A vacation to the beautiful island-city does not always have to break the bank; a little planning and homework will help you enjoy your time here without worrying about your budget. Here’s to a great time ahead in Singapore!