Situated just off the southern tip of Malaysia, Singapore is the only island city-state in the world with a beautiful blend of Malaysian, Chinese, Arab, Indian, and English culturesPopularly known as Asia’s ‘Lion City’, it is filled with delightful restaurants and has a vibrant nightlife. However, the city could be quite expensive to live in.
Singapore is home to a few endearing tourist attractions, leaving visitors with so much to look forward to. Wondering how you would explore various eateries and other famous locations without having to spend a figure too heavy on your wallet? Let us tell you how!
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
A temple nested in the Chinatown district, the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is one of the most sacred places in Singapore and is a popular tourist destination. The Temple draws various Buddhist devotees from across the world as it houses an alleged tooth of the founder of Buddhism, Siddharta Gautama. This place of worship can be visited for free by locals and tourists. You can also enjoy the vegetarian food served free of cost in the basement of the temple.
- Dress appropriately to show respect – no shorts or mini-skirts, no off-shoulders, etc.
- Non-vegetarian food is not encouraged inside the Temple.
- No pets are allowed inside the Temple.
- You can capture good pictures of the temple from a stairwell near the public housing building.
- You can visit the temple on a Saturday if you wish to have a 2-hour guided tour of the temple. It is for free!
Mount Faber hike
Mount Faber is a popular tourist destination, offering a host of activities to its visitors. If you are tired of feeling cooped up, then buckle up and enjoy breathtaking scenery by hiking at Mount Faber for free. It is one of the oldest parks in Singapore and offers numerous panoramic views of the city. If you have a thirst for adventure, this should be on your to-do list.
- You can drive up to Mount Faber by car, but you would be deprived of experiencing the country’s most popular attractions.
- If you are driving, it is recommended to park along Mount Faber Loop and you can enjoy a scenic walk up to Faber Peak Singapore.
- It is recommended to hit pause and take a breath of fresh air, relax those muscles before heading further to your next destination.
Changi Point Boardwalk
Wish to have an unobstructed view of the sea? Head to Changi Point Boardwalk, a wonder in the East where you can enjoy a scenic stroll along the coastline. With a boardwalk of 2.2 Kilometers, there are plenty of free things to do along the Changi Boardwalk. The Creek Walk, Cliff Walk, Sunset Walk, Kelong Walk, Sailing Point Walk, and Changi Beach Walk are the six sections of the Boardwalk, each one offering an outstanding view for its visitors. If you wish to immerse yourself in nature, catch a beautiful sunset, go fishing, or enjoy a beachside view, this is the place to be.
- Mornings are the best time to visit, if you wish to enjoy a great sight of the early sunrise and can cycle peacefully.
- Make sure you go fishing only when there is maximum light. Afternoons are preferable.
- You are not allowed to go camping at the beach park as it is prohibited.
- The boardwalk can be enjoyed in all weathers. In summers, it is recommended to visit in the evenings, while in winters any time is a good time.
Chek Jawa
Home to diverse wildlife and a convergence point to six natural habitats, Check Jawa is one of the richest ecosystems in Singapore. A region situated at the Eastern edge of Palau Ubin, plenty of visitors flock to visit this treasure trove every year and is beloved by all nature lovers. A weekend getaway that costs nothing. Embrace all this for free by heading to Chek Jawa.
- We recommend you to visit Chek Jawa during low tide to better experience marine life.
- Climb the watchtower to enjoy a mind-blowing view of Pulau Ubin. The tower can withhold 20 people at a time.
- Since the weather is slightly sunny in Singapore, make sure you carry all your travel essentials like sunscreen, drinks, comfortable footwear, etc., to have a hassle-free stroll at Chek Jawa.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
Known to be one of the most popular tourist places in Singapore that can be visited for free, the famous Singapore Botanic Gardens, is a home to various botanical attractions that one must explore. The garden consists of a wide variety of vegetation in the world. Tourists can enjoy entertaining events, recreational facilities, and more under the garden's umbrella.
- Since the garden covers 82-hectares of area, it is suggested to access different entrances for the zones you wish to visit.
The Arts House
The Arts House is a go-to spot for all art lovers. The structure occupies the 200-year-old building which was the country’s first Parliament House. Known for its significance over the past decade, the Arts House has an extensive range of films, music, theatre, and dance. The place is rich in cultural diversity as it offers events that showcase local talent, a rare sight amongst contemporary art settings. It is free to go in and mooch around.
- The best time to visit The Arts House would be in the morning. It is less crowded and you can explore the attraction without bumping shoulders with strangers.
- The Arts House has events going on – you can check out their website to get an idea of the monthly event and plan your visit accordingly. (https://www.theartshouse.sg/)
- It takes 1-2 hours to explore The Arts House completely.
Free-load at Singapore Free Market
A place that can be visited and shopped for free! Yes, it does exist. This is an amazing marketspace in Singapore where resources are shared and a community is developed with selfless care for one another. However, it is encouraging to pay kindness forward.
The best time to visit The Arts House would be in the morning. It is less crowded and you can explore the attraction without bumping shoulders with strangers.
Gardens By The Bay
Gardens by the Bay is mega-sized horticulture that boasts of striking waterfront views, with a unique variety of natural habitat. It is a feat of engineering and is one of the most visited attractions of Singapore. The Super Trees are extremely famous out here, a garden that lights up and works on environmentally friendly solar power.
You can explore Bay East Garden, World of Plants, Heritage Gardens, Far East Organisation Children’s Garden, Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes, Sun Pavilion, and of course, Supertree Grove for free.
- The Gardens by the Bay is located next to Bayfront MRT Station.
- While visiting the Far East Organisation Children’s Garden, make sure to carry a pair of swimming costumes for the kids to change into.
- The conservatories get packed during the weekend, so the ideal time would be to visit early morning or late evening during the week.
Singapore Art Museum
The Singapore Art Museum is a perfect destination for all those who live to be inspired. The Museum consists of all forms of contemporary art, with all the latest trends, expressions, and innovations. It is a home to Singapore's talented artists to display their fine art. Singapore has always been a hub of fine museums and exhibition spaces, but the Singapore Art Museum holds a special place in the heart of every local artist and this can be visited for free all year round by citizens and permanent residents.
- The exhibitions held at Singapore Art Museum change every few months and showcase a multitude of art forms – painting, sculptures, interactive media, to name a few.
- Do not carry food or beverages inside the museum.
- Photography and videography are not allowed inside the museum.
- Visiting in a group of 20 people or more can give you a 20% discount.
- Disabled people can access wheelchair lifts and ramps.
- Guided tours depend on availability. It is free, but it is necessary to be registered beforehand.
More museums in Singapore
Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail
Mountain biking at Bukit Timah Mountain is an adventure and is sure to give you an adrenaline rush. This trail is filled with downhill slopes and climbs, and if you are an experienced biker, this is right up your alley. The trail is a 6.5 km lush green tropical terrain filled with fun and thrill.
- There are small entry points to the trail which can be accessed at your convenience.
- The 2 preferred beginning points are – Visitor Centre Carpark at Hindhede Road and the Dairy Farm Car Park.
- Make sure your bike parts are intact before you go biking at Bukit Timah.
- Always wear a helmet with riding gear for your safety.
- Wear arm, leg, knee, and elbow pads to save yourself from any fall.
- If you are a newbie, ride short distances.
ION Orchard- 55th level
Witness Singapore in all its glory, just 280 meters above the ground. You can soak in the wonderful cityscape through a BEHOLDTIM telescope provided, once you have headed to the 55th level. You may be at a high level, but fret not - it is perfectly safe and a can’t miss experience!
- To get to the top, you need to go to level 4 of the Ion Shopping Centre. A lift will take you up there.
- You need to download an app and be an ion orchard member. You then spend $20 per person at a store to obtain a QR code to go up to ion sky.
Sembawang Hot Spring
SItuated in the Northern tip of Singapore of Sembawang Air Base, the Sembawang Hot Spring is one of the two hot springs in the country. The hot spring is famous for its rumored healing powers. This is a common sight in the city to witness locals collecting pails of hot spring water to use for themselves.
- It is best to visit the hot spring on weekdays, mornings, and afternoons. It gets crowded after 4 pm, on the weekends as well as public holidays.
- Sandals and Flip flops are your way to go since the main event at the hot spring is a foot spa.
- Get your travel accessories like sunscreen, umbrellas, mosquito repellent to protect yourself from the scorching sun and mozzie bites.
MacRitchie Treetop Walk
A place wrapped in lush greenery is the MacRitchie in Singapore. There are various types of animals and plants located at the canopy and would have been impossible if it weren’t for the suspension bridge. The place is all green and is sure to give you a whole new feel. The Tree Top Walk can be accessed only from MacRitchie Reservoir Park, either through MacRitchie Nature Trail or through Venus Drive.
- Do not visit the MacRitchie Treetop Walk during a rainy or stormy day.
Free Concerts at the Esplanade
Enjoy a cultural evening admiring performances from various local bands, traditional dance forms, recitals, vocals, theatre as well as performances by foreigners at the Esplanade in Singapore. The Esplanade comprises a theatre, a concert hall, and an outdoor performance zone, which can be accessed for free.
- There is no dress code. Be comfortable in what you wear and get a jacket as it can get chilly in the hall.
- Photography is usually not permitted during shows, but you can look out at the icon that says if you can capture with no flash.
- You are not allowed to bring your food to the concert. You can get a snack at the Foyers bar at the Concert Hall/ Theatre before the show starts or during intermission.
Walk at Mustafa Centre
Mustafa Centre is situated in the Little India district and is Singapore’s 24-hours shopping mall with a wide range of products and services. To all the shopaholics who enjoy a little bargain, this is your go-to hub, where you can shop late into the twilight hours.
The mall may not look too fancy but is a comfort zone for a majority of people as it comprises a great variety of products at good rates. Clothes, perfumes, confectionery, souvenirs- you name it and you’ve got it!
- You can go out on level 1 of the mall to the money changers for the best exchange rates in the country.
- If you have a backpack on you, make sure you take all your necessary items out, like your wallet and phone, and keep them in your pocket as your bags are sealed when you enter the mall.
- Avoid weekends as the store would swell to over 20k customers. Also, it is ideal to visit after 10 pm if you wish to beat the rush hours.
- If you are exhausted from shopping and wish to take a break, you can hop onto the aqua massager placed in the middle of the corridor. You pay 10 dollars for a 10 min massage.
Explore The Rest of Singapore
Fancy heading out to some other must-visit Singapore attractions? Take inspiration from our list of the best things to do in Singapore here. Use our comprehensive Singapore Travel Guide to explore the rest of Singapore in a hassle-free fashion with all the need-to-know information in hand.
FAQs: Free Things To Do In Singapore
Visit the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, take a hike up Mount Faber, walk on the Changi Point Boardwalk, explore Chek Jawa, visit Singapore Botanic Gardens, explore The Arts House, free load at the Singapore Free Market, and then some more.
All the attractions mentioned in the post are safe to travel post-COVID. Most attractions have safety regulations in place to ensure your safety.
| Some of the museums that grant free access include Asian Civilisations Museum, National Museum of Singapore, The Peranakan Museum, Singapore Philatelic Museum, Indian Heritage Centre, Malay Heritage Centre, Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall, and more. |
