21 Best Free Things To Do in Singapore (by a local)

Singapore is often on the list of most expensive cities in the world. Luckily, there are still many fun and free things to do in Singapore! Here's what a local who returned after 11 years abroad (me!) recommends you include in your Singapore itinerary.

This is 1 of my favorite streets in Singapore, and you'll find lots of interesting murals and independent shops and cafes.

: 21A Haji Lane, Singapore 189214

Founded in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Garden is a 82-hectare UNESCO World Heritage Site. (Click through for a full review.) It's one of Singapore’s most popular tourist attractions BUT it's not a tourist trap though- it’s visited daily by both tourists and locals!

Here, you’ll find all types of flora and fauna, and even the odd wildlife or two, such as swans, and more.

Note that part of the Botanics- the National Orchid Garden- is ticketed (but not expensive.) The majority of the garden is free to explore, and there are regular free performances at the Symphony Stage (see below.)

Tip: There is no air conditioning in the gardens so dress appropriately- natural fabrics such as cotton or linen would be best!

You might wonder why anyone would visit a reservoir on holiday, but MacRitchie is actually quite scenic!

In addition, you can even kayak in it! (There is no admission fee for the park but you need to pay if you want to kayak.)

Are you a Crazy Rich Asian fan? Then you may be interested in CHIJMES!

CHIJMES used to be a school- my Mom actually studied there!- but has now been restored and turned into a lifestyle destination where you can find lots of restaurants.

There's also a chapel which was where the wedding scene in Crazy Rich Asians was filmed- unfortunately you most likely won't be able to enter it as it's now rented out for weddings. My cousin actually got married there! (way before the CRA film was made.)

For architecture, art and culture lovers, the Esplanade Theatres on the Bay is a must-visit!

This unique building features a durian-shaped exterior- the country's beloved and stinky fruit- and it is a hub for various performing arts events and exhibitions.

The shows held in the actual concert hall are usually ticketed (i.e. not free.) However, visitors can enjoy the free art installations, exhibitions, and occasionally, live music performances.

The live performances and activities are regularly held both within the Esplanade and at its outdoor spaces. They're not a daily occurrence though, so check the website before you visit. (Indoor performances are often in the day whilst the outdoor ones are usually in the evening.)

𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗻𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗧𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗧𝘂𝗻𝗻𝗲𝗹

This hilltop attraction is 1 of the most popular Instagram spots in Singapore. You can also take a walk around Fort Canning Park

: Take the MRT to Fort Canning Station Exit B, Clarke Quay Station (Exit E) or Dhoby Ghaut Station Exit B

𝗨𝗻𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼𝘀 𝗦𝗶𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗽𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗚𝗹𝗼𝗯𝗲

It is placed outside the theme park where you can take photos for free

: 5 Garden Ave, Singapore 099626 (Resorts World Sentosa)

J𝗲𝘄𝗲𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗶 𝗔𝗶𝗿𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁

Linked to one of the passenger terminals of Changi Airport, the main attraction is the 𝙍𝙖𝙞𝙣 𝙑𝙤𝙧𝙩𝙚𝙭 but you'll also find shops and restaurants there. It's a good place to hang out if you arrive at the airport early!

: Singapore Changi International Airport

Haw Par Villa

This out-of-the-world park was once someone's home! Inside, you can find over 1000 statues of chinese mythological figures.

Like the Singapore Botanic Gardens, it is free to visit but there is a ticketed attraction inside (Hell's Museum, where you find the 10 Course of Hell.)

Katong is the centre of the Peranakan (Straits born Chinese) community in Singapore. You'll find many beautiful historic shophouses and independent shops there!

Note: if you're in Orchard Road, you can also admire the shophouses of Emerald Hill- the beginning houses restaurants and bars but, as you walk up the street, you'll soon find residential units.

Another popular free Singapore attraction is the Merlion Park.

Home to Singapore's mythical symbol, the Merlion, this park is a great place to stroll along the waterfront and take pictures with the iconic half-lion, half-fish sculpture.

Honestly, it's not super exciting- I don't always bring foreign friends here- but it is kind of the obligatory photo to take when in Singapore

: One Fullerton, Singapore (The Merlion is in front of Fullerton Hotel)

Opening hours: 24h

Thian Hock Keng Temple

This famous temple in Chinatown is one of the oldest Hokkien temples in Singapore and is built in traditional Southern Chinese style. (The Thian Hock Keng Temple was restored in the 2000s- the restoration project won 4 architectural awards, including the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage 2001 Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation Building.)

Chinese immigrants would pray to Mazu here to thank them for the safe voyage to Singapore.

: 158 Telok Ayer Street Singapore 068613

Opening Hours
Every Day: 7:30am – 5pm (last entry at 4:45pm)

Tip: Combine visiting the temple with dining at some of the cool restaurants in Chinatown.

Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple

Another of the oldest temples in Singapore, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple in Little India was built by early Indian immigrants to Singapore.

Tip: cover your knees and shoulders before visiting the temple. You will need to remove your footwear before entering.

:  141 Serangoon Road 

Robertson Quay, Boat Quay and Clarke Quay are great areas for a riverside walk- my Mom and I used to go quite often before we got lazy!

There are hotels, cafes and restaurants lined along the river, so you can always get out of the heat if it's too hot. Here are some easy ways to differentiate between the 3 Quays so you can choose which one you want to visit (They aren't that far apart and you can walk from 1 to the other 2 Quays- it's a nice walk when the weather is not too hot)):

• Robertson Quay- most residential of the 3. There are hotels, apartments, restaurants here. Pick Robertson Quay if you want to see what expat life in Singapore is like. (The area is Expat Central.)
• Boat Quay- most commercial of the 3.
• Clarke Quay- best for night life of the 3, though it's not as buzzy as it was in its heyday.

Southern Ridges

This hike near Mount Faber has some great spots to take photos.

It's also a good day out if you're tired of air-conditioning!

Next to Marina Bay Sands is the iconic Gardens by the Bay. It's free to enter the Gardens but the main sights are ticketed (The Cloud Forest etc.)

Whilst the Cloud Forest is amazing- if I was only going to pay for 1 attraction in Singapore, this would be my pick- the free parts are equally so. (All the photos you see here were taken in the free zone.)

You can definitely spend an hour or two wandering and admiring the lake, plants, and works of art (in the free part of the gardens.)

This expansive man-made park features diverse flora and fauna, a magnificent Supertree Grove as well as the the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome conservatories. (The Cloud Forest etc are not free but the price is well worth it. Click the link to buy tickets- note it is an affiliate link so if you purchase something, I get a small fee (at NO extra COST to you) that supports this blog.

I've checked and it's the same price as if you buy a ticket from the Garden directly (see the photos of the pricing below) BUT the link I posted sometimes runs promotions. For example, a free jar of Kaya (a popular Singapore breakfast) was once given for the purchase of every 2 adult ticket.

Apart from the Supertree Grove, visitors can explore the Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes and the Art Sculptures without paying. (Open daily from 5.00am to 2.00am.) The Bay East Garden, on the other hand, remains open 24 hours, providing visitors ample time to take in the beauty of the landscaped gardens and water features.

Tip: if you're not a fan of the heat, go early in the morning or in the evening.

Note: only people between 7 and 70 can participate in the sailing activity.

This is one of my favorite free activities in Singapore, but it's very difficult to get a spot. If you couldn't but still want to enjoy the water views, you can take this (ticketed) river cruise of Singapore.

One of my favorite ways to escape the heat is to take a leisurely stroll along the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade.

The breeze coming off the waters makes it (slightly) more palatable to be outdoors than in the rest of Singapore. There are also lots of lounge chairs dotted around (part of the way) for you to relax on.

Walking round the 3.5 kilometers promenade offers panoramic views of the iconic landmarks such as the Singapore Flyer, ArtScience Museum, and the Marina Bay Sands hotel itself.

You can also rent a bicycle and bike around MBS, do a night cycling tour, or take a guided Segway tour (but these involve a fee.)

Another popular thing to do at Marina Bay Sands is the nightly Spectra light and water show.

This light show takes place every night around 8 pm and 9 pm, with stunning choreography of water fountains, lasers, lights, and music. (Note that there are different timings for weekdays and weekends.)

Choreographed jets of water, colorful visual projections, lasers, and an orchestral soundtrack will engage your senses during this 15-minute performance.

It can get very crowded, so you'll need to arrive early if you want a better view. If you don't like crowds- they can detract from the experience, if I'm being honest- walk round the bay to the other side, and you'll get a zoomed out view of the show.

Walk across the Helix Bridge, a unique pedestrian bridge that has some of the best views of MBS and Marina Bay.

Its innovative architecture, inspired by the structure of DNA (the world's first double helix design bridge), makes it great for taking photos.

: Linking between Marina Bay and Marina Centre, Singapore 038981

And not to be trite, you can always check out the shops in Marina Bay Sands Shoppes mall. Just note that they're almost all international luxury brands- though you do find Zara and 2 pharmacies- so not really the most unique experience.

(There are a few local brands, such as luxury brand- Kwanpen (it sells crocodile skin products) but the majority are foreign brands.)

Having said that, the Apple shop and the Louis Vuitton shop have quite interesting architecture.

Note that, whilst the glass roof is cool (to look at), it does mean that the mall doesn't get very cold (glasshouse effect.) (Many people go to malls in Singapore to enjoy the AC and get out of the heat and humidity!)

If you're at MBS, why not dine there? I'm a big fan of Jumbo Chinese restaurant- but go for the set lunch- dinner is expensive!

: 10 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018956

Any questions about the top things to do in Singapore that don't cost a cent? Let me know in the comments!