Singapore is one of the most expensive countries in Asia, with a vibrant and sophisticated look. Singapore offers some of the best experiences for free. From this guide, you will know 19 free things to do in Singapore that will make your time there enjoyable. I recently traveled to Singapore and enjoyed these free activities there. Singapore has a reputation for being one of the most expensive cities in the world, and honestly, that reputation really aligns with its vibe. A few years ago, I thought Singapore was really expensive to visit. But now I can assure you that it is a really budget-friendly country for fun and enjoyment. You can even enjoy your time without spending money. The hidden secret of Singapore that most people avoid is its free attractions.
No entry fee. No booking fee. No hidden charges. Everything is free and enjoyable for you.
If you’re planning a short layover or a budget backpacking trip, I hope you will enjoy these free activities during your Singapore trip. I love finding free activities during my trip. In this guide, I bring the best free things to do in Singapore, all verified, all zero cost at the gate, and all worth your time.
So let’s explore the best free side of Singapore.
Singapore surprises people with its many memorable free activities. Let’s take a detailed look at the free attractions in this most fascinating Asian country in the world.
Gardens by the Bay defines modern Singapore. This breathtaking 101-hectare nature park sits right in the heart of the city. Gardens by the Bay, located beside Marina Bay’s futuristic skyline.The outside of Garden Bay is totally free, and while parts of it are ticketed. The most attractive thing about Garden Bay is its Supertree Grove. The 50-meter-high Supertree Grove is a stunning cluster of 18 towering tree-like vertical gardens. They are covered in thousands of living trees and are illuminated in dazzling colors after dark. Walking through the Supertree Grove is like entering another world, and it won’t cost you a penny to enjoy it. Every evening, the Supertrees come alive during the Garden Rhapsody light and music show. Where a magical 15-minute display glows trees and pulse in sync with music. These shows run daily at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM, with no tickets, no queues, and no cost. Simply show up and enjoy. Beyond the Supertrees, the free outdoor gardens include Dragonfly Lake, the Sun Pavilion, the Meadow, and sweeping views of the Marina Bay Sands skyline. Also, this place is perfect for photography at any time of day. Outdoor Gardens Bay is open 24 hours a day. If you want to visit in the morning, afternoon, or evening. You can visit. From my experience, I recommend that you visit around 6:30 PM. You get the beautiful golden hour sunset over the Supertrees, and you can stay for the 7:45 PM Garden Rhapsody show all in one visit. Without any cost, you can enjoy 2 experiences in one trip.
Take note, the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest conservatories inside Gardens by the Bay are ticketed attractions and are NOT included in this free visit.
Merlion Park has been Singapore’s national symbol since 1964. Without visiting Merlion Park, a Singapore trip is incomplete. This is the most iconic symbol and arguably the most photographed landmark in all of Southeast Asia. Merlion is a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. The statue stands at the edge of Marina Bay, water spouting from its mouth into the bay, and it is completely free to visit, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The place is really great for capturing a valuable moment. The park itself sits right along the waterfront promenade, making it a perfect starting point for a free evening walk along Marina Bay. If you want a calm, crowd-free atmosphere for photography and to enjoy your time, it’s best to go in the morning.
Spectra is one of the great experiences that is held nightly at the Event Plaza at Marina Bay Sands. Spectra is a free, open-air light and water show at night. This is one of the best and highest-quality free events in the world. A truly eye-catching experience. The show lasts for 15 minutes and combines sky-high water jets, dazzling laser beams, and captivating music into a stunning, cinematic spectacle. Streams of water soar high into the night air, and colorful lights dance across the bay. Which makes the people by the water happy. Spectra Shows run every night at 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM, with an additional 10:00 PM show added on Fridays and Saturdays. It’s totally free and enjoyable for tourists. From what I’ve seen and heard from people, you should arrive at least 20-30 minutes early on weekends to see Spectra, as the waterfront fills up very quickly, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. The best viewing spots are right in front of the Event Plaza along the Promenade Railing. You can enjoy the Spectra and Garden Rhapsody shows together at Gardens by the Bay on the same evening. Garden Rhapsody starts at 7:45 PM, and Spectra starts at 9:00 PM, and both are free, and the two venues are only a short walk away along the waterfront.
Jewel Changi Airport is one of the most amazing buildings in the world. And you don’t need a flight ticket to get in. Anyone can walk in, look around and enjoy everything for free. Most airports are boring. You sit, wait, and count down the minutes to your flight. But Jewel Changi Airport is all about enjoying yourself. The moment you step inside Jewel, you’ll understand why people come just to see it. Right in the middle hangs the HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. From a huge opening in the roof, water falls from seven floors straight into the middle of the building. It’s noisy, beautiful and awe-inspiring. The waterfall is surrounded by Forest Valley, a real indoor garden with hundreds of plants and walkways on five levels. Walking through it feels like you’re walking through a jungle, but inside an airport. It’s the perfect place to escape the heat outside Singapore and enjoy your time. The place is green, cool and peaceful. Jewel also features free artwork and lighting that changes throughout the year, giving each visit a slightly different feel. It is usually open daily from 10:00am to 10:00pm and admission is free.
Jewel Changi Airport is a park, a mall and a garden all in one. I stayed on Level 2 and Level 3 to get the best and most complete view of Jewel Changi’s waterfall without the crowds.
Singapore Botanic Gardens was established in 1859. For lovers of nature, fresh air and beautiful greenery, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is one of the most beloved places in the entire city. This garden is not like any ordinary park. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is officially recognized as one of the most important and special places on the entire planet and most of it is completely free to walk around. This garden is full of greenery covering 82 hectares right in the middle of the city. It is spread over a vast area filled with various types of trees, flowers, lakes and open lawns. You can walk for hours and still discover new corners that you have never seen before. Inside the garden you will find a beautiful swan lake, quiet walking paths under tall shady trees, wide open lawns suitable for picnics and a beautiful symphony stage where free live music concerts are regularly held. A popular place for locals and tourists. The park also houses the famous National Orchid Garden, which has the world’s largest collection of orchids. However, you have to buy a ticket to enter this particular section. The National Orchid Garden requires a small fee to enter ($5 for adults as of 2026), but the remaining 95% of the park is free to explore. Some of the popular spots inside the garden are Swan Lake, the Rainforest Walking Trail, Palm Valley Open Lawn, and Symphony Lake. The Singapore Botanic Gardens are open daily from 5:00 AM to midnight. In my opinion, it would be best to visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens between 7:00 AM and 9:00 AM. Then the garden is cool, quiet, and golden in the soft morning light, perfect for walking and taking photos without crowds. After 11:00 AM, it gets very hot and humid, so the whole experience becomes more enjoyable if you go early in the morning.
MacRitchie Reservoir is one of Singapore’s oldest and most beloved nature parks. It’s located right in the heart of the island and entry is free. The park is built around a large, tranquil reservoir, surrounded by dense tropical rainforest. You can stroll along the MacRitchie Reservoir’s waterside, listen to birds chirping in the trees, and spot a variety of wildlife along the way, including long-tailed macaques, monitor lizards, and colorful birds. It’s a world away from the city’s skyscrapers and shopping malls. MacRitchie’s main attraction is its famous HSBC Treetop Walk, a 250-meter-long suspension bridge. It hangs high above the forest canopy and is free to use. As you walk across the bridge, you’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the vast rainforest surrounding you. It’s an experience that will stay with you long after your trip is over. MacRitchie Reservoir Park is open daily. However, the Treetop Walk is usually closed on Mondays for maintenance. It closes at 5 p.m. daily. The Treetop Walk is open Tuesday through Sunday.
The wide nature trail around the reservoir offers a variety of loop options, from short, easy walks to longer, more challenging hikes.
Chinatown is a beautiful place to experience Singapore’s culture, history, and daily life. Chinatown is decorated with many old buildings and bright colorful lights filled with Singapore’s history. No payment is required to enjoy the beauty of Chinatown. Walk around Chinatown, look around, and enjoy everything this historical area has to offer and learn something new.
Singapore’s Chinatown has beautiful temples, colorful murals, a street filled with the smell of delicious food and light, and there are also shops selling traditional Chinese products that have been here for decades. The most famous place in Chinatown is the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a huge, red and gold Buddhist temple, where entry is completely free. Inside the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, there are beautiful golden statues, peaceful prayer rooms, and a rooftop garden from which you can clearly see the beautiful views of the surrounding area. When entering the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, you must cover your shoulders and knees out of respect for the worshippers and must wear modest clothing.
Another great place in Chinatown is the Sri Mariamman Temple. The Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore. Sri Mariamman is covered from top to bottom with colorful sculptures like a rainbow. Entry to the Sri Mariamman Temple is free. Chinatown really comes alive in the evening when the lanterns hanging above the streets are lit up and the entire area is illuminated in warm colors. I went in the evening to enjoy the delights of Singapore’s Chinatown. Chinatown is filled with the aroma of various Chinese foods and the joy of illuminated shops.
Kampong Glam is one of the oldest areas in Singapore. Hundreds of years ago, Kampong Glam was the home of Malay sultans and Arab traders. Now Kampong Glam has transformed into one of the most colorful, creative, and interesting places in the entire city. When I set foot in Kampong Glam, I felt like I had entered a completely different world. The streets here are covered in color, vitality, and history. The first thing you should see when you arrive in Kampong Glam is the Sultan Mosque. The largest and most beautiful mosque in Singapore is the Sultan Mosque, built in 1824 by the first Sultan of Singapore, Sultan Hussein Shah. The Sultan Mosque in Singapore has a huge golden dome, four minarets, and a large prayer hall. Visitors can enter the Sultan Mosque for free every day except Friday from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm and from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm. But you have to wear modest clothes to enter the mosque. But if you forget to wear modest clothes, no problem, the mosque authorities will give you a chador to cover you. This includes Haji Lane, which is one of the most popular streets in Singapore. This narrow lane is widely known for its vibrant street art, boutique shops, and cozy cafes. The colorful murals covering the walls make it a very popular place to take pictures.
The Esplanade is a very interesting spot in Singapore. When you look at the Esplanade, it looks like two huge thorny dome-like buildings placed side by side. The Esplanade looks like a “durian” fruit, so many Singaporean locals call it “The Durian Building”. The Esplanade is located on the water near Marina Bay. From here, you can enjoy excellent views of the city, high-rise buildings and bright lights at night. The Esplanade is also Singapore’s national performing arts center, where free world-class music, dance, small theater and art performances are held almost every day of the year. The fun part is that everything at the Esplanade is free to enjoy and no tickets are required. At the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theater, you can also see free performances on weekends and public holidays. No matter when you come to Singapore, there is almost always something going on for free. You’ll find free live music concerts, dance performances, art exhibitions, theater shows and cultural festivals every day, and the types of events change regularly throughout the year. One of the most popular free events is ‘Beautiful Sunday’, held once a month on a Sunday inside the Esplanade Concert Hall. It’s a free concert featuring local orchestras, wind bands and music ensembles.
The Helix Bridge is the longest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. It features a unique double helix structure modeled after the DNA structure and is built to connect Marina Centre with the Bayfront area, facing Marina Bay. The Helix Bridge is shaped like a giant strand of DNA, the building block of all living things. The Helix Bridge is unlike any other bridge in the world. The Helix Bridge is located right in the middle of some of Marina Bay’s most exciting free tourist attractions. You can walk straight across the Helix Bridge from Merlion Park to Gardens by the Bay. The bridge has four strategically placed viewing platforms, offering stunning views of the Singapore skyline and the various events taking place at Marina Bay. These platforms are great places to stop, rest, and take photos of the city around you. The bridge is beautiful enough to look at, but at night the inner helix uses white light to illuminate the path for pedestrians, while the two pairs of colorful letters, C and G and A and T, glow in red and green, making the bridge look twice as beautiful. I visited the Helix Bridge at night and walking across it after dark felt like walking through a science fiction movie set. The bridge has been cleverly designed to shade visitors from the sun and shelter them from the rain, keeping in mind Singapore’s hot and tropical climate. There’s nothing to worry about when walking across it on sunny afternoons and rainy days. The Helix Bridge won the ‘World’s Best Transport Building’ award and the ‘Engineering Safety Excellence Award’ at the 2011 World Architecture Festival Awards. It is officially recognized as one of the greatest bridges ever built. No ticket or money is required to enjoy the beauty of the bridge.
Clarke Quay is a waterfront area located on the banks of the Singapore River in the heart of the city. It is named after the 19th-century governor, Sir Andrew Clarke. Originally surrounded by warehouses and docks for transporting goods along the river, Clarke Quay has since been transformed into a vibrant open-air entertainment and commercial district. Visitors do not need a ticket to enter Clarke Quay; admission is completely free. During the day, Clarke Quay is quiet and peaceful. But after dark, Clarke Quay comes alive. I visited Clarke Quay after 7 p.m., when the neon lights were on, and the entire waterfront was bustling with people. Also, walking along the Clarke Quay riverside, you can see the statue of Sir Stamford Raffles at North Boat Quay. The waterfront walkway is open 24 hours a day, and there is no fee to walk here. Clarke Quay is also easily accessible from Boat Quay, Merlion Park, and the Helix Bridge area. Clarke Quay is located on the banks of the river.
The Southern Ridges hike is a completely free outdoor adventure. The Southern Ridges Trail is a 10-kilometre-long hiking route located in southern Singapore. It is one of the city’s most scenic walks, offering panoramic views of the city’s skyscrapers, waterways, stunning bridges, and natural wonders. Southern Ridges is free and accessible without a permit and is open 24 hours a day.
The Southern Ridges Trail connects four parks, including Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, Hart Park, and Kent Ridge Park. The four parks are linked in a way that allows for a seamless walk from one park to the next. The trail starts at the panoramic harbour views of Mount Faber, passes through the dense secondary rainforest canopy of Telok Blangah Hill, and enters the historic grounds of Kent Ridge Park. The most famous place to hike in Southern Ridges is Henderson Waves Bridge, a wave-shaped pedestrian bridge that hangs 36 meters above two cliffs. While walking along this path, I saw Dhanesh birds, long-tailed macaques, and the occasional monitor lizard. The whole path is an adventure. It is best to go early in the morning or before 8:00 to avoid the heat and crowds, because at this time you can enjoy the beauty of nature in peace.
When anyone hears about Singapore, most of the people think of skyscrapers and shopping malls. But Singapore also has beautiful beaches. And the three beaches on Sentosa Island are known as the most popular and beautiful beaches in Singapore. Also, entry to the three beaches of Sentosa Island, Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong, is completely free. Here you can swim, sunbathe, and walk around without spending any money.
Sentosa Island has three beaches, and each one is different from the other.
Siloso Beach is the liveliest and most lively of the three. It is full of beach bars, water sports, and a fun, bustling atmosphere.
Palawan Beach is the most family-friendly. It has fine white sand, calm waters, and plenty of shade with large covered pavilions. Palawan Beach is suitable for families with children. Palawan Beach also has the famous wooden suspension bridge. This suspension bridge can be used to reach a small island.
Tanjong Beach is the most peaceful and relaxing. It is a crescent-shaped beach with warm turquoise waters, fine white sand, and palm trees. Tanjong is perfect for a quiet place to sit back and relax and enjoy the view.
Once you arrive at Sentosa, it is easy and free to travel between the three beaches. There is also a free beach tram and shuttle bus that connects Siloso, Palawan, and Tanjong beaches throughout the day and you can travel between the three at no extra cost.
In my opinion, Haw Par Villa is one of the most unique, most extraordinary, and most unforgettable places in Singapore. Haw Par Villa was formerly known as Tiger Palm Garden. Haw Par Villa is an Asian cultural park spread over 8.5 hectares. It was built in 1937 by Aw Boon Haw. Aw Boon Haw was a millionaire philanthropist, and he gave the world the pain-relieving ointment Tiger Balm. Aw Boon Haw created this park as a gift to the people of Singapore and made the entrance free.
Haw Par Villa Park has over 1,000 statues and 150 giant dioramas. These depict various scenes from Chinese mythology, folklore, legends, and history. The park features giant colorful statues of gods, mythical creatures, historical heroes, and folktale characters, all of which tell stories of Chinese culture and heritage. Inside the park is Hell’s Museum, an interesting museum about death and the afterlife from various religions and cultures around the world. Entry to this section is required and costs S$20 for adults. The park is open daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm. Last admission is at 7:30 pm.
East Coast Park stretches over 15 kilometers along the southeast coast of Singapore. Local people call it “ECP” for short. East Coast Park is a place where Singaporean people come to relax, exercise, eat, and enjoy the gentle sea breeze after a long workweek. Visitors can enjoy free swimming in the Singapore Strait, sunbathing, picnicking on the grass, jogging, or walking along the park’s long paved paths. Also lining the shores of East Coast Park are swaying coconut trees, ketapang trees, and baobab trees – these trees are the perfect place to catch a glimpse of oriental pheasants or horseshoe crabs on a quiet morning stroll. Hidden within the park is the Bougainvillea Garden, filled with pink, purple, red, and orange bougainvillea flowers. East Coast Park is very big, and you can rent bikes for 8 Singapore dollars per hour to explore the entire park. Renting a bike is the best way to explore the entire park. Also, right inside the park is the famous East Coast Lagoon Food Village. Delicious food is available here starting from just 3 Singapore dollars. East Coast Park is open 24 hours a day. So you can enter for free whenever you want.
Joo Chiat and Katong are located on Singapore’s eastern side and differ from the rest of the city. Joo Chiat and Katong are the most beautiful and picturesque areas in Singapore. The pace of life here is slower, the streets are quieter, the colors are brighter, and every corner is surrounded by history, culture, and beauty that has been carefully preserved for generations. “Katong” was named after a rare sea turtle species, and Joo Chiat was named after the philanthropist Chew Joo Chiat. Both areas were once small seaside resorts for the wealthy. Today, the area is recognized as one of Singapore’s most important heritage areas. The main attraction here is Kun Seng Road, famous for its rows of candy-colored Peranakan shophouses. These vibrant houses are decorated with floral tiles, shuttered windows, and ornate facades. Each house on this street is a different color: pastel pink, mint green, sky blue, and light yellow, and all are decorated with delicate handmade crafts. It is one of the most photographed streets in Singapore, and it doesn’t cost anything to walk around and enjoy its beauty. While in the area, a bowl of Katong Laksa at 328 Katong Laksa on East Coast Road is a must-try. A bowl costs around S$6 to S$8 and is very tasty.
This part of the Changi Point Coastal Walk is not visited by many tourists. It is located in the far northeastern corner of Singapore and is far from the busy city center and famous tourist attractions. The Changi Point Coastal Walk is a 2.2-kilometer-long illuminated boardwalk that stretches from Changi Jetty to Sunset Walk at the western end of Changi Point. The entire route is open to the public 24 hours a day and there is no charge for it. The boardwalk is divided into 6 distinct sections, each of which is different from the previous one.
The Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve is one of the most extraordinary natural sites in all of Southeast Asia, and most tourists don’t even know it exists.
It’s Singapore’s first ASEAN Heritage Park. The 202-hectare reserve is a hub of biodiversity, home to over 200 species of birds, monitor lizards, otters, mudskippers and even saltwater crocodiles. Walking through it feels like stepping into a nature documentary, and the best part is that it costs nothing to visit. The reserve is spread out over dense mangrove forests, mudflats, freshwater ponds and coastal paths, all connected by well-maintained wooden walkways and footpaths.
Of the 70 species of mangroves in the world, 31 are found in Singapore, and 27 of them grow right here in Sungei Buloh. These ancient trees stand tall on twisted roots that grow out of the clay water, creating an ancient and untouched lush green world.
The 18-meter-high observation tower is also free to visit. From this vantage point, one can enjoy a sweeping panoramic view of the entire sanctuary. It is one of the best free views in Singapore, and one that almost no one talks about. Best time to bird watch in Sungei Buloh September to March, this is the season for migratory birds, and many birds can be seen during this time.
Orchard Road is Singapore’s most famous street. The 2.2-kilometer-long tree-lined thoroughfare is Singapore’s most famous shopping destination. Strolling along Orchard Road, soaking up the atmosphere and seeing everything on display is a completely free experience that Singapore visitors should do at least once. Orchard Road is home to some of Asia’s most impressive shopping malls on both sides. From the futuristic glass facade of ION Orchard, located just above Orchard MRT Station, to the seven-story Ng Ann City, home to luxury brands like Cartier, Dior and Gucci, its vastness and astonishing diversity are evident as you walk.
Just off Orchard Road, a block away, is Emerald Hill, a quiet street lined with beautifully preserved Peranakan shophouses and colonial terrace houses.
Orchard Road becomes even more spectacular during Christmas, when the entire street is transformed into one of Asia’s most dazzling festive illuminations. From late November to early January, the entire boulevard is adorned with huge light installations, light tunnels and decorations. Most malls are open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm daily, but Orchard Road is open 24 hours a day and is free to walk around.
Are you planning a trip to Malaysia and want to know the best time to travel? You can check out our detailed guide on the best time to travel to Malaysia.
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