Singapore is one of the greatest cities on earth with hundreds of exciting things to do. Although, Singapore was recently named the most expensive city worldwide (no surprise to us) for the ninth time in 11 years, so naturally many cool activities burn a huge hole in our pocket. For this reason, we went on a mission to discover 30 of the best free things to do in Singapore. So, you can still have fun without breaking the bank.
1. Marvel around Gelam Gallery
Singapore’s first outdoor art gallery is hidden along Muscat Street and it’s totally FREE to wander. The alleyways are decked out in colourful designs, vibrant wall murals, graffiti, and pop culture elements by popular multi-disciplinary artist PrettyFreakyFantasy among more than 30 other artists from places like Malaysia, France, China, and more. If you love photoshoots, this is the perfect place to capture ig-worthy moments.
📍Muscat St, Singapore 198833
2. Be wowed by the new Japanese & Chinese Gardens
Discover Singapore’s revamped Chinese and Japanese Gardens at Jurong Lake Gardens. The exotic nature park opened to the public recently after five years of reconstruction works. Today, the gardens feature new attractions such as a Bamboo Groove, edible plants, cascading waterfalls, an ig-worthy cenote water feature, and much more. Learn more about the new gardens.
📍Jurong Lake Gardens North Carpark, 50 Yuan Ching Road, Singapore
3. Meet dinos at Changi Jurassic Mile
Meet larger-than-life dinosaurs at this outdoor display at Changi Airport. Discover more than 20 different creatures, from gigantic T-Rex’s to huge dinosaur eggs, there’s plenty to see for free on the 1km path. And, hey if you’re into dinosaurs like Ross from Friends, then who needs to take children. Absolutely, one of the best free things to do in Singapore.
📍Airport Blvd, Singapore
4. Have a blast at a rocket tower
Upper Seletar Reservoir Park is the perfect place to stroll for nature lovers and history buffs. In particular, the park is hiding a secret landmark named Seletar Rocket Tower. Visitors can climb up to the top of tower and be treated to gorgeous views of the green hills and water or even stargaze at night – all for free.
📍Mandai Rd Track 7, Singapore
5. Get educated at a museum
Many museums and galleries are free to enter for citizens and permanent residents. While fees are generally low for travellers. Get educated on art at National Gallery Singapore, play with toys at MINT, see historical artefacts at National Museum Of Singapore, and plenty more. Discover the best museums and galleries.
📍 Various Locations
6. Catch free concerts
Music lovers can catch a range of free performances every night at the Esplanade. Head down to the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre to enjoy music shows, dance numbers, comedian stints, and more exciting performances. See the list of upcoming programmes.
📍1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore, Singapore
7. Race down slides at Admiralty Park
Take children to Admiralty outdoor playground – which is free to visit – boasting 26 unique slides across three play zones. No matter your child’s age, you can get in on the fun with them by racing down slides, letting them free on the merry-go-round, climbing nets, and much more activities. Certainly, you’ll get some peace as the kids play around.
📍6A Admiralty Rd, Singapore 732006
8. Go on a chocolate adventure
Embrace your inner Wonka with a visit Singapore’s newest chocolate factory. Mr Bucket Chocolaterie Dempsey Factory is the ultimate place to feel as if you’ve fallen into Wonka’s chocolate factory. The unforgettable free-to-enter experience is already an excellent no alcohol activity so it makes a great family day out. Read all about it here.
📍 13 Dempsey Road, #01-03/04, Singapore 249674
9. Watch a free movie screening
Why not head to Terminal 3 at Changi Airport to watch all your favourite movies at ST3Ps? and the best part is that it’s free-of-charge. Perch yourself on the steps and get excited by epic movies being screened on a huge screen, just like the cinema. Find out what’s on this month via the Changi Airport website. Otherwise, the new Nightflix Somerset takes place every first Saturday of the month along Orchard Road.
📍 T3, Changi Airport
10. Enjoy a beautiful light and sound show
One of the best things to do at night in Singapore is the Marina Bay Sands Light Show. Named Spectra, it features an exotic 15-minute fountain of lights, lasers, and light projections, against the backdrop of the city skyline. Wonderfully, it’s free to see if you’re walking down along the bay.
11. Sleep under the stars
Why not camp under the stars with someone? Luckily, camping permits are free for locals in Singapore. Whether it’s near a beautiful beach, a nature-filled park, or another exotic location…we’ve created the ultimate guide to camping in Singapore including permit information, a check list, the best locations, and other tips. Get the guide. Be sure to apply for a permit two weeks in advance.
📍 Various Locations
12. Have a picnic
Another one of the best free things to do in Singapore is to have a picnic at a scenic destination in Singapore. From East Coast Park, to Marina Barrage and Fort Canning…you can enjoy wonderful views. Discover our picnic places guide in Singapore.
📍 Various Locations
13. Explore the world’s greatest airport
Singapore Changi Airport is known as one of the world’s best airports with a nature-themed complex, shopping, unique attractions, and regular pop-ups with cool installations. Some selected activities cost money but majority of the sights are free to see such as Jewel, themed installations, and more. Find out the best things to do at Changi Airport this season.
📍Changi Airport, Singapore
14. Wander Gardens By The Bay
If you’re strapped for cash, one of the best free things to do in Singapore is stroll through these magical gardens. Night or day, perch yourself under the Supertrees, pose under a majestic skyline, admire wildlife, and plenty more activities. Usually, there’s free pop-up experiences to also take advantage. Additionally, you can attend the free Light and Sound Show, Garden Rhapsody.
📍 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
15. Discover Haw Par Villa
Haw Par Villa is Singapore’s largest outdoor art gallery and a quirky colourful park enriched in Asian culture, history and religion. With more than 1,000 different sculptures…you won’t be bored. Excitingly, this park is free to enter. Did you know it’s also one of the most haunted locations in the city?
📍 262 Pasir Panjang Rd, Singapore 118628
16. Visit Central Beach Bazaar
This day-to-night entertainment destination is the perfect place to explore for free. This includes free entry to the beloved Sentosa Musical Fountain. You only need money to spend at the global food stalls or other attractions like Sentosa Jet. Read all about Central Beach Bazaar.
10am-10pm, Central Beach Bazaar, 60 Siloso Beach Walk, Singapore 098997
17. Immerse yourself in Indian culture
Little India was named one of the coolest neighbourhoods in the world for 2022. So why not use our Little India guide and find out about the best things to do in the area.
18. Relax on Sentosa’s beaches
Spend the day out in Sentosa at golden beaches like Silosa Beach or Tanjong Beach. This idyllic spot is a great place to hang out in the sunshine, unwind with a book, have a picnic, or even explore the Southernmost Point Of Continental Asia on the small islet connected to Sentosa via a suspension bridge.
📍 Sentosa, Singapore
19. Wander around the best parks
Why not explore one of Singapore’s best gardens or parks? This free activity is the perfect way to get off the screen and out into fresh air. Both children and adults will be entertained by a variety of wildlife and bird spotting, colourful flowers, and secret havens in these green sanctuaries. From Jurong Lake Gardens to Bishan Park, and more…pick a park to explore here.
20. Go stargazing
Woodlands Galaxy Community Club reopened last year and is offering the ultimate stargazing experience for enthusiasts. Situated near Admiralty MRT, the observatory allows visitors to view galaxies and stars with equipment costing just $1. So, it’s almost free! Learn more on their Facebook. Definitely, one of the best free things to do in Singapore.
📍31 Woodlands Ave 6, Singapore 738991
21. Immerse yourself in art
The Keppel Centre for Art Education at National Gallery offers many free activities that’s perfect for parents and children to bond outside the house. Families can enjoy interactive learning zones, workshops, science experiments, collaborations, and even a Calm Pod to relax, to name a few free things.
📍National Gallery Singapore, 1 St Andrew’s Rd, Singapore 178957
22. Stroll around Chinatown
Chinatown in Singapore was named one of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods in 2023. Luckily, we’ve created the ultimate guide to Chinatown where you can do plenty of activities for FREE. From one of the oldest developments People’s Park Complex to wandering quirky shops, and more hidden gems…it’s a popular place to pass a few hours without spending money. Get our guide.
📍Chinatown, Singapore
23. Hangout at a library
Why not have a chilled day alone and be transported to a world of literary geniuses? Dig into wonderful books at one of the best libraries around Singapore. For example, Library @ Orchard boasts pretty shelves with hundreds of books while Bedok Library offers more than 200,000 titles. Read about the best libraries to visit here.
24. Be inspired in Kampong Glam
Anyone with an appreciation for art and culture will love Singapore’s Muslim Quarter filled with beautiful street art, quirky colourful 19th century shophouses and trendy murals. Additionally, it’s one of the most instagrammable places to see in Singapore.
📍 Kampong Glam, Singapore
25. Window shop along Orchard Road
Pass a few hours by heading to Singapore’s most beloved shopping district along Orchard Road. You don’t need to money to browse through a few shops and pick what you’ll get on your next payday. From luxurious brands to high street fashion, and entertainment…you’ll be spoilt. Plus, the bright lights at night make the street a lovely place to get in your steps.
📍 Orchard Road, Singapore
26. Be WOWED by the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
Situated in Chinatown, this Buddhist compound is one of the most famous temples in Singapore. Built in 2007, it’s made from 320 kilograms of gold, boasting iconic designs, and it even has a rooftop garden. At night, it lights up the sky, creating a stunning view, and it’s totally one of the best free things to see in Singapore.
📍 288 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058840
27. Relax atop a rooftop garden
As one of the greatest green cities on earth, we’ve got some of the best green sanctuaries in the sky that offer the perfect escape. From CapitaSpring to Esplanade Roof Terrace, and Funan Urban Farm, there’s plenty of place to reduce your stress amongst nature. Learn about the best rooftop gardens in Singapore. Wonderfully, most of them are free entry.
📍 8 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039802
28. Check out Sentosa’s new immersive garden
Sentosa Sensoryscape is a huge multi-sensory attraction located at the heart of Sentosa Island. The immersive passageway features diverse sensory gardens to engage all six senses. Notable gardens include Lookout Loop, Scented Sphere offering a unique sensory experiences. The best part: it’s totally free. Plus, it’s one of the best things to do at night using the light art and augmented reality feature.
📍Sentosa Island, Singapore
29. Take a hike
On a good day, why not take on one of Singapore’s best hikes? Lucky for you, we’ve already listed the best hiking trails in Singapore here.
📍 Various Locations
30. Tick off ig-worthy places
Why not visit the most instagrammable places in Singapore? For example, the Peranakan Shophouses in Joo Chiat, Fort Canning Staircase and the Potato Head Building. Wonderfully, most of them are free to see. Naturally, a great activity to pass the time and one of the best free things to do in Singapore.
📍 Various Locations
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