We’ve found 50 things to do in Singapore for free, so you might want to bookmark this one for when you’re making the pennies stretch.
Home to swanky rooftop bars, fabulous brunch spots and chill beach clubs, Singapore has a reputation as being one of the world’s most expensive cities in the world – womp, womp. But fret not! If you’ve spent all your money on travel and feeding your shopping addiction, let us show you the other side of the city with this list of 50 free things to do in Singapore, so you don’t have to spend anything and still enjoy what this little red dot has to offer.
1. Singapore’s a tiny city, but that doesn’t mean we’re always keen on walking to our next destination. Try exploring the garden city on a bike with the help of our cycling guide.
2. A good concert doesn’t have to cost an arm or a leg when you can catch live performances from local to international acts at Esplanade.
3. Kampong Glam needs no introduction, this hip neighbourhood has more to offer than just hipster cafes and bars. Check out the back alleys and you will come across mural paintings and artworks by local artists aka Gelam Gallery. The gallery is located at Muscat Street, right beside Masjid Sultan and you can get more out of your visit through the guided tours.
4. Gym memberships can be quite a commitment and can also burn a hole in your wallet. Why not try Decathlon’s free workout classes or Health Promotion Board’s fitness programmes, shed those pounds and save some cash?
5. Here at Honeycombers, we’re big on sustainability. Why not volunteer at Rescue food with SG and do your part in reducing food wastage? You can participate in their various programmes such as saving vegetables and fruits that might be discarded by store owners.
6. Singapore might be a bustling city but it’s essentially an island. There are numerous beaches peppered all around the island, so let your hair down and soak in the sun at one of these glorious beaches.
7. This one is for the parents! Forget about staying huddled around the air-conditioner; bring the kids to one of the city’s fantastic water parks to cool down and have fun at these free water play areas.
8. Sometimes a good movie is all you need. Moviemob organises free movie screenings, so check out the Moviemob Facebook page for the latest movie screenings.
9. Singapore is a melting pot of cultures and you can get a slice of it by visiting the unique temples. Learn more about Singapore’s rich culture with our temple guide.
10. For the astrologically inclined and mercury-in-retrograde believers, head down to The Observatory at the Singapore Science Center. You’ll be able to see the brilliant constellations that watch over the Lion City through sophisticated telescopes.
11. Make your day brighter by helping out those in need. Whatever your choice of charity may be, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities in Singapore where you can earn karma points and have tons of fun.
12. Culture vultures, there are a slew of museums to check out in town. Over the years, we’ve attracted lots of inspiring art pieces and big-name museum exhibitions. The best part? Most of these museums offer free admission to locals and permanent residents – nice!
13. Believe it or not, there’s as much greenery as concrete in this skyscraper-filled city. Get in touch with mother nature or enjoy a picnic at these picturesque parks.
14. How about a one-way trip to hell? Haw Par Villa sits on the West Coast of Singapore and is known for its depiction of 10 Courts of Hell – think grim statues and dioramas – we can’t get enough.
15. If you love spending time at all the beaches around town, then it’s time to give back to the environment. Gather your fellow beach bums and organise a beach cleanup to keep your favourite beaches spotless. Just sign up here to start sprucing.
16. Gillman Barracks is the perfect spot for some art appreciation. With over 10 art galleries housed in colonial barracks, this is the go-to spot for those seeking a dose of contemporary art. Also check out their website for events such as the popular Art After Dark.
17. Put on your hiking shoes, be one with nature and soak up scenic views at the many walking trails in Singapore. Our fave is Macritchie Reservoir Park because of the Treetop Walk, an aerial walkway that give you a bird’s eye view of the forest’s canopy. We love Dairy Farm Nature Walk and Southern Ridges too. Check our full guide to hiking in Singapore here.
18. Singapore is a cosmo city and sometimes you can get caught up in the hustle and bustle of it. Take a step back and visit the last surviving village in Singapore and experience the kampung life to see what it was like back in the day.
19. Toa Payoh is known for its amazing local eats and the now-defunct ice-cream parlour, Creamier, but this humble neighbourhood’s proud treasure has to be the dragon playground. This old school playground will make a pretty picture for the gram, plus kids will be kept entertained for an hour or so at least.
20. Instead of buying a book, why not check out the public libraries? Get your lit fix at the newly revamped library at Harbourfront or the aesthetically pleasing library at Somerset. Or you can check out the one in Esplanade that is equipped with a jamming studio!
21. Japanese Cemetery Park might not be the first thing on your mind when you’re looking for free things to do in Singapore, but trust us, it’s very Instagram-friendly (think sakura season in the tropics).
22. Couchsurfing is the perfect way to meet people from all walks of life. You can check out their website for meetups or you can host a friendly traveller at your place. If you’re a little shy, you can always host them for a meal instead.
23. An iconic part of Chinatown’s landscape with its striking red pillars and elaborate designs, Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is more than just an architectural wonder, there’s a vibrant calendar of activities for the public including meditation classes and youth group practices on Sundays, where you can learn more about Buddhism.
24. There’s something about fireworks that incites lots of oohs and ahhs, and you can witness them on special days such as National Day and New Year’s Day. Pick one of these spots and enjoy the pyrotechnic display in its full glory.
25. Weddings can cost a bomb but that doesn’t mean you have to fly out to an exotic location for your pre-wedding photoshoot. Singapore has many scenic locations that exude romance such as Winchester Road and Henderson Waves.
26. What does Jurong have to offer? Apart from retail behemoths such as Jem and IMM, it also boasts picture-perfect gardens. Jurong Lake Gardens is made up of three gardens – Lakeside Garden, Chinese and Japanese Gardens and Garden Promenade. However, the northern strip of Lakeside Garden and Chinese and Japanese Gardens are going through an upgrade till 2021, so be sure to keep your eyes peeled.It is called the garden city for a reason, eh?
27. You don’t have to splurge on rooftop bars or visit infinity pools just to catch a glimpse of the city’s glitzy skyline. Just hop on over to Orchard Central’s rooftop garden or the next time you’re in Queenstown, head 47 storeys up to the roof garden at Skyville@Dawson and what will you see there?
28. Once a military base during the Second World War, Fort Canning Park is a treasure trove of greenery and history. Take a stroll through the park with your kids and learn about the hill’s colonial history. Definitely a must-see for history buffs who prefer the great outdoors to stuffy museums.
29. Sentosa is a party island with its beach bars and restaurants, not forgetting Universal Studios but it is also home to pristine beaches. You can head over to Sentosa via the Broadwalk with no entry charge and enjoy the sea breeze over sammies and a bottle of wine.
30. Orchard Road might be the last place you want to be when you’re trying to save money but did you know this famous shopping belt is steeped with history? Go on a self-guided tour that stretches from Dhoby Ghaut to Tanglin, and learn about Orchard Road’s secrets from the past.
31. Who says you need to break the bank for a romantic date? Take your SO to Mount Faber Park and catch the sunrise or sunset and bask in the city’s skyline. Up the ante by making it a breakfast or dinner date amidst lush greenery and you’re sure to score brownie points.
32. Tiong Bahru is one of the few neighbourhoods, if not the only neighbourhood, where time stands still. Marvel at the pre-war apartments and get a dose of street art while exploring this quaint neighbourhood.
33. It’s worth making the trip to Pulau Ubin, a rustic island located just off the East Coast of Singapore. Admission is free, but to get there, you have to take a bumboat which will cost you a mere $3 (practically free). Explore this untouched land and nature photographers, this is your playground.
34. Treat yourself to some R&R – we’re talking about hot springs. Yes, you don’t have to book a ticket to Japan to experience hot springs, just head north of Singapore and let Sembawang Hot Springs heal you. The source of the spring water is still unknown but it is believed to have healing properties. However, you can only visit from January 2020, as it is being rebuilt into a full-fledged park, so pencil this in as ‘to-do’.
35. We love a good flea market but did you know about Singapore Really, Really Free Market (SRRFM)? Yes, as the name suggests, everything there is free. It is a good way to clear the unwanted things in your home and you can also look around if anything catches your eye. Check their Facebook page to know when is the next flea.
36. Heritage bungalows are a real gem in the city, with the cityscape changing every decade. Ditch the pretty skyline for a day and explore the city’s iconic black and white bungalows.
37. A day away from civilisation is what you need after a hectic week and for us, Coney Island does the trick. From white sand beaches to untouched trails, this isolated island has something for everyone. Plan your visit with our guide.
38. Little India is one of our favourite neighbourhoods, if we are looking to slurp on some fiery fish head curry. But food aside, this heritage enclave is brimming with colours, loud music and culture…and did we mention, there are some cool spots for your Instagram feed. Read more about Little India here.
39. Singapore has limited resources but that doesn’t stop it from pushing the limit. Newater is a perfect example on how Singapore aims to be self-sufficient. About 40% of our water demands can be met by Newater and you can learn more of the science-y stuff (like how they treat used water for consumption) at the Newater Visitor Centre.
40. Dog lovers, rejoice! Head over to Bishan Park’s dog runs – one for bigger breeds and another for smaller furballs – for some canine therapy.
41. We love cafe and bar hopping, but we’re also huge fans of mall crawls. Yes, you don’t have to spend anything in a mall – window shopping, anyone? From admiring the largest indoor waterfall in the world at Jewel Changi to chilling at the skypark in Vivocity, you will find that retail therapy doesn’t have to cost a dime.
42. Perched on the foot of Ang Mo Kio Town Garden and block 159, the most popular and largest songbird display area in Singapore is quite a delight to the ears and eyes. Witness a bevy of songbirds in uniquely crafted cages hoisted 20ft up on poles to showcase their tunes.
43. We all love a good horror movie or story but experiencing it firsthand – there is just a certain thrill about it and we’re not talking about Halloween Horror Night. Singapore has a few spooky spots if you’re up for an adventure.
44. Want to dress to the nines but you have maxed out the mileage out of your makeup? Fret not, don your favourite number and head straight to Sephora. Stay with us… you don’t have to get anything, just approach the friendly associates for a free makeover. Yes, we said: free makeover.
45. There isn’t really a countryside in Singapore but if you’re looking to kick back with a haystack, head up to Hay Dairies Goat Farm. Head up to Lim Chu Kang to mingle with cute, little goats, while the admission is free, we highly recommend you to sign up for the tour to learn more about the milking process, feed the goats and… you get a bottle of goat milk!
46. Kranji War Memorial is just one of the many places you must visit, if you’re a history buff. This hillside cemetery honours war veterans who died during World War II and you take a look at the four stone memorials which has 24,346 names of allies and soldiers who have no known grave.
47. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date idea, a family event suitable for kids, or a must-see activity in the city if you’re visiting Singapore, Marina Bay Sands’ Spectra, light and water show, is a must-catch theatrical spectacle.
48. Singapore’s first wetland reserve, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, is home to a myriad of riverine species including water monitors, mudskippers and, if you’re really lucky (or unlucky), the ferocious estuarine crocodile. If you happen to be trekking through the park’s many trails during migratory season, you’ll definitely be able to see flocks of shorebirds like sandpipers and plovers.
49 There is more to Chinatown than meets the eyes. If you can look away from its award-winning restaurants, bars, fashion stores and flea markets, this heritage district can give you a glimpse of its past, from the oldest hindu temple in Singapore to protected heritage shophouses. Learn more of its history over here before you start your venture.
50. The newly refurbished Funan Mall has a lot to offer, from a seven-screen multiplex to a TFX fitness centre that boasts a swimming pool (with a splendid view) and an outdoor relaxation deck, but the urban farm is the one that catches our eye. Located atop the mall’s roof is home to a botanical garden where farmers can work with chefs to curate, harvest and supply pesticide-free produce to Funan.
Need more Honeycombers in your life? Head this way…
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