However, despite its reputation as the world’s most expensive city for living in, Singapore is a great place to visit for a vacation.
Here are a few signs: An average cab fare costs $10, whereas the longest bus or metro travel costs little more than $2.50. Lau Pa Sat, a historic restaurant located in the heart of the commercial district on the site of a former market, charges $10 for lunch.
It is possible to find Hainanese chicken rice, which is rice cooked in chicken broth with chicken parts and cucumbers, for as little as $2 in certain areas.
Tourists may enjoy a wide range of free attractions in Singapore, including the city’s ethnic neighborhoods (Chinatown and Little India), the Merlion monument, the Gardens By The Bay display, the beaches of Sentosa Island, and much more.
So, don’t panic – you can still have a good time without shelling out a lot of cash. As a benefit to you, we’ve put up a list of the most intriguing ideas:
1. Get into the spirit of the festival
A wide variety of festivals are held in Singapore throughout the year, many of which are absolutely free of charge for the public to attend. Fans of independent music should keep an eye on Baybeats, an event that brings together some of the area’s top indies. The Singapore Night Festival is a must-see event that features incredible aerobatic exploits, intriguing installations, and dazzling light shows that illuminate the city’s skyscrapers and landmarks. There are several ethnic festivals, such as Chinese New Year or Deepavali, where you can have a good time without spending any money.
2. Appreciate the beauty of the local nature
When it comes to Singapore’s natural beauty, the MacRitchie Reservoir and the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve are only two examples. It’s as simple as bringing your buddies along for the ride. The most important thing is to have a good pair of shoes on hand.
3. Walk around the temples
The sheer number of temples strewn over Singapore is frequently overshadowed by the city’s otherworldly energy. However, you should pay particular attention to a few of them. Thian Hock Keng, a delightful piece of history, is adorned with beautiful art. The city’s oldest and most vibrant Hindu temple, Sri Mariamman, is worth a visit. The Sultan Mosque, with its glistening golden domes, is a must-see as well.
4. Dive into history
While strolling around Singapore’s ancient neighborhoods, the city’s historical beauty is best appreciated. Don’t miss the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and the Singapore City Gallery while you’re in Chinatown. Haji Lane and the Arab Quarter’s fabric and handicraft shops may also be easily accessed by foot in Kampong Glam, which is a great neighborhood to explore on foot (Arab Street).
5. Check out the Gillman Barracks
Gillman Barracks, Singapore’s first military barracks, has played a significant part in the country’s history. Walking around colonial-era buildings is a great way to get a taste of the past. 17 modern art galleries are located in the Barracks and host a variety of shows by artists from across the world. You may learn a lot about the history and art of the city-state on a free walking tour.
6. Shop
There’s a common misconception that you can only buy things with cash. You don’t have to spend a cent at Singapore’s Really Really Free Market if you want to buy a book or some clothing. In order to help those in need, you can bring along a few unwanted items and give them out to those who want them. Some “merchants” at this market don’t actually sell anything, but instead, provide services like free yoga courses or tarot card readings. You must admit, a trip to the mall doesn’t seem quite as appealing.
7. Watch a movie outdoors
Does watching a movie at night under the stars sound appealing to you? Movies are screened at Marina Bay every month by Movie Mob. This is a great spot for a picnic with friends, and you can vote on the movie to be shown there via Facebook. If you like indie culture, you can find short films from up-and-coming local filmmakers at The Substation.
8. Visit the Singapore Museum of Art
Located in Singapore, the Singapore Art Museum (Singapore Art Museum) houses one of the region’s greatest collections of modern and contemporary art. Everything from oil paintings to multimedia pieces may be found here. In order to keep you coming back, the museum presents exciting exhibitions every few months.
Singaporeans and permanent residents are admitted free of charge.
9. Listen to a symphony orchestra
Open-air classical music concerts are nothing short of awe-inspiring. You may see free performances by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra at the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Musicians from all over the world and beautiful natural “settings” will make sure your vacation or romantic date is one you’ll never forget.
10. Relax in an unusual garden
Forget about the glitzy rooftop lounges. There are several locations in Singapore from which you may take in the city’s breathtaking views. The rooftop terrace of the Esplanade Hotel offers stunning views of Marina Bay and is an ideal spot to relax with a good book. In case you’re searching for something a little less public than the rooftop garden at Orchard Central, here is the spot for you.
11. Discover the charm of Gardens by the Bay
Singapore’s Gardens by the Bay are not to be missed. Walking around the gardens is free of charge, but if you want to enter the conservatories, you will have to pay for entrance.
It is surely an excellent spot to start to learn why Singapore is such a green city-state and to relax in nature while inhaling fresh air.
12. Come face to face with the Merlion
It is the symbol of Singapore: an animal with the head of a lion and the body of a fish (or rather a mermaid) that you can even find in soup.
Going to Merlion Park is one of the free things to do in Singapore, and it is also perfect for a panoramic view of Marina Bay and the river. You’ll have to get up early to get a good shot of just you and the Merlion, of course.
13. Admire the beauty of the Marina Sands
This is nothing new to you, I’m sure. Nobody wants to stop seeing Singapore’s most recognizable structure. Although reserving a room can be quite expensive, if you settle for gazing at it from below, you will appreciate it just the same (or not, there are numerous distinctions compared to the style of Marina Sands) (or not, there are many differences compared to the style of Marina Sands). And of course, staring at it (and photographing it ad nauseam) doesn’t cost anything, so it’s one of the free things to do in Singapore that you’ll undoubtedly tick off at the top of your list.
14. Visit the Sultan Mosque.
The Sultan Mosque is the most important mosque in Singapore and also the icon of the Arab area. It’s not a massive mosque, but the inside and outside are both stunning. The gold of the outside and the green of the inside carpeting are a fantastic fit for me.
15. Take a walk between pagodas in the Chinese Gardens
The Chinese Gardens were a pleasant surprise that I quite enjoyed seeing, so they have earned a spot on my list. They are Chinese gardens, as their name implies, where you can see twin pagodas, a seven-story pagoda with spectacular views of the city, and even a bonsai garden.
16. Travel to Japan for a little while in the Japanese Gardens
Next to the Chinese Gardens are the Japanese Gardens, with their unique toris and red bridges. The wooden lanterns and lotus flowers that line the path also provide a distinctive touch to the experience. Motorized vehicles are not permitted in any garden.
17. Eat at a Sikh temple
Sikh temples, it’s worth noting, provide complimentary meals every day. Anyone can use it, not just monks or those in need. The doors are always open. Donations are welcome, of course.
18. Take a walk in East Coast Park
It’s a great place to go for a bike ride, a walk, or just to take in the sea views from the east coast of Singapore. It’s a lovely area to spend a day, even if the water isn’t so clean or if you have to wait too long for the beaches to open. They have barbecues and even a camping spot. Most people visit on weekends, especially families and large groups; there may also be live music or markets going on at certain times of the year.
19. Discover the glamor of Orchard Rd
Perhaps the brands that are housed within the malls are a bit exclusive, but if you want to feel full of glamour, go from end to end along the most famous road in Singapore. In addition to the exclusivity that appears to exclude the majority of us, souvenir stores and a wide variety of accessories are available at reasonable costs.
20. Take photos of the most colorful houses in Singapore
They are the Peranakan homes, belonging to the Chinese of the Straits. Peranakans are descendants of Chinese immigrants who have settled in Malaysia and uphold the customs of their homeland nearly religiously.
21. Go trekking in Bukit Timah
The Bukit Timah Nature Reserve has a variety of hiking trails (easy, medium, and challenging) that may take you all the way to the summit of Singapore’s tallest hill, Bukit Timah Hill. All year-round, the reserve is available to the public with free admission and self-guided tours.
22. Go to the beach on Sentosa Island
On the island of Sentosa, you will discover more than 2 kilometers of coastline space separated into three manmade beaches with sand transported from Malaysia and Indonesia. They’re hardly the idyllic beaches you imagine when thinking of Southeast Asia, but if you’re in the mood for some sun and sand, this is a viable alternative.
23. Enjoy the light shows
Every night in Singapore, you may take in one of two free light shows. One is at the Supertree Grove in Gardens by the Bay, while the other is at Marina Bay Sands’ Spectra on the riverbank.
Gardens by the Bay at 7:45 p.m. and 8:45 p.m., and Marina Bay at 8:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m., both have two timeslots. This is one of the best free things to do in Singapore because of how futuristic it is and how well it fits in with the city’s aesthetic.
