One of Asia’s favourite tourist destinations, Singapore, is full of glitz and glamour. The Lion City has no shortage of luxuries, from living in a presidential suite at the Raffles Hotel and driving down the roads in a rare supercar, to dining at Michelin-starred restaurants and living it up at the casinos. The city state might be one of the World’s Most Expensive Cities, but it doesn’t mean that you have to spend a pretty penny to enjoy yourself here. Here are some of the best free things to do in Singapore in 2024 that are just as fun and extravagant.
Singapore may be the playground for the rich with a sheen of wealth, but the place is so much more than just the Crazy Rich Asians lifestyle (aka luxury hotels, fine dining, and luxury fashion). There are also various cultures and histories to explore, nature-related activities, South Asian art exhibitions and other offbeat attractions that will help you explore the city-state’s great outdoors.
Read on to find out what should be on your budget-friendly itinerary, and while you’re at it, bookmark these hawker centres in Singapore for equally affordable food.
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Best free things to do in Singapore 2024: From light shows to UNESCO-approved garden walks
Admire nature at Gardens by the Bay
The world-class garden design at Gardens by the Bay is not something you would want to skip when it is mostly gratuitous. Follow their specific schedule and visit this place between 5 am and 2 am to enjoy most parts of the spectacular view of the garden cost-free (and sweat-free).
Walking alongside Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lake, and learn about the fascinating history of Singapore through the Heritage Gardens. Be sure to make time for a quick trip to the Sun Pavillion, where a desert landscape with over 1,000 desert plants await. These leisurely walks are some of the best free things you can do in Singapore.
Additionally, don’t forget to catch the free Supertrees ‘dance’ at the spectacular Garden Rhapsody Light Show.
Visiting the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest and the Supertree Observatory, however, will require a paid ticket.
Catch ‘Spectra’ The Marina Bay Sands light and water show
No, you can’t stay or dine at this ultra-luxurious skyline without emptying your pocket, but you can catch the amazing water and light show, a nightly extravaganza displayed over the water at Event Plaza of The Marina Bay. The 15-minute show with a beautiful symphony of an orchestral soundtrack, colourful visuals, an advanced laser show and dancing fountain jets will make your jaw drop.
There are two shows at 8 pm and 9 pm every night and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, although there is an additional show at 10 pm too. The free outdoor 15-minute extravaganza at the Event Plaza happens at 8pm and 9pm from Sunday to Thursday, and at 8pm, 9pm, and 10pm on Fridays and Saturdays. Special shows also happen monthly, so be sure to check here for updates.
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Spend a day with family and friends at East Coast Park
Spending a day at a recreational park with the whole family is one of the best things to do on a vacation. The 15-km-long site at the former Big Splash area is now filled with fun activities.
Singapore’s tallest outdoor play feature, the Coastal PlayGrove’s play tower is a four-storey structure with some of the tallest slides. Your kids can beat the heat at the Water play area and splash around in the wading pools with water jets that light up at night. That’s not all, you can reconnect with nature at the Nature Playgarden and walk around the heritage trees.
You can also relish the food and drinks with a few bucks inside the garden.
Movies by the Beach
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Want to catch a movie on the big screen while the light sea breeze ruffles your hair? At Sentosa island, you can catch a free blockbuster movie on selected Fridays, weekends, and public holidays.
While you can bring your mats or folding chairs, outside food and drinks aren’t allowed. Be early as there are 400 seats and entry is first-come-first-serve basis. You can check their official website for screening dates and timings and even recommend a movie.
Visit Sentosa Island
Sentosa might be famous for Universal Studios Singapore, but there are also other relaxing things you can do there for free.
Explore Fort Siloso, the well-preserved coastal fort that was a part of the defence of the country will tell you many stories about Singapore’s history. There’s a skywalk that will let you see some scenic views of nature on your way to the fort.
The three beaches on Sentosa Island named Siloso Beach, Tanjong Beach and Tanjong Beach are unique in their own way. Enjoy beach court activities and don’t miss out on the light and sound show ‘Magical Shores’ on Siloso beach, along with the tranquillity at Sentosa nature discovery. Then, indulge all your senses via a magical new attraction called Sentosa Sensoryscape, a 350m-long, ridge-to-reef path that connects visitors from Resorts World Sentosa to Sentosa’s beaches via an immersive multi-sensory experience.
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Take a stroll along the Singapore River
From a fishing village to one of the busiest financial hubs of Southeast Asia, the history of the city is inseparable from the Singapore River. Discovering the riverside on foot is one of the best free things you can do in Singapore.
The trail will take you to landmarks like Robertson Quay, Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, the Asian Civilisations Museum, Fullerton Hotel, and the Victoria Theatre & Concert Hall. The Marina Bay Sands’ light and laser show is visible from here.
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Walk down the Southern Ridges
The 10km-long Southern Ridges comprises vibrant greenery as it connects Mount Faber Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park, HortPark, Kent Ridge Park, Labrador Nature Reserve and the National University of Singapore (NUS).
The highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore is known for its artistic Henderson Waves structure, which will bring you to a forest and canopy walk. Witness colourful flora and native birds in their natural habitat here.
The serenity of the walk is a welcomed an escape from bustling city life. Moreover, the breathtaking panoramic view from the bridge is not something you would want to pass.
Visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens
The Singapore Botanic Gardens is another wonderful spot for nature lovers. It was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015, and is the first and only tropical botanic garden on UNESCO’s World Heritage List.
The captivating lush greenery is one of the best-preserved instances of nature in the concrete jungle, with plenty to see from orchid hybrids to rare tree varieties. Entry to this nature extravaganza is free, save for the National Orchid Garden, which requires a paid ticket.
Catch free concerts at Esplanade
Esplanade is a place for art lovers and kindred souls. Besides admiring the durian-shaped architecture, you can catch live concerts, theatres and other world-class art performances for free.
Though there are paid concerts by high-profile artists, there are also plenty of options for music lovers that are free. Loud music, happy chatter and recitals — you won’t have a dull moment at Esplanade’s Theatres at the Bay.
Explore Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
In the historic district of Chinatown, the beautiful architecture of the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum is one of the most eye-catching things.
The majestic charm of the Tang Dynasty architecture of its exteriors will blow your mind. The Buddhist art-inspired interior design will help you learn about the 1,000-year-old culture.
Although discovered in India, the left canine tooth of Lord Buddha is displayed on the temple grounds. Hence, the name. Various sacred relics and the giant stupa are in the museum for public viewing. The museum theatre also holds cultural performances.
In addition to the free entry every day, the Saturday-guided tour is totally free of charge as well.
Shop at Singapore Really Really Free Market
Free activities are still believable but ever heard of shopping without money? Sounds like a dream, isn’t it? It is true in this free market. Every Sunday, you can go to Rowell Road to shop and leave your wallet at home.
If you like anything you see, you can grab it. Pay for your items with kindness and anything you would want to sell. You don’t have to spend any cash to shop here. Check out their Facebook page for more information.
Enjoy the marvels of Changi Airport Singapore
You don’t need to catch a flight to experience the wonders of Changi Airport and its adjacent Jewel Changi. Besides being one of Asia’s busiest airports, Changi Singapore is also the World’s Best Airport 2023, making the world-class aviation hub of the best places in Singapore to explore for free.
The architectural Jewel Changi (pictured) offers marvels like the HSBC Rain Vortex, a marvellous 40-metre-high indoor waterfall with more than 2,000 trees in the surroundings. If you are willing to spend a few bucks, a plethora of dining options await.
Listen to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra
If the orchestra is something that moves you, you can listen to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra at their free concerts. The flagship orchestra of Singapore holds free concerts once in a while as a part of the community outreach programme in different halls, institutions and other locations, such as the famed Raffles Hotel.
To know their free concert date and timings check their official website.
Marvel at the intricate design of the Sri Mariamman Temple
Chinatown is one of the most popular places to visit in Singapore, and is home to the oldest Hindu temple on the island. Founded in 1827, eight years after the East India Company established a trading settlement in Singapore, the temple – built in the Dravidian style – has since been gazetted a National Monument and is a major tourist attraction. The magnificent and colourful Sri Mariamman Temple has elaborate and detailed carvings for you that you’ll spend hours admiring. Inside, the beauty and grandiose continues, with richly ornamented columns and ceilings with frescoes.
Entry to the temple is free and open to all.
Go art hunting on Singapore Streets
Want to inspire the artist inside you? Singapore has no shortage of museums, art galleries and exhibitions can help, but if you’re penny pinching, there’s still plenty of art that you can enjoy for free in Singapore. Because Singapore is ethnically rich, her streets too are filled with plenty of art and culture.
You’ll find the best examples of these at popular tourist destinations like Little India, Haji Lane, and Amoy Street, as well as quaint neighbourhoods like Tanjong Katong, Tiong Bahru, and Bras Besah.
Other free things to do in Singapore to consider
Some other free attractions in Singapore worth making time for include visiting Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve, stargazing at Seletar Rocket Tower, Sister Islands Marine Parks, going to the Chinese and Japanese gardens, and taking a stroll at the Changi Point Boardwalk.
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(Hero and featured image credit: Miguel Sousa/Unsplash)
This article first appeared on Lifestyle Asia Singapore
