That’s correct, it’s completely free! Singapore is one of the most expensive countries to visit in Southeast Asia, but there are lots of free things to see and do to help offset the expense. Here are some of our favorite Singapore freebies.
Singapore Changi Airport
Location: Singapore Changi Airport, Airport Boulevard (Southeast)
Currently known as the World’s Best Airport by Skytrax, for the eighth consecutive year, making it the first airport in the world to do so.
There are a surprising number of freebies you may do here if you’ve just arrived or are waiting for a flight home; see the list below.
Gardens by the Bay
18 Marina Gardens Drive Floor 01 Gardens by the Bay 19 (Central)
It costs nothing to go around the famous Super tree Grove. To obtain the greatest view of Garden Rhapsody, the mesmerizing 15-minute sound and light show, arrive shortly before 7.45pm or 8.45pm on any given day.
Science Centre Singapore
Location: 15 Science Centre Road Singapore Science Centre (Southwest)
On Friday nights, look to the skies at the free stargazing events. The observatory’s proximity to the equator allows it to see constellations from both the northern and southern hemispheres. Although the sessions begin at 7.50 p.m., the limited number of tickets are distributed beginning at 7.30 p.m., so arrive early.
ION Sky
Location: 2 Orchard Turn Level 4 Ion Orchard (Central)
Take in a panoramic perspective of the city from above. The ION Orchard shopping center is located 56 stories above the ground. On a clear day, you can see Malaysia and a sprinkling of Indonesian islands in the distance. The hours of entry are from 3-6 p.m. every day.
Sentosa
Location: 1 Cove Avenue, #02-05 (Central)
Singapore’s “state of fun”. You can visit for as long as you’re willing to walk the Sentosa Boardwalk from the VivoCity retail center. You can get around the island using the monorail, trams, and buses after you arrive. The beaches here are ideal for resting, and there are free outdoor movies every week after dusk.
Chinese Garden
Location: Yuan Ching Road, Jurong East, Singapore (Southwest)
A park in Singapore’s Jurong East district. The Chinese Garden was built in 1975 by the JTC Corporation. The Stone Boat House and the seven-story pagoda, which offers panoramic views of the gardens and surroundings, are notable features. It’s also worth checking out the spectacular collection of miniature bonsai trees.
Dempsey Hill
Location: Blk 8D Dempsey Road #03-01, Singapore 249679. SG (Southwest)
If you enjoy historical sites, this is the spot for you. A former British Army barracks, this monument has been turned into warehouse businesses where a number of art and antique shops sell their items. Everything from oriental rugs to teak furniture, landscape ornaments, and old temple antiquities may be found here.
Singapore City Gallery
Location: 45 Maxwell Road the Ura Centre, The URA Centre, Level 2 (Central)
Here you can see the city’s past and future plans. Investigate Singapore’s remarkable planning and transformation achievement. Discover how a small fishing village became the futuristic city it is today. Visitors can observe the city’s future skyline after proposed construction developments are completed thanks to the detailed 11m-by-11m scale model of the central city region.
Lorong Buangkok
Location: Off Yio Chu Kang Road, Singapore (Central)
The final kampongs (village) in Singapore. This is the final vestige of mainland Singapore’s resistance to contemporary development, and an evocative way to imagine what life was like for many Singaporeans prior to independence.
Merlion (a half-lion, half-fish creature)
Location: 1 Fullerton Road One Fullerton, Merlion Park (Central)
Before going on a tour around Marina Bay, spend some time with the water-spouting creature. While you’re in the area, check out the neighboring Fullerton Hotel and the Fullerton Bay Hotel — the former was Singapore’s General Post Office, and the latter was part of the city’s historic Collyer Quay complex.
Haw Par Villa
Location: 262 Pasir Panjang Road Haw Par Villa, 1-min walk from Haw Par Villa MRT Station (Southwest)
Here there over 150 dioramas depict scenarios from Chinese mythology, including some gruesomely detailed scenes from hell.
Gillman Barracks
Location: 9 Lock Road Gillman Barracks (Southwest)
Former colonial army base Gillman Barracks features 11 galleries set in beautiful grounds, making it Singapore’s newest and greatest contemporary arts center. From here, visitors can walk down to the river to admire the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay’s unique – and divisive – architectural design, which is believed to resemble two inverted durians. Free short films and outdoor music activities are also held on the Esplanade.
Fort Canning Park
Location: Park in Colonial District, the Quays & Marina Bay (Central)
Ballet under the Stars (July) and Films at the Fort (August) are two outdoor events and concerts that take place at Fort Canning Park throughout the year (August). It’s still a great place to walk about; don’t miss the spice garden. Free tours are offered on a monthly basis.
National University of Singapore (NUS)
Location: 21 Lower Kent Ridge Road (Southwest)
A museum at the nearby university is certainly worth visiting, and not only because it’s free. Historical artifacts, Chinese ceramics, paintings, and sculptures are on display in the NUS Museum. Spend some time looking at the extensive Lee Kong Chian collection and the magnificent sculptures from Singapore’s foremost modern artist, Ng Eng Teng.
East Coast Park
Location: East Coast Park, East Coast Parkway and East Coast Park Service Road (Eastern)
East Coast Park, a 15-kilometer length of beach in space-constrained Singapore, is a breezy area to swim, work on your tan, and get away from the crowds (though it does get busy here at weekends). The Marine Cove playground, which includes rock climbing walls, slides, and digital game stations, is a hit with kids.
Southern Ridges
Location: Alexandra Road, Mount Faber Park; Telok Blangah Hill Park; or Kent Ridge Park (Southwest)
Mt Faber, Telok Blangah, Kent Ridge, and Hort parks are all part of one of Singapore’s top walking pathways. It winds its way through 9 kilometers of verdant woodland and canopy walks before crossing the Henderson Waves, Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge. Remember to bring water, sunscreen, and a hat or umbrella.
Sri Mariamman Temple
Location: 244 South Bridge Road (Central)
The oldest Hindu temple in Singapore is well worth a visit. Thian Hock Keng (Singapore’s oldest Chinese temple) is also especially atmospheric, and don’t miss the 44-meter historical mural painted on the temple’s outside back wall by Singaporean artist Yip Yew Chong.
I’ve summarized the locations in the table below to help you plan your journey.
Leave a comment below on what you like best about Singapore.
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