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19 Fun And Free Things To Do In Singapore

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Despite being the most expensive country in Southeast Asia, there are loads of fun and free things to do in Singapore.  The unique city-state is a major hub in Asia, so if you find yourself there, it’s very worthwhile to explore.  And because it’s small, you can see and do a lot in just a few days.

 

19 FREE THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE

EXPLORE THE VIBRANT NEIGHBOURHOODS

 

Strolling around the different neighborhoods, taking in the atmosphere and marvelling the architecture is one of the best ways to get to know and enjoy a new city.  And you’re spoiled for choice with fun neighborhoods in the cultural melting pot of Singapore and many of them are a fascinating blend of old and new.

Old and new

 

CHINATOWN

Chinatown is great for foodies, shopping and history lovers with its night markets, late night dim sum, hawkers stalls and Chinatown Heritage Centre.

 

KAMPONG GLAM

Kampong Glam is the centre of Malay culture and Islamic heritage in Singapore with its mosques (and Singapore’s biggest- Masjid Sultan), Middle Eastern cuisine and fun restaurants and cocktail bars.  Explore the colorful and vibrant Haji Lane for trendy cafes, street art and funky independent boutiques.  Be sure to explore Arab St, Bali Lane, Bussorah St and Muscat St as well.  Kampong Glam is also home to the Malay Heritage Centre which is $4 SGD to visit ($3US).

Kampong glam Singapore
Kampong Glam

 

LITTLE INDIA

Serangoon Road and the neighboring streets are the heart of Singapore’s Indian community.  You can find loads of affordable and delicious Indian food as well as Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple (one of Singapore’s oldest Hindu temples), and Little India arcade (market).

 

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MARINA BAY
A lovely area on the waterfront with lots of parks, the famous Gardens by the Bay, the swanky Marina Bay Sands Hotel, the Singapore Flyer and The Shoppes (a fancy mall).  Marina Bay is also a great place to see the city skyline at night.

 

JOO CHIAT
A historical, charming neighbourhood with colorful Peranakan shophouses and cute cafes.

 

 

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EMERALD HILL ROAD
Another historical, photogenic and colorful Peranakan area.  You can also find great bars with happy hour deals.

 

TIONG BAHRU 
One of the hippest hoods in Singapore where you’ll find art deco architecture, trendy cafes, street art, art galleries, and independent boutiques, as well as Tiong Bahru Market, a massive local market and hawker centre.

 

 

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GARDENS BY THE BAY

Sprawling over 250 acres, this avartar-like garden is Singapore’s iconic attraction for good reason.  These gardens entertain and educate and they’re a photographer’s dream.  It’s the ultimate free thing to do in Singapore and it was my favorite thing in Singapore (aside from the food).

Supertree Grove Gardens by the bay Singapore

The Supertree Grove and light shows (7:45pm and 8:45pm every night) are free to visit.  I went 3 times.

free things to do in Singapore Supertree Grove Gardens by the bay Singapore

If you want to explore the upper walkway between the trees (the OCBC Walkway), it costs $8 SGD ($6US).

Visiting the two conservatories (the Flower Dome and the Cloud Forest) costs $28 SGD ($21US) and Floral Fantasy costs $15 SGD ($11US).

 

WATCH SPECTRA LIGHT AND WATER SHOW 

See the symphony of dancing fountains and colorful lights, which is free every night at Marina Bay.  If you time it right, you can see the Supertree show at 7:45pm and then Spectra at 9pm.

 

WATCH THE SUNSET

Some good sunset spots are from Helix Bridge and Gardens By The Bay.

 

ENJOY SENTOSA ISLAND’S BEACHES

Sentosa Island has 3 beaches for you to enjoy.  To get there, the Sentosa Express train costs $4 SGD ($3US).

 

ADMIRE SULTAN MOSQUE (MASJID SULTAN)

Located in Kampong Glam Malay Heritage District, this beautiful mosque is a prominent landmark in Singapore.  You can explore inside for free during visitor hours as long as you’re covered appropriately (long sleeves and long pants or skirt) or you can borrow a robe.

Masjid Sultan Singapore
Masjid Sultan

 

CHECK OUT THE BUDDHA TOOTH RELIC TEMPLE 

The Buddhist temple claims to have one of Buddha’s teeth, but despite this, the temple itself is very impressive.

 

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WANDER BUGIS STREET MARKET

One of the largest street shopping areas in Singapore and it’s the most affordable.

 

ENJOY THE GREEN SPACES

Singapore is known as the Garden City for a reason- there are loads of beautiful parks to enjoy for free.

 

BOTANICAL GARDEN

A 162 year old tropical garden and UNESCO World Heritage Site located by Orchard Road.

 

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FORT CANNING PARK

A massive green space and historical landmark with its many gardens, as well as the Fort Gate, which is the remnants of a fortress, and the Battle Box, which is a former WWII underground military complex.  It’s also a popular venue for shows and concerts.  Near Orchard Road Mall.

 

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THE FREE SCOOTER TOUR AT INNCROWD HOSTEL

If you stay at Inncrowd Hostel, they offer a free and fun foot scooter tour of Singapore.  It’s a great way to explore because you can cover a lot more ground on a scooter (and it’s great exercise), and it’s fun and social!  It’s a great way to meet fellow travelers, especially if you’re a solo traveler, like me.

free things to do in Singapore
Scootering down Haji Lane in Kampong Glam

 

COOL DOWN AT THE MALLS

They have AC, which you will appreciate after walking around in the high heat and humidity.  At 171 malls in the tiny city-state, shopping is a national sport.  But a lot of the malls also have a lot more to do than just shop (or window shop).

 

THE SHOPPES AT MARINA BAY SANDS

The Shoppes boast luxury shopping, canals, an “upscale” hawker centre (Rasapura Masters- worth checking out), and glorious air conditioning.

The Shoppes

 

ORCHARD ROAD

This is Asia’s most famous shopping road with over 20 malls, a designer library, indoor climbing, a trampoline park and more.  Check out Orchard Central Rooftop Garden and view on 11th and 12th floors for free.

If you want to treat yourself, you can check out the 360° panoramic view of Singapore’s skyline from the 56th floor at ION Sky for $20 ($15US).

ADMIRE THE ART AT OPERA GALLERY

Check out the modern and contemporary American, European and Asian art.

 

 

MORE ON TRAVELING SOUTHEAST ASIA

 

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