The Best Free Things To Do In Singapore If You’re Ballin’ On A Budget

They say the best things in life are free—and in Singapore, where a single cocktail can cost as much as your phone bill, you’ll definitely want to know where to find them.

Luckily, we’re not all crazy rich, and here at Urban List Singapore, we have a treasure trove of free activities to keep your wallet happy while still delivering the good times. From secret nature trails to world-class architecture, here’s the ultimate guide to having fun without spending a cent in Singapore.

Wander Through The Jewel Rain Vortex

Jewel Changi Singapore

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Chances are, you will visit Changi Airport at least once in your life, whether you're a resident or visitor. While airports and the surrounding areas don’t usually scream ‘holiday vibes,’ Jewel Changi Singapore flips that script.

The Rain Vortex, a jaw-dropping 40-metre indoor waterfall, is totally free to visit and an absolute must-see. Explore the lush indoor forest surrounding the vortex, sit down for some ice cream, and stay till sundown to catch the waterfall’s mesmerising light show.

Bonus points if you can resist the temptation to shop in any of the more than 300 retail and dining outlets.

Catch Free Light And Water Shows

Various locations

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Easily one of the best free things to do in Singapore, there are plenty of free and dazzling light and water shows to check out, with Singapore’s stunning skyline in the background.

Marina Bay Sands’ Spectra show lights up the waterfront every night with a symphony of lasers, dancing fountains, and projections that’ll make your Instagram stories pop. Stop by Gardens by the Bay to catch Garden Rhapsody, a free musical display that brings the park’s iconic 50m supertrees to life at 7.45pm and 8.45pm.

Over at Sentosa, Wings of Time, while requiring a paid ticket, does have an epic pyrotechnic show you can observe at a distance at 7.30pm, so time your beach stroll accordingly.

Explore The Southern Ridges

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If your idea of fun involves fresh air and panoramic views, lace up those sneakers and hit the Southern Ridges. This 10km stretch connects parks and nature reserves via canopy walks and undulating bridges, making it one of the most scenic (and underrated) hiking routes in town. 

Walking through the Telok Blangah Hill Park, you will recognise the iconic Henderson Waves: a distinct 274m-long pedestrian wave-like bridge that serves up killer sunset views.

This charming, wood-panelled bridge is the tallest pedestrian bridge in Singapore and was built to improve connectivity between the nature areas along the Southern Ridges. Its seven undulating “ribs” double as alcoves and offer shelter for parkgoers.

At the start of the bridge (Mount Faber Plaza) stands a nutmeg tree, which symbolises the area’s past as a nutmeg plantation.

Chill At The Singapore Botanic Gardens

It’s one of the most beautiful green spaces in the city, and it’s entirely free. Wander through this 160-year-old tropical oasis, smell the local herbs, flowers and fruits that permeate the air. If you’re lucky, you may even catch a live concert at the Shaw Foundation Symphony Stage or spot adorable otters frolicking by the lakes. The Orchid Garden has an entrance fee, but the rest of this UNESCO-listed site is yours to roam for free.

Take A Walk Through Nature Reserves

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MacRitchie and Bukit Timah usually get all the love, but if you’re after something more off-the-radar, head to the Tampines Eco Green, Punggol Promenade Riverside Walk, Coney Island Park or cycle through park connectors that snake through Singapore. There are plenty of curated parks along the way teeming with birds, butterflies, otters and hidden trails, perfect for a peaceful escape from city life within each housing estates. 

After that, stroll through the heartlands to find hawkers, eateries and experience the local way of living. 

For those who prefer a breezy seaside stroll over a sweaty trek, the Changi Point Coastal Boardwalk is like–borrowing from the Empire Of The Sun–walking on a dream. This scenic boardwalk hugs the coastline, offering unbeatable views of the sea and neighbouring island. Come at sunset for that postcard-perfect egg yolk glow.

Psst, if you're not allergic to sponsored content, this is Singapore Tourism's list of 9 Free Things To Do In Singapore.

Hunt For Street Art

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Who needs an art gallery when Singapore’s got some seriously cool street murals? Kampong Glam is the city’s unofficial graffiti hub, with vibrant, larger-than-life pieces hidden down its alleyways. Start your hunt along Haji Lane and Arab Street, then venture deeper to find walls splashed with bold colours and cultural tributes.

Bookmark these streets for your street art hunt: Jalan Besar, Katong, Chinatown, Little India, Tiong Bahru, Amoy Street and more. 

Catch A Movie Under The Stars

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Imagine this: It's a warm balmy Singapore evening, the sun setting in the background, you and your loved ones are lying back, watching a classic movie under the sky as night falls.

Now imagine that it's free. Except you don't have to, because Movies By The Beach at Sentosa regularly screens classics and family-friendly flicks under the stars on Saturdays and Sundays. Just bring a picnic mat with your favourite snacks, cold drinks, and settle in for movie night under the stars.

Visit The Buddhist And Hindu Temples

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Whether you’re after a dose of serenity or just love stunning architecture, Singapore’s temples are worth a visit. The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Chinatown is an ornate masterpiece, housing a relic believed to be the tooth of Buddha himself. Over in Little India, the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is a riot of colours, carvings, and history that’s open to all.

Go Turtle And Tortoise Spotting

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Yes, Singapore has turtles in the wild, and you don’t need to pay a zoo entrance fee to see them. The recently rejuvenated Chinese Garden is home to adorable terrapins that lounge around the ponds, while Pasir Ris Park’s mangrove boardwalk is another prime spot for spotting wild turtles basking in the sun. Just don’t try to pet them, they like their personal space.

Go Window Shopping In The Swankiest Malls

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If retail therapy is your thing but your budget's not playing ball, just embrace the art of window shopping. Singapore’s malls are an experience in themselves: cycle (or walk through) Funan Mall with an indoor rock climbing wall; ogle at cute pets around pet-friendly spaces at One Holland Village; wander around The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands for designer eye candy; or hit up Orchard Road’s futuristic concept stores for a dose of retail inspiration.