Free Tourist Attractions in Singapore

Singapore can seem like an expensive city, especially with many attractions charging entry fees. However, we can still experience the rich culture of Singapore without overspending. As I plan our itinerary, I’m focusing on finding places that offer an authentic feel of the city, especially since we’ve already set aside a good portion of our budget for attractions like Universal Studios Singapore and the Luge.

If you’re looking for free places to explore in Singapore, this blog is for you! Keep in mind that the starting point for the directions on how to get there is from Chinatown, where we stayed during our visit.

1. Gardens by the Bay (Outdoor Areas)

It’s a great place for photos and enjoying nature. You can explore the iconic Supertrees and beautifully landscaped gardens. There are many free sites at Gardens by the Bay that are worth checking out. The Supertree Grove is impressive, especially when you see the size of the trees up close, and the Garden Rhapsody light show is a nice bonus if you’re there in the evening.

My personal favorites are:

Supertree Grove
Dragonfly and Kingfisher Lakes
Heritage Gardens

Image source: https://www.gardensbythebay.com.sg

Operating hours: Open daily, 5 AM – 2 AM.

How to get there:

Take the Downtown Line: Board the train heading towards Expo.
Transfer at Bayfront Station: Get off at Bayfront station.
Exit the station: Follow the signs to Gardens by the Bay.
Walk to the outdoor areas: It’s a short walk from the station to the gardens.

2. Singapore Botanic Gardens

I think the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a great place to visit. It’s spacious, calm, and well-maintained, making it an ideal spot to take a break from the busy city. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this garden is perfect for a peaceful walk or a picnic. The Orchid Garden is particularly nice, with a wide range of orchids that are interesting to see. You can easily spend a few hours walking around, enjoying the different plants, and relaxing by the lakes.

The main gardens
Rainforest
Swan Lake

Operating Hours: Open daily, 5 AM – 12 AM.

How to get there:

Take the Downtown Line: Buy a ticket or use your EZ-Link card, then board the train towards Expo.
Transfer at Bugis Station: Get off at Bugis and switch to the East West Line.
Take the East West Line: Board the train towards Pasir Ris and get off at Orchard Station.
Walk to the Gardens: From Orchard Station, it’s about a 15-20 minute walk to the Botanic Gardens.

3. Fort Canning Park

A historical park with beautiful greenery and landmarks like the Battlebox, a WWII site. It’s a lovely spot for a casual walk.

Personally, I find there’s not much to see at Fort Canning. While it holds historical significance, unless you’re really into Singapore’s colonial history, the sights can feel limited. The park itself is quite small, and aside from a few landmarks like the Battle Box or Spice Garden, it may not offer as much variety compared to other attractions in the city.

Operating Hours: Open daily, 24 hours.

How to get there:

Take the Downtown Line: Buy a ticket or use your EZ-Link card. Board the train heading towards Expo.
Transfer at Bugis Station: Get off at Bugis Station and follow the signs to transfer to the East West Line.
Take the East West Line: Board the train towards Pasir Ris and get off at Dhoby Ghaut Station.
Exit at Dhoby Ghaut Station: Follow the signs to Exit B, which leads you to Fort Canning Park.
Walk to Fort Canning Park: It’s a short walk to the park entrance from the MRT station.

4. Southern Ridges

If you like to hike, the Southern Ridges is a great spot for a relaxing walk with some amazing views of Singapore’s greenery and skyline. The trails are well-connected and take you through a mix of parks, bridges, and forested areas. The Henderson Waves bridge is a highlight, offering a unique experience and a nice place to rest. We didn’t try this personally since we had kids with us, but it looks like a peaceful and enjoyable hike for those who want to escape the city’s hustle.

Image source: https://https://www.visitsingapore.com/

Operating Hours: Open daily, 24 hours.

How to get there:

Take the Downtown Line: Buy a ticket or use your EZ-Link card. Board the train heading towards Expo.
Transfer at Bugis Station: Get off at Bugis and switch to the East West Line.
Take the East West Line: Board the train towards Pasir Ris and get off at Dhoby Ghaut Station.
Exit at Dhoby Ghaut Station: Follow the signs to Exit B and look for signs to Fort Canning Park.
Walk to the Southern Ridges: From Fort Canning, follow the trail signs that lead to the Southern Ridges.

5. East Coast Park

A great place to unwind if you’re looking for a mix of beach vibes and outdoor activities. You’ll find plenty of picnic spots, and the nearby food options make it easy to grab a bite. It’s laid-back and perfect for families or groups who want to spend a relaxed day by the sea, enjoying both nature and some casual fun.

Operating Hours: Open daily, 24 hours.

How to get there:

Take the Downtown Line: Buy a ticket or use your EZ-Link card. Board the train heading towards Expo.
Transfer at Bugis Station: Get off at Bugis and switch to the East West Line.
Take the East West Line: Board the train towards Pasir Ris and get off at Bedok Station.
Exit at Bedok Station: Follow the signs to Exit B.
Take Bus 196: From the bus stop outside the station, catch Bus 196, which will take you directly to East Coast Park.

6. MacRitchie Reservoir

For anyone who enjoys outdoor activities, MacRitchie Reservoir is a solid choice. The trails are straightforward and perfect for walking or jogging, and you can enjoy nice views of the water. There’s also a treetop walk that’s popular among visitors.

Operating Hours: Open daily, 7 AM – 7 PM.

How to get there:

Take the Downtown Line: Buy a ticket or use your EZ-Link card. Board the train heading towards Expo.
Transfer at Bukit Panjang Station: Get off at Bukit Panjang Station and switch to the Downtown Line towards Bukit Timah.
Get off at Caldecott Station: Travel on the Downtown Line and get off at Caldecott Station.
Exit at Caldecott Station: Follow the signs to Exit A.
Walk to MacRitchie Reservoir: From the station, it’s about a 15-20 minute walk to the entrance of MacRitchie Reservoir.

7. Tiong Bahru

Tiong Bahru is a unique neighborhood that’s worth exploring. It has a mix of charming old architecture and modern cafes, giving it a relaxed vibe. The market and hawker center offer a variety of local food options, making it a great place to grab a bite. I enjoyed wandering through the streets and checking out the shops. It’s a nice area to experience a different side of Singapore.

Operating Hours: Open daily, 24 hours.

How to get there:

Take the Downtown Line: Buy a ticket or use your EZ-Link card. Board the train heading towards Expo.
Transfer at Bugis Station: Get off at Bugis and switch to the East West Line.
Take the East West Line: Board the train towards Pasir Ris and get off at Tiong Bahru Station.
Exit at Tiong Bahru Station: Follow the signs to the station exit.

8. Changi Beach Park

A nice spot to relax by the sea. The park has a long stretch of beach, perfect for walks or picnics, and there are plenty of shaded areas to unwind. You can also find various activities like cycling or just enjoying the view of the planes taking off nearby. It’s a quieter alternative to some of the more crowded beaches.

Operating Hours: Open daily, 24 hours.

How to get there:

Take the Downtown Line: Buy a ticket or use your EZ-Link card. Board the train heading towards Expo.
Transfer at Expo Station: Get off at Expo Station.
Take Bus 29: From the bus stop outside Expo, catch Bus 29, which will take you to Changi Beach Park.

9. Kampong Glam

Known for its rich history and vibrant culture. The area features colorful streets, unique shops, and plenty of cafes to enjoy. One of the highlights is the Sultan Mosque, which is impressive and a great spot for photos. The atmosphere here is lively, with a mix of traditional and modern influences, making it a fun place to wander around and experience the local scene.

Operating Hours: Open daily, 24 hours (shops may vary).

How to get there:

Take the Downtown Line: Buy a ticket or use your EZ-Link card. Board the train heading towards Expo.
Transfer at Bugis Station: Get off at Bugis Station.
Exit at Bugis Station: Follow the signs to Exit D.

10. Haji Lane

If you’re into unique boutiques and hip cafes, Haji Lane is a great place to visit. This street has a variety of shops offering fashion and handmade items. It’s a good spot for a casual stroll while checking out the colorful murals. There are also plenty of cafes where you can grab a drink or a snack. It’s popular with both locals and tourists, making it an interesting area to explore.

Operating Hours: Open daily, 24 hours (shops may vary).

How to get there:

Take the Downtown Line: Buy a ticket or use your EZ-Link card. Board the train heading towards Expo.
Transfer at Bugis Station: Get off at Bugis Station.
Exit at Bugis Station: Follow the signs to Exit D.
Walk to Haji Lane: From the exit, it’s about a 10-15 minute walk to Haji Lane.

11. Marina Bay Sands Promenade

You can enjoy the views of the city skyline and Marina Bay Sands. It’s especially beautiful at night when the lights come on. There are seating areas and nearby dining options if you want to take a break. It’s a busy spot with a lot of people.

Operating Hours: Open daily, 24 hours.

How to get there:

Take the Downtown Line: Buy a ticket or use your EZ-Link card. Board the train heading towards Expo.
Transfer at Bayfront Station: Get off at Bayfront Station.
Exit at Bayfront Station: Follow the signs to Exit B, which leads you to Marina Bay Sands.
Walk to the Promenade: From the exit, it’s a short walk to the Marina Bay Sands Promenade.

12. Clarke Quay

Known for its restaurants and nightlife. It has a mix of dining options along the riverside, making it a great place to grab a meal or enjoy drinks with friends. You can often see live music or events happening in the area. It is best to visit in the evening.

Operating Hours: Open daily, 24 hours (restaurants may vary).

How to get there:

Take the Downtown Line: Buy a ticket or use your EZ-Link card. Board the train heading towards Expo.
Transfer at Fort Canning Station: Get off at Fort Canning Station.
Exit at Fort Canning Station: Follow the signs to Exit A.
Walk to Clarke Quay: From the exit, it’s about a 10-minute walk to Clarke Quay along the riverside.

13. Little India

Little India is such a fun place to check out! It’s full of colorful shops and restaurants where you can get some great Indian food. You’ll find all sorts of textiles and spices, which is really interesting to explore. It’s usually pretty busy, so there’s always a lot going on.

Operating Hours: Open daily, 24 hours.

How to get there:

Take the Downtown Line: Buy a ticket or use your EZ-Link card. Board the train heading towards Expo.
Transfer at Bugis Station: Get off at Bugis Station and switch to the East West Line.
Take the East West Line: Board the train towards Pasir Ris and get off at Little India Station.
Exit at Little India Station: Follow the signs to the station exit.

14. Chinatown

Chinatown is a vibrant neighborhood that’s definitely worth a visit. Since we stayed at Family Cube Hotel, we explored Chinatown every night. There are lots of shops and stalls where you can find souvenirs, traditional goods, and delicious food. The area has a mix of cultural sites, like temples and heritage centers. t’s a great place to try local dishes.

Here’s where we stayed during our visit

Operating Hours: Open daily, 24 hours (shops may vary).

15. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple

It’s a large temple that houses what’s believed to be a tooth relic of Buddha. The architecture is impressive, and you can explore different sections, including the museum and the main hall. It’s a peaceful spot where you can learn about Buddhist culture and history.