Singapore is known for being a fun and exciting city, but it can also be quite expensive to visit. However, there are plenty of free attractions in the city-state that are not only enjoyable, but also convenient to visit due to the small size of the country.
- Jewel Changi Airport
If you’re arriving in Singapore by air, one of the best free attractions in the country is right at the airport. Known as “Jewel” by locals, Jewel Changi Airport is a multi-use complex that includes a shopping mall, recreational hub, cineplex, and conservatory. The highlights of this attraction are the breathtaking HSBC Rain Vortex indoor waterfall and the lush Shiseido Forest Valley surrounding it, both of which are free to enjoy. If you don’t mind spending a little, the Canopy Park at the top of the complex offers various games and attractions for an entire day of fun.
- Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is a sprawling attraction located at the southern tip of Singapore. It has become a popular tourist spot, with its iconic “Super-Trees” often featured on postcards. Most of Gardens by the Bay is free to enter and enjoy, except for the Flower and Cloud Forest Domes and the Floral Fantasy exhibition. Besides the Super-Trees, there are also mini gardens, art sculptures, and picturesque spots throughout the grounds. If you have the energy, you can take a 15-minute stroll southwards to Marina Barrage, which is completely free to enter and offers a futuristic view of Singapore’s south.
- Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum is a newer temple that serves as a striking landmark in Singapore’s Chinatown district. Stepping into this temple feels like entering a golden palace adorned with thousands of Tibetan-style Buddha figures. The upper floors house a free museum with a collection of Buddhist sculptures and art, including a dazzling hall dedicated to the Buddha Tooth Relic. Whether you follow Buddhism or not, the temple is sure to leave you amazed by its exquisite religious masterpieces found in every corner.
- Haw Par Villa
If you have an interest in Chinese mythology or enjoy the macabre, Haw Par Villa is a must-visit attraction in Singapore. This free-to-enter sculpture park is located on the outskirts of downtown and features statues depicting Chinese folktales and myths. One of the highlights is the “Ten Courts of Hell” Hell Museum, which displays the punishments for sinners in the Chinese hell. It’s worth noting that the displays in the museum can be quite graphic and disturbing, so caution is advised for visitors with weak stomachs or children.
- Singapore Botanic Gardens
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is considered one of the top park attractions in Asia. It is conveniently located beside the Orchard Road shopping stretch and is free for everyone to enjoy. In addition to a wide variety of plants and beautiful landscaping features, the gardens also have an open-air auditorium where free concerts are regularly held. Many locals and visitors alike enjoy picnicking in the lush grounds while listening to professional performances on weekends.
- Chinese and Japanese Gardens
Another free garden attraction in Singapore is the Chinese and Japanese Gardens. These gardens, built in the 1970s, are situated near Jurong Lake in the western part of the city-state. The Chinese Garden features three distinctive Chinese pagodas and a seventeen-arch bridge inspired by Beijing’s Summer Palace. The best part is that these older gardens are usually less crowded even on weekends and public holidays. Although it takes around half an hour by subway to reach them from downtown, the atmospheric ambiance of these two gardens is sure to delight visitors.
- Festive Light-Ups
Singapore is a multi-racial and multi-religious society, which means there are various festivals celebrated throughout the year. Major festivals like Chinese New Year, Ramadan, Diwali, and Christmas are accompanied by atmospheric illuminations in traditional ethnic enclaves. Visitors can enjoy the beautifully lit streets and dazzling art pieces for free. Festive street bazaars, such as the famous Chinatown Chinese New Year Bazaar, often accompany these celebrations. Additionally, the Singapore Tourism Board hosts travel festivals like the annual Singapore Night Festival, offering opportunities to enjoy evening illuminations and sample ethnic culinary delights at night bazaars.