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9 Best Free Things to Do in Singapore [2024]

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Free Things to Do in Singapore

Best Free Things To Do In Singapore
Best Free Things To Do In Singapore

Singapore is a city-state in Southeast Asia that is well known for its modernity and wealth. However, there are also many free things to do in Singapore if you know where to look! In this blog post, we will list 9 of the best free activities that you can enjoy in this amazing country!

1. Singapore Botanic Gardens

Singapore Botanic Gardens - Free Things to Do in Singapore
Singapore Botanic Gardens – Free Things to Do in Singapore (Credit: Singapore Botanic Gardens)
Key Services: It’s one of Singapore’s most popular tourist destinations, and it’s home to a large variety of flora
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/sbg
Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
Operating Hours: Daily 5 am to 12 midnight

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is home to the world’s biggest display of tropical orchids, with over 1,000 types and 2,000 hybrids. The magnificent ponds, lush green lawns, and well-pruned garden trails at Merlion Park are the ideal Singapore retreat that won’t even ask you to leave the city! The wooded area is home to a variety of magnificent birds, including pied hornbills, spotted wood owls, crimson sunbirds, stork-billed kingfishers, geese, ducks, and black swans.

Key Differentiators:

  • Its sprawling grounds are perfect for picnicking, jogging, or escaping the city buzz
  • Birdwatching
  • The perfect time to visit is early morning and dusk

Customer Review 

Beautiful place for an early morning walk or afternoon stroll. Loved it, so much variety of flora and some opportunities to see fauna if you’re lucky. Don’t forget your poncho because you’ll be here a while and you might be caught in some rain.

Dave Pak

2. Sultan Mosque

Sultan Mosque - Free Things to Do in Singapore
Sultan Mosque – Free Things to Do in Singapore (Credit Sultan Mosque)
Website: https://sultanmosque.sg/
Address: 3 Muscat Street, Singapore 198833
Email: info@sultan.mosque.org.sg
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am–noon, 2–4pm
Friday 2.30–4pm
Saturday & Sunday 10am–noon, 2–4pm

This beautiful mosque is a must-see on your trip, as it is Singapore’s oldest mosque. During your free tour here, you may learn and observe the lovely way of life in this Arab neighborhood, as well as appreciate and understand the rich Muslim history. Keep in mind that there could be timings to consider before you go. This is, without a doubt, one of the most gratifying free things to do in Singapore.

Key Differentiators:

  • With guided tours (guides can speak English, Malay, Chinese, and even Japanese)
  • Preferred time of visit: Anytime apart from prayer times
  • Established since 1824

Customer Review 

Spiritual , magnificent!!!

If you want to experience the historical Islamic culture of Singapore then this mosque connects you beautifully to it..

Enjoy the nice ambience (shops+restaurants) outside for a unique experience . You will love it

Abdullah Siddiqi

3. Picnic at Chek Jawa

Picnic at Chek Jawa - Free Things to Do in Singapore
Picnic at Chek Jawa – Free Things to Do in Singapore (Credit to Wikipedia)
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/pulau-ubin-and-chek-jawa/what-to-see/about-chek-jawa
Address: Chek Jawa, Pulau Ubin, Singapore
Operating Hours: Daily 9.00 am – 5.00 pm

Chek Jawa, on the other side of the Singapore River, is a lovely place to visit and reminisce about your childhood. Chek Jawa, which means “water tower” in Malay, offers visitors a tranquil setting with rich biodiversity and is one of the finest free things to do in Singapore. Pack the picnic baskets with everything enjoyable and lots of food and drink. And don’t forget to bring plenty of sunscreen; you don’t want to get a bad tan for sure!

Key Differentiators:

  • Jejawi Tower, this 20-meter tall viewing tower will give you a bird’s eye view of the area’s unique wildlife.
  • A boardwalk over 1-kilometre in length along the Coastal and Mangrove loops makes it easy to take in the wonders of Chek Jawa.

Customer Review 

A stone statue, 8.6 meter tall with head of lion & body of fish, continuous flow of water comes out from the mouth of the Merlion, very beautiful scene. This is the official mascot pf Singapore & used as national personification located at the merlion park, near the mouth of Singapore river. A lot of tourists visit the park & take photos. A short trip cruise is also available. The must visit place while in Singapore.

Rajendra Sanjelchhetri

4. Live Music At Esplanade

Live Music At Esplanade - Free Things to Do in Singapore
Live Music At Esplanade – Free Things to Do in Singapore (Credit Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay via Facebook)
Key Services: Live Music Venue
Website: https://www.esplanade.com/
Address: 1 Esplanade Drive Singapore 038981
Email: mall@esplanade.com
Operating Hours: Daily 12pm – 6pm

This is the best way to spend your time if you’re a musical person. For free, attend live shows at the Esplanade and mix with like-minded people. With several songs and dance sequences, you will not have an uninteresting moment here. This location will make you feel alive with its vocals, recitals, music, and cheerful chitchat. Don’t miss out on the Esplanade Roof Garden and Music Library, which are both free.

Key Differentiators:

  • Free rooftop garden and live music
  • Music from various genres by stellar artists from around the world
  • PS: Please note that the concerts are paid for if the performing artists are high-profile celebrities.

Customer Review 

fantastic sound system. size was good too.

Norkhafizah Abdul Khaliff

5. Open Air Cinema

Open Air Cinema - Free Things to Do in Singapore
Open Air Cinema – Free Things to Do in Singapore (Credit MovieMob)
Key Services: Brings the experience of a free drive-in outdoor movie concept to locations around Singapore. We offer movie screenings and events solutions for those seeking to plan a movie under the stars.
Website: https://ape.sg/moviemob
Address: 70 Shenton Way #07-07 Singapore 079118
Email: ask@ape.sg
Phone: +65 6225 6536

Watching a standard on an enormous outdoor screen with lots of people – does it sound like your idea of a good time? If that’s the case, Movie Mob should be at the top of your list. It takes the idea of drive-in movies to a whole new level, and it also enables you to select the film. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates on location and showtimes.

Key Differentiators:

  • You get to choose the movie
  • You can rock up and watch a film in the comfort of your car

Customer Review 

Awesome experience.

Sarah Siddons

6. MacRitchie Treetop Walk

MacRitchie Treetop Walk - Free Things to Do in Singapore
MacRitchie Treetop Walk – Free Things to Do in Singapore (Credit National Parks Board)
Key Services: Suspension bridge enabling hiking through the forest treetops between Bukit Peirce & Bukit Kalang
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/central-catchment-nature-reserve/treetop-walk
Operating Hours: Weekdays: 9:00am to 5:00pm
Weekends and Public Holidays: 8:30am to 5:00pm
Closed on Mondays (except Public Holidays) Last entry at 4:45pm

On the MacRitchie suspension bridge, go among the trees and wildlife that live there. It’s fantastic, isn’t it? Take a look at the treetops up close. And the best part is that it’s completely free.

Key Differentiators:

  • Walk among the animals at the canopy level and observe their lives
  • Offers a bird’s eye view of the community of plants and animals that live in the forest canopy
  • The total length of the walkway is about 250 m and its height from the forest floor varies, with the highest point at 25 m

Customer Review 

Nice place. A very fun place for nature lovers.

LEONWIDJAYA

7. Fort Canning Park Hill

Fort Canning Park Hill - Free Things to Do in Singapore
Fort Canning Park Hill – Free Things to Do in Singapore (Credit National Parks Board)
Key Services: Features nine historical gardens – the Pancur Larangan, Artisan’s Garden, Sang Nila Utama Garden, Jubilee Park (Phase 1), Raffles Garden, First Botanic Garden, Farquhar Garden, Spice Garden and Armenian Street Park
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/fort-canning-park
Address: River Valley Rd, Singapore 179037
Operating Hours: 24 hours Park lighting hours: 7.00pm to 7.00am

One of Singapore’s most popular tourist attractions is the lovely and historically significant Fort Canning Park, which lies in the heart of the city-state. Near Orchard Road as well as Clarke Quay, this lush greenery area is entirely free for those who wish to climb to the top of the hill for stunning views of Singapore. The beautiful park is also a popular destination among runners, dog-walkers, history geeks, and nature enthusiasts looking for an easy getaway from city life. It will also make an excellent site for a nature walk because it contains a wide variety of plants, trees, flowers, and other features.

Key Differentiators:

  • Wheelchair accessible (from drop off at Cox Terrace roundabout)
  • Venue for celebrations
  • Rare plant species, views

Customer Review 

nice and educational park in the middle of city. No many people are aware or visit this place making it great if you want some calm. It is hilly so be prepared to swear a bit. A lot of historical landmarks and history about this place. You can easily spent the whole day here. Luckily there are plenty of benches, F&Bs and also eateries in Fort Canning Hotel. Some parts are still upgrading (like shelter walkways, escalators), so it will be easier to walk. National Museum is also a stone throw away if you want to pop by for some aircon and history. It is a great place to jog and there is also a fitness centre.

Louis Chua

8. Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail

Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail - Free Things to Do in Singapore
Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail – Free Things to Do in Singapore (Credit Redbull)
Key Services: Oldest mountain biking trail in Singapore
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/bukit-timah-nature-reserve
Address: 126F Rifle Range Rd, Singapore 588392
Operating Hours: Daily 7am to 7pm

The Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail is undoubtedly one of the most exciting Singapore attractions for adventure seekers, offering one free and thrilling sport – mountain biking. As you descend down the rough terrain here for 6 kilometers, get your blood pumping. This long and sturdy track was recently rebuilt, making it safe once again for cyclists to ride on a daring adventure. It has a number of difficult climbs and declines, which entice expert bikers from time to time.

Key Differentiators:

  • Mountain Biking
  • Hiking
  • Wheelchair accessible to Visitor Centre

Customer Review 

One of the most challenging trails in Singapore but good fun!

Alvin Chan

9. East Coast Park

East Coast Park- Free Things to Do in Singapore
East Coast Park- Free Things to Do in Singapore (Credit National Parks Board)
Key Services: Beach and a park encompassing Marine Parade, Bedok and Tampines, along the southeastern coast of Singapore
Website: https://www.nparks.gov.sg/gardens-parks-and-nature/parks-and-nature-reserves/east-coast-park
Address: E Coast Park Service Rd, Singapore
Operating Hours: 24 hours Park lighting hours: 7:00 pm to 7:00 am

The East Coast Park, which is located on the island’s east coast and runs for 15 kilometers (9.3 miles), is one of Singapore’s most popular attractions because it provides a fantastic opportunity to relax and de-stress. Swimming, reading a book, or simply relaxing are all options. There are additional activities for kids such as Marine Cove Playground, rock climbing, digital game stations, and more. This free experience would undoubtedly enhance your Singapore vacation.

Key Differentiators:

  • Swimming
  • Rock Climbing
  • Sports activities such as beach volleyball, cycling, cable skiing, and various water sports as well as an Xtreme SkatePark

Customer Review 

Awesome place to visit for some nature and peace. Greatly maintain trails – separate trails for jogging/biking and walking. Clean beach and water but plenty of ships parked in a distance.

Lots of trees around, bbq pits, etc. There are food/drink stalls and bike rentals. As well as, children playground areas. Seen people wind surfing, swimming, sailing, enjoying beach volleyball, fishing, etc.

Saifu Angto

Free Things to Do in Singapore

There are many different activities that you can do in Singapore for free! The list we have provided is just a sampling of some of the best options, but there are sure to be others that appeal to you as well. If you are looking for something fun and affordable to do while in this amazing country, then be sure to check out our list!

Before you go, do check out our other articles as well!

Rachel Tan - FunEmpire

Article by

I'm currently the editor at FunEmpire Media Singapore. I've over 8 years of experience in the media industry discovering the best local businesses, places and things to do in Singapore. From lifestyle, entertainment, food, travel, education and more, I strive to curate the very best Singapore has to offer.