12 Best Cheap Things to do in Singapore

Last updated on March 27th, 2023 at 01:00 pm

As you may have heard, Singapore can be quite an expensive city. Surprisingly, we found that you can you can do things fairly cheap there. Once you get a good deal on your accommodation, then it is possible to get cheap food options, transport and activities. Read on to find out the 12 best cheap things to do in Singapore – some free, some cheap.

*All $ currency is Singapore dollars.

Go To:

If you are planning to travel more of Asia, then have a read of my 2 Day Kuala Lumpur Itinerary.

1. Singapore Botanic Gardens

First off, you should definitely go to the Singapore Botanic Gardens. This is the most beautiful Botanic Gardens that I have seen. It offers luscious green scenery, native wildlife and is a great escape from the busy city. We saw some squirrels and roosters roaming about the place too.

If you want to take a glimpse of what it’s like, then checkout my tiktok video here from our visit.

2. Light Show at Marina Bay Sands

The most iconic building in Singapore comes to life at night. You have to take in the spectacular Marina Bay Sands after dark by taking a stroll around it. While you are there, be sure to catch a light show which takes places daily at 8pm and 9pm. It takes places at the front of the Marina Bay Sands. This show is well worth a watch.

3. Light Show at Gardens by the Bay

It is free to walk through the trees at Gardens by the Bay. Why not get a view of them at night time when they light up. The light show occurs at 7:45pm and 8:45pm daily.

4. Other Attractions at Gardens by the Bay

Another option to see the trees would be to the the skywalk. This 128 metre long walk is between two of the trees, where you can check out the views of the gardens and its surroundings from above. It costs just €7/$10.

If you want to skip the sky walk, get your guide does a really good deal on tickets for the flower dome, cloud forest and supertree grove combo for less than €8/$11.50. Buy your tickets here.

5. Walk through Chinatown

Take a walk through Chinatown and browse the various stalls. There are a collection of food stalls, souvenir shops, clothes shops, antique shops and more. A good area for a bargain 😉

While you are there, check out the Buddha tooth relic temple and the Sri Mariamman temple.

6. Visit Central Perk Cafe

If you are a friends fan, then you should visit Central Perk Cafe. Go there just for a drink and get your meal elsewhere to save some money. Be sure to check the opening hours before you go though as it doesn’t open everyday.

7. Visit Little India

Another great cheap thing to do in Singapore is to take a walk around Little India to immerse yourself in a different culture. Start off at the Tekka Centre, a food market filled with Indian cuisine. If you like that type of food, eat here it is really cheap.

Then take a walk through Little India Arcade and down Campbell Lane to find all that’s on offer at the markets.

8. Visit Fort Canning Park

Fort Canning Park is another park to explore if you still have time to spare. Not as nice as the botanic gardens in my opinion but still a nice way to spend some time on a walk through the park and it’s free!

9. Explore Haji Lane

Wander up through the colorful Haji Lane. Admire the vibrant wall art along this narrow street, browse some of the numerous shops, maybe stop for a snack at one of the many cafes, Haji Lane is a cool spot to spend some time.

10. Marina Bay Sands Mall

Why not have a roam about the Marina Bay Sands Mall? It is one of Singapore’s largest luxury shopping malls. It might cost an arm and a leg to make a purchase but its free to browse!

Also, there is a river flowing inside the shopping mall, which you can get a boat ride for just €10/$15 here.

11. Visit the HSBC Rain Vortex

Even though I did not have time when I was there, the rain vortex in jewel Changi airport is free to visit. It is the world’s tallest indoor waterfall, so if you have time at the airport you should pay a visit. They have other attractions there that you have to pay to avail of, but to see the rain vortex, it is free of charge.

Even to do some extra attractions there, it is quite cheap. To do the Discovery Slides, Foggy Bowls, Petal Garden, and Topiary Walk it is less that €5/$7 per person. You can buy a ticket here. It is a good way to spend some time if you have a long lay-over or are very early for a flight.

12. Eat in Food Centres

We mostly ate in the food centres to save some money. As Singapore can be very expensive, the food centres will save you a good few €€ on food. In Maxwell food centre, we got dinner for about €5/$7 each. Here are some I found:

• Maxwell Food Centre
• Lau Pa Sat
• Newton Food Centre
• Tekka Centre, Little India

Lastly, be sure to use the MRT rail system while in Singapore. It is super easy and convenient. You just have to scan your debit card going in and out of the station and it charges it automatically. It is a cheaper alternative to taxis.

I hope this post on the best cheap things to do in Singapore was helpful. If you enjoyed this, please share your friends and subscribe for more!

Thanks for reading,

Lisa