It’s no secret that Singapore is a very expensive place, especially compared to the rest of Southeast Asia. If you’ve chosen to only stay here for a day, chances are you are on a budget and prices will scare you. Luckily not everything in Singapore requires payment and there are plenty of free things to do in Singapore to fill your day.
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Table of Contents - One day in Singapore: The best free things to do in Singapore
How to get to Singapore
If you’re staying in Singapore for one day, chances are you’re here on a stopover. Singapore has an amazing airport, which is very well connected. There are also many daily buses to and from Malaysia and even a ferry from Batam, Indonesia! Batam is mainly a gambler’s destination, but domestic flights are generally cheaper compared to international ones and ferry tickets serve as proof of leaving Indonesia.
Where to stay in Singapore
When traveling Singapore on a budget, I would go for the cheapest option which is either in the center or close to public transport. We stayed at 7 Wonders, which was the cheapest option we could find at a convenient location. From here we walked everywhere, but you can also take public transport to get around.
How to get around in Singapore
Singapore has an extensive public transport system which makes it easy to move around the city. We visited the free things to do in Singapore listed below on foot, but it was a lot of walking! If I were to do it again, I would take the MRT back to our accommodation.
Getting to the city from the airport: You don’t need to buy a ticket or a pass, which are expensive. You can just scan your banking card directly to pay the fee.
Free things to do in Singapore
Singapore's Changi airport
Yes, you read that right: the airport. It might seem weird to put an airport as an attraction, but Singapore’s Changi Airport is not just any airport. Changi is home to a butterfly garden, a cactus garden, and a cinema, amongst others. The Jewel Shopping Center across the road from Terminal 1 houses an artificial indoor waterfall.
Note that not all attractions in the airport are free, or accessible for everyone. Some are in the transit areas. Find out more about the attractions at Changi Airport here.
Go for a walk around Chinatown
Chinatown is an interesting neighborhood, mainly for its architecture. Make sure to pass by the iconic Sri Mariamman Temple and Buddha Tooth Relic Temple when you go for a stroll in this area. I especially loved the contrast between the modern skyscrapers, often decorated with plants and trees, and the colorful traditional houses.
Explore buzzing Little India
Little India is full of shops, temples, and markets. It’s a colorful and buzzing area, which is entertaining to walk around for a little while, soaking in the sounds, smells and colors around you. The main road is Serangoon Road, which is a good starting point. If you want to visit a temple in this area, Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple is a colorful Hindu temple that is free to visit.
Photograph the Marina Bay Sands and the Merlion
The Merlion is Singapore’s most iconic statue and is free to access. From here you also have a postcard view of the Marina Bay Sands building and the art science museum. And many skyscrapers to admire and photograph as well.
Visit the Gardens by the Bay and enjoy a free lightshow
The Gardens by the Bay are located in the Marina area. While some areas of the gardens require an entrance fee, you can walk around a big part for free, including the Supertree Grove. You have to pay for the canopy walk, but you can walk around the bottom for free. There is a light show twice at night, which is also free! Very nice to sit or lie down here for a little while looking at the lights and listening to the music. A great ending of an amazing day exploring the best free things that Singapore has to offer.
This was: One day in Singapore: The best free things to do in Singapore
Of course Singapore offers many more things to do, and if you have some extra cash to spare you can access one or more of Singapore’s paid attractions. Or if you want to spend another day here and are looking for more free things to do in Singapore, look at Bukit Timah Nature Reserve for example, which is free nature reserve.