Last updated: January 2025
What are Free Things to do in Singapore this Weekend?
Want to explore Singapore on a budget? No problem! We have you covered. Singapore may be one of the most expensive cities to live in but you don’t have to burn your wallet while travelling around.
This city has so much that you could explore without spending a dime. Don’t believe us? Let us take you through the 51 things you can do for free in Singapore.
There’s more to this city than meets the eye. From monuments to night-attractions, there’s a whole bunch of things to do for free in Singapore.
If you are a tourist, all you need to do is take care of your flight and accommodation. There is a whole buffet of activities, attractions and places that you can visit on your trip to the Lion City.
Singapore can be equally fascinating for the locals as well. You don’t need to spend a lot of money to have a good time at weekends. Here are a few things that you can do for free to have a RAD time!
Temples and Arts Installations
Most of us see Singapore as a fast-paced city with corporate giants and buildings as high as the eye can see. But within the city, there are places that tell you stories of the rich Singapore heritage.
You must be wondering if you’ll have to buy a ticket to see these places? For some places, yes! However, we have a list of some of the most popular temples, museums and other heritage sites in Singapore that you can visit without having to buy a ticket.
If you are looking for cultural enlightenment, then the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is a good place to begin with. There are some great monasteries in Singapore that you could check out as well.
That’s not all! Singapore has some fascinating museums and art reserves representing the different cultures and communities that have been living here for ages.
If you want an enlightening perspective of History, Peranakan Museum and Asian Civilisations Museum are a must visit. Well here are some awesome images that might entice you to check out these great places for free.
1. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple
The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple is popularly known as the “Fo Ya Shi” and can be found in Chinatown. It is one of Singapore’s most popular temples built since 2007.
The temple features a massive statue of Guanyin, or the Bodhisattva of Mercy, which is said to contain 24 human teeth that are relics from the Buddha himself.
The chanting by the monks in the hall is so relaxing and the entrance where you can pray is spectacular. Inside is majestically beautiful.
This temple is probably one of the most important Buddhists centers in Singapore since it houses a tooth of Siddhartha Gautama – the founder of Buddhism.
How do I get to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple in Singapore?
To get there, just take the Mrt to Chinatown station. Take Exit A from there, it’s a short walk down straight through Chinatown Street Market!
Address: 288 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058840
2. Relish the Rich Colors of Haw Par Villa
You will be amazed at how Singapore houses so many Asian cultures that have originated from the roots of the most ancient civilizations.
Haw Par Villa has heaps of statues and dioramas depicting all sorts of folklore, religion, and mythology.
This park is a good place to check out and enjoy a bit of Chinese culture as well.
Learn about the 10 Courts of Hell, Confucianism and other Chinese mythologies reflecting Asian culture, history, philosophy & religion.
Do we need to pay to go in Haw Par Villa?
Not at all. Admission is free. Just take the train to Haw Par Villa MRT station (CC25) on the orange line.
Park Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday: 9am – 8pm (last entry 7.30pm)
Address: 262 Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore 118628
3. Get Artistic Inspiration at ION Art Gallery
This Gallery houses the creative works of local as well as international designers and artists. Fun Fact: it’s inside ION Orchard Mall, shopping after Art, so you kill two birds with one stone!
The place is quiet and nice and staffs were friendly and welcoming.
We really like that there’s always something different here.
Free Admission
Address: 2 Orchard Turn Singapore 238801 (ION Orchard – level 4 next to lobby A, Singapore 238801
Read also: Is Singapore Cheap for Shopping?
4. Submerge in the Architectural Bliss with a walk through Tekka Centre
Built in 1915, Tekka Centre is not just an Indian market.
This vibrant and bustling market is a food haven for delicious local delights and wet market for the freshest produces in town.
If you enjoy Singapore’s hawker cultures, also visit these highly recommended hawker centres in Singapore for cheap local favourites!
What does the word tekka in tekka Centre mean?
In hokkien, tekka means bamboo foot as this place used to have bamboo plants growing along the river bank of Rochor Canal.
Take the purple line to Little India MRT Station and walk towards Exit C.
Address: 665 Buffalo Road, Singapore 210665
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5. Explore the Art Décor at Tiong Bahru Precinct
What is nice at Tiong Bahru? Here is another one of Singapore’s oldest Housing estates to check out some unique and old architecture.
The shop houses at Tiong Bahru are also amazing homes to many cafes, just come over here sip a cup of coffee and enjoy brunch.
Tiong Bahru is also a district in Singapore known for its quirky, artsy vibe and trendy shops. It’s also home to many popular, restaurants and nightlife destinations, such as Merci Marcel Tiong Bahru (bohemian style cafe offering a French Balinese vibe), Por Kee Eating House 1996 (local stir fry dishes), and Fairytail Bar (halal bar).
Address: At Tiong Bahru
6. Learn about the Peranakan Lineage at Katong Antique House
Unbeknownst to most Singaporeans, the Katong Antique House is run by one of the oldest Peranakan families and has an amazing collection of antique articles.
Here is a great place to learn about Peranakan culture and history and receive an amazing peek into a colourful and rich culture born a century ago when the Chinese came down to Malacca, Penang and married the locals thus the first Peranakans or straits born Chinese.
The narrative was detailed and full of little anecdotes of those times.
Katong Antique House is a private museum and run tours by appointment.
Admission is $15.
Address: 208 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428907
7. Go Contemporary at the Art House
The arts house in Singapore used to be the home of the Singapore Parliament. Built in 1827, it is now a museum dedicated to documenting the history of art in Southeast Asia and playing host to art exhibitions and concerts.
The Art House doesn’t just capture but showcases creativity as well. If you are big on art, this is your next destination!
Address: 1 Old Parliament Lane, Singapore 179429
8. Learn Singapore History at the Museums
Singapore may seem small to you but it has various mind-blowing Museums. Start your free tour at the National Museum of Singapore!
Museum goers often forget that museums are not just about art. They also offer a wealth of educational opportunities, whether it’s the history behind an artefact or the science behind an exhibit.
Singapore’s Museum is no exception and offers fascinating exhibitions on a wide range of topics such as maritime history, architecture, natural sciences, and folklore.
Address: 93 Stamford Rd, Singapore 178897