In my previous post, I talked about the must-see tourist spots in Singapore. Today, I'll be sharing some awesome free attractions you definitely shouldn't miss when exploring the Lion City. By visiting these spots, you can save some cash for food, souvenirs, or shopping around Orchard.
Although entry to these places is free, it's important to keep them clean and respect the rules. Littering, damaging facilities, or smoking in prohibited areas could result in fines of up to SGD 500. So, let's dive into some fantastic free tourist attractions in Singapore!
First up on the list, we've got the iconic Merlion Park, home to the famous Merlion statue. It's definitely a must-visit spot in Singapore!
You'll see this fish-bodied, lion-headed statue pop up all over the internet as a top recommendation for things to see in Singapore. It symbolizes the country's history as a fishing village.
Merlion Park is open daily from morning to night and is free to enter. But heads up, it can get crowded, especially on weekends. To avoid the rush, consider visiting early in the morning or at night when it's much cooler. Just be prepared that snapping that perfect photo might be a bit challenging.
But there's nothing wrong with checking it out, right? I mean, a trip to Singapore just wouldn't feel complete without visiting the famous Merlion statue. So, just go for it and enjoy the experience! Plus, the view is stunning, so it's totally worth it. To get there, take the MRT to Raffles Place (NS26/EW14) or City Hall (NS25/EW13) station.
Another free and iconic attraction is Gardens by The Bay, a massive 101-hectare green park area located next to the Marina Bay Waterfront.
I was a bit confused at first because this place is real massive. But then I knew that the garden is divided into three parts - Bay South Garden, Bay East Garden, and Bay Central Garden - and can be accessed from any entrance.
At Gardens by The Bay, you can explore various plants, conservation areas, and attractions, such as the Flower Dome, the world's largest greenhouse.
Entry to the park is free, and you can enjoy the Spectra Light Show and Garden Rhapsody at night. It was truly an amazing experience as you can see the light that totally syncs in with retro music.
Just enjoy and have a blast at this spot, especially from late afternoon to evening, when you can truly soak in the chill and laid-back vibes of Singapore.
By the way, this garden is free to enjoy but if you want to explore some of the paid attractions like the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest, or Flower Fantasy, you can grab tickets either in person or online through various platforms. The last thing is, to reach Gardens by The Bay, take the MRT to Bayfront (CE1/DT16) or Gardens by The Bay (TE22) station.
Another free spot to visit is the Singapore Botanic Gardens, a favorite of both locals and tourists. My husband and I also love this place because this tranquil, clean, and cool space is perfect for unwinding.
Here, you can explore various gardens like Ginger Gardens, Botany Center, Swan Lake, Learning Forest, and the National Orchid Garden.
The Singapore Botanic Gardens includes to a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the first and only tropical botanical garden on the list.
It's also the first botanical garden in Asia and the third to be listed as a heritage site after Orto botanico in Padova and the Royal Botanic Gardens Kew in England.
Don't miss out on this beautiful attraction, especially since there's no entrance fee. To get there, take the MRT to Botanic Gardens (CC19/DT9) or Napier (TE12) station.
Orchard Road, a favorite shopping destination among tourists visiting Singapore, comes in at number four on our list of free attractions. This bustling street boasts a variety of shopping malls, ranging from upscale, high-end brands to more affordable options.
The reason it's on our list of free attractions is that you don't need to spend a dime if you're just strolling around and soaking up the atmosphere. Orchard Road offers more than just shopping; it also provides a unique ambiance and a break from the typical busy, dusty streets.
Many people enjoy hanging out around the malls. My husband and I like to grab a famous ice cream sandwich sold in front of the malls.
For just SGD 1.50. we can enjoy the delightful snack in Singapore while watching people pass by and enjoying Singapore and its hustle bustle. Give it a try!
If you've just landed at Changi Airport and can't wait to explore Orchard Road, check out this tutorial on how to get to Orchard Road from Changi Airport by MRT and bus.
I seriously can't say it enough – Jewel Changi is a must-see and accessible attraction for everyone. As the name implies, Jewel Changi is part of the facilities at Changi International Airport.
Jewel was developed to expand Changi Airport and make Singapore a top destination with the world's leading airport.
And honestly, it shows. Jewel now offers visitors a blend of nature, thrilling game attractions, shopping experiences, relaxation, and a diverse range of tasty eats. So instead of just using the airport for transit or transfers, people can play, shop, and eat out.
As I mentioned before, Jewel is free and open to all. But if you want to try out some of the games – like Canopy Park, Canopy Bridge, Hedge Maze, Mirror Maze, and Manulife Sky Nets – you'll need to pay an entrance fee.
You can buy tickets individually or in bundles at the venue or online. If you're curious about the attractions that Jewel has to offer, find more information here.
If you just wanna wander around or take a leisurely stroll, there's no entrance fee. To get here, though, you will need to go through immigration checks to leave the transit area, so make sure you have all your valid documents and travel permits handy.
For a budget-friendly trip to Singapore with ample photo opportunities, visit Haji Lane Street. This narrow street, lined with houses and shops, is home to hidden gems like bookstores, charming cafes, and delicious Asian restaurants.
Historically, Haji Lane was a residential area for underprivileged Muslim communities and a stopover for pilgrims on their way to Mecca. Today, it has become a popular tourist destination, with the government preserving its unique architecture.
Haji Lane features colorful and aesthetically pleasing houses, shops, and cafes, making it a bustling spot for tourists snapping photos, enjoying coffee, and exploring.
Nearby, you'll find the Sultan Mosque, Arab Street, and Muscat Street. To get to Haji Lane, take the MRT to Bugis Station (EW12/DT14), exit at B, and walk towards Raffles Hospital.
Another must-see landmark in Singapore is the Helix Bridge. Inspired by human DNA, this pedestrian bridge connects Marina Center to Marina South in the Marina Bay area.
It is constructed from duplex stainless steel and features a fritted glass canopy, designed by a team of professional architects from Australia.
The Helix Bridge is free to visit and is adorned with stunning lights that follow the human DNA structure, making it an excellent photo spot at night.
Many people stroll around the Marina Bay area and capture pictures on the bridge, so it's best to visit at night when the view is more spectacular and the weather cooler.
To reach the Helix Bridge, take the MRT to Bayfront (DT16/CE1) or Promenade (DT15/CC4) station. Alternatively, from Bugis, you can take bus number 133 and alight at the Bayfront Avenue stop.
Located in the Marina Bay area, the Spectra Light Show is a free entertainment event that both locals and tourists can enjoy. This spectacular light show takes place at the Event Plaza, Marina Bay Sands, and features a combination of fountains and colorful lights projected from the top of the building.
The 15-minute outdoor show is divided into four parts: symphonic fountains, vibrant visual projections, an intricate laser show, and lava and mist effects—all set to an orchestral theme. The dancing fountains are also periodically updated with new themes, such as the Frozen Themed Fountain Show from February to March, ensuring a fresh experience for visitors.
The Spectra Light Show takes place at 8pm and 9pm from Sunday to Thursday, with additional 10pm shows on Fridays and Saturdays.
To get there, simply head to the front of the Event Plaza, a short walk from The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. The MRT or bus routes to the Spectra Light Show are the same as those for the Helix Bridge.
Another free attraction in the Marina Bay area is the Marina Barrage. I think this unique site combines educational opportunities with fun water-based recreational activities.
In Singapore, even ordinary structures like dams can be transformed into engaging spaces to unwind. Built along the 350-meter-wide Marina Channel, Marina Barrage is the country's 15th dam and has a catchment area of 10,000 hectares.
When the water is calm, visitors can partake in activities like kayaking and other water sports. For those who prefer to stay dry, picnicking and kite flying are popular alternatives.
My husband and I kind of regretting this moment because we didn't bring any mat to lay down just like the others lol. I was personally amazed how Singapore's government creates this space for their people and tourists, generally.
Marina Barrage also serves as an educational tool for children, demonstrating how dams can help reduce the risk of flooding in lower areas during heavy rainfall. During such weather events, the dam's nine floodgates are opened to release excess rainwater into the sea at low tide.
To make the most of your visit to Marina Barrage, plan your route to include nearby attractions and consider the MRT lines and the timing of each tourist attraction. This way, you can experience multiple attractions efficiently. Hope this helps!
In conclusion, these nine free tourist attractions in Singapore offer a diverse range of fun and engaging experiences. Whether you've visited some or all of these attractions, we'd love to hear about your experiences in the comments section. We look forward to sharing more travel articles with you in the future!
