Free Things to do in Singapore this Weekend 2023 – All You Need to Know
Daphne has always had a passion for writing and a love for exploring new experiences and trends. After completing her degree in journalism, she began her career as a lifestyle writer for a popular online publication in Singapore. She has since built up an impressive portfolio of articles covering a wide range of topics, from food and travel to fashion and beauty.
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
Recommended: Best Laksa Products in Singapore You Must Try
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
9. Offer a Prayer at the St. Andrew’s Cathedral
Check out the beautiful antique architecture of the oldest cathedral in Singapore in the heart of the City Hall area.
The 161 years old St Andrew’s Cathedral in Singapore is a popular tourist destination for its impressive architecture and history.
It is now used as the main place of worship for the Anglican community in Singapore, and also functions as a wedding venue.
Address: 11 St Andrew’s Rd, Singapore 178959
10. Get some Indian Vibes at the Sri Mariamman Temple
Presenting different deities of the Hindu mythology, the Sri Mariamman Temple is an awe-inspiring 6-storey structure that is absolutely worth visiting.
Built in 1827, Sri Mariamman Temple is the oldest Hindu temple in Singapore.
The main festival celebrated at Sri Mariaman temple is Theemithi (Fire walking ceremony) held annually every October or November.
What is Mariamman the goddess of?
Mariamman is the hindu goddess of rain. She is often worshipped for her power in curing illnesses and diseases.
Address: 244 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058793
11. Pick up a Vegetarian Meal at Kong Meng San Phor Kark See Monastery
This buddhist place of worship has stupas, prayer halls, a crematorium and a place of remembrance. We find this place a very interesting space to visit and to find some inner peace from the big Buddha to the library.
There are also amazing mural drawings depicting chinese folklores and fairies .
Need a vegetarian meal? Stop by Kong Meng San monastery and enjoy the hospitality of monks. Donate if you can!
When you step inside the hall, do remember to always take your shoes off!
Address: 88 Bright Hill Rd, Singapore 574117
12. Visit NUS for an Asian Art Tour
Did you know the most prestigious university in Singapore has its own museum? Well, take a tour then and check out some stunning Asian Art.
Address: 50 Kent Ridge Crescent, National University of Singapore, Singapore 119279
13. Prepare to get Goosebumps at the Bukit Brown
Creepy though it is, Bukit Brown is an old Chinese cemetery with exhumed graves of prominent personalities. Avoid going at night if you are faint-hearted!
Address: 36C Lor Halwa, Singapore 298637
14. Take a Trip East to the Coastal Settlements
This place inspires artists and photographers with its rustic charm. This hidden settlement has a bewitching old-world demeanor.
Address: 200 Netheravon Rd, Singapore 508529
15. Check out the HDB Town at Toa Payoh Heritage Trail
In the heart of Toa payoh, this ground hosted the Southeast Asian Peninsular Games in 1973. You’ll definitely love the place if you were born in the early 90s. Be brought back to the days when sandy playgrounds were the treasures of childhood.
Address: 6 Toa Payoh Central, Singapore 319191
16. Get Inspired at the Little India Arcade
Check out the first ever PGP stores at Little India Arcade started by P Govindasamy Pillai. The place has some amazing Indian shops offering a range of traditional stuff.
Address: 48 Serangoon Rd, #02-07, Singapore 217959
Activities and Playgrounds
Are you an outdoor person? Then there is an endless list of activities that you can pursue in Singapore for free. As you may already know, there are some amazing parks in the city where you could enjoy a stroll or picnic but the list doesn’t end here. Singaporean or not, you are going to love how the city unravels it’s natural beauty as you start moving outwards. So, make sure you are carrying your sports shoes with you because there’s a lot of ground to cover and experiences to relish.
Singapore has some amazing places where you could go hiking, cycling and swimming. These include (but are not limited to) Sembawang Hot Spring, Timah Mountain Bike Trail, Mount Faber, Xiao Gulin and many others. Visiting Singapore for the first time? No problem, you can take a guided tour! Singapore Footprints is an amazing source that offers free walks through the city to explore some amazing spots unfamiliar to a lot of locals.
If you are a Singaporean and have experienced all this then it’s time to look at your city from the eyes of a traveler. Ever heard of Couchsurfing? Well, it is the perfect activity if you like meeting new people from different cultures and ethnicities. If done safely, you can end up making some awesome friends from all corners of the world and explore Singapore from a different perspective. Let’s find out what are the outdoor activities you can do for free in Singapore.
17. Hiking at Mount Faber
An easy trail if you want to see what Singapore looks like from the top of Mount Faber. Not to mention, it’s a great way to workout!
Address: Junction of Kampong Bahru Road and, Telok Blangah Rd, Singapore 099448
18. Biking at Bukit Timah Mountain Bike Trail
Bukit is a 6-kilometer mountain bike trail! If you are someone who loves an adrenaline rush once in a while, suit up!
Address: 126F Rifle Range Rd, Singapore 588392
19. Interact with Nature at Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
Sungei Buloh Reserve is well hidden from the city and is common attraction for wildlife photographers. Taking the boardwalk through this place is a refreshing experience.
Location: Visitor Centre, 60 Kranji Way, #01-00 Singapore 739453
20. Try Couchsurfing
Connect with a local host through Singapore Couchsurfing and explore the city from the perspective of a local. Staying with native residents is an excellent way to make friends and it’ll also save you a lot of money!
21. Take a dip at Sembawang Hot Spring
Popular for its magical healing powers, Sembawang attracts a lot of tourists. Dip your tired feet into the water and feel the magic first hand.
Address: Along Gambas Ave, Singapore
22. Check out the City with Monster Day Tour
Organized by founder TY Suen, the walking tour unravels some of the most hidden attractions in Singapore. These kind people have 6 types of free tour, so do catch up their next free tours from tuesdays to sundays, 9.30am to 10pm.
Address: 71 Ayer Rajah Crescent, #04-01, Singapore 139951
23. Meet some Skaters at the Somerset Skate Park
It is one safe place where you can skate and practice graffiti without being dragged by the cops. Or you can just enjoy the local talent here.
Address: 1 Somerset Rd, Singapore 238162
24. Walk alongside the Lake at Xiao Guilin
Xiao Guilin is a cinematic spot having featured in various movies and shows. Don’t miss a chance to click some amazing pictures here.
Address: Bukit Batok East Ave 5, Singapore 650242
25. Go Fishing at Yishun Dam
This is one of the most crowd free spots in Singapore and a great place to fish. You can also visit this place at night for a romantic date.
Address: Yishun Ave 1, Singapore 769130
26. Hike through the Imbiah Trail
Imbiah Trail is a stone path surrounded by lush green trees. The place has a rich history with structures that were once used as arsenal, bunkers and watchtowers.
How to Get there: From the Imbiah Station, follow the maps and signages.
27. Go Running across the Punggol Waterway Park
Start your morning here with a rewarding jog and enjoy the beautiful green landscape with small canals.
Address: Sentul Cres, Singapore 821313
Night Attractions
Singapore is known across the globe for its amazing nightlife. The city comes to life at night! If you are a first-timer in the city, two eyes will seem a bit less to witness it all so prepare yourself to be stunned. From checking out the twinkling skyscrapers to watching movies under the stars; you’d be astonished to hear the things you can do for free in Singapore at night. One of the most popular of these is attending a free concert at Esplanade! From dance to band performances, this concourse offers some amazing free shows.
If you want to slow things down and are looking for a quiet-romantic setting? Changi Point Boardwalk and Meandering Southern Ridges are some good options to show your partner some love and spend quality time. Another good spot to visit at night is the Esplanade Roof Garden. The landscape of Singapore is quite unique due to some of these amazing parks and Gardens by the Bay is one of them.
Did you know that there are some clubs in Singapore that offer a couple of free drinks? So, girlies if you want to have a fun night out, there are some places you can start your party with a few free drinks. However, this is for ladies only! Sorry guys but here are a bunch of other places that are worthy of a visit.
28. Watch a Movie under the Stars for Free (Unavailable due to Covid)
Movie Mob gives you an amazing movie experience under the stars and clouds at different locations. Attend a screening and get a refreshing cinematic experience!
Status: Paused until further notice.
Address: 32 Eng Hoon St, Singapore 169780
29. Check out the Night-view of Singapore Skyline from ION Orchard
ION Orchard organises skyline tours daily! Register for ION Sky Admission and stop by at the 56th floor to see Singapore in a different light.
Address: ION, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
30. Chase the Dusk at Changi Point Boardwalk
Perhaps, one of the best views of the sunset in the city is available at Changi Point Boardwalk. A great place to impress your date!
Location: Changi Point Coastal Walk, 6 Changi Village Rd, Singapore 509907
31. Be Stunned at the Gardens by the Bay
Gardens by the Bay is the latest in the line of Singapore’s stunning attractions. It is a mesmerizing night experience and most certainly a spot you should hit if you are looking for a good place to click pictures.
Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953
32. Enjoy the Free Concerts at Esplanade
Check out the fresh talent of the city at Esplanade and enjoy some quality music, theatre and dance performances completely free of cost.
Address: 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981
33. Get the Panoramic View at the Southern Ridges
At 36m high, the Henderson Waves Timber Deck is the tallest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. The walk extending from Mount Faber to NUS at Kent Ridge is beautifully lit and a great way to get to know someone. Enjoy stunning views at several points along the 5 kilometres hike.
Address: Henderson Waves Timber Deck at Henderson Rd, Singapore 159557
34. Spend an Evening at the Esplanade Roof Gardens
Another Esplanade miracle! These roof gardens are perfect if you want to spend a low key evening. With the Singapore River and Marina Bay Sands in the frame, the view is a treat to the eyes!
Address: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, 8 Raffles Ave, Singapore 03980
Shopping and Free Markets
Do you end up spending more money than you intend to while you are shopping? We’d recommend you to try window-shopping at Singapore. Be delighted by all the variety of things on display in amazing stores. But if you think window-shopping is a bit dull, there are a couple of places in Singapore where you can shop without exceeding your budget.
Here’s a real delight! Have you ever come across a free market? Yes, you heard it right, a free market! Well, if not, then you must visit the Really Really Free Market in Singapore. Here everything is up for grabs free of cost, however, donating useful articles or money is a voluntary option. So if you are feeling really generous, it’ll be awesome to contribute something in good spirits.
Another good option is Singapore’s Mustafa Centre, especially if it’s late at night and you are out of places to check out. This place is open all 24 hours of the day. Although you won’t find free products here, this is one of the most reasonable shopping centers. It sells products from all around the world at affordable prices. Mustafa Centre is like Singapore’s own Walmart! Here are some of the flea markets and shopping spots that you can check out.
35. Pick some stuff at the Really Really Free Market
The place where you literally don’t need to carry any money is the Really Really Free Market in Singapore. The place also has various kiosks offering to teach different skills!
Status: Paused until further notice.
36. Be an Insomniac at Mustafa Centre
We just couldn’t miss Mustafa Center although buying stuff is not free here! It is a good place to shop and is open 24×7. You can find a lot of stuff here for cheap.
Address: 145 Syed Alwi Rd, Mustafa Centre, Singapore 207704
37. Hit the Food Center and Wet Market in Tekka Centre
The sole reason for mentioning the Tekka Centre is that this is a fascinating market for all to experience local life. Be it food, flowers, spices or souvenirs, you’ll find it all here! Experiencing the aroma is a bliss in itself.
Address: 665 Buffalo Road, Singapore 210665
38.Geek out at Absolute Comics
Do you collect comics? Then you would love the collection at Absolute Comics. Sometimes it’s not about acquiring, it’s about appreciating the good things! Geek out here with Xmen, star wars and Batman titles!
Address: 68 Orchard Rd, #B1-17, Plaza Singapura, Singapore 238839
Parks and Farms
Singapore is not just about beautiful gardens and high-rise buildings! In some concealed parts of the city are some amazing farms and parks that present Singapore in a very different light. Most of the young Singaporeans are unaware of the existence of these places and their natural beauty. Want to get some perspective about Singapore? Add these obscure places to your list.
Kampong Lorong Buangkok is one such place that exposes you to life in the suburbs and great opportunities to mingle with the people. It is a fresh experience if you have spent most of your life living in the heart of the buzz. Another such place is Farmart. It can also be an educational experience if you are visiting with your children and want them to learn about animals. Entering Farmart is absolutely free! However, if you want to feed the animals, you will have to pay a small amount for animal food.
Chek Jawa is next on our list just for the variety of biodiversity found there. But, that’s not the only reason one should visit this place. Chek Jawa is a beautiful beach where you can sunbathe and relax. Now that you are on the path of nature spree, don’t miss the Labrador Nature and Coastal Walk and just chill out with your friends. Want a list of places where you can explore nature? Take your pick here!
39. Go see the Dolphins at Sisters Islands Marine Park
Besides the rare dolphin sightings, Sisters Islands are known for the clear blue waters and rich coral reefs. It’s one of the nicest picnic spots in Singapore.
Take the ferry at
Marina South Pier, 31 Marina Coastal Drive, Marina South Pier, #01-04 Singapore 018988
Related: Top Beaches in Singapore
40. Walk through Kampong Lorong Buangkok
Despite the hard lives of people here, this place is an eye-opener and no mistake there! It has a suburban charm of its own.
Address: 219 Kallang Bahru, #04-00 Chutex Building, Singapore 339348
41. Spend some time at Animal Lovers League
If you love animals, especially dogs, Animal Lovers League is a great way to spend a weekend and volunteer for a great cause. They are always in need of people!
Address: 59 Sungei Tengah Rd, Block Q 01-29, Singapore 699014
42. Stroll through the Trees at MacRitchie Reservoir Park
Here’s another spot in Singapore with rich green surroundings! Take the treetop walk and observe the flora and fauna from a canopy level.
Address: Lornie Rd, Singapore 298735
43. Chill Out at Labrador Nature and Coastal Walk
Perfect place for an outing on a pleasant sunny day! This is a 2.1-kilometer walk through a number of parks and coastal ways.
Address: Along Labrador Villa Road
44. Meet the animals at Farmart
Farmart is an animal farm where you can go and feed a variety of creatures like goat, tortoise and rabbits.
Address: 67 Sungei Tengah Rd, Singapore 699008
45. Go Sunbathing at Chek Jawa
Apart from being rich in varieties of sea animals, Chek Jawa is a good place to spend a day with a mat and a couple of sandwiches.
Address: Chek Jawa Trail, Singapore
46. Absorb the Greenery at Singapore Botanic Gardens
Besides being a horticultural attraction, Singapore Botanical Gardens are known for the free concerts organized here by Singapore Symphony Orchestra.
Address: 1 Cluny Rd, Singapore 259569
47. Go on a Merlion Search throughout Singapore
You can start your own treasure hunt! Only, it’ll be Merlions instead of treasure. There are a total of 8 and searching for them is a great way to see the entire city.
Address: 1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049213
48. Fly Kites at Marina Barrage
Colorful kites brighten the sky here. Even if you don’t know how to fly kites, it’s a good place to walk across at dawn or spend a relaxing evening.
Address: 8 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018951
49. Take in the Coastal Breeze at Woodlands Waterfront Park
This is one of the most picturesque places in Singapore, especially at dawns and dusk. Not to mention an excellent weekend spot for people of all ages.
Address: Admiralty Rd W, Singapore 759956
50. Catch some Yabbies at the Lower Peirce Reservoir Park
This place is a fishing paradise! Collect your fishing gear and head to the rocks to catch some Yabbies.
How long is the Lower Peirce Reservoir trail?
The Lower Peirce Reservoir trail is also a popular hiking trail in Singapore that loops around the Lower Peirce Reservoir.
The trail is approximately 7 kilometers long and takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete, depending on your pace and level of fitness. The trail offers scenic views of the reservoir and surrounding nature, and is a popular destination for hiking, jogging, and birdwatching.
Address: 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
51. Take a Tour around HortPark and learn about Gardening
HortPark is a 9-hectare (22-acre) park located in the southwestern part of Singapore, near the Alexandra Arch and the Southern Ridges.
The park features a variety of themed gardens, including a butterfly garden, a herb garden, and a therapeutic garden, as well as recreational facilities such as a playground, a fitness corner, and a picnic area.
HortPark is also home to the HortCentre, a gardening resource center that offers workshops, courses, and events related to gardening and horticulture.
If you are a gardening enthusiast, you should absolutely check out the Gardener’s Day Out at HortPark.
Address: 33 Hyderabad Rd, Singapore 119578
Fun things to do this weekend in Singapore
Singapore is the perfect place to go for the weekend, with plenty of fun activities for everyone. From the crowd-pleasing Chinatown Food Tour to the intriguing Civil War Heritage Trail, there’s something for everyone.
Whether it’s soaking up the bustling atmosphere of Little India or indulging in the unique culture of Marina Bay Sands, there really is something to be explored and enjoyed.
So, grab your friends, family, and even your pet, and explore the unique attractions of Singapore this weekend. It’s worth it!
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