Free Things to do in Singapore

By Adam Fraiel
Published: July 18, 2024
Singapore Light Show

Singapore is an expensive, luxurious city, but there’s still plenty to see and do on a budget. You don’t need to break the bank to have an unforgettable Garden City experience. So, put your purse away and check out our favorite free things to do in Singapore!

Wander through Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay offers a magical experience with its lush greenery and mesmerizing nature. This multi-award winning construction is one of the most visited gardens in the world, housing the world’s tallest indoor waterfall and the largest greenhouse.

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The Flower Dome and Cloud Forest are both cooled by a climate-controlled mountain mist system, meaning it’s a breath of fresh air during the hot, sticky Singapore days.

There are paid sections, however it’s free to explore a good portion of the gardens. Plus, if you time it right, you can treat yourself to a free light show in the evenings too.

Snap a selfie with the Merlion statue

The Merlion statue is Singapore’s most iconic landmark and a go-to attraction for both locals and foreigners. A mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish, it’s by the waterfront and a great place for a selfie.

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Its fishlike body represents Singapore’s origins as a fishing village, while its head represents the city’s original name, Singapura (lion city) in Sanskrit.

It’s a popular spot for photographers, so try to get there early when it’s nice and quiet. You can find the statue in Merlion Park, just behind the Fullerton Hotel. Take the MRT subway to Raffles Place station or hop on bus 131.

Go green at the Singapore Botanic Gardens

Singapore’s Botanic Gardens is one of the most-visited tourist attractions in Singapore and for good reason - the Gardens are blissfully serene, and many people visit the Gardens for their daily stroll through nature. The Gardens house hundreds of species of native and exotic plants, as well as a beautiful orchid garden, and serve as a home for animals such as snakes and turtles.

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Established in 1859 as a tranquil place to rest and recuperate for workers in the bustling port city, Singapore’s Botanic Gardens are accessible for all in the heart of the city. With a restaurant, cafe, as well as a playground for children, it’s the ideal spot for families, couples or just solo wanderers looking for some quiet time.

Watch the light show at Marina Bay

One thing you won’t be short of in Singapore is a light show. There are shows in the various gardens, Sentosa island, Faber Peak, and more.

Our advice: time your evening stroll so you’re around The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands just before sunset, and keep your camera handy.

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It only lasts 15 minutes, but the Spectra light show will stay with you forever. The waterworks combined with the lighting, combined with the backdrop of the Singapore skyline - perfection!

Another free light show well worth visiting is Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay. Lay beneath the Supertree Grove and soak in the heady mix of dazzling lights and orchestral soundtrack. Believe us, you’ll wish it lasted longer than just 15 minutes.

Have a day at the beach

Whatever your dream beach vacation - relaxing under a palm tree, cocktails and live music, or adrenaline-fueled watersports, you’ll find them all in Singapore.

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Sentosa houses several of the most popular beaches - Silosa, Tanjong, and Palawan being the most famous. They may be artificial, having the sand imported from Malaysia and Indonesia, but that doesn’t make them any less dreamy.

If you want to head a little further out, away from the immediate crowds, consider a trip to St. John’s Island. You can’t stay on the island, so take a ferry for a day trip from Singapore’s main Marina South Pier. With lagoons, caves, and mangroves to explore, be sure to pack a waterproof camera.

Stargaze at Seletar Rocket Tower

Dreaming of strange new worlds? Head to Seletar Rocket Tower for a spot of stargazing.

Seletar Rocket Tower is a rocket launch pad in Singapore. Built in 1961 by the Royal Air Force, the tower is now used as an observation tower for stargazers.

Built on a hill, the tower is 120 meters tall (about 400 feet) and offers a panoramic view of the surrounding areas. It’s accessible by stairs or by lift; however, the stairs are steep. If you are looking for an adrenaline rush, try the spiral staircase that leads to the topmost platform of the tower.

On clear nights, you can see the moon, stars, and even constellations. The best time to go is during the summer months, from April to September, when the sky is clearest but, even if it’s cloudy, you’ll still get a spectacular view of the city.

Take a hike

For the more active travelers out there, Singapore is full of various hikes and walking routes, catering to a gentle stroll with kids up to a 39km, 12-hour coast-to-coast hike.

While the 39km route might be a little extreme, the shorter routes are a nature lover’s dream. The MacRitchie Reservoir has the perfect mix of shorter, more accessible boardwalk trails and longer, more advanced hikes.

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Whichever you choose, you’ll be wandering through the rainforest with the chance to spot monkeys, lemurs, and rare exotic birds. There’s even a treetop walk across a suspension bridge 25 meters high.

It’s free to enter, opening daily from 6AM until 7PM.

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Adam Fraiel
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Singapore's Civic District
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Things to do in Singapore's Civic District

Heading to Singapore's Civic and wondering what things you can do while you're there? In this article, we'll explore the best activities to try out on your visit. So, whether you're looking for culture, fun, or relaxation, we've got you covered. Read on, and discover the Civic District's best bits! Including: National Museum of Singapore Puzzle Hunt in Fort Canning Park The Battlebox The National Gallery Raffles Courtyard and Long Bar and more! Visit the National Museum of Singapore We'll start with one of the joys of taking a vacation - exploring and understanding a new culture. And with a melting pot of so many seemingly disparate cultures found in Singapore, you'll need to explore the state's past, present, and future to get the bigger picture. That's where the National Museum of Singapore comes in clutch. Journey through its galleries, and you'll discover what drives the beating heart of Singapore. Through world-class exhibitions, visually captivating art installations, and an exploration of local festivals, you'll learn about Singapore's rise into one of the most visited places on the planet. And you'll see where it all began. Try a Puzzle Hunt in Fort Canning Park If you're looking for things to do in Singapore's Civic District, put your thinking cap on and try your hand at a puzzle scavenger hunt in the area's Fort Canning Park. Think outdoor escape room mixed with roleplay. Embody the life of a soldier as you search for the secrets to Singapore's army. Hunt for clues, solve riddles, and work your way across the city to see if you can win the ultimate prize. Fun solo, but more fun in a group; it's a great way to get outdoors and see the sights while putting the grey matter to the test. Get historical at the Battlebox Keeping on the military theme, if you like exploring the history and tactics of war, then you should definitely visit The Battlebox. Located on the top-secret site where officers directed the Battle of Singapore in the Second World War, you'll be able to explore recreations of the men, the machinery, and the maps they used to direct the assault. Worm your way through the actual rooms and corridors they walked, and see some authentic wartime artifacts while you're at it. Take a guided tour, or dare to travel the labyrinth of underground tunnels yourself. However you choose to explore The Battlebox, you'll learn how the allies won and discover the tension and drama behind the decision to surrender the much-vaunted 'Singapore Fortress' on 15 February 1942. For history buffs with a penchant for war, it doesn't get much better than that. Image courtesy of Miguel Vidal/Shutterstock Take a look around the National Gallery If you like your culture with a hefty spoonful of brush strokes, then the National Gallery is one of the best things to do in Singapore's Civic District. Held in the city's old City Hall and Supreme Court buildings, the National Gallery offers a massive 64,000 square meters of artwork. You'll find plenty of mainstay exhibitions along with rotating exhibits, including 'Siapa Nama Kamu?', or 'What's your name?'. It explores the life and times of Singaporeans through local art, examining the effect art has on the community. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to immerse themselves in art and local culture in one fell swoop. But that's just one of the many fantastic installations you'll find inside this massive space, so head inside and get exploring. And when you're done, pick up a keepsake from one of the many shops you'll find on-site. Get refreshed at Raffles Courtyard and Long Bar After a long day of sightseeing, you might want to put your feet up and enjoy a refreshing beverage. If so, head to Raffles Hotel and check out the Courtyard Bar, where you can get a drink from us. Raffles Courtyard is something else, mimicking a beachside paradise replete with palm trees and tiki tents. It's the perfect place to relax, and take a moment to drink in the city. Of course, that's not the only thing you'll be drinking in, thanks to the complimentary offering you can get with Go City! And hey, if you stay for a few more - no judgments here. See a show at Victoria Theatre and Victoria Concert Hall Another of Singapore Civic District's biggest draws is the Victoria Theatre & Victoria Concert Hall, where you'll find plenty of live performances throughout the year. Having been recently refurbished, you'll be treated to a top-tier experience from the moment you walk in the door. Home to the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. or SSO, we're sure they appreciate the improved acoustics that transforms the theatre's already impressive sound. Check out their site to see when the SSO, or a variety of performers, are playing, and grab a ticket! Game on at Zero Latency If you want thrills, spills, and chills in a virtual space, then Zero Latency has got you covered. This Virtual Reality hotspot features tons of immersive experiences that will have you sweating, laughing, and screaming - in that order. Team up with a crew to slay zombies, robots, and other cannon fodder, or work together to solve puzzles. You can even take part in some sports activities, if Singapore's famous weather swings towards the wetter end. Whichever you pick, you're bound to have a grand time. Relax at The Thai Spa We'll end our guide of things to do in Singapore's Civic District with the ultimate relaxation experience. If you need your back kneaded and your joints cracked, head to The Thai Spa and let them do their thing. Alongside massages, you can try aromatherapy, and even take part in some ancient Thai rituals, if you're feeling adventurous. With a focus on organic goodies, you'll be sure to refresh both your body and soul. So, if you need a break from all your exploring, go knock on their door. And that about does it for our guide to Singapore's Civic District. Looking for more things to do in Singapore? Check out Go City! With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can experience all the best bits of Singapore for one low price!
Dom Bewley
Two people cycling in front of a temple with a golden dome, Singapore
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Discover the top Singapore spring events 

Spring in Singapore is a delight. The months of March, April and May sit neatly within Singapore’s dry season. There’s therefore little rain, although the odd thunderstorm can still strike early on. At the same time, humidity is low and though sunny, Singapore in spring isn’t oppressively hot either. The result is a plethora of Singapore spring events to watch out for. They range from Vesak Day to the Singapore International Festival of Arts, meaning you won’t be left reeling for things to do. If you’re heading to Singapore in March, April or May, be sure to add these top events to your list of must-visit attractions! Spring cultural events in Singapore Usually taking place in early April, the Chinese festival of Qingming continues to have a powerful hold over Singapore. Normally translated into English as Tomb-sweeping Day, it’s best thought of as a day to celebrate lost loved ones. Families with Chinese ancestry across the island head to the gravesites of parents and grandparents. But far from being a somber occasion, Qingming is celebratory in nature. Tombs are cleaned and freed of vegetation, whilst gifts of food such as rice and wine are often brought as offerings. Easier to spot for passing visitors to Singapore in spring is the burning of paper money. Now often purposely bought ‘fake’ notes, burning the money allows it to ascend into the heavens for use by the ancestors. Very different in outlook is May’s Vesak Day. Commemorated by Singapore’s Buddhist communities, it’s sometimes also known as Buddha’s birthday. Marking the birth, enlightenment and death of the holy figure, adherents participate by laying flower garlands at temples and releasing birds in an act symbolizing generosity. Little India’s Temple of a Thousand Lights (Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya) helps lead the celebrations, and all are welcome. Getting out and about in Singapore in spring Equally hospitable but completely different again is Singapore’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations on or around March 17 of each year. The two day street festival takes place on Boat Quay in honor of Ireland’s patron saint. Centered around a parade which takes place on Circular Road, there’s lots of activities aimed at kids, alongside ample opportunity to grab a pint of Guinness. It would be rude not too after all! Spanning four weeks from May into June, the Singapore International Festival of Arts is one of the most popular events in Singapore. And with good reason. Matching the work of local artists with those from countries around the world, its performance schedule includes the traditional and the contemporary. The visual arts are well represented, but so is the theater, dance and music. Celebrating the rejuvenation of the Singapore River from polluted industrial water way to favorite hangout spot is the Singapore River Festival. Throughout April Boat Quay, Clarke Quay and Robertson Quay play host to a series of special events, in addition to their bar and restaurant terraces. They include workshops and movie screenings, as well as the chance to buy a specially prepared picnic hamper for those looking to linger. Explore the outdoors with Singapore spring events If you thought you had to head to Tokyo to experience sakura (cherry blossom season), think again. In recent years, Singapore has become a great alternative. Gardens by the Bay hosts a dedicated Sakura Japan Fair at the end of March. Visitors can take in more than 20 different species of flower in white and pink. There’s also a Japanese street fair, tea ceremonies and various other events linked to the land of the rising sun. But the essence of sakura can also be enjoyed at several other locations thanks to Singapore’s reputation as a garden city. Jurong Lake Park to the west of downtown is one spot, alongside the largely unknown Japanese Cemetery Park in residential Hougang. Then take advantage of the clear blue skies to enjoy the open-top ride of Big Bus Singapore. A one day ticket puts you in easy reach of many of Singapore’s top attractions, meaning there’s no excuse for missing Singapore Botanic Gardens or even a drink in the famed Raffles Long Bar. Don’t forget about Singapore’s incredible museums! The weather outside might be perfect, but you shouldn’t forget about Singapore’s museums. The country’s oldest is the National Museum of Singapore, an organization dedicated to detailing the history, art and culture of Singapore and Singaporeans. Standing pride of place on Stamford Road, it contains thousands of fascinating artefacts, from ancient carvings to seats from Singapore Airlines first A380. Although small, The Battlebox (the popular name for Fort Canning bunker) is no less fascinating than the National Museum for history lovers. It focuses on the sometimes-traumatic events of the Second World War in Singapore. Delving over nine meters beneath Fort Canning Hill, it was used as a British command post before the island surrendered to Japanese forces. Today it’s set up to depict the last days in the Battle of Singapore, having been lost and then rediscovered in 1988. Switching away from Singapore’s illustrious history, the ArtScience Museum intertwines these two disciplines in 21 galleries located within the lotus flower building at Marina Bay Sands. Its 6,000 square meters of exhibition space are given over entirely to temporary exhibitions, meaning you never quite know what to expect. The world of Harry Potter, photography of Annie Leibovitz and Egyptian mummies from the British Museum have all featured previously. How to save on Singapore attraction admission We all want our money to stretch further. And now it can. Travel with Go City in hand and you can make savings on admission to many of Singapore’s top attractions. From art galleries to puzzle hunts we’ve got you covered! So why not check out whether our All-Inclusive or our Explorer pass is right for you? Then share your adventures in Singapore with us by tagging @GoCity or using the hashtag #GoCity on your socials to feature on our Instagram or Facebook pages. Here you’ll also discover all the latest news from Go City, alongside exclusive competitions, special offer deals and even suggestions for your next vacation!
Alex Birungi
Friends Having a Picnic
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Singapore’s Top Picnic Spots for Sun, Snacks and Scenery

Planning a picnic in Singapore? We’ve rounded up the green gems that will make your outing unforgettable!

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