Singapore is Southeast Asia’s glamorous poster child, synonymous with a splurge and known as one of the world’s most expensive cities. But amid the shiny high-rises, high-end cocktail bars and Michelin-star restaurants, you can find plenty of affordable and free things to do in Singapore from cultural landmarks to the city’s best-value food.
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Breakfast
Heap Seng Leong Coffeeshop
The charcoal starts flaming bright and early (from 5am daily) at Heap Seng Leong Coffeeshop, a beloved kopitiam (coffee shop). Singapore’s no-frills, nostalgic breakfast spots serve cheap and cheerful classics. The kaya toast, grilled over charcoal and slathered with butter and local coconut jam, is a must-order. And if you’re after a protein hit, add two soft-boiled eggs on the side and pair them with a kopi (coffee) or teh (tea) with condensed milk.
HK$24 (SG$4)
Kampong Glam
One of the city’s most photogenic areas, Kampong Glam was once the centre of Singapore’s Malay and Muslim communities. Today, it’s easy to spot thanks to the gleaming gold dome of Sultan Mosque and the narrow alleyways covered in striking street art. Pose for photos in front of the rainbow-coloured shophouses or window-shop down Haji Lane, one of Singapore’s narrowest and most vibrant streets.
Free
Fort Canning Park
Singapore is affectionately known as “Garden City,” and no trip is complete without visiting its many green spaces. Fort Canning Park is a historic hillside space that dates back to the 14th century, when Malay royals lived in its ancient palaces. It has served many purposes over the years – from burial grounds to army barracks. Today, visitors can wander through its nine historic gardens and search for the Instagram-famous Fort Canning Tree Tunnel . Hint: follow the crowds.
Free
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Lunch
Hawker Centres
Singapore’s hawker culture is so integral to local life that it was inscribed on Unesco’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2020. There are more than 100 hawker centres dotted across the city, each packed with stalls serving a range of dishes at wallet-friendly prices. If you’re after something a little more local, head to Hong Lim Market & Food Centre. Queue for spicy curry chicken, dumplings, handmade Malaysian-style dry noodles or whatever catches your eye.
HK$43 (SG$7)
Peranakan Museum
You’ll be walking a lot, so when the Singapore humidity kicks in, retreat to one of the city’s air-conditioned museums. Singapore’s Peranakan community – descended largely from early Chinese settlers who intermarried with local communities – has played a significant role in shaping the country’s cultural identity. The Peranakan Museum explores the community’s history through fashion, ceramics, jewellery and food traditions.
HK$109 (SG$18)
Chinatown
Hop on the MRT to Chinatown and admire its brightly coloured shophouses, elaborate street murals and bustling market stalls. If you’re looking for a moment of calm, step inside the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum , a four-storey attraction that is free to visit. Afterwards, pick up a souvenir or stop by Ri Ri Cha for a scoop of tea-flavoured ice cream.
HK$12 (SG$2) for the metro; HK$61 (SG$10) for ice cream
Credit: VUE
Credit: VUE
Evening: pre-dinner drinks
Marina Bay Sands
If there’s one defining landmark in Singapore, it’s Marina Bay Sands. In the city’s CBD, Vue has sweeping rooftop views of this architectural icon, along with one of the city’s best-value happy hours. Every day until 7.30pm, the bar serves SG$16 premium gin and tonics and SG$12 Italian beers. For the best views, book an outdoor table well in advance.
HK$73 (SG$16)
Credit: The Coconut Club
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Evening: dinner
The Coconut Club
Singapore may be renowned for its hawker food, but it’s also home to a trendy dining scene. At The Coconut Club ’s New Bahru location, the focus is on carefully sourced ingredients and modern takes on Singaporean favourites. Try dishes such as seafood laksa and ayam goreng berempah nasi lemak – all feature ingredients sourced from local producers and farmers.
HK$134 (SG$22)
Supertree Grove
Get back on the MRT and head to the famous Supertree Grove near Marina Bay Sands for Garden Rhapsody, a nightly light-and-sound show with themes ranging from Star Wars to 1970s disco. Look up at the towering Supertrees, some reaching up to 50 metres tall, and enjoy one of the city’s most striking public attractions.
Free, HK$12 (SG$2) for the metro
Marina Bay waterfront
It’s easy to blow your budget on Singapore nightlife, but one of the city’s best evening experiences won’t cost you a cent. Take a stroll around Marina Bay, where the 3.5km waterfront loop passes many of Singapore’s best-known sights, including the Marina Bay Sands , Helix Bridge and the Merlion statue. It’s the perfect way to round off the day.
Free
Total cost: HK$492 (SG$81)