Budget Trip to Singapore: Free Attractions, Cheap Eats & Money Tips

I never thought I could visit Singapore while travelling Southeast Asia, never mind multiple times. Always hearing how expensive everything is, I assumed it would be way beyond my budget. Once I started digging around, I found out just how easy it can be to do a budget trip to Singapore.

There is no denying it, Singapore is painfully expensive, without careful planning (and this blog post) you can spend a fortune in 1-2 days.

It is a melting pot of cultures where in one day it can feel as though you have visited 4 different parts of the world; Singapore, China, India and the Middle East. For us, we booked tickets on a whim because many flights stopped there for a few hours so we thought why not make a few days out of it? As it was approaching I was so worried we would not be able to afford anything, I was so wrong!

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How Much Does Singapore Cost Per Day?

• Shoestring (S$85-100) Hostel dorm, hawker meals only, free attractions
• Budget (S$100-150) Budget hotel, hawker meals, MRT, some paid attractions
• Comfortable (S$150-200) Budget hotel, mix of hawker + restaurants, taxis

Daily Breakdown

• Accommodation: S$73-140/night
• Food: S$20-35/day – Eating at hawker centres keeps costs incredibly low
• Coffee at local cafe: S$3-4
• Water (refill for free at MRT stations): S$0
• Transport: S$8-12/day (based on 4-6 trips)
• Activities: S$0-30/day

Singapore vs Other Southeast Asian Cities

Bangkok: $30-45/day
Kuala Lumpur: $35-50/day
Singapore: $65-85/day
Hong Kong: $85-120/day

What makes Singapore expensive?
✗ Accommodation 50-100% more than Thailand/Malaysia
✗ Alcohol heavily taxed (beer $8-12 vs $2-3 elsewhere)
✗ Restaurants pricey ($15-30/meal vs $5-10)

What’s surprisingly affordable?
✓ Public transport (similar to Bangkok)
✓ Hawker food (comparable to Malaysia)
✓ Free attractions (more than most cities)

The budget line is that you will need to budget 2x what you’d spend in Thailand, but it’s still very doable.

Where To Stay In Singapore On A Budget

Honestly, searching for a budget friendly hotel in Singapore is slightly depressing, there are only a handful in good locations, but they do exist, and I’ve found the best ones below.

15 Money-Saving Tips for Singapore Travel

1. Get an EZ-Link card instead of buying single tickets – saves 10-20% on transport
2. Eat at hawker centres exclusively – $15-20/day vs $50+ at restaurants
3. Fill your water bottle – filtered water dispensers at MRT stations (save $15/day)
4. Stay near MRT lines – avoid expensive taxis
5. Visit free attractions first – 15+ free things mean you don’t need to pay for much
6. Shop at FairPrice supermarkets – grab breakfast items, saves $5-8/day
7. Use 7-Eleven for cheap breakfast – kaya toast + coffee $3
8. Skip Marina Bay Sands – viewing from Gardens by the Bay is FREE
9. Walk between neighborhoods – Chinatown to Marina Bay is 20 mins
10. Download the MyTransport app – real-time MRT info saves time
11. Avoid tourist restaurants in Haji Lane/Clarke Quay – 3x the price of hawkers
12. Visit during shoulder season (April-May, Sept-Oct) – cheaper flights/hotels
13. Book accommodation 2+ months out – prices rise closer to dates
14. Take free walking tours – several companies do tips-based tours
15. Use Google Maps offline – download Singapore map, save on data

Free Things To Do In Singapore

1. Gardens By The Bay

Did you know you can see most of the Gardens by the Bay for FREE? You only need to pay to access a few activities but they are pricey. Free admission allows you to see the nighttime light show, the large Kingfisher and Dragonfly lake, sculptures, heritage gardens, the sun pavilion, the canyon and the world of plants.

We decided to see all the free bits first and then decided what else we wanted to see. The views of Marina Bay Sands and the supertrees were incredible and could be viewed from most parts of the park.

I suggest visiting 3 hours before sunset, this is the perfect amount of time to see everything, have some food and see the light show. The light show was one of the highlights of my whole budget trip to Singapore, it was magical! The best part is that the light shows run twice nightly at 7:45pm and 8:45pm so you can plan your visit around dinner.

Although we did not pay to access the other attractions I do not feel that I missed out on anything. I had a brilliant time, saw everything I wanted to and more. Gardens by the Bay is the best thing to do in Singapore for free.

If you want to visit a paid area in Gardens By The Bay it is possible to buy individual tickets. You can book tickets here, the prices are as follows:

• Cloud Forest & Flower Dome $46 adult / $32 child
• Floral Fantasy $20 adult / $12 child
• OCBC Skyway $12 / $8 child
• Supertree Observatory $14 / $10 child

Getting there: Bayfront MRT Station, Exit B, then a 5 minute walk

2. Fort Canning Park

Another park, not as sparkly as Gardens by the Bay but it is still impressive. Once Singapore’s largest Christian cemetery and the headquarters for the British army during the Japanese invasion of Singapore in 1942, nowadays Fort Canning Park is a popular entertainment venue that is home to cocoa trees, chickens, 9 historical gardens and much more!

The park sits on a hill so you get some decent views of the city skyline. It is a nice place to escape the crowds and wander through Singapore’s history. There are several historical sites scattered throughout including old colonial buildings, a lighthouse, spice gardens and even the remains of a 14th century palace.

Getting there: Fort Canning or Clarke Quay MRT Station, 10 minute walk.

The best part is that it is right in the middle of the city but feels worlds away from the busy streets. Perfect for a morning stroll or an afternoon break between visiting other neighbourhoods.

3. Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade

Located a few metres from Gardens by the Bay the promenade offers breathtaking views of Singapore seafront and skyscrapers. If you are lucky you will also be able to see some local otters, currently there are two types, the critically endangered smooth-coated otter and the Asian small-clawed otter.

Aside from skyscrapers and otters other notable things to see here are the Merlion fountain, Helix Bridge, Spectra light show, rain oculus and Marina Bay Sands Hotel and Shoppes. There is also a rooftop garden/walkway on top of the Shoppes. Although the shopping centre has a large number of designer shops and may not be top of your list if you are visiting Singapore on a budget, I would still have a look around, there is a Venice-inspired indoor canal close to the Oculus and in general, it is interesting to walk around.

The whole waterfront walk from the Merlion to Gardens by the Bay is about 2km and takes around 30 minutes at a relaxed pace. It is especially nice in the evening when everything is lit up.

Getting there: Bayfront or Marina Bay MRT Station.

4. Chinatown

Colourful, vibrant and full of history, it is hard not to fall in love with Singapore’s Chinatown! It is another great place to explore on a budget in Singapore.

So what can you do for free in Chinatown? Links will lead you to Google Maps so you can easily save them for your visit.

Things To See In Chinatown

• Sri Mariamman Temple – colourful and peaceful Hindu temple. You must purchase a ticket if you plan to take photos inside
• Ann Siang Hill Park – small scenic park with fantastic views of the city
• Pearl’s Hill City Park – hilltop park, chance of seeing some otters
• Chinatown Street Market – great for browsing even if you don’t buy anything

Where to eat on a budget in Singapores Chinatown

• Maxwell Centre – home to the famous Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice
• Hawker Chan – the world’s first Michelin starred hawker stall. Their most popular dish is soy sauce chicken
• Chinatown Complex Market and Food Centre – there are so many affordable stalls here to taste some new and familiar dishes. It really is a maze of tempting smells!
• Oriental Chinese Restaurant – a taste of Northern China!

5. Little India

Little India took me completely by surprise, it truly felt like I was transported from Singapore to the streets of India, ok I guess it was not as busy but you catch my drift. It really is a kaleidoscope of colours and the scent of tasty food is certainly in the air.

Walking through the streets you will see colourful shophouses, sari shops, flower garland vendors and temples on almost every corner. The area comes alive especially on weekends when workers from South Asia gather here. It feels authentic and less touristy than some other parts of Singapore.

Things To See In Little India

• Sri Srinivasa Perumal Temple – Hindu temple dedicated to Vishnu
• Sakya Muni Buddha Gaya Temple – temple of 1,000 lights, with a 15-meter tall Buddha statue
• Tan Teng Niah House – notable colourful building, one of the last remaining traditional Chinese villas
• India Arcade – indoor market with everything from spices to jewellery
• Murals – there are many detailed and vibrant murals in Little India, perfect for photos

Getting there: Little India or Farrer Park MRT Station.

Where to eat on a budget in Singapore’s Little India

• Tekka Centre – huge hawker centre with authentic Indian food
• Chilli & Pepper
• Mustard
• Komala‘s Restaurants – great vegetarian South Indian food
• Khansama Tandoori

6. Kampong Glam

This area felt like I was back in Istanbul, the paths are lined with Turkish restaurants, Middle Eastern shops, Persian rugs and the spectacular Sultan’s mosque that takes centre stage.

There is not as much to do here compared to Chinatown and Little India but it is definitely still worth a visit. The vibe is more relaxed and the streets are great for wandering and taking photos.

Things To See in the Arab Quarter

• Sultan’s Mosque: Going back to 1929 this mosque is a snapshot in time, only a small number of repairs have been made. It truly is breathtaking with its gold domes and pastel shades.
• Haji Lane: Colourful lane filled with lots of restaurants, trendy shops and cafes
• Bussorah Mall: a pedestrianised street lined with palm trees and a fabulous view of Sultan’s mosque in the background. It is an extremely Instagrammable spot

Getting there: Bugis or Nicoll Highway MRT Station, 10 minute walk

Where to eat on a budget in the Muslim Quarter

It is worth noting that the cafes and restaurants on Muscat Street and Arab Street do not sell any alcohol. However, the coffee, pastries and koftas are very inviting! Also, the picturesque Haji Lane does sell alcohol.

• Pita Bakery – fresh pitas, falafels and hummus
• ENAK – Malaysian cuisine
• Overrice – healthy bowls, pitas and small bites
• Tarik – tea, coffee and small bites
• Honeybee – ice cream, lattes, bubble tea

7. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum

The Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Museum is one of Singapore’s most impressive free attractions and an absolute must-visit in Chinatown. This grand five-story temple was built in 2007 and houses what is believed to be the left canine tooth of Buddha, discovered in a collapsed stupa in Myanmar. The temple’s ornate Tang dynasty-inspired architecture is breathtaking, with intricate gold details, red lanterns, and elaborate wood carvings throughout. The main prayer hall on the ground floor is open to visitors and features a magnificent 15-meter-tall Buddha statue surrounded by hundreds of smaller Buddha figurines. The atmosphere is peaceful and reverent, offering a genuine insight into Buddhist culture and traditions.

Don’t miss the rooftop garden on the fourth floor, which provides a tranquil escape from the bustling streets below. The garden features a large prayer wheel, bonsai trees, and beautiful landscaping – it’s a surprisingly serene spot right in the heart of the city. The temple also houses a museum on the third floor displaying Buddhist art and artifacts from across Asia, though the real highlight is simply wandering through the different levels surrounded by the stunning architecture.

8. MacRitchie Treetop Walk

MacRitchie Forest is a suspension bridge walk set at a height of 25 meters that allows you to see Singapore in a different light. This scenic experience offers surreal views of the surrounding forest, serving as a respite in nature away from Singapore city.

The treetop walk itself is a 250-meter suspension bridge that sways slightly as you walk across it. From up there you can see the canopy and if you are lucky you might spot some monkeys or monitor lizards. The journey to reach the suspension bridge spans 3.5 kilometers and takes approximately 1.5 hours of walking through the forest.

The walk is well marked and relatively easy but you will work up a sweat in the humidity. It is best to go early morning (opening time is 7am) to avoid the heat and crowds.

9. Southern Ridges

The Southern Ridges is an elevated walkway that connects Kent Ridge Park, Telok Blangah Hill Park and Mount Faber Park. A walk here will serve you with panoramic views of the park and the Singapore skyline. As it is not a tourist hotspot, the area is pretty quiet and at times it can feel like you have the space all to yourself.

One of the most interesting features of the park is the Henderson Waves, the highest pedestrian bridge in Singapore. The iron arches completely curve and twist like a wave while the path slightly dips and rises. It is here that you will get some of the best views of the city skyline and also a place to rest under the various shelters.

The walk officially starts at Kent Ridge Park. The canopy walk here is only 10 minutes but there is a large variety of different species such as fruit bats, lizards, monkeys and birds. I did not see any monkeys but there are signs stating to watch out for them.

Getting there: Harbourfront MRT Station, then bus or taxi to start point at Kent Ridge Park

Where To Eat In Singapore On A Budget

If you are on a budget in Singapore then you will likely become familiar with Hawker centres. Hawker centres are basically food markets that serve a wide range of tasty, high quality and affordable food. Did you know that some are even Michelin-starred? Here are some in the city centre that you might want to save to your Google map list:

• Market Street Hawker Centre
• Hong Lim Market & Food Centre
• Maxwell Food Centre
• Lau Pa Sat
• Golden Mile Food Centre
• Chinatown Complex

Aside from Hawker Centres, two places I highly recommend that are affordable are Phat Fingers for tasty and affordable Korean fried chicken and cookie & coffee where you get a free cookie with every drink.

Getting around Singapore on a budget

Public transport in Singapore is efficient, convenient and widespread with an extensive network of buses, trains and taxis.

The easiest way to get around is on the MRT system with lines spanning the entire island. The carriages are clean, comfortable and have AC. The MRT stations are all very accessible with ramps and escalators.

You can expect the following costs:

• Single trip: S$0.90-2.40 depending on distance
• EZ-Link card: S$12 to start (S$5 deposit + S$7 credit)
• Tourist Pass: S$13/day, S$21/2 days, S$27/3 days

Is the Tourist Pass worth it? Only if you’re making 6+ trips per day. Most budget travellers find single tickets cheaper overall since major attractions are walkable from each other.

Singapore also has a fantastic bus network that covers virtually every corner of the city. Bus stops will display the bus number that stops there, you will also need to stick your arm out to signal for them to stop.

Additionally, the government promotes cycling with dedicated cycling paths throughout the city.

Singapore FAQ’s

How many days do you need in Singapore?

A: 2-3 days is perfect for seeing the main attractions without overspending. This gives you time for cultural neighborhoods (day 1), Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay (day 2), and nature walks or shopping (day 3). More than 3 days gets expensive quickly.

Best time to visit Singapore

Singapore experiences a tropical rainforest climate, meaning it tends to be hot and humid all year. The wettest months are November to January, while May to July tends to be drier.

The peak tourist season is from December to February. The shoulder seasons, such as April/May or September/October will be quieter.

What is the cheapest month to visit Singapore?

May through September offers the cheapest accommodation and flights, with prices 20-30% lower than peak season. Avoid December-January (most expensive), Chinese New Year (Jan/Feb), and major holidays when prices spike.

Is it expensive to visit Singapore?

Singapore is the most expensive city in Southeast Asia, but budget travelers can visit for $60-85 per day by staying in budget hotels ($40-70/night), eating at hawker centres ($3-7/meal), and focusing on free attractions. This is still 2-3x more expensive than Thailand or Vietnam, but very manageable with planning.

What is the cheapest way to travel in Singapore?

The MRT (subway) is the cheapest way to get around Singapore, costing $0.80-2.50 per trip. Get an EZ-Link card or tourist pass ($10/day unlimited) if making 6+ trips daily. Avoid taxis (expensive) and walk between nearby neighbourhoods when possible.

Is Singapore cheap to visit compared to other Asian cities?

No, Singapore is the most expensive destination in Southeast Asia. Daily costs are $60-85 vs $25-40 in Thailand, $30-45 in Malaysia, or $20-35 in Vietnam. However, it’s comparable to Tokyo ($70-100/day) and cheaper than Hong Kong ($80-120/day).

Do you need a visa for Singapore?

Thankfully a large number of countries can enter Singapore visa-free, you can find the list of countries that require a visa here. Everyone entering Singapore is required to complete the Singapore arrival card prior to arrival. This card will be linked to your passport, if you do not complete it then it will be flagged at the electronic passport gates and you will be required to join a queue at another desk.

You may also be asked for proof of onward travel and that you have enough funds for your duration of time in Singapore. I was not asked this but it is a good idea to keep it in mind.

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