Cheap Things To Do In Singapore

Singapore is a vibrant and vibrant city-state in Southeast Asia, often referred to as the “little red dot’ due to its small size. Singapore is a world-class shopping, dining and entertainment destination, boasting a unique blend of cultures, cuisines and architecture. In 2019, Singapore was ranked the world’s most expensive city by the Economist Intelligence Unit. Despite its reputation for being an expensive destination, there are plenty of ways to experience the city on a budget. From free and affordable activities, to discount passes and special offers, there are plenty of cheap things to do in Singapore.

A Brief History of Singapore

Singapore has a rich history stretching back centuries. The city-state was first settled by the Sumatran prince Sang Nila Utama in the 14th century. In 1819, the British East India Company established a trading post on the island, which led to the British colonization of Singapore. The city was occupied by Japanese forces during World War II, and later experienced significant economic growth during the post-war period. In 1965, Singapore gained independence and became a fully-fledged republic in 1965.

Today, Singapore is an ultra-modern metropolis with a population of 5.6 million people, comprising of Chinese, Malays, Indians and other ethnicities. It is renowned for its cleanliness, modern infrastructure and strict laws, as well as its diverse range of attractions and activities. Despite its small size and high cost of living, Singapore is packed with cheap and affordable things to do for tourists.

Top 10 Cheap Things To Do In Singapore

Singapore offers an abundance of free and affordable activities for budget travellers. Here are our top 10 picks for cheap things to do in Singapore:

1. Visit Singapore’s Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a stunning oasis of lush greenery in the heart of the city. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers visitors a chance to explore an array of stunningly landscaped gardens and explore their flora and fauna. Entry to the gardens is free, making it one of the most affordable things to do in Singapore.

2. Explore the National Museum of Singapore

The National Museum of Singapore is a great place to explore the country’s rich history and culture. This iconic building houses a variety of interactive exhibits and galleries which showcase various aspects of the city’s past and present. Entry to the museum is free for all visitors on Fridays from 6pm to 9pm.

3. Visit the Gardens by the Bay

The Gardens by the Bay is a stunning 101-hectare park located in the heart of Singapore. This park features an array of stunning gardens, including the Cloud Forest which is home to rare plants and flowers from around the world. Admission to the park is free, although visitors must pay to enter some attractions such as the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome.

4. Explore Chinatown

Chinatown is one of Singapore’s most vibrant districts and offers visitors a unique glimpse into the city’s Chinese heritage. Stroll through its streets and explore its many temples, local stalls and shops. Chinatown is also home to some of Singapore’s best hawker centres, where you can sample delicious local cuisine at very affordable prices.

5. Take a Walking Tour

Singapore’s walking tours are a great way to explore the city’s many sights and attractions at an affordable price. There are a variety of walking tours available which offer visitors a chance to explore different neighbourhoods and discover hidden gems in the city. These tours usually last around two hours and are led by experienced local guides.

6. Visit Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is a popular tourist destination located off the southern coast of Singapore. The island boasts a variety of attractions such as Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A Aquarium, Adventure Cove Waterpark and more. There are many ways to explore the island on a budget, including taking the free shuttle bus from VivoCity mall or walking across the causeway from mainland Singapore.

7. Take a River Cruise

A river cruise is a great way to explore Singapore’s iconic skyline from the water. There are several budget-friendly cruises available which offer visitors an insight into different parts of the city, such as Little India and Chinatown. Cruises usually last for around 1 hour and are an ideal way to take in some of Singapore’s famous landmarks from the water.

8. Go Shopping at Mustafa Centre

Mustafa Centre is an iconic shopping centre located in Little India which offers visitors an array of affordable items such as clothing, electronics, souvenirs and more. This 24-hour shopping mall is renowned for its unbeatable prices, making it one of the best places in Singapore to pick up discounted items.

9. Check out Haji Lane

Haji Lane is one of Singapore’s trendiest streets and offers visitors an array of independent boutiques, cafes and restaurants at affordable prices. This vibrant street is renowned for its colourful street art and unique atmosphere, making it a great place to explore on a budget.

10. Attend Free Events

Singapore hosts an array of free events throughout the year which offer visitors a chance to experience different aspects of the city’s culture for free. From outdoor concerts and movie screenings to food festivals and art exhibitions, there is plenty for visitors on a budget to experience in Singapore.

Popular Tours in Singapore

Visiting Singapore can be made even more memorable by booking a tour with GetYourGuide or Viator. Here are two popular tours that you can book online:

1. A 2-Hour Sunset Harbour Cruise with Viator

This 2-hour guided sunset harbour cruise allows visitors to experience Singapore’s stunning skyline from the water at an affordable price. The cruise departs from Central Pier in Clarke Quay at 6pm and takes visitors along some of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands and Esplanade Theatres on the Bay before returning back to Central Pier at 8pm. Along the way, passengers can enjoy complimentary drinks while admiring the breathtaking views from the boat deck or relaxing in air-conditioned cabins below deck. Book this cruise here.

2. A 4-Hour City Tour with GetYourGuide

This 4-hour guided tour takes visitors on an exploration of some of Singapore’s most iconic attractions such as Merlion Park, Chinatown, Little India and more. The tour departs from City Hall MRT station at 9am and visits key attractions such as Singapore Botanic Gardens and Marina Bay Sands before ending at City Hall MRT station at 1pm. The tour also includes complimentary snacks and drinks throughout the day as well as helpful commentary from experienced tour guides. Book this tour here.

In conclusion, there are plenty of cheap things to do in Singapore for budget travellers looking for an unforgettable experience in this vibrant city-state. From exploring its many attractions for free or at an affordable price, to opting for discounted passes or booking a tour online, there are plenty of ways to explore this diverse destination without breaking the bank!