Thanks to its ultra-bustling and vibrant metropolis, Singapore has consistently ranked among the world's top destinations. It has loads of epic attractions, whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or looking to soak up new urbanscapes. The best part? Many of these experiences are free!
Here are 20 Singapore tourist spots guaranteed to help you make the most of your time without hurting your wallet.
Capture Insta-Worthy Views
If developing breathtaking panoramas was a sport, the Lion City would win with its remarkable urban design. Here are three must-visit places in Singapore to soak in the iconic skyline.
1. Merlion Park
Posing with the Merlion statue, especially when it spouts water, has become the quintessential photo to mark a Singapore trip. Apart from providing a stunning view of Marina Bay Sands, the park glows at night when the Merlion and the surrounding landmarks are illuminated.
Address: Merlion Park, Fullerton Road, Singapore
2. Waterfront Promenades
Pick from these two Singapore tourist spots: Marina Bay or Esplanade. The waterfront promenade encircling Marina Bay lets you see Singapore's skyline from different vantage points. Esplanade's Waterfront offers unobstructed views of the Marina Bay Sands, Merlion Park, and the ArtScience Museum.
Address: Marina Bay, near Bayfront Avenue/Esplanade, at Esplanade Drive
3. Helix Bridge
The Helix Bridge measures 280 meters in length, making it the country's longest pedestrian bridge. It features five extended platforms that offer panoramic views of Marina Bay and the Marina Channel. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of boats passing beneath the bridge!
Address: Helix Bridge connects the Youth Olympic Park near Esplanade and Marina Bay Sands
Catch Free Shows
After taking photos of the architectural wonders of Marina Bay Sands and the Esplanade, return in the evenings to catch some unique entertainment.
4. Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza
Head to the Event Plaza of Marina Bay Sands to catch "Spectra – A Light & Water Show." This 15-minute show features dancing fountain jets, lasers, lights, mist, and orchestral music. It happens every night at 8 p.m. and 9 p.m. from Sunday to Thursday, with an additional 10 p.m. show on Friday and Saturday.
Address: Marina Bay Sands, Bayfront Avenue, Event Plaza Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
5. Esplanade's Outdoor Theater
If you plan to pay homage to the iconic Merlion statue along the Marina Bay Waterfront, make the most out of your visit with a detour at the DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre at the Esplanade. Fronting Marina Bay, the theater hosts free performances by local musicians, artists, and even circus performers.
Address: DBS Foundation Outdoor Theatre, Esplanade Drive, Singapore
Uncover Diverse Traditions
Get schooled in Asian folklore, discover temples and shrines, and embrace the charm of traditional Chinese villa living at these free attractions in Singapore.
6. Haw Par Villa
Not your average theme park, Haw Par Villa is famous for its artistic depictions of Chinese mythology and legends—think big, colorful sculptures and quirky (some call it bizarre) dioramas. You'll feel like you're transported to another world with lots of IG-worthy spots for your content. Park entrance is free, though you need to purchase a separate ticket to access their most popular exhibit: Hell's Museum, a.k.a. the world's first and only museum about death and the afterlife.
Address: Haw Par Villa, Pasir Panjang Road, Singapore
7. Buddha Tooth Relic Temple & Museum
Make a pit stop at this jaw-dropping architectural masterpiece that houses the left canine tooth of the Buddha. While you can't see this sacred relic (it's behind protective barriers), the sheer magnificence of the golden stupa made from 320 kilos of gold and the reverent atmosphere inspire awe. Need some serious calm? Take the elevator up to the rooftop garden for a serene escape.
Address: Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, South Bridge Road, Chinatown, Singapore
8. Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple
You can’t miss one of the oldest Hindu temples in Singapore, which has unique architectural features, including an elaborate gopuram (tower). The Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple's location is where a statue of the Elephant God was discovered next to a pond and a Chempaka tree (Senpaga in Tamil) in the 1850s. Today, the temple remains a place of worship for the Ceylonese Hindus.
Address: Sri Senpaga Vinayagar Temple, Ceylon Road, Little India, Singapore
9. Tan Teng Niah House
The house, built in 1900, remains as the sole Chinese villa in Singapore. It stands out in Little India with its kaleidoscope of colors, detailed wooden carvings, and Chinese, Malay, and European architectural styles. Tan Teng Niah House offers a glimpse into Singapore’s past when it would have been surrounded by cattle herders and rattan businesses.
Address: Tan Teng Niah House, Kerbau Road, Singapore
Discover Creative Inspiration
Roam these vibrant art, fashion, and design hubs that showcase local talents.
10. Haji Lane
Up your selfie game as you explore Haji Lane. This alleyway has indie cafés, hip boutiques, and colorful murals. Make sure to explore the rest of Kampong Glam and immerse yourself in the rich Malay culture, too. If you get hungry, sample budget-friendly eats from the street vendors—a must-try is the nasi lemak (rice dish) and teh tarik (Malaysian tea).
Address: Haji Lane, Kampong Glam, Singapore
11. Katong-Joo Chiat
Want more photo ops? Pose against the IG-famous colorful shophouses in Katong-Joo Chiat. Check out the pretty murals, explore the heritage shophouses, and discover charming eateries steeped in Peranakan culture.
Address: Katong-Joo Chiat, East Coast, Singapore
12. Design Orchard
Fashion lovers, don’t leave SG without making a pit stop at Design Orchard, an integrated hub showcasing the best of local design talent. Housing both emerging and established Singapore designers, it’s where any trendsetter can spend hours browsing through an impressive selection of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands. Fair warning: You can window-shop, but leaving the place empty-handed will be pretty hard once you see all the goods!
Address: Design Orchard, Orchard Road, Singapore
13. Gillman Barracks
Culture vultures will love Gillman Barracks, former military quarters turned not-so-secret art hideout west of Singapore. This art destination has galleries, delicious nosh, and cool events. If contemporary art is your thing, the Mucciaccia Gallery has an extensive selection of contemporary art by Italian and international artists. When you’re done, head to Fost Gallery to immerse yourself in the local art scene.
Address: Gillman Barracks, Lock Road, Singapore
14. Tiong Bahru
Prepare to be charmed by Tiong Bahru, which blends its historical past with a modern, hipster vibe. You'll spot low-rise apartment blocks with rounded balconies and spiral staircases, a more Art Deco architecture that’s uncommon in Singapore. The trendy cafes, independent bookstores, and boutique shops nestled among the older buildings make for a photographer's paradise.
Address: Tiong Bahru, near Seng Poh Road, Yong Siak Street, and Guan Chuan Street
Explore Green Escapes
Put on your best walking or running shoes and escape the urban hustle for the soothing melodies of nature. Here are some of the best tourist spots in Singapore if you’re craving lush greenery.
15. Gardens by the Bay
While the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome require tickets, the outdoor gardens of Gardens by the Bay are free! Explore the towering trees at Supertree Grove, especially during the nightly Garden Rhapsody light-and-sound show. You can also see the "Brain Cactus" at the Sun Pavilion, which showcases desert-like landscapes alongside its cactus collection.
Address: Gardens by the Bay, Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore
16. Singapore Botanic Gardens
Founded in 1859, the Singapore Botanic Gardens showcases over 10,000 plant species, including a vast collection of trees and orchids. Be sure to visit the "SPH Walk of Giants," an elevated boardwalk that rises to the height of a two-story building. From up there, you can look down into the treetops!
Address: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Cluny Road, Singapore
17. Fort Canning Park
If you love history and nature, you'll enjoy Fort Canning Park, once a hilltop residence for Malay kings in the 14th century. The park features nine heritage gardens, a walking trail showcasing spices, trees, and sculptures, and a museum with historical artifacts. Yes, you can enter for free! Just keep your eyes peeled for mischievous monkeys and jungle fowl.
Address: Fort Canning Park, bounded by Hill Street, Canning Rise, Clemenceau Avenue, and River Valley Road
18. Southern Ridges
This 10-kilometer trail connects the parks of Mount Faber, Telok Blangah Hill, and Kent Ridge via a series of elevated walkways and bridges. At Telok Blangah Hill, you'll come across Henderson Waves, a wood-paneled pedestrian bridge that's so high it's a regular hangout for birdwatchers!
Address: Southern Ridges via Kent Ridge MRT or HarbourFront MRT
19. Upper Seletar Reservoir Park
Climb the 18-meter-tall rocket-shaped tower at the Upper Seletar Reservoir Park. The tower, built in 1969, provides an awesome view of the surrounding greenery and reservoir waters. There are also jogging and cycling paths, as well as fishing grounds. An underrated destination, the park offers a great spot to slow down and unwind—away from the crowds.
Address: Upper Seletar Reservoir Park, Mandai Road Track 7, Singapore
20. Pasir Ris Park
One of the city’s so-called secret parks, Pasir Ris Park, boasts a 6-hectare mangrove forest, a butterfly garden, and a kitchen garden for herb lovers! You can even play hide-and-seek in a maze, perfect for all ages.
Address: Pasir Ris Park, Pasir Ris Road to Jalan Loyang Besar via Elias Road and Pasir Ris Green
Travel, Stay Connected, and Enjoy
From city sights to historic neighborhoods, plenty of Singapore’s tourist spots won’t put a dent in your wallet! Check them out, and prepare to fall in love with all the Lion City offers.
Stay connected to your family and friends while on the go with Globe’s postpaid and prepaid roaming promos. Simply register using the GlobeOne app to activate it, and you’ll have a worry-free adventure, no matter your destination.
