Singapore has a reputation for being expensive, and compared with many other destinations in Southeast Asia, it certainly can be. But you don’t need a huge budget to have a fantastic time here.
I’ve visited Singapore many times now, and one of the things I love about it is how easy it is to mix expensive attractions with things that cost very little – or nothing at all.
You can wander through colourful neighbourhoods, watch spectacular light shows, explore gardens and nature reserves, hunt down street art, visit temples and eat incredibly well at hawker centres without spending a fortune.
That leaves more room in the budget for the Singapore experiences you do want to splurge on, whether that’s visiting one of the Mandai wildlife parks, heading up to a rooftop viewpoint or finally ordering a Singapore Sling at Raffles.
Here are 32 of my favourite things to do in Singapore on a budget, from completely free attractions to cheap and good-value experiences, along with practical tips for keeping your costs down.
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Only have a few days? My 3 day Singapore itinerary puts many of these places together into a practical sightseeing plan.
See the Merlion at Marina Bay
FREE
You can’t really visit Singapore for the first time without stopping by the Merlion.
The half-lion, half-fish statue stands at Merlion Park overlooking Marina Bay and has become one of Singapore’s most recognisable landmarks.
It won’t take long to visit, but it’s free and you’ll get some great views across the water towards Marina Bay Sands.
And yes, this is the place to take that cheesy photo where it looks like the water is pouring straight into your mouth!
You can easily combine the Merlion with a walk around Marina Bay, the Esplanade, Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay for a day of sightseeing that costs very little.
Cost: Free
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place
Explore Marina Bay Sands Without Staying There
FREE – unless you decide to head to the top
You definitely don’t need to stay at Marina Bay Sands to have a look around.
Walk through the hotel and The Shoppes, wander along the waterfront promenade and continue through towards Gardens by the Bay.
If you want to splurge, you can head up to the SkyPark Observation Deck. I’ve been up there and the views are impressive, but it’s certainly not a budget attraction.
After dark, you can also watch Spectra, the free light and water show on the waterfront.
I’ve seen both Spectra and Garden Rhapsody, and if you only have time for one, I prefer Garden Rhapsody. But if you’re already at Marina Bay, Spectra is worth knowing about.
Cost: Free to explore; SkyPark Observation Deck costs extra
Nearest MRT: Bayfront
See the Supertrees and Garden Rhapsody
FREE
If you’re looking for one free thing you absolutely shouldn’t miss in Singapore, make it Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay.
I’ve seen this sound and light show many times now and I still go back.
The towering Supertrees light up in time to music, with different themes throughout the year. Shows are normally held twice each evening, making this an easy addition to a day around Marina Bay.
The outdoor areas of Gardens by the Bay are also free to explore. You only need to pay if you want to visit attractions such as the Cloud Forest, Flower Dome or OCBC Skyway.
Cost: Outdoor gardens and Garden Rhapsody are free; conservatories and Skyway cost extra
Nearest MRT: Gardens by the Bay or Bayfront
Discover Chinatown
FREE – unless all that food tempts you!
Chinatown is one of my favourite areas of Singapore and somewhere I return to on almost every visit.
You can easily spend a few hours wandering the streets, visiting temples, looking for murals and stopping to eat.
Don’t miss the impressive Buddha Tooth Relic Temple and Sri Mariamman Temple, Singapore’s oldest Hindu temple.
There are plenty of inexpensive places to eat too, including Maxwell Food Centre and Chinatown Complex Food Centre.
My advice is to wander beyond the busiest streets as well. Chinatown is compact enough that you can explore without much of a plan and see what you find.
Cost: Free to explore; food costs extra
Nearest MRT: Chinatown or Maxwell
Eat at Singapore’s Hawker Centres
CHEAP
Eating cheaply in Singapore certainly doesn’t mean living on supermarket sandwiches.
Hawker centres are a huge part of the Singapore experience and something I look forward to every time I visit.
You can still get plenty of meals for just a few dollars and try local dishes such as chicken rice, popiah, rojak, char kway teow, curry puffs, claypot chicken rice and putu piring.
Maxwell Food Centre is a good starting point around Chinatown. Tian Tian Hainanese Chicken Rice is probably its most famous stall, but don’t automatically assume the longest queue means you need to eat there.
Lau Pa Sat is another easy option for first-time visitors, particularly in the evening when nearby Boon Tat Street becomes Satay Street.
You don’t need to seek out the famous hawker centres either. I’m quite happy eating at whichever one happens to be nearby when I’m hungry.
If you want to hunt down some particularly well-regarded stalls, check the current Michelin Bib Gourmand and Michelin Selected lists. But you definitely don’t need a Michelin recommendation to eat well in Singapore.
Cost: Many dishes are around S$5–10
Visit the Singapore City Gallery
FREE
I’ll admit that a gallery about town planning might not immediately sound like one of the most interesting things to do in Singapore – but this one surprised me.
We were sitting at Maxwell Food Centre scrolling through our list of things we still wanted to do when I realised the Singapore City Gallery was right behind us. So we wandered over for a look.
Through interactive displays, maps and models, the gallery tells the story of Singapore’s development and looks at everything from housing and transport to urban planning and future projects.
The highlight is the huge scale model of Singapore, which really shows just how much thought goes into planning the city.
We spent about an hour here but could easily have stayed longer. In fact, we’ve already said we’ll go back.
It’s literally behind Maxwell Food Centre, so it’s an easy addition to a day in Chinatown.
Cost: Free
Nearest MRT: Maxwell
Take a Free Walking Tour
PAY WHAT YOU THINK IT’S WORTH
Taking a free walking tour is one of my favourite ways to start exploring a city, and I’ve done them all over the world, including Singapore.
They’re a great way to get your bearings while learning some history and picking up local tips you probably wouldn’t discover by yourself.
You’ll find tours covering areas such as Chinatown, Little India, Kampong Glam and Singapore’s Civic District.
I’ve previously done a walking tour around Little India and really enjoyed getting more of the stories behind the neighbourhood rather than simply looking at the buildings.
Just remember that “free” walking tours aren’t really free. There’s no upfront ticket price, but the guides work for tips, so budget something for your guide at the end.
Check out the Singapore Free Walking Tours here
Cost: No set tour price; tip your guide
Explore Little India
FREE – although you’ll probably want to stop for food
Little India is another of my favourite Singapore neighbourhoods.
It’s colourful, busy and completely different from the polished skyscrapers around Marina Bay.
Take a look at Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, wander along Serangoon Road, look for murals and heritage buildings and find the colourful House of Tan Teng Niah.
Come hungry too. Tekka Centre is a good place for an inexpensive meal, with plenty of dosa, biryani, curries and other Indian dishes.
Cost: Free to explore; food costs extra
Nearest MRT: Little India
Bag a Bargain at Mustafa Centre
FREE TO BROWSE – but good luck leaving empty-handed!
While you’re in Little India, take a look inside Mustafa Centre.
This huge department store seems to sell almost everything – groceries, clothes, toiletries, perfume, electronics, jewellery, souvenirs and household goods.
It’s also useful if you’ve forgotten something while travelling – like that essential hand held fan you’ll want here.
Don’t assume absolutely everything will be cheaper here, but there are plenty of bargains and simply wandering around the enormous store is an experience in itself.
It’s open 24 hours too, which can be particularly handy if jetlag has you wide awake at a strange hour.
Cost: Free to browse
Nearest MRT: Farrer Park
Explore Kampong Glam and Haji Lane
FREE – unless the shops and cafés tempt you
Kampong Glam is another Singapore neighbourhood where you don’t really need an itinerary.
Start around the impressive Sultan Mosque, wander along Arab Street and then make your way towards Haji Lane.
You’ll find street art, colourful shophouses, boutiques, cafés and bars, but make sure you wander through some of the quieter surrounding streets too.
There’s much more to Kampong Glam than Haji Lane, and it’s a good place to learn a little about Singapore’s Malay and Arab heritage.
It’s also easy to combine with nearby Bugis.
Cost: Free to explore
Nearest MRT: Bugis
Explore Joo Chiat and Katong
FREE – until you start eating!
Joo Chiat and Katong show you another side of Singapore, and it’s an area I’ve come to appreciate even more on recent visits.
The neighbourhood is known for its Peranakan heritage, colourful shophouses and fantastic food.
Wander the streets looking for murals and old shophouses, and take a look at the colourful heritage houses around Koon Seng Road.
This is also somewhere I’d recommend arriving hungry. You can try everything from kaya toast and curry puffs to kueh and Peranakan favourites while you explore.
Cost: Free to explore; food costs extra
Nearest MRT: Marine Parade or Tanjong Katong
Visit the Peranakan Museum
BUDGET-FRIENDLY
If exploring Joo Chiat and Katong has sparked your interest in Peranakan culture, the Peranakan Museum is a good place to learn more.
The museum explores Peranakan history and culture through clothing, jewellery, ceramics, furniture and everyday objects.
It adds context to things you’ll see elsewhere in Singapore, particularly the shophouses, food and culture around Katong and Joo Chiat.
The museum is also housed in a beautiful historic building on Armenian Street, so have a look around the surrounding area while you’re here.
Guided tours are available too, which can make the admission price even better value if the timing works.
Cost: Admission fee for international visitors
Nearest MRT: Bras Basah or City Hall
Learn About Singapore at the National Museum
BUDGET-FRIENDLY
If you want to understand more about Singapore rather than simply seeing the sights, spend some time at the National Museum of Singapore.
Dating back to 1887, it’s Singapore’s oldest museum and a good place to learn about the country’s history and development.
I particularly like museums like this early in a trip because they give you context for many of the things you’ll see later.
The museum has been undergoing a major refresh, so some galleries may be closed or changing depending on when you visit. Check what’s open before you go.
Cost: Admission fee for international visitors
Nearest MRT: Bencoolen, Bras Basah or Dhoby Ghaut
Explore the National Gallery Singapore for Free
FREE – unless you want to visit the ticketed galleries
You don’t necessarily need to buy a ticket to enjoy the National Gallery Singapore.
The gallery occupies two magnificent historic buildings – the former City Hall and Supreme Court – and there are areas you can explore without paying for general admission.
These can include free exhibition spaces, viewing decks and the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden, although what’s available can change.
Even if you’re not particularly interested in art, the buildings themselves are worth seeing.
If you want to explore the main galleries and their huge collection of Southeast Asian art, you’ll need a ticket.
Cost: Some areas and exhibitions are free; main galleries are ticketed for international visitors
Nearest MRT: City Hall
Explore Fort Canning Park
FREE
For a patch of greenery right in the middle of Singapore, head to Fort Canning Park.
There’s a surprising amount of history packed into the hill, from its links with Malay royalty to its role in Singapore’s British military history.
Today you’ll find walking paths, historic remains, themed gardens and plenty of tropical greenery.
One of the most photographed spots is the Fort Canning Tree Tunnel, where a spiral staircase leads towards a circular opening surrounded by greenery. You may need to wait your turn for the classic photo.
Fort Canning is easy to combine with Clarke Quay, the National Museum or Singapore’s Civic District.
Cost: Free
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning
Walk Along the Singapore River to Clarke Quay
FREE
You don’t need to spend money on an expensive cocktail to enjoy Clarke Quay.
Start around Marina Bay or Boat Quay and follow the Singapore River towards Clarke Quay, passing historic buildings, bridges and sculptures along the way.
You can continue towards Robertson Quay if you feel like a longer walk.
I particularly like this area in the evening when it’s cooler and everything starts lighting up.
Just remember that the moment you start ordering cocktails, this stops being one of the budget activities!
Cost: Free
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place for Boat Quay; Clarke Quay or Fort Canning for Clarke Quay
Take a Singapore River Bumboat Cruise
GOOD VALUE
If you have a little more room in the budget, see the Singapore River from the water instead.
Traditional bumboat cruises travel along the river and into Marina Bay, with views of Boat Quay, Clarke Quay, the Fullerton Hotel, Merlion and Marina Bay Sands.
The cruise takes around 40 minutes, so it’s easy to fit into a sightseeing day.
I particularly like this option after you’ve already spent hours walking. You still get to sightsee – someone else is just doing the moving!
It’s not the cheapest activity on this list, but compared with many of Singapore’s major paid attractions, I think it can be good value.
Cost: Paid, but relatively inexpensive compared with many Singapore attractions
Nearest MRT: Fort Canning
Check Out the Free Events at Esplanade
FREE
The spiky, durian-shaped Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay isn’t only for expensive theatre tickets.
There are regularly free music, dance and cultural performances, including events at the Outdoor Theatre overlooking Marina Bay.
What’s on changes all the time, so check the current events calendar shortly before your visit.
Even if there isn’t a performance that interests you, this is a lovely part of the waterfront to walk around, particularly in the evening.
Cost: Many events are free
Nearest MRT: Esplanade
Wander Through the Singapore Botanic Gardens
FREE
The Singapore Botanic Gardens cover more than 80 hectares and are a lovely escape from the busy city.
Founded in 1859, the gardens became Singapore’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2015.
You’ll find lakes, rainforest, walking trails and themed gardens, and you can easily spend several hours exploring.
On one of our visits, Simon and I even spotted otters, which was an unexpected highlight.
Most of the Botanic Gardens are free, although you’ll need a ticket for the National Orchid Garden.
Cost: Free; National Orchid Garden costs extra
Nearest MRT: Botanic Gardens or Napier, depending on which area you’re visiting
Visit the National Orchid Garden
GREAT VALUE
The Singapore Botanic Gardens are free, but there’s one section where you’ll need a ticket – the National Orchid Garden.
The garden is home to more than 1,000 orchid species and 2,000 hybrids, with displays changing as different orchids flower.
One highlight is the Sembcorp Cool House, which recreates a tropical high-elevation forest. In hot and humid Singapore, the cooler temperature is welcome too!
You’ll also find the VIP Orchid Garden, where orchids have been named after visiting dignitaries and celebrities.
The National Orchid Garden is particularly good value for travellers aged 60 and over, as discounted admission is available to international seniors.
If you love gardens, flowers or photography, this is one of Singapore’s more affordable paid attractions.
Cost: Admission fee; discounted tickets available for international visitors aged 60+
Nearest MRT: Napier
Walk the Southern Ridges and Henderson Waves
FREE
If you’d like to stretch your legs away from Singapore’s shopping centres and skyscrapers, walk part of the Southern Ridges.
This network of trails connects several green spaces across southern Singapore, and you can tackle the entire route or simply choose one section.
One highlight is Henderson Waves, a distinctive wave-shaped pedestrian bridge sitting 36 metres above Henderson Road.
I’ve visited Henderson Waves myself now, and it’s worth seeing even if you don’t want to tackle a long hike.
Start early if you can and take plenty of water.
Cost: Free
Getting there: HarbourFront MRT is useful if starting around Mount Faber; Henderson Waves can also be reached by bus
Hit the Beach on Sentosa Island
FREE
Sentosa has plenty of expensive attractions, but you don’t need to spend much to enjoy the island.
Walk across the Sentosa Boardwalk from VivoCity, then use the free internal buses and beach shuttle to get around.
There are three main beaches – Siloso, Palawan and Tanjong – so bring your swimmers and spend a few hours by the water.
You can also explore free attractions including Fort Siloso, the Fort Siloso Skywalk and some of Sentosa’s walking trails.
It’s very easy to spend a fortune here on Universal Studios, the cable car and other attractions, but it’s equally possible to have a cheap day out.
Cost: Free if you walk across and stick to the free attractions
Nearest MRT: HarbourFront, then walk through VivoCity to the Sentosa Boardwalk
Visit Haw Par Villa
CURRENT UPDATE: Haw Par Villa’s outdoor park is partially closed for essential maintenance. Hell’s Museum remains open, but check the current situation before making a special trip out here.
If you’re looking for one of Singapore’s more unusual attractions, Haw Par Villa certainly qualifies.
Originally known as Tiger Balm Garden, it was created by Aw Boon Haw, one of the brothers behind Tiger Balm, and dates back to 1937.
The park is filled with colourful statues and dioramas depicting Chinese mythology, folklore and morality tales.
Its most famous – and gruesome – attraction is the Ten Courts of Hell, depicting punishments awaiting people in the afterlife for various sins. This is now part of the ticketed Hell’s Museum.
It’s strange, fascinating and completely unlike anywhere else you’ll visit in Singapore.
Cost: The outdoor park is normally free; Hell’s Museum has an admission fee
Nearest MRT: Haw Par Villa
Walk the MacRitchie Trails and TreeTop Walk
FREE
Singapore may be famous for skyscrapers, but you don’t have to travel far to find rainforest.
MacRitchie Reservoir and the surrounding nature reserve have walking trails ranging from relatively short walks to longer hikes.
One of the best-known attractions is the TreeTop Walk, a 250-metre suspension bridge through the forest canopy.
If you want to do the TreeTop Walk from Windsor Nature Park, allow several hours for the return walk. Otherwise, there are shorter trails around the reservoir.
Keep an eye out for monkeys and other wildlife, take plenty of water and wear decent walking shoes.
Check the current TreeTop Walk opening days and hours before setting out.
Cost: Free
Cycle Along East Coast Park
CHEAP
For an inexpensive way to see another part of Singapore, hire a bike and ride along East Coast Park.
The park stretches for kilometres along the coastline, with dedicated cycling paths making this an easy ride even if you haven’t been on a bike for years.
You don’t need to tackle the whole thing. Hire a bike for an hour or two, ride along the waterfront and stop whenever something catches your eye.
You could also stop at East Coast Lagoon Food Village for a cheap local meal.
Bikes can be hired from several locations around the park, and bike-sharing options are available too.
This isn’t one I’ve done myself yet, but I think it’s a great option if you want to get away from the main tourist areas without spending much.
Cost: Free to explore; bike hire costs extra
Explore the Chinese and Japanese Gardens
FREE
For somewhere further from Singapore’s main tourist areas, head west to Jurong Lake Gardens.
The Chinese Garden and Japanese Garden reopened in 2024 after an extensive redevelopment.
You’ll find traditional-style bridges, pagodas, ponds and landscaped gardens alongside plenty of greenery and walking paths.
The two gardens sit next to each other, making it easy to explore both in one visit. You can also continue into other parts of Jurong Lake Gardens if you have the time and energy.
I haven’t visited since the redevelopment, but it’s on my list for a future Singapore trip.
As it’s further from the city centre, I’d allow at least half a day rather than trying to squeeze it between other attractions.
Cost: Free
Nearest MRT: Chinese Garden
Explore Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve
FREE
If you enjoy walking and wildlife, Sungei Buloh Wetland Reserve shows you a completely different side of Singapore.
The reserve has mangrove forests, mudflats and walking trails where you might spot migratory birds, monitor lizards, turtles and even estuarine crocodiles.
I spent around two hours walking the trails, mostly looking for crocodiles. I didn’t see a single one!
I did, however, see plenty of birds, turtles, huge water monitors, orb spiders almost as big as my hand and some crazy little fish jumping around in the mud.
There are also some great viewpoints along the coast, and I was surprised by just how close Malaysia looked from here.
After chatting with a local, I learnt I’d probably arrived too late to have the best chance of seeing crocodiles. He recommended visiting around low tide, so if wildlife spotting is your main reason for coming, check the tides and consider getting here early.
It takes some effort to reach Sungei Buloh from central Singapore, so I probably wouldn’t include it on a first visit. But if you enjoy nature or want to explore beyond the city, it’s worth considering.
I combined my visit with the Kranji War Memorial and lunch at Bukit Canberra Hawker Centre. You could also add Sembawang Hot Spring Park and turn the journey north into a half or full-day outing.
Cost: Free
Getting there: MRT to Kranji, then continue by bus. Check the current route before travelling.
Visit Changi Chapel & Museum
BUDGET-FRIENDLY
Changi Chapel & Museum had been on my Singapore list for years, but somehow we’d never quite made it there.
When a friend who enjoys military history joined us on one trip, it was finally the perfect opportunity – and it ended up being one of the highlights of that visit.
The museum tells the stories of prisoners of war and civilians imprisoned in Changi during the Japanese Occupation of Singapore.
It’s not huge, but it’s modern, well presented and packed with information. Allow around an hour if you’re exploring independently.
If there’s a guided tour running, though, I highly recommend joining it.
Our guide, Liz, was a British expat with a passion for WWII history. It happened to be her final shift before moving back to the UK and, in her words, she gave us “both barrels”.
What was normally a shorter tour stretched to around 90 minutes, and we enjoyed every word of it.
I’m not particularly interested in military history and only had a basic knowledge of Singapore during WWII, but I found the museum and tour fascinating.
If you’re also visiting Fort Siloso on Sentosa, the two work particularly well together.
Cost: Admission fee; check current prices and guided-tour times before visiting
Getting there: We took the MRT to Tanah Merah and then Bus 2, which dropped us almost directly across the road
Escape to Pulau Ubin
CHEAP
For a completely different side of Singapore, catch a bumboat across to Pulau Ubin.
The small island off Singapore’s northeast coast has forests, wetlands, old kampong houses and quiet roads that feel a world away from Marina Bay.
One of the main attractions is the Chek Jawa Wetlands, where boardwalks take you through different coastal habitats.
You can explore on foot for free or hire a bicycle once you arrive if you want to cover more ground.
Bumboats leave from Changi Point Ferry Terminal and generally depart once there are enough passengers rather than following a strict timetable.
Pulau Ubin is high on my list for my next Singapore visit, so I’ll update this section once I’ve explored it properly myself.
Cost: No admission fee; pay for the bumboat and bicycle hire if you choose to cycle
Getting there: Bus to Changi Village, then bumboat from Changi Point Ferry Terminal
Take a Ferry to Singapore’s Southern Islands
GREAT VALUE
If you’ve visited Singapore before and are looking for something different, consider a day trip to the Southern Islands.
We visited Lazarus Island, St John’s Island and Kusu Island in one day, catching the ferry from Marina South Pier.
Our first stop was Lazarus Island. There’s not a huge amount here, which is really part of the appeal.
You can wander around, relax on the beach or swim in the beautiful lagoon. Just bring food, drinks and anything else you’ll need.
From Lazarus, we walked across the causeway to St John’s Island. It was incredibly hot and humid, so we soon decided we’d rather head back to Lazarus for a swim.
Unfortunately, Singapore’s weather had other ideas.
Just as we were about to get changed, the heavens opened. Instead of swimming, we jumped back on the ferry to Kusu Island, hoping the rain would stop.
It didn’t!
We still saw the Da Bogong Temple and resident tortoises before eventually giving up on the weather and returning to the mainland.
Despite the rain, we had a fun day. I probably wouldn’t put this on a first Singapore itinerary, but if you’ve been a few times and are looking for somewhere new, it’s well worth considering.
Cost: Ferry ticket required; exploring the islands is free
Getting there: Ferries leave from Marina South Pier, which has its own MRT station
See the Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport
FREE
Yes, I’m suggesting you spend some of your Singapore holiday hanging around an airport – but hear me out!
Jewel Changi Airport is home to the spectacular HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall at 40 metres high.
And you can see it for free.
Walk around the different levels for different views of the waterfall and explore the surrounding Shiseido Forest Valley while you’re there.
There are also light and music shows in the evening, depending on the current schedule.
If you want to spend more, Jewel has paid attractions including Canopy Park, but you don’t need a ticket to enjoy its main attraction.
Just remember that Jewel is landside, so don’t leave this until after you’ve passed through departure immigration.
Cost: Free; paid attractions cost extra
Leave Time to Explore Changi Airport
FREE
Singapore is one destination where I actually recommend allowing some extra time at the airport.
And I’m not talking about Jewel this time.
Once you’re through immigration, Changi Airport has a surprising number of free things to see and do.
Exactly what’s available depends on your terminal, but you might find gardens, viewing areas, artwork and even a free movie theatre.
One of my favourites is the Butterfly Garden in Terminal 3, a tropical garden filled with plants and hundreds of butterflies.
There’s also the Sunflower Garden in Terminal 2, where you can get some fresh air and watch the planes.
If you’re transiting through Singapore with a sufficiently long layover, eligible passengers may also be able to join one of Changi’s Free Singapore Tours.
Some attractions are only available in the transit areas, so check what’s near your departure gate rather than assuming you can easily move between everything.
Find all the details in my Changi Airport post.
Cost: Plenty of attractions are free
Not sure how long you need? Have a look at How Many Days in Singapore? for itinerary ideas from a quick stopover to a longer stay.
Where to Stay in Singapore on a Budget
Accommodation will probably be one of the biggest expenses on your Singapore trip. Singapore isn’t particularly cheap when it comes to hotels, so finding somewhere affordable can take a little more work.
I don’t necessarily look for the absolute cheapest room. Location matters too. Saving a little each night isn’t much help if you’re miles from an MRT station or spending extra time getting everywhere.
For good-value accommodation, I’d start by looking around Bugis, Chinatown and Little India. I’ve stayed in all three areas and would happily stay in any of them again.
Chinatown
Chinatown is my favourite area to stay in Singapore.
I love the location, the atmosphere and having so many inexpensive places to eat nearby.
Maxwell and Chinatown Complex hawker centres are both within easy reach, there are plenty of attractions to explore on foot, and you have good MRT connections to the rest of Singapore.
You can also walk from Chinatown towards the Singapore River and Marina Bay, so I find it a particularly convenient base for sightseeing.
→ See accommodation in Chinatown
Bugis
Bugis is another area I often look at when choosing where to stay in Singapore, because there are usually plenty of good accommodation options.
It’s central, well connected by public transport and within walking distance of Kampong Glam, Little India and plenty of places to eat.
Depending on exactly where you stay, you may also have several MRT lines within easy reach.
I’ve recently stayed at lyf Bugis Singapore, which I particularly liked and would happily book again.
Little India
Little India can be another good place to look for affordable accommodation, with plenty of inexpensive food and excellent public transport.
It’s a lively neighbourhood, so it won’t suit everyone looking for somewhere quiet, but I enjoy staying around here.
One place I’ve stayed recently is Owen House, near Farrer Park MRT. I’d consider staying there again if the price was right.
→ See accommodation in Little India
Tips for Finding a Good-Value Hotel
Don’t just compare the nightly rate. Check how close the hotel is to an MRT station, whether the room has a private bathroom if that’s important to you, and exactly how small the room is.
Singapore hotel rooms can be tiny!
I also recommend checking several areas rather than deciding where you want to stay first.
Prices vary considerably depending on your dates, so sometimes the best-value option will simply be in a different neighbourhood.
→ Search Singapore accommodation for your dates
Getting Around Singapore on a Budget
Singapore has one of the easiest public transport systems I’ve used, and you really don’t need taxis or private transfers to get around most of the city.
Use the MRT and Buses
The MRT is my main way of getting around Singapore. It’s clean, reliable, inexpensive and gets you close to most places you’re likely to visit.
Buses fill in the gaps, particularly for places further from an MRT station.
You don’t even need to buy a separate transport card. You can tap on and off using a contactless bank card or a card loaded into your mobile wallet.
Just use the same card or device to tap in and out. Your physical card and the same card through Apple Pay, for example, are treated as different payment methods.
Foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard cards currently attract a small daily admin fee, so factor that in when deciding how you want to pay.
Do You Need a Singapore Tourist Pass?
The Singapore Tourist Pass gives you unlimited travel on most MRT trains and basic public buses for a set number of days.
But don’t automatically assume it will save you money.
Public transport fares are relatively inexpensive, so I prefer to pay as I go rather than trying to get enough rides out of a pass to make it worthwhile.
If you’ll be using public transport heavily, compare the current Tourist Pass price with what you’re likely to spend before buying one.
Walk When You Can
Singapore is very walkable, and you’ll often discover things you would have missed underground on the MRT.
I regularly combine walking with public transport – take the MRT to an area, explore on foot for a few hours, then catch another train when I’m ready to move on.
Just remember that Singapore is hot and humid. What looks like a short walk on Google Maps can feel much longer in the middle of the day.
Use Grab When It Makes Sense
I use Grab rideshare occasionally, particularly when travelling with luggage, heading somewhere awkward to reach by public transport or sharing the fare with other people.
It’s more expensive than the MRT or bus, but sometimes the convenience is worth paying for.
If several of you are travelling together, compare the Grab fare with the combined cost and time involved in public transport. Sometimes spending a little extra is good value.
You Don’t Need a Hire Car
For most visitors, I wouldn’t even consider hiring a car in Singapore.
Between the MRT, buses, walking and the occasional Grab, it’s very easy to get around without one – and you’ll avoid the cost and hassle of parking too.
More Ways to Save Money in Singapore
Singapore can get expensive quickly, but you don’t need to watch every dollar. I prefer to save money on the things that don’t matter as much to me, leaving more in the budget for experiences I really want to do.
Eat Where the Locals Eat
Hawker centres and food courts are your friends when travelling Singapore on a budget.
You can eat incredibly well for a fraction of what you’d pay in a restaurant, and trying different local dishes is part of the Singapore experience anyway.
Don’t assume you need to seek out the famous stalls either. Some of my favourite meals have simply come from choosing something that looked good at whatever hawker centre happened to be nearby.
Drink the Tap Water
Singapore’s tap water is safe to drink, so bring a reusable bottle and refill it rather than continually buying bottled water.
You’ll need plenty of it too, particularly when you’re walking around all day.
Watch What You Spend on Alcohol
Alcohol is one area where your Singapore budget can disappear very quickly.
If you’re trying to keep costs down, skip the cocktails – or save that money for one Singapore drinking experience you really want.
I eventually decided a Singapore Sling at Raffles was worth the splurge. It certainly wasn’t cheap, but I’d wanted to do it for years and was happy to save elsewhere so I could tick it off my list.
That’s really my approach to Singapore: budget where it doesn’t matter and splurge where it does.
Use Supermarkets and Convenience Stores
Supermarkets and convenience stores are handy for picking up drinks, snacks, fruit and simple breakfast items, particularly if your hotel room has a fridge.
They’re also useful for stocking up before heading somewhere like Pulau Ubin or the Southern Islands, where food options may be limited.
Don’t Automatically Buy an Attraction Pass
Singapore has various attraction passes and combination tickets, and they can sometimes save you money.
But work out what you actually want to see before buying one.
There’s no saving in buying a pass covering six attractions if you only really wanted to visit three.
Make a rough list of your must-do paid attractions first, then compare individual ticket prices with any passes or combination deals.
Book Paid Attractions in Advance
For attractions you know you want to visit, check online prices before turning up at the ticket counter.
Booking platforms sometimes have discounted tickets or package deals that can make an expensive attraction better value.
Just make sure you’re comparing like with like and don’t book something purely because it’s discounted.
Mix Free, Cheap and Expensive Experiences
You don’t need every day in Singapore to be a budget day.
Spend a morning wandering Chinatown for free, have a cheap lunch at Maxwell Food Centre and then use the money you’ve saved on an attraction you’ve really been looking forward to.
That’s how I prefer to travel Singapore. There are so many excellent things to do for free or very little that you can afford to be selective about where you spend more.
Singapore Doesn’t Have to Be Expensive
Singapore may not be the cheapest destination in Southeast Asia, but that doesn’t mean you need a huge budget to enjoy it.
Some of my favourite Singapore experiences cost very little – wandering through Chinatown and Little India, eating at hawker centres, watching Garden Rhapsody or simply exploring a neighbourhood I haven’t visited before.
And that’s one of the reasons I keep coming back. Even after many visits, I’m still finding new places to explore.
My approach is simple: save money where it doesn’t matter to you, so you can spend it on the things that do.
Eat the $5 hawker meal and take the MRT, then book the attraction you’ve really been looking forward to. Or spend almost nothing sightseeing all day and splash out on a Singapore Sling at Raffles.
Singapore can be as expensive as you make it – but with a little planning, it can also offer surprisingly good value.
Keep planning your perfect Singapore trip with these posts
Top Tips for Singapore
TRAVEL PLANNING ESSENTIALS
Flights – Book direct with the airline, always.
Book accommodation – My go to is Booking.com
Hire a rental car – DiscoverCars.com is where I search many car rental companies in one place
Get travel insurance – I use CoverMore for my insurance.
Pick up an eSIM – My eSIM of choice is Airalo
Book activities, tours & attractions – I use a few different websites for this. Viator, Get Your Guide and Klook are my first options.
Stay safe with a VPN – I use NordVPN to keep me safe online
Manage your money – I use Wise and ING (Australia) for my travel accounts.
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I love how colourful Singapore is! And you’ve really shown that here. I loved just wandering around and admiring the buildings. It’s such a fascinating city! I’m really bummed I missed Kampong Glam while I was there, that street art looks amazing!
There’s so many amazing free and cheap things to do in Singapore. Changi Airport is definitely unrivalled, but we loved roaming through Gardens by the Bay and the Botanic Gardens!
Been to SG twice and I never go to explore that much. This post calls for another trip to the awesome city! Ahhh it’s changed so much since my first!
The Southern Ridges look amazing!! Singapore has been on my list for a while, but I never realised just how much there is do to there! This is a great comprehensive list, maybe I’ll be heading there sooner rather than later now…!
Just got back from Singapore and loved it! you have great tips here and you are so right about Changi Airport being an attraction! We actually can’t wait for another visit to this fabulous city someday. We’ll have to do some of the things we missed like the Palau Ubin day trip. Great post!
I finally went to Kampong Glam on my last trip! I had been talking about going there for years. I loved wandering around the colourful streets
Gardens By the Bay is one of my favourites too. We seem to end up there on almost every trip.
It’s a great city, and always changing, so you will be sure to see plenty of new things 🙂
And this is only the budget stuff! I could probably write another list just as long on all the “must see” things that cost – like the Singapore Zoo and Night Safari, or the theme parks on Sentosa Island, or eating in some of the most amazing restaurants 🙂
Pulau Ubin is one still on our list too. I hope to get there on my next trip in May next year.
I’ll be in Singapore in a few weeks! We are definitely going to eat lots of street food! Can’t wait.
I visited Singapore this April but missed out on many of there things.hope to visit again soon
I lived in Singapore for a few years, and I totally approve of this list !! <3
I am going next month, and your post got me all excited about it ! 😀
I’m thinking about visiting Singapore soon so I’ll definitely have to keep some of these in mind. The beach and the nature reserve look amazing! Great blog!
This is such a helpful guide! I love how many green spaces there are! I never would have expected that for such a big city!
I just love the street food! The good part about Singapore youalmost can’t go wrong with choosing a place to eat, whether a stall on the street or a Hawker Centre. And no need to worry if it’s “safe”, Singapore has good food safety laws too!
For suh a small place there is so much to do! There are still a couple of things on this list I am yet to get to also. Just means there’s always a reason to go back 🙂
Thanks Emma. Enjoy your trip back. Eat all the foods 🙂
Thanks Danielle. I hope you do get to Singapore. It’s such an easy place to visit, and so much to do!
Yes, Singapore has one of the highest ratios of green areas to population. Even some of the newer buildings have vertical gardens on the sides and rooftop parks.
Great tips and lovely pictures. I spent a few days in Singapore 10 years ago and thought it was so expensive after traveling other places in Asia so this is helpful. I did go to Palau Ubin which was one of the highlights for me, that and the botanical garden.
Yes, we alawys have that price shoock too after being in South East Asia countries. I’m glad you liked Palau Ubin. I am really hoping to get there on my next visit.
Singapore has been on my list for sometime now! I love how detailed this post is and will for sure refer back when I go!
Thanks Michelle. I hope you get back there soon.
Love this! I’ve pinned it for later as we plan on seeing Singapore later this year. Your photos are gorgeous, so colourful!
Thank you Ciara! I have to admit, only half the photos are mine though, some I got from other sources 🙂
Hi Josie! Thank you for your wonderful , detailed post! We are planing a trip to Singapore (end of Sep – beg. of October). This will be our first trip there. How long should we stay in Singapore?
Thanks Anya, glad you found it useful. How long to stay, well, that’s a hard one. Most people say 3-4 days, but I’ve probably spent 20 days there over various trips and I still have a lot more things I want to see.
Thank you Josie! Looking forward to reading about your new travels:)
Such a great list. I have been twice to Singapore but haven’t done all these things!
What a fabulous place Singapore looks and I love the variety of activities that you have in this great guide. Not sure if I will ever get there in the short term although certainly feel more drawn to after reading your blog.
Thanks Karen. Singapore really is worth a few days, and it’s a very easy transit hub between many other places.
Just means, like me, you will have to return 🙂
Great post! We hear you on the free walking tours – we do them in every city we visit.
Thanks Susan. I have done so many and have yet to go on a bad free walking tour!
You give some solid advice! To bad Singapor is such a long way from Sweden that it would cost me half a forturtune just to get there 😛
Thanks Ann