Free Things to Do· 3 min read
Free Light Shows in Singapore: Spectra & Garden Rhapsody
Singapore's two best free evening shows, and how to see both in one night at Marina Bay.
Photo: Diego Delso, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped
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Singapore is pricey, but many of its best experiences cost nothing: shows, gardens, walks and free museum days.
Free activities in Singapore are easier to find than many visitors expect. This page lists our guides to light shows, gardens, walks and other things that cost nothing. Open a guide for ideas, routes and tips on which parts are free and which are not.
Below the list, our planning guide groups free ideas by type, so you can fill a day without spending much.
Plan it with EatStays: Free Things To Do and 20 Free Things to Do in Singapore.
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Free Things to Do· 3 min read
20 Free Things to Do in Singapore
Singapore has a reputation for being pricey, but many of its best experiences are completely free.
How to enjoy free activities in Singapore
Singapore has a name as a costly city, yet free activities in Singapore can fill whole days. Public parks, nature trails and heritage streets cost nothing. Many places of worship welcome visitors at no charge. The city also puts on free light shows most evenings. With a little planning, you can save your money for food and transport.
Free light shows and night views
Evenings are the best time for free fun, as the heat eases. Two shows stand out. Spectra is a light, water and music show on the waterfront promenade at Marina Bay Sands. Garden Rhapsody lights up the Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay, set to music. Our post Free Light Shows in Singapore: Spectra & Garden Rhapsody explains how to see both in one evening.
Between the shows, walk around the bay. Start at Merlion Park, then cross the Helix Bridge for skyline views. The Marina Bay Night Walk links these stops into one route. Show times can change, so check the official websites on the day.
Free parks, gardens and trails
Singapore's public parks are free, clean and well signed. These are good places to start:
- Singapore Botanic Gardens is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with free entry. The National Orchid Garden inside charges a fee.
- The outdoor gardens and Supertree Grove at Gardens by the Bay are free. The Flower Dome, the Cloud Forest and the raised Skyway need tickets.
- Fort Canning Park is a shady hill park in the city centre, with old trees and history trails.
- Southern Ridges and Henderson Waves links hill parks by raised walkways and a wave-shaped bridge.
- East Coast Park runs along the sea, with sandy stretches and long cycle paths.
Free culture, heritage and festivals
Walking through Singapore's older districts is free. Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam each have temples, mosques, shophouses and street life. Shophouses are narrow terraced buildings with a shop below and a home above.
- Places of worship such as Sri Mariamman Temple and Sultan Mosque welcome respectful visitors. Dress modestly, and avoid prayer times.
- Singapore City Gallery explains how the city is planned and is free to enter.
- Haw Par Villa is a park full of statues and scenes from Chinese myths and legends. Entry to the park is free.
- Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay often hosts free shows in its public spaces.
Festivals add more free sights. Chinatown is lit up for Chinese New Year, and Little India for Deepavali, the Hindu festival of lights. Geylang Serai has lights and a bazaar around Hari Raya, which marks the end of the Muslim fasting month. Orchard Road is decorated for Christmas. Browse our Festivals & Events topic for more on each one.
Tips to keep your day free, or nearly free
- Eat at hawker centres. Meals are cheap and filling. Read How to Eat Cheaply in Singapore Without Missing Out.
- Carry a water bottle. Tap water is safe to drink, and many parks have water points.
- Use public transport. MRT and bus fares are low. Many visitors tap in with a contactless bank card.
- Visit Jewel. Jewel Changi Airport is open to the public, and its Rain Vortex indoor waterfall is free to see.
- Check museum rules. Most national museums charge visitors from abroad. Some hold free events from time to time, so check their websites.
- Plan by area. Group free sights that sit close together, so you walk more and pay less for transport.
For a ready-made list, see 20 Free Things to Do in Singapore. For more ways to save, see Marina Bay on a Budget: Free Sights and Cheap Eats and our Budget Travel topic.
FAQs about free activities in Singapore
What can I do in Singapore for free?
Walk around Marina Bay, watch the evening light shows and explore Singapore Botanic Gardens. Heritage districts such as Chinatown and Little India are free to wander, and so are nature trails and beaches.
Are the light shows in Singapore free?
Yes. Spectra at Marina Bay Sands and Garden Rhapsody at Gardens by the Bay are free to watch. Check show times before you go, as they can change.
Are museums free in Singapore?
Some are, such as Singapore City Gallery. Most national museums are free for Singapore citizens and permanent residents but charge visitors from abroad.
Is Singapore Botanic Gardens free?
Yes, entry to the gardens is free. The National Orchid Garden inside charges a fee.
What free things can I do in Singapore at night?
Watch Spectra and Garden Rhapsody, stroll along the Singapore River, or see the Rain Vortex at Jewel when it is lit up. Parks are also pleasant in the cooler evening air.