Although Singapore is sometimes considered to be an expensive destination, in actual fact, there are plenty of budget-friendly and free things to do here; from encounters with the iconic Merlions and dining at a hawker centre to exploring Chinatown and Little India, there’s a lot to discover.
1. Meet the Merlions – Naturally, a great place at which to commence your wallet-friendly tour of Singapore is the well-known Merlion Park, where you will, in fact, encounter two Merlion statues. The Merlion happens to be a mythical creature having the head of a lion and the tail of a fish; it is regarded as a national personification and mascot of Singapore, featured on many souvenirs. The original Merlion statue measures 8.6 m in height and has been joined by a smaller statue at this appealing urban park, both of which you should look to photograph.
2. Dine at a hawker centre – The city’s popular hawker centres may be described as food courts which offer a selection of the most delectable and affordable dishes to be found in Singapore. At hawker centres, each of the stalls usually specialises in a certain kind of cuisine or possibly one unique dish. Many of these stalls are operated by locals who have been offering the same culinary creations for many years. If you are unsure of what to choose, you can simply select the stall with the longest queue, because that is a sure sign of the popularity of a dish!
3. Explore Chinatown – This city boasts a number of captivating neighbourhoods, and an enthralling one to explore is the enchanting Chinatown. In fact, the Chinese happen to be Singapore’s biggest ethnic group, and you will have the opportunity to gain an insight into Chinese culture by visiting this locality. You would see that the old buildings here present a distinctive sight with their Victorian and Baroque architecture. You can also obtain inexpensive foods and souvenirs in this area.
4. Stroll through Little India – Another absorbing enclave to visit in Singapore is the distinctive Little India. You will find that it is rather different from other parts of the city, filled with many unique and alluring sights. Here, you may admire the picturesque Hindu temples and the eye-catching old buildings. Naturally, there is also an abundance of cheap, authentic Indian food in this locality. For an affordable staycation in Singapore, consider reasonably priced accommodation options such as Value Hotel Thomson, from which you can easily experience Little India.
5. Visit the Supertree Grove – Your stay in Singapore wouldn’t be complete without experiencing the breathtaking Gardens by the Bay, which presents an array of engrossing sights. Whilst some of the attractions, such as the Flower Dome and Cloud Forest, have paid entry, you can actually admire the striking Supertree Grove free of charge. This eye-catching creation contains a number of huge, tree-like vertical gardens covered with various kinds of vegetation. What’s more, every night there are actually two free light and music shows held here called Garden Rhapsody. Do keep in mind, however, that there can be certain changes depending on the season; for example, from 29th November 2025 to 1st January 2026, the Supertree Grove will be closed to the public from 5:30 pm to 11:00 pm, since Christmas Wonderland (which has an entry fee) will be taking place at Gardens by the Bay.
6. Wander around Haji Lane – Visiting Haji Lane is likely to be an unforgettable experience as there is a host of interesting things to see and do here. At one time, this locality was only a row of old shophouses, yet it has now been transformed into an entrancing attraction. At Haji Lane, you will encounter captivating street art, vibrantly coloured buildings, stylish boutiques and a progressive ambience. Many modern artists, creative designers and avant-garde establishments can also be found in this locale.
