{"id":14073,"date":"2025-05-22T15:30:51","date_gmt":"2025-05-22T07:30:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/shopee.sg\/blog\/?p=14073"},"modified":"2025-10-22T16:30:55","modified_gmt":"2025-10-22T08:30:55","slug":"free-things-to-do-singapore-on-the-weekends","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/shopee.sg\/blog\/free-things-to-do-singapore-on-the-weekends\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Free Things To Do In Singapore That Are Surprisingly Fun"},"content":{"rendered":"

We get it \u2013 Singapore isn\u2019t exactly known for being a budget-friendly playground. But believe it or not, there\u2019s a whole world of free events in Singapore that are just as exciting as the spendy stuff. Whether you\u2019re a broke student, frugal fun-seeker or just someone who loves a good deal (<\/span>hi-five!)<\/span><\/i>, here\u2019s your go-to list of free things to do this weekend.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Take a scenic stroll at Singapore Botanic Gardens<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Take
(Credit: Singapore Botanic Gardens<\/a> \/ Facebook)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

The only tropical garden to be designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is your leafy, free escape from the urban grind. Wander through the sprawling lawns, rainforest patches, and sparkling Swan Lake. Time your visit to catch the free weekend concerts at the Symphony Stage \u2013 think jazz, classical, and even the occasional K-pop tribute band. My favourite way to enjoy it? With a picnic mat, a well-packed basket, and my beloved pet by my side.<\/span><\/p>\n

Highlights:<\/b> Rainforest Trail, Heritage Trees, free open-air concerts
\n<\/span>Address: <\/b>1 Cluny Road, S(259569)<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Catch free light shows at Marina Bay\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Free
(Credit: Marina Bay Sands<\/a> \/ Facebook [cropped])<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Spoiler: You don\u2019t need to book a room at Marina Bay Sands to soak up its sparkles. Head down to the Event Plaza at Marina Bay Sands to catch Spectra, a nightly free light and water show featuring lasers, fountains and epic music. This weekend is extra special as the light show will be synchronised with popular Lady Gaga songs such as<\/span> Poker Face, Bad Romance<\/span><\/i> and <\/span>Abracadabra<\/span><\/i>. The skyline? Just a bonus.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Highlights:<\/b> 8-minute light & sound show over the bay (stand at the upper deck to avoid getting wet!)
\n<\/span>Address:<\/b> 2 Bayfront Avenue, Marina Bay Sands, S(018956)
\n<\/span>Showtimes: <\/b>
\n<\/span>Mon – Thur, Sun:<\/span> 8pm, 9pm
\n<\/span>Fri – Sat: 8pm, 9pm, 10pm\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Wander beneath the Supertree Grove<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Wander
(Credit: Gardens by the Bay<\/a> \/ Facebook)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Yes, you\u2019ve probably seen the iconic Supertree Grove all over Instagram, but did you know you can roam around it without paying a cent? While the OCBC Skyway and Cloud Forest require tickets, the Grove itself is completely free to explore. What I\u2019d do is rent a bike and do a night cycle from MBS down to the Supertree Grove \u2013 witness the Garden Rhapsody light show, a dazzling display of glowing trees dancing in sync to music.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Highlights:<\/b> Light shows, towering vertical gardens, ethereal vibes
\n<\/span>Address:<\/b> Gardens by the Bay, 18 Marina Gardens Drive. S(018953)
\n<\/span>Showtimes: <\/b>Daily, 7.45pm and 8.45pm<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Get lost in the buzz at Chinatown<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Get
(Credit: Chinatown Singapore \u725b\u8f66\u6c34<\/a> \/ Facebook [cropped])<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

For a cultural dive that\u2019s easy on your wallet, visiting Chinatown is one of the best free things to do this weekend. Take a self-guided cultural crawl through the area, where old-world charm meets chaotic fun. Admire ornate temples like the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, snap photos of vibrant shophouses, and window-shop through the markets. Don\u2019t miss the Chinatown Heritage Centre\u2019s open courtyard, which occasionally hosts free storytelling sessions and performances.<\/span><\/p>\n

Highlights: <\/b>Temples, street murals, cultural exploration
\n<\/span>Address:<\/b> Chinatown MRT (Exit A)
\n<\/span>Optional:<\/b> Paid museum entries, cafe-hopping around the Maxwell area\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

5. Marvel at the Rain Vortex at Jewel Changi Airport<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Marvel
(Credit: Jewel Changi Airport<\/a> \/ Facebook)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

No, you don\u2019t need a plane ticket to do <\/span>things at the Changi Airport<\/span><\/a>. Just roll up and stare in awe at the world\u2019s tallest indoor waterfall, the 40-metre HSBC Rain Vortex, cascading through a futuristic dome. Pair that with the Shiseido Forest Valley, complete with misty trails and art installations, and you\u2019ve got a mini jungle adventure inside a mall.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Psst\u2026 <\/span><\/i>for my fellow <\/span>fitspos<\/span><\/i>, there are also Pilates and spin classes conducted here (though they come at a cost \u2013 I remember paying around $28 for a session). So if you\u2019re looking for a change of scenery from your usual <\/span>24-hour gyms<\/span><\/a>, this could be a fun option!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Highlights:<\/b> Rain Vortex light shows (hourly), lush indoor forest, free seating areas for your catch-up sessions with friends
\n<\/span>Address:<\/b> Jewel Changi Airport, 78 Airport Boulevard, S(819666)\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

6. Chill out with free performances at Esplanade Outdoor Theatre<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Free
(Credit: Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay<\/a> \/ Facebook)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Not sure where to go this weekend for free events? Head to the Esplanade Outdoor Theatre. In the evening, this place comes alive with a rotating lineup of free performances, and for the month of May, you can expect to walk down memory lane with <\/span>Songs We Grew Up With. <\/span><\/i>Experience the nostalgia of timeless classics with various local talents while you sit along the waterfront with the city skyline behind you.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Highlights: <\/b>Free live music and cultural performances
\n<\/span>Address:<\/b> 1 Esplanade Drive, S(038981)
\n<\/span>Show timings: <\/b>Mostly Friday – Sunday evenings\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

7. Go full zen at the Mandai Boardwalk<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Go
(Credit: Mandai Wildlife Reserve<\/a> \/ Facebook)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

This peaceful, lesser-known boardwalk is ideal if you’re after free things to do this weekend away from the crowds. The Mandai Boardwalk traces the edge of River Wonders and the Singapore Zoo, thoughtfully designed as an elevated structure above the reservoir banks, allowing native wildlife to move freely beneath. You can expect calm waters, forest sounds and the occasional monitor lizard sighting. Whether you\u2019re bird-watching or just in need of a walk, this is one hidden gem we\u2019d recommend.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Highlights:<\/b> Iora\u2019s Nest, Lizard\u2019s Lounge, Eagle\u2019s Perch, Damselfly\u2019s Wing, Kingfisher\u2019s Cave
\n<\/span>Address: <\/b>80 Mandai Lake Road, S(729826)<\/span><\/p>\n

8. Play Pickleball with your <\/span>kakis<\/span><\/i><\/h2>\n
\"Play
(Credit: Aleksander Saks<\/a> \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If you haven\u2019t tried <\/span>playing Pickleball<\/span><\/a>, you must be living under a rock. It\u2019s the racquet sport lovechild of tennis and ping-pong, and it\u2019s been trending for months in Singapore. Plenty of community centres and neighbourhoods now offer free public courts (though paddle rentals aren\u2019t included). So, if you want to keep it completely free, borrow a paddle from a friend!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Highlights: <\/b>Social-friendly sport suitable for the young and old
\n<\/span>Address: <\/b>Community Centres and Sports Halls islandwide<\/span><\/p>\n

9. Explore art in the wild with Public Art Trails<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Free
(Credit: Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth – MCCY<\/a> \/ Facebook)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

You need not put on your trekking shoes to see art in Singapore. If you frequent <\/span>Tanjong Pagar<\/span><\/a>, you\u2019re likely familiar with the long lanes of Korean restaurants and chill cafes, but did you know that it also houses one of Singapore Art Museum\u2019s new public art initiatives? Begin your walk at Tanjong Pagar Distripark, then head over to Everton Park, where you\u2019ll find a series of miniature housing structures tucked among the blocks. Continue your stroll through Duxton Plain Park, where a quirky, neon-hued playground awaits. Finally, wrap up your artful walk at Tanjong Pagar Plaza. Check your <\/span>Apple watch<\/span><\/a>, and voil\u00e0, 10k steps easily clocked with this free activity in Singapore.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Highlights: <\/b>Various art installations with photogenic spots available
\n<\/span>Address: <\/b>Tanjong Pagar<\/span><\/p>\n

10. Hike the Southern Ridges Trail<\/span><\/h2>\n
\"Free
(Credit: Felix Fuchs<\/a> \/ Unsplash)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

If art isn’t quite your thing and you prefer the natural views, the Southern Ridges Trail offers the perfect way to break a sweat while soaking in the greens. Spanning a 10km green corridor, this scenic trail connects five parks, including the iconic Henderson Waves, Mount Faber, and Kent Ridge Park.<\/span><\/p>\n

You can choose between the two main routes:<\/span><\/p>\n