Gardens by the Bay Supertree Grove Light Show
- 📍 Where
- 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Marina Bay
- 🕑 Best time
- 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM nightly
Mubboo’s tip: Bring a mat and lie down directly under the trees for the full immersive effect.
Things to Do in Singapore
Free–$505 per activity
Worried you'll blow your budget on overpriced attractions? Don't. Singapore's best experiences are often free — light shows at Gardens by the Bay, lush Botanic Gardens, and ethnic neighborhood walks. Where you should spend: small-group food tours and a night bike ride. Skip the overhyped Orchard Road shopping unless you need air-con. Two days, chosen well, beat a week of aimless wandering.
July: Hari Raya Puasa feasting in Geylang Serai; expect afternoon thunderstorms. · Crowds: Medium
Mubboo Verdict: Singapore rewards travelers who mix free outdoor gems with curated food and night tours. Skip generic bus tours and tacky Sentosa traps; put your dollars into small-group eats and a rainforest night walk.
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How M decides what’s worth it
M starts by asking how much time you have. With 24 hours, hit Chinatown and Marina Bay on foot, then a night bike tour. With 48 hours, add a morning food tour and the Botanic Gardens. Never pay for a generic city bus tour — Singapore's MRT is cheap, clean, and connects all key areas. If you're a foodie, budget $80-$150 for a hawker-focused tour; skip the private guides unless you have specific history questions. Always check if your hotel offers free walking tours first.
Free First
Free things to do in Singapore
Start here. These cost nothing and are genuinely worth your time — no booking required.
Singapore Botanic Gardens
- 📍 Where
- 1 Cluny Rd, Tanglin
- 🕑 Best time
- Early morning, 7-9 AM, for cool weather
Mubboo’s tip: The National Orchid Garden costs $5, but the rest of the 82 hectares is completely free.
East Coast Park
- 📍 Where
- Along East Coast Parkway
- 🕑 Best time
- Late afternoon for barbecue sunsets
Mubboo’s tip: Rent a bike for a few dollars and cycle to Changi Village for cheap seafood.
Merlion Park & Helix Bridge Walk
- 📍 Where
- One Fullerton, Marina Bay
- 🕑 Best time
- Sunset, 6-7 PM, for skyline views
Mubboo’s tip: The Merlion itself is tiny — spend 5 minutes, then walk the Helix Bridge to Marina Bay Sands.
Kampong Glam & Haji Lane Street Art
- 📍 Where
- North Bridge Rd & Haji Ln
- 🕑 Best time
- Weekday afternoons when it's quiet
Mubboo’s tip: Step inside the Sultan Mosque (free, but dress modestly) for a peaceful break.
MacRitchie Reservoir TreeTop Walk
- 📍 Where
- MacRitchie Reservoir Park
- 🕑 Best time
- 8 AM to 5 PM (walkway hours)
Mubboo’s tip: The 250m suspension bridge is free, but the 7km hike to reach it is no joke in the heat.
Tours & experiences worth paying for in Singapore
Paid experiences that deliver real value double down on what Singapore does best: food, night scenery, and insider access to neighborhoods. Skip the big bus tours; these six picks from Viator focus on small groups, local guides, and genuine cultural encounters that you won't cobble together on your own.
Singapore Light to Night Bike Tour
5.0193 reviews⏱ 3 hours
Mubboo Verdict: Best way to see the skyline transition. Easy ride, great for photos. A little fast for deep stops.
Best for: Active travelers who want a quick, scenic overview.
From $60Book Now
Private Custom Singapore Walking Tour (4–8 Hrs, Flexible Plan)
5.0154 reviews⏱ 4-8 hours
Mubboo Verdict: Worth the splurge only if you have niche interests and hate crowds. Not for casual sightseers.
Best for: Return visitors or history buffs with a long list.
From $233Book Now
Beyond Michelin: Chinatown Hawker Food Tour with 8 Tastings
5.099 reviews⏱ 3 hours
Mubboo Verdict: The single best food tour for first-timers — authentic, unfussy, and filling. Vegetarian? Skip it.
Best for: Foodies who want to eat where locals queue.
From $88Book Now
Singapore Food & Bike Tour - Downtown
5.081 reviews⏱ 4 hours
Mubboo Verdict: Cleverly combines sightseeing and eating across three neighborhoods. Get a basket for your durian.
Best for: Travelers who want to cover Chinatown, Little India, and Kampong Glam in one go.
From $104Book Now
Private History & Culture tour (Walking tour)
5.078 reviews⏱ 4h 30m
Mubboo Verdict: Pricier but packs in river cruise, dinner, and a Singapore Sling. You're paying for the full evening narrative.
Best for: Couples or solo travelers who enjoy storytelling over drinks.
From $224Book Now
Explore a Rainforest teeming with Wildlife at Night!
5.065 reviews⏱ 2h 30m
Mubboo Verdict: Surprisingly wild for Singapore. You'll see giant ants and maybe a colugo. Mosquito repellent is a must.
Best for: Nature lovers and families with older kids.
From $87Book Now
What to skip & what to know in Singapore
Skip these
- Orchard Road for shopping: It's a long string of luxury malls identical to any US city. Unless you need air-conditioned relief, it's a waste of half a day.
- Sentosa's tourist-trap cluster: Universal Studios is fine for families, but the beach, Skyline Luge, and overpriced 'experiences' cost a fortune for little reward.
- Hop-on hop-off bus tours: Singapore's MRT is faster, cheaper, and goes everywhere. You'll spend more time stuck in traffic than sightseeing.
Know before you go
- Hawker centers are cashless: Many stalls now accept GrabPay or local QR codes. Download the Grab app before you land — it's your ride-hailing and payment tool.
- Strict fines are real: Jaywalking, eating on the MRT, and feeding pigeons can cost you $50-$300. Don't test the rules.
- The free Jewel Changi light show beats most paid attractions: The HSBC Rain Vortex show at 8 PM is a exceptional waterfall light display — and it doesn't cost a cent.
Where to spend your time in Singapore
Chinatown
🚇 10-15 min walk from Raffles Place MRTBuddha Tooth Relic Temple, Maxwell Food Centre, street murals, and shophouse architecture.
Top pick: Beyond Michelin Hawker Food Tour
Little India
🚇 5 min MRT from City Hall or 20 min walkTekka Centre, colorful streets, Mustafa Centre (24/7 shopping), and lively temples.
Top pick: Try a vegetarian thali on Serangoon Road
Kampong Glam
🚇 10 min walk from Bugis MRTSultan Mosque, Haji Lane boutiques, Arab Street textiles, and Middle Eastern food.
Top pick: Sunset photos at the golden-domed mosque
Marina Bay
🚇 Central — everything is walkable from Bayfront MRTMarina Bay Sands, ArtScience Museum, Gardens by the Bay, and the Helix Bridge.
Top pick: Supertree Grove light show (free)
Tiong Bahru
🚇 15 min MRT from City Hall1930s art deco estates, indie bookstores, hipster cafes, and the adorable Tiong Bahru Market.
Top pick: Morning coffee at a local kopitiam then explore the murals
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When to visit Singapore, month by month
JulyThis monthMedium crowds
Hari Raya Puasa feasting in Geylang Serai; expect afternoon thunderstorms.
JanuaryHigh crowds
Chinese New Year festivities — catch the Chinatown light-up and River Hongbao carnival.
FebruaryMedium crowds
Thaipusam procession from Little India — colorful and intense, but arrive before sunrise.
MarchMedium crowds
Dry spell usually hits — perfect for the TreeTop Walk and outdoor hawker dining.
AprilMedium crowds
Songkran Festival in Little India and Golden Mile Complex, plus occasional late-season sales.
MayMedium crowds
Vesak Day celebrations at Buddhist temples; quieter malls before the June school break.
JuneHigh crowds
Great Singapore Sale starts — Orchard Road discounts but still crowded. Stick to museums.
AugustVery High crowds
National Day on Aug 9 — flyover and fireworks. Book a rooftop seat months ahead.
SeptemberMedium crowds
Mid-Autumn Festival lantern displays in Chinatown and Gardens by the Bay.
OctoberMedium crowds
Deepavali in Little India — streets come alive with lights and bazaars.
NovemberMedium crowds
Cooler temperatures; ideal for long cycling trips. Rain possible but brief.
DecemberVery High crowds
Christmas light-ups on Orchard Road and New Year's Eve countdown at Marina Bay.
Need to get there first? Search flights:
Not sure where to start?
First-timer with 2 days
One food tour, one night bike ride, and the free Supertree show — all booked in 5 minutes.
Explore toursFood-obsessed solo traveler
Skip the restaurant queues. A 3-hour hawker tour with 8 stops gets you the real Singapore.
Explore toursFamily with kids aged 6-12
Night wildlife walk plus bike tour — active, educational, and zero boredom.
Explore toursCouple looking for a memorable evening
Private history walk, river cruise, and a Singapore Sling — romantic and steeped in stories.
Explore toursWhat travelers are saying
“I blew $80 on a generic bus tour and regretted it. A $10 MRT pass + free walking tour covered more ground.”
“Locals never eat at Newton Food Centre — it's overpriced. Go to Old Airport Road Food Centre instead.”
“The Changi Airport waterfall is so impressive we almost missed our flight. It's free and right by the gates.”
Frequently asked questions
Is the Gardens by the Bay light show really free?
Yes, the Supertree Grove light show 'Garden Rhapsody' happens twice nightly at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM, completely free. No tickets needed. The nearby OCBC Skyway walk between the trees costs $8, but you don't need it to enjoy the show.
What's the cheapest way to get from Changi Airport to the city?
The MRT city branch runs from Changi Airport to Tanah Merah and into the city center. It takes about 45 minutes to City Hall and costs under $2. Avoid taxis unless you have heavy luggage — a $25-$35 fare adds up quickly.
Are there any family discounts for Singapore attractions?
Several multi-attraction passes like the Singapore Tourist Pass offer bundled discounts on paid attractions like the Zoo and Bird Paradise, but they rarely include food tours. For families, look for 'kids under 12 free' promotions at Sentosa, and book through hotel concierges who sometimes have special rates.
Which tours are best for families with young kids?
The 'Explore a Rainforest at Night' tour (2.5 hours) is engaging and slow-paced. Bike tours accept children over 8 with safety seats; the Light to Night ride is gentle. Skip walking history tours — younger kids lose interest fast.
What free activities can replace paid attractions?
Instead of paying $20 for the Flyer, walk the Helix Bridge for the same skyline views. Swap the $35 Zoo for a hike at MacRitchie's free TreeTop Walk. Instead of museum entrance fees, explore Chinatown's free temples and Kampong Glam's street art.
Do I need to tip on tours in Singapore?
Tipping is not customary and sometimes refused. Most tour prices are all-in. If you receive exceptional service, a small token like a coffee gift card is appreciated, but never expected. Don't leave money on tables at hawker centers.
How far in advance should I book these tours?
Private tours and food tours with limited groups (like the Chinatown Hawker Food Tour) fill 2-3 weeks ahead, especially during holidays. Bike tours are more flexible. Book at least 48 hours in advance during peak months.
Plan the rest of your Singapore trip
FlightsSingapore Changi Airport (SIN) is a major hub with direct flights from New York, San Francisco, and most Asian capitals. Book early for December — it's peak season.HotelsStay in Chinatown or Bugis for easy walking access to hawker centers and MRT lines. Avoid Orchard Road unless you need chain hotels; boutique hostels in Little India are better value.City guideFor a full Singapore itinerary, transport tips, and neighborhood deep dives, grab our detailed city guide — especially if you're staying 4+ days.
Things to do in other cities
New YorkA concrete jungle with exceptional museums and bagels.Los AngelesSprawling, sunny, and obsessed with wellness and tacos.MiamiArt deco, Cuban coffee, and sizzling nightlife.Las VegasBright lights and buffet lines, but nearby red rock hikes.ChicagoDeep-dish pizza, lakefront trails, and bold architecture.San FranciscoHilly, foggy, and full of sourdough and sea lions.
Before you go
- esimPreload an eSIM from Airalo or Holafly before landing — Singapore's Wi-Fi is pervasive, but you'll want constant data for Grab and maps.
- insuranceMedical care is excellent but pricey for foreigners. A comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation is non-negotiable in Singapore.
- transferSkip the private car at the airport — the MRT is reliable and cheap. Book a Grab only if you have an early-morning flight.
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