What to Do in Singapore on a Budget – Travel Smart in 2025

Singapore may carry a reputation as one of the most expensive cities in the world, but savvy travelers know it’s possible to explore this futuristic city without breaking the bank. From free gardens and cultural districts to cheap hawker meals and public transport, there’s plenty to enjoy without burning through your savings. In this guide, we reveal what to do in Singapore on a budget, with practical tips on how to visit Singapore on a budget​, where to eat, what to see, and how to handle your money smartly.

Is It Possible to Visit Singapore on a Budget?

Absolutely. While luxury options abound, Singapore also caters well to budget-conscious travelers. If you’re asking, “Is Singapore expensive for Indians?”, the answer lies in how you plan. Average daily costs can range between SGD 55 to SGD 110 (roughly ₹3,300 to ₹6,600), depending on your choices. How much money do I need per day in Singapore? For the basics – food, transport, sightseeing, and hostel accommodation – you can manage comfortably with SGD 60–70 per day. Careful planning and using prepaid forex cards can help you stretch your money even further.

Budget Travel Tips – How to visit Singapore on a budget

1. Book a Cheap Flight to Singapore

Start smart by grabbing a deal on airfare. Book at least 2–3 months in advance using flight comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights. Look for budget airlines such as Scoot, AirAsia, and IndiGo, which often run flash deals. Traveling in off-peak months like February or November can also yield lower prices.

2. Choose Budget Accommodation

Skip the fancy hotels and consider hostels, capsule hotels, or guesthouses. Areas like Little India, Chinatown, and Geylang are budget-friendly and well connected via MRT. Look for hostels offering free breakfast or communal kitchens to cut down food costs.

3. Use Public Transport Instead of Taxis

Singapore’s MRT and bus system are clean, safe, and extremely efficient. A typical MRT ride costs between SGD 1–2. Buy an EZ-Link card or a Singapore Tourist Pass for unlimited travel options, depending on your stay duration.

4. Eat at Hawker Centres

Don’t miss the delicious and cheap eats at hawker centres. A full meal here can cost as low as SGD 4–6. Popular ones include: Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat, Chinatown Complex Food Centre; Try dishes like chicken rice, laksa, roti prata, and satay.

5. Drink Tap Water & Limit Alcohol

Singapore tap water is 100% safe to drink, saving you from buying bottled water. Alcohol is heavily taxed, so skip the bar crawl unless you’re hitting happy hour. Stock up on duty-free alcohol at the airport if needed.

6. Shop Smart – Supermarkets Over 7-Eleven

For snacks, drinks, and toiletries, shop at NTUC Fair Price or Cold Storage instead of 7-Eleven, which is more expensive.

What to do in Singapore on a budget ?

1. Gardens by the Bay (Outdoor Areas)

Explore the stunning outdoor gardens and Supertree Grove at no cost. Moreover, don’t miss the Garden Rhapsody Light Show, a free evening spectacle that blends music, lights, and innovation. Altogether, it offers the perfect harmony of nature, technology, and architecture right in the heart of Singapore.

2. Marina Bay Sands Light & Water Show

Head to the Event Plaza at Marina Bay Sands to witness “Spectra,” a free, nightly light and water show. This dazzling display uses lasers, fountains, and projections to tell a visual story, ideal for travelers looking for a magical yet cost-free experience in the city.

3. Singapore Botanic Gardens

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is open daily from 5 AM to midnight and free to enter. It’s perfect for morning walks, birdwatching, or a relaxed picnic. Don’t miss the beautiful Swan Lake and lush greenery spread across 82 hectares.

4. Clarke Quay Riverside Walk

While nightlife at Clarke Quay can be expensive, walking along the vibrant Singapore River is totally free. Enjoy street performances, people-watching, and the colorful skyline. It’s a great place to soak in the atmosphere without spending a dollar on drinks or dining.

5. Sentosa Island (Free Entry on Foot)

Walk across the Sentosa Boardwalk to access the island for free. Relax at Siloso or Palawan beaches, visit Fort Siloso, or enjoy scenic walking trails. It’s a fantastic budget-friendly day trip combining history, nature, and tropical vibes – all for free or minimal cost.

6. Chinatown, Little India & Kampong Glam

These vibrant cultural districts offer a range of free experiences. To begin with, you can admire temples like Sri Mariamman and the Buddha Tooth Relic. Next, wander through Kampong Glam to explore colorful street art. Additionally, shop at budget-friendly markets in Little India. Altogether, these areas provide authentic food, heritage, and photo opportunities—without any entry fee.

7. Free Walking Tours

Join tip-based walking tours offered by local organizations like Monster Day Tours. Learn about Singapore’s history, landmarks, and food culture with a local guide. Tours cover areas like Chinatown, Civic District, and Little India, an engaging way to explore without a ticket fee.

8. Marina Bay Boardwalk Views

Walk along the Marina Bay Boardwalk at night for postcard-perfect skyline views. From the Helix Bridge to Merlion Park, the illuminated cityscape and reflections on the bay create stunning photo opportunities, making it one of the best free things to do in Singapore.

9. Free Museum Entries (Selected Days)

Several museums, including the National Gallery and Asian Civilisations Museum, offer free entry on certain days or after specific hours. Check official websites for timing. It’s a smart way to explore Singapore’s rich history, art, and culture without paying standard ticket prices.

10. East Coast Park & MacRitchie Reservoir

Nature lovers can head to East Coast Park for cycling or beach picnics, or visit MacRitchie Reservoir for serene jungle walks and the treetop canopy bridge. Both spots are free to enter and offer an escape from the city’s hustle, ideal for a relaxing day.

Singapore Budget Food Guide – Eat Well for Less

Singapore’s food scene is world-class and budget-friendly if you know where to look. Here are some must-try local dishes:

• Hainanese Chicken Rice – SGD 4–5
• Laksa – SGD 5–6
• Char Kway Teow – SGD 4–6
• Roti Prata with curry – SGD 3–4
• Satay sticks – SGD 0.70–1 each
  

Hawker centres and food courts are your best bet. Visit:

• Tekka Centre (Little India)
• Old Airport Road Food Centre
• Tiong Bahru Market
  

Money Matters – Cash, Cards, and Forex for Singapore

If you’re unsure whether to carry cash or card in Singapore, here’s a smart approach. Use cards at malls, hotels, and restaurants, but keep cash for hawker centres, small shops, and public transport top-ups. A Prepaid Forex Card from Supreme Forex is your best bet—it’s safer than cash, offers better exchange rates, and allows online tracking. Exchange INR to SGD with Supreme Forex and enjoy live rates with doorstep delivery before your trip.

Final Tips – Travel Smart, Spend Smart

• Travel Light: Avoid excess baggage fees by packing efficiently, carry only essentials and wear layers when flying.
  
• Use Free Wi-Fi: Take advantage of free internet at MRT stations, shopping malls, and cafes to save on mobile data.
  
• Carry a Prepaid Forex Card: Use a Forex card provided by Supreme Forex to avoid high international transaction fees and manage your spending.
  
• Plan Your Itinerary in Advance: Pre-book major attractions, tours, and passes online to get better deals and save time.
  
• Explore on Foot or Public Transport: Walking and using the MRT not only saves money but also gives you a local experience.
  
• Stay Hydrated with Tap Water: Singapore’s tap water is clean and safe to drink, carry a refillable bottle to save money and reduce plastic waste.

Conclusion

So, what to do in Singapore on a budget? The answer is: plenty! With the right planning, you can enjoy world-class attractions, delicious cuisine, cultural hotspots, and scenic views without draining your wallet. Whether it’s your first international trip or a spontaneous getaway, Singapore welcomes budget travelers with open arms.

Ready to explore Singapore affordably? Exchange your INR to SGD with Supreme Forex and get your prepaid forex card delivered to your doorstep – secure, smart, and stress-free.