18 Absolutely Free Attractions & Things To Do In Singapore (Near Halal Food!)

[UPDATED 21 June 2021]

Even though Singapore is always referred to as the "little red dot", it's always fascinating to see how much we can uncover about our lovely city. If you've visited the famous local attractions, done with shopping at Orchard, or have gone on a Sentosa staycation already, you might be interested in free attractions in Singapore or free things to do instead! Well, you're in luck as we've rounded up these spots for you. With the current pax of 5 per social gathering, you can now plan ahead for a trip with your loved ones and friends! Here are 18 attractions and things to do for free in Singapore this 2021 - we've also added halal food options nearby so you can have a feast after exploring Singapore.

1. Fort Siloso Skywalk

Besides Sentosa's beaches and top attractions, another way to enjoy the island is to soak in its stunning greenery at the Fort Siloso Skywalk! Take a scenic stroll along this free attraction's treetop walk which is 11-storeys high and 181-metres long ? From the skywalk, you'd also be able to see the panoramic view of Sentosa's lush forest, amazing beaches as well as landmarks in mainland Singapore like Reflections at Keppel Bay!

Opening hours: Daily; 9AM-6PM

Website

Halal food nearby:

Check out our ultimate guide to halal food in Sentosa for food options on the island!

2. Singapore's lesser-known street art

You might have visited the murals at Kampong Gelam, so why not take this time to explore the lesser-known street art around town? Find this bright and colourful mural (107 East Coast Rd) among Katong's historic Peranakan shophouses or uncover the murals in Chinatown, Everton Park and Little India. There are a few interesting murals located across housing estates in Singapore too. Check out this link to find out more. You can also follow #sgstreetart on Instagram too!

3. Jurong Lake Gardens

Jurong Lake Gardens is the perfect place to grab some fresh air and enjoy serenity, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. There are 3 sections in this 90-hectare garden but only the Lakeside Garden is currently open while the Chinese and Japanese Gardens are closed for renovations till 2021.

The Lakeside Garden has a lalang field (called the grasslands) and a lone “Instagrammable” tree - a perfect photo opportunity!? From afar, you'd think that this is a real tree and but step closer to it and you'll find that it's actually made from recycled iron bars. Check out our guide to Jurong Lake Gardens for more information!

Opening hours: 24/7

Address: Yuan Ching Rd (near South Car Park)

Website

Halal food nearby:

Fusion Spoon

Halal status: Halal-certified

Cuisine: Western/Local/Japanese/Fusion

Opening hours: Mon-Fri; 10AM-10PM, Sat-Sun/PH; 7AM-10PM

Address: 102 Yuan Ching Rd, Singapore 618663

Contact: +6569691598

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P.S. Check out these hidden gems in Singapore that look like they are overseas!

4. National Gallery Singapore

If you’re an art enthusiast, you have to visit the National Gallery Singapore, home to the biggest collection of modern and contemporary art from around the region! Some canvases paint the history of Singapore while others tell a story about the culture of its Southeast Asian neighbours. Be amazed by the stunning artworks showcasing everything from Southeast Asian art from the 19th century till now and even a peek at Singapore’s original constitutional documents. Admission to the museum is free for all Singaporeans/PRs but do note that some special exhibitions might be paid.

Admission: Free (Singaporeans/PR), $20 (foreign visitors)

Opening hours: Daily; 10AM-7PM

Address: 1 St Andrew's Rd, Singapore 178957

Website

Halal food nearby:

Check out our halal food guide to Singapore's Civic District!

5. Gardens by the Bay (free areas)

The Flower Dome, Cloud Forest and Christmas Wonderland might be some of Gardens by the Bay's most exciting attractions. But the Gardens are also perfect for those of you who just want to bask in lush greenery without forking out a single cent. Head over to the Dragonfly & Kingfisher Lakes, Heritage Gardens and Serene Gardens to admire the beauty of the gardens! For those with kids, you'd want to visit the Far East Organization's Children's Garden which is free too.

Opening hours: Daily; 5AM-2AM

Address: 18 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018953

Website

Halal food nearby:

Check out our halal food guide in Marina Bay!

6. Katong Shophouses, Koon Seng Rd

This IG-worthy street is one of the most popular photo spots in the Joo Chiat and Katong neighbourhood! ? Lined by heritage shophouses in bright pastel shades, a photo along the Peranakan Shophouses at Koon Seng Road is a must-have for any intrepid urban explorer. The houses were built in the 1920s and were once inhabited by Peranakan Chinese.

Halal food nearby:

Kway Guan Huat Joo Chiat Popiah

Halal status: Halal-certified

Cuisine: Chinese

Opening hours: Tue-Sun; 11AM-3PM, 6PM-9.30PM

Address: 95 Joo Chiat Rd, Singapore 427389

Contact: +6569709360

Website

7. Marina Barrage

Marina Barrage is where you can get a panoramic view of Singapore's skyline, with a great view of Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay and Singapore Flyer all at once! With the wide green space here, you wouldn't want to pass up having a picnic overlooking the breathtaking view ? Besides hanging out with your loved ones, you can also fly a kite, catch the sunset and watch the city light up.

#HHWT Tip: Look for somewhere less mainstream? Check out this new green rooftop hangout spot near Marina Barrage!

Opening hours: Mon-Thurs, 8AM-9PM (last entry at 8PM, it might be closed when the roof is overcrowded too), Fri-Sat 8AM-10PM (last entry at 9PM)

Address: 8 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018951

Website

Halal food nearby:

Check out our halal food guide in Marina Bay!

P.S. If you love Marina Barrage, you'll love these 10 picnic spots in SG too!

8. Henderson Waves

Uncover magnificent views from Singapore’s highest pedestrian bridge, Henderson Waves which is 36 metres above the ground. While you’re here, you’ll notice amazing views of the lush greenery set against the backdrop of the Singapore skyline. Try to spot the iconic curved roof of the Reflections at Keppel Bay condominium. On a sunny and clear day, the view also extends out to the sea ? At night, the wave is lit up by LED lights! Check out our video to find out more:

Halal food nearby:

Find more halal food options in our Southern Ridges halal food guide!

Opening hours: 24/7

Address: Henderson Rd, Singapore 159557

P.S. Check out the most scenic views of Singapore!

9. Singapore Botanic Gardens

The 156-year-old Singapore Botanic Gardens is the only tropical garden to be designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site! Spread over 82 hectares and featuring about 10,000 species of flora, the gardens’ attractions include the National Orchid Garden, the Rainforest and the Ginger Garden. Enjoy a picnic amongst lush greenery at Palm Valley or take a walk at the Learning Forest, Swan Lake and more.

Opening hours: Open daily; 5AM-12AM

Address: 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569

Website 

Halal food nearby:

The Halia

Halal Status: Halal-certified

Cuisine: Western/Fusion

Opening Hours:

Breakfast (Mon-Fri, excluding PH); 9AM-11AM

Brunch (Sat, Sun, PH); 10AM-5PM

All-Day Menu (Mon-Sun); 12PM-9PM

Address: 1 Cluny Road, Ginger Garden (enter via Tyersall Avenue), Singapore Botanic Gardens, Singapore 259569

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Fusion Spoon

Halal Status: Halal-certified

Cuisine: Western/Asian/Fusion

Opening hours: Sun-Fri; 7AM-10PM, Sat; 7.30AM-10PM

Address: Singapore Botanic Gardens, Tanglin Gate, 1 Cluny Rd, #B1-00, 259569

Contact: +6562555110

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10. Fort Canning Park

Located in the Civic District, not only is Fort Canning Park a beautiful spot to seek respite from the busy city, it's also full of history and things to do. Here, you can check out historical sites like the Battlebox or check out IG-worthy spots like the famous spiral staircase, Jubilee Park and more. Check out our guide to Fort Canning Park for more.

Halal food nearby:

Check out our halal food guide to Singapore's Civic District!

Opening hours: 24/7

11. Fort Siloso

Credit: Michael_Spencer on Flickr

History and heritage buffs will love the hidden gems in Sentosa like Fort Siloso! Fort Siloso is the only preserved coastal fort remaining in Singapore, and houses Singapore's largest collection of WWII-era artefacts. Even if you're not a history buff, you'll definitely have fun exploring the different military structures, and reliving Singapore's history with a video exhibition in the Surrender Chambers.

Opening hours: Daily; 10AM-6PM

Address: Siloso Rd, 099981

Website

Halal food nearby:

Check out our ultimate guide to Sentosa for halal food options on the island!

12. Kampong Gelam

There's always something new to discover in the Kampong Gelam enclave, be it yummy halal eateries, street art or shops. That's why it's always one of our favourite spots to hang out at in Singapore! Even though you might have been there many times, you might miss some hidden gems. Find out more on their website below!

Website

Halal food nearby:

Check out our guide to the latest eateries in Kampong Gelam as well as our ultimate cafe guide to Kampong Gelam!

13. Changi Jurassic Mile

Credit: Changi Airport

This latest family-friendly attraction in the East is aptly named Changi Jurassic Mile for its 22 life-sized dinosaur exhibits and lots of dino facts! Located near Changi Airport Terminal 4, Jurassic Mile is just 1km long which is perfect for a short and leisurely cycle or a brisk jog. Get creative with your poses - and listen out for the occasional roar from the exhibits! ?

Opening hours: Open daily; 24 hours

Address: Near Changi Airport Terminal 4

Website

Halal food nearby:

Check out our ultimate guide to halal food at Changi Airport or halal food at Jewel Changi Airport!

14. Former Ford Factory

If you're a history geek or just looking to learn a slice of Singapore's history, head over to the Former Ford Factory at Bukit Timah! This was the site where the British officially surrendered Singapore to the Japanese in World War II. Prior to that, the building was the first motorcar assembly plant in Southeast Asia. Today, you'll get to see archives of how Singapore survived the Japanese Occupation, complete with unique experiences and personal items owned by pre-war Singaporeans.

Admission: Free (Singaporeans/PR), $3 (foreign visitors)

Opening hours: Tue-Sun; 11AM-4PM

Address: 351 Upper Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore 588192

Website

Halal food nearby:

Al-Azhar Restaurant

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Cuisine: Indian/Malay/Western/Thai

Opening hours: Open daily; 12PM-11.30PM

Address: 11 Cheong Chin Nam Rd, Singapore 599736

Website | Facebook | Instagram

Time For Thai

Halal status: Halal-certified

Cuisine: Thai

Opening hours: Open daily; 11AM-3PM

Address: 15 Cheong Chin Nam Rd, Singapore 599739

Website | Facebook | Instagram

15. Kampong Lorong Buangkok

You might have heard of kampungs on Pulau Ubin but a kampung on mainland Singapore? We kid you not! Built in 1956, Kampong Lorong Buangkok (or Kampong Selak Kain in Malay) is the last surviving kampung on mainland Singapore. Believe it or not, this is still home to less than 30 families. The entrance to kampung is quite inconspicuous except for a small signboard and it is surrounded by new HDB flats. There's even a small surau (prayer hall) here called Surau Al-Firdaus. If you're planning to visit this kampung, do note that it is still a residential area so do be very mindful.

Address: Lorong Buangkok (enter from Gerald Dr or Buangkok Cres)

Halal food nearby:

Nasi Lemak Ayam Taliwang

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Cuisine: Indonesian

Opening hours: Tue-Sat; 7.30AM-8PM, Sun; 7.30AM-7.30PM (closed on Mon)

Address: 51 Hougang Ave 9, Stall #01-40, Singapore 538776

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Arnold's Fried Chicken

Halal status: Halal-certified

Cuisine: Western

Opening hours: Daily; 11AM-10PM

Address: 21 Hougang Street 51, #01-49 Green Shopping Mall, Singapore 538719

Website

P.S. Check out our Northeast halal food guide for more!

16. Sembawang Hot Springs

Missed your trip to Japan because of the pandemic? Don't worry, you can still pay a visit to Sembawang Hot Spring Park, which houses mainland Singapore's only hot spring. Have a relaxing foot bath in the cascading pools or boil some eggs at the Egg Cooking station. There are even buckets and scoops which you are free to use! Besides the hot spring, the park also has natural streams and a floral walk where you can learn about fruit trees and edible plants usually found in kampungs.

Opening hours: 7AM-7PM

Address: Along Gambas Ave

Website

Halal food nearby:

Check out our halal food guide of Sembawang, Marsiling and Woodlands!

17. SkyVille @ Dawson

There’s no doubt that Singapore’s skyline is awesome and one spot in the city that lets you witness ALL that beauty for free is SkyVille @ Dawson! This might seem like just another public housing in Singapore but its roof terrace offers gorgeous views of Singapore ? Best part is, there is no entrance fee so stay as long as you like and capture as many photos!

Opening hours: 24/7

Address: 86 Dawson Rd, Singapore 141086

Halal food nearby:

786 Char Kway Teow

Halal status: Muslim-owned

Cuisine: Chinese

Opening hours: 2.30PM-10PM, closed on Fri. Do note that the stall is sometimes closed during prayer times, but will reopen within 10-15 minutes.

Address: 115 Bukit Merah View, #01-28, Singapore 151115

18. Wessex Estate

Located near the iconic Tanglin Halt area, a walk into Wessex Estate will take you back in time. The estate's main draw is its black-and-white colonial houses. Built in the 1940s, these were once houses for non-commissioned British officers and soldiers when Singapore was still under colonial rule. Today, most of these buildings are still residential properties while a few of them have been converted to art studios and event spaces. With lush greenery and wide, open fields, the estate has a charming and tranquil vibe ? Check out our guide to Wessex Estate for more info!

Website

Halal food nearby:

Edmond Chicken Rice

Halal Status: Halal-certified

Cuisine: Chinese (Chicken Rice)

Average Price: $4

Address: 48A Tanglin Halt Rd, #01-028, Singapore 148813

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Check out other amazing halal food options around Wessex Estate with our West Coast halal food guide!

With these 18 free attractions in Singapore and things to do, now you'll have even more places to explore in the country! Call your loved ones and plan a day out to visit these amazing gems ?