Singapore on a Budget: Cheap Eats & Free Things to Do

Singapore consistently ranks among the most expensive cities in the world! But here’s the secret: if you know how to plan smartly, it’s still possible to travel Singapore on a budget and experience everything this incredible city has to offer. From cheap eats and budget-friendly accommodation to free attractions, this guide will show you how to explore Singapore without spending a fortune.

Food & Drink in Singapore on a Budget

Food and drinks (especially alcohol!) are not cheap in Singapore. A regular sit-down restaurant meal can easily cost upwards of 20 USD per person, which over the course of a few days adds up quickly. Cooking your own food isn’t much of a solution either as supermarkets are very rare.

But don’t worry! Eating in Singapore on a budget is 100% doable. Here are my favorite hacks:

1. Light Lunch or Dinner from 7-Eleven

7-Eleven is everywhere in Singapore! Seriously, you’ll find one on almost every corner. Even though the stores are tiny, the food selection is surprisingly varied. While it’s not the healthiest option, it’s perfect if you’re prioritizing convenience and affordability.

You’ll find instant noodle soups (with hot water available to prepare them immediately), pre-packed sushi, and multiple types of onigiri rice triangles. Plus, lots of snacks to grab and go. Most meals come in under 5 SGD, which is a steal for Singapore. And let’s be real: since there’sa 7-Eleven almost at every corner, you’ll likely be enjoying your budget dinner with a first-class city view.

2. Breakfast at BreadTalk

We became OBSESSED with BreadTalk, Singapore’s very own bakery chain. Eating here feels like eating local, and the variety is amazing: sweet pastries, savory breads, little cakes, and hot drinks. It’s one of the best cheap breakfast spots in Singapore. A full breakfast here won’t set you back more than 5 SGD. Only downside, there is no sit down option so you will need to take your breakfast on the go or look for a nice park nearby 🙂

3. Avoid Restaurants Near Marina Bay & CBD

As in most cities, restaurants near the major attractions are overpriced. Marina Bay, Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and the CBD are some of the most expensive places to eat out. If you want good food at half the price, head to Chinatown or the Arab Quarter which both have great budget-friendly dining options.

4. Eat at a Hawker Centre

No trip to Singapore is complete without eating at a hawker centre. These massive food courts are like Singapore’s answer to street food markets. Rows and rows of stalls sell everything from Indian food to fresh juices and desserts — all for only 3–6 SGD!

For cheap, delicious meals and a real taste of Singaporean food culture, hawker centres are unbeatable. We went to Lau Pa Sat Hawker Centre in the CBD, and it was amazing!

Free & Cheap Activities in Singapore

Now, let’s get to the fun part, which is finding things to do in Singapore without blowing your budget. The city may be pricey, but there are actually tons of free activities and cheap attractions.

1. Singapore Botanic Gardens

The Singapore Botanic Gardens are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the few in the world that you can enter completely free. You can easily spend hours wandering through its lush greenery, spotting turtles in the ponds, and discovering exotic plants. It’s peaceful, gorgeous, and a must-see.

2. Gardens by the Bay

The famous Gardens by the Bay are one of Singapore’s most iconic landmarks — and yes, they are free to enter! The outdoor areas, including the Supertree Grove, don’t cost a cent. Of course, some attractions inside (like the Cloud Forest and Flower Dome) require a ticket, but you don’t need them to enjoy the futuristic gardens and stunning views. Even the Garden Rhapsody light show, where the supertrees start dancing with all kinds of colours is free to watch!

3. TreeTop Walk at MacRitchie Reservoir

If you’re craving nature, head to MacRitchie Reservoir. The highlight here is the TreeTop Walk, a suspension bridge that takes you through the rainforest canopy. It’s free to enter and offers a completely different vibe from the urban cityscape. There are also plenty of hiking trails, so you could easily spend the whole day exploring. For more infos on this hike, check out my Ultimate Guide to the TreeTop Walk Singapore.

4. Sentosa Island

If you’ve never heard of Sentosa before, then welcome to the club, because neither did I. Sentosa is Singapore’s fun island, filled with resorts, theme parks, and attractions. But visiting doesn’t have to be expensive! Skip the pricey activities and enjoy the free ones instead: walk the beaches, swim in the ocean, and visit the “Southernmost Point of Continental Asia.” Just keep an umbrella handy because Singapore’s tropical climate means beach days sometimes come with surprise rain showers. Look at it on the bright side and consider it as part of your Singapore experience 🙂

5. The Southern Ridges

Another beautiful hike is the Southern Ridges Trail, which connects three parks along Singapore’s southern coastline. The entire trail is about 10km, but you can hop off at any point if you don’t want to commit to the whole length! It’s a favorite among locals for jogging and walking, and the views of both nature and city are worth it.

6. Exploring Singapore on Foot

Finally, one of the best free things to do in Singapore is simply to walk around. Wander the city center, admire the futuristic high-rises, duck into temples, and browse quirky shops. Even museum gift shops and little souvenir stores can be fun to explore. There is plenty to do and see without having to spend any money!

For more ideas, check out my detailed 5 Days in Singapore Itinerary, which includes suggestions for both free and paid activities.

Budget Accommodation in Singapore

Accommodation is one of the biggest costs when visiting Singapore. Hotels are pricey, so the best budget option is staying in hostels or capsule hotels. Most cost between 20–30 USD per night per person, and many are centrally located in Chinatown or near MRT stations.

I stayed at the Galaxy Pods @ Chinatown, it’s a very quirky capsule hostel but it’s very central and gets the job done 🙂

Getting Around Singapore Cheaply

Singapore is one of the most walkable cities in Asia. The streets are safe, flat, and easy to navigate — even at night or if you’re a solo traveler. If you plan your route right, you can see a huge portion of the city just by walking.

For attractions a little further away, like Sentosa Island or MacRitchie Reservoir, the MRT is the best option. It’s clean, fast, and cheap. Simply tap your credit card when entering and leaving, and fares are automatically charged. Over 5 days, we spent less than 10 SGD per person, which is far cheaper than the official tourist passes. We did, however, walk a loooooot 🙂 If you want to see our daily step count, check out my 5 Days in Singapore Itinerary.

Final Thoughts

Traveling Singapore on a budget is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding. With cheap eats at hawker centres, free attractions like Gardens by the Bay, and affordable hostels, you can experience the city without overspending.

If you’re planning a trip, check out my 5 Days in Singapore Itinerary for a detailed breakdown of how to spend your time (and money) wisely. Happy budget traveling!