While studying a semester in one of the most expensive cities in the world, we walked into most overpriced tourist traps before discovering budget-friendly Singapore. These are 10 tips for visiting Singapore on a budget, approved by locals.

1. Go out on Ladies Night

On Wednesday nights, even the fanciest clubs and rooftop bars in Singapore offer free entrance and welcome drinks to women. Many restaurants also have dinner specials with free drinks. The goal of this clever concept? Attract a lot of men willing to spend thousands of dollars on table reservations and bottle service. Who are always happy to share with the lucky ones in this story, the ladies.

2. Eat at Hawker Centers

The key to eating on a budget in Singapore is food courts. Hawker centers are next-level street food markets, usually located in shopping malls with AC and seating. A variety of food stalls cook up dishes from Singapore to India and everything in between. Singapore’s food scene is known for combining flavors from all over Asia, creating a unique fusion flavor. A great feature of food courts is the hygiene rating that is displayed in each food stall: stick to an A-rating to be on the safe side, with a B as the bare minimum.

3. Move around by MRT

The subway in Singapore – known as the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) – spans a network of 200 kilometers. The MRT runs like clockwork, is inexpensive and incredibly clean, thanks to the hefty fines for eating and drinking. An additional advantage of the MRT network is the shelter it provides from sudden thunderstorms, part of Singapore’s unpredictable weather. A regular rechargeable EZ-link pass will likely cost you less than the set price of the Singapore tourist pass.

4. Walk the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade

The Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade connects the main attractions in Marina Bay: Merlion, the Singapore mascot, the iconic Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the ArtScience Museum, shaped like a lotus flower. The 3.5-kilometer promenade is freely accessible 24/7 and offers stunning views of the skyline.

If you time your visit a little before sunset, you can take in the views by day and night. The free Spectra Light & Water Show runs nightly at 8 and 9 PM, with virtual performances by Singapore artists.

5. Explore Gardens by the Bay

Only Singapore could come up with futuristic Supertrees that generate solar power and collect rainwater at the same time. Access to Gardens by the Bay is free, including a nightly light-and-sound show in the Supertree Grove. For a fee, you can walk between the treetops on the OCBC Skyway or visit the Supertree Observatory located in the highest treetop. Gardens by the Bay also houses the Flower Dome, Cloud Forest and Floral Fantasy, impressive greenhouses with the city skyline as a backdrop.

6. Take in the views from Marina Bay Sands

Marina Bay Sands is an iconic landmark on the Singapore skyline. The boat-shaped luxury hotel boasts some of the best views in town. Skip the pricey SkyPark Observation Deck and head to MBS’ Ce La Vi Rooftop Bar instead, preferably on Ladies Night. Every Wednesday, ladies enter Ce La Vi for free between 10 PM and 12 AM and are served a complimentary glass of prosecco. On any other day of the week, LAVO Italian Restaurant & Rooftop offers the same views without entrance fee.

If you do decide to splurge one time in Singapore, let it be on a stay at the Marina Bay Sands Hotel. The spectacular infinity pool is reserved for hotel guests only and warrants a stay by itself. There is no waking up to a bad view, as rooms look out over Marina Bay, Gardens by the Bay or the city skyline.

7. Relax on Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is a man-made oasis designed to spend a day away from the city’s hustle and bustle. You can board the Sentosa Express from the mainland for just $4 to access this island escape. The island’s white-sand beaches are freely accessible, with separate fees for attractions like Universal Studios, SkyPark and Adventure Park.

8. Indulge in seafood on the East Coast

Singapore is known for chili crab and other exotic seafood staples like fish head steamboat. Riverside Clarke Quay lines up seafood restaurants on the water, but they come with a hefty price tag. For an authentic and affordable experience, head to Singapore’s East Coast Park. This strip of beaches houses many restaurants that prepare signature seafood dishes. Jumbo Seafood is widely known as one of the best restaurants for chili crab.

9. Stop by Changi Airport’s Duty Free Section

Singapore’s most iconic cocktail is served at the historic Raffles Hotel. In 2026, a Singapore Sling sets you back about $35 USD at the Raffles’ Long Bar. Paying an arm and a leg for alcohol is the norm in Singapore, in bars and restaurants but also in stores. If you want to have a drink without breaking the bank, stop by Changi Airport’s duty free section upon arrival. You can even enjoy drinks with a view, as Singapore allows (responsible) alcohol consumption in public spaces until 10:30 PM.

10. Shop at local markets

It’s not surprising that Singapore tailors to the luxury shopper. But even without deep pockets, Singapore’s luxury malls are worth a visit. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands doesn’t just offers boat rides on a canal, it also connects to the floating Louis Vuitton Island Maison through an underground tunnel. Orchard Road is Singapore’s shopping vein, with over 20 shopping malls and festive decoration in the holiday season.

Singapore counts many local markets, reflecting its diverse population. The area around Arab Street and the Sultan Mosque in Kampong Glam is lined with shops, restaurants and food stalls. Chinatown has a popular night market, a great place to sample the Singaporean Chinese cuisine. For fans of big shopping crowds and kitschy souvenirs, Bugis Street Market is the place to be.

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