How to Spend Two Days in Singapore (Mostly Free Things to Do)

In this Singapore travel guide, we’ll share our two-day itinerary, focusing mostly on free things to do in Singapore. Although it’s one of the most expensive countries in Southeast Asia, you can still have a great time with plenty of free activities. We’ll also provide useful information and share our opinions about the places we visited.

Singapore was the last place we visited before returning home from our two-month Southeast Asia trip.

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Table of Contents

Use the links below to quickly navigate to the parts of this article that interest you the most.

What You Should Not Miss in Singapore

Singapore is a mix of several different cultures. You’ll find a church, a temple, and a mosque on the same road, which is quite interesting and not usually what you see featured on social media. For example, I had no idea there were so many mosques in Singapore until I started planning my itinerary.

In Singapore, the most famous area is Marina Bay and Gardens by the Bay. The entire vicinity surrounding Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands is incredibly modern and beautiful.

The Supertrees and the Cloud Forest resemble scenes from the movie Avatar. Our only paid activity in Singapore was visiting the Cloud Forest, and I highly recommend it. It’s an experience you shouldn’t miss when in Singapore.

This city is also a fantastic place if you enjoy luxury shopping. This is not our case, but it’s always interesting to explore the different stores and see the luxury shopping malls.

Finally, you’ll probably go through Singapore Changi Airport. You should not miss the Rain Vortex Waterfall at the Jewel. It’s the highest indoor waterfall in the world and it’s free to visit.

If you only have one day in Singapore…

…I recommend visiting the area around Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands. It’s quite unique and different from any other city we’ve visited. And don’t forget: don’t miss the Cloud Forest.

11 Free Things to Do in Singapore

Singapore is one of the most expensive places in Southeast Asia. Fortunately, there are plenty of free things to do in this city. Here’s a list of some of the best things to do in Singapore (you can also watch the following video for a quick overview).

1) The Jewel at Changi Airport

If you’re in Singapore, you’ve probably arrived at or are leaving through Singapore Changi Airport. This is considered one of the most beautiful airports in the world. What stands out is the Jewel, a stunning complex that’s like a shopping mall with its many stores, gardens, and multiple entertainment options such as a mirror maze, bouncing net, canopy park, and much more.

What stands out is definitely the Rain Vortex waterfall and the surrounding Forest Valley. While many of the entertainment options are paid, the Rain Vortex is completely free. This is a spectacular artificial indoor waterfall, and it is the tallest indoor waterfall in the world.

Tip: you can visit the Rain Vortex waterfall at the Jewel even if you don’t have a scheduled flight because the Jewel is accessible to the public from both the airport and the city. This means you can enjoy its attractions without needing to pass through airport security or have a boarding pass.

Tip 2: If you’re going through Changi Airport twice, we recommend that you visit the Jewel before your flight because you can check your bags and visit the attractions without the hassle of carrying your luggage.

2) Gardens by the Bay and the Supertree Groove

The Gardens by the Bay and the Supertree Groove are probably one of the most famous and spectacular places in Singapore. The Gardens by the Bay complex is huge and you’ll probably need at least a full day to explore it properly. Most of the Garden is free to visit, including the Supertree Groove.

These beautiful trees, which look straight out of the future, are actually vertical gardens featuring multiple species of plants. At night, the trees light up, and there’s a free light and music show called the Garden Rhapsody.

The Garden Rapsody happens daily at 7:45 PM and 8:45 PM. Consult the official website for up to date information.

Note: we visited during Christmas time and there was a special show that required a paid entrance. However, this show is usually free during regular times.

You can also go up to the OCBC Skyway, a bridge that connects two of the trees. But this is not free and requires a ticket. Entrance to the Cloud Forest, Floral Fantasy, and Flower Dome are also paid. Nonetheless, we highly recommend a visit to the Cloud Forest.

3) Helix Bridge and the Views to the Marina Bay Sands and Science Museum

The Helix Bridge that connects Marina Centre with Marina South in the Marina Bay area will give you beautiful views over the Marina Bay Sands and the ArtScience Museum.

Marina Bay Sands is an iconic resort featuring a hotel, a casino, a mall, and the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool.

The Helix bridge and the surrounding area are super spectacular at night with all the lights. You don’t need to pay for super-expensive observatory decks to have some of the greatest views of Singapore.

4) Merlion Park

When in the Marina area, you cannot miss the Merlion Park that features the Merlion statue.

This statue, half fish half lion, represents Singapore’s origins as a fishing village (the fish) and its original name, Singapura, which means “Lion City” (the lion). Here, you’ll also get spectacular views of the Marina Bay Sands building.

5) Spectra Light and Water Show

At the Event Plaza in front of Marina Bay Sands, you can watch the Spectra Light and Water Show. This is an amazing show featuring water fountains, lasers, and projections synchronized with music. This is free to watch and absolutely worth it.

I didn’t do much research about this show and was quite surprised. I wasn’t expecting such a good performance. It’s completely different from the Water Fountain Show in Dubai or Kuala Lumpur.

The Spectra Light and Water Show happens every day at 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM, and 10:00 PM. Make sure you check the official website for updated information.

6) Explore the Arab Quarter

The Arab Quarter in Singapore is a vibrant neighborhood, where you’ll find the stunning Sultan Mosque with its golden dome—probably one of the most beautiful mosques in Singapore. It is open for guided visits for non-Muslims and can be visited for free. Unfortunately, it was closed the day we visited.

In this area, you’ll find narrow streets with colorful shops and Middle Eastern restaurants, though a bit pricey for my standards. Also, don’t miss Haji Lane, with lots of street art and beautiful boutique shops and cafes.

7) Explore Chinatown

Chinatown is one of the most lively areas in Singapore with lots of shops, markets, stalls, and restaurants. Some of the most relevant cultural places include the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple (Chinese Temple) and the Sri Mariamman Temple (Hindu Temple).

The best way to explore this area is to get lost in its vibrant streets. Here, we’ve discovered some of the most beautiful street art murals we’ve ever seen.

8) Old Hill Street Police Station

The Old Hill Street Police Station is a former police station and jail. It attracts many visitors due to its colorful windows. It’s certainly a unique building and a nice place for great pictures.

9) Clarke Quay

Clarke Quay is a lively riverside area with many shops, bars, restaurants, and a large shopping mall. It is also the starting point for ferry trips around Marina Bay.

This seems like a must-do activity, and I regret not having tried it. The cruise takes you under most of the bridges in the Marina Bay area and past iconic spots like the Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the ScienceArt Museum.

This area is most lively after sunset. We visited during the day and there wasn’t much going on. Additionally, it was super hot and humid, which made it uncomfortable to explore on foot.

10) Explore Little India

Another different cultural neighborhood you cannot miss in Singapore is Little India. You can explore Hindu temples, find beautiful street art, or learn about the local history at the Indian Heritage Centre.

Some of the most popular places in this area are the Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple and the colorful Tan Teng Niah Old Residence, this is one of the last surviving Chinese villas in the area.

Unfortunately, the weather was very hot and humid, and we were so tired that we weren’t in the best mood to explore this place properly.

11) Fort Canning Park

The Fort Canning Park is a historic spot in Singapore, renowned for its World War II bunkers and British military heritage. Some of the key sites include the Fort Gate and the Battlebox (Fort Canning Bunker). Entrance to the park is free, but you’ll need to pay to visit the bunker, which also includes a guide.

Some of the park’s lush gardens have decorative elements that will resemble Balinese architecture and these are free to explore. For example, the Sang Nila Utama Garden features Javanese split gates (common in Balinese architecture).

A highlight of the park is the Fort Canning Tree Tunnel, a picturesque place that’s usually crowded to take that Instagram-worthy picture. Unfortuantely, at the time of our visit the place was closed for maintenance.

I haven’t done much research about this park at the time, but I now regret missing out on its many attractions. This article describes in great detail all the interesting things to do in the Fort Canning Park.

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Singapore Two-Day Itinerary

This is our suggestion for two days in Singapore. This was the itinerary we followed, with just a few modifications to make it more efficient in terms of time and route. All activities are free except for the Cloud Forest, which also includes access to the Flower Dome.

Day 1 in Singapore

On your first day in Singapore, we suggest start exploring Little India and then walking to the Arab Quarter. In the Arab Quarter don’t miss the beautiful Sultan Mosque, which offers free guided visits.

Explore the Buggis street, a lively shopping street with many souvenir options, clothes, food markets, and more.

Then, catch the MRT to the Fort Canning Park. Spend some time exploring and relaxing in the gardens.

Just one step away from the Fort Canning Park is the Old Hill Street Police Station. Make sure to stop by and take a nice picture with the most colorful police station.

Get an MRT to Chinatown and explore the area. At the end of the day visit Clark Quay, it is more lively around sunset time. I highly recommend going on a cruise on the Singapore river and seeing some of the most popular landmarks from the boat at night.

If you still have time, go to the Event Arena at the Marina Bay Sands to see the Spectra Light Show. If you’re already too tired, you can leave this to the following day.

Day 2 in Singapore

We suggest saving the best part of this itinerary for your last day and spending it exploring the Marina Bay area in Singapore. Check out the Gardens by the Bay and the surrounding sights like the Helix Bridge and the Merlion Park. Another popular place to explore is the ArtScience Museum, but the entrance is a bit pricey, so we decided to skip it.

We highly recommend purchasing a ticket to the Cloud Forest. It’s a bit pricey, but definitely worth it, and it also includes admission to the Flower Dome.

The Cloud Forest is an indoor forest with plants from around the world and features one of the tallest indoor waterfalls. The lush greenery will instantly remind you of the scenery from the movie Avatar.

During our visit, the Cloud Forest was decorated with Avatar characters and featured several immersive experiences related to the film.

Every two hours from 10 AM to 8 PM, they release mist to water the plants, creating a wonderfully mysterious ambiance. Make sure you don’t miss this.

Tip: It’s a bit cold inside the Cloud Forest when compared with the outside temperature. So, make sure you pack a light jacket.

What I found more interesting in the Cloud Forest was the variety of carnivorous plants.

As I mentioned, admission to the Cloud Forest also includes entry to the Flower Dome. While the Flower Dome is nice, it isn’t as spectacular as the Cloud Forest. If you have time for only one, prioritize the Cloud Forest.

Around 7:45 PM, check out the Garden Rhapsody at the Supertree Grove. Then, at around 9 PM, don’t miss the Spectra Light Show at the Event Plaza—it’s worth seeing even if you’ve watched it before. We saw it three times during our stay.

The Supertree Groove Garden Rapsody happens daily at 7:45 PM and 8.45 PM. Consult the official website for up to date information.

The Spectra Light and Water Show happens every day at 8:00 PM, 9:00 PM, and 10:00 PM. Make sure you check the official website for updated information.

Lastly, you cannot miss the Vortex Waterfall at the Jewel in Changi Airport. Depending on your itinerary, you might prefer to visit it right after your arrival or save it for the day of your departure.

How Many Days in Singapore

Usually, Singapore serves as a transit hub for travelers heading to other destinations due to its extensive international connections. Most visitors spend just one or two days in the city. In my opinion, two full days are sufficient to see the main highlights of Singapore.

However, if you plan to explore Sentosa Island and enjoy its various amusement parks, you should consider adding an extra day or two to your itinerary.

Best Time to Go to Singapore

Singapore is a year-round destination with a tropical climate. For more pleasant weather with less rain and lower humidity, the best months to visit are February to April.

We visited in December, and it was very hot and humid. We experienced rain on both days in the evening. Despite the weather, it was a great time to visit due to the beautiful Christmas decorations.

When planning your visit, consider major festivals and events like Chinese New Year, which can increase costs and attract larger crowds.

How to Get To Singapore

There is no shortage of flights going to Singapore (Changi Airport). You can easily find a cheap flight to Singapore from any country in Southeast Asia.

Many airlines operate flights from European countries to Singapore, with numerous options including layovers in hubs like Qatar and Abu Dhabi. But there are many more available routes.

By Bus

If you’re in Malaysia and want to travel to Singapore, there are several bus options available for this route. We took a bus from Kuala Lumpur to Singapore, which was cheaper than flying. The journey typically takes about four and a half hours, we got caught in traffic and our trip took more than six hours.

When booking your bus, ensure that your final destination is close to the city center (our final destination was the Golden Mile Express Bus Terminal, which was close to the Arab Quarter).

Avoid mistakenly booking a ticket to the Woodlands Checkpoint, as this station is near the border and you’ll need additional transportation to reach the city center. We purchased our bus tickets using 12GoAsia two days in advance.

How to Get Around Singapore

Singapore’s public transportation is excellent, and we mostly used the metro (MRT) to explore different neighborhoods. You can use a contactless credit/debit card for public transport.

We also walked between attractions that were less than 30 minutes apart by walking, though this can be tiring due to the heat and humidity.

Using the Grab app is another option and much more comfortable (not as cheap as in Malaysia). However, we had frequent issues with ride cancellations and drivers moving away from us instead of picking us up. Once, after waiting over an hour for a ride from Gardens by the Bay to our hotel around midnight, we gave up and took the metro back, finishing the journey on foot.

Where to Stay in Singapore

The most famous hotel, and also one of the most expensive, is the Marina Bay Sands (around 1000€ per night). The whole area around Marina Bay is incredibly modern and beautiful. All hotels in this area will be a bit more expensive, but if you book in advance you may be lucky to get a good deal.

If you’re like me and you’re booking your hotels last minute, or if you don’t want to spend a lot of money on accommodation, consider alternatives like Orchard Road, Clarke Quay, Chinatown, or the Arab Quarter. Ensure your accommodation is near a metro station for easy access to public transportation. Here are some suggestions:

• Parkroyal collection Marina Bay (Luxury) — Marina Bay
• Rest Bugis Hotel (Mid-range/budget) — Arab Quarter
• D’Hotel Singapore (Mid-range/budget) — close to Chinatown

We stayed at the Aqueen Prestige Hotel Jalan Besar (it was less than 90€ per night at the time). The hotel was excellent, with modern, comfortable rooms and a great rooftop pool. It was also conveniently located, just a 10-minute walk from the nearest MRT station.

• Aqueen Prestige Hotel Jalan Besar

How to Get Internet in Singapore?

I highly recommend buying an eSIM card that you can buy before your trip and activate right after your arrival. It’s easy and simple and you don’t have to switch between physical SIM cards. Make sure your smartphone is compatible with eSIMs.

eSIM Card for Multiple Countries

In our case, we got an eSIM card from Maya that covered several countries in Southeast Asia. This was very convenient because we were visiting multiple countries in two months and we didn’t need to bother buying a card on each country.

This was probably a bit more expensive than buying physical SIM cards in each country, but the convenience of not having to worry about searching for Internet every time we moved countries is worth it.

Maya offers great packages when you’re traveling to multiple countries in a short time. We also used it in Europe during a road trip. Learn more about Maya packages here.

eSIM Card for Individual Countries

If you’re just going to Singapore, the Airalo app usually offers better options. We have used Airalo in multiple different countries without any issues.

If you use my referral code on Airalo, you’ll get a 3$ credit. Use the referral code below on your first purchase:

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Where to Go After Singapore?

Singapore is mainly used as a transit hub for travelers heading to other destinations. In our case, this was the place that offered one of the most interesting options for our flight back home (Portugal) after a two-month trip in Southeast Asia.

However, if you’re just starting your journey in Singapore, many interesting options to go afterward include Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Indonesia, and other countries in Southeast Asia.

We have several guides to Thailand, Vietnam, and Malaysia that you can check below if you’re looking for travel inspiration or searching for travel guides to prepare for your trip.

• » All Our Thailand Travel Guides «
• » All Our Vietnam Travel Guides «
• » All Our Malaysia Travel Guides «

Two Months in Southeast Asia: Our Detailed Itinerary

We hope you find this guide useful.

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