Living in Singapore · Leisure & free time · 6 min
What to do on a weekend in Singapore without overspending
Singapore has a reputation for being expensive, but a good weekend here does not have to cost much if you know where to look.
Updated Sep 24, 2026
Beyond the well-known paid attractions (such as Gardens by the Bay, with free zones and others that require a ticket) there is a whole weekend's worth of free or nearly-free options that many residents never even explore.
Museums with free entry or discounts for citizens and PRs
Several national museums have free-entry hours or days, and some offer a reduced rate for citizens and permanent residents (with NRIC). Worth checking each museum's calendar before going (for example, the National Museum admission page) since promotions change often.
Weekend markets
The stalls at Tiong Bahru Market or Chinatown Complex Food Centre make for a good Saturday morning: cheap food, a local atmosphere, and the chance to try something new without spending much.
A full day without spending on activities
Low-budget plan
- Morning: a walk at the Singapore Botanic Gardens or MacRitchie (free entry).
- Midday: lunch at a nearby hawker centre.
- Afternoon: explore a neighbourhood on foot. Tiong Bahru, Katong or Kampong Glam have enough for a full afternoon without paying to enter anything.
- Evening: sunset at Marina Bay or East Coast Park, free and always worth it.
Kampong Glam and Little India: walking without a plan
Both neighbourhoods reward wandering with no fixed route: colourful architecture, fabric shops, spices and crafts, and affordable street food. It is one of the cheapest and most memorable plans for a Saturday.
Public sport with ActiveSG
Many public courts and pools can be booked at accessible prices through ActiveSG and the MyActiveSG+ app. An active-weekend option almost no one considers at first. Check current rates and availability on the site before going.
To avoid overspending, mix one occasional paid activity with several free ones, instead of trying to fill every weekend with tourist attractions.
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