10 Underrated & Affordable Weekend Activities in Singapore

This post was originally posted on Planner Bee.

Singapore is often seen as an expensive city, but you don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy your weekends. Whether you’re a local tired after a busy workweek or a visitor wanting to explore without spending too much, there are plenty of hidden gems nearby. You don’t need to travel far or spend much to find peaceful nature trails, quiet art spaces, or cultural spots away from the usual malls and tourist areas.

Here’s a list of 10 underrated weekend activities that will give you the chance to slow down, explore, and see a different side of Singapore.

1. Trek the hidden trails at MacRitchie Reservoir

Trekking and nature walks at MacRitchie Reservoir, along Lornie Road, offer a great way to get away from the city. The area is easy to reach from Marymount MRT (Exit A), about a 15-minute walk, or a short bus ride on routes 52, 74, 165, or 852.

Instead of the busy TreeTop Walk, try the quieter, shaded trails like Chemperai, Jering, and Petai boardwalks. These paths provide peaceful views of the reservoir and the chance to see wildlife such as long-tailed macaques and giant monitor lizards. You don’t need any special equipment, just comfortable shoes and a water bottle to stay hydrated.

Tip: Start early in the morning to avoid the midday heat and enjoy the calm reflections on the water. Bring a reusable container if you want to have a picnic.

Cost overview

• Entry fee: Free
• Bus fare (one way): Around S$1.50 to S$2.00
• Snacks / packed lunch: Optional

2. Explore Tiong Bahru

Exploring Tiong Bahru Estate is a great way to experience a unique mix of old and new Singapore. This neighbourhood is famous for its Art Deco flats from the 1930s, well-known hawker stalls at Tiong Bahru Market, independent bookstores like Woods in the Books, and quiet streets decorated with nostalgic murals. It is easy to get to via Tiong Bahru MRT (EW17) and offers a calm but lively atmosphere, ideal for a relaxed walk.

Walking around Tiong Bahru is free, making it a budget-friendly option. You can enjoy the rich heritage and modern charm without going into any shopping centres. The local hawker food is also affordable, like chwee kueh or a filling plate of char kway teow often cost less than S$4.

Tip: Try the self-guided Tiong Bahru Heritage Trail by the National Heritage Board. It offers an interesting walk that uncovers the area’s history and hidden spots.

Cost overview

• Entry fee: Free
• MRT fare (one way): Around S$1.40 to S$2
• Snacks / local food: Starting from S$2

3. Watch a free outdoor movie at Marina Barrage

Watching a film outdoors doesn’t have to cost anything. Head to the Green Roof at Marina Barrage for a unique open-air cinema experience. It’s about a 15-minute walk from Bayfront MRT (DT16 / CE1), or you can take a short ride on Bus 400.

From time to time, NParks and community groups organise free film screenings on the rooftop lawn. The city skyline makes a stunning backdrop. Even if there isn’t a screening, the Green Roof is still worth a visit. It’s a great place to fly kites, have a picnic, or just enjoy the views of Gardens by the Bay and Marina Bay Sands. The sea breeze adds to the relaxed vibe.

This is a good choice if you’re exploring on a budget. Entry is free, and you can bring your own mat, drinks, and snacks. There’s no need to spend on expensive concessions. Whether you’re going alone, with friends, or on a date, it’s an easy way to spend time outdoors without spending much. And the view alone makes it worthwhile.

Tip: Check the NParks website or platforms like Peatix for upcoming screenings. Even without a film, arriving near sunset means cooler weather and lovely light, ideal for a relaxed evening.

Cost overview

• Entry fee: Free
• Bus fare (from MRT, one way): Around S$1.50 to S$2.00
• Snacks / drinks (if you bring your own): S$3 to S$6 (optional)

4. Street art hunt in Kampong Glam & Haji Lane

If you enjoy art, culture or photography, Kampong Glam is well worth a visit, especially the areas around Haji Lane and Arab Street. Just a short walk from Bugis MRT (Exit B), this neighbourhood mixes heritage with a modern, creative vibe.

As you explore the alleys, you’ll come across an ever-changing display of street art. There are bold murals, detailed graffiti and colourful pieces that reflect both identity and culture. Some works are playful, others more reflective, and many are by local artists like Yip Yew Chong. There’s no need for a ticket, a queue or even a map. Just take your time and keep your eyes open.

Tip: Late afternoon is a good time to go. The lighting is better for photos, and most of the small shops and cafés will be open. Bring a camera or make sure your phone has enough space, you’ll likely take plenty of pictures. You might also want to try a S$2 to S$3 teh tarik or pop into a nearby halal café for a quick bite.

Cost overview

• Entry fee: Free
• Transport (MRT or bus, return trip): Around S$3 to S$4
• Snack / drink: S$2 to S$7 (optional)

5. Gillman Barracks

Gillman Barracks is a good place to explore contemporary art without spending much. It’s at 9 Lock Road, just off Alexandra Road, and only a short walk from Labrador Park MRT (CC27). Once a British military camp, the area has been turned into an arts cluster with a mix of local and international exhibitions. You’ll find everything from bold installations to eye-catching outdoor sculptures. With its quiet, tree-lined paths, it’s also a peaceful spot to wander around, great for a relaxed date, some alone time, or a casual photo walk.

Tip: Try to visit during Art After Dark. This evening event happens a few times a year and includes extended gallery hours, live shows, food trucks, and a lively crowd. It’s when the barracks really come to life.

Cost overview

• Entry fee: Free (most galleries)
• Transport MRT (one way): About S$1.40 to $2.00
• Snacks / drinks: Optional, around S$5 to S$10 nearby or during events

6. Bike or hike through Coney Island

Coney Island Park is a peaceful spot that feels far from the busy streets of Singapore, even though it’s just a short walk or bike ride from Punggol MRT (NE17). You can reach it easily through the Punggol Promenade Nature Walk. The island has a natural, rustic feel with sandy beaches, casuarina trees, wooden boardwalks, and if you’re lucky, you might even spot some wild otters.

You can explore the island on foot or rent a bicycle from Punggol Settlement nearby. It’s perfect for a slow, relaxing day out. There are no shops or cafés here, so you’ll just find open space, quiet paths, and views of the sea. The island has been kept mostly untouched to preserve its natural charm.

Tip: Try going in the early morning or late afternoon for cooler weather, softer light, and great photos.

Cost overview

• Entry fee: Free
• Bike rental: Around S$8 / hour (from Punggol Settlement)
• Transport: About S$1.50 to S$2.00 (one way by MRT or bus)
• Snacks / water: Bring your own or spend around S$2 to S$5 if buying in advance

While Coney Island is a local gem, it often inspires a bigger adventure, like cycling over to Pulau Ubin, booking a nearby staycation, or even hopping across the border for the weekend. If that’s your plan, consider having travel insurance in place. It can come in handy for things like last-minute cancellations, medical surprises, or misplaced items during transit.

Read more: Travel Insurance: Do I Really Need It and What Should I Take Note Of?

7. Hike the Clementi Forest

Tucked away in the west of Singapore, Clementi Forest offers a raw and unmarked trail that feels far removed from the city. You can enter the area from spots near Sunset Way or King Albert Park MRT (DT6). The trail winds through bamboo groves, tall grasses, and muddy paths, with no signs or clear markings. It’s quiet, rugged, and ideal for those who enjoy nature in its untouched form. Just be ready for muddy shoes and uneven ground.

This is a good choice for anyone looking for a simple, off-the-beaten-track hike. It’s free, peaceful, and gives you a different side of Singapore. Walking through this kind of terrain can also help you clear your mind and build confidence. It’s even better if you go with a friend, especially since parts of the forest have weak mobile signals.

Tips:

• Wear sturdy hiking shoes with a good grip
• Go during daylight hours to avoid getting lost
• Use a GPS app or download a trail map in advance
• Bring a friend for safety

Cost overview

• Entry fee: Free
• Transport MRT to King Albert Park (DT6): Around S$1.40 to S$2.00 (one way)
• Snacks / water: Bring your own, or budget S$2 to S$5 if buying beforehand

8. Visit the Indian Heritage Centre in Little India

The Indian Heritage Centre, located at 5 Campbell Lane, offers a meaningful look into the history and culture of Singapore’s Indian community. It’s just a short walk from Little India MRT (NE7 / DT12), making it easy to reach.

Inside, you’ll find engaging exhibits, traditional clothing, and personal stories about migration and identity. The museum covers everything from the early settlers to life today. It’s also air-conditioned, which makes it a comfortable spot to take a break from the heat while learning something new.

Admission is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents. Tourists pay just S$6. It’s an affordable way to spend a few hours, especially if you enjoy history or want to learn more about local culture. The exhibits are well presented, and the overall experience is both educational and relaxing.

Tip: After your visit, take a short walk to Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple to see its colourful and detailed architecture. Then stop for lunch at Komala Vilas or The Banana Leaf Apolo, both serve generous banana leaf meals for under S$10.

Cost overview

• Entry fee: Free for Singaporeans / PRs; S$6 for tourists
• Transport (MRT one-way): S$1.50 to S$2.00
• Lunch: S$8 to S$10 for a banana leaf meal
• Water / snacks: Optional, bring your own or buy nearby for around S$2 to S$5

9. Day trip to Lazarus Island’s Hidden Beach

If you’re after a peaceful beach day in Singapore, Lazarus Island is a great option. To get there, just take a ferry from Marina South Pier, which is right next to Marina South Pier MRT station (NS28).

Unlike the busy beaches at Sentosa, Lazarus Island is quiet and relatively untouched. The beach is shaped like a crescent, with soft white sand and clear blue water, ideal for swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing with a book under a palm tree. There are no shops or facilities on the island, so bring your own food, drinks, and anything else you might need for the day.

Tip: Don’t forget sunscreen, a hat, and enough snacks and water. There are no rubbish bins, so take all your waste back with you.

Cost overview

• Return ferry ticket: Around S$15
• MRT ride to Marina South Pier: About S$1.50 to S$2.00
• Snacks and drinks (optional): Roughly S$3 to S$5 if you buy them in advance

10. Watch the sunset from Mount Faber Park

If you’re looking for a peaceful walk with great views, hiking up Mount Faber Park is a good choice. It’s one of the best free spots in Singapore to enjoy panoramic sights of the city and sea. The park is easy to reach, just head to HarbourFront MRT (NE1 / CC29) and follow the Marang Trail. The trail is short but quite steep, taking about 20 minutes to walk through a shady, green path.

At the top, you’ll get clear views of Sentosa, Keppel Harbour, and the city skyline. It’s a nice place to pause, take photos at the Bell of Happiness, and watch cruise ships move in and out of the harbour. While many take the cable car, walking gives you a quieter, more scenic experience, and it’s completely free.

Tip: Try visiting between 6:30pm and 7pm. The lighting is great for photos, the weather is cooler, and it’s usually less crowded.

Cost overview

• Entry fee: Free
• Transport MRT to HarbourFront: About S$1.40 to S$2.00 (one way)
• Snacks / drinks: Optional (~S$2 to S$5 if bought at VivoCity or nearby shops)

Final thoughts: Discover more, spend less

Singapore may have a reputation for being expensive, but scratch beneath the surface and you’ll uncover a rich tapestry of affordable and authentic experiences. From tranquil island escapes and lush forest trails to cultural gems and creative enclaves, this city is packed with possibilities that don’t require a hefty price tag.

Whether you’re a local looking to break the weekend routine or a traveler seeking hidden corners beyond the typical tourist stops, these underrated activities offer the perfect mix of discovery, relaxation, and connection to Singapore’s heritage and natural beauty. Best of all? Most of them cost little to nothing.

So the next time you’re wondering what to do on a weekend, skip the mall and explore something unexpected. You’ll be surprised how far a little curiosity, and just a few dollars, can take you

Read more: Can You Travel the World for Free?