The Little Red Dot, Garden City: Singapore bears many monikers – but one title in particular that we’re less than thrilled about is being one of The World’s Most Expensive Cities. Because nothing says ‘buzzkill’ like an empty pocket and a hefty credit card bill after a night out on the town, am I right? But trust us, livin’ it up in the Lion City doesn’t have to break the bank. Just read on for our handy how-to on spending a night out in Singapore for $100 or less – tailored for city slickers of all shapes, sizes, and tastes.
The foodie
Contrary to popular belief, Singapore’s dining scene isn’t all swanky restaurants helmed by celebrity chefs – us local folks are blessed with a smorgasbord of cheap eats that’ll satisfy even the most discerning foodie. First and foremost? Hawker centres that serve up the best renditions of Singapore’s most iconic dishes like chicken rice, nasi lemak, and char kway teow. Who says you can’t enjoy a hearty three-course meal for under $10? And if you’re looking to take the feasting into the wee hours of the night, check out our top picks of supper spots in central Singapore.
Craving something a little more upmarket – but minus the hefty price tag? We feel ya. That’s why we’ve rounded up a list of affordable restaurants in Singapore where you can score top-notch meals (and even omakase!) for under $15.
Psst…we’ll let you in another secret: the Entertainer app that’s perfect for bargain hunters looking to wine and dine on the cheap, thanks to its killer one-for-one deals.
The life of the party
If rave maven’s your middle name and you have #yolo tattooed somewhere (no judgments here!), then you probably know better than anyone else that Singapore’s nightlife scene can be pretty pricey – we’re talkin’ $30 cocktails and exorbitant cover charges (ouch!).
We’ve got the solution with two little words: ‘happy hour’. So stow your credit cards and take advantage of the best happy hour deals and ladies night promos around town. And if you can’t make it in time to down a few drinks before happy hour ends, we’ve got you covered with the cheapest bars in Singapore (where drinks start as low as $5!) and late-night drinking joints for some after-hours fun. Salut!
So you’ve knocked back a couple of cocktails and now you’re feeling the buzz. Get ready to hit the dance floor and party the night away without feeling the pinch in your pocket – because we’ve sussed out Singapore’s best free parties: from underground raves to beachside shindigs with no cover charge.
The shopaholic
Singapore may be home to a fair share of shopping malls and high-end boutiques on Orchard Road and around the island. But if you know where to look, indulging your inner shopaholic for under $100 is no fairy tale.
So what’s the secret? Old is gold! Ditch the malls and hit the racks of vintage boutiques, second-hand furniture stores, flea markets, and bazaars – because you never know what treasures from the past you’ll unearth. And the best part: the prices are pretty sweet too. Vintage Valentino or an antique Chinese lamp for under $100? Who can say no to that!
If, like us, you can’t resist the lure of a bargain, Far East Plaza will be right up your alley. Stylists swear by this unassuming shopping gem that’s brimming with hole-in-the-wall fashion boutiques in every corner! When the witching hour beckons and bargain shopping is on your to-do list, only one name springs to mind: Mustafa Centre, the iconic 24-hour shopping mall in the heart of Little India where bargain hunters will be spoilt for choice. Shopping for cheap electronics and groceries at 3am? No problem!
The culture vulture
Whether you’re an art aficionado or film snob, there’s plenty you can do on a budget to indulge your inner culture vulture.
Go museum hopping around Singapore’s myriad of art galleries and exhibitions – be it the newly opened National Gallery, Singapore Pinacothéque de Paris, ArtScience Museum, Gillman Barracks or the iconic National Museum of Singapore. Note: citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) enjoy free admission to the National Heritage Board (NHB)’s museums and heritage institutions all-year round. Want to take home a masterpiece of your own? Here’s where to buy affordable art in Singapore.
Movie buffs: we’ve got you covered with a comprehensive round up of cinemas in Singapore, whether you’re hankering for the latest blockbuster or moody art house flick (complete with subtitles, naturally). And if you don’t feel like forking out a single cent to get your cinematic fix, check out our guide on where to catch free movies.
The tourist
New to Singapore? Well, don’t let our exorbitant prices put you off – there’s plenty of free things to see and do on our Little Red Dot– some of which include paying visit to Singapore’s top tourist attractions like Gardens By The Bay and Singapore Botanic Gardens that won’t cost you a nickel.
Feeling more adventurous? Explore Singapore’s most scenic spots and get ready for some Instagram-worthy sights at the best places to catch a sunset. For the brave souls looking for some paranormal activity, check out Singapore’s most haunted spots – fear comes free, after all!