Singapore has much to offer, from culture and heritage to parks, reservoirs, attractions, and more; it's hard to decide which aspect one should focus on. The wealth of things worth exploring here can make planning an itinerary overwhelming. Luckily, there are plenty of informative tours that take you straight to the highlights, giving you a full, immersive experience of the city without hours of research.
So whether you’re a local looking to see your home in a new light or a visitor wanting the ultimate Singapore crash course, here’s a complete list of unique, educational, and entertaining tours that are well worth your time.
✈️Tours for tourists
01 • Changi Airport
If you have a long layover in Singapore ahead of you, you’ve landed at just the right place! 😉For anyone whose layover is between 5.5 hours and 24 hours, Changi Airport is providing free tours, perfect for making full use of your time between the flights. There are 4 different tours, each lasting 2.5 hours, so there’s plenty of time for you to explore, rest, and catch your next flight without breaking a sweat.
Take your pick from the Sentosa Island tour for a dose of sun and tropical vibes, or the City Sights tour, where you’ll speedrun visiting all of our iconic architecture, including the classic Gardens by the Bay. Or opt for the Singapore River and Marina Bay Sands tour, where you can witness the classic Singapore postcard skyline in person. Alternatively, consider the Heritage and Culture tour, which offers a fascinating glimpse into our history and the vibrant cultures of our ethnic groups. For more information and booking details, click here.
🇸🇬Tours for tourists and locals
01 • Monster Day Tours
If you’re sticking around in Singapore a little longer, Monster Day Tours offers free walking tours that dive deeper into the city’s cultural districts. Wander through the lively markets and traditional temples of Chinatown, or get to know the Malay community by strolling past the colourful shophouses of Kampong Gelam, anchored by the iconic Sultan Mosque.
If bold colours and sensory feasts are more your thing, the Little India tour won’t disappoint. Expect vivid murals, ornate temples, and bustling markets packed with spices, textiles, and all things unmistakably Indian. You may feel a little spoiled for choice with all these options, so if you’re feeling a little indecisive, their City Tour takes you through the staples, introducing you to all the must-sees of the city. Although the tour is free, it operates on a pay-as-you-wish basis, so be sure to tip and support your tour guides if you enjoyed the experience! Click here for more information.
02 • SANDEMANs x La Kopi Tours
If you’re after something a bit more educational without missing the full local vibe, the Sandemans Tour has got you covered. In partnership with La Kopi Tours, local experts will guide you through some of Singapore’s most popular streets, hawker centres, landmarks, and districts, all while sprinkling in fascinating tidbits about the city’s history. From Singapore’s unique housing systems to the story of the Singapore River clean-up, you’ll get plenty of insider knowledge alongside your sightseeing. Do keep in mind this tour also operates on a pay-as-you-wish basis. Click here for more information.
03 • NParks guided tours
If you prefer chirping birds, rustling leaves, and fresh air to the city hustle and bustle, these guided nature walks by NParks are the perfect activity for you. Suited for both tourists and locals, there are a plethora of heritage, forest, or orchid tours you can choose from, allowing you to learn all about the rich flora and fauna you can find in the greener corners of our metropolis.
Where sand meets the sea, it becomes home to fascinating biodiversity, wetlands, mangroves, and more. You can learn all about this incredible ecosystem through the Sungei Buloh tour, where you can observe scuttling crabs, mudskippers, and other wildlife. Or for a sweeter aesthetic, you can go for a tour in the orchid garden, where you can admire a more feminine side of nature. If that’s your jam, click here for more information.
04 • Free tours on Eventbrite
For those who want to explore the nooks and crannies of Singapore, Eventbrite hosts a wide range of tours that take you beyond the city centre and straight into the heartlands.
Uncle Chris walking tours
Adventure seekers, the Seah Im Bunker and Keppel Hill trek by Uncle Chris Walking Tours will satisfy your inner daredevil. Uncover battle relics, abandoned structures, and monuments tucked away in the jungle-like terrain around Keppel Hill Reservoir. For more information, click here.
My Community
If you’re keen on discovering Singapore’s heartlands, My Community offers neighbourhood tours that uncover the stories hiding in plain sight. Among their tours, the Tanglin Halt Heritage Tour takes you through the area from the lens of colonial-era Singapore, diving into the origins and evolution of streets many of us pass by daily. What might look like everyday estates, apartments, and institutions often carry fascinating histories, waiting to be uncovered. For more information, click here.
05 • Indie Singapore tours
See Singapore through the eyes of a local with Indie Singapore’s Free Walking Tours — led by passionate local guides and heritage researchers, they favour real stories and experiences, with insider recommendations for food, hangouts, and hidden gems along the way.
Committed to providing a thorough exploration of the city, they have a different tour for each day of the week. Starting with Monday’s “Our Singapore Story” that takes you down the Singapore River, followed by a signature Chinatown tour on Tuesday, a “Balik Kampong” exploration on Wednesday, and finally, a cheeky “Saris, spice and everything nice” on Thursday — they’re the full package when it comes to depth and breadth. They similarly work on a pay-as-you-wish basis; their tour guides receive compensation through tips alone, so do support them if you enjoy the tour! For more information, click here.
06 • Gardens by the Bay
Nature lovers and environmentalists, Gardens by the Bay is hosting a series of weekly tours aimed at educating the public on topics like the climate, biodiversity, and ecology. Even if these are topics you barely dwell on, the informative and entertaining nature of these tours will make it a hit for all demographics.
Zoom into the intricate workings of wildlife with the newly introduced The Secret Life of Pollinators tour. Take a closer look at the smooth-running systems governed by Mother Nature, and marvel at how each creature, no matter how small, plays a role in the symbiotic ecosystem. Alternatively, you can nibble on foliage on the A Sensory Stroll - Can Eat or Not? Tour. Go down the rabbit hole of sand, soil, and stems and learn about how composition can alter their flavour. Click here for more information.
07 • Peranakan Musem
The Chinese–Malay culture has left a lasting imprint on Singapore as we know it today. Step through the looking glass into its origins, history, and the ways this community helped shape the city’s social and cultural fabric. Over the course of a 45–60 minute docent-led tour, you’ll explore a thoughtfully curated collection of artefacts and photographs that trace the evolution of art, heritage, fashion, and everyday life.
More than just a walkthrough, the tour offers meaningful context behind the displays, weaving personal stories and historical moments together to show how past traditions continue to influence modern Singapore. Whether you’re a visitor learning about Singapore for the first time or a local keen to uncover stories you may not have encountered before, it’s an eye-opening experience that you won’t regret. Find out more here.
08 • Singapore Art Museum
If you’re into contemporary art and want some context behind what you’re seeing, the Singapore Art Museum (SAM) offers free guided tours led by friendly docents that bring the exhibitions to life. These 60‑minute tours run regularly in different languages — English, Japanese, and Chinese — giving you fresh perspectives on the works and the ideas behind them. No pre‑registration is required, but there are limited slots, so it’s best to head to the ticketing counter early to join before they fill up. More information here.
Frequently asked questions
1. Do I need to book these free tours in advance?
Yes, you should. Most free tours in Singapore operate on a limited group size to keep the experience personal, and popular slots (especially weekends and evenings) fill up quickly.
While some tours, such as the Changi Airport tour, may accept walk-ins if space allows, booking ahead online is the safest way to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
2. Are these tours really free, or is tipping expected?
The tours are genuinely free, but tipping is strongly encouraged as the guides rely on tips to keep these experiences running. While there’s no fixed amount, a common guideline is S$20–S$30 per person for a 2.5-hour tour, with the amount varying depending on the tour length, quality, and how much you enjoyed it.
3. What should I bring or prepare before joining a tour?
Comfort is key. Wear comfortable walking shoes, dress for Singapore’s weather, and bring water, sunscreen, and an umbrella, rain or shine. It’s also a good idea to arrive 10–15 minutes early, as many tours start promptly and may not wait for latecomers.
(Feature photo from: Singapore Global Network, Sentosa, Visit Singapore, Conde Nast Traveler)
