Top 5 Relatively Affordable Spots in Singapore

The stunning, futuristic façade of Singapore, devoid of rice paddies and tuk-tuks commonly seen in Asia, makes the smash-and-grab city a must-visit. Singapore, the setting of the film “Crazy Rich Asians”, is known for its extravagance and fast-paced lifestyle. With a fusion of Indian, Malay, and Chinese cultures, the nation provides tourists with a culinary paradise, a rich cultural identity, and a multicultural melting pot of cultures. 

Contrary to Singapore’s somewhat “red light” reputation, you are welcome to bring your family and children. It’s a family-friendly destination with lots of exciting things to do and see.

Despite being an opulent city-state with some globally renowned brands, Singapore still offers a wide range of affordable accommodation and shopping options. In addition, there are many fantastic spots there that will be friendly to your wallet. Thus, let’s take a look at some of the affordable spots in Singapore you can explore.

Geylang

Geylang is conveniently situated on the eastern side of the city, halfway between the city centre and the airport. You can enjoy jazzy nightlife, street shopping, and international cuisine in the thriving neighbourhood. The Red Light Districts are also located in Geylang, but they offer a different perspective of contemporary Singapore.

Geylang provides a reasonably priced area in Singapore to unwind as a visitor or resident. In addition to residential complexes and commercial boulevards, there are many historical sites to visit outside of Singapore’s urbanised and commercialised areas. As a result, when you visit Geylang, you spend less money.

The colourful and chic Peranakan Houses can serve as the backdrop for your photo shoot. Due to the stunning traditional Chinese architecture, many couples visit this location to take some romantic pictures. The Eurasian Heritage Gallery, which tells tales of Eurasia’s life and history in Singapore, is another place worth visiting. 

Geylang is home to a number of attractions, such as the Malay Village, Singapore Botanic Garden, Queen’s Theatre, Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Rumah Bebe, Khadijah Mosque, Bishan-Ang Mo Kio Park, and the Geylang Serai Market.

Little India

Little India is a colourful, historic enclave with street art, mosques, temples, and beautifully painted shops. During the Hindu celebrations, Little India comes alive with activities and visitors. Once upon a time, the neighbourhood was thronged with garland markers, merchants, and herdsmen and dotted with lime pits, a race track, and brick kilns.

The unique heritage of Indians has a bold presence in Little India and has a blend of ancient and modern street art. You will always find vendors selling flowers, silk, and a mix of spices, including the locals sitting alongside old temples. The bustling neighbourhood is the most colourful and liveliest enclave in Singapore.

You can find fresh, affordable street food at the Tekka Centre, where you can taste some of the most sumptuous Indian meals. In addition, the renovated Sri Veeramakaliamman Temple, dedicated to Kali, the goddess and destroyer of evil, can be a great place to find many line kilns.

The Temple of a Thousand Lights is an eclectic blend of Indian, Thai, and Chinese styles, constructed in 1927 by the Thai monk Venerable Vutthisasara, and has become a popular spot for tourists. Finally, you can visit the House of Tan Teng Niah, a surviving Chinese villa in Singapore.

Chinatown

If you want a budget spot in Singapore, you can visit Chinatown, famous for its maze of narrow roads. You don’t have to search for Chinatown Food Street, lined with numerous eateries serving traditional dishes like noodles, Hainanese chicken rice, and satay. In addition, Chinatown is home to indie boutiques and souvenir shops offering crafts, clothes, and antiques.

Today, the old precinct accommodates traditional medicinal halls, historic temples, trendy lifestyle shops, and bold new bars. You can spend hours exploring popular neighbourhoods like Telok Ayer, Kreta Ayer, Bukit Pasoh, and Tanjong Pagar. A visit to Chinatown offers you a glimpse into the tapestry of cultural diversity and a taste of some of the best meals, like the beetroot dish, grilled langoustine seasoned with seaweed, and local drinks.

This area is perfect for movie buffs on a tight budget who want to see movies and even spend less on lodging and food. Chinatown can sate your desires, whether you want to spend time with your family or go on a wild romantic getaway.

The City Centre

While the City Centre has some of the priciest hotels and exclusive areas in Singapore, it still has numerous budget-friendly neighbourhoods. You can use the riverside area, especially Clarke Quay, if you want cheaper accommodation. The Singapore Flyer, the largest observation wheel in the world and one that towers higher than the London Eye, is also located in this neighbourhood.

Gardens by the Bay draws more visitors because of its futuristic and colourful design. The attraction offers a skywalk experience that will be vivid in your mind. The Merlion fountain, which symbolises the spirit of Singapore, is located in the City Centre.

While you eat at one of the upscale restaurants located along Marina Bay, you can take in the tranquil view of the water. The Mint Museum of Toys is a private collection with thousands of toys from all over the world that tourists with children can visit.

Bukit Merah

Mount Faber in Bukit Merah offers you an opportunity to use the cable car to visit the Sentosa Island resort. The Downtown Core, a business district, is close to Bukit Merah. 

It consequently boasts some of Singapore’s top recreation and shopping areas. Bukit Merah is ideally situated to enable locals to explore some of Singapore’s most notable landmarks and can be a fun and reasonably priced place to visit in Singapore.

You can visit the Peranakan family home from the 1920s at NUS Baba House, Singapore’s first heritage building. Additionally, some of the 20th century artefacts that are in the best condition can be found here.

Singapore offers you a life of contemporary luxury, complete with fun recreational areas and hip restaurants. However, you can save money by visiting and exploring some of the spots mentioned above while still enjoying the incredibly stylish tourist destination.