Explore Singapore for free: Your gateway to the Lion City with Changi Airport's Free Singapore Tour

This ethnically diverse island city-state is culturally rich with lots to see, eat and do. Given its small geographical size, you can do quite a bit of sightseeing while on a layover! Simply sign up for a free guided tour when you’re at Changi Airport. And who knows, this glimpse of the city may just inspire you to plan for a proper trip to Singapore in the future!

The Free Singapore Tour is a special programme designed for Changi Airport’s transit and transfer passengers, offering a free 2.5-hour guided tour for those with at least 5.5 hours of transit time. With the tour's relaunch after the COVID-19 pandemic, we've added an exciting new option the Changi Precinct Tour, alongside the crowd favourites City Sights Tour and Heritage Tour. There are six daily tours to choose from, with tours running throughout the day at different timings and into the evening.

Whether you're interested in exploring Singapore’s rich cultural heritage or catching a glimpse of the city’s iconic attractions, there’s a tour for you!

1. City Sights Tour – for lovers of modern architecture

The City Sights Tour offers a breathtaking overview of Singapore’s impressive city skyline and its journey from a humble fishing village to a bustling global metropolis. This 2.5-hour bus tour is designed to showcase the very best of modern Singapore, highlighting how the city has developed into a vibrant and sustainable urban landscape.

On this tour, you'll explore several key landmarks that define Singapore's unique blend of architecture and green urban planning:

Civic District

The Civic District is a vibrant and historic area located near the Singapore River. It is a unique blend of old and new, combined with historical architecture and cultural institutions. Some of the national monuments you’ll get to see here include the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall, Singapore's oldest performing arts venue, the National Gallery Singapore, housed in the former Supreme Court and City Hall buildings, and the Padang, which has been a venue for various cultural and sporting events over the years.

Merlion Park

The Merlion Park, home to Singapore’s most iconic symbol, the Merlion. This half-lion, half-fish statue represents Singapore’s origins as a fishing village and its growth into a thriving global city. From the park, you’ll enjoy stunning views of Marina Bay and the Singapore skyline, making it the perfect spot for photo-taking. During your 30-minute stopover here, capture the moment with the Merlion, Marina Bay Sands, and the futuristic skyline in the background - a quintessential Singapore experience.

Gardens by the Bay

Gardens by the Bay, a world-renowned horticultural attraction that embodies Singapore’s vision of a “City in a Garden”. Here, you’ll be wowed by the towering Supertrees, vertical gardens that stand as high as 50m. These iconic structures are not only visually striking but also play a role in the park’s sustainability efforts by harnessing solar energy and collecting rainwater. During your stop, you'll have time to walk around and take in the awe-inspiring view of the Supertrees and the surrounding greenery as you make your way toward Marina Bay Sands. This is another excellent photo opportunity, capturing the seamless blend of nature and urban development that defines Singapore.

2. Heritage Tour – for an immersive, cultural experience

As the name suggests, the Heritage Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into the diverse cultures that make Singapore a true melting pot. This 2.5-hour bus tour takes you back in time, allowing you to explore the rich history and vibrant cultural tapestry of Singapore.

The Heritage Tour brings you to some of Singapore’s most iconic cultural sites:

Chinatown

Experience the heart of Singapore’s Chinese community in Chinatown, where history meets modernity. Wander through streets lined with traditional shophouses, temples, and markets, all buzzing with activity. You’ll have time for a short stop here, perfect for taking photos of the beautiful architecture or even picking up a local snack or souvenir as a memento of your visit. One of the stops will bring you to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple, a prominent Buddhist temple known for its architectural grandeur and religious significance.

Kampong Gelam

Offering a peek into Singapore’s Malay-Muslim heritage, Kampong Gelam is home to the stunning Sultan Mosque with its golden dome, as well as a variety of local boutiques selling everything from traditional textiles to modern-day crafts. You’ll have time here to snap photos against the backdrop of the mosque and the vibrant murals that line the streets. You might also have a chance to grab a local snack or a unique souvenir from one of the many shops in the area.

Pro-tip: if you are transiting through Singapore during the festive periods of Lunar New Year, Deepavali or Ramadan/Hari Raya, these areas will be decked out with colourful lights along the streets. There will also be night markets set up to celebrate these important cultural events. Tours to these locations will give you a fantastic opportunity to take lots of photos as you breeze through the streets in the Free Singapore Tour bus.

3. Changi Precinct Tour – for a glimpse into Singapore's heartland

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to experience Singapore from a local’s perspective, the Changi Precinct Tour is your perfect opportunity. This  2.5-hour bus tour takes you off the beaten path, offering a glimpse into everyday life in Singapore beyond the bustling city centre. Here, you’ll explore a charming mix of modern residential neighbourhoods and historic villages, all within close proximity to Changi Airport.

Our Tampines Hub

Tampines is home to beautifully landscaped parks, bustling local markets, and a vibrant mix of modern HDB (Housing and Development Board) flats. Here, you’ll get a feel for how most Singaporeans live, away from the glitz of the city. One of the standout features of Tampines is Our Tampines Hub. This massive complex is a one-stop destination for residents, offering a wide range of facilities and services under one roof. From sports facilities like swimming pools, football fields, and badminton courts to a public library, performing arts spaces, and even a rooftop community farm, Our Tampines Hub is one of Singapore’s largest integrated community and lifestyle hub.

Changi Village

Changi Village offers a stark contrast to the urban landscape of Singapore’s downtown. It is known for its laid-back charm with traditional coffee shops, local eateries, and a serene atmosphere that brings you back to an earlier era. As you stroll along, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the scenic views, snap photos of the rustic surroundings, and enjoy the tranquillity of this peaceful part of Singapore. You might even want to try some local delicacies at the Changi Village Hawker Centre, which was first built in 1975, famous for its nasi lemak (coconut rice dish) and other Singaporean delights.

Changi Beach

The tour continues to Changi Beach, one of Singapore’s oldest coastal parks. Unlike the more popular beaches in Singapore, Changi Beach has retained its natural beauty and remains relatively untouched by modern development. It is a popular spot for locals to relax and enjoy the sea breeze, especially on weekends. You’ll have some free time here to take photos of the picturesque shoreline, dotted with coconut palms and traditional fishing boats, or simply to soak in the peaceful atmosphere as planes soar overhead.

How do I register for the Free Singapore Tour?

You can reserve your tour online through the Free Singapore Tour booking page or visit the counters in the transit halls of Changi Airport Terminal 2 and Terminal 3. If you have some time before the tour, you can also explore other parts of the airport to find out why it’s been so highly rated by travellers around the world.

Do I need a visa?

Citizens of certain nationalities require a visa for the Free Singapore Tour, while some nationalities are eligible for a Visa Free Transit Facility. You may visit the Immigration & Checkpoints Authority’s website to check on visa requirements.

Can I leave the tour midway and venture around Singapore on my own?

You are not allowed to leave the tour midway as the tour operator must send everyone back to the airport. However, once you return to the airport, you are free to continue your adventure in Singapore should you wish to. Wherever you go, please ensure that you factor enough time to return to the airport for your connecting flight.

Plan early for best results

To make the best of your Free Singapore Tour, do plan your trip early and do some research. Check out what other tour participants have posted on Instagram using #FreeSingaporeTour and on Google Reviews - both are good resources for reading about their experiences. (P/S: Do share the love by contributing a review on Google Reviews so other travellers can hear about your experience too.)

Got more questions?

Most of the commonly asked questions and answers on Changi’s website should address your needs. If you have other questions on the tours which are not found online, send your questions to cag.fst@changiairport.com and the team will be happy to assist.

Happy travels!


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