Cheryl TanWhether you’re a Singaporean or not, everyone watching the fireworks that light up the urban skyline during the annual National Day Parade (NDP). This year, instead of the usual Marina Bay floating platform, it will be held at the location of the first parade in 1966, the Padang.
There are a few places for you to watch fireworks from, regardless if you’re up for a free show or don’t mind paying a bit more for an exclusive experience! From public locations to restaurants with a view, we’ve got you covered.
1. Esplanade
Image Credit: William Cho
One of the best free places to watch the fireworks from during NDP will be at the iconic Esplanade. The rooftop of the Esplanade is a good place to catch the fireworks, but do note that it might get crowded as it is a popular location amongst photographers.
Hence, besides the Esplanade rooftop, you can also consider heading to the Esplanade Waterfront, Esplanade bridge, or Queen Elizabeth Walk. When you’re at the Esplanade, head up to the top of the building for a splendid view of the fireworks as it illuminates Singapore’s cityscape!
2. Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade
Image Credit: CEphoto, Uwe Aranas
This is another site to consider catching the fireworks from, despite the equally heaving crowds that you’ll find at Esplanade. However, you will be able to catch the fireworks with the Esplanade as a backdrop from the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade.
What better way is there to enjoy the spectacular fireworks than by the riverside?
3. Bay East Garden at Gardens by the Bay
Image Credit: SoleneC1
If you would like to avoid the intense crowd at Esplanade or Marina Bay Sands, you can head over to Bay East Garden at Gardens by the Bay. It may not be the most accessible, but it definitely presents you with an amazing view of the fireworks with the city in the backdrop – pack a picnic and round up your friends!
The Bay East Garden is accessible by car via Tanjong Rhu Road or across the bridge from Marina Barrage.
4. 1-Altitude
Image credit: 1 Altitude
The rooftop gallery bar at 1-Altitude also guarantees an impressive fireworks show from the 63F. However, do note that you’ll have to pay a cover charge to enter. From their rooftop bar, you’ll be able to catch a picturesque view of the city and fireworks – definitely worth the premium that you’ll be paying!
5. LeVeL33 at Marina Bay Financial Centre
Image Credit: LeVel33 Craft-Brewery Restaurant & Lounge
Known as the highest microbrewery in Singapore, you will get a bird’s eye view of Marina Bay from where LeVeL33 is located. Decked with aesthetically pleasing decoration and impeccable service, it is probably the most sophisticated place to enjoy the fireworks while enjoying a locally brewed beer.
You will definitely get to enjoy an experimental penthouse dining place with a phenomenal view of the fireworks. However, it can get rather popular during occasions like NDP so do remember to reserve in advance. You can opt to reserve a table with a view with a minimum cover of SGD70 per person.
6. Naumi Hotel
Image Credit: Andrew Jk Tan
If you plan to have a staycation over the long weekend, you can also opt to stay at Naumi Hotel. Located at Seah Street, it is situated relatively near the Central Business District and is ideally positioned to have a good view of the NDP fireworks.
However, you probably won’t get a room facing the fireworks but you can go up to the rooftop infinity pool to have a grand view of the fireworks.
7. Marina Mandarin
Image Credit: Marina Mandarin Singapore
An alternative for a staycation will be at Marina Mandarin, where you can catch a spectacular view of the fireworks as well. You can probably catch the fireworks from the common areas within the hotel. However, if you’d like an in-room viewing experience, you’d need to pay extra for a Bay View room that will guarantee you a memorable light display right outside your room window.
8. Open space outside Kallang Wave Mall
Image Credit: Kallang Wave Mall
If joining the crowds in the city centre isn’t your thing, you can consider heading to the quieter open space at Stadium Waterfront right outside Kallang Wave Mall. The best bit? Despite being visibly less crowded than other areas, you’ll have better than average seats to the fireworks.
9. Marina Bay Sands’ Open Carpark
Image Credit: H N Mok
Another great location for this year’s NDP fireworks is at the Marina Bay Sands’ open carpark. Here, you are guaranteed to have a close-up view of the grand fireworks. However, do go early to beat the heavy traffic heading towards the Marina area and to secure a good viewing carpark lot!
There you go, the top 9 places for you to head to this upcoming NDP to catch the spectacular fireworks. Be sure not to miss it!
