9 Prime Spots To Catch This Year's NDP Fireworks For FREE
You'll want to head there early to snag a spot
By Elizabeth Liew and Michelle Lee -
If you didn't manage to score tickets to this year's National Day Parade on Aug 9, but still want to get in on the festivities (and the anticipated fireworks display), we've got your back. Held at the Padang, NDP 2024's closing fireworks display will be set off in the Marina Bay area.
If you're not keen on heading out on the 9th, you can check out fireworks from the second preview show on Aug 3. You can expect the first round of fireworks to go off at about 7.30pm, followed by the main fireworks display, approximately between 8.12pm to 8.20pm.
Alternatively, you can book a table at one of these restaurants that offer great views. But if you're willing to brave the crowds (make sure to head there very early to snag a spot), these prime spots around Marina Bay offer magnificent and FREE vantage points:
Where To Watch The NDP Fireworks For Free
For a quieter experience, the Bay East Garden along the Kallang River offers one of the most picturesque views of the city skyline and a serene atmosphere surrounded by lush greenery to boot. It is currently closed for development, but you can still access the promenade between the garden and the waterfront.
Where: Bay East Garden, 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
A stone's throw away from the bay area, the Marina Barrage's spacious rooftop is perfect for unwinding and picnicking with your loved ones as you wait for the sky to be lit up with the dazzling display of fireworks.
Where: 8 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018951
Moving closer to the heart of the action, the Promontory is a wide open space to the left of MBS that protrudes onto the waterfront, providing you with a grand view of the bay, while the Lawn sits further behind. Both are great picnic spots so be sure to bring along a mat or two!
Where: 11 Marina Boulevard, Singapore 018940
With sweeping views of the bay and a clear vantage point for fireworks, the Merlion Park and the bridges aren't just some of the best spots to watch the fireworks, but other highlights like the aerial display. The area around Singapore's iconic creature is also one of the most crowded. Head there extra early to secure a spot on the steps!
Where: 1 Fullerton Road, Merlion Park, Singapore 049213
The promenade in front of our iconic "durian" buildings provide 300 metres of open space with unhindered views of the sky. Tuck into local cuisine from Makansutra Gluttons Bay nearby as you wait for the show to begin.
Where: Esplanade Theatres on the Bay, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
And that's not all — head upstairs to the landscaped rooftop terrace for a more panoramic view.
Where: 4th floor of the Esplanade
Both bridges are located right next to Marina Bay, and you can marvel at the fireworks set against the backdrop of the Art Science Museum and the central business district. However, they will get extremely crowded so be prepared to be standing most of the time.
This year, Funan Mall is holding a National Day Parade Fireworks Viewing party on its rooftop garden on Aug 9 (6pm to 9pm). And to stand a chance to secure a spot and redeem an event invitation, all you have to do is spend a minimum of $150 at participating stores in Funan and CQ @ Clarke Quay from Aug 1 to 7, 2024. So, that's technically kind of free, amiright?
Eligible shoppers will receive an eVoucher in their CapitaStar wallet with a Google form link to indicate their interest. The first 120 shoppers that submit the form will receive a confirmation email to the fireworks viewing party by Aug 8, 2024. This includes access for two pax and an additional two kids below 10 years old, as well as a complimentary $5 coupon for the F&B booths by Dunkin Donuts, Guzman y Gomez, Lemonaide and Rotiboy.
The Roof Garden (Level R) at Funan is at 107 North Bridge Road, Singapore 179105. Click here for more information.
For a sheltered space that also offers a good view of the fireworks and is free, check out High Street Centre's carpark. Located away from the main Marina Bay area, this (perhaps not-so-secret-anymore) location also provides a less crowded space to enjoy the display.