Happy National Day: Where to Catch the Fireworks For FREE in Singapore

This year’s National Day celebrations is extra special (and it’s not just because of the four-day long weekend)! On August 9, Singapore will celebrate both her 54th year of independence and the Singapore Bicentennial, which marks the 200th anniversary of Sir Stamford Raffles’ arrival in Singapore. 

In commemoration of these milestones, The National Day fireworks will be set off at three locations – Marina Bay, the Singapore River (for the first time!) and the Padang – which is expected to light up the night sky from 8pm to 8.20pm. 

So get dressed in red and white and celebrate with a bang by catching the fireworks at one of these locations for free: 

1. The Promontory@Marina Bay

Image credit: SoloXis

For some of the best seats in the house, head down to The Promontory@Marina Bay. Posing as one of the prime viewing areas, do come early to get ahead of the crowd. For a less crowded area, move to The Lawn @ Marina Bay located just across the road. There, you can lay a mat and have a picnic while viewing the fireworks. 

#HZtip: You can perform your prayers at the nearby musollah located at Marina One.

Address: 11 Marina Blvd, Singapore 018940

2. Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade

Image credit: chensiyuan

Located just in front of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, you can enjoy great views of the fireworks at the Marina Bay Waterfront Promenade boardwalk. There are also steps and lounge chairs available for a comfortable viewing experience by the riverside. Just remember to come early to get the best seats!

Address: 11 Marina Blvd, Singapore 018940

3. Helix Bridge & Benjamin Sheares Bridge

Image credit: Eiti Kimura

Walking further down along Bayfront Avenue, you’ll reach Helix Bridge and Benjamin Sheares Bridge. Being above the waters of Marina Bay, you’ll be treated to sweeping views of the bay area with all its landmarks and the fireworks. Without a doubt, this area will be packed during National Day so be sure to arrive early. 

Address: Bayfront Avenue, right next to the ArtScience Museum

4. The Merlion Park 

Image credit: therongexperiment

The Merlion Park is arguably the best spot to catch the fireworks as the iconic Marina Bay Sands and Singapore skyline creates a stunning backdrop for your photos. Also, with Singapore’s legendary icon – the Merlion – standing tall beside you, this spot is hard to beat!

Address: 1 Fullerton Rd, Singapore 049213

5. Esplanade Bridge & Jubilee Bridge

Image credit: William Cho

Needless to say, the Merlion Park is always packed with both locals and tourists during the fireworks. You can opt to move further along Esplanade Drive to Esplanade Bridge or Jubilee Bridge to avoid the crowds. You’ll still be rewarded with a picture of Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade and the fireworks display all in one frame.

Address: 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981

6. Esplanade Roof Terrace

Image credit: tuper misc

For an elevated view of the stunning Singapore skyline and the spectacular fireworks, the Esplanade Roof Terrace is your best bet. Although you should still expect a throng of people at this spot, at least you’ll get better views and won’t have to tiptoe as much to get that perfect shot.  

#HZtip: You can perform your prayers at the nearby musollah located at Marina Square.

Address: 1 Esplanade Dr, Singapore 038981

7. Gardens by the Bay East

Image credit: Chi Hang Ong

If you hate being in crowds, you can catch the fireworks at Gardens by the Bay East instead. This quieter area still offers great views of the fireworks along with Marina Bay Sands and the Singapore Flyer. This is also an ideal spot if you’re bringing kids with you as the booming noise from the fireworks is not as loud. 

Address: 11 Rhu Cross, Singapore 437440

8. Marina Barrage

Image credit: Mark爱生活

While your views might be a little obstructed by Marina Bay Sands from here, Marina Barrage is still one of the hotspots to view the fireworks thanks to the views of the Supertrees, Flower Dome, Cloud Forest and the Singapore Flyer which cannot be found at any other spot. Bring along a picnic mat and enjoy the fireworks from this one-of-a-kind vantage point.

Address: 8 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018951

9. Funan Rooftop Garden

Image credit: CapitaLand Limited

Situated just two streets away from the Padang, the newly opened Funan is a fresh new spot to catch the fireworks! The spanking new Funan Rooftop Garden overlooks the Supreme Court and National Gallery Singapore to give you an excellent vantage point to view the National Day Parade aerial displays and fireworks.

#HZtip: You can perform your prayers at the nearby musollah located at Raffles City Shopping Centre.

Address: 107 North Bridge Rd, Singapore 179105

10. Millenia Walk

Image credit: William Cho

Although it may be located a little far from all the action, the rooftop at Millenia Walk offers a fabulous view of the fireworks through the wedge of space between Marina Square and The Ritz-Carlton. Being a little-known spot to catch the fireworks, you can look forward to taking in the spectacle without the crowds. 

#HZtip: You can perform your prayers at the nearby musollah located within Millenia Walk.

Address: 9 Raffles Blvd, Singapore 039596

11. Elgin Bridge & Coleman Bridge

Image credit: Choo Yut Shing

Since the Singapore River will be a new location where the fireworks will be set off this year, you won’t want to miss being one of the first few people to catch this spectacle! For some of the best views, pick a spot along Elgin Bridge or Coleman Bridge. On these bridges, you can get the best views of the fireworks along with views of skyscrapers in the background.

#HZtip: You can perform your prayers at the nearby Omar Kampong Melaka Mosque.

Address: Elgin Bridge: Along South Bridge, North Bridge Rd, 058697 | Coleman Bridge: Along Eu Tong Sen St

BONUS: The Heartlands

Image credit: 2019 Singapore National Day Parade

For all the homebodies, here’s some good news for you if you live near Bishan, Geylang Serai, Jurong East, Punggol and Woodlands! On 10 August, these heartland areas will be lit up by with a four-minute-long National Day fireworks display. Now you can avoid the crowds and road closures in the Central Business District and catch the fireworks at the comfort of your own neighbourhood. 

Be it in your ‘hood or downtown Singapore, the stunning fireworks display is undoubtedly the highlight of the National Day Parade. Don’t miss out on the spectacle where all Singaporeans come together to celebrate the nation’s birthday as one!