Best FREE Places to Catch the 2017 National Day Fireworks

Come 9th August, Singapore will be commemorating its 52nd birthday with an annual celebration. With nostalgic songs from the past, impressive parades showcasing the country’s defence forces, spectacular musical performances and more, it’s a highly-anticipated extravaganza that you will not want to miss!

This year, the National Day Parade (NDP) is held at The Float, making Marina Bay a prime location to catch the fireworks display. Here are our top picks of where to view these gorgeous illuminations, and the best part? They’re all completely free!

Helix Bridge and Benjamin Sheares Bridge

The iconic Helix Bridge and Benjamin Sheares Bridge are located just beside the floating platform, giving you a front row and unobstructed view of the NDP fireworks! But consider yourself warned, this is one of the most popular spots to catch the fireworks and aerial displays, so be prepared to face huge crowds on the bridges.

Nearest Train Station: Promenade MRT

Marina Bay Promontory

Another popular spot is the Marina Bay Promontory which overlooks the bay from the Central Business District area. The waterfront seats tend to get snapped up really quickly, so you should arrive early to secure the best location. You can even have a picnic while waiting for the show to start!

Nearest Train Station: Raffles Place MRT

Stadium Waterfront

If squeezing with crowds in the city isn’t your thing, you can head to the relatively quieter Stadium Waterfront at Kallang Wave Mall. Despite being away from the epicentre, it still offers an amazing view of the fireworks.

Nearest Train Station: Stadium MRT

Gardens by the Bay

Fireworks and beautiful flowers? Sign me up! The Bay East Garden at Gardens by the Bay is a wide lawn path decorated with picturesque flowers, boasting a scenic view of Marina Bay. For an even more memorable National Day, go cycling around Gardens by the Bay, and end your journey at the Bay East Garden to be rewarded by the dazzling fireworks. It’ll definitely be an unforgettable fun-filled day!

Nearest Train Station: Bayfront MRT

Esplanade

The Esplanade Waterfront is only a 5-minute walk away from the parade at The Float. The steps along the river are just about as close as you can get to the pyrotechnics displays. Alternatively, head to the Esplanade’s Roof Terrace for an equally stunning view. With the music performances hosted by the Esplanade at its Outdoor Theatre, the area probably has the most festive National Day atmosphere!

Nearest Train Station: Esplanade or City Hall MRT

Marina Bay Financial Centre

On the other side of the bay is the Marina Bay Financial Centre. Granted it may not have as great a view as the Promontory, but The Lawn@Marina Bay is far less jam-packed with people.

Nearest Train Station: Downtown MRT

Faber Peak

To spice things up, why not climb to the top of Mount Faber to watch the fireworks from afar? Faber Peak is 105 metres high and offers a panoramic bird’s eye view of the city’s skyline. The hike up to the peak will definitely make the fireworks an even more rewarding sight!

Nearest Train Station: Harbourfront MRT

Marina Bay Sands

Another extraordinary spot to catch the pyrotechnics is at the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza. Next to the Artscience Museum, it’s another extremely popular place to set up camp to watch the show. If you are looking for another hidden gem away from the throngs of fanatics, you can also head up to the mall’s rooftop!

Nearest Train Station: Bayfront MRT

Merlion Park

What better place to celebrate the nation’s birthday than by Singapore’s iconic mythical symbol, the Merlion? The raved tourist attraction will certainly unleash your inner patriotism!

Nearest Train Station: Raffles Place MRT

With these accessible and free locations, you’ll still be able to join in the National Day fun even if you didn’t manage to secure tickets for the NDP! Be sure to hit one of these spots to catch the spectacular fireworks – this annual affair is not to be missed!