National Day is a buzzing time for everyone as we gear up to celebrate our nation’s birthday. This year is particularly exciting since the public holiday falls on a Friday, which means that we can enjoy a long weekend. If you’re scouring for ideas to make the most of your National Day 2024 long weekend in Singapore, you’ve come to the right place. 👇🏻

With 1 year left to its Jubilee, Singapore is upping its National Day game with official celebrations lasting till 10 August. Join in the festivities in our heartlands, where each unique event corresponds to this year’s overarching theme — “Together, As One United People”. From entertaining live music to interactive activities and firework displays, there’s a lot to experience in the heartlands this National Day weekend.

Address: Various locations
Festive timing: 10 August, 4pm – 9pm

Head down to various locations in town to catch the spectacular fireworks display on 9 August. The Marina Bay area is a great choice for a closer view of the Floating Platform, but brace yourself to brave the crowd.

Alternatively, you can go to the Waterfront Promenade right outside Esplanade for an equally great view. Those who prefer to watch the fireworks from a distance should check out Marina South Pier and Marina Barrage. The fireworks show usually starts around 8pm, so be sure to arrive earlier!

If you’re driving, we recommend you park further away from these hotspots and take a leisurely walk towards your ideal spot to avoid traffic jams. Try parking around Marina One or Marina Square, or check out our CBD parking guide for more spots and parking rates.

Address: Various locations
Fireworks timing: From 8pm

What better way to celebrate Singapore’s birthday than by learning and honouring our history at the National Museum? Wander through different exhibits showcasing different sides of our history, as well as life in the 1960s. Start in the basement and make your way upwards, as we time-travel from our humble beginnings as a fishing village to the metropolis we are today.

📍 Address: 93 Stamford Road, Singapore 178897
⏰ Opening hours: 10am – 7pm, daily
📞 Contact: 6332 3659
💲 Price: Free admission for Singaporeans and PRs
🌐 Website: nhb.gov.sg/nationalmuseum

As an island country, another integral part of Singapore’s identity is our marine life. Explore what lies beneath our waters at the S.E.A Aquarium. Award-winning photographs and interactive exhibitions display our vibrant marine biodiversity at Ocean Fest 2024. There are even audio stations detailing the history of our seas from individuals who have lived alongside it. It’s truly an immersive and enriching experience, perfect for all ages.

📍 Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Sentosa Island, Singapore 098269
⏰ Opening hours: Thurs to Mon, 10am – 5pm
📞 Contact: 6577 9977
💲 Price: From $31
🌐 Website: rwsentosa.com/en/attractions/sea-aquarium

The Singapore Botanic Gardens is a great place to spend your entire day surrounded by nature. Head to the UNESCO world heritage site and work your way through the various mini parks, like the iconic National Orchid Garden and Healing Garden. The latter showcases over 400 species of medicinal plants, so you can expect an educational experience in addition to simply being aesthetically pleasing. Take the trip at your pace, stop whenever for a picnic, and enjoy the greenery around. 🌳

📍 Address: 1 Cluny Road, Singapore 259569
⏰ Opening hours: 5am – 12am, daily
📞 Contact: 6471 7138
🌐 Website: nparks.gov.sg/sbg

Gardens by the Bay has yet another special themed exhibition, this time featuring the French artist, Claude Monet. Step into a world of beauty inspired by Monet’s paintings with displays of water lilies and more. There’s even a recreation of Monet’s iconic pink house, which makes you feel like you’ve actually travelled to Monet’s hometown in France, Giverny.

📍 Address: 18 Marina Gardens Drive, Singapore 018953
⏰ Opening hours: 9am – 9pm, daily
📞 Contact: ​​6420 6848
💲 Price: From $8
🌐 Website: gardensbythebay.com.sg

Escape the hustle and bustle of urban living and hike up Mount Faber for a refreshing view of Singapore. Look over the Southern parts of Singapore and let the serenity of the vast sea and luscious greenery slow you down amidst the busyness of city life. If you’re not feeling up to a hike, you can take a cute Hello Kitty themed cable car right up to Mount Faber Peak. After the long hike, swing by one of the hilltop cafes for some grub.

📍 Address: 109 Mount Faber Road, Singapore 099203
⏰ Opening hours: Sun to Thurs, 8.45am – 9.30pm | Fri and Sat, 8.45am – 2am
🌐 Website: mountfaberleisure.com

I believe that the best kind of breakfast is the classic Singaporean one, which is a features kaya toast and a good ol’ cup of Kopi O. Tong Ah Eating House at Keong Saik Road is a convenient, central spot that serves just that. They’re known for their crispy kaya toast and eggs that have been soft-boiled to creamy perfection – a combination that will keep you coming back for seconds.

Find more top breakfast places in Singapore.

📍 Address: 35 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089142
⏰ Opening hours: Thurs to Mon, 7am – 10pm | Wed, 7am – 1.30pm
📞 Contact: 6223 5083
🌐 Website: Facebook

Head east along the streets of Joo Chiat, the hotspot of Peranakan culture in Singapore for a hearty meal. There are tonnes of great options, from fancy cafes like the new pet-friendly June Coffee to the iconic 328 Laksa and Beach Road Prawn Mee. Stop by the various air-conditioned malls like i12 Katong and Roxy Square for a reprise from the Singapore heat.

As one of Singapore’s oldest coastal parks, Changi Beach is the perfect place for a picnic. Whether it’s a quiet day out with bae or a family gathering, Changi Beach offers the ideal setting with ample space and play areas for the kids. Stay until the evening to enjoy the gorgeous sunset with unobstructed views.

📍 Address: Nicoll Drive, Singapore 498991
⏰ Opening Hours: Open 24 hours
🌐 Website: nparks.gov.sg/visit/parks/park-detail/changi-beach-park

Universal Studios Singapore is a thrilling place to get all the extra pent-up energy out. Scream your lungs out on roller coasters, watch captivating live shows, and take photos with character mascots from blockbuster movies. They have a Mega Despicable Summer event which ends on 11 August, so this long weekend is the perfect time to catch the last of it. Watch a group of Despicable Me minions take over the park and enjoy an interactive and memorable day with them.

📍 Address: 8 Sentosa Gateway, Singapore 098269
⏰ Opening hours: 10am – 8pm, daily
📞 Contact: 6577 8888
💲 Price: From $59
🌐 Website: rwsentosa.com/en/attractions/universal-studios-singapore

While we’re all familiar with Changi Airport, did you know that Singapore has a smaller airport at Seletar where you can plane-watch too? Take a short walk down The Oval’s boardwalk and rest on paper plane-shaped benches to watch planes take off and land. It’s less busy than Changi Airport, which works great if you’re up for some solitude.

📍 Address: 15 The Oval, Singapore 797874
⏰ Opening hours: 24 hours

Indoor playgrounds are not only great for children, but for much older kids who live a tough adult life laden with adult responsibilities too. Take a break by unleashing your inner child, do some cool tricks, and liven up over the long weekend at mega indoor playgrounds like BOUNCE or SuperPark. Check out the top indoor playgrounds in Singapore and take your pick.

Get your daily dose of Vitamin D and reminisce about the good ol’ neighbourhood outdoor playgrounds. Swing back to the past on monkey bars at Toa Payoh’s iconic dragon playground before taking some photos for the ‘gram. Tiong Bahru Park’s playground with the famous slanted train and zipline is another fun alternative that’s worth a trip down.

Catch the annual National Day concert by our own Singapore Symphony Orchestra for an afternoon of delightful music. This year, they continue to celebrate the works of our musical forefathers and introduce budding composers. Listen to familiar pieces live from acclaimed composers like Eric Watson and avant-garde music from local composers like Felicia Teng.

📍 Address: Esplanade Concert Hall, 1 Esplanade Drive, Singapore 038981
⏰ Concert timing: 11 August 2024, 4pm
💲 Price: From $15
🌐 Website: sso.org.sg/whats-on/national-day-concert-2024

The National Day 2024 long weekend in Singapore is a great time to host dinner parties and catch up with your loved ones. Throw a National Day-themed potluck dinner by getting your friends and family to come in their best red and white outfits. To spice things up, you can even request that guests bring food that’s red and white, or their rendition of famous Singaporean dishes.

Get in touch with your inner superstar at a karaoke while breaking into your favourite patriotic songs. Showcase your love for Singapore by belting out classics like “Home” and challenge each other’s knowledge of newer songs. Some of the popular karaoke places include Have Fun Karaoke, Cash Studio, and the crowd favourite, Teo Heng. With so many places islandwide, you’ll be sure to find a karaoke room best suited for you.

Here’s an idea: play tourist and embark on a full-day excursion around our island home to uncover parts of Singapore you’ve probably never seen before. Featuring activities from the West to the East, our weekend guide will provide you a whole day’s worth of fun.

Pro tip: Consider booking a GetGo to ferry your loved ones around comfortably this National Day long weekend in Singapore.

🌐 Website: getgo.sg

Our iconic Singapore River not only spotlights the natural beauty of Singapore amidst concrete jungles but highlights our forefathers’ unity during the River Clean-up back in the 70s. Head out for a leisurely walk with a trail map in hand and discover the significance this river holds.

🌐 Website: roots.gov.sg/en/places/places-landing/trails/singapore-river-walk

Last but not least, celebrate with the entire Singapore on 9 August during the National Day Parade. Regardless of whether you managed to ballot tickets for the show, or are simply enjoying it on the TV over dinner, the parade is something to look forward to every year. Marvel at our military prowess, be captivated by talented performers, and join in the festive sing-along sessions. Take the pledge alongside fellow citizens and sing our anthem with pride.

Rock out!
Jael 🎈