Where to watch National Day fireworks in Singapore

National Day is just around the corner, and Singapore is getting ready to celebrate its 61st birthday.

With this year’s National Day Parade centred around the National Stadium, all eyes will be on Kallang as the celebrations return to the precinct for the first time in a decade. The occasion also marks 50 years since the parade was first held at the former National Stadium in 1976.

Expect all the hallmarks of an unforgettable National Day, from marching contingents to a spectacular fireworks display. This year’s parade will also feature a star-studded line-up of homegrown artistes, including Iman Fandi, Gareth Fernandez, Dru Chen and Jasmine Sokko, alongside thousands of performers bringing this year’s theme, Majulah Singapura, Go Beyond!, to life.

No parade ticket? You can still experience one of National Day’s most anticipated traditions: the fireworks. As the sky lights up in celebration of Singapore’s 61st birthday, these are some of the best places to catch the display in full glory.

If you’re hoping to get as close to the National Day celebrations as possible without a parade ticket, Stadium Riverside Walk is your best bet.

Stretching along the Kallang Basin, the waterfront promenade offers one of the closest public vantage points to this year’s fireworks, making it an ideal spot to experience the excitement beyond the National Stadium.

Arrive early to secure a good viewing spot, then make an evening of it with dinner or a quick bite at nearby Kallang Wave Mall before the fireworks begin. After the celebrations, take a stroll along the Sports Hub waterfront before rounding off the evening with a drink at Al Capone’s Sports Bar + Dining or a late dinner at Blue Fern Grill & Sake.

For a bird’s-eye view of this year’s celebrations, head to Tanjong Rhu Lookout Tower. Located directly opposite the National Stadium, the elevated observation deck overlooks the Kallang Basin, offering sweeping views of the fireworks as they illuminate the skyline.

Follow the Tanjong Rhu waterfront promenade before making your way up to the lookout tower. The observation deck is relatively compact, so getting there ahead of the evening rush offers the best chance of claiming a prime viewing spot.

After the fireworks, continue your walk along the promenade towards the suspension bridge, or head to Katong or East Coast for supper before calling it a night.

If your idea of the perfect National Day involves a picnic mat and plenty of room to stretch out, Kallang Riverside Park is an excellent choice.

Located along the Kallang River, the park’s expansive lawns and riverside setting offer a more laid-back way to enjoy the fireworks while still remaining within easy view of the Kallang Basin.

Pack a few snacks, settle in before the crowds build and enjoy the show from the comfort of the open green space. Once the fireworks are over, continue your stroll through Kampong Bugis or follow the riverside paths towards The Kallang to soak up the atmosphere before heading home.

Spanning the Kallang Basin, Tanjong Rhu Suspension Bridge offers a front-row view of the National Day fireworks, with shimmering reflections across the water adding another dimension to the display. Linking The Kallang with the Tanjong Rhu waterfront, it’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy exploring the city on foot before settling in for the evening’s celebrations.

Take your time strolling along the Tanjong Rhu Promenade before making your way onto the bridge ahead of the fireworks. As one of the more popular places to watch the display, it’s worth arriving early to secure a comfortable spot before the crowds build.

With the fireworks over, keep the evening going with a leisurely walk along the Kallang Basin, taking in the illuminated skyline before making your way back home.

If you’d prefer to watch the fireworks from a broad waterfront promenade rather than among the busiest crowds, Kallang Water Sports Centre is well worth considering. Set along the edge of the Kallang Basin, the area offers clear sightlines towards the National Stadium, with plenty of room to settle in for the evening.

Wide, paved walkways and benches make it a comfortable option for families, groups and anyone who’d rather not spend the evening on their feet. Watching the sun set over the Kallang Basin makes the wait for the fireworks part of the experience.

There’s no more meaningful place to watch Singapore’s birthday celebrations than Merdeka Bridge.

Named after the Malay word merdeka, meaning “independence”, the bridge was officially opened in 1956 as a symbol of Singapore’s aspirations for self-governance, years before independence became a reality. Today, it overlooks the Kallang Basin, offering clear views of the National Day fireworks from a landmark that’s deeply woven into the nation’s story.

The pedestrian walkway provides an unobstructed view across the water, making it an ideal place to pause and take in the spectacle. To make the most of the experience, settle into a spot along the bridge before it becomes busy, while keeping the central walkway clear for passing pedestrians.

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