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. Besides being accessible by car and bus (no. 158), you can also cycle there as it is part of the East Coast Park extension, which makes it a great place to end a fun day out with the family.

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 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

Photo: @bun_don/Instagram

As it’s possibly the best spot not just to watch fireworks, but other highlights like the aerial display and gun salute, 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

Connected to Merlion’s Park, these bridges also offer sweeping views of the bay and a clear vantage point for fireworks, so you can expect them to be packed with people.

Where: Right next to Merlion Park 

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 the Gluttons Bay Hawker centre 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 roof terrace, where Orgo restaurant and bar is located, and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the festivities below and on the water.

Where: 4th floor of the Esplanade 

Photo: @vernmedenilla/Instagram

If you prefer somewhere air-conditioned, head up to Marina Square’s Kopitiam food court. It’s got huge glass windows facing the bay area, which makes it a great firework-viewing spot – and you don’t have to burn a hole in your wallet for food and drinks!

Where: #02-220 Marina Square, Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594

This “secret” location is a great way to beat the crowds and still enjoy the fireworks. You don’t even need to drive there, simply go up the 11th floor and enjoy (mostly) unobstructed views.

Where: Level 11, Shaw Tower Carpark, 100 Beach Road, Singapore 189702

Both bridges are located right next to the floating platform, so it’s probably the closest you will get actually to actually being there. However, they will get extremely crowded so be prepared to be standing most of the time.

This story first appeared on www.womensweekly.com.sg

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