If you want to experience the true heart of Singapore, be sure to visit the Waterfront Promenade and the area around Esplanade Dr – one of the most iconic locations in the city. This waterfront promenade on Marina Bay combines modernity, culture and nature to create a captivating space. Stroll along the promenade and admire the spectacular views of Singapore’s impressive skyline, including the iconic Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer. The area takes on a special charm at night, when the illuminated skyscrapers reflect in the calm waters of the bay. Here, you will find not only charming cafes and restaurants, but also numerous leisure areas where you can relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. It is the perfect place for a romantic stroll, a meeting with friends or moments of reflection on the beauty of Singapore.
Esplanade in Singapore - what to see
Esplanade – Theaters on the Bay
Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay is one of Singapore’s premier cultural venues, impressing with both its modern architecture and its extensive arts programme. Located on the picturesque Marina Bay, the complex, known locally as “Durian” due to its spiky fruit shape, is a meeting place for various forms of art. The building opened in 2002 and has since become a symbol of the Singapore arts scene. It houses two main halls: the Concert Hall, which can accommodate around 1600 people, and the Theatre, which can accommodate 2000 people. Both spaces are renowned for their excellent acoustics, ideal for music, opera and theatre performances. The Esplanade offers a wide range of events, including world-class orchestras, ballets, theatre and international arts festivals. In addition, free outdoor performances are regularly held, attracting locals and tourists. The building’s architecture is a unique combination of modern form and function. The Esplanade façade, consisting of thousands of triangular sunshades, not only gives the building a unique appearance, but also protects from intense sunlight while allowing light to flow into the interior.
The Esplanade Roof Terrace
The charming rooftop terrace of the Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay, a peaceful, green oasis in the heart of the city, with magnificent views of Marina Bay and the impressive Singapore skyline. The terrace is covered with lush vegetation, creating a relaxing atmosphere surrounded by modern architecture. It is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, relax after a busy day of sightseeing, or simply admire the surrounding views. The terrace offers spectacular views of iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands, the Singapore Flyer and the skyscrapers of the Central Business District. In the evening, the terrace takes on a special charm, when you can admire the night lights of the city and the glow reflected in the waters of the bay.
Esplanade Park
Esplanade Park is one of Singapore’s oldest, historic parks, located in the heart of the city, overlooking the picturesque Marina Bay. Established in 1943, it serves as a peaceful oasis in the bustling city centre, perfect for a relaxing stroll through lush greenery, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city while soaking up the spirit of Singapore’s history. The park is home to numerous monuments that commemorate important moments in the city’s history. The Cenotaph is a tribute to Singapore’s soldiers who fought in World Wars I and II, and is one of the most important national symbols. The park also houses the War Memorial and the Elgin Bridge Memorial, which commemorates the city’s development as a trading port. Esplanade Park is also a great place to admire views of the nearby Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay and the impressive Singapore skyline.
Waterfront promenade
The Waterfront Promenade is a picturesque waterfront promenade located on Marina Bay, a vibrant walking area that offers stunning views of the city skyline, including iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands, Singapore Flyer and the ArtScience Museum. Stroll along the Esplanade Waterfront, and admire Singapore’s modern architecture while enjoying the tranquil atmosphere of the waterfront. The Promenade is not only a great place to relax, but also a perfect backdrop for photography enthusiasts, especially at sunset when the city’s skyscrapers are reflected in the waters of the bay. During the day, you can see joggers, walkers and people relaxing on the benches, enjoying the views and the sea breeze. There are numerous restaurants and cafes along the Waterfront Promenade, serving local and international cuisine, making it a popular place for lunch, dinner or drinks with a view. In the evenings, the area comes alive with numerous events, concerts and outdoor performances, making it a unique social and cultural destination in Singapore.
Makansutra Gluttons Bay
An iconic Singapore spot where you can immerse yourself in the authentic flavours of local street food. Situated on the picturesque Marina Bay, just off the Esplanade, Gluttons Bay (or, simply put, Gluttons Bay) is a popular place to sample the best of Singaporean delicacies in a relaxed, vibrant atmosphere. Makansutra Gluttons Bay is a collection of carefully selected stalls serving iconic hawker dishes such as satay (grilled meat skewers), chili crab (crab in a spicy chili sauce), hokkien mee (fried seafood noodles) and char kway teow (fried rice noodles). Each stall offers a variety of dishes that reflect Singapore’s multicultural cuisine, including Chinese, Malay, Indian and Indonesian flavours. Gluttons Bay is the perfect place for an evening meal under the stars, overlooking the bay and the impressive city skyline. The atmosphere is especially pleasant in the evening, when the waterfront comes alive with lights reflecting off the water and the smell of grilled food fills the air. With its casual atmosphere and wide range of culinary options, Makansutra Gluttons Bay is a paradise for foodies who want to sample the best of local delicacies in the unique setting of Singapore.
Jubilee Bridge
A modern pedestrian bridge connecting the Esplanade with the Marina Bay Sands district, offering pedestrians a convenient and scenic way to travel between these popular attractions. The bridge was opened in 2015 to celebrate Singapore’s 50th anniversary of independence, making it not only a functional piece of urban infrastructure but also a symbol of the city-state’s development and modernity. Jubilee Bridge features an elegant, arched shape that blends harmoniously with the architecture of Marina Bay. Walking across Jubilee Bridge provides spectacular views of Marina Bay, surrounded by modern skyscrapers. The bridge is especially magical in the evening when the surrounding buildings are illuminated, their reflections dancing on the waters of the bay. Jubilee Bridge has become a popular place for walks, runs and photos, offering some of the best views of the Singapore skyline.
Interesting facts about Esplanade and the surrounding area
- The Esplanade Theatre is often called the “Durian” because of its unique architecture, which resembles the prickly durian fruit. It’s not just aesthetics – the triangular sunshades are designed to protect the building from the intense tropical sun, as well as improve the acoustics of the interiors.
- The Esplanade hosted the first Singapore Arts Festival in 2004. Since then, the festival has become an annual tradition, attracting numerous artists and audiences.
- Esplanade Park is one of the oldest parks in Singapore, dating back to 1943. It was designed as a place of relaxation, and many of its monuments commemorate important events in the country's history.
- The Jubilee Bridge opened in 2015 to celebrate Singapore’s 50th anniversary of independence. The bridge serves not only a transportation function, but also an artistic one – its design and the views it offers make it a popular photo spot.
- Makansutra Gluttons Bay is not just a place to eat, but also an initiative to promote local food culture. It has been designed to reflect traditional hawker centres, with stalls run by renowned chefs.
- The Esplanade area is home to a variety of sculptures and art installations, one of the most famous being the Merlion, the symbol of Singapore.
- Esplanade regularly hosts free concerts and outdoor performances, on weekends and during special events. It’s a great way to see local artists and experience Singaporean culture.
- Walking along the Waterfront Promenade, you can admire not only the panorama of the bay, but also a fantastic view of the ArtScience Museum, which with its architecture resembles a lotus flower.