National Day has always been an exciting event for Singaporeans as we celebrate our nation’s independence day – watching colourful fireworks and singing the national anthem with pride together are some of our favourite things to do.

While watching the National Day Parade is on everyone’s to-do lists, not everyone’s that lucky to get tickets to the show. Do not despair if you did not manage to ballot for the tickets this year!

Here are 6 Places to Celebrate National Day 2016 with your family and friends. Now, stand up, Singapore! Singapore is turning 51!

Photo Credit: Alicesg

#1 KALLANG WAVE MALL

This year, National Heritage Board presents ‘50 Years of National Day Parades Exhibition’ that is happening now till 09 Aug 2016 at Kallang Wave Mall.

Travel back in time to the first parade held in 1966 when Singaporeans commemorated our first independence day. You will get to take a walk down memory lane and revisit images of all the national day parades that have taken place since the first.

The exhibition will showcase more than 100 pictures, taking you through the planning stages of the parades and highlight interesting past performances that are still deeply etched in our memories.

When: Saturday, 23 July to Tuesday, 09 August 2016

Photo Credit: vincentlyk

#2 ESPLANADE

Music festival fans will love this one! ‘Our Esplanade Estate’ is an upcoming event where you will get to enjoy performances, craft activities, exhibitions, a festival village and much more.

Spanning across three days, there is much to see and do. You can start by showing your support for our local talents such as Shirlyn & The UnXpected and Deyi Military Band, who will be putting up a series of performances.

Apart from that, have fun building a 3-metre tall cardboard sculpture or catch a local film screening at the Concourse.

When: Sunday, 07 August to Tuesday, 09 August 2016

#3 GARDENS BY THE BAY

In conjunction with this year’s theme ‘Building Our Singapore of Tomorrow’, there is a line-up of events leading up to National Day. Expect to dance and groove to a medley of chart-topping hits for 60 minutes with other dance buddies at Gardens by the Bay!

If dancing is not your thing, there are other sports activities such as bowling, sphere archery, shooting and also one for your kids—the inflatable obstacle course.

There is even a joint performance by the SAF central band and 14-piece Swiss Military Small Band. Families can relax and have a great bonding session here.

When: Sunday, 07 August 2016

Photo Credit: Victoria Park Villas

#4 SINGAPORE BOTANIC GARDENS

Declared as a UNESCO site last year, Singapore Botanic Gardens is a meaningful place to celebrate National Day at. It will be a shame to miss out on the experience of admiring the flora and fauna while listening to the Singapore Chinese Orchestra.

In addition to the National Day festivities, Music Oasis 2016 at the Botanic Gardens comprises national songs that was written by local composers. Look out for Eric Watson’s ‘An Independent Note’, featuring an excerpt of the late founding Prime Minister of Singapore Mr Lee Kuan Yew’s speech.

When: Saturday, 06 August 2016

#5 SAFRA CLUBS

Want a place where you can watch the NDP together with many other fellow Singaporeans? SAFRA will be screening the parade ‘live’ at all their clubs in Singapore!

Head down to the nearest SAFRA Club and join in the party. After all, celebrations are more fun and atmospheric when you are in a crowd right?

When: Tuesday, 09 August 2016

Photo Credit: tantan tanuki

#6 SINGAPORE DISCOVERY CENTRE

Parents who are looking forward to having a meaningful National Day celebration with their children can consider going to the Singapore Discovery Centre.

This year’s programmes aim to bring out the beauty of living in a multi-racial and multi-religious Singapore, and how Singaporeans can work together to build a better community for our nation.

When: Monday, 01 August to Friday, 26 August 2016 

Imagine dining with exquisite food while enjoying a panoramic view of Singapore’s stunning skyline. To make the moment even better, amazing fireworks greet you and they look beautiful against the cityscape.

The day is approaching and we suggest you make your reservations soon if you want to catch the fireworks. What is so special about this year? Singapore celebrates the 50th year of independence with the ‘SG50′ slogan. This year’s fireworks are the biggest and will be the most stunning ones to date!

Racking your brains on which restaurant to make your reservations at for this special day? Fret not, we have a list to share. Here are 15 Restaurants To Catch The Beautiful National Day Fireworks 2015!

#1 1-ALTITUDE

What can we say? Perched on top of One Raffles Place, you will get a first-class view of the fireworks for sure. Dining here will also mean you get an aerial view of the entire display too.

#62-01, One Raffles Place
1 Raffles Place
Singapore 048616
Tel: +65 6438 0410
Mon to Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 12pm
Sat, Sun & PH: 6pm – 12 midnight
Sun Brunch: 12pm – 2.30pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#2 CÉ LA VI

What used to be Ku De Ta is now a revamped Ce La Vi. Enjoy a breathtaking view of the city skyline, as well as the much anticipated SG50 National Day fireworks.

Marina Bay Sands
2 Bayfront Avenue
Singapore S018972
L57-01, North Sky Park
Tel: +65 6688 7688
Lunch (daily): 12pm – 3pm
Sun to Wed: 6pm – 11pm
Thu to Sat: 6pm – 11.30pm
Nearest Station: Bayfront

#3 EQUINOX

There is a reason why Equinox enjoys its popularity – sitting on level 69 of Swissotel The Stamford, this sexy spot offers a Modern European menu, and you can enjoy an uninterrupted fireworks show here.

Level 69, Equinox Complex
Swissotel The Stamford
Singapore 178882
Tel: +65 6837 3322
Mon to Sat: 12pm – 2.30am
Sun: 11am – 2.30pm
Nearest Station: City Hall

#4 FORLINO

Forlino serves some of the best fine dining Italian food around. Indulge in mouth-watering pastas and elegant wines while enjoying the spectacular fireworks.

1 Fullerton Road
#02-06 One Fullerton
Tel: +65 6877 6995
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30 – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#5 LANTERN

Lantern is a sexy bar sitting within The Fullerton Bay Hotel, and comes with a great view of our city’s skyline. Lantern’s great selection of cocktails and drinks will taste even better with the show.

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80 Collyer Quay
The Fullerton Bay Hotel
Singapore 049326
Tel: +65 6597 5299
Sun to Thu: 8am – 1am
Fri & Sat: 8am – 2am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#6 LEVEL 33

As the world’s highest urban craft-brewery, Level 33 is great for sipping on excellent craft beers, while enjoying an unobstructed view of the fireworks.

8 Marina Boulevard
#33-01 Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1
Singapore 018981
Tel: +65 6834 3133
Mon to Wed: 11.30am – 12am
Thu to Sat: 11.30am – 2am
Sun: 12pm – 12am
Nearest Station: Downtown

#7 ORGO BAR & RESTAURANT

Established in 2009, Orgo Bar & Restaurant is a rooftop bar at Esplanade which comes with an amazing view of the Marina Bay. Enjoy a cocktail while you watch the fireworks on National Day.

8 Raffles Ave
Esplanade
Singapore 039802
Tel: +65 6336 9366
Daily: 6pm – 2am
Nearest Station: City Hall/Esplanade

#8 OVEREASY

Book an outdoor seat at Overeasy as you will not be able to see the fireworks if you dine inside. OverEasy serves great American diner fare and has a wide selection of cocktails.

#01-06, One Fullerton
1 Fullerton Road
Singapore 049213
Tel: +65 9129 8484
Mon to Thu: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 1am
Fri: 11.30am – 2.30pm, 5pm – 4am
Sat: 5pm – 4am
(Closed on Sundays)
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#9 SKY ON 57

Helmed by the beloved Chef Justin Quek, experience a gastronomical journey like no other when you dine here. Perched on the 57th floor, you will also be treated to the perfect view of the fireworks.

#57-00, Marina Bay Sands
Sands Skypark Tower 1
10 Bayfront Avenue
Singapore 018956
Tel: +65 6688 8857
Daily: 6pm – 10.30pm (dinner)
Nearest Station: Bayfront

Source: The Fullerton Hotel

#10 THE LIGHTHOUSE

High up on the apex of Fullerton Hotel, this restaurant and rooftop bar is strategically located, so much so that you get a near-perfect view of the entire fireworks display.

#08-00, Fullerton Hotel
1 Fullerton Square
Singapore 049178
Tel: +65 6877 8933
Daily: 12pm – 2.30pm, 6.30pm – 10.30pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#11 THE PELICAN

The Pelican is popular for their amazing happy hour promotions. Sit outside for the best view of the SG50 fireworks display.

1 Fullerton Road
#01-01, One Fullerton
Singapore 049214
Tel: +65 6438 0400
Mon to Fri: 12pm – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Sat: 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#12 TÓNG LÈ PRIVATE DINING

Sitting within the revolving tower of OUE building, Tóng Lè Private Dining offers contemporary Chinese cuisine prepared by the team of highly-trained chefs, impeccable service by the team of polished wait staff, and a panoramic view of the Marina and Collyer Quay from the top.

60 Collyer Quay
Level 8 & 10 OUE Tower
Singapore 049322
Tel: +65 6634 3233
Mon to Sat: 11.30am – 3pm, 6pm – 11pm
Nearest Station: Raffles Place

#13 ZAFFERANO

Another restaurant to consider if you have a taste for Italian food. With a chic rooftop bar, Zafferano makes a great option for some unwinding and fireworks.

10 Collyer Quay
Singapore 049315
Tel: +65 6509 1488
Mon to Wed: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 11.45pm
Thu & Fri: 11am – 3pm, 5.30pm – 1am
Sat: 5.30pm – 1am
Nearest Station: Raffles Place