national gallery singapore
Photograph: Shutterstock
Photograph: Shutterstock

Free rooftop spaces in Singapore to visit for the views

Climb up to the top (for free) for some good vibes and great views

Delfina Utomo
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As much as we love our rooftop restaurants and bars in Singapore, there are times where we just want to, well, hang out at rooftops without spending a dime. Thankfully, there are still some spots left in Singapore where you can discreetly climb up to take in the amazing views without having to pay for a cocktail or entrance fees. 

RECOMMENDED: The best rooftop gardens in Singapore

  • Shopping
  • Chinatown

A trip to Chinatown isn’t complete without a visit to People's Park Complex. Hailed as a masterpiece of 1970s experimental architecture, the mustard yellow building we know now took cues from the brutalist architectural style popular at that time – and was actually finished in raw concrete before it went through several colourful rebirths. The building is now a mixed-use building where you can find street snacks, jewellery stores, electronic goods, and also a residential complex. The rooftop of the carpark is an iconic spot for views of Chinatown (and an impromptu photoshoot). The easiest way up is by car or you can take the lift from the mall and then climb your way to the top from the fifth floor. 

  • Things to do
  • Cultural centres
  • Tanjong Pagar

SCCC is a place where you can learn and discover fascinating things about Chinese culture in Singapore, little people know about the rooftop garden atop the building. Overlooking the bay, the space is inspired by the classical Chinese garden landscape, designed with contemporary form and technology. The serene setting is another scene altogether from the bustling Shenton Way district the building is in. 

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  • Things to do
  • Marina Bay

Marina Barrage – or rather the grassy lawn on the roof – attracts couples and families all year round thanks to its breathtaking 360º view of the bay area. Bring your own kite to sail in the bay’s gusty winds or pick one up from among the cavalcade of colourful creations in the kite shop on the grounds. Besides flying kites, the park is a popular venue for yoga, jogging, photography and also kayaking. 

  • Shopping
  • Lifestyle
  • Orchard

Though only over two storeys high, the rooftop of Design Orchard is quite a gem in the bustling shopping precinct. Inside the building, you can find a wide range of local labels from homegrown designers and makers under one roof - but climb up to the open-air second floor and you will find yourself in a spacious amphitheatre surrounded by lush greenery and views of the streets. Climb up further to explore more green corners  and to also grab a coffee from Alchemist, the hidden cafe up the steps.

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  • Things to do
  • Event spaces
  • Orchard

Tucked away on the 56th floor of ION Orchard, ION Sky brings visitors 218m up from the ground and offers 360° vistas of the city, all from the comfort of a spacious air-conditioned area, for free. Occasionally, there will a pop-up or exhibition happening at this space but if not, take all the time to check out the views. 

  • Shopping
  • Shopping centres
  • Orchard

Escape to a landscaped rooftop garden at Orchard Central. You'll find yourself stepping into a new world with beautiful green walls all around, a zen reflective pond, lush plants and also some visual art at the enchanting roof gardens on the 11th and 12th floors of the busy shopping mall. Immerse yourself in the greenery and enjoy the spectacular street views of Orchard and its surroundings from the top as well. Built to be a "high-rise shopping" shopping experience, Orchard Central has definitely not forgotten to fit in some space for respite from the busy streets. 

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  • Art
  • City Hall

The National Gallery Singapore may be an austere-looking building that houses a whole lot of important Southeast Asian art but the rooftop of the National Gallery of Singapore is one of the most tranquil places in town you can find. With foliage walls, a reflecting pool, benches and one of the best views of the city, this is a good spot to get some respite in your free time. After an afternoon of admiring Raden Salleh and Georgette Chen's works, take a break and climb up to the rooftop. 

More rooftops to explore

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