8 Top Places to See Singapore from the "Sky" for Free

Singapore is renowned for its stunning skyscrapers and iconic landmarks. But did you know that you don't have to break the bank to enjoy breathtaking views from the top?

We handpicked eight free spots that offer panoramic views of Singapore skyline. From hidden gems nestled amidst nature to public spaces strategically positioned for magnificent views, discover the best free viewpoints from above, overlooking parts and even the whole of Singapore.

#1 Mount Faber Park

Nestled amidst lush greenery, Mount Faber Park offers a unique vantage point to admire Singapore's skyline. Take a leisurely upward hike up the hill from Harbourfront MRT (Exit D). Lookout for signs to Mount Faber via the Marang Trail. At Faber Point, you will be treated to a breathtaking panoramic view that encompasses the cityscape and the Southern Islands. There is also a mini-Merlion there too!

On your walk up from Marang Trail, do check out Mount Faber Lookout Point, Mount Faber Station’s Scenic Restroom (where you can see the cable cars travelling to Sentosa), Happy (Rainbow) Steps, and Poland’s Bells of Happiness.

Mount Faber is part of the Southern Ridges (~10km trail connecting popular parks and gardens). Extend your outdoor experience by continuing your hike towards Henderson Waves bridge - an architecturally striking 274-metre-long pedestrian bridge that connects Mount Faber Park to Telok Blangah Hill Park.

Onwards to Telok Blangah Hill Park, don’t miss Singapore’s version of “Rocky Balboa Stairs” at the Terrace Gardens. This used to be a popular spot for wedding photoshoots in the 80s 😂.

Those who want to complete the Southern Ridge experience can hike to Hortpark and Kent Ridge Park. Else, you can walk down Telok Blangah Hill Park to the nearest bus stop for buses (124, 131, 145) back to Harbourfront MRT.

💡Tip: Experience our hawker culture at Seah Im Food Centre, a short walk from Harbourfront MRT (Exit A).

#2 CapitaSpring (Level 17-20 & 51)

One of the newest skyscrapers in the CBD, CapitaSpring has a (still lesser known) Sky Garden that is Singapore’s tallest publicly accessible observatory deck. Located on the 51st floor, there is a rooftop garden, and you get to catch a glorious 360-degree view of Singapore.

The Sky Garden maybe closed if weather conditions are unsafe (eg. heavy rain, lightning risk). We were unable to access the Sky Garden despite numerous visits because it was closed. But fret not, you can still visit the Green Oasis.

The Green Oasis spans levels 17-20. It is a sheltered outdoor promenade with spots where you can sit and relax on seats with power outlets to charge your devices! Start from Level 20 and walk along the spiral route down to Level 17.

Both areas are wheelchair accessible, and a great place for families.

To get to CapitaSpring Tower, take the train to Raffles Place MRT (Exit A), and walk along Malacca Street to reach the tower lobby. There will be signs to queue for the ground floor lift to go up to the Green Oasis and Sky Garden, or ask the concierge for directions.

Opening Hours to Public:

Mondays - Fridays (excluding Public Holidays), 2:30pm - 6:00pm (Last Entry at 5:30pm).

Morning time slots are for CapitaSpring tenants only. Entry after 6pm is for restaurants (Sol & Luna, Kaarla & Oumi) patrons only.

💡Tip: Experience our hawker culture at Market Street Hawker Centre, right below CapitaSpring Tower. Dabao(?) your food up to the Green Oasis to have your meal with a view!

#3 Funan Mall Roof Garden (Level “13”)

Not to be confused with Funan Mall’s Urban Farm at level 7 (worth a visit too), the Roof Garden (Level R) gives us a great view of Marina Bay and Fort Canning Park.

Visit in the evening so you see Fort Canning Park with some daylight left (else it gets too dark to see anything), before heading to the other side to see Singapore’s Marina Bay at night.

Funan Mall has a great mix of trendy, eclectic stores. Support local, popular brands like Love Bonito, ReFash, Iuiga. Maybe watch a local theatre production at Wild Rice or do rock climbing in Singapore’s tallest climbing wall in a mall!

Getting to Funan Mall is easy. Alight at City Hall MRT and follow the underground directions to Capitol, then to Funan Mall. Not all lifts head up to Level R, only a couple of lifts do - Lift Lobby B, and the service lift near McD.

#4 Esplanade Roof Terrace (Level 4)

Want an elevated view of the Marina Bay skyline, away from street crowds? Head up to the Roof Terrace at Esplanade for unique pictures and see the “durian tips” of Esplanade up close.

Since you are there, check out what performances are on (some of them are free), and tuck into some local food fare alfresco-style at Makansutra Gluttons Bay.

Getting to the Esplanade is fairly easy, follow the underground path from nearby City Hall or Esplanade MRT. Take the escalator up to Level 4 at the Esplanade and follow the signs to the Roof Terrace.

#5 Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre (Level “12”)

The SCCC hosts a diverse range of exhibitions and cultural programs that showcase the multifaceted aspects of Chinese culture. You can get to learn how Singapore’s Chinese culture has shaped over the years in our vibrant multicultural society. The free SINGAPO人 exhibition has 6 zones full of interactive elements that both kids and adults will enjoy. There are also free weekend (Saturday and Sunday) guided tours in English (3PM) and Mandarin (4PM), on a first-come first-served basis. We highly recommend visiting the SCCC.

Unknown to most, the SCCC has a playful roof garden above level 11 where you have relaxing views of the city’s port and glimpses of Marina Bay. Feel the sea breeze as you enjoy the colourful space.

The SCCC is located within walking distance from 3 MRTs stations, so getting there is convenient. After your visit, walk to the nearby iconic open air food market, Lau Pa Sat, for dinner.

#6 Textile Centre (Level 24)

This is technically not a public space, but it is publicly accessible. Textile Centre is located at the edge of one of Singapore’s oldest urban quarters - Kampong Gelam. You can easily spend a full day at Kampong Gelam, and if you do, make the trip up to Textile Centre to be rewarded with a bird’s eye view of this unique cultural area.

The “viewpoint” is the open-air fire escape stairwell of Textile Centre. Take the inconspicuous lift up to level 24/25 from the street level and exit via the fire door on the left. Take note that the fire door DOES NOT open from the outside. So, you must find a way back in, else you will need to walk down to level 7 carpark or level 1 to exit.

If you want to reminisce about Singapore in the 1980s, explore Textile Centre and next-door Sultan Plaza. We will be running out of malls like them soon.

We plan to write about places and experiences in Kampong Gelam soon. Be sure to subscribe to be first to read it!

#8 Skyville@Dawson (Level 47) & SkyParc@Dawson (Level 39)

Located further away from the city centre, Skyville@Dawson is one of Singapore’s tallest public housing (HDB) projects and is lesser known compared to the Pinnacle@Duxton. Designed by famous WOHA architects, who designed Oasia Hotel Downtown and Parkroyal Collection Pickering, 3 towers (Block 86, 87, 88) have their entire roofs connected to form a public park with a 300m walking track. This gives us a 360-degree view of Singapore!

Other than roof garden on level 47, Skyville has sky gardens on level 14, 25, and 36 that are less crowded, cooler, and sheltered.

Just across the road from Skyville is the newer SkyParc@Dawson. Completed in 2021, you will see SkyParc from Skyville as it partially blocks the view of the city centre. SkyParc gardens give an unblock view of the city centre. Each block at SkyParc has its own gardens. The highest one is at Block 96, and the garden takes up half of level 39. The whole of level 36 is a garden that gives you a 360 view of Singapore.

Technically, these gardens are accessible 24hrs since it is public space. Do be considerate to the residents there, keep your noise levels low, and keep the space clean too. 😄 

There is another HDB project opposite SkyParc - SkyTerrace, and SkyTerrace does not have a roof garden. Make sure to visit the right one.

Skyville@Dawson is a 10mins walk from Queenstown MRT (Exit B). On your way to Skyville, you will pass Forfar Heights (along Strathmore Road), another tall public housing project, which has a garden at level 23.

#BONUS - ION Sky (Level 56)

ION Sky is an observatory deck right in the middle of Singapore’s shopping belt, Orchard Road. Located on Level 56 of ION Orchard, ION Sky is the great place to catch the sun set over Singapore’s skyline.

ION Sky is part of the experience when you dine at 1-Atico. Unknown to many people, you can get FREE admission when you spend at ION Orchard. Each receipt with a minimum of $50 spent gets you one ticket – which you can redeem by flashing your same-day receipt at 1-Atico. You also can enjoy a complimentary welcome drink at 1-Atico Lounge (subject to availability).

To access ION Sky, get to ION Orchard via the train to Orchard MRT, ION Orchard is directly above the MRT. Then take the lift on Level 4 at ION Art (located near Concierge). ION Sky is open daily from 12pm-4pm. There are limited slots daily and some blackout dates, so best check with the Concierge for availability.

Planning a visit to Singapore? Be sure to check out the best value pre-paid roaming SIM to get! Be sure to pack smart too as it is summer year round in Singapore.

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