What to See & Do in Singapore – 2024 Singapore Grand Prix

Your guide to off-track activities at the Formula 1 Singapore Grand Prix 2024. The best food, shopping, nightlife and beaches in Singapore.

• The 2024 Singapore Grand Prix is scheduled for September 20-22.
• Tickets are now available. We also recommend F1 Experiences Ticket Packages
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With all the action at the Marina Bay circuit happening in the late afternoon and night, there’s plenty of time to check out the sights of Singapore during the day. Not only is the city a shopper’s and foodies paradise, there are also beaches, theme parks and nature walks to explore. If you still have energy after a night at the track, the nightlife is also pretty wild. There is absolutely no chance of getting bored at the Singapore GP. The question is whether you have the stamina to make the most of all the city has to offer.

Shopping on Orchard Road

Whether you are after high end luxury or affordable, clothes or electronics, Singapore has a shopping center or district suited to your needs. Orchard Road is where some of the best shopping in central Singapore can be found, particularly for high end and designer clothing brands. The wide avenue is lined with a series of large shopping malls comprising literally thousands of shops. If you are on a budget or after something a little different, head to Chinatown or Little India.

Little India

As well as being the place to go for the best Indian cuisine in Singapore, Little India is a vibrant, bohemian district of the city with some of the city’s best-preserved colonial architecture and various temples, churches and mosques. The 24-hour Mustafa Centre is one of the city’s best budget shopping centers; the pharmacy section on the ground floor is massive and you can also buy gold jewellery and clothes. Sim Lim Square (or simply SLS) is a huge shopping center devoted to all things electronic, especially cameras and computers (and their parts). It’s a good idea to have an idea of what you should be paying however, as some vendors will be looking to rip you off.

Chinatown

Within walking distance of the Marina Bay circuit, Chinatown is a good base for Grand Prix weekend, particularly if you are on a budget as there are lots of hostels and cheaper hotels in the vicinity. There’s interesting architecture, excellent shopping centers (many with food courts), an outdoor market and lots of tasty Chinese restaurants, as you would expect.

Singapore Nightlife

If you’ve still got some energy after a night at the track, then Singapore’s nightlife is always buzzing. Clarke Quay is the premier nightlife destination in Singapore, and is located a short stroll from the Padang (Zone 4) area of the circuit. It’s home to countless places where you can drink, dance and party, many of them offering alfresco dining by the river with the amazing backdrop of Singapore’s skyline. The city’s other harbor-front areas, Boat Quay and Roberston Quay, are also worth a look.

Singapore’s newest architectural landmark Marina Bay Sands is not only a huge hotel, but also the city’s one and only casino. Don’t forget to take your passport if you want to gamble. Marina Bay also has restaurants galore, a vast shopping center and an incredible ‘skypark’ with that infinity pool. Entry to the pool area is for guests only, but you can get limited views for free (only on the non-city side) or pay for drinks and skyline views at CE LA VI bar (see below).

If you’re ready to mix with the F1 jet set (and can foot the bill), then there are some exclusive F1-themed parties held on Grand Prix weekend in Singapore: Amber Lounge is the biggest. You may even get to meet a driver or two. Nightclubs open late and can be found all over the city; there is always plenty of top-name DJs in town for the Grand Prix.

Beautiful people are also in abundance at some of the cool rooftop bars of the Marina Bay hotels (CE LA VI) and in the Financial District or you can head to Club Street in Chinatown for fashionable wine and cocktail bars.

Ce La Vi @ Marina Bay Sands

The views from the top of Marina Bay Sands are awesome, but why pay $23 SGD for entrance to the Skypark when you can go to CÉ LA VI bar one level higher and pay the same with a cocktail included in the deal! You’ll need to pay $20 per person on the ground floor, but this is credit towards your food and drinks. Please note that on race weekend itself, entry prices are higher due to special events, and advance bookings are necessary.

Sentosa Island

Sentosa Island is one of Singapore’s leading tourist attractions. As well as golf courses, shopping and 5-star hotels, you will also find the Universal Studios Singapore theme park, part of  the Resort World development. Other attractions on Sentosa Island include the Tiger Sky Tower, Underwater World & Dolphin Island, Butterfly Park & Nature Kingdom. Megazip Adventure Park and a wave pool. The island is connected to the mainland via a causeway and can be reached from the city centre in just 20 minutes. The easiest way to get to Sentosa is to take the MRT – head to Harbourfront station, the terminus of both the Northeast and Circle lines. From there, you can either walk or take the scenic cable car. Learn more on the official Sentosa Island website.

Singapore Flyer

The Singapore Flyer, the world’s second-tallest Ferris Wheel, is located within the circuit. The 165-metre tall wheel opened in 2008 and offers amazing views, at day or night. Ticket prices start at $33 SGD. Rides were free for Zone 1 ticketholders during the three days of the 2023 Singapore Grand Prix (TBC for 2024). Get there early if you don’t want to wait in the queue.

What are your Singapore travel tips? Leave a comment!