Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay Singapore
Iconic waterfront arts venue with striking 'durian' domes, hosting world-class performances and offering stunning bay views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Captivating performances & city lights
Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay Singapore
Best Time
Captivating performances & city lights
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic waterfront arts venue with striking 'durian' domes, hosting world-class performances and offering stunning bay views.
"A vibrant hub for arts and culture with breathtaking architecture and diverse performances."
🤫 Don't clap between movements
Wait until the end of a musical piece to applaud, as is customary in classical concerts.
🚽 Use the restroom before
To avoid missing parts of a show, use the facilities before the performance begins. Re-entry may be restricted.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Concert Hall Performances
Concert Hall
Experience world-class acoustics and diverse musical performances, from classical to contemporary.
Theatre Shows
Theatre
Immerse yourself in captivating theatrical productions, from drama to musicals.
Waterfront Promenade
Waterfront
Enjoy stunning views of Marina Bay and the city skyline, especially magical at night.
Planning Your Visit
Book Ahead for Popular Shows
Explore Beyond the Performances
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🤫 Don't clap between movements
Wait until the end of a musical piece to applaud, as is customary in classical concerts.
🚽 Use the restroom before
To avoid missing parts of a show, use the facilities before the performance begins. Re-entry may be restricted.
✨ Stargaze on the roof
The rooftop offers a great spot for stargazing on clear nights.
🚶♀️ Explore the waterfront
The entire waterfront area is a lovely place to relax in the evening, often mosquito-free.
Tips
from all over the internet
🤫 Don't clap between movements
Wait until the end of a musical piece to applaud, as is customary in classical concerts.
🚽 Use the restroom before
To avoid missing parts of a show, use the facilities before the performance begins. Re-entry may be restricted.
✨ Stargaze on the roof
The rooftop offers a great spot for stargazing on clear nights.
🚶♀️ Explore the waterfront
The entire waterfront area is a lovely place to relax in the evening, often mosquito-free.
🎟️ Check for free events
Esplanade often hosts free performances and events in its public spaces.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Esplanade for its stunning architecture and prime waterfront location, offering beautiful views, especially at night. The diverse range of performances, from classical concerts to theatre, is a major draw, with many highlighting the excellent acoustics. Some find the public spaces vibrant and enjoyable, though ticket prices for major shows can be a consideration.
"I didn’t know what to expect when I visited Esplanade ,Theatres on the Bay, but it turned out to be an amazing experience! The building itself is really cool to look at, and there’s a great vibe in the area. I caught a free performance at the outdoor theatre, and it was surprisingly good! The location is also perfect right by the waterfront and Marina Bay Sands. There are also cafes and small galleries to explore inside. Great spot to relax, take photos, and enjoy some culture"
Ravimaran
"A truly iconic place in Singapore!
As someone who enjoys music, culture, and peaceful scenic spots, I really love visiting the Esplanade. Whether I’m here to catch a show, meet friends, or just unwind by the bay, this place always feels special.
The architecture alone is something else — that “durian” look always catches the eye. Inside, the concert halls are world-class. Great sound, comfortable seating, and you really feel immersed in the performance. I once caught a live performance here and it gave me goosebumps.
What I also like is that the whole area outside is super relaxing. You get an amazing view of Marina Bay Sands, and the vibe at night is peaceful and inspiring. There are often buskers and pop-up art displays, which makes the walk around even more lively.
Perfect spot for both tourists and locals like me who just need a break from the city buzz without going too far. Highly recommended if you’re into the arts or just want a chill evening with beautiful views."
Johann DG
"my favorite place to spend a Saturday night. Great free performances, the waterfront and beautiful bright lights, what's there not to like."
Elaine Quek
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Esplanade is easily accessible via public transport. The nearest MRT station is City Hall (NS25/EW25) or Esplanade (CC3). Buses also frequently stop nearby. Taxis and ride-sharing services are readily available.
Yes, there is an underground car park at Esplanade. However, given Singapore's efficient public transport, many visitors opt to use the MRT or buses to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, it's a pleasant walk along the waterfront from Marina Bay Sands to the Esplanade, offering scenic views. It takes about 15-20 minutes.
Singapore has an excellent public transportation system, primarily the MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) and buses. Many travelers find it the most convenient and cost-effective way to get around, including to the Esplanade. +1
While there aren't specific 'hacks' just for the Esplanade, utilizing the MRT is a common tip for efficient travel across Singapore. Consider purchasing an EZ-Link card for easy tap-and-go travel on public transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased online through the official Esplanade website, or via authorized ticketing partners like Klook. It's advisable to book in advance for popular shows.
The Esplanade complex is generally open daily, but performance times vary. Check the specific show schedule on their website for exact timings. Public areas are usually accessible throughout the day.
Yes, Esplanade frequently hosts free performances, workshops, and exhibitions in its public spaces and outdoor areas. Keep an eye on their 'What's On' section for free events.
The Esplanade Theatre has various seating categories. While premium seats offer the best views, even lower categories are generally considered worth buying due to the venue's excellent acoustics.
For popular shows, it's unlikely to get tickets on the day of the performance. It's best to book well in advance. For less popular shows, there might be limited availability at the box office.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
You can explore the waterfront promenade, enjoy the stunning views, visit art installations, dine at the restaurants and cafes, and attend free performances in the public areas.
Absolutely! The architecture of the Esplanade itself is striking, and the waterfront location offers beautiful views, especially at sunset and night.
Yes, Esplanade has a variety of dining options, from casual cafes to more upscale restaurants, offering diverse cuisines.
Esplanade is committed to accessibility and provides facilities such as ramps, lifts, and accessible restrooms to ensure a comfortable experience for all visitors.
The waterfront is particularly beautiful in the evening when the city lights up. It's a popular spot for a relaxed stroll and enjoying the ambiance.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider checking the Esplanade's schedule for specific 'Kids' Week' events or family-friendly concerts. The accessibility of the venue, with lifts and spacious areas, makes it easier to navigate with strollers. Plus, the surrounding Marina Bay area offers other attractions that can be combined for a full day out.
🎶 Music Lovers
Beyond classical music, Esplanade also hosts a variety of other genres, including jazz, world music, and contemporary performances. Check their schedule regularly to discover upcoming concerts that align with your musical interests. The Theatre also hosts musicals and other music-driven productions.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Architecture of the Durian
The design also incorporates elements that enhance acoustics and functionality. The concert hall, in particular, is renowned for its world-class sound quality, making it a premier venue for orchestras and musical performances. The surrounding public spaces are designed to be open and inviting, encouraging community interaction and making the Esplanade a true cultural hub for everyone.
Experiencing Performances at Esplanade
+1When attending a performance, remember that Esplanade adheres to certain etiquette. As highlighted by visitors, it's customary not to clap between movements of a musical piece, saving applause for the end. Also, it's wise to use the restroom before the show starts, as re-entry during a performance might be restricted to specific intervals to minimize disruption.
Beyond ticketed events, Esplanade is a vibrant space for spontaneous artistic encounters. Keep an eye out for free performances in the concourse and outdoor areas, often featuring local musicians and artists. This makes the Esplanade a dynamic and accessible arts destination for all.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit