What to Do on National Day in Singapore: Celebrate with Heart, Not Just Fireworks
National Day in Singapore is more than parades and pyrotechnics — it’s a celebration of where we’ve been, who we are, and the little red dot we call home.
It’s the unmistakable hum of “Home” on the radio.
The kopitiam chatter, the smell of sambal wafting through the air.
It’s red-and-white T-shirts worn with pride and the sudden wave of nostalgia when fireworks light up the sky.
So, if you’re wondering what to do this 9 August, skip the predictable. Here are 6 heartfelt, nostalgic, and uniquely Singaporean ways to celebrate — and fall in love with your city all over again.
1. A Heritage Picnic at the Botanic Gardens: Nature Meets Nostalgia
Trade concrete for greenery and skyscrapers for swaying trees.
Grab your mat, pack a lunchbox of otah sandwiches, pandan cake, and iced kopi, and set up your very own National Day picnic at Singapore’s most iconic garden with its centuries-old heritage and peaceful lakes, is more than just a park — it’s a sanctuary where history and nature embrace. Take along traditional games like chapteh or five stones to connect with the simple joys of childhood and truly savour the slow, beautiful rhythm of National Day.
Bonus: You might just catch the flypast overhead — a thrilling reminder that something big is happening in this tiny nation.
2. Create Your Own Local Food Trail: A Delicious Journey Through Singapore’s Heart
Nothing says Singapore quite like food. On National Day, why not turn every meal into a celebration of local flavours and stories?
Kick things off with kopi and kaya toast at your neighbourhood kopitiam — the comforting combo of sweet, creamy kaya and buttery toast hits just right. By lunchtime, dive into a steaming bowl of laksa or Hainanese chicken rice at a hawker centre, where the buzz of lunchtime crowds feels like home. Don’t forget a refreshing bowl of chendol or ice kacang to beat the afternoon heat. As the sky turns golden, end your day with sizzling satay, smoky from the grill and perfect with a generous dip of peanut sauce.
Each bite, each sip, is a taste of Singapore’s multicultural heritage — where every bite tells a story of who we are..
3. Support Local: Discover the Stories Behind the Crafts and Cafés
Singapore’s soul shines brightest through the people who call it home — the bakers, artists, baristas, and makers who pour their passion into every creation.
Spend the day wandering indie bookstores like BooksActually, where shelves are lined with stories written by Singaporeans, stories that feel like whispers from neighbours and friends. Or browse Design Orchard and Naiise, where local designers reimagine tradition with fresh creativity. Stop for a cup of kopi at a third-generation hawker stall, brewed with the same care and love passed down through decades.
Supporting local means celebrating community — and on National Day, every purchase is a toast to the hands that shape Singapore’s culture.
4. Find a Rooftop or Hidden Spot to Watch the Fireworks: Magic Away from the Crowd’
The iconic Marina Bay fireworks are breathtaking — but sometimes the true magic is found away from the crowds, in quiet corners where the city’s heartbeat feels more personal.
Picture yourself on the rooftop garden of Orchard Central, surrounded by soft chatter and gentle breeze. The skyline glows, skyscrapers shimmering as bursts of light paint the night sky red and white. Or perhaps you’re perched on Mount Faber sharing the moment with a loved one.
5. Reflect on What Singapore Means to You: Quiet Moments, Deep Connections
Before the day closes, find a moment of stillness.
Think about the places that make you feel grounded here — your neighbourhood hawker centre, the parks where you’ve watched seasons change, the friends and family who make this city feel like home.
What makes you proud? What hopes do you carry for Singapore’s future? How do you carry the spirit of this island within you every day?
Write down your thoughts, share them with a loved one, or simply hold them close to your heart.
6. Unwind with a National Day Staycation: Discover Singapore Awaits
Sometimes, the best way to celebrate is to pause.
Nestled just minutes from Orchard Road, Mercure Singapore on Stevens offers a calm retreat where you can soak in quiet moments — lounging poolside with a refreshing drink, watching children squeal with delight on the bouncy castle, or simply sinking into soft hotel linens as the city buzzes softly outside.
Enjoy local-inspired menus that echo Singapore’s diverse palate, wellness activities to refresh your spirit, and the perfect launchpad for evening strolls through the glowing city streets.
Here, the celebration isn’t just around you — it’s within.
