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Explore Singapore City Hall, an iconic landmark of Singapore's colonial history. Visit the National Gallery Singapore located inside the building for its extensive collection of Southeast Asian art. Walk around the area to view the surrounding colonial architecture and enjoy the nearby civic district with its beautiful parks and memorials.
Singapore City Hall is one of Singapore's important historical monuments. Its neoclassical architectural style is very magnificent. The Corinthian columns lined up at the entrance. If you look closely, you will find that the proportions of each column appear top-heavy. It is said that this was deliberately done to highlight the visual beauty. You will also gain a lot of inspiration when you stroll here.
All seasons
1 hour
free
Singapore City Hall was completed in 1929 and served as the seat of the colonial government. It played a pivotal role in Singapore's independence, as it was here that the Japanese surrendered to the Allies in 1945, marking the end of World War II. Today, it houses the National Gallery Singapore, which showcases Southeast Asian art.
Singapore City Hall is located at 1 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore. It is easily accessible by MRT via the City Hall station (East-West Line and North-South Line). It’s also reachable by bus or taxi, and within walking distance from several key attractions in the civic district.
The City Hall area is always open, but the National Gallery Singapore within is open from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily, with extended hours on Friday until 10:00 PM. The best times to visit are during weekdays in the morning, to avoid the crowds.
The National Gallery Singapore charges an entry fee for adults, typically around SGD 20. Tickets can be purchased at the entrance or online for convenience. Admission is free for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents on certain days of the month.
It is not mandatory to book tickets in advance, but it’s recommended to do so, especially during peak times or special exhibitions. Booking a few days in advance ensures you secure your preferred time slot.
To explore Singapore City Hall and the National Gallery Singapore, allocate around 2-3 hours. If you plan to visit multiple exhibitions or attend a special event, it may take up to 4 hours.
The must-see areas include the Singapore Gallery and the Southeast Asian Gallery at the National Gallery Singapore. The building’s architecture, including the impressive Supreme Court Chamber and City Hall Chamber, are also significant highlights.
Guided tours are available for the National Gallery, in English, Mandarin, and other languages upon request. Audio guides are available for rent in multiple languages including English, Mandarin, and Japanese.
The best photography spots are the City Hall Chamber, where you can capture the grandeur of the colonial architecture. The rooftop of the National Gallery provides panoramic views of the city’s skyline and Marina Bay area.
Start by exploring the National Gallery’s main halls, then visit the City Hall Chamber and Supreme Court Chamber for a historical perspective. Finish by heading to the rooftop to enjoy the view of the city and the bay.
Night visits to the National Gallery are available on Fridays with extended hours until 10:00 PM. Special tours are sometimes offered, including night-time photography tours or cultural events, depending on the schedule.
The area can be crowded on weekends and public holidays. The least crowded times to visit are weekday mornings, especially from Monday to Thursday.
The National Gallery offers toilets, cafes, rest areas, and water stations. There are also several souvenir shops within the gallery and City Hall area.
The National Gallery and City Hall are fully accessible for elderly, children, and disabled visitors. The gallery offers ramps, elevators, and other amenities for those with mobility challenges.
Cards and mobile payments (such as Apple Pay and Google Pay) are widely accepted at the National Gallery and surrounding shops. Cash is generally not required.
Inside the National Gallery, there are cafes such as "Smoke & Mirrors" on the rooftop. Nearby, you can find a range of eateries including "Raffles Hotel" and the "Esplanade" for local and international cuisine.
Yes, there are various vegetarian, vegan, and halal food options available in nearby restaurants like "The Soup Spoon" and "Sonic Garden" at Raffles City Mall, and several cafes within the National Gallery.
Nearby accommodations include "Raffles Hotel Singapore," "The Fullerton Hotel," and "Marina Bay Sands." Budget options like "Hotel G Singapore" are also nearby.
Nearby attractions include the Merlion Park, Marina Bay Sands, the Esplanade, and the Asian Civilisations Museum. You can also visit the Gardens by the Bay or take a walk along the Marina Bay waterfront promenade.
Yes, there are souvenir shops in the National Gallery where you can buy local art, books, and Singapore-themed merchandise such as miniature Merlion statues and branded merchandise.
After visiting Singapore City Hall, you can take the MRT from City Hall Station, which is directly connected. Alternatively, taxis, buses, or walking to nearby attractions like Marina Bay Sands are convenient options.
