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290823 - Where to Watch F1 in Singapore_ Free Places & Channels, Road Closures & MRT Directions

Where to Watch F1 in Singapore: Free Places, Road Closures & MRT Directions

profileHui Juan Neo

The Formula One Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix (F1) is back!

Source: Singapore Grand Prix

The adrenaline-filled event is set to take place at the 4.94 km-long Marina Bay Street Circuit from 15 September to 17 September 2023.

As the event is overwhelming popular with both local and international fans, most tickets have been sold out. However, why pay when you can catch the race for free?

So here’s a list that will tell you where to find the best vantage points to catch the race.

Yours truly has visited these places and you can be assured that they do provide a good view!


TL;DR: Where & How To Watch Formula One Singapore Grand Prix For Free

Teleport here:


F1 Singapore Track And Dates

For those who are wondering, this is the race track.

Source: Singapore Grand Prix

The Singapore Grand Prix is part of the FIA Formula One World Championships and has a reputation for being one of the most difficult and distinctive courses.

Last year, the Singapore Grand Prix’s contract was extended for seven years, up to 2028.

The race will take place across four zones that are near these MRT stations – City Hall, Esplanade, Raffles Place, Bayfront and Promenade. The flag-off time is at 8pm.

This is a glimpse of the full schedule:

15 Sep 2023EventLocal Time
TSS The Super SeriesPractice Session14:10 - 14:40
Porsche Carrera Cup AsiaPractice Session15:05 - 15:50
Formula 1® Drivers' Meet and GreetMeet and Greet (Zone 1 The Wharf Stage)15:45 - 16:15
FORMULA 1FIRST PRACTICE SESSION17:30 - 18:30
TSS The Super SeriesQualifying Session19:00 - 19:30
FORMULA 1SECOND PRACTICE SESSION21:00 - 22:00
16 Sep 2023EventLocal Time
Porsche Carrera Cup AsiaQualifying Session13:55 - 14:25
TSS The Super SeriesFirst Race15:00 - 15:30
Formula 1® Drivers' Meet and GreetMeet and Greet (Zone 1 The Wharf Stage)15:20 - 16:00
Porsche Carrera Cup AsiaFirst Race16:10 - 16:45
FORMULA 1THIRD PRACTICE SESSION17:30 - 18:30
FORMULA 1QUALIFYING SESSION21:00 - 22:00
17 Sep 2023EventLocal Time
TSS The Super SeriesSecond Race15:30 - 16:00
Porsche Carrera Cup AsiaSecond Race16:35 - 17:10
Formula 1 Drivers' ParadeDrivers' Parade17:50 - 18:20
FORMULA 1RACE20:00 - 22:00

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Where to Watch Singapore Grand Prix For Free

1. Helix Bridge

Source: imagefactory | Unsplash

While most of the bridge is cordoned off by race officials as it’s one of the entries to the race grounds, the Helix Bridge is one of the best spots to sneak a peek at the race due to its proximity to the finish line at the Bay Grandstand Area (Turn 16 to Turn 18).

You should be able to see the most number of twists and turns here.

Address: Entrance of The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, 6 Bayfront Avenue, S018974
Opening Hours: Daily, 24/7

2. Marina Square

Need a place for an affordable dinner, preferably with a view of the F1 circuit?

If you can’t find a seat by the windows facing the Esplanade, you can also head to the Level Three Roof Garden (the entrance is right next to Chi.Ca.Boo) for a view of the racers as they speed down Raffles Avenue (Turn 15 to 16) and gun for the finish line.

Tennis Court on Level 4 of Marina Square, is your next best bet if the Roof Garden is crowded. The view here is, however, slightly obstructed as compared to the Roof Garden.

Address: 6 Raffles Boulevard, Level 3 & 4 Marina Square, S039594
Mall’s Opening Hours: 10am to 10pm (stay at your own risk)

3. Millenia Walk

Head over to Level 1 of Millenia Walk (Harvey Norman and Meiji-Ya side) and you’ll be able to see the dedicated race track.

A point to note is that there would be road closures so you might be able to sneak a peek without many obstructions.

Another option is the link bridge which connects Millenia Walk to Marina Square. this should give you an unobstructed view of Turn 6.

Address: 9 Raffles Boulevard, S039596
Mall’s Opening Hours: 11am to 9.30pm

4. National Gallery Singapore

Source: National Gallery Singapore

The National Gallery‘s open-air rooftop boasts an expansive view of the Padang, which also makes it a fantastic vantage point for those who would like to watch the racers barrel down Saint Andrew’s Road before Turn 10 aka Singapore Sling.

This area has lots of bars and eateries so you can always grab a bite to celebrate post-race!

It’s good to note that the race should start around 8pm hence if you choose this location, make sure to check if you can access the rooftop after hours.

Address: 1 Saint Andrew’s Road, S178957
National Gallery Singapore’s Opening Hours: Daily, 10am – 7pm

5. National Library

Source Ministry of Communications and Information

A little bird told us that the National Library’s 12th floor provides you with a good overview of Marina Bay and Suntec City.

If all goes well and the huge window there is not blocked, you should be able to capture glimpses of the race cars zooming past the Esplanade Bridge!

Just a word of caution, keep your volume down!

Address: 100 Victoria Street, S188064
Opening Hours: Daily, 10am – 9pm

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Best Places To Dine & Watch Singapore Grand Prix

1. Singtel & StarHub

Subscribers to Singtel’s Sports Plus plan and StarHub Sports+ and Sports Pass packages will be able to screen ALL the practice sessions, qualifying and races.

The best thing about catching the race at home is that you won’t have to contend with the crowds. Plus you’ll have easy access to the restroom and if your kitchen is stocked, you won’t go hungry.

You can catch all F1 races on these channels:

PackagesTV Channel / Live StreamingPrice
Singtel TVbeIN Sports (Channel 126)$24.13 per month
Singtel's Cast Sports Plus Pack$14.98 per month
StarHub Sports+ and Sports Pass packagesbeIN Sports (Channel 213)$25.22 per month

If watching at home doesn’t give you the adrenaline you wish to personally experience, you might want to consider these indoor options where you can dine and watch instead.

2. CÉ LA VI Singapore

Source: CÉ LA VI Singapore | Facebook

Located on the highest floor of Marina Bay Sands at Level 57, the rooftop restaurant and bar of CÉ LA VI Singapore provides sweeping views of the Singapore skyline and pretty much most of the F1 circuit along the bay area.

The restaurant has F1 events (“Race Revolutions”) at its club lounge on 16 Sep & 17 Sep.

The cover charges are as follows:

  • High Octane 2-Day All Access Pass includes 2 glasses of champagne

    $168.00

  • General Admission 12PM-6PM includes 1 premium pour

    $48.00

  • General Admission 6PM-10PM includes 1 premium pour

    $58.00

  • General Admission 10PM – 3AM includes 1 glass of Champagne

    $108.00

  • General Admission 3AM onwards includes 1 premium pour

    $48.00

Address: Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, Level 57, Hotel Tower 3, 1 Bayfront Avenue, 018971

Opening Hours:

  • CÉ LA VI Skybar (daily): 4pm – 1am
  • CÉ LA VI Club Lounge
    • Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 6pm – 4am
    • Thursday & Sunday: 6pm – 3am
    • Monday & Tuesday: 6pm – 1am

3. LeVeL33 @ Marina Bay Financial Tower

Source: LeVeL33 | Facebook

LeVeL33 is a restaurant and microbrewery that is located on the 33rd floor of Tower 1 Marina Bay Financial Centre.

Given that it’s just right across the bay from the Esplanade, it goes without saying that the terrace has a pretty good view of the race track.

Here’s the minimum spend for the F1 weekend from 15 Sep – 17 Sep:

  • LeVeL33 Terrace – $258++/pax
  • LeVeL33 Social – $68++/pax (Lunch) and $158++/pax (Dinner)
  • LeVeL33 Dining – $68++/pax (Lunch) and $158++/pax (Dinner)

Address: #33-01 Marina Boulevard, Tower 1 Marina Bay Financial Centre, S018981
Opening Hours: Monday to Sunday, 12pm – 12am

4. Mr Stork @ Andaz Hotel

Source: Andaz Singapore

Nestled on the rooftop of Andaz Singapore, Mr Stork is a rooftop bar that provides 360° views of the city.

While not commonly known, the bar also provides a glimpse of the F1 circuit. It’s also perfectly situated in Bugis – not so near that you’ll be deafened by the roar of the engines, but close enough that you can hear and feel the pulse of the race.

At the minimum, each person would need to spend $50 to reserve a table during the F1.

But if you want a table with a view, the minimum spending goes up to $100 per person.

Address: 5 Fraser Street, Level 39 Andaz, S189354

Looking for a fully immersive F1 experience over the three-day event?

Sure! Go on a staycation and look through your windows.

5. The Singapore Flyer

Source: @chuttersnap | Unsplash

Aiya, I just need to pay $33 and I can watch the race from the Singapore Flyer what…”

That’s a brilliant idea!

The Flyer is open to Singapore Grand Prix passholders with access to Zone 1 & Zone 2. But you’ll still need to purchase tickets to ride in a capsule.

Sadly for those without F1 tickets, the Singapore Flyer is not available for booking from 15 Sep to 17 Sep 2023.

Address: 30 Raffles Avenue, S039803

6. SKAI @ Swissotel The Stamford

Source: SKAI

With the accolade of ‘Singapore’s tallest hotel’, it’s unsurprising that another restaurant, SKAI, also promises a stunning view of the Marina Bay Street Circuit from Swissotel.

The price of dinner here will really depend on what you order, but it’s going to be steep.

For the “Race Week Dinner”, a 4-course meal will set you back $188++ per adult.

If you don’t want to splurge on a meal, you can always head to the SKAI Bar instead. However, I understand from friends who have visited the place that the restaurant is the place to be if you want a view of the track (read: not-so-great views of the F1 circuit from the bar).

Address: 2 Stamford Road Swissôtel, Level 70 The Stamford, S178882

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Best Hotels & Watch From Your Room

1. Pan Pacific Hotel

Source: Booking.com

Just based on the photo of Millenial Walkway, you would’ve spotted a huge hotel logo.

Yup, Pan Pacific Singapore sits at the heart of the action.

With its “exclusive” track-facing rooms, if you’re an F1 fan you’ll be sure to be greeted with good views of whatever’s happening on the race track.

Address: 7 Raffles Blvd, S039595

2. The Ritz-Carlton, Millenia Singapore

Source: Virtual Globetrotting

This five-star hotel may look unassuming on the outside, but you’ll be utterly impressed once you stepped inside.

Right smack where the tracks are, The Ritz-Carlton hotel offers a vantage point of the race from T5 to T6 and T18 to T21.

This is also a popular staycation spot for those who are in love with Singapore’s skyline.

Address: Marina Bay 7, Raffles Ave., S039799

3. Marina Bay Sands Singapore

Source: Singapore Grand Prix

It should be obvious why this skyscraper is on this list.

The Marina Bay Sands hotel overlooks the F1 race track and you should be able to spot the racers easily.

It’ll be a bonus if you can get a room that’s on a high floor!

Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, S018956

Use a Credit Card When You’re Dining or Staycaying

Well, your spending will definitely go up this weekend if you’re chasing the races.

Do remember to make sure of your credit card to clock miles, rewards or cashback as you dine or book your hotel stay!

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F1 Road Closures

Alright, with F1 starting means that there will be road closures.

Motorists will have to take note of the various closures from 12.01am on Wednesday, 13 September to 5.30am on Tuesday, 19 September 2023!

Check out this map that details road closures at various times on the OneMotoring website.

Roads will be opened and closed at selected times, so make sure you bookmark this article for easy reference!

The best way to travel?

Honestly, public transport. These are the directions based on gates and where your zone is:

Raffles, Republic, Sheares, Pit Exit, Turn 3, Turn 2, Turn 1, Pit, Super Pit, Orange@Pit, Pit Entry, Promenade GrandstandsDirections
Gate 1 (Republic Boulevard)Alight at Nicoll Highway MRT Station (Exit B, Circle Line). Take a 7 minute walk to Gate 1 (Republic Boulevard).
Gate 2 (Temasek Ave)Get down at Promenade MRT Station (Exit C, Circle Line). Take a 5 minute walk to Gate 2 (Temasek Ave).
Bayfront GrandstandDirections
Gate 8 (HelixGet off at Bayfront MRT Station (Exit E, Circle Line) and
take a 10 minute walk to Gate 8 (Helix).
Gate 2 (Tamasek Ave)Get down at Promenade MRT Station (Exit C, Circle Line). Take a 5 minutes walk to Gate 2 (Tamasek Ave).
Padang GrandstandDirections
Gate 3A (Stamford)Alight at City Hall MRT Station (Exit A, North-South, East-West Interchange) and
take a 5 to 10 minute walk to Gate 3A (Stamford).
Gate 4 (Empress), Gate 5 (Fullerton) or Gate 6 (Jubilee)Get off at Raffles Place MRT (Exit A or B, North-South, East-West Interchange) and
take a 10 minute walk to Gate 4 (Empress), Gate 5 (Fullerton) or Gate 6 (Jubilee).
Stamford GrandstandDirections
Gate 3B (Stamford)Get off at City Hall MRT Station (Exit A, North-South, East-West Interchange) or
alight at Esplanade MRT Station (Exit F, Circle Line) and take a 5 minute walk to Gate 3B (Stamford).
Gate 4 (Empress), Gate 5 (Fullerton) or Gate 6 (Jubilee)Get off at Raffles Place MRT (Exit A or B, North-South, East-West Interchange) and
take a 10 minute walk to Gate 4 (Empress), Gate 5 (Fullerton) or Gate 6 (Jubilee).
Connaught GrandstandDirections
Gate 3A (Stamford)Alight at City Hall MRT Station (Exit A, North-South, East-West Interchange) and
take a 5 to 10 minute walk to Gate 3A (Stamford).
Gate 4 (Empress), Gate 5 (Fullerton) or Gate 6 (Jubilee)Get off at Raffles Place MRT (Exit A or B, North-South, East-West Interchange) and
take a 10 minute walk to Gate 4 (Empress), Gate 5 (Fullerton) or Gate 6 (Jubilee).
Orange @ Empress GrandstandDirections
Gate 4 (Empress), Gate 5 (Fullerton) or Gate 6 (Jubilee)Get off at Raffles Place MRT (Exit A or B, North-South, East-West Interchange) and
take a 10 minute walk to Gate 4 (Empress), Gate 5 (Fullerton) or Gate 6 (Jubilee).
Premier WalkaboutDirections
Any patron gatePremier Walkabout ticketholders can access the Circuit Park via any patron gate.
Zone 4 WalkaboutDirections
Patron gates 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6 and 7Zone 4 Walkabout ticketholders can access the Circuit Park via patron gates 3A, 3B, 4, 5, 6 and 7.

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Public Transport Schedule & Bus Diversions

If you’re expecting to stay till past midnight, take note of the extended MRT and feeder buses operating hours:

  • 15 Sep & 17 Sep: The last train departs City Hall MRT Station at 12.45am
  • 16 Sep: The last train departs City Hall MRT Station at 12.30am

Hold on! There are also 33 bus diversions!

The affected services are: 10, 10e, 14/14A, 14e, 16/16M, 32, 51, 56, 57, 63/63A, 70/70A/70M, 80, 100, 107/107M, 111, 124, 130, 131/131A, 133, 145, 162/162M, 166, 174, 195/195A, 196/196A, 196e, 197, 502/502A, 652, 660, 850E, 851 and 851e.

From Sept 13 to 18, bus service 195 will temporarily operate from the Kampung Bahru Terminal instead of the Marina Centre Terminal.

During the same period, some SMRT bus services will also skip bus stops. The affected services are: 61, 75, 665, 868E, 951E, 960, 960e, 961, and 961M.

Between Sept 12 and 18, some Tower Transit bus services will have their routes diverted. The services are 77, 97, 97e, 106, 167, 656, 663 and 857.

For more details on service extensions for train and/or selected bus services, please visit the respective Public Transport Operator’s website at SMRT CorporationSBS TransitGo-Ahead Singapore or Tower Transit Singapore.

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Other Locations to Watch F1

Do you know any other locations that are the best for watching F1?

Share with us in the Seedly Community!

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About Hui Juan Neo
A savvy shopper and foodie at heart, I'm always on a lookout for discounts and deals to snag the best bargains.
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