6 Things to do at Istana Open House on May 1st 2023

 Looking for something to do on May Day?

If you have not visited the Istana, this is the time to do so. The Istana will open on May 1st to celebrate Labour Day. On this day, The Istana will be open to the public and is free for Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. All other visitors are required to pay an entrance fee of $2 ( except for children under 4) 

What to do at the Istana?

1 Check out  the enhanced Swan Lake with new viewing decks and garden stream

Swan Lake

The enhanced swan pond was launched earlier this month by President Halimah Yacob. This is your chance to check out what is new.

2 Take a tour of the Istana main building.

Istana Main Building

While entrance to the Istana main ground is free for Singapore Citizens and PR, access to the main building would require a fee as follows.

Fee for Istana Main Building

3 See the big guns at the Gun Terrace

These Japanese 105 mm cannons mark Singapore's liberation after the Japanese Occupation. Today it stands tall, guarding the City Skyline. The Gun Terrace is located just before the main building.

4 Witness the changing of guards

Singapore has its own version of changing of guards. 

You can see it at the Istana Main Building or at the Istana's entrance.

5 Spend a quiet time at Queen Victoria Garden

The Istana has a sprawling ground right in the heart of the city.

Enjoy a quiet time at the Victoria Pond at the Lily Garden. If you prefer, you can also opt for a nature-guided tour around the estate for a fee.

Fee for Nature Guided Tour

6 Live performance and activity booths 

Past Student Performances at the Istana 

Live performances and activity booths will be from 830am to 6pm. Activities include balloon and henna painting. Student groups will perform dance and band from 1015am to 4pm.

Open House Dates
Missed this open house? 

The Open House dates for the rest of the year are as follows.

National Day (TBA)

Deepavali (TBA)

You can also check out what to expect at the Istana here.

Getting there

The closest carparks are Plaza Singapura, Macdonald's House and Concorde Shopping Mall.
You can also reach The Istana via MRT. The closest MRT would be Dhoby Ghaut, a 5 minutes walk away.