It’s less than two months until the 2024 Singapore Grand Prix, and while it may be one of the most physically draining races of the season for the drivers, it’s one of the most electrifying for racegoers.
From September 20-22, Singapore’s streets will roar to life as the city welcomes F1 enthusiasts from all over the world, seeking not only the excitement of night racing but the entertainment, and energy that accompanies it. Off-track, Grand Prix Season Singapore starts from September 13 with ten days of non-stop race-themed festivities, highlighting the best that Singapore has to offer! Singapore presents a bounty of incredible stays, eats, bars, and activities. Whether you’re staying for a night or a week over the Singapore Grand Prix, let this list guide you to a guaranteed good time.
The Race
Home of the first Formula 1 Night Race and the first street circuit in Asia designed for F1, the track is conveniently located in the heart of the city – between historical buildings and the Marina Bay landscape.
Winding through the main arteries of Singapore’s CBD, race fans are offered a smorgasbord of spectating options from the official to the unconventional. For diehards, there is no better place to be than the grandstands at Turn 1 and 2, with Zone 1 access, and views of pit lane, pit exit, and the third DRS Zone down the straight, where drivers battle into Turn 1.
If you’d like to enjoy the action from a variety of vantage points, including the sweeping right hander at Turn 5 into the first DRS zone, a Premier Walkabout pass provides access to zones 1, 2, 3 and 4, as well as the stages for the epic post-track performances. Not only is it great value, the flexibility to move freely between zones means you soak up more of the atmosphere and hospitality.
It is no wonder that the Singapore Grand Prix has been touted as the Race of the Year and Best Race in 2023 by international media. Even Max Verstappen, the current World Driver’s Champion, has not yet clinched a victory at the Singapore Grand Prix.
Once you’re done with the race, you’re conveniently in a prime position to enjoy the incredible lineup of musical acts like OneRepublic, Kylie Minogue, and Lenny Kravitz, and many, many more. With 12 stages across the circuit park featuring recognisable names and roving acts like fire-twirling dancers, drumming troupes, and Brazilian samba dancers, you’d almost be forgiven for thinking you’re at a festival. Party the night away at The Garage or chill out at Sunset Stage or Coconut Grove while the DJs keep the beats flowing. In other words, this Grand Prix will be quite unlike any other you’ll experience.
Stay at the Bay
There’s no denying that The Fullerton Hotel, perched above Turn 13, is the epicentre of F1 activity over Singapore Grand Prix weekend with well-heeled fans and luxury brands descending on the iconic property over the three days. Its sister property, The Fullerton Bay Hotel, will play home to Amber Lounge where you can expect to rub shoulders with F1 drivers, while enjoying free flow champagne and performances by international music artists.
Other hotels which are in close proximity to the track are The Ritz-Carlton Millenia, Mandarin Oriental, Fairmont, Conrad Centennial so you can be sure you’re not short on options. The wide range of trackside hotels means you’ll be close to the action, and can stay late into the night watching Disclosure.
Go Ham at the After Parties
Besides Amber Lounge, there’s a whole bunch of race related parties happening across Singapore! Hit up the newest beach club in Sentosa, Tipsy Unicorn for their “Feel The G Force” party. Enter through the VIP Lounge with your F1 ticket and take photos with the 360 degrees camera on the beachfront while sipping on specially concocted cocktails by the pool.
If you’re in Clarke Quay, you have to party inside one of Singapore’s oldest institutions, Zouk. Headlining is DJ Nicky Romero who will be gracing the decks on September 20, with Wukong taking over on September 21 for some high-octane beats. Did we mention that they have 2 other rooms – Capital and Phuture – so come prepared for non-stop dancing. All foreign visitors during race week can present their passport to get a 20% discount on entry and receive a free drink.
Culminating in a party on the dance floor, check out Pints and Pitstops for an epic Singapore pub crawl. You start off in Boat Quay and make your way through 3 – 4 of Singapore’s best pubs while enjoying a complimentary cocktail and some F1 trivia along the way. At the end, you get free admission to one of Singapore’s hippest dance spots (plus you get to skip the line).
Experience the Local Culture
When you’re not trackside cheering on your favourite team, take some time to explore Singapore’s melting pot of culture. The easiest way to get around is by Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) – and you can tap on and off using your credit/debit card.
Start off in Chinatown where a Buddhist temple (Buddha Tooth Relic Temple), mosque (Masjid Chulia) and Hindu temple (Sri Mariamman Temple) are literally just a few doors down from each other – a great representation of Singapore’s multi-cultural roots. Your visit to Chinatown is not complete without a stop at Chinatown Complex, one of Singapore’s largest hawker centres.
Kampong Gelam and Little India are next on the agenda and a great way to explore these precincts is in a vintage Vespa sidecar. Book a tour with Singapore Sidecars, and zip through the narrow lanes for plenty of photo opportunities, before coming to a stop at Clarke Quay.
Just a stone’s throw away from the circuit is Singapore’s civic district which juxtaposes the city’s modernity with heritage buildings from the city’s colonial past. Discover the largest collection of Southeast Asian art at the National Gallery, followed by a meal at National Kitchen by Violet Oon for traditional Peranakan fare in a sophisticated setting. After dinner, enjoy sustainable cocktails while sitting at Analogue Initiative’s 3D-printed bar in CHIJMES, a former convent that’s now a popular lifestyle hub.
The Famous Orchard Road and Beyond
Everyone knows the famed Orchard Road in Singapore and you can count on it to be part of the Grand Prix Season Singapore festivities. The LEGO Group will unveil the LEGO Mercedes-AMG F1, which is made with over 190,000 LEGO bricks. Alongside this spectacular life-sized LEGO build will be digital racing activities, where participants can score some sweet LEGO merch if they can top the scoreboard
Adding to this already stacked shopping district are two new hotels – EDITION and Artyzen. The former houses Josh Niland’s first international restaurant, FYSH, and a visually striking cocktail bar called Punch Room, swathed in Yves Klein Blue. If you’re keen to check out Melbourne chef Victor Liong’s Singapore outpost, make sure you swing by Artyzen.
Just down the road from Orchard is a special enclave where old-world charm meets real-world comforts. In what used to be an area for former military operations, Dempsey Hill is now a retail, dining and lifestyle destination. Race fans will be thrilled to enter Gallery26 which features an exhibition of the Singapore Grand Prix Through the Years, as well as a special showcase of Ferrari F1 cars. Once you’re done, head over to Singapore’s first gin distillery, Tanglin Gin, and enjoy the limited-edition Grand Prix Season Singapore gin. For those with a sweet tooth, head over to the Museum of Ice Cream for free flowing ice cream, or to Mr Bucket Chocolaterie to create your own custom chocolate bar.
Singapore has built a reputation for thrilling outings on and off the track, headlined by world-class acts, attractions and hospitality, mere moments from the street circuit. For F1 fans, it is indeed a bucket list trip not to be missed!
Head over to Visit Singapore to start planning your itinerary, and get your race tickets below.
This article is sponsored by Singapore GP. Thank you for supporting the brands that support Boss Hunting.
