Lights, skyscrapers and midnight magic – The ultimate fan guide to Singapore

Few races light up the Formula 1 calendar like the Singapore Grand Prix, where cars roar through the city streets under a canopy of floodlights. The Marina Bay Street Circuit transforms the city into a theatre of speed and spectacle, framed by skyscrapers and waterfront views that give the race its unmistakable character.

This is F1's original night race, blending high-speed drama with tropical energy to create an event that feels just as much a festival as a race weekend. Between dramatic sporting action, world-class concerts, culinary adventures and incredible firework displays, the Singapore Grand Prix is as much about the city’s culture as it is about the battles on track.

Chill before the thrill

Because the Singapore Grand Prix takes place at night, your mornings and early afternoons are free to explore at a slower pace before you head to the circuit. Here are some easy, restorative ways to soak in this magical city before the floodlights flicker on.

Morning in the gardens by the bay Start the day among futuristic Supertrees and lush greenery. It’s much cooler in the early hours, and the Cloud Forest dome offers a refreshing, misty escape from the humidity of Singapore. It's a calm, almost otherworldly contrast to the intensity of race weekend.

Riverside breakfast Grab a coffee and pastry along Clarke Quay or Boat Quay. By day, the riverfront is often quiet, and the colourful shophouses reflected in the water make it one of the most photogenic and peaceful spots in the city.

Slow stroll around Marina Bay Walk the streets surrounding the circuit at your own pace. The ArtScience Museum, Merlion, and skyline views are all close by to explore too.

Cultural calm in Chinatown Step into the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple or explore the early-morning markets. It’s a gentle way to see another side of Singapore before the heading into the hustle and bustle of the city centre.

Singapore Botanic Gardens A UNESCO World Heritage site, this green oasis is perfect for a slow wander. The Orchid Garden is a highlight, and it’s easy to while away a few hours here.

Sentosa’s Beaches A short ride from the city centre, Sentosa Island offers calm sandy stretches and shaded paths. It’s not far, but it feels like you’ve left the city altogether, so is a low-effort way to recharge before the action in the evening.

Getting there: your route to Marina Bay

As the Formula 1 Singapore Airlines Singapore Grand Prix 2025 takes place on a street circuit, there will be a high volume of traffic around the Circuit Park. We strongly recommend that you use public transport to get to the event.

Plan your route to your grandstand by considering the location of the nearest gate and your mode of transportation, whether it's by MRT (Mass Rapid Transit), shuttle bus, taxi, or private hire car. Most gates are within walking distance of an MRT station. The recommended gates are listed on the back of your event ticket. Be sure to allow extra time to arrive at the circuit.

Please note that the MRT is cashless, and will accept payment methods of contactless bank cards, mobile bank cards on mobile phones and smart watches, a SIMPLYGO EZ-Link Card, or a Singapore Tourist Pass.

Please be aware that if you plan to use the MRT, consuming food or drinks on the trains or in the stations is prohibited, and doing so may result in a fine of up to $500.

Walking Many hotels are within 15-25 minutes on foot. Walking is a great way to soak up the electric city vibe, but humidity is high – remember to wear light clothes and comfy shoes.

Taxi & rideshare

Widely available, but traffic restrictions around the circuit mean you’ll likely get dropped a short walk away. There will likely be increased traffic over the race weekend so make sure to factor this into your plans.

Leaving the circuit

Due to the large number of fans leaving the Circuit Park after each day's event, expect congestion when exiting the venue, and keep this in mind if you're using public transport. The train services from City Hall MRT station are extended until 1230am on both Friday and Saturday, and 1245am on Sunday to allow for extra demand.

Inside the circuit and photo spots

The Marina Bay Street Circuit is one of Formula 1’s most dramatic settings, lit up by thousands of floodlights and surrounded by the city skyline. From tight corners to waterfront straights, there are must-see views and photo opportunities everywhere.

Must-see corners & views Turn 1 is a prime spot for race starts and late braking, while the Bay Grandstand gives sweeping views of the waterfront as cars charge past. The newer layout has made the circuit faster and more flowing, yet it still keeps the tight city-centre character that defines Singapore.

At Turns 18 and 19, cars dive beneath the Bay Grandstand before blasting onto the final straight, offering fans the rare thrill of watching the action from directly above. All around, the backdrop of skyscrapers, bridges and the glowing Singapore Flyer adds to the spectacle.

Fanzone The Fanzone is packed with driver appearances, interactive activities, race simulators, merchandise stalls and food vendors. It’s the perfect place to grab a souvenir, sample local bites and soak up the buzzing festival atmosphere while catching some great behind-the-scenes moments.

Top photo moments to capture

Marina Bay Sands – The skyline icon, best captured with cars streaking past at night.

Gardens by the Bay Supertrees – Futuristic backdrops lit up in colour, perfect for evening snaps.

Singapore Flyer – A glowing giant wheel overlooking the circuit and cityscape.

Helix Bridge – Striking architecture and reflections across the bay at night.

Clarke Quay waterfront – Neon-lit riverside scenes buzzing with fans and nightlife.

If you’re curious to see more, here are some extra shots to add to your gallery:

• Catch the fireworks over the bay after the race.
• Watch the reflections of the cars and lights dancing on the water.
• Frame the action with bridges and skyscrapers in the background for a true city-race feel.

Camera etiquette Be mindful of restricted areas where photography may be limited, particularly near security zones and VIP sections.

Fan hack Best lighting is just after sunset when the floodlights begin to glow, or at golden hour between 1830 and 1900. For 'clean shots' without packed grandstands, head to popular corners on Friday practice.

After the chequered flag – Singapore nights

When the racing’s over, the Lion City has plenty to offer fans:

Concerts & entertainment Keep the party going with headline concerts at the Padang Stage. Across the weekend, global stars and DJs take the spotlight, while smaller stages scattered through the zones showcase regional acts and late-night performances. Access is included with your ticket, so you can flow straight from trackside to festival.

Waterfront walk Take a stroll along Marina Bay promenade with the skyline lit up and the circuit still glowing in the background. Street performers, food stalls and the reflections on the water make it a relaxed way to end your night.

Night markets & hawker centres Dive into Singapore’s late-night food culture at Maxwell Food Centre, Lau Pa Sat or Newton Circus. From satay skewers to chilli crab, the stalls stay open late and the atmosphere is always buzzing with locals and fans alike.

Foodie fuel – what to eat & drink

No F1 weekend is complete without local flavour. In Singapore, the food is as much a highlight as the racing, with world-famous hawker stalls and late-night eats around every corner.

Hainanese Chicken Rice Tender chicken served with fragrant rice, chilli sauce and ginger – Singapore’s national dish and a must-try.

Satay Skewers Grilled meat sticks served with rich peanut sauce – perfect for a quick bite at Lau Pa Sat.

Chilli Crab Messy, spicy and iconic. Crack into crab coated in a tangy, fiery sauce, best shared with friends after the race.

Laksa A coconut-based noodle soup with seafood, herbs and a hint of spice – comforting and full of flavour.

Sugarcane juice & beer Cool off with freshly pressed sugarcane juice from a hawker stall or grab an icy beer to toast the night.

Travel hacks and tips

Here are some useful tips to help your trip run smoother and feel more local:

Dress for success The weather in Singapore is typically hot and humid, with temperatures often exceeding 30°C in September. To stay comfortable, wear light, breathable clothing and carry an umbrella for sudden rain showers.

Make the sost of public transport Singapore's MRT (Mass Rapid Transit) system is a highly efficient and convenient way to get around, thanks to its well-maintained and extensive network. Consider purchasing an EZ-Link card to save money on fares and make your travels smoother.

Know the local rules Singapore is renowned for being one of the safest and cleanest destinations in Asia, but it also has strict laws that apply to both residents and visitors. For example, eating or drinking in MRT trains and stations is not allowed, and violations can result in fines of up to $500.

Take advantage of Happy Hour Due to high liquor taxes, alcohol can be quite expensive in Singapore. If you’re planning to have drinks with dinner, look for happy hour deals at bars and restaurants, as most offer discounts during specific times.

Stay hydrated Even at night the humidity is intense. Bring a refillable bottle and take advantage of water stations around the circuit.

Pack a poncho Tropical rain showers can roll in suddenly. Ponchos are easier than umbrellas, which may be restricted near the grandstands.

Learn a few local phrases Singapore has four official languages – English, Malay, Mandarin and Tamil – reflecting its multicultural mix of Chinese, Malay and Indian communities. Locals appreciate the effort, even if English is widely spoken.

• Hello/Good morning – “Selamat pagi” (Malay) Pronunciation: suh-LAH-maht PAH-gee
• Hello – “Nǐ hǎo” (Mandarin) Pronunciation: nee how
• Thank you – “Terima kasih” (Malay) Pronunciation: tuh-REE-mah KAH-sih
• Thank you – “Xièxiè” (Mandarin) Pronunciation: shieh-shieh (soft “sh” sound, like “sh-yeh”)