Padang

#91 among destinations in Singapore

Square, Sport complex, Arenas and stadiums

Gallery (5)

Map

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Facts and practical information

Nestled in the heart of Singapore's Central Business District, Padang is a historic open field that is synonymous with national significance and communal gatherings. This iconic square has been a focal point for some of Singapore's most pivotal events.

Padang, which means 'field' in Malay, has witnessed a multitude of historical moments since its establishment in the 1820s. It was here that the declaration of Singapore's independence from British colonial rule was made in 1965, and where the first National Day Parade was held in 1966. The square has been a traditional venue for many of the nation's celebrations and events, including the Singapore National Games and various cultural festivals.

The sprawling green expanse is flanked by impressive colonial-era buildings, such as the former Supreme Court and City Hall, which are now part of the National Gallery Singapore. The site is also adjacent to the iconic Saint Andrew's Cathedral, adding to the historical tapestry of the location.

Padang's strategic and central location makes it an accessible spot for both locals and tourists to experience the pulse of Singapore's civic life. It is not just a recreational space for sports like cricket and soccer but also a living monument that reflects the city-state's journey from a colonial outpost to a modern metropolis.

Alternative names: Coordinates: 1°17'25"N, 103°51'11"E

Location

Between St. Andrew Road and Connaught DriveSingapore 179682 CentralSingapore

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Day trips

Padang – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay, National Gallery Singapore, St Andrew's Cathedral, Tan Kim Seng Fountain.

~740 ftE
Theater, Classes and workshops, Scenic walking areas
Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay
4 min walk • Esplanade - Theatres on the Bay is Singapore's premier performing arts venue, located in the heart of the city's downtown core. Often referred to simply as the Esplanade, this architectural marvel is easily recognizable by its distinctive twin domes, covered in...
~370 ftW
Museum, Art museum, Children's museum
National Gallery Singapore
2 min walk • The National Gallery Singapore stands as a beacon of culture and history, nestled in the heart of the city's Civic District. Housed in two national monuments – the former Supreme Court and City Hall – the museum is a treasure trove of Southeast Asian art...
~840 ftNW
Church, Gothic Revival architecture, Sacred and religious sites
St Andrew's Cathedral
5 min walk • St Andrew's Cathedral stands as an architectural and spiritual beacon in the heart of Singapore. This Anglican cathedral, the country's largest, is not only a place of worship but also a national monument, revered for its historical significance and serene beauty.
~540 ftNE
Memorial
Tan Kim Seng Fountain, Central Area
3 min walk • The Tan Kim Seng Fountain is a fountain in Singapore that was erected in 1882 in honor of notable philanthropist Tan Kim Seng for his donations for the Singapore’s first reservoir and waterworks.
~1110 ftS
Bridge
Anderson Bridge
6 min walk • Spanning the Singapore River, Anderson Bridge is an integral part of Singapore's urban landscape, connecting the civic district to the commercial area of Raffles Place. Completed in 1910, this elegant bridge is named after Sir John Anderson, the Governor of the Straits...
~1110 ftW
Shopping, Shopping centre
Funan, Central Area
6 min walk • Funan is a mixed used development comprising a retail mall, two office towers and a serviced apartment tower in the Civic District in Singapore. The new development was built on the site of the former building known as Funan DigitaLife Mall.
~640 ftS
Memorial
Lim Bo Seng Memorial, Central Area
4 min walk • The Lim Bo Seng Memorial is an octagonal pagoda-like war memorial at Esplanade Park, Singapore. It was erected in 1954 in honour of the late Lim Bo Seng for his heroic acts and selfless sacrifice during the World War II.
~1210 ftSW
Memorial
Raffles's Landing Site
6 min walk • Raffles's Landing Site stands as a historical marker in the heart of Singapore, commemorating the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles on the island in 1819. This memorial is strategically positioned on the northern bank of the Singapore River, a significant location...
~910 ftSE
Bridge
Esplanade Bridge
5 min walk • The Esplanade Bridge is a prominent landmark in the heart of Singapore, spanning the mouth of the Singapore River in the Marina Bay area. Completed in 1997, this elegant bridge serves as a crucial link between the city's financial district and the cultural precinct of...
~360 ftE
Memorial
The Cenotaph
2 min walk • Standing solemnly in the heart of Singapore's civic district is The Cenotaph, a poignant memorial that honors the men and women who laid down their lives for their country. Erected in 1922, this stark and dignified structure serves as a perpetual reminder of the...
~790 ftSW
Tower, Theater, Concerts and shows
Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall
4 min walk • The Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall is a performing arts center in the Central Area of Singapore, situated along Empress Place. It is a complex of two buildings and a clock tower joined together by a common corridor; the oldest part of the building was first built in 1862, and the complex was completed in 1909.