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Urban Jungle: Top Rooftop Gardens in Singapore
According to the National Parks Board and the National University of Singapore, there is a total of 65 hectares worth of urban greenery on the island, owing to the countless rooftop gardens in Singapore.
Rooftop gardens are becoming catalysts for increasing the Lion City’s biodiversity. Not only do these gardens help meet the demands for more green spaces in the city, but they also beautify the cityscape.
So, before you think you’ve explored all there is to see in Singapore, pay a visit to these top rooftop gardens and maybe they’ll convince you to stay in the urban jungle a little longer!
Skyville @ Dawson
– From glenda.chong
Address: 86 Dawson Rd, Singapore 141086
One of the most popular rooftop gardens in Singapore is Skyville @ Dawson, situated on the 47th floor of an HDB flat. It’s one of the tallest residential buildings in Singapore and is quite expansive, offering generous views of Marina Bay Sands.
Access is free throughout the whole day, but it’s best to drop by a little before sunrise or sunset to catch the sky transforming into an array of golden hues.
It’s a 360 view, by the way, so you can lounge up there and watch the city skyline transform from any vantage point.
| Pro Tip: It’s advisable to use the restroom before ascending. Avoid the inconvenience of descending 47 floors just to locate the nearest restroom |
Design Orchard
Address: 250 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238905
Contact Details: +6565131743
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:30 am to 9:30 pm
Tucked away in the heart of Orchard Road is Design Orchard, a retail and creative space that showcases local designer brands like Onlewo, The Animal Project, and Kydra. What people don’t know is that on its roof is a quaint rooftop garden.
On the second floor, you’ll find a quiet green pocket of respite from the bustling Orchard Road. There are seats and an open-air amphitheatre that the store opens for special functions.
You’re free to enter here after scanning the store for new shoes, bags, or clothes. At least, that’s one way you can support local designers and get some fresh air!
| Pro Tip: There’s a cafe on the rooftop garden called The Alchemist. They serve a wide array of espresso-based drinks, ranging from mochas to single-origin lattes. |
CapitaSpring
Address: 88 Market St, Singapore 048948
Contact Details: +6569835118
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:30 am to 9:30 pm
CapitaSpring is known as one of the tallest buildings in Singapore, and for those who can brave towering heights, take a trip up to the 51st floor and spend an afternoon city-watching from the sky.
You can see Marina Bay Sands and the ocean from the deck, too. There are several pockets of greenery around the area, adding a zen vibe to the garden.
As not many people visit the garden, you’re bound to enjoy some peace and quiet from the everyday hustles of city life. Plus, really great views too!
| Pro Tip: If you’re not keen on heights but still want to enjoy CapitaSpring’s gardens, there is another sky garden located between the 18th and 21st floors of the building. It’s still a way up, but at least it’s not over 50 floors high! |
Orchard Central
– From whlow74
Address: 181 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238896
Contact Details: +6562381051
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
Orchard is no stranger to rooftop gardens, and a hidden gem like the one at Orchard Central is worth a visit if you’re looking for a quieter version of ION Orchard.
It’s definitely not as high as the towering skyscrapers next door, but the rooftop garden provides a sense of calm for tired shoppers. You can catch the sunset from there or enjoy strolling around the area and taking pictures with Yayoi Kusama sculptures.
Also, the entrance is free and open until pretty late into the night.
| Pro Tip: If you’re feeling hungry, bring along some food with you and dine at the rooftop garden. There are a couple of seats spread across the area, and if the weather permits, you can host a family or romantic picnic up there (so long as you clean up after yourselves!). |
VivoCity Sky Park
– From eshedgesh
Address: 1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore 098585
Contact Details: +6563776870
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
If you can’t get enough of harbour views, then VivoCity Sky Park should be next on your list of rooftop gardens to visit. It’s not like any other rooftop garden because it packs many attractions into one, open-air space.
There’s a large playground for kids, a rooftop amphitheatre, and little pockets of palm trees, almost mimicking a boardwalk with views of Sentosa Island, yachts and docks on the horizon.
Just imagine walking down the whole strip of the garden with the sunset behind you. It’s a pretty romantic picture, in our opinion!
| Pro Tip: The VivoCity Sky Park is only on the 3rd floor of the shopping mall and is connected to many shops and restaurants. Expect lots of crowds during lunch and dinner hours as well as sunset hours by 6:00 pm. It’s best to drop by earlier in the morning or a little later before the mall closes to get some more privacy. |
Sky Terrace at 313 @ Somerset
Address: 313 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238895
Contact Details: +6564969313
Operating Hours: Sunday to Thursday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, Friday and Saturday, 10:00 am to 11:00 pm
The Sky Terrace over at 313 @ Somerset is a verdant sanctuary featuring numerous pillars adorned with vibrant flora, creating a picturesque frame for a panoramic view of the bustling activity in the city below.
We consider this rooftop garden to be one of the most family-friendly ones on our list, owing to the playground on the terrace (don’t worry, it’s far from the edge).
So, after shopping until you drop and eating until you’re full at 313 @ Somerset, consider dropping by the Sky Terrace for a little break. Your kids might appreciate you for it!
| Pro Tip: If you’re running low on battery to take pictures at the Sky Terrace, 313 @ Somerset offers power banks for a small deposit. Just ask the concierge before heading up! |
Marina Barrage
– From createthemomentsphotography
Address: 8 Marina Gardens Dr, Singapore 018951
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Another family-friendly rooftop garden on our list is Marina Barrage. This place isn’t the highest “rooftop” in the city, but the Marina Barrage is still, by definition, a rooftop garden with so much to offer.
Sitting on top of the Sustainable Singapore Gallery, this place is more like a massive picnic ground where you can fly kites and drones, and even do some outdoor activities like frisbee and the occasional football dribbling.
Families and tourists enjoy picnics here with front-row views of Marina Bay Sands, Gardens by the Bay, and the bay itself.
| Pro Tip: There’s a small gift shop below the rooftop garden that sells kites and fishing equipment. You’re free to bring your own kites, but in case yours gets tangled or lost in the wind, you can get a new one easily from the shop! |
Urban Farm at Funan
Address: 107 North Bridge Rd, Singapore
Funan’s Urban Farm is a haven for those with green thumbs looking for unique green spaces in the city. The garden has over 50 species of edible plants, fruits, and veggies!
It’s located just on the 7th floor of the Funan building, so it’s not super high up. The garden, however, is sprawling (about 18,000 square feet, to be exact!
There’s watermelon, herbs, okra, and even flowers being cultivated in this sky garden. You can’t harvest and bring them home, though, but at least you’ve got a feast for the eyes.
| Pro Tip: Take the staircase next to Godmama Peranakan Restaurant in case the lift to the 7th floor takes too long. It’s worth the calorie burn! |
Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden
Address: 1 St Andrew’s Rd, #05-01, Singapore 178957
Operating Hours: Monday to Thursday, 10:00 am to 7:00 pm, Friday to Sunday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
A trip to the National Gallery of Singapore is not complete without a visit to the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden. It houses exhibitions from time to time, including commissions from Chinese contemporary artists like Cao Fei.
Safe to say, this rooftop garden is a must-visit for art enthusiasts. If you don’t have a penchant for art but still enjoy a good view, the garden allows visitors to lounge on the benches and watch the city skyline light up.
Plus, if you find yourself visiting Singapore during the Formula 1 Grand Prix, the Ng Teng Fong Roof Garden offers a good vantage point for the race. Just get there early to snag a good spot!
| Pro Tip: While entrance for Singaporean citizens and permanent residents is free, tourists can still enjoy a 10% discount if they book tickets online here. |
Buddha Tooth Relic Temple – Rooftop Garden
– From gillberg24
Address: 288 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058840
Contact Details: +6562200220
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday, 7:00 am to 5:00 pm
People, both locals and tourists, flock to the Buddha Tooth Relic Temple for more than just worship and appreciating the spectacular structure. There’s actually a rooftop garden within the holy place, adding to the serene ambience the temple provides.
The rooftop garden houses a small but robust collection of lotuses and orchids, the national flower of Singapore. It’s fairly quiet up there, offering a quiet respite from Chinatown.
It’s located on the 5th floor of the temple, right above the museum housing religious artefacts and relics. And don’t worry, there’s wheelchair access to the upper floors of the temple (just ask any of the museum’s staff members for assistance!).
| Pro Tip: Use the stairs and visit each floor before heading to the rooftop garden. Also, while it’s a popular tourist site, it’s still a holy place, so wearing clothing that covers your knees and shoulders is highly encouraged before entering the temple. |
