You’ve probably walked past the gates of the Istana countless times while strolling from Orchard Road to Dhoby Ghaut, and wondered what it’s like inside. Well, here’s your chance to stop wondering and actually step in.
The 2nd Istana Open House of the year is happening on 19th April 2026 in celebration of Hari Raya Aidilfitri and Labour Day. There’ll be a full-on programme, complete with cultural performances, F&B stalls, and activities for all ages.
Image credit: Jason Feuerstein via Google Maps
For those who may not know, the Istana is Singapore’s official presidential residence. While the President doesn’t currently live there, official presidential duties like ceremonies and state visits still happen there. And a fun fact for non-Malay speakers: Istana actually means “palace” in Malay.
The Istana also opens its gates to visitors up to 5 times a year for the Istana Open House, giving visitors rare access to stroll its grounds without needing an invitation.
Image credit: The Istana
Entry into the Istana grounds starts at 8.30am at the Main Gate at Orchard Road. Singaporeans and PRs can enter for free, so head down earlier to chope a spot in the line before the gates open.
Standard admission fees apply for other visitors, and are priced as follows:
| Category | Standard admission fees |
| Adults | $20 |
| Children (4-12 years) | $10 |
| Children | Free |
These and all other fees will go to the beneficiaries of the President’s Challenge.
When you step into the grounds, you’ll have to go through security checks; it is the President’s official office, after all, so expect these checks to add more time to your admission.
To speed through security, be sure not to pack any prohibited items – sharp objects, flammable items, and canned items will all be flagged by the guards.
Once you’ve been screened, you’ll be greeted with the large, sprawling garden that is the Istana grounds.
Think of this open house like a stroll in the park – pack light but bring an umbrella and water bottle in case you find yourself far from the tentages or water points in the compound.
Image credit: President’s Challenge
Head over to Community Play Zones 1 and 2 to take part in fun activities for the whole family. There’ll be face painting, balloon sculpting, lawn bowling, and even a scavenger hunt right within the grounds of the Istana.
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: @sriwarisan via Instagram
Take a breather from walking, and sit back and enjoy some live performances. Performers include students from local schools, such as Punggol View Primary School Children’s Choir and Singapore Polytechnic Malay Language Society.
These performances will take place throughout the day, from 10am to 3.40pm.
Image credit: President’s Challenge
If you’re feeling peckish, don’t worry about leaving the Istana grounds. Grab a snack at the food truck and tents – vendors include Old Chang Kee, Swensens, EPIKebabs, and SPD Waffle Station – to fill your hungry stomachs.
Image credit: Kenny Yao via Google Maps
Get a glimpse of Singapore’s international relations in the Istana Villa. This bungalow once housed famous dignitaries on state visits to our island – the likes of Premier Deng Xiaoping and Dr Mahathir Mohamad have graced this building. Now, the villa has been transformed into a gallery, with gifts from previous state visits being displayed.
Unlike the rest of the grounds, visitors must pay to enter the Istana Villa, with prices as follows:
| Category | Admission fees |
| Singapore Citizens & PRs | $2/adult | $2/child (4-12 years) Free for children below 4 years |
| Other visitors | $10/adult | $5/child (4-12 years) Free for children below 4 years |
Image credit: The Istana
Learn more about the garden’s history with the Istana Heritage Tour. Let NParks’ volunteer tour guides take you around the Istana grounds as they share all about the history of the gardens and the critters living in them. This tour runs every hour from 9am to 4pm, and only visitors who have signed up can join. Do register quickly, as slots can run out very fast.
These are the tour fees for the Istana Heritage Tour:
| Category | Tour fees |
| Singapore Citizens & PRs | $8/adult | $4/child (4-12 years) Family package: $22 for 2 adults & 2 children (4-12 years) Free for children below 4 years |
| Other visitors | $30/adult | $12/child (4-12 years) Free for children below 4 years |
Sign up for the Istana Heritage Tour.
It’s time to tick the Istana off your bucket list. With its usually closed-off grounds opening up alongside festive activities and yummy bites, this is your sign to do something a little different this April.
Admission: Free for Singaporeans & PRs | $20/adult, $10/child for visitors
Date: 19th Apr 2026
Time: 8.30am-6pm
More events in Singapore:
Cover image adapted from: Jason Feuerstein via Google Maps, President’s Challenge
Originally published on 9th Feb 2026. Last updated by Wei Yin on 15th Apr 2026.
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