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 4th Istana Open House of the year is happening on 1st November 2026 in celebration of Deepavali. There’ll be a full-on programme, complete with an outdoor concert on the Istana grounds, 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. The last time it opened was in July 2026 to celebrate National Day.
Image credit: The Istana
Entry into the Istana grounds starts at 10am 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. Last entry is at 6.30pm, so don’t be late!
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 onto 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.
However, the Istana Open House will only proceed if the 24-hour Pollutant Standard Index (PSI) is below 200. Do check the Istana website before heading down in case it’s too hazy and the open house is cancelled.
Image credit: President’s Challenge
Head over to the Main Tent and Activity Tent to take part in fun activities like going in bouncy castles, playing card games, and more right within the grounds of the Istana.
If you’re more in tune with your arts side, you can do henna and face painting, make scent pouches, and DIY drip bears to bring home.
The National Library and Archives board will also be bringing MOLLY the mobile library to the Istana as part of ReadSG.
Image for illustrative purposes only.
Image credit: @sriwarisan via Instagram
Take a breather from walking, and sit back and enjoy some live performances and an evening concert by students from local schools, such as the official string orchestras from Hwa Chong Institution and Nanyang Girls’ High School, Daydreamer, Heema Izzati, and more.
This edition of the Istana Open House will also have, for the first time, a narrated Changing of Guards ceremony. Visitors will be treated to a performance by the Singapore Armed Forces Ceremonial Band, who will be accompanied by the Silent Precision Drill Squad’s synchronised rifle drills.
These performances and the concert will take place throughout the day, from 11am to 8pm.
Image credit: President’s Challenge
If you’re feeling peckish, don’t worry about leaving the Istana grounds. Grab a snack at the food trucks and tents to fill your hungry stomachs, and get your cup of Milo Peng at the Milo Van, available only from 9am-12pm or whilst stocks last. Do note that only cashless payments will be accepted, so you can leave your dollar bills at home.
In collaboration with Singapore Polytechnic, the upcoming Istana Open House will be bringing back the Istana Stamp Rally with new stamps for you to collect. As you and the family explore the Istana compound and participate in the fun activities, you’ll get to collect uniquely designed stamps.
When you’ve completed the stamp book, you can redeem exclusive Istana merch, too!
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 10.30am to 3pm, 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) 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 July.
Admission: Free for Singaporeans & PRs | $20/adult, $10/child for visitors
Date: 1st November 2026.
Time: 10am-8pm
More events in Singapore:
Cover image adapted from: Jason Feuerstein via Google Maps, President’s Challenge
Last updated by Josiah Neo on 28th October 2026.
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