Esplanade

Nice venue. Everything looks new and modern. Seats were comfortable and every seat in the house was probably a good seat. Can’t wait to catch more shows here.

I can’t believe it took me 2 years to finally watch a performance here!
I just attended Flamenco Puro, a performance that is part of the Singapore Flamenco Festival, and thought that the Esplanade Recital Studio was a great venue for this type of event. It felt like a mid-​size theater, with a good amount of seating but small enough that wherever you sat, you could still see the performers without the need of binoculars.
The sound system was top notch, and the stage was big enough for the beautiful Flamenco dancers to stomp around and say «Olé!»
I also loved how before the show, there was live music going on at the concourse, which is located near the main entrance. Again, the sound system was great and I loved how there were a lot of benches so you could sit and listen for a while. I was impressed with the quality of the musicians, and I think it’s a great way to spend time if you’re waiting for someone in the area or if you want to do something cool before grabbing dinner and drinks.
The connecting mall has some decent retail and F&B outlets, though I was slightly disappointed that there weren’t more fast casual eateries with dinner options. I think those would come in handy, especially if you want to grab a decent dinner before the show but you’re short on time.
Check out their website for upcoming performances, and if you’re in the building or in tunnels that lead to Esplanade, there are a lot of ads and stands with fliers that have information for all the upcoming performances. Enjoy your show!

Didn’t gave a chance to go in since there was nothing happening and none of my friend wanted to join me on the tour. Still coming here at night is quite the sight. The night view is amazing! There us also a light show that we just happen to catch. Love every minute if it

I had a few hours to kill since my husband was at work in Singapore and I had nothing to do other than watch tv in my hotel room, so I decided to do a tour by myself around the city. I stumbled upon this beautiful building that looks like a durian and went inside. They happened to have a few shows in the next half hour so I bought a ticket to watch a show. The concert was pretty interesting to watch from an American’s perspective and the food here is actually pretty good and isn’t to expensive. I really enjoyed myself here.
After the show, I went on the roof top to see other parts of Singapore. It was kept very clean every where you went. I was very pleased with this place.

Fascinating architecture resembling torture devices… Great acoustics!

Great place to listen to music. Great views of the city skyline.

I am positively FLOORED by the amazing FREE music offered at the Esplanade! Today I was treated to a full fledged concerts in the Esplanade Concert Hall entitled «Cartoon Fantasies’, which featured familiar songs from Disney and Animé classics performed by a full band. The hour long show was wonderful and I still can’t believe it was completely gratis! I especially enjoyed the Disney Princess arrangement and the theme song from The Incredibles!
One word of advice: try go show up early to avoid disappointment because the theater was fully packed by 20 minutes prior to showtime.
PARTING THOUGHT: I am looking forward to attending more free music events!

The structure of the ‘Durian’ got some negative feedback when it made its debut, but the Esplanade is now one of Singapore’s iconic structures. It is gaining popularity as an arts venue and it also looks like its initial critics have moved on to bitch about other stuff.
I’ve caught plays and dances here and have been lucky enough to catch free music performances, exhibits and acts on other occasions too. Attending several performances can burn a hole in your pocket, so it’s great that the management has provided some people with a platform to showcase their talents for free. And yeah, they’re just as good. The Esplanade is in a central area, which gives people with more opportunity to become conscious of the arts.
If you’re early for a show, you can also engage in some retail therapy before entering the theatre. I suggest having your meals elsewhere as the food sold in the Esplanade is rather expensive. Take Gluttons by the Bay as an example! Honestly, you can get better hawker food at lower prices at other places.

You gotta love Singaporean art and performances — if you don’t, who will? :-)
Absolutely love how the management here supports the growth of talents — there’s always a new troupe of violinists, a rock band or a bunch of acoustic performers on the ground floor after you get up from the coatroom, and on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, there are live outdoor performances of all sorts (classical, Top 40, acoustic, you name it!) on the stage adjacent to the F1 race tracks. You’ll always find something new and exciting here!

My favorite things about the Esplanade are free – it always makes me smile (even if I’m mystified by them). There are art installations in the walkway from Citylink, in the concourse, in the Jendela gallery… What I really love though are the free recitals in the concourse and in the outdoor stage. It’s a really nice way to get a little music into your day.
What I also enjoy are also the workshops that are run periodically – it’s a great way to learn how to dance, try crafts, so make sure you get on their mailing list!

Through Citylink Mall, you can walk to the Esplanade-​Theatres by the Bay, Mall, and the River view. Truly a remarkable and relaxing experience.
For me, I loved how I can experience multiple emotions when I was walking towards the River just outside of the Esplanade. From the beginning, I am treated to a long line of simple yet creative, clean, unique, and modern art. And then we are welcomed into the Theatre with its awe-​inspiring interior design. During my visit, there was a modern art display by the entrance. A few feet away is the entrance to the luxurious Esplanade mall. Well I didn’t buy anything here but I did enjoy window shopping. Being in there was like watching a marriage of art and retail. And once you step outside, the Singapore river majestically makes everything look good. It was truly a great sight.
If you’re looking for something free to do-​even if it’s just for a few hours, exploring The Esplanade is a perfect beginning to getting to know Singapore-​then go straight to the Merlion Park.

The Esplanade is located in the city hall area, which houses shopping areas, hotels and other attractions like the Singapore Flyer. Visitors can access the area easily via MRT at the City Hall station or the new Esplanade Station. Other than a theatre, the Esplanade also has several stores and a shopping mall. Art displays are also sometimes available along the walkways. The main entrance also has a huge arts display that is changed regularly.
When visiting the Esplanade, one can also enjoy breathtaking views of Singapore’s skyline from the Merlion Park. The Merlion is a symbolic creature; half lion and half fish thatm represents Singapore. This is situated just outside the Esplanade, where you can also admire the Esplanade’s unique architecture that resembles the durian. Behind the theatre, you will find Makansutra, where all the local cuisine is concentrated. In other words, the Esplanade and its vicinity is the perfect hangout place if you’re looking to immerse yourself in Singapore’s culture.

One of my favourite places in Singapore because it hosts my favourite things in life — music, movies, food.
The Esplanade concert hall is my favourite concert venue in Singapore — it has comfortable seats, very good acoustics and there usually is a post-​concert autograph session just outside the concert hall with the artiste!
There are also several places to pig out though they’re not the cheapest but you won’t go hungry, my favourite’s Gluttons Bay just outside, there are some great local food here from gado-​gado to sambal stingray.
My favourite part of the Esplanade is the library on the 3^rd floor, the only library in Singapore with a very wide selection of DVDs that you can borrow. It has movies, TV series and arthouse and foreign films (although some may be heavily censored). There’s also a movie room in the library where you can rent for about $ 7 per hour — its a room with a TV and a surround sound system with a couch — so you can borrow a DVD and then rent the room to watch!
Final verdict: I could spend the entire day at The Esplanade and not get bored!

Esplanade — Theatres On the Bay is one of Singapore’s busiest and popular arts centre, featuring almost all the aspects of art and design.
From worldwide theatre productions to concerts, even free dance workshops and indie concerts are all held at Esplanade. Also widely known as the ‘durian’ of Singapore, there are much more to do at Esplanade.
There is also an outdoor stage which houses weekly free music showcases and performances for aspiring musicians and artistes.
I love to go to the library at Esplanade to find scripts, books on famous film directors and even music scores. It’s really a place to go if you are into the arts. Any form of arts for that matter.

Quite a fan of this concert hall — as it was our very first full structure built and dedicated to the arts and that to me, represents the growth of the country — and by paying attention to the Arts & Culture. Of course it has a nickname, but due to my relationship with the fruit, I will not bother mentioning it. To me, whenever I looked at the structures, I saw bugs eyes. I thought they are pretty avant-​garde.
What I Love: The structure is pretty cool looking — there’s a fountain outside and it’s connected via a walkway below to City Link, Marina Square Shopping Centre, Raffles City Shopping Centre, City Hall MRT Station and Suntec City. So, it’s really easy and accessible to get there. The mall has quite a few cool restaurants and the view is pretty amazing. I love going to the library there — as it’s really serene and the collections of books and art displayed there is pretty unique and special.
What I Don’t Love: The restaurants are pretty high end — so they are kinda pricey.

One of the most iconic structures in Singapore celebrating the ever-​growing local arts scene. Famously known by locals as the «Durian» like building, the Esplanade has hosted many world class acts with its top of the line acoustics. I’ve only ever been in once during the music mosaic festival for Rachel Yamagata’s concert and although I was seated on the second floor, the clarity and quality was superb. I’ve been to other concert halls overseas and I can tell you that you really pay for what you hear over there. The less you pay and the further away you are from the stage, the less you hear. It’s nice to take a walk around the surroundings if you have the time and if you’re lucky you might see youth dancers practicing their routines.

Going to the Esplanade to watch anything is always a little bit exciting — probably because that’s where most of the blockbuster musicals and international acts were showcased, at least before Marina Bay Sands came along. Still, fond memories for me.
I don’t usually eat here before a show unless I’m in the mood for something really nice — the dining is generally a bit pricier so I drop by Marina Square next door for a quick cheaper bite before shows.
It’s pretty convenient getting here with City Hall and Esplande stations within walking distance — but note that Esplande station is not as near to the Esplanade building as you would imagine — it’s still a 5 – 10 min walk, so if you’re running late for a show… RUN
Parking here can also be expensive, especially with the flat $ 6 fee during the evening show times. Don’t rush to get out of the place after a show though — it can get a bit jammed as everyone leaves at the same time…

The flagship theatre and concert hall in Singapore, Esplanade is famous for its unique spiky façade that locals affectionately refers to as a durian. I’m told by my Thai friends that it’s known as a jackfruit in Thailand, and honestly that makes more sense.
It’s the best place to get all artsy fartsy, whether you’re catching an orchestra performance, a play, a concert, or the many art installations around the compound. Besides the comfortable indoor halls, there’s also an outdoor stage by the bay which livens up the area when a band is playing.
There are many restaurants and bars to hang out at, including Harry’s, No Signboard Seafood, and Max Brenner Chocolate Bar. If you walk a little, you’ll find an outdoor food court certified by Makan Sutra, although it’s more of a gimmick than anything. The food there isn’t bad, but you can find better in the heartlands.
Getting here is much easier since the Circle Line started operation. Or you can take a stroll through CityLink Mall, which has some nice shops.