Itching to visit the Istana Open House Singapore in 2026? Plan your visit with our guide filled with upcoming dates, what you can do there, and top tips.
The Istana Open House Singapore is one of those local experiences in the city that everyone needs to attend at least once, whether you’re here for a holiday or looking to immerse yourself in local culture. The Istana Open House dates can be a little elusive, usually announced quietly, weeks before the actual date. But fret not! We’ve got a list of potential dates to keep your eye on, and all the activities to look forward to, so you know how to spend your time there. There are also plenty of other historical places in Singapore to check out, while you’re at it!
Istana Open House Singapore 2026: Details at a glance
Best for: Families who just moved to Singapore; visitors holidaying in the city; history buffs who want to get an inside look at the President’s living quarters
When: 22 February 2026, 8.30am to 6pm
Price (for Singaporeans and Permanent Residents): Free, including accompanying domestic helpers
Price (for foreign visitors): Tickets start from $20; $10 for children between four to 12 years old; free for children under four years old
Opening hours: Only open during the Istana Open House, 8.30am to 6pm
Address: The Istana, Orchard Road, Singapore 238823
Upcoming Istana Open House 2026 dates
The Istana is open to the public up to five times a year. While dates can be sporadic, a good rule of thumb is that it typically hosts an open house in conjunction with a statutory holiday.
Chinese New Year: 22 February 2026
Hari Raya Aidilfitri: March 2026
Labour Day: May 2026
National Day: Late July or early August 2026
Deepavali: November 2026
Tips before visiting
Pack light and deliberately: There will be security checks at the Istana Open House. Sharp objects, flammable items, tripods, and any metal aerosol, food, or drink cans are considered prohibited objects. There is no bag storage available at the Istana, so ensure your bags don’t have any prohibited items.
Prepare necessary documents: All visitors need to present some form of identification at the main gate, including Singaporeans and Permanent residents. It’s best to bring a form of physical ID (like your IC or your passport).
Bring sunscreen and an umbrella: Sheltered areas at the Istana are few and far between. Given Singapore’s weather, it’s best to prepare for both scorching sun and sudden downpours.
Avoid wheeled sports devices: Bicycles, rollerblades, and personal mobility devices are not allowed on the Istana grounds. However, wheelchairs and prams are allowed and there are dedicated staff onsite to provide assistance.
Be prepared for wet weather: In the event of rainy weather or a lightning risk, the open house may be suspended or cancelled.
Things to do during the Istana Open House
1. Enter the Istana Villa
Built in 1908, the black-and-white bungalow style building previously served as the official residence of the Governor’s Aide-de-Camp, the Private Secretary’s bungalow, and even the Attorney General’s House. It was also used to accommodate any state visitors, including the likes of Premier Deng Xiaoping of the People’s Republic of China, Prime Minister Dr. Mahathir Mohamad of Malaysia, and Prime Minister Pierre Elliott Trudeau of Canada.
Inside, you’ll find a display of state gifts presented by foreign dignitaries to Singapore’s President and Prime Minister and gallery exhibits with historial mementos.
Entry into the villa is ticketed and goes to supporting the President’s Challenge beneficiaries. Only cashless payments like credit or debit cards and QR code payments will be accepted.
Ticketing prices:
Singaporeans & Permanent Residents: $2 per person; children below four years old enter for free
Foreign visitors: Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children aged four to 12 years old; children below four years old enter for free
2. Take the Istana Heritage Tour
During the Istana Open House, you can join a one-hour walking tour of the grounds. Quick work considering the Istana spans about 40 hectares of land! Besides the historical buildings, you’ll be treated to sightings of over 250 plant species, and if you’re lucky, you may spot some of the diverse wildlife living in the area.
Tours are conducted in both English and Mandarin, hosted every hour between 9am to 4pm. Be sure to book your slot before going!
Ticketing prices:
Singaporeans & Permanent Residents: $8 per adult; $4 for children aged between four to 12 years old; children under four years old enter for free; family package available
Foreign visitors: $30 per adult, $12 for children
3. Catch live performances and activities
Every open house sees a slew of live performances and family-friendly activities, so there’s always something to see beyond the Istana’s splendour.
Performance groups from NUS Lion Dance, De La Salle School Wushu, Lasalle College of the Arts, Voices of Singapore, and more will be performing dances, instrumental pieces, and songs throughout the day at a designated performance area.
Activity booths will also be scattered through the Istana’s grounds. For Chinese New Year, you can meet therapy horses, witness live Chinese calligraphy writing, get your portrait done, make your own ceramic coaster or diffuser, make Lunar New Year decorations, and more! Kids will also get a huge kick out of the balloon sculpture and getting their faces painted in fun designs.
4. Spot the historical buildings
For architecture enthusiasts and history buffs, the Istana Open House is your rare opportunity to get upclose and personal with some of these colonial buildings.
The main building: An 18th century neo-Palladin style building designed by the British, blending in the tropical layout of a Malay house. (Note: at the time of writing, the main building is currently undergoing refurbishment and will be closed to the public.)
Sri Temasek: Previously serving as the Colonial Secretary’s residence, it was designated the Prime Minister’s official residence after Singapore gained independence.
The Villa: A black-and-white-style bungalow used to accommodate state visitors.
Military Guard Room: This hexastyle building is used by the ceremonial guards when they’re not performing sentry duties. Maybe you’ll spot them around the area!
5. Explore the grounds
The Istana sits on what used to be a nutmeg plantation owned by Charles Robert Prinsep, which is why it’s so lush and well-maintained! With 40 hectares of land to explore, you can spend a decent chunk of time just roaming the area with your family.
Some key areas to visit would be the Gun Terrace, Japanese Garden, Swan Pond, and the expansive main lawn.
6. Witness the Changing of Guard ceremony
Yes, just like at Buckingham Palace in London, we have our very own Changing of Guard Ceremony held at the Istana. The ceremony is typically held every first Sunday of the month, so you may not catch it during the Istana Open House. However, you don’t need any tickets to watch the ceremony, so it’s worth noting the dates if you’re keen to watch it unfold.
The format closely follows the British Changing of Guard Ceremony! The incoming guards will march from Koek Road to meet the outgoing guards at the Istana’s main entrance, so you might even catch them marching the streets. After the symbolic parade and duty handover are done, the guards will also perform a rifle precision drill.
The schedule for 2026 has yet to be released, so keep your eyes peeled on the Istana’s website for the latest updates.
And those are all our hot tips for visiting the upcoming Istana Open House 2026 in Singapore!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I visit the Istana anytime?
No. The Istana is closed to the public, and only open during the specific open house dates.
How long is the queue?
Depending on the time of day, you’ll usually see long queues in the late morning to early afternoon. It’s best to visit early in the day so you can be one of the first to enter.
Do I need my passport to enter?
Yes, all visitors will need to provide a form of identification when entering the Istana. Your passport or IC will be the best form of physical identification.
Can I pre-register before entering the Istana?
All admission fees are to be paid on the day of the open house before you enter.
You can pre-book your tour slots, however they will not be refunded if you cannot make it to the Istana for your slot.
Is there a dress code?
The Istana requires a smart casual dress code. Shorts, slippers, and singlets are prohibited, and you will not be allowed through the main gate. It’s advised to wear respectable attire that’s still comfortable for walking.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
Yes! The main paths are generally accessible and staff on-site are available to help.
Are pets allowed?
No, pets are not allowed unless they are a registered guide dog.
Can I go inside the buildings?
Entry into the historical buildings is limited and may be ticketed.
Is photography allowed?
The President may show up for meet-and-greets, but it isn’t a guarantee. You can keep up with the President’s social media and he may update!
Does the President live in the Istana?
Contrary to popular belief, the President actually doesn’t live in the Istana despite it being the official residence of the President. It instead serves as a venue for state functions, an office, and as a national monument.
The only two Presidents to have lived in the Istana are first President Yusof Ishak and third President Devan Nair.
