Hello Lowyat community!

I'm thrilled to share that I'm planning a surprise trip for my dad's 50th birthday, and I couldn't think of a better way to celebrate than taking him to the Singapore Grand Prix! It's going to be his first-ever F1 race, and I want to ensure it's a memorable experience for him.

I'm reaching out to this fantastic community for some insider tips and advice. Here's what I'm curious about:

Best Seating for a Spectacular View: Where are the prime seating locations at the Singapore GP? We want to ensure a great view of the action and maybe even some iconic spots.

Local Gems and Must-Try Food: We're looking to explore the local scene. Any recommendations for unique Singaporean experiences, hidden gems, or must-try local dishes?

Pre-Race Events: Are there any exciting pre-race events, fan activities, or places we should check out leading up to the main event?

I am planning for this trip for a few months and I found some useful guides on the internet in these months on attending the Singapore GP that I am sharing here:

1. Tips and Hacks for the people who are going to Sinapore GP: https://www.reddit.com/r/GrandPrixTravel/co...tips_and_hacks/

2. A travel diary of a fan who visited the Singapore GP: https://www.fanamp.com/tr/gregs-travel-diar...pore-grand-prix

3. A few tips to make the most out of the Singapore Grand Prix Weekend: https://thesmartlocal.com/read/singapore-grand-prix-weekend/

I truly appreciate any insights, personal experiences, or advice you can share to help make my dad's 50th birthday surprise a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Thanks a million in advance!

Went to Singapore GP 3 times - there are lots of things to see and do there - all 3 times I went there, I took the Bay Grandstand (no longer available) - but I only sat there for a while as most of the time, I went to their concerts at the Padang Stage. Back then it was SGD298 per ticket. Well worth it for all the concerts that I attended while there.

I suggest you to take the current Padang Stage Grandstand which is SGD598 each, and it's just a short walk to the Padang Stage which is the main concert arena. Nearest hotel to this location is Swissôtel The Stamford, but since I live at JB, I drive in every morning around 11am and park my car at Suntec City, which costs below SGD30 from 12pm to 1am. It's a short 10-15mins walk from Suntec City to the Padang Stage.

You can do the same and stay in JB, and drive into Singapore daily. You won't have heavy traffic jam due to driving during non-peak hours.

The best viewing locations are the pit grandstands, but they're expensive at SGD1388. If you want the place with great views, and don't want to walk around / view concerts, they might be your best bet. I go there to watch/hear the F1 cars, but most of my time is spent at the Padang Stage

What a wonderful surprise for your dad, and my compliments to him for raising a thoughtful son as yourself. I can't believe it, reading this, I'm actually older than your father!

Anyway, here's a slightly different perspective on how to enjoy the F1. Wife and I have done it twice - this is one of the occasions we've done it: by enjoying it from the comfort of our own hotel room.

I've linked the ARTICLE here.

The other time, we were invited as part of the KrisFlyer PPS/Solitaire Experience, and we had the use of a hospitality suite (together with the other attendees). It was excellent when we were in it, but we hated the jam going in and coming out - essentially, we were locked in the suite until the race was run... it was a little longer than was comfortable for us.

Been to Singapore GPs few times myself, so my first question, what's your budget? If money not an issue, paddock passes

Cheap and value for money: Bay Grandstand (but I think no longer available, not sure) because of the MBS/Singapore skyline view and fireworks after the race. Also best place to see the driver parade. Race itself is quite meh but one of the cheapest tics available.

Suggested: Turn 2 grandstand. My fav place to sit. Price is quite atas, but for me it's the best place for first lap action and potential overtake. Don't take the low seats, the fence will disappoint you. I prefer better overall vantage so usually like row 15 and above.

Overrated: Main grandstand. I know alot of ppl like the main grandstand but what you see is just car zomming pass at 300km/h. Totally not worth for me unless you want to see pit action and podium celebration.

If you want to watch concert afterwards, then Padang grandstand because it's the nearest. But you'll never get to the front area because people are camping there just for the concert itself. Many ppl also suggest Stamford but I haven't tried. From the photos it looks very average.

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For pre-GP weekend event, follow the teams and sponsors to see what kind of events pre-GP weekend events they are hosting. Some are free, some are paid and some only for invited guest. As for the GP itself, the main event is always the concert.

Food wise, google or ask around what's good in SG. Circuit food is expensive, taste like shit and super long queue. I buy the cheapest food just to fill my stomach lol.

Thanks mate for your detailed response. I really appericiate it

My budget is limited, so no paddock passes, that's for sure Thanks for your message with really useful information.