Car-free Sunday in Singapore: What you need to know

Stuff to do, the affected roads and other useful tips to know about the monthly car-free event at the Civic District and CBD (Central Business District)

Image: Urban Redevelopment Authority (URA)

Go for a picnic, visit the museums early or do some yoga under the sun — there’s plenty to do on Car-Free Sunday.

But what is it, you ask? On the last Sunday of every month from 28 Feb to 31 Jul, selected roads in the Civic District and Central Business District (CBD) will be closed from 7am to 7pm to form a car-free zone that stretches for about 4.7km.

The purpose: To encourage Singaporeans and visitors to explore the Civic District on foot. This 4.7km stretch will also host a series of cultural, fitness, food and family-friendly events during Car-Free Sunday.

It’s fun for the whole family. Here’s a peek at what you need to know about the upcoming monthly event.

Take the train

The roads will be closed. Some roads such as St Andrew’s Road, Stamford Road will be closed until 12pm; Connaught Drive will be closed to 7pm. That means 13 bus services will be affected. This will affect bus stops near the Padang, which is one of the main venue for most of the activities during Car-Free Sunday. For your convenience, the nearest train stations are City Hall and Esplanade.

Hop on a bike

Alternatively, you can choose to cycle straight to the event venue or rent a bike when you’re there. Participating companies including Coastline Leisure and GoCycling will offer rental bikes, which can be collected at Esplanade Park from 7am to 12pm on the event day itself.

Get to visit the museums early

Make it a museum-hopping day with the family. The National Gallery Singapore, Asian Civilisations Museum, as well as the Victoria Theatre and Concert Hall will be open from 9am on Car-Free Sunday.

Go for a Singapore-style picnic

You don’t have to pack a basket of food for a meal on the green. Head to the Empress Lawn early for breakfast (or brunch) during the car-free event from 7am to 12pm. Stalls will hawk local staples such a roti prata, nasi lemak and mee rebus.

If you’re keener on coffees or burgers, check out the food trucks by The Travelling C.O.W. and Coffee Bandits. The food trucks will be open from 8am to 7pm at Connaught Drive. The Travelling C.O.W. in particular, is known for its changing daily menu of fusion dishes; past highlights include its Ramen burger, Breakfast prata wrap and chili crab nachos.

Sign up for a walking tour

History buffs should join the Monument Trail, to be conducted thrice a day from 10am to 11.30am, 11.30am to 1pm and 4pm to 5.30pm on 28 Feb. This guided walking trail will take you through the historical landmarks of the Civic District, as well as the heritage trees in the vicinity.

Free activities for kids

Gather at Esplanade Park with the little ones for origami, sketching and educational activities that run from 7am to 7pm. The park will also be one of the street performance sites featuring a balloon sculptor, lion dancers, stilt walkers as well as instrumentalists and other artistes from 9am to 6pm.

Kids can also join football activities conducted by former Singapore footballer Aleksandar Duric as well as other sports at the Sports Tryouts section. This kid-friendly section will run from 7am to 12pm at Esplanade Park, Empress Lawn and St. Andrew’s Road.

Align your chakras

Bring your yoga mats for an outdoor workout with your fellow yogis, bust some Zumba dance moves or join a morning run during the car-free event. These fitness activities run from 7am to 7pm at venues including Esplanade Park and Empress Lawn.

What to bring and what to leave at home

Leave that swanky new hover board or electric bike that you’ve got at home as motorised equipment are not allowed. Rollerblades, skateboards, unicycles, wheelchairs and prams are allowed, though. Just in case in pours (you are outdoors after all), don’t forget to bring along your umbrella or poncho.

Visit the Car-Free Sunday page for more information.

Make supper plans the day before

If you can’t get up early enough for Car-Free Sunday, check out ‘Satay Night Live’, a food and music event the day before on 27 Feb from 6pm to 10.30pm.

Held at the Empress Lawn and Esplanade Park, you’ll get to savour sticks of satay and other local dishes, while being serenaded by live acts like Jack & Rai and Jive Talkin’.