Visiting the Merlion in Singapore: Everything You Need to Know

The Merlion is one of Singapore’s most famous landmarks, and no visit to the Lion City feels complete without seeing it in person. When I first stood in front of it, it was more than just a chance to take a photo. For me, it honestly felt like I was connecting with the very heart of Singapore. The Merlion brings together history and national pride and some modern energy. All of these come together to make this monument one of those stops every traveler should make when visiting Singapore.

Where is the Merlion Located in Singapore?

You’ll find the Merlion at Merlion Park, right along Marina Bay. It stands at the mouth of the Singapore River, facing Marina Bay Sands. The spot is unbeatable. From here, you can take in the city skyline, the Esplanade, and of course, that futuristic view of Marina Bay Sands towering in the background.

When I visited, I realized how easy it is to find. The Merlion is not hidden away in some corner of the city. It sits right in the middle of the action, and walking up to it gave me that classic “I’m really in Singapore” moment you see in travel magazines and postcards.

Here I am at Merlion Park, standing right in front of Singapore’s most famous landmark the Merlion. The Marina Bay skyline is right behind me.

How to Get to Merlion Park

The easiest way to reach the Merlion is by MRT. I usually take the train to Raffles Place MRT Station on the East-West or North-South line. From there, it’s just a short walk, about five to ten minutes. Follow the signs to the Fullerton Hotel and Marina Bay, and suddenly you’ll see the Merlion right in front of you. The first glimpse is always a bit magical.

And if you’re exploring by bus, plenty of routes stop along Fullerton Road or Esplanade Drive. I’ve taken the bus before just to soak in the everyday rhythm of the city, and trust me it gives you a different feel compared to the MRT.

Also, if you want the most convenient option, simply take a taxi or book a Grab ride. Drivers can drop you directly at One Fullerton, the building complex next to Merlion Park. I’ve done this after long days of exploring, and it’s the perfect way to save your energy and step right into one of Singapore’s most iconic spots.

Is the Merlion Free to Visit?

Yes, and that’s one of the things I absolutely love about it. Visiting the Merlion won’t cost you a cent. There are absolutely no tickets required to visit this iconic place. You can just walk right up, find your spot, and soak in the view.

I remember the first time I went, I was expecting at least some sort of ticket booth or fee, because Singapore has a reputation for being one of the most expensive cities in the world. Maybe this is Singapore’s way of telling travelers that some of its greatest experiences are open to everyone, no matter your budget.

You can take photos up close, sit by the waterfront, or even just stand there and let the sea breeze hit your face as you look across Marina Bay. For me, the real magic is people-watching. You’ll see families, couples, backpackers, and tour groups smiling and snapping pictures with that iconic half-lion, half-fish figure.

What Are the Merlion Park Opening Hours?

The best part of all this is that the Merlion Park is open 24 hours a day, every single day of the week. That flexibility makes it one of the easiest landmarks to fit into your Singapore itinerary.

I’ve been there at sunrise when the light paints the sky pink and orange and the bay is almost empty. It felt peaceful and so private to the point where it started to feel like the city was giving me a quiet moment to myself. In the evenings, though, the vibe changes completely. The skyline glows, Marina Bay Sands shines like a spaceship, and the buzz of the city fills the air. That’s when the Merlion feels alive and completely surrounded by music and chatter.

Most travelers aim for sunset or nighttime. And I’ll admit that the cooler weather and sparkling lights make it especially photogenic then. But honestly, there’s no wrong time to see the Merlion. Each moment of the day brings its own beauty.

This wide view I captured shows just how lively Merlion Park gets, with crowds gathering around the statue and the Marina Bay skyline rising in the background.

Insider Tips for Visiting the Merlion

If you want to make the most of your visit, here are some of the little tricks I’ve learned along the way:

• Best Photo Angles: Stand slightly to the left of the statue (closer to One Fullerton) to capture the Merlion with Marina Bay Sands perfectly in the background. If you’re patient, you can also frame the spray of water to look like it’s landing right on the hotel’s rooftop.
• Avoiding Crowds: Early mornings (before 9 am) are the quietest. You’ll mostly share the space with joggers and a few photographers. Evenings, especially weekends, get busy with tour groups. If you don’t like crowds, skip that window.
• Nighttime Magic: Plan your visit around the Marina Bay light show, which happens twice every night (usually around 8 pm and 9 pm). Watching it from the Merlion Park side gives you one of the best free views in the city.
• Cooler Comfort: Singapore’s humidity can be brutal during the day, so bring a bottle of water and maybe even a small towel if you’re visiting in the afternoon. The waterfront breeze helps, but trust me, the midday sun is no joke.
• Hidden Gem Nearby: After visiting, walk across the Esplanade Bridge for another perspective of Marina Bay and the Merlion from a distance. It’s less crowded, and the view of the skyline is spectacular.

I took this shot from the walkway at Merlion Park the view stretches across Marina Bay with the Singapore Flyer, ArtScience Museum, and city skyline all in one frame.

How long do you need to visit the Merlion?

Most people spend about 30 minutes to an hour at Merlion Park. That’s enough time to take your photos, enjoy the view of Marina Bay Sands, and maybe sit for a while by the water. If you plan to combine it with a walk around Marina Bay or a stop at the Fullerton Hotel, you could easily stretch it into a half-day experience.