National Library of Singapore
National Library of Singapore
4.5
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Neighbourhood: Central Area/City Area
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
574 reviews
Excellent
309
Very good
204
Average
52
Poor
7
Terrible
2
CK R
Singapore, Singapore211 contributions
Nov 2022
Spent several days researching my areas of interest. Wonderful facilities for researchers. Extremely helpful staff. Thank you, National Library, Singapore
Written 20 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew D
Singapore, Singapore381 contributions
Oct 2022
I wouldn't really bother visiting the National Library if I am coming as a tourist, hence the average rating which I am putting it here.
However, as a library in itself and a bookworm myself, I love the tremendous collection of books they have to offer here (which is a 5-star library!)
However, as a library in itself and a bookworm myself, I love the tremendous collection of books they have to offer here (which is a 5-star library!)
Written 10 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
anusuya
Singapore, Singapore66 contributions
Nov 2021
when we reached here the place was not that crowded. it was about 12 noon when we stepped into the library. there are a lot of books and research materials here. the librarins were friendly and helpful to our queries.
Written 8 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ianwyj
Singapore5,159 contributions
Mar 2022
Singapore's national library system, with its many regional branches, means that it's not often necessary to visit the main building. But the main building has plenty more than its regional branches. Apart from the usual borrowing section located in the basement floor, the Lee Kong Chian reference library is spread over several floors. It's also a resource centre with ample space for restoration, meetings, and exhibition, along with the not to mention also the administrative headquarters. Look out for the exhibitions hosted by the Lee Kong Chian reference library - I recently visited for a wonderful exhibition of ancient maps which demonstrated how the world view of people in different parts of the world was strongly binfluenced by their knowledge and religious beliefs.
Written 8 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
H&M
Singapore, Singapore51 contributions
Apr 2022 • Family
Outstanding exhibition on Mapping The World
Highly recommend going over to take a look at some wonderfully curated perspectives on map making from Asia.
The maps tell stories of not only geography, but also of culture , identity, religion , and politics.
The exhibit is very well setup and visually stunning. The quality of artifacts is amazing as well.
Highly recommend
Highly recommend going over to take a look at some wonderfully curated perspectives on map making from Asia.
The maps tell stories of not only geography, but also of culture , identity, religion , and politics.
The exhibit is very well setup and visually stunning. The quality of artifacts is amazing as well.
Highly recommend
Written 2 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kim buay p
Singapore, Singapore11,205 contributions
Mar 2021
Previously, this present site of the National Library was occupied by the Empress Hotel which opened in 1928. It was a four-storey hotel with its distinctive tower and a rooftop restaurant, the Empress Restaurant. This restaurant was a popular venue for holding weddings and various other social gatherings. It was known for its popular brand of mooncakes, the ‘Queen of the Mooncakes’. During the mooncake festival, I remembered that the hotel would be gaily decorated with its advertisement for the mooncakes. It was demolished in 1985.
The Lee Kong Chian Reference Library is very impressive for its wide selection of materials and books. Coupled with the lovely ambience for reading the reference materials is the gorgeous views of the surroundings. There are periodic exhibitions held here too. Its central location is ideal for a National Library.
The Lee Kong Chian Reference Library is very impressive for its wide selection of materials and books. Coupled with the lovely ambience for reading the reference materials is the gorgeous views of the surroundings. There are periodic exhibitions held here too. Its central location is ideal for a National Library.
Written 15 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeffry b
Essendon, Australia12,878 contributions
May 2020
You may want to browse or you may be seeking infomration; either way, the National Library of Singapore will suit you. Singapore is a smart country, that lives off its brains, and the library is an important resource. If you just want to look around, please do so. The averge visist is 2 hours. Han's Cafe has light meals like sandwiches and fish and chips; there's also a playground for kids. It's a very big library, there's something fo everyone.
Written 8 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SierraAlphaFoxtrot
Leicester, UK119 contributions
Feb 2020
The National Library of Singapore is located really close to the Bugis Station on the Singapore MRT. It is beautiful, consists of many floors of millions of books and a multitude of computers and places to sit and read. One issue might be the lack of public access to printing [but there are print shops across the road next to the post office].
A helpful hint- if its hot outside, pop into the NLS, the a/c is always set to low :D
A helpful hint- if its hot outside, pop into the NLS, the a/c is always set to low :D
Written 18 April 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alicia
Singapore, Singapore92 contributions
Mar 2020
Super cool library with so many floors. There's exhibits and galleries upstairs that are pretty interesting.
Written 24 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
insertnamerighthere
Singapore, Singapore236 contributions
Mar 2020
Large selection of books. lots of study area and spaces. also has a theatre and large childrens' section
Written 20 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are planning to visit the Central Public Library, Singapore this June 11th.. we are from Cebu, Philippines. What will be the entry process? Do we need to book ahead of time? Thank you.
Pradip B
Kolkata (Calcutta), India880 contributions
No need to book in advance. No entry fees. You may come, enter and read books at your convenience.
RavinderSingh25
Chandigarh , India60 contributions
Can any one , who is not a citizen of Singapore and on business trip for 5 days, borrow books from Library?
Nthenya
Singapore, Singapore244 contributions
No. You need to be a resident of singapore but you are free to visit and it has nice quiet spaces you can use to read.
NiekeWibowo
Jakarta, Indonesia10 contributions
What does National Library of Singapore has to offer for 1 year old kid? Thank you
roadtripswc
United States282 contributions
You may have visited the library by now.
There's a young children section at the basement. Wonderful to be able to watch them roam at a secured area with many age appropriate books.
MrittikaRoy
Kolkata (Calcutta), India66 contributions
Hello,
This is Mrittika from India.
Am visiting Singapore from 23-Feb'15 till 1-Mar'15 for vacation along with my parents. Would like to know about the entry fee per adult for this destination. Also, how do I get there using public transportation from Hotel Park Sovereign-Albert?
Thanks.
Laird Philip K
London, UK81 contributions
Good afternoon from London. There is no entry fee as this is a Public Library. I should walk there as you can take in all the sights and sounds of Singapore on the way. I stay at the Intercontinental Hotel just by the Library and there are
small but interesting shops in the shopping centre. There are also some interesting eateries in the Foodhall for you to try. Make sure you visit Little India whilst visiting Singapore. It is almost as if you are in India ! ! ! try out some of the wonderful food ! I adore Singapore and visit most years, I do hope that you have a most wonderful time.
NATIONAL LIBRARY OF SINGAPORE - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about National Library of Singapore
- We recommend booking National Library of Singapore tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 2 National Library of Singapore tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near National Library of Singapore:
- (0.09 km) InterContinental Singapore, an IHG Hotel
- (0.18 km) Wilby Residences
- (0.16 km) Hotel NuVe Heritage
- (0.16 km) Ibis Budget Singapore Bugis
- (0.15 km) Grand Pacific Hotel
- Restaurants near National Library of Singapore:
- (0.03 km) Hanis Cafe & Bakery - National Library Building
- (0.04 km) Makarios Cafe at Drama Centre
- (0.15 km) Entre-Nous creperie
- (0.15 km) Man Fu Yuan
- (0.12 km) The Lobby Lounge at InterContinental Singapore
- Attractions near National Library of Singapore:
- (0.14 km) MINT Museum of Toys
- (0.20 km) Loof
- (0.20 km) Raffles Hotel Arcade
- (0.16 km) St Joseph's Church
- (0.15 km) National Design Centre