The nightlife in Singapore is one of the best in the world, with international DJs lighting the dance floor on fire with the hottest new tracks. Catering to wallets of all sizes, the many joints in the city are variably priced. Unwind and settle for the night at the barstand nursing a fine scotch or make new friends at one of the many loud bars – this city never sleeps, and the cocktails keep flowing!
Marina Bay & The Quays
1. Smoke & Mirrors - For the Best View of Singapore
Situated on top of the National Gallery is the bar, 'Smoke & Mirrors'. This chick bar in Singapore has great interiors, boasting of sophistication but what makes it even more beautiful is the exterior view. It's great to sit near the balcony while sipping perfect blended cocktails with your special someone.
Location: 1 St. Andrew's Road, #06-01 National Gallery Singapore, Singapore
Timings: Saturday to Sunday - 12 PM to 2 AM; Monday to Friday - 3 PM to 1 AM
Must Try: Sushi and cocktails
2. Lantern Rooftop Bar - Lighted by the Lanterns
Location: 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326
Timings: Sunday - Thursday : 10:00 AM - 1:00 AM, Friday, Saturday and Public Holidays: 10:00 AM - 2:00 AMHappy Hour Deals: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Daily)
Must Try: Mile Zero Trio, which includes Mile zero Cocktail crafted with Vodka, Irish Cream Liqueur and Milo powder
3. CÉ LA VI SkyBar - Breathtaking View of Singapore from Marina Bay Sands
Kick back with a decadent cocktail and some sumptuous Asian delicacies while taking in the most stunning views of Singapore from atop Marina Bay Sands at CE LA VI, the SkyBar at this iconic hotel. With birds’ eye views of the country perfectly complementing the rich seafood platter and selection of spirits, fine wines, sake, and liqueurs, this luxury bar in Singapore stays true to its name of “This Is Life” and gives patrons the finer things in life!
Location: Level 5, Marina Bay Sands SkyPark, Hotel Tower 3, 1 Bayfront Avenue
Timings: Restaurant: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM every day
Club lounge: Monday – Friday: 12:00 PM – 10:00 PM, Saturday, Sunday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Night lounge: 10:00 PM – late
SkyBar: 12:00 PM – late
Must-try: Singapore sling, Moscow mule, crispy shrimp, tamarind glazed lamb skewers, pan-roasted Kuhlbarra
4. Level 33 - World's Highest Urban Craft Brewery
Named the world’s highest urban microbrewery, LeVel 33 offers breathtaking views of Marina Bay and the skyline from its unique vantage point atop the Marina Bay Financial Centre. With its unique ‘ContemBrewery’ cuisine and hip interiors that channel antique vibes, the rooftop terrace at LeVel 33 is a must-visit for its panoramic views and custom tap beer. Try the beer tasting menu from the authentic copper brewing tanks or ask the in-house beer master for recommendations!
Location: 8, #33-01 Marina Boulevard, Tower 1 Marina Bay Financial Centre
Timings: Monday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM, Friday: 11:30 AM – 2:00 AM (next day), Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM (midnight)
Sunday and public holidays: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Eve of public holidays: till 2:00 AM (next day)
Must-try: Prosecco oyster, fresh on-tap ale, sizzler beef
5. 1-Altitude - World's Highest Al-Fresco Bar
Location: 1 Raffles Place (Former OUB Centre)
Timings: Sunday – Tuesday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM, Thursday: 6:00 AM – 3:00 AM
Eve of public holiday, Wednesday, Friday, Saturday: 6:00 PM – 4:00 AM
Must-try: Roses are Meant to be Red cocktail, white chocolate martini, satay platter, black truffled brie pizza
6. Madame Fan Bar - Intimate 40 Seater Cocktail Heaven
Location: The NCO Club, 32 Beach Road
Timings: Monday – Sunday: 12:00 PM – 11:30 PM
Must-try: Tian Mi Mi, (Not) Classic PBJ, Yu Cha cocktail, Portofino, Moloko Royale
7. 28 Hong Kong Street - For the Touch of China in Singapore
Location: 28 Hong Kong Street, Singapore 059667Nearest MRT: Clarke Quay
Timings: Monday - Thursday: 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Friday - Saturday: 6:00 PM - 3:00 AM
Closed on Sunday
Must Try: Champagne, Whisky
8. Gibson - One of Asia's Best Bars
Gibson's carefully crafted cocktails and the cosy interiors attract the couples. Gibson has won many awards - Asia's 50 Best Bars, Best New Cocktail Bar 2016 and Top 4 Best New International Cocktail Bar 2016. If this bar in Singapore isn't on your list, are you really enjoying the best of the city's nightlife?
Gibson has All Day Happy Hours on Oysters on Tuesdays.
Location: 20 Bukit Pasoh Rd, 2nd Floor, Singapore
Timings: Monday- Thursday: 6:00 PM - 01:00 AM
Friday and Saturday: 6:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Must Try: Cocktails
Chinatown, Tanjong Pagar and The CBD
9. Tippling Club - Revive Memory with Scents
Location: 38 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088462Nearest MRT: Tanjong Pagar
Timings: Bar: Monday - Friday: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Monday - Saturday: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Must Try: Artichoke Chips, Maxwell chicken rice with Ginger Yuzu Buck, Potato with Confit Egg Yolk
10. Black Swan - Set in a 1930s Bank Building
Step back in time at this Art-Deco masterpiece set in a 1930s bank building and indulge in some delicious steak and cocktails at The Black Swan, the winner of Singapore Tatler’s Best New Restaurant in 2014. This iconic landmark features artful interiors reminiscent of the early twentieth century, turquoise walls, and a mezzanine lounge with otherworldly paintings. The horseshoe-shaped bar is a hit here!
Location: 19 Cecil Street, CBD
Timings: Monday, Tuesday: 11:30 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday – Friday: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
Saturday: 5:30 PM – 11:00 PM
Sunday, public holidays: closed
Must-try: Westholme Wagyu bavette, The Black Swan burger, duck leg confit, golden parachute cocktail, Treasure Island cocktail
11. Bitters & Love - Home to Some of Singapore's Best Barkeeps
Home to some of the country’s best barkeeps, Bitters & Love is a retro-themed indie bar that is cosy and warm. It still retains elements of its past – this bar converted from an erstwhile shophouse. The charming tiles, windows, and thrifted bar ornaments are eccentric and hand-picked. The main attractions here are the creatively presented cocktails – drinks are served in plastic bags, mason jars, and coffee-cup-wine-glass combos!
Location: 36 North Canal Road
Timings: Tuesday – Thursday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Friday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 7:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: closed
Must-try: Kaya Toast cocktail, B&L Beef cubes, mini burgers, Mangosteen
12. Junior The Pocket Bar - Discover New Cocktails Every Six Months
Taking the concept of a ‘mini bar’ to a whole new level, this pocket bar in Singapore seats only ten patrons at a time. With an adventurous path leading to its entrance, patrons are treated to a wall full of artisan spirits that are changed every six months. The bar’s menu changes twice a year, making sure that each visit is new, improved, and different – talk about a gastronomical adventure!
Location: 43 Tanjong Pagar Road
Timings: Monday – Saturday: 7:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: closed
Must-try: Big Chief, Singapore Sling, chips and guac side, specials from the rotational menu
13. RPM By D.Bespoke - Japanese Vintage Themed Bar
Ranked in Asia’s 50 Best Bars lists, this Japanese speakeasy is vintage-themed, with jazz vinyl records lining the walls, dark interiors and fine Japanese sake and shochu (a starchy fermented liquor). The brainchild of the popular mixologist Daiki Kanetaka, the custom drinks ensure that each patron has a unique, memorable experience.
Location: 16 Duxton Road
Timings: Tuesday – Thursday: 6:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Friday, Saturday: 6:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Must-try: Shochu tasting flight, Negroni, Taimatsu, Osaka mix
14. The Old Man - Named After the Classic "The Old Man and the Sea"
Inspired by the Ernest Hemingway classic 'The Old Man and the Sea', this bar in Singapore is ranked fifth in the Asia’s 50 Best Bars list. An authentic recreation of the parent bar in Hong Kong, this Singaporean branch pays homage to the master writer with its uniquely themed nine-drink cocktail menu. Intimate and lush, the bar is done up in suave bamboo interiors and wooden shelves full of books and bottles. The main bar, uniquely shaped like the letter ‘I,’ is an ice breaker – as an added bonus, the bronze strip running down the centre keeps drinks cold and conversation flowing!
Location: 55 Keong Saik Road, #01-04
Timings: Monday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: closed
Must-try: Little Wax Puppy cocktail, The Snows of Kilimanjaro cocktail, Islands in the Stream cocktail
15. Operation Dagger - Hidden Bar in a Back Alley
Location: #B1-01, 7 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore
Nearest MRT: Telok Ayer
Timings: Tuesday - Saturday: 6:00 AM - 12:00 AM
Must Try: Mulled wine, Hot and Cold
16. NATIVE - One of Asia's Best Concept Bar
Ranked among the top 10 bars in Asia, this concept bar is a unique take on farm-to-table drinking, so to speak – it serves cocktails with unconventional ingredients like fire ants, aged coconut flower sap, and many more! Taking inspiration from nature and local produce, NATIVE cocktail bar is a fresh take on classic east-Asian flavours and traditionally brewed spirits. Sourcing spices and ingredients from Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, India, and Singapore, NATIVE aims to impress with its culinary journeys!
Location: 52A Amoy Street
Timings: Monday - Satruday: 6:00 PM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: closed
Must-try: Antz cocktail, Red Light District cocktail, Pineapple Arrack
17. Praelum Wine Bistro - For a Crash Course on Wine
Kick back for a post-work tipple or a fun Saturday at Praelum Wine Bistro, where patrons are treated to a crash course on wine. Named after the traditional grape-press winemaking machine, Praelum is an intimate, elegant wine haven that boasts of a luxurious walk-in cellar. The in-house sommeliers offer great insights into the nuances of flavours, ensuring diners have a memorable spirit experience – wine pairing has never been easier!
Location: 4 Duxton Hill
Timings: Monday – Saturday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Sunday: closed
Must-try: Salmon en-route, molten chocolate cake, Angus strip beef jus, wine flights
Little India & Kampong Glam
18. Prince of Wales - Closest Thing to a Pub in Little India
Aptly named a backpacker’s bar, this is the closest one can come to a pub in Little India. This indie joint offers live music every evening with popular local jazz and blues bands, and decently priced beers from Australia and New Zealand. Happy hour guarantees free-flow whisky, gin, and vodka, making this a pocket-friendly bar to have a good time and meet new people!
Location: 101 Dunlop Street
Timings: Sunday – Thursday: 9:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday, Saturday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Must-try: Beef burger, draft beer
19. ATLAS - Straight Out of 1920s Manhattan
Step into 1920s Manhattan at this suave, swanky bar set in the Art-Deco style. With a style reminiscent of The Great Gatsby-like charm, ATLAS impresses with its rich, gold-and-maroon interiors and expansive collection of spirits. Connoisseurs of gin are bound to love it here – this bar in Singapore boasts of one of the world’s largest gin collections, replete with more than a hundred varieties. This is a stellar venue to unwind after a long day.
Location: Parkview Square, 600 North Bridge Road
Timings: Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM
Friday: 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM
Saturday: 12:00 PM – 2:00 AM
Sunday: closed
Must-try: Café Royal Special cocktail, lamb kofta, steak tartare, mini lobster roll with caviar
20. BAR Stories - Learn About the History of Each Drink
Location: Kampong Glam Conservation Area, 57 Haji Lane
Timings: Sunday - Thursday: 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Friday - Saturday: 4:00 PM - 2:00 AM
Must Try: Cocktails, Tartine Aux Foie Gras, The Aviation
21. Good Luck Beerhouse - For the Perfect Craft Beer
Location: Kampong Glam Conservation Area, 9 Haji Lane
Nearest MRT: Bugis
Timings: Monday - Saturday: 4:00 AM - 12:00 AM, Closed on Sunday
Must Try: Craft Beers
Orchard Road
22. Manhattan Bar - Go Back to the Golden Age of Cocktails
Location: Level 2, the Regent, 1 Cuscaden Road
Timings: Sunday - Thursday: 5:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Friday - Saturday: 5:00 PM - 2:00 AMViolet Hour/Happy Hour: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM (weekdays)
Must Try: The Princess Cut, The House made Kettle chips, smoked Balcones Texas whiskey, freshly shucked American oysters
23. The Other Room - Secret Drinking House in Singapore Marriott
Snuggle up with your partner with a drink in your hand at The Other Room, situated at The Marriott. The place is cosy and soft, playing slow, romantic music in the background. The bar is unique as it offers daring cocktails for you to try.
Location: 320 Orchard Road, #01-05 Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel, Singapore
Timings: Friday to Saturday - 6 PM to 4 AM; Sunday to Thursday - 6 PM to 3 AM
Must Try: Cocktails
24. Martini Bar at Mezza9 - For the Romantic Evening
Location: Grand Hyatt, 10 Scotts Road, Singapore 228211Nearest MRT: Orchard MRT Station
Timings: Monday - Tuesday: 4:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Wednesday - Saturday: 4:00 PM - 1:00 AM
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Happy Hour: 4:00 PM - 9:00 PM (Monday - Saturday)
Must Try: The Tarik-tini, Chin Chow-tini, Pisang-tini, Lemongrass-tini
25. The Horse's Mouth Bar
Location: 583 Orchard Road, #B1-39, Forum the Shopping Mall
Timings: Monday - Thursday: 6:00 PM - 12:00 AM, Friday - Saturday: 6:00 PM - 1:00 AM, Closed on Sunday
Must Try: Bespoke Cocktails, Tonkotsu, Eihire, Bushi Tonkotsu Ramen, Grilled Wagyu Beef
Changi
26. Little Island Brewing Co. - Perch Up After a Trip to Pulau Ubin
A cosy spot to chill out after an adventurous trip to Pulau Ubin, the Little Island Brewing Company by the beach at Changi Village has a sumptuous microbrewery – patrons are treated to home-brewed goodness here! The master brewers craft beers with intricate profiles and undertones and serve them fresh from the tanks. The food is diverse, with an impressive seafood spread and a fusion of western and Peranakan staples. The alfresco dining area and dedicated playground for kids ensure a family-friendly environment by the ocean.
Location: 6 Changi Village Road
Timings: Monday – Thursday: 12:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Friday: 12:00 PM - 12:00 AM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Sunday: 11:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Must-try: Russian Roulette, Flaming Lips ginger beer, Queen of Tarts sour ale, The Secret Saison, Sea bass, Smoked beef brisket
27. Cider Pit - Easy to Miss Out But Worth a Visit
This small, cosy bar in Singapore may be easy to miss but is definitely worth a visit for its selection of ciders and ales. The inexpensive sides pair perfectly with the craft beers on the menu, making the Cider Pit a comfortable venue to hang out with friends or go on a first date.
Location: #01-03 328 Joo Chiat Road, East Coast Katong and Siglap
Timings: Monday – Friday: 5:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Saturday, Sunday: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Must-try: Custom ciders, deep fried roast pork, Kiasu stout, London Pride
Sentosa Island
28. Tanjong Beach Club - Singapore's Best Beach Bar
Location: 120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa
Timings: Monday – Friday: 11:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday, Sunday, public holidays: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Must-try: Copabanana cocktail, Malayan Mai Tai cocktail, Tanjong burger, crispy skin barramundi, lobster buns
29. Woo Bar - W Singapore's Glam Bar
This ultra-glamorous chic lounge bar at W Singapore is a contemporary space that effortlessly blends high fashion, music, and inventive cocktails. The sleek lounge shows off fluid furniture and whimsical patterns, setting the stage for a night of fun and frolic. With special events every day of the week and designated Wicked Hours, this quirky bar is the perfect mixture of luxury and eccentric fun.
Location: W Singapore, Sentosa Cove, 21 Ocean Way
Timings: Sunday – Thursday: 11:30 AM – 12:00 AM
Friday, Saturday: 11:30 AM – 1:00 AM
Must-try: Singapore Slingshot, Bubble Bath, Overflow, Harry’s Tokyo, Ting Tong, cheese toast, W burger, mini pizza
30. Ola Beach Club - The Hawaiin Bar
Location: 46 Siloso Beach Walk
Timings: Sunday – Friday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Saturday: 11:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Must-try: Melemele Tiki, Lomi-Lomi salmon, Aki Poke bowl
When in the Lion City, do watch out for one of these best bars in Singapore and enjoy the leisure time with your loved ones. Get Tipsy but do watch out for yourself! *wink wink*
~This article is written by Nivedha Narayanaswamy and Neha Nagpal~