Rooftop bars have become my new favourite place to hang out these days. It’s something I’ve never really appreciated when visiting cities in Europe. Perhaps because all the action is in the piazza or square, down on the ground. However, since living in Asia, I’ve come to appreciate that rooftop bars are what Asian cities do best.
And so, during the year that I lived in Singapore, I made it my mission to find the best spots in the city for a drink. Now this is by no means a final list, but I hope it will serve as a guide to finding rooftop bars with a view.
Cé La Vi
1 Bayfront Ave, S018971
Nearest MRT: Bayfront
Starting with the most famous of rooftop bars in Singapore. Cé la Vie is located on top of the Marina Bay Sands hotel. With spectacular panorama views across the city, it’s the perfect place to sip on a cocktail and take in the beauty of Singapore.
Travel tip: It is free to enter SKYBAR and offers the same view as the Marina Bay Sands observation deck (tickets for observation deck are S$23 for adults). We found it to be a much better experience to enjoy the views with a cocktail in hand.
Southbridge
80 Boat Quay, S049868
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place
A hidden little gem located in Boat Quay, this little sliver of a rooftop bar gives you gorgeous views of the financial district and the Singapore River. With restaurants and bars on its doorstep, it’s the perfect place to stop in for a pre-dinner drink, or to end your evening at.
Lantern
80 Collyer Quay, S 049326
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place
One of my favourite rooftop bars, Lantern offers a polished rooftop patio with uninterrupted views of Marina Bay Sands. The perfect spot to take in Spectra, the light show at Marina Bay Sands. There are a few offers on depending on what day you choose to visit so it is worth taking a look at the website to see if there are any deals to take advantage of. Drinks are expensive so deals will be appreciated.
Indochine Restaurant and rooftop bar
Nearest MRT: Bayfront (Gardens by the Bay) and Esplanade (Suntec City)
Although this restaurant has branches in other locations on the island, Indochine at Gardens By the Bay and the Sky Garden at Suntec City offers dining with a view.
The location at Gardens By the Bay is located in the Super Tree Grove. So patrons are treated to the dazzling lights and music from the trees, should they visit in the evening.
Sky Garden at Suntec City is an open-air garden with great views of the city. With many restaurants to choose from for dining, visitors are spoiled for choice.
LeVel 33
8 Marina Boulevard 33-01, Marina Bay Financial Tower 1, S01898
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place
Fancy visiting the World’s highest urban brewery? Head over to LeVel 33 to sample craft beer brewed in Singapore. There are 5 beers to sample, or you could try them all with the beer paddle. Wines and cocktails are also on offer to take in the stunning views of Marina Bay and Singapore. There are tables to perch outside and enjoy the view, or you can reserve a table and stay a little longer! And as an added bonus- fantastic service from staff! This one is my all time favourite.
Travel tip: Best time to go is just before sunset. Catch sunset with a view and then watch the city lights sparkle.
Smoke and Mirrors
National Gallery, 01 St Andrew’s Road, S178957
Nearest MRT: City Hall
After taking in an exhibit at the National Gallery, why not head up to the 5th floor to Smoke and Mirrors. Again, you will find uninterrupted views of Marina Bay and the city atop of one of Singapore’s more historical buildings. A great spot to for an afternoon cocktail or an evening drink.
Travel tip: There is a dress code of no slippers and flip flops.
Potato Head Folk
36 Keong Saik Rd, S089143
Nearest MRT: Chinatown
At the top of the flat iron building in Chinatown, sits a funky little rooftop bar. A part of the familiar restaurant chain more known for it’s Bali location.Sit and chill with a cocktail or dine in with burgers. There are great views of Chinatown, a heritage neighbourhood, with historical buildings. No need for a reservation, just make sure you get there early.
1 Altitude
1 Raffles Place, OUB building, S048616
Nearest MRT: Raffles Place
Standing at 282 metres above sea level, 1 Altitude is the highest al fresco bar in the world. The rooftop offers a 360 degree view of the city from the 63rd floor. o you can enjoy views of the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands, Singapore river and further. One floor below and you can enjoy the bar with views of the city at night time. Perfect for sundowner drinks
Travel tip: Rooftop not open for poor weather (eg: rain!). Ladies night on a Wednesday night means S$10 martini cocktails.
Note: Drinking in Singapore is expensive and more so with some bars listed above as they are high end spots. Take advantage of happy hours!
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When I come to Singapore you are most certainly taking me to some of these picturesque places 😀
Awh hun! Nothing would please me more than to be your bar tour guide! But sadly I’ve left Singapore now 🙁 In Canada now. You’ll have to use my guides and imagine me there with you sipping on a refreshing drink!
I love this! reminded me a lot of Singapore going out days! my favorite place was probably Level 33 because of the beer 🙂 also Ku Da Ta at the MBS – but mostly during the day/ early evenings, for the views! at night it was crazyyyyyy there
Ah so glad it brought back fun memories! Level 33 is great! Especially as it is well priced given the location. Yeah Ku Da Ta changed its name to Ce la Vi, it looked the type of place to get busy. We went on a weekday evening around 5-6pm. Perfect timing.