In a city where space is limited, rooftop bars are almost a necessity. Boasting spectacular views, good drinks (hello, ladies night), and – relief!– cool breeze, you will never break a sweat up here. We’ve rounded up a list of Singapore bars (including the ones at our favourite hotels) with unbelievable views that aren’t just your usual Marina Bay variety. Get ready to see Singapore from a bird’s eye view – a toast to high times!
Level 33
Perched high above the city in the penthouse of the Marina Bay Financial Centre; this high tech brewery, restaurant, and lounge is an impressive venue to add to Singapore’s list of sky-dining. For a more intimate experience, book a private dining room with a spectacular view of the city where you can immerse yourself in relaxed elegance. There’s limited outdoor seating, so call ahead to snag that sweet spot.
Level 33, 8 Marina Boulevard #33-01, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, Singapore 018981, p. 6834 3133
Zafferano
This Italian rooftop restaurant on the 43rd level of Ocean Financial Centre features two open kitchens, a charcoal grill, antipasti bar, and a walk-in wine cellar showcasing a variety of Italian labels. But if you want to enjoy breathtaking views of the Marina Water Front, the refreshed Terrace Lounge is the place to be.
Zafferano, Lvl 43 Ocean Financial Centre, 10 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049315, p. 6509 1488
Ce La Vi
Perched above the observation deck of the SkyPark at Marina Bay Sands, Ce La Vi Singapore boasts a restaurant, club lounge and an unrivalled view of Singapore and beyond. Girls, head here for arguably the most rewarding ladies night in Singapore: Ladies skip cover charge and get a free drink.
Ce La Vi, 57/F Skypark at Marina Bay Sands, Tower 3 Marina Bay Sands, 1 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore 018971
Skai
This rooftop restaurant and bar tucked away on the 70th storey of Swissotel The Stamford, ticks all the boxes for a truly memorable experience. Save for the contemporary Japanese-inspired grill, the bar also offers cocktails inspired by Mother Nature. Thanks to its strategic location, Skai is probably one of the best spots to witness Singapore’s buzzing skyline in all its glory.
Skai, Level 70, Swissôtel The Stamford, Singapore 178882
Smoke & Mirrors
You don’t always have to be way up in the sky to enjoy a rooftop view; your scenery can be just as sensational six storeys above ground. Nested atop the summit of the grand National Gallery, Smoke & Mirrors boasts one of the most staggering skyline vistas in the isle, majestically overlooking The Padang, The Esplanade and Marina Bay Sands. You can choose to sit inside lest you get sweaty while you swig, but with a view like this, it’s truly hard to resist chilling out in the alfresco area grounded by wood and copper accents.
Smoke & Mirrors, #06-01 National Gallery Singapore, 1 St. Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178957, p. 9234 8122
Mr Stork
Sitting at the rooftop of Andaz Singapore on level 39, Mr Stork offers an amazing 360-degree view. Lounge at one of the ten teepee huts and take in the tropical vibes. Sip on botanical cocktails featuring fruits like watermelon and grapefruit; or go for Ruby, a refreshing concoction of ginger, mint, lemon juice, vermouth and Ceylon arrack. You’ll definitely forget that you’re in Singapore for a second.
Mr Stork, Andaz Singapore, 5 Fraser St, Singapore 189354
Lavo Italian Restaurant and Rooftop Bar
Lavo has many faces – by day, it’s a luxurious lounge that throws massive weekend party brunches and by night, a sleek nightclub complete with live DJ sets at the outdoor bar and terrace come to life. At the 57th level, you best believe you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the city skyline. If you’re feeling peckish, turn to American-Italian cuisine like the famous Lavo meatball or the potato gnocchi.
Lavo Italian Restaurant and Rooftop Bar, 10 Bayfront Ave, Tower 1, Singapore 018956
Aqua Luna
Your turn to pick a spot for girls’ night out? Look no further than Aqua Luna, probably the most iconic rooftop bar in the Southwestern precinct. Enjoy a 180-degree view of the southern ridges and Queenstown hood (hello Interlace!) in a classy ceiling-to-floor glass enclave. What a stunner!
Aqua Luna, Park Hotel Alexandra, 323 Alexandra Road, 159972
Bar Rouge
You don’t have to travel all the way to Shanghai for this one. Just a trip to Swissotel The Stamford will suffice. Party up 72 storeys above ground level at the Bar Rouge. The bar promises exciting themed nights, performances from raised cages overlooking the venue, the hottest hits spun by regional DJs, unobstructed views of Marina Bay’s glitzy skyline and not to forget, the signature red lights (similar to the ones in the Shanghai establishment). Psst: check out our little tribute to one of the signature cocktails at Bar Rouge: Mr & Mrs Rouge.
Bar Rouge, Swissotel The Stamford, 2 Stamford Road, Singapore 178882
Potato Head Folk
Soak up the sights and sounds of Chinatown at Potato Head Folk’s dreamy rooftop bar. Offering a slice of tropical ambience, the rooftop bar in Keong Saik serves excellent tiki cocktails (created by Dre Masso). Sit back and relax amongst fragrant herbs and exotic flora planted around the rooftop as you take in the view of Singapore’s skyline.
Potato Head Folk, 36 Keong Saik Road, Singapore 089143, p. 6327 1939
Kinki
Situated on the second floor of Customs House is Kinki, a contemporary Japanese bar. A quirky mural by Miami Ink’s Chris Graver plus the rhythmic blend of beats give this establishment a cool, high-style vibe. It’s a particularly good joint to let your hair down, especially on a Friday night after work.
Kinki, #02-02 Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049323, p. 6533 3471.
1919 Waterboat House (The Rooftop)
Sitting atop the heritage-rich The Fullerton Waterboat House, Prelude offers an unparalleled view of Singapore’s CBD skyline, the gorgeous Fullerton Hotel and Marina Bay Sands. The rooftop bar’s refreshing summer signature cocktails are our choice of poison; try the Merlion Punch that’s made with vodka, passion fruit, white peach and pineapple.
The Rooftop, #03-01, The Fullerton Waterboat House, 3 Fullerton Road, Singapore 049215, p. 6538 9038
1927
It’s an urban oasis at 1927, a glitzy bar perched atop So Sofitel Hotel. Sip on artisanal equatorial cocktails, clink glasses with your girlfriends and enjoy the night by the infinity-edged pool.
1927, So Sofitel Singapore, 35 Robinson Road, Singapore 068898
Southbridge
Oysters and alcohol: Best. Combo. Ever. If you’re like us, be sure to hit up Southbridge. The bar, which overlooks the Singapore River, knows a thing or two about umami with its show-stopping creations like the Pearls (grilled oysters with white wine sauce and avruga caviar), lobster knuckle roll, and truffle and smoked pancetta sandwich.
Southbridge, 5/F (rooftop), 80 Boat Quay, Singapore 049868, p. 6536 5818
The Mad Men Attic Bar
Hidden in a rustic shophouse along North Canal Road, this raucous watering hole is big on live music. But what keep us coming back for more is their infamous black forest mojito. They also serve Aussie beers, alongside bar bites, from The Merry Men.
The Mad Men Attic Bar, 11 North Canal Road, #03-02, Singapore 048826, p. 9191 9722
Empire
Overlooking the Central Business District is the spiffy penthouse lounge known as Empire. Standing at 45 stories high, jaws are sure to drop upon entering the swish premises. Not only is the view amazing, but their avant-garde furniture is also a delight. While there’s an indoor sitting area, we prefer heading outdoors and toast to a view.
Empire, Level 45, Singapore Land Tower, Singapore 048623
Loof
Singapore’s first standalone rooftop bar is a delightful marriage of swank and old school nostalgia. Sip Southeast Asian sunset cocktails and snack on local munchies of yesteryear like fried man tou with chilli crab dip, and Ahi Kueh Tea Pie.
Loof, Odeon Towers Extension Rooftop,#03-07, 331 North Bridge Road, Singapore 188720, p. 9773 9304
Sum Yi Tai
Housed in a multi-storey shophouse, this restaurant-bar follows an old-school 1980s Hong Kong theme. On the third floor, you’ll find a private rooftop bar – which can only be accessed if you have an invitation or a reservation. Love whiskey? There’s a great range of options to choose from, such as single malts, whiskey-based cocktails, and even “white dogs” (white whiskeys). Chinese tapas – like crispy roast pork and XO carrot cake – is served on the ground floor, while a dining club (there’s a private dining room as well) is located on the second floor.
Sum Yi Tai, 25 Boon Tat Street, Singapore 069622
The Other Roof
The Other Roof at Ann Siang Hill is a rooftop bar that wants to introduce tea to your pub situations. From the folks that gave us The Other Room, this tea bar merge the tea and spirits world by housing over 400 tea-infused spirits. Founder, Dario Knox and Bar Manager, Macarena Rotgers sourced tea leaves from all over the world, make their own blend and infused spirits with it in-house. Talk about spilling the tea! You’ll get a view of Chinatown and the CBD over here.
The Other Roof, Ann Siang House Hotel (Blue Shop House), 28 Ann Siang Road Rooftop, Singapore 069708
Lantern
Swish rooftop bar and tapas restaurant Lantern is the place to be if you want killer views of the Marina Bay waterfront. Mains like seared black cod and steak and fries are to be had, but if you prefer, go for light bites like the popular mini wagyu beef sliders. Head there before 8 pm and you can catch Marina Bay Sand’s spiffy laser light shows from your seat.
Lantern, The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay Singapore 049326, p. 6597 5299
Mr Punch Public House
Drinking at a toy museum may seem weird, but the concept works, and after our first visit we were happy to admit defeat. It’s in town and still manages to be a hole-in-the-wall. Plus, the décor reminds us of an old-timey Western diner. Bonus points for the kitsch promotions! You get a slightly obstructed view with Raffles Hotel on one end and Swissotel on the other, but the surrounding lights make for great ambience.
Mr Punch Rooftop and Winebar, Mint Museum of Toys, 26 Seah Street, Singapore 188382, p. 6339 0660
1-Altitude
Elevate yourself up and away from the bustle of the CBD at the city’s tallest bar. Standing at 282-metre above sea level, this three-in-one venue houses a fully-alfresco bar (that’s 1-altitude), award-winning restaurant Stellar, and dance club Altimate.
1-Altitude, Level 61, 1 Raffles Place, Singapore 048616, p. 6438 0410
Orgo
Located on Esplanade’s spacious roof terrace overlooking the bay, Orgo brings drinking and dining to the next level. Led by renowned Japanese mixologist Tomoyuki Kitazoe, the creative bartender who only uses fresh ingredients (read: no liqueurs and syrups) still manages to come up with a list of adventurous martinis, including a wasabi salt chocolate martini and a dragon fruit and vanilla concoction.
Orgo, Roof Terrace, #04-01 Esplanade, 8 Raffles Ave, Singapore 039802, p. 6336 9366
Screening Room
Ann Siang Hill’s hiding one of the best bars in town. This award-winning bar (it’s on a world’s top 20 list) boasts great service, affordable prices, and killer cocktails. With charming Chinatown shophouses backlit by the CBD skyline from behind, this place is also cozy and much more intimate than some of the bigger bars downtown.
Screening Room, 12 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069692, p. 6532 3357
Oxwell & Co. (Rooftop)
Kick back and enjoy a couple of quirky cocktails at Oxwell & Co’s brand new rooftop bar. The bar features refreshing drinks like Bathtime (a sharing tub of tipple) and the Clover Club Street that feature botanical elements from the bar’s own herb garden. The bar favours Hendricks, so gin lovers can expect loads of gin-based concoctions.
Oxwell & Co, 5 Ann Siang Road, Singapore 069688. p. 6438 3984
The Great Escape
We feel ya: sometimes a stiff drink is what you need after soaking in a life-changing art-house film at The Projector. So head on upstairs to get some liquid fuel for your intense post-pondering; this gritty rooftop bar will take good care of you. Grab a beer or cocktail and mingle with fellow movie buffs while you wrestle with opinions as passionately as you guzzle your grog. This film-friendly pad is also a popular spot for pop-up brunches and underground raves. Now showing: who knows?
The Great Escape, Level 5 Golden Mile Tower, 6001 Beach Road, Singapore 199589, p. 9180 6728
Braci
Perched atop the taller shophouses along the bustling Boat Quay stretch, Braci is the latest concept of restaurateur, Beppe De Vito, that serves modern Italian fare. The restaurant features a luxe 16-seat dining area on the fifth floor, as well as a 30-seat rooftop bar that flaunts a fantastic view of the Singapore River while you savour unique cocktails. If you prefer stronger tipples, opt for the Diplomatico Old Fashioned. Swapping whisky for date macerated rum, this rendition of the drink is a sweeter, more complex take on the classic. Fancy something refreshing to beat the heat? Opt for the Bramble Cocktail instead – a refreshing concoction of Bombay Sapphire gin, lemon and sugar served over a blackberry ice ball. Read our full review here.
Braci, 2 Boat Quay, #05-01/ #06-01, Singapore 049841. p. 6866 1933. Open Mon-Sat 5pm-12am. Closed on Sundays.
Artemis Grill
Having been inducted into our Hot New Tables and best rooftop restaurants round-ups, our adulation towards Artemis is nothing new. But what’s new, however, is Artemis’ rooftop bar’s (have you checked its sensational panoramic view yet?) latest range of playful cocktails. The Friends With Benefits is a refreshing mix of bombay sapphire gin and fruits, and the Don’t Call Me Baby panders to those who like it a little heavy with its use of dark rum, blood orange, and a dash of lime and ginger. Otherwise, the Beast Of Burden is swell for Scotch whisky connoisseurs with its infusion of Laphroaig 10 YO, and the Get Your Kicks mixed with bourbon and brandy will serve a strong roundhouse to your palate. Talk about a way to get high, and we’re not just talking about the 40 levels above ground!
Artemis Grill, #40-01 CapitaGreen (Rooftop), 138 Market Street, Singapore 048946, p. 6635 8677
Bar Canary
If the prospect of happy hour makes you sing like a lark – or a canary, in this case – then this is one hotel bar you’d wanna coop up in. Perched atop Grand Park Orchard, Bar Canary’s happy hour invites you with its Beat The Clock concept, giving you and your colleagues the perfect excuse to leave work early. Available daily from 6pm to 9pm, the prices climb the later you reach. Choose from a bucket of eight bottled beers, or a set of bottled house wine and four signature cocktails; either can be plucked from the bar for $66++ (at 6pm), $77++ (at 7pm), $88++ (at 8pm), and $99++ (at 9pm). Pick wisely!
Bar Canary, Level 4 Grand Park Orchard, 270 Orchard Road, Singapore 238857, p. 6603 8854
Salt Grill & Sky bar
If you want high-end, this one takes the notion to a whole new level (literally!). Perched on the 56th floor overlooking Orchard Road, Salt grill & Sky bar delivers celebrity chef, Luke Mangan’s, signature contemporary Australian cuisine and a menu of delish cocktails, with a dose of panache and urban luxe that you just can’t beat. Rising 218m from the ground, the restaurant is a fashionable urban restaurant serving up contemporary Australian food such as Luke’s signature Crab omelette and Liquorice Parfait.
Salt Grill & Sky Bar, #55-01 & #56-01 ION Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801. p. 6592 5118
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