The best rooftop bars in Singapore

The view By the poolside on level 33 of the Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena hotel serves up seriously underrated views away from the towering skyscrapers of the CBD, and closer to the unobstructed views of greener pastures: Macritchie Reservoir and Bukit Timah Hill. And you ought to visit during sunset hour – it is paired with an attractive happy hour program where drinks start from just $10 nett.

The drinks Cocktails (from $25) here are developed with spirit distributor Proof & Company, so you're in pretty good hands.  Take a leap of faith with the spice-forward Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas or the Tijuana Collins. Both feature the clever use of smoky mezcal balanced with vivacious grapefruits and perked up with a touch of spice.

The view Altro Zafferano’s sky-high location in the middle of the CBD gives it an unrivalled view of Singapore’s cityscape. Soak in the final glow of sunlight of the day during golden hour over a couple of drinks. The Terrace Lounge alfresco space is also fitted with a canopy of blooming tulip umbrellas that not only provide shelter from the elements but are set aglow with pretty hues at night. DJs also take the deck to set the mood on selected nights.

The drinks Meander your way down a truly extensive wine list spanning over 800 new and old-world wines. Though, 70 percent come from Italy in reverence to chef Andrea’s motherland. Feeling adventurous? Try the Vie di Romans Dessimis Pinot Grigio Friuli Isonzo, a trendy skin contact wine that came highly recommended by the charismatic in-house sommelier – all while taking in the views from the Terrace Lounge.

The view Perched up 51 storeys high, Kaarla’s expansive floor-to-ceiling windows envelop you with the surrounding city lights. You’d often find yourself gazing at the panoramic skyline – we know cause we can't help it.

The drinks Possibly the swankiest spot there is in town, the beverage list shines a light on the top 10 best Australian wine regions in addition to their low-alcoholic beverage programme. There are also "garden-to-glass" cocktails crafted from ingredients harvested straight from the world's highest urban farm right outside. Sip on the refreshing tiki-style Coastal Isles ($20) that has a sharp ginger kick balanced with bright citrus notes.

The view Rooftop bar Levant offers a scenic view of the Tanjong Pagar neighbourhood, paired with spice-forward Mediterranean bites.

The drinks Under the night sky, sip on cocktails inspired by the region – from the Greek Forest ($18), with honeycomb-infused tsipouro, mountain pine liqueur, and maglini lemon which brings to mind the sun-soaked beaches of Greece; to the floral Apricot Clouds ($22). Mezzo-style grub is also available to help fill the tummy.

The view Perched 56 storeys high, 1-ATICO is a new rooftop dining destination that brings together three different concepts. For cocktails with a view, swing by Atico Lounge for a bird's eye view of the buzzy city.

The drinks Look forward to a global-inspired menu, with a monthly spotlight on various destinations – from Italy's Negroni ($25) to highballs from Japan ($25). An all-day selection also features the Purple Rain ($25) layered with summer flavours of raspberry liqueur and ocean-tinted Caribbean Blue Curacao. 

The view Nested on the 70th floor of the Swissotel the Stamford, Skai overlooks the civic district down from the Padang to Marina Bay.

The drinks Look forward to a wine-focused menu with monthly spotlights showcasing an exclusive partnership with winemaker, Penfolds. Indulge in a range of wines like the L'être Magique Cremant de Bourgogne NV, Penfolds Koonunga Hill Autumn Riesling & Penfolds Bin 23 Pinot Noir on Wine Down Wednesday.

The view From the outdoor terrace of this microbrewery perched on the Marina Bay Financial Centre, the Marina Bay, Esplanade and the city's eastern neighbourhoods splay out under its roost. 

The drinks The craft beers brewed in-house go for $9.50 for 300ml before 8pm, then climb to $12.50 a pour after. If you're not sure what to go for, platters of five 100-millilitre samplers of Level33's blond lager, IPA, stout, house porter and wheat beers can be ordered at $14.90. These brews also go into beer cocktails, but if you're avoiding malt altogether, shoot for the house wines or premium vintages.

The view Perched on level 39 of Andaz Singapore, Mr Stork has teepee huts hidden amid lush greenery for you and your date to nest in while enjoying panoramic views of the city skyline. Order a drink from the striking bronze pavilion bar and stroll along the cobbled paths that wind around the entire level, giving you a 360-degree city-viewing experience.

The drinks Choose Ruby ($22) – a citrusy concoction of lemon, ginger, fresh mint, vermouth and Ceylon arrack - served in an incredibly Insta-worthy elephant mug. Those who like their drinks fizzy can opt for Rhubarb ($22), a medley of rhubarb puree, strawberry and lemon juice, sparkling wine and a shot of vodka.  

The view After undergoing a revamp, Kinki trades its funky aesthetic for one that is sleek and chic. Enter the lift, clad in a captivating Kintsugi-inspired wallpaper, and step into the open-air rooftop bar on the third floor, where you can catch a calming vista of the Marina Bay skyline.

The drinks Sip on Asian-influenced tipples ($22). Gin Assam Boi is a homage to the local sugarcane drink, with Kyro gin, Malibu rum, and pineapple juice; while Geisha-rita is a refreshing margarita cocktail made with umeshu and Cointreau. To match the sunset hues, consider the pretty Aurora Polaris ($19) with layers of butterfly pea-infused Kyro gin, lime juice, and grapefruit tonic.

The view Perched at the National Gallery, Smoke and Mirrors is a prime spot for views of the city from the Padang to the Bay. After dark's the best time to take in the night glow of the city. 

The drinks Its drinks menu features the Real Art of Drinking, cocktails inspired by art pieces – a reference to its location at the National Gallery.

The view It’s clear what this rooftop dining destination is known for; Vue is the French translation of the word ‘view’. From its high floor-to-ceiling windows, enjoy breathtaking views of the Civic District from the 19th floor of OUE Bayfront. The open air space is also home to Singapore’s first rooftop spritz bar. 

The drinks Pair the dramatic views with vibrant spritz cocktails. The Basil Spritz ($20) is a refreshing combination of dry gin, basil, and lemon, or try the special Reiwa Highball ($18) made with umeshu and rum with hints of shiso and mint. Drop by between 5pm and 7pm – prime hours to catch the sunset – and enjoy complimentary servings of canapés with your drinks. 

The view Cinematic (read: long and narrow) views of the city and straits waters. Occasionally the reverie is broken by a half-togged infinity pool swimmer sauntering by, but the vibe is otherwise über-cool. 

The drinks A substantial list of mixed tipples. Some, like the Run Like Hell ($26) and I'm So Sexy ($26), are carry-overs from the bar at CUT by Wolfgang Puck, found downstairs. Touches of Asian flavours – guava, Thai basil, calamansi and lychee, for instance – show up in the cocktails, too.

The view Escape the bustle of the city, and views of the concrete jungle, and trade it for the sea instead. Perched on Mount Faber Peak some 100m above sea level, Dusk provides panoramic views of the water and Sentosa Island – best enjoyed, of course, at dusk.

The drinks They are as dramatic as the views. Like the smoking nitro margarita ($18), or the Nitro-frost caviar martini ($18) topped with fruit caviar for flair and flavour. 

The view Take in the view of the Marina Bay area from 57 floors up. The breezy rooftop lounge offers postcard-worthy snapshots of Gardens by the Bay and the Singapore River. 

The drinks Craft your own negroni ($25) if you’re in the mood, or simply kick back and enjoy a handcrafted cocktail ($25). It ranges from the vodka-based Dragon Spritz with Aperol and dragon fruit, to the sparkly Frozé made with rosé wine and raspberry.

The view Skyscraper stacks, the Marina Bay Sands and, if you're at the right spot, those futuristic trees at the Gardens by the Bay. Starchitect Toyo Ito's giant red flower – it channels air in to cool the building – lords over the roof deck, and CapitaGreen's rooftop garden is also accessible to punters.

The drinks A wide variety of boozy beverages are available on the menu. Gin and tonic go for $15 each, highball are $16, and fruity cocktails are at $17. 

The view The architectural marvel that is The Pinnacle@Duxton, and the colourful roofs of the heritage buildings surrounding Potato Head Folk's top-floor, twinkly tiki bar.

The drinks Rum-forward tropical cocktails, including the Zombie #36 ($20) that's made with a mix of rums, pomegranate and grapefruit. 

The view Panoramic vistas of the sun setting over the Lego-like assembly of skyscrapers the city, the Gardens by the Bay, the east of Singapore and the ships parked on our southern straits. The Sky Deck and Club Lounge at CÉ LA VI at the Sands is the clubby and hipper counterpart to Spago and Flight down the deck. 

The drinks Classic, aperitivo and tropical cocktails ($23). Bottle service notably features large format (1750ml and up) vodka and champagne to water a swinging party.

The view Sweeping 360º cityscapes of the Boat Quay end of the Singapore River, top half of the Singapore Flyer, and, at night, radiance of The Fullerton Hotel, Parliament House and Asian Civilisations Museum. 

The drinks Rum-shaken cocktails ($18-$22), zingy vodka cocktails with fruit ($18-$19) and a respectable list of vermouth and bitters ($12) like Campari, Cynar and Aperol. During happy hour – until 8pm on weekdays – bubblies pour for $16 a flute and housepours go from $12 to $16.

The view Facing the towering Marina Bay Sands and surrounded by skyscrapers in the backdrop, this 5m-wide lantern-inspired rooftop bar adorned with bronze metal fins certainly catches the eye.

The drinks Sip on a range of cocktails crafted around classics such as the Negroni, Singapore Sling, Mojito, and even the Sydney Sling. Feeling adventurous? Take a chance on their signature cocktails where they experiment with modern infusions.