The best rooftop bars in Singapore

The view 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 Cocktails lean toward the fruity side with the likes of Zafferano ($20), saffron gin zinged with citrusy lime and passionfruit, and the rum-based Perk Me Up ($20) of pumpkin, lime and chilli padi. Look out for the fresh fruit martinis ($20) that include Guanabana-tini of gin, lemon and soursop, and the Strawberry Royal, a boozy mix of vodka, Cointreau and prosecco, made fruity with strawberry and lemon.

The view It's a pity that Bar Canary doesn't offer much of a view – a formidable wall cordons off the edge that looks out to the bustling road, trailing up to Mount Elizabeth Link. But the open-air, high-rise space at Grand Park Orchard still makes for a swell rooftop bar. The gorgeous garden setting, cheery alfresco furnishings such as lawn chairs and oversized bean bags make for relaxing environment to unwind with a tipple in hand. At night, Bar Canary is magically lit with fairy lights and the tall skyscrapers that stand rebelliously against the dark.

The drinks Aside from the predictable beer, wine and spirits list, Bar Canary embraces Singapore’s perpetual summer heat with a slew of boozy ice pops. Offered by the stick or presented luxuriating in a potent cocktail, these alcohol-laced popsicles come in six deliciously unique flavours such as Imperial Tea Garden ($6 per stick, $18 per glass), featuring a blend of Earl Grey tea and sake, and The Exotic Escape ($6 per stick, $22 per glass) where a dragonfruit popsicle is served in a refreshing lime and tequila concoction. 

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 ($16) – 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 ($16), a medley of rhubarb puree, strawberry and lemon juice, sparkling wine and a shot of vodka.  

The view Decorated with feisty urban murals to reflect its philosophy and pop-culture credo, the open-air Kinki Rooftop Bar on the third floor is where you can catch a calming vista of the Marina Bay skyline and waterfront with a bucket of five beers ($50/6-9pm) or one-for-one housepours (5-8pm). 

The drinks The trellis-lined bar and Japanese writing on bamboos add to the underground, home-run feel of this place, even if the menu strikes a different chord: a little less than half the drinks menu is Japanese, while the cocktails have Western elements shaken in. The house special Spicy Hachimitshu ($19) is a refreshingly spicy martini glass of vodka, honey umeshu, a tinge of wasabi gomme, fresh lemon and Japanese cucumber.

The view The OG of local rooftop bars might be – literally – overshadowed by younger upstarts on taller buildings, but it hasn't yet lost its place on our list of watering holes for a fun night out. The beer is cold, the vibe casual, and the food now deserves special mention, thanks to Bjorn Shen.

The drinks To pair with Shen's good and greasy grub, there are locally inspired cocktails like the Kopi Cat ($19), an alcoholic take on the breakfast coffee staple made with salted caramel vodka, kopi, hazelnut and condensed milk. The spiked bubble tea cocktails (from $20) are a fun treat to suck on too.

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 $13.33 a pint before 8pm, then climb to $17.33 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 $23.33. These brews also go into beer cocktails, but if you're avoiding malt altogether, shoot for the house wines, or premium vintages of Baron Philipe de Rothschild.