The best rooftop bars in Singapore

What is it? Singapore's highest rooftop bar on the 63rd floor of 1 Raffles Place.

Why we love it: In skyscraper-dense Singapore, rooftop bars are aplenty, but this one towers above them all, literally. This bar rises 282 metres high and is perched right above HighHouse, another rooftop culinary and music destination. While you’re more likely to be here for the city lights and thumping DJ beats, the food and beverage programme at Nova delivers as well. Star cocktails include the mango sticky highball – inspired by the ever-popular Thai mango sticky rice dessert; the gin-based Trippple Lime Sling; and the Roselle; while snacks include tom yum fries and Indonesian-style noodles.

Time Out tip: Sweeping city views aside, you certainly won’t miss the colossal steel star structure crowning the building that adds an electrifying, urban glow to the space – a must for pictures.

Address: 1 Raffles Place, Level 63, Singapore 048616

What is it? A new rooftop bar on Esplanade Mall's iconic rooftop, occupying a 5,000 sqft space.

Why we love it: The first thing you'll notice at Baia is the view of Marina Bay – plus points if you opt for a seat by the patio. The bar is named after the ancient holiday resort city frequented by the Roman aristocracy, so expect no less than an atmosphere of reverie and celebration, amped up with DJ performances every few days. Baia enlists the help of Proof & Co, the consultancy behind successful venues like 28 HongKong Street, to craft its tipples. Try everything from the Campari-based Strombolian to indulgent blends of aged cognac, espresso and vanilla choco.

Time Out tip: The perfect sundowner comes in the form of a tropical punch bowl to share with friends. Try the Oasis Punch with St. Germain and Prosecco. 

Address: 8 Raffles Ave, Esplanade Mall, Level 4, Singapore 039802

What is it? Unique destination bar on level 39 of Andaz Singapore, known for its cosy teepee huts and rooftop garden.

Why we love it: With 10 teepee huts scattered around the outdoor space, Mr. Stork is an ideal spot to wind down with a drink in hand against the backdrop of a sparkling sunset. On the menu is a selection of fruity and floral cocktails. Go for the light and citrusy Aliya – a blend of Ceylon Arrack, spiced pear, lemon mist and roasted pineapple soda; or opt for darker concoctions like the bourbon-based Opus, or Tales of Mekhong, which spotlights aged rum and coconut.

Time Out tip: Not a fan of cocktails? The bar has also partnered wth local microbrewery Trouble Brewing to offer two exclusive beers – the Andaz Summer Ale and Andaz Pilsner.

Address: 5 Fraser St, Andaz Singapore, Singapore 189354

What is it? Singapore's highest urban microbrewery, certified by the Guinness World Records.

Why we love it: It's not the cheapest spot, but this might be the best place in Singapore to enjoy a crispy, cold beer with winning views of the Marina Bay area. Fruity lagers and banana-scented wheat beer keep the on-site copper kettles at Level33 busy. Some five brews (from $16.90) are available on the menu: IPA, stout, wheat beer, a house porter, and a winning blonde lager that’s refreshingly fruity and easy to drink. Or, go for the beer-tasting paddle ($23.90) which brings you five 100ml tasters of the bar’s craft brews. Opt for a beer cocktail for something fancier, and for those avoiding malts altogether, you can also browse through their long list of wines.

Time Out tip: Level33 also boasts a beer-focused food menu incorporating beer, beer ingredients, by-products from the brewery, and brewing processes into the menu.

Address: 8 Marina Blvd, Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower 1, #33-01, Singapore 018981.

What is it? Glamorous alfresco rooftop bar at Marina Bay Sands that's best for sunset cocktails and late-night chats. 

Why we love it: Perched 57 floors above the iconic MBS, Spago Bar & Lounge is a sky-high escape for cocktails with a view – complete with cosy cabanas, plush cushions, and front-row seats to the city skyline. Occasionally, the reverie is broken by a half-togged infinity pool swimmer sauntering by, but the vibe is otherwise über-cool. As the sun dips below the horizon, clink glasses over punch bowls made for sharing. Or pick from a substantive list of tipples – some are carry-overs from the bar at Cut by Wolfgang Puck, found downstairs, and others are infused with Asian flavours and ingredients, from Thai basil to calamansi and lychee.

Time Out tip: Stay on for Spago After Dark to indulge in happy hour drinks, tasty bites, and a glittering cityscape as your backdrop.

Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Sands Skypark Tower 2, Level 57, Singapore 018956

What is it? Nestled on the 70th floor of the Swissotel the Stamford, Skai overlooks the civic district down from the Padang to Marina Bay.

Why we love it: Sunsets don't get better than this. Skai dials up the romance with stunning views from up high, and the resto-bar is a popular anniversary spot – the friendly staff might even snap a Polaroid picture for you if it's your special day. The bar is stocked with an impressive selection of spirits and wines, alongside cocktails and mocktails. Yes, it's slightly touristy so the Singapore Sling is a frequent pick, but you can also sip on refreshing mango martinis with turmeric and bitters, and other interesting concoctions, while snacking on gourmet bites like spicy hamachi kueh pie tee or aged N25 caviar.

Time Out tip: Snagging a window seat is notoriously tricky here. Be sure to book in advance and request a table by the window in your reservation to avoid disappointment. 

Address: 2 Stamford Rd, Swissôtel The Stamford Singapore, Singapore 178882

What is it? The Sky Deck and Club Lounge at CÉ LA VI at the Sands is the clubby and hipper counterpart to Spago just down the deck.

Why we love it: The night view of the city from here is probably one of the most photographed places in Singapore on Instagram. Here, you're getting panoramic vistas of the sun setting over the Lego-like assembly of skyscrapers, Gardens by the Bay, the east of Singapore, and ships parked on the southern Straits. The restobar and lounge just got a swanky update, with an onyx stone bar as the centrepiece. Cocktails lean towards Asian flavours. Try The Silent Gold – a citrus-forward spin on the margarita; Ed's Favourite Negroni – a white negroni variation; or the Midnight in Jalisco – heady and strong with the use of Don Julio 1942 tequila. 

Time Out tip: DJ beats fill the air on Saturdays at the Club Lounge, with everything from minimal house to melodic techno. Keep updated on their socials so you don't miss out. 

Address: 1 Bayfront Ave, Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Tower 3, Singapore 018971

What is it? Funky, sleek and neon-lit chic, this Japanese restobar boasts a waterfront location at Customs House on Collyer Quay.

Why we love it: The lift is clad in a captivating Kintsugi-inspired wallpaper, and the open-air rooftop bar on the third floor is where you can catch calming views of the Marina Bay skyline. Kinki's Super Happy Hour runs from 5pm to 8pm on weekdays, with cocktails going at $12, drink duos at $23, and draught beer duos at $26 with options like Sapporo Premium Lager, Conner's Stout Porter and Kronenbourg Blanc. If you're feeling up for it, you can also go for the two-hour free-flow drinks option at $48 per person. 

Time Out tip: Kinki's Bottomless Brunch on Saturdays is a popular pick as well. For $68 per person, you'll get endless servings of modern Japanese bites, from luxurious bowls of wagyu foie gras dons to free-flow salmon, bluefin tuna, hamashi, swordfish and the like. 

Address: 70 Collyer Quay, Customs House, #02-02, Singapore 049323

What is it? Casual waterfront bar at Boat Quay with sweeping views of the Singapore River and iconic landmarks. 

Why we love it: Oysters, refreshing pours and riverside views – what's not to love? Tropical-themed cocktails – 11 of them – line the menu, with signatures like the grapefruit-forward 80 Southbridge ($22) and coconut negroni ($24). The half-dozen platters of freshly shucked oysters ($23) come either au naturale with lemon and Tabasco, or in special renditions like Nikkei, with bulldog sauce and tograshi; Mignonette, with banana shallot and sherry vinegar; or Umami, with a ponzu and yuzu dressing. Or get the Southbridge’s Signatures platter ($78) to share – it includes half a dozen oysters along with octopus tacos, edamame and tortilla chips.

Time Out tip: Happy hours run from Monday to Thursday, from 5pm to 8pm, with deals on the bar's signature oysters, bubbly from $16 a flute, house pours from $12 to $16, and a respectable list of spirits and beers. 

Address: 80 Boat Quay, Level 5 Rooftop, Singapore 049868

What is it? Multi-storey cocktail playground with different concepts on each level and an alfresco rooftop bar on the fourth floor.

Why we love it: Spread across four floors of fun, White Shades flips the script on what a cocktail bar can be. You can easily spend a whole evening here with its Hopping Through The Shades experience ($100 for four drinks). Here’s how: start with Kaku highballs on the first floor, shimmy up to the rooftop for refreshing on-tap cocktails, and then back down to Level 2 for craft cocktails before you retreat into founder Bai Jiawei’s hidden den for bespoke cocktails tailored to your tastebuds. 

Time Out tip: Linger at the rooftop – it's not the highest in town, but it's got quaint views of the charming shophouses around the neighbourhood, plus a solid list of on-tap and wine-based cocktails, draught beers and bar bites.

Address: 25 Boon Tat St, Singapore 069622

What is it? One of Singapore's trendy swim-up bars, elegantly enclosed in a floor-to-ceiling glass pavilion.

Why we love it: When dusk falls, take in the breathtaking views of Singapore's skyline and the Southern Ridges. After all, you're perched on the rooftop terrace of Momentus Hotel Alexandra – a moment made even better when you have one of their crafted cocktails in hand. On top of an extensive drinks list, they offer a choice selection of four signature cocktails. Go with Alexandra's Allure ($25) for a honey and butter-infused bourbon, served with cinnamon smoke for an aromatic experience. You'll also want to try The Verandah Sundown, a pool dining experience that starts from $98 for two diners. It's one to indulge in with delectable bar bites served on a floating tray, from fresh oysters with yuzu granita to buffalo hot wings.

Time Out tip: The bar also runs a special happy hour deal on weekdays (11am to 7pm), with drinks starting from $9.

Address: 323 Alexandra Rd, Level 7, Singapore 159972

What is it? Lantern is an intimate poolside oasis with stunning views of the historic Civic District, the buzzing CBD, and the iconic Marina Bay.

Why we love it: Nestled on the sixth floor of The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, Lantern is the perfect spot to enjoy the balmy breeze while lounging on plush sofas with a drink in hand. At the heart of this elegant bar is a lantern-shaped centrepiece. Here, bartenders craft signature cocktails like the Fullerton Sling, Heritage Negroni, and Mojito Royale, best paired with bar bites such as Sichuan mala sweet potato fries, salted egg fried wings, and grilled lobster quesadilla. 

Time Out tip: For an after-work treat, unwind with The Skive Life, a daily Golden Hour special featuring selected drinks from $10. Don’t miss the monthly Sunday Barbecue by the Pool, held on the last Sunday of each month with a scrumptious all-you-can-eat spread, free-flowing tipples, and Ibiza-style beats.

Address: 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326