The most Instagram-worthy bars in Singapore

Opened by the masterminds behind The Compound Collective of Barbary Coast and Deadfall fame, the two-storey bar stars a nine-metre long marble bar countertop. This juxtaposes against a posh backdrop lined with over 400 different spirits (it was made to hold 800). The mid-century modern interiors complemented by deep jewel green and earth-tone furniture exude plush and sophistication, while blots of wallpaper by House of Hackney plaster the walls.

The polished menu showcases 16 signature tipples, each tied to an iconic artwork of its time. Our favourite was the Le Jardin where it's certainly one for the gram’. A concoction of Lake Bartezek Vodka, linden leaf, chlorophyll, peach, lemon, and champagne is artfully presented. Brightly refreshing and subtly sweet, it drinks smooth and easy.

They say curiosity killed the cat, and at Here Kitty Kitty, you're the would-be victim being beckoned into the intimate and eclectic space tucked away from the buzz and bustle of Clarke Quay. This concept by the Zouk Group will keep drawing you in, into its themed nooks and private crannies that call to mind the mysterious and ramshackle alleyways of Tokyo, Shinjuku's infamous Golden Gai.

Seat yourself at the distinctive main bar under falling autumn leaves, or curl yourself away in one of three concept rooms – the plush Cathouse, the sexy Mamasan Lounge, or the classy Shibari room – for a more private powwow. Throw a party if you like, at the private bar and lounge in the back, which alongside the rooms available for booking, can seat up to 75 at a time. There’s definitely endless photo opportunities here.

Touting itself to be the spot that brings people together to relive and celebrate Singapore’s diverse cultural heritage, the nostalgic plates are curated by none other than the Father of Modern Singaporean cuisine, Chef-partner Willin Low. Step into its grungy interiors where a mix of traditional and contemporary elements flood the senses with nostalgia. The overall vibe is vibrant and upbeat but as the lights go dim, the space teases a much more sultry “helter-skelter” mood.

Playful and unpretentious sharing plates take centre stage with addictive smoky Iberico Satays, refreshing barramundi ceviche, fusion mishmash Krapow Prata Pizza, and the lauded signature of the mini Roxy crab laksa. With 15 taps of local craft beers and an extensive cocktail menu, it is safe to say libations are aplenty at The Kongsee.

To get to this secret speakeasy, look out for a mama shop or old-school provision store. The entrance to Mama Diam comes hidden behind a shelf lined with vintage knick-knacks; pull aside rows of magazines and CDs reminiscent of the yesteryears, and step into a retro-inspired drinking hole. The menu is a celebration of familiar flavours: sip on smoked halia ($16), a spiked ginger tea with honey and citrus; Mamarita ($16) made with tequila and kaffir leaf; Sng Mei Potion ($16) mixed with whisky and sour plum; and more.

First impressions matter greatly, and Patina Bar did a standout job. It’s not exactly a hush-hush atmosphere but it’s still intimate – a casual neighbourhood bar where you won’t feel out of place clad in a worn-in tee despite having a curated cocktail lineup.  Step inside and you’ll see that the space effortlessly fuses tropical paradise with vintage chicness. The contemporary cocktail bar paired with an eclectic mix of music and concise cocktail menu makes it all worthwhile.

Perched on level 39 of Andaz Singapore, rooftop bar 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. 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.

What makes a place a good hangout spot? You'll need a good menu of excellent food and drink selections, a decent interior decorator to nail the vibe, and also – it needs to be a place you'll return again and again with friends, or even go solo. And with that, Offtrack is definitely a great hangout spot. We love how the space has a DJ console in the main dining area, and decorated with posters and vinyls lining the walls. It exudes themes of contrast and comfort, with naturally stained plywood panels, steel beams and accents of deep, mustard yellow.

Unlike other centrally-located bars that boast views of the city’s skyline, Aqua Luna’s western location provides a calming view of verdant greenery at The Southern Ridges. Perched on the seventh floor of the Park Hotel Alexandra, pair the view with a selection of cocktails and bar bites. There's also an infinity pool to beat the tropical heat. 

Pass through the two Chinese stone lions that guard the dated Amara Hotel and rock up the stairs to the swanky drinking den that looks nothing like its former digs. The space is split into two sections: the high-energy lower floor with is long bar, half-circle booths and a statement high table fashioned from the same piece that used to greet guests at the front of the old joint and the loungey upper deck with its plush velvet sofas, cosy corners and a private bar that can be utilised for private events. 

Taking over the the former Axis Bar and Lounge, the classy but bold space at the Mandarin Oriental is inspired by the Pacific Ocean and the culture of Asia's ports. Expect curated cocktails with artisan bar snacks, comfy lounge chairs and even afternoon tea with mad views of the Marina Bay skyline. 

Featuring colourful neon signs, eye-catching graffiti walls and old-school arcade machines, Level Up is full of Instagrammable backdrops to strike a pose at. The Chinese neon sign located at the entrance – which translates to ‘Eat, Drink, Play’ – is the crowd-favourite but the bar's restrooms are a photo-worthy surprise. They’re decked out in Archie comics wallpaper, providing an extra pop of colour and quirkiness for your next bathroom mirror selfie.

Just view from this rooftop haunt makes it worth a visit. With the iconic Marina Bay Sands, Esplanade and Padang in the distance, taking that classic Singapore postcard shot is easy. Its interior, specifically the sculptural bar featuring a chandelier-like alcohol showcase, makes a good backdrop too. Apart from that, Insta-worthy cocktails from its Illusion of Flavours menu are also served, like Robbery at the Museum, a unique take on the Singapore Sling using Paper Lantern Gin, sour cherry, local herbs, fermented pineapple and fizzy foam.

Set foot inside this bar and you’ll instantly feel like you’ve been transported to a glorious party from the Art Deco age. Complete with a massive gin tower and intricate gold and bronze furnishings, Atlas oozes grandeur and luxury. Obsessed with this aesthetic? Come by and have cocktails that are as impressive as the decor, such as the earthy Signature Style ($24) and bittersweet grappa-based Lancia Astura ($22).

You'll never find yourself short of backgrounds to play with at Singapore’s first mini-golf bar. Housing 27 themed holes, each paying homage to different pop culture references like E.T. and Pacman, as well as decorations such as an orange golf cart and neon signs that read ‘Who’s your caddy?’, this bar doesn't take itself too seriously, so you shouldn't either. Don't expect craft cocktails here, instead there are boozy milkshakes like the Electric Blue ($21).