The best nightclubs in Singapore

Singapore’s longest-running, icon of a nightclub first opened its doors to revellers back in 1991, famously championing and propelling the dance music movement throughout Asia. Loved by generations, it continues to stand the test of time and stay ahead of trends. Zouk has evolved from funky upstart to an institution attracting some of the biggest names in dance music including Avicii, Paul Oakenfold, Hardwell and The Chemical Brothers. Anyone who’s anyone on the Southeast Asian clubbing circuit has passed through its doors, so if that doesn’t include you... then what are you waiting for?

Housed in a dingy space that’s set with laser lights and a cage behind which the likes of Eric Duncan, Kaiser Souzai and Mat.Joe have spun, Headquarters by The Council plays host to its signature parties from Wednesdays to Sundays. Get your booze fix in the standing bar tucked in one corner of the venue while grooving to all manner of techno, house and disco, whether from guest DJs or residents Julien Brochard, KFC, Yadin and Eileen Chan (Cats on Crack) – who also happens to be one half of The Council.

Headquarters by The Council beefed up with a second room back in 2017, opening up the loft above its infamous cage to cater for a more chilled out vibe and greater range of house, techno and disco. When you've had quite enough of raving under the signature blood-red laser lights at Headquarters, head to Upstairs for mellower tunes, fresh air and sweeping views of the CBD from the cosy balcony. 

Cé La Vi is one of the top (geddit?) ones – and its climb to the 67th spot in the DJMag’s Top 100 Clubs of 2018 list is a testament to that. Boasting 360-degree views over the lion city, Cé La Vi is a hot spot to be seen. If you want to fit in with its A-list frequenters then be sure to dress the part. The club is known for throwing some incredible parties DJ’d by local and international names including Armin van Buuren, Fedde le Grand, Bob Sinclar, Roger Sanchez and Jazzy Jeff. Music genres range from nu disco to house, and dance hip-hop to afro-Latin.

A cool kid's cave, Cherry Discotheque is the epitome of underground parties. It first opened doors in 2016 beneath York Hotel before relocating to Cecil Street. Nonetheless, the only-opened-on-Fridays-and-Saturdays club continues to promise a wild and fun night every time. Flex your streetwear drip and get wavy with the sleek spins of new and old-school hip-hop.

Go from dining to dancing the night away at this swanky New York vibe-dining concept. Roped in by Tao Group – the party masterminds behind the hangouts of A-list celebs like New York, Las Vegas and Sydney's Marquee – Lavo is an Italian restaurant, rooftop bar and swish party venue all under one roof at Marina Bay Sands. Did we mention that Jamie Foxx and Jermaine Dupri have helmed the decks here?

The iconic nightclub from The Bund in Shanghai has ventured over to Singapore shores, opening on the 71st floor of Swissôtel The Stamford. Designed by Shanghai-based NAÇO, one of the club’s most striking features is a jaw-dropping cloud-shaped art installation hanging above the centre bar – it’s also a handy meeting spot when you lose your pals. Each month, Bar Rouge hosts exciting themed nights including entertainment from aerial dancers and hotshot DJ’s. If the VIP treatment sounds like your kind of thing, there’s a VIP Mezzanine on the 72nd floor with room for 50 guests.

A sophisticated nightspot for the working professional crowd to unwind after a long week in the office, this sky lounge sits 45 floors above the CBD, right next to Raffles Place MRT, also making it perfect to catch the sunset as the surrounding buildings illuminate the city. There are happy hour deals from Monday to Saturday, and every Friday and Saturday night from 10pm, there's a dual late-night party series featuring top local DJs spinning chart hits to hip-hop and electro. PS: the bar also stocks huge sized champagne bottles for thirsty clubbers to refuel on.

Did you know that one of the worlds’ best beach clubs lies on sunny Sentosa? Lucky, lucky us! Besides serving refined plates inspired by coastal cuisines from around the world and innovative cocktails, the beach club also hosts epic Barefoot Tiki Nights and Smack My Beach Up raves where local and international guest DJs are invited to helm the decks for an Ibiza-esque shindig. Boogie down on the sandy dancefloor to a mix of sunshine soul, Balearic house, beach boogie and horizontal disco. Of course, beachwear is recommended.

Nightlife institution The Council knows just how to turn mundane spaces into epic rave fests. Cheekily named Tuff Club (we're assuming it's a homage to the good ol' days of primary school's TAF club), the pop-up nightclub is held twice every week. Follow its website and socials to get first dibs on its next rager that's bound to get you working up a sweat with its unmissable line-up of upbeat bangers.

This cashless club allows party-goers to enter for free. The venue hosts DJs and party playlists consisting of a plethora of genres from hip-hop to chill lounge, as well as electronic party bootlegs and anthems. Download the Get Juiced app and enjoy special deals such as drinks from $5 without having to queue.  

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Welcome the weekend with a memorable nocturnal carnival experience at this nightlife superstar. Priding itself as the biggest nightclub in the city, the indoor adult playground stretches over 2,300-square-metres across three floors with sky-high ceilings that tower up to 30 metres, and features a giant indoor Ferris wheel that offers revellers an unparalleled view of the nightclub. Beyond highly talented resident spinners, heavyweight entertainers and DJs from the dance music spectrum are also invited to helm its state-of-the-art Funktion One DJ console.

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Named after a fictional owner, Lulu's is the darling of Singapore’s impeccably dressed it-crowd, seducing them night after night with her sexy yet quirky interiors on Raffles Boulevard. Open from 9pm ‘til dawn, expect an animated nightlife experience whether you’re throwing shapes on the dance floor or knocking back cocktails on the outdoor terrace with new friends. Entertainment ranges from drag shows to burlesque dancers – if you fancy a bit of nipple with your tipple – to live jazz and acoustic sets under starlight.

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As its name suggests, D'Underground is located at in the basement of the International Building at Orchard Road. Acting as both a bar and a nightclub, the low-key space hosts live band performances, DJ sets, and even drinking games to keep the night young. Stay 'till midnight when the party kicks in with surround-sound club bangers, stunning lighting effects, and light bites to keep you party animals energised throughout the night.