Not all bars are made equal—some are erected high above street level, offering you an unparalleled perspective otherwise never seen before. From sky-high venues to cosy low-slung rooftop gems, check out these places for a tipple to go along with the amazing views.
1-V:U
There’s nothing quite like 1-V:U (pronounced “one view”) in Singapore. This rooftop beachfront restaurant and day club perched atop The Outpost Hotel is a unique offering found on sunny Sentosa. At once a vibin open-air bar, pulsing poolside party spot and contemporary Asian restaurant, you can easily make a day of it at this adults-only venue.
1919 Rooftop Bar
Pretty much a hidden gem despite its central location, 1919 Waterboat House’s rooftop bar offers unobstructed views of the Marina Bay, Singapore Flyer and Esplanade, at just three floors above ground. We like that the space is highly intimate; enjoy classic bar bites and sip on refreshing vodka-based cocktails like their signature Merlion Punch.
1927
At the top of So Sofitel Singapore stands 1927, a cocktail bar that has taken over the space formerly occupied by Hi-So Rooftop Pool & Bar. With the revamp, the theme of the bar has completely changed. While more fun and vibrant before, it now leans towards classy and elegant. Expect a blend of modern mixology, local heritage and tropical touches in the drinks.
Artemis Sky Bar
There’s no need to head elsewhere for a drink sesh after dining at Artemis Grill. Right outside at the terrace area resides their rooftop bar, offering that same expansive view as the restaurant. They’re known for their refreshing G&Ts and gin-based cocktails, but don’t let that stop you from having a craft beer or choosing something else—their selection of wines is solid too.
Bar Rouge
It makes perfect sense for Shanghai’s iconic and hyper-glamorous nightclub to take the prime spot on the top of Swissotel The Stamford. Just like its Shanghai home, which offers a breathtaking view of Pudong’s beautiful skyline, Bar Rouge Singapore’s floor-to-ceiling windows does the same with views of the Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay and the CBD. You’ll come for the views, but stay on for the solid drinks and music line-up.
CÉ LA VI Sky Bar & Club Lounge
Complementing the restaurant and bar on the other side of the Marina Bay Sands rooftop is the equally lofty and swanky club area of Ce La Vi. From this vantage, you get to enjoy unobstructed sights of the Singapore cityscape as you party alongside a chi chi crowd.
Kinki
It’s little surprise why this bay-facing rooftop bar is always packed with the edgier after-work crowd from Raffles Place. Take in the ever-amazing views of the Marina Bay waterfront as you sip on Japanese-inspired drinks, chow down on yummy bar bites and jive to live DJ sets.
Lady Wu
The Mad Men is gone, and in its place now stands Lady Wu. Like before, it’s a busy live music spot perfect for afterwork drinks and grub, now with a more oriental vibe. We just love the place for how fuss-free it is, yet delivering where it counts.
Lantern
A rooftop pool bar at the beautiful Fullerton Bay Hotel with some of the best views of Marina Bay, Lantern also has a couple of resident DJs keeping the atmosphere upbeat as you sink into a couch, sip on some Champagne and soak in the sights of Singapore often seen in postcards.
Lavo Singapore
This much-anticipated vibe-dining establishment perched atop shiny Marina Bay Sands is everything you’d expect and more. Serving up Italian-American cuisine and craft cocktails, set against 180 degree views of Singapore’s spectacular skyline, Lavo flaunts a luxurious dining area and panoramic outdoor bar and terrace perfect for sunset and after-dinner drinks. Their brunch parties are some of the best in town too.
Level33
The world’s highest urban microbrewery definitely promises a great view. At Level33, overlook the Marina Bay skyline (cause where else, right?) as you knock back pints of craft beer. They’ve even got their own Hopped Dry Gin, a collab creation between them and Brass Lion Distillery. It’s said to bring out the best parts of beer and spirit, so give this locally-made gin a whirl at this swanky space.
Mr Stork
Thirty-nine floors above ground sits Mr Stork, Andaz Singapore’s rooftop bar. The circular space offers unblocked views of the city; perfect to sit with a signature cocktail in hand, and watch the skies turn pastel-hued. What you’ll love most about the bar are the picturesque tepee-hut seats, designed by famed architect Andre Fu, and the zero cover charge too, of course.
The Other Roof
Right atop boutique hotel Ann Siang House rests this balmy, low-slung rooftop bar perfect for casual get-togethers over well-made drinks. The menu is tea- and craft spirits-forward, so expect something different but accessibly delicious. Did we mention it’s by the same guys behind one of Singapore’s leading cocktail bars The Other Room?
Potato Head Singapore
The multi-concept, four-storey F&B establishment on Keong Saik may have been renamed (from Potato Head Folk) but its concepts remain the same, including the rooftop garden and tiki-style open-air bar. Perfect for post-dinner drinks after a meal at nearby Kok Sen Restaurant. Their drinks menu features unique tiki cocktails such as Pinatubo, a spiced rum with coconut liqueur, pineapple juice, lime juice, and coconut cream syrup.
Smoke & Mirrors
The rooftop of the National Gallery offers an unobstructed view of the Marina Bay area and there’s no better perch than the terraces of cocktail bar Smoke & Mirrors. True to their name, nothing is at it seems with their signature drinks. Yet, whether you like something sweet or stiff, there will always be an item on the menu that will leave you satisfied, spellbound, and utterly curious, all in the best ways possible.
Southbridge
Enjoy sparkly views of the CBD lights with the Singapore River in the foreground at this hidden Boat Quay rooftop joint best known for their oysters paired with Champagne. Access the building from the backdoor in the alleyway facing South Bridge Road, then head on up using the only lift there.
Spago
The best part of drinking and dining at Spago has got to be the fact that the restaurant and bar is situated right next to the famous MBS hotel infinity pool. Bask in the terrace space that allows you to enjoy the view of the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool against the very scenic cityscape.
Urbana
On the 33rd floor of the Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena is this idyllic rooftop bar boasting some of the best unobstructed views in town. Lounge by the poolside outdoors or in air-conditioned comfort indoors as you sip on some of their signature cocktails—like the complex and yummy Granola Courtyardpolitan ($18)—along with some nibbles.
VUE
An exceptionally clear overlook of the Marina Bay skyline is offered at VUE, the restaurant and bar on the penthouse level of OUE Bayfront. Formerly known as ME@OUE, be sure to savour VUE’s signature cocktails such as the refreshing Straits Gimlet and classic American Dream. Opt for a seat at the semi-alfresco spritz bar area so you may sip your beverages while you take in the view.
