A drink with a view: 9 Singapore rooftop bars

Blending ultra-modern buildings and heritage architecture – often in the same view – the sweeping vistas of Singapore’s rooftop bars never disappoint. Best savoured with a drink in hand, here’s our pick from one of the Lion City’s most hotly contested categories.

Cé La Vi

Cé La Vi offers a dynamic nightlife experience with dazzling views of Singapore. Perched on the 57th floor of the Marina Bay Sands, the venue forms part of the boat-like structure that sits across the hotel’s three towers. Dress glamorously and arrive before sunset or after dinner to look over the world’s largest rooftop infinity pool – memorably featured in the 2018 blockbuster Crazy Rich Asians – and relish the skyline. The three-in-one concept includes a rooftop bar, restaurant and club lounge, complete with DJ-mixed beats every night.

LeVeL33

The wrap-around balcony at LeVeL33 affords an unrivalled 180-degree panoramic view of the city. It stretches from the National Gallery on the right, the curvaceous Benjamin Shears Bridge in the middle, the towering Marina Bay Sands on the left and the gleaming Super Trees Grove beyond. This is the world’s highest urban microbrewery in Singapore, where craft beer is brewed onsite and served fresh alongside a full dinner and bar menu. The Beer Tasting Padel is a great place to start, with 100ml pours of five craft brews – perfect to soak in the views. 

Mr. Stork

Arrive just before sunset at this lush rooftop circular garden bar on the 39th floor of the Andaz Singapore. Your seating options at Mr. Stork range from a private teepee designed by André Fu (made to look like stork baby carriers, hence the name) to a table overlooking the Central Business District. As the light changes, the city illuminates right under your eyes. At the bar, indulge in the wine list or bestseller Aliya – a tiki-style fruity cocktail made with Ceylon Arrack, spiced pear and coconut – or, simply, a glass of champagne.  

Lantern 

Located on the eighth floor of The Fullerton Hotel Singapore, this stylish terrace bar captures Marina Bay views up close and personal. When timed well, this is a great lounge from which you can catch the Marina Bay light show. The Lantern is also known for its alternative slings and mojitos. Consider the Fullerton Sling, which reimagines the iconic Singapore drink with Mandarin orange liqueur and calamansi juice, or opt for a classic mojito. 

Smoke and Mirrors

From its enviable location on the rooftop of The National Gallery, Smoke and Mirrors overlooks Singapore’s past and present. The 19th-century Victoria Concert Hall’s dome rises as a reminder of the city’s history, while the shiny spiked dome of the nearby Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay heralds the new. The outdoor terrace tables are hard to come by, but the covered seating offers a vantage point to watch the sights as the bartenders mix up art-inspired cocktails. Our choice: Peeling Good, a zesty, vibrant and layered tipple with citrus, Martell Noblige cognac and Campari. 

Las Palmas

At Las Palmas , swap harbour views for far-reaching vistas of Singapore’s suburbia, which extend all the way to the skyline of neighbouring city Johor Bahru. This outdoor rooftop bar sits on the 33rd floor of Courtyard Singapore Novena and channels a 1960s retro Californian vibe. Look out for Emma Maxwell’s desert oasis design touches, such as sorbet-toned outdoor furniture, tropical furnishings and Slim Aarons-style artwork. The drinks are just as funky: the Nifty Fifties combines shochu, cachaca, tea and pink dragon fruit. 

1939 Singapore

Tropical bar 1939 Singapore , formerly Potato Head Singapore, occupies the low-slung rooftop of a storied Art Deco building that stands at the buzzing Keong Saik Road and Teck Lim Road intersection. Once home to the iconic Tong Ah Eating House, the building is now a four-storey dining complex. On your way up to the al fresco rooftop bar, you’ll pass by hand-painted murals and whimsical decor by Australian artist David Bromley. Sip your tropically inspired cocktail and nibble on bar bites such as har cheong gai or prawn paste chicken as you feast your eyes on Singapore’s historic shophouses and their unglazed clay tile roofs.

Skai

Even on rainy days, the floor-to-ceiling windows of bar and grill Skai , Singapore’s highest restaurant, offer a perfect vantage point to take in a great view. Located on the 70th floor of the Swissôtel The Stamford in the heart of the city, the bar boasts incredible sights of Marina Bay and the wider city, complemented by a well-curated menu that includes indulgent cheese platters, N25 caviar and tapas delights. Enhance your experience with a glass of Billecart-Salmon, Brut Réserve champagne or a refreshing mango martini.

Baia

The spike-domed Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay buildings, affectionately known as The Durian, are an iconic fixture on the Singapore skyline. On its crescent Roof Terrace sits a new bacchanalian bar Baia , named after the sunken ancient Roman city. The sprawling space opens to bracing views of Marina Bay and the Merlion, and seating is split between a pillared loggia and muralled indoor dining. The drinks, crafted by bar consultancy Proof and Company, range from aperitivos to spirit-centred pours. Our favourite is the Sunken City, a savoury combination of gin, Tio Pepe sherry, pear and tomato relish.