Singapore is one of the fastest growing tourist destinations in the world, with nightlife to suit all types of travelers. From party-hard pool bars to relaxed lounges, Singapore is filled with bars that take advantage of the beautiful skyline and moderate climate of the city. While there are hundreds of rooftop bars in Singapore, there are a few that stand apart from their peers as being particularly memorable.
Helipad
Visible from anywhere in the city, the bright yellow “H” emblazoned on Helipad’s rooftop bar is not a real helipad, but is actually a decorative feature made of back-lit seats. Helipad is a trendy rooftop bar next to the Singapore river where patrons are treated to tropical cocktails and a relaxing atmosphere. Seating at Helipad is particularly comfortable, and the bar patio offers an unrestricted view across the river at the downtown skyline. Cocktails at Helipad tend to be on the pricey side, but weekday happy hours from 6PM-9PM feature cheap beer, cheap wine, and a great crowd.
Kinki Rooftop Bar
While its name might suggest something a bit “risque”, Kinki is actually one of the most tourist friendly bars in Singapore. For business travelers using their miles from a KrisFlyer credit card, Kinki has a wide selection of drinks and dishes that won’t break the bank. Housed outside a Japanese restaurant, Kinki melds the various Asian influences in the region into a truly international nightclub. The decor is very Japanese, but menu items include dishes from all over Asia, and cocktails run the gamut from traditional to exotic. Kinki is located in the business district, but crowds are normally manageable until around 1AM when the rooftop bar is totally packed.
Lantern
For guests who want a more relaxing ambiance, The Fullerton Bay Hotel is home to one of the most luxurious yet subdued bars in Singapore. Comfortable seating winds its way around a massive rooftop swimming pool, while bartenders circulate among the tables with fantastic cocktails. Lantern is reminiscent of Milanese clubs in its simple elegance, and it is absolutely worth the price of admission.
Zsofi Tapas Bar
If there is one thing that Singapore has in spades it is good dining options. The Zsofi Tapas Bar is a beautiful split-level rooftop bar a few minutes out of the city center, and its patrons come back weekly for the incredible deals on Tapas. The cocktails and wine offerings are top-notch, but Zsofi sets itself apart from other rooftop bars with a free Tapas dish with every drink. Melt into the cushioned leather chairs as waiters bring dish after dish, and soak in the radiance of the Singapore night while enjoying Mediterranean inspired dishes from a master chef.
Breeze
The subdued decor and dimmed lighting of Breeze add to the romantic atmosphere of this casual rooftop bar in a secluded downtown district. Located astride a 1924 art deco coffeehouse, Breeze attracts a very different crowd than the typical Singapore nightclub. Couples will love the romantic seating, private hot-tubs, and live music, and anyone can appreciate the cheap cocktails and incredible wine selection.
photo credit: Andreas Lehner 2013
