The best rooftop bars in Singapore are a hot topic at the moment, each of them offering something different for everyone. Not only are there so many to choose from, but each lofty spot also brings along its own unique features which sets it aside from the rest, all in a bid to be crowned the city's No.1.

Many will point to the highest and probably the most famous of them all, 1-Altitude at Raffles Place. As well as this, we’ve got CE LA VI at the iconic Marina Bay Sands, a microbrewery overlooking the city and plenty more spots with some tantalising food and drinks promotions that’ll keep you coming back for more than just the views. Read on to discover the best rooftop bars in Singapore.

    • Nightlife

    CE LA VI sits at the top of Marina Bay Sands Complex and with its expansive layout and ultra-luxurious fittings, it pretty much sums up the whole complex. This rooftop bar has separate zones including a restaurant, chill-out lounge and a poolside terrace, all of which take advantage of the stunning views from 200 metres above Singapore.

    Entrance is free, but drinks start at around the $S20 mark – not too bad considering entry into the adjacent SkyPark Observation Deck is pricier.

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    Location: Marina Bay Sands North Tower, 1 Bayfront Avenue, Singapore

    Open: Daily from 11 am till late

    Phone: +65 6688 7688

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    It’s not Singapore’s highest rooftop bar, but Lantern at The Fullerton Bay Hotel still delivers some gorgeous views thanks to its close proximity to the Marina Bay. The real highlight here is the unobstructed perspective across the water.

    Call ahead and book their lavish bed-style seating – perfect for couples – and enjoy a cocktail while admiring Singapore by night. With beers starting from $12, cocktails from $20 and free entrance, this is one exclusive Singapore venue that isn’t geared purely towards the city’s high rollers.

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    Location: The Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore

    Open: Daily from 8 am to 2 pm

    Phone: +65 6597 5299

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    No list of the best rooftop bars in Singapore can shy away from 1-Altitude, which, at 63 storeys high, is both the highest place to drink in town as well as one of the swankiest. Over the 3 different levels, you’ll find an alfresco dining area (complete with trees), numerous bars, a sumptuous lounge area and a dance floor that usually fills up late on Friday and Saturday nights.

    There is a cover charge but you do get a free drink, and with a view over the whole of Singapore this good, it’s definitely worth it. Drinks start from around $S16 for beers, wines and spirits.

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    Location: 1 Raffles Place, 63rd floor, Singapore

    Open: Sunday–Thursday from 6 pm to 2 am, Friday–Saturday from 6 am to 4 am

    Phone: +65 6438 0410

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    photo by Kevin Poh (CC BY 2.0) modified

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    LeVel 33 is a rooftop microbrewery and has enjoyed a steady rise to fame as one of the best rooftop bars in Singapore. It’s difficult to decide which is more impressive here; the stunning views across the Marina Bay or the delicious range house-brewed craft beers.

    From pale ales to dark stouts, the selection concentrates more on quality rather than quantity and beer connoisseurs can opt for a generous tasting selection of each beer from the menu. There’s also a fine array of gourmet-style pub grub, such as sweet baby back ribs and sticky chicken wings. It opens early and fills up from 6pm as the nearby offices shut up shop.

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    Location: 8 Marina Boulevard #33-01, Marina Bay Financial Centre

    Open: Daily from 11.30 am to 2 pm

    Phone: +65 6834 3133

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    Loof was the first ‘standalone’ rooftop bar in Singapore and is still going strong today despite the ever-growing competition around town. The views up here can’t be compared to say 1-Altitude, however, there is a much more relaxed and casual atmosphere helped in no small part by their 5pm to 8.30pm happy hour. It’s called Beat the Clock and the concept is simple: from 5pm, house pours and wines are all S$5, and then you pay $1 more each hour. Pints start at S$10 which is also quite a rarity too for Singapore. Oh, and they have beer pong. 

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    Location: 331 North Bridge Road, Singapore

    Open: Daily from 5 pm to 1 am

    Phone: +65 9773 9304

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    Kinki Rooftop Bar

    • Nightlife

    Kinki’s can be summed up as a place that’s ‘Japanese with urban attitude’. The menu is packed full of sushi and sashimi treats giving the cue to Japan, while the urban attitude vibe is created with some funky graffiti tags on the walls, dangling fairy lights and some rather rough and ready seating arrangements.

    One quick look around and you’ll remember where you are though; the luxurious Fullerton Bay is right next door and the glistening CBD skyline makes the perfect backdrop to this excellent rooftop bar. Kinki gets packed on the weekend (and girl’s night every Wednesday) with live bands and DJs performing on a regular basis. Find it on top of Customs House at Collyer Quay, a short walk from Raffles Place MRT.

    Location: 70 Collyer Quay #02-02 Customs House, Singapore

    Open: Daily from midday to late

    Phone: +65 6533 3471

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Ari Gunadi | Compulsive Traveller