Best Rooftop Bars in Singapore with Skyline Views
- Singapore Expats Association
- Jul 7
- 5 min read
There is a moment most expats have at some point in Singapore.
You finish work, the weather is still warm, and someone suggests grabbing a drink. Not just anywhere, but somewhere with a view. You take the elevator up, step out, and suddenly the city looks completely different.
Lights, skyline, the Marina Bay area stretching out in front of you.
It is one of those experiences that never really gets old.
Singapore does rooftop bars well. Not in an over the top way, but in a way that feels intentional. The views are there, of course, but so is the atmosphere. Some places feel relaxed, others more polished, and a few sit somewhere in between.
You do not go just for the drinks. You go for how the place makes you feel for a couple of hours.
The First Time You See Marina Bay from Above
If you ask around, one name comes up almost immediately. CÉ LA VI at Marina Bay Sands.
It is probably the most recognizable rooftop bar in Singapore. And yes, it can be crowded, and yes, drinks are on the expensive side. But the view does most of the talking.
Looking out over Marina Bay, especially in the evening, is hard to match. The skyline feels close, almost within reach. It is the kind of place people bring visitors, but expats still end up going at least once on their own terms.
Not because it is the best in every category, but because it sets the standard.
Something High, But Less Predictable
After that first experience, most people start looking for alternatives. Places that still offer a great view, but feel a bit less obvious.
1-Altitude Coast at The Outpost Hotel in Sentosa is one of those spots. It is slightly removed from the main city skyline, which changes the perspective completely. Instead of looking at buildings, you get a mix of sea views and open sky.
It feels more relaxed. Less pressure to dress up, less of a “big night out” atmosphere.
Another option is LeVeL33 at Marina Bay Financial Centre. This one is interesting because it combines a rooftop setting with a working brewery. You are not just there for cocktails, but also craft beer made on site.
The view still looks over Marina Bay, but from a slightly different angle. A bit quieter, a bit more grounded.
Rooftop Bars That Feel More Social
Not every rooftop bar in Singapore is about the view alone. Some lean more into the social side of things.
Mr Stork at Andaz Singapore is a good example. Instead of a typical open rooftop, it has these teepee style seating areas spread across the space. It feels more private, even when there are people around.
It is the kind of place where conversations last longer than expected.
Then there is Smoke and Mirrors at National Gallery Singapore. The setting is sleek, almost minimal, but the view still delivers. You are looking out over Padang and Marina Bay, with a slightly more artistic vibe compared to other rooftops.
Drinks here are a bit more experimental too, which adds to the experience.
When You Just Want Something Easy
Not every night needs to feel like an occasion.
Sometimes you just want a drink, a decent view, and a place where you can talk without raising your voice.
Lantern at The Fullerton Bay Hotel fits that space quite well. It is not as high as some of the others, but the view of Marina Bay Sands across the water makes up for it. Especially at night, when everything lights up.
Another one is Kinki Rooftop Bar at Customs House. It has a more casual energy. Music, slightly louder crowd, and a mix of people who are there for different reasons.
You can show up without planning too much, which is part of the appeal.
Timing Changes Everything
One thing you learn quickly is that rooftop bars in Singapore feel completely different depending on when you go.
Early evening is calmer. You see the city transition from daylight to night, and it is easier to get a good seat.
Later in the night, the energy shifts. More people, louder music, a bit more movement. Some places handle that well, others feel a bit too packed.
There is no right choice, just different moods.
If you care about the view, go earlier. If you care about the atmosphere, go later.
It Is Not Just About the View
At some point, you stop chasing the “highest” or “best” rooftop bar.
You start choosing based on how you feel that day.
Maybe you want something quiet after work. Maybe you want a place to celebrate. Maybe you just want to sit somewhere above the city and take a break from everything happening at ground level.
Singapore gives you enough options to match those moods.
And that is what makes the rooftop bar scene here work. Not just the skyline, but the variety of experiences built around it.
A Simple Way to Enjoy the City Differently
Living in Singapore can feel fast. Work, commuting, daily routines, everything moves quickly.
Rooftop bars offer a small pause.
You step away from the streets, look at the same city from a different angle, and for a moment, things slow down.
That shift in perspective is what keeps people coming back.
Not every week, not even every month. But often enough to remind yourself why the skyline still feels impressive, even after you have seen it a dozen times.
Where You Will Probably End Up
In reality, you will not visit every rooftop bar on a list.
You will try a few, maybe revisit one or two, and eventually settle on your own favorites. Places that feel comfortable, familiar, and worth returning to.
And every now and then, you will try somewhere new, just to see if it offers something different.
That balance is usually enough.
Because in a city like Singapore, sometimes all you really need is a good view, a drink in hand, and a bit of time to enjoy both.
Need more help and advice, email us today at members@expatassociation.com or join us now at https://www.expatassociation.com/join-us and be part of something meaningful.
Sources:
Singapore Tourism Board Nightlife Guidehttps://www.visitsingapore.com
Time Out Singapore Rooftop Bars Guidehttps://www.timeout.com/singapore
Honeycombers Singapore Best Rooftop Barshttps://thehoneycombers.com/singapore
Marina Bay Sands Dining and SkyPark Informationhttps://www.marinabaysands.com
The Fullerton Hotels Singapore Dininghttps://www.fullertonhotels.com
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