Singapore has a gorgeous city skyline and no trip is complete without a drink or two at rooftop bars with a view. Here are four popular bars, from tallest to shortest, with gorgeous views of the city skyline. The views and experiences are really different, so you may want to check out all four of them if time and budget are not constraints.

1-Altitude Gallery Rooftop Bar

This rooftop bar rests 282 metres above sea level, making it the tallest alfresco bar in the world! It has a decidedly more “clubby” atmosphere than the other bars mentioned in this article and if you’re not a regular clubber, the velvet rope/bouncers in black suits concept can be a wee bit intimidating. The cover charge is $30 before 9 p.m. and $35 after 9, which includes one drink. You have to give your drink order to the cashier (trying to think of a polite way to say “door bitch”) and there are only a couple of choices of drinks with the entrance fee. The drinks are very basic and not that great, but you’re really paying for the view.

Pros: The 360-degree view of Singapore! It’s so tall that you’ll feel like you’re closer to the moon than to the skyscrapers below. The railings are pretty low (chest high for a tall guy) so your views are not blocked in any way. That may be a con for those who have a fear of heights but I applaud them for even going up there in the first place! Get there early enough for the sunset because the views will be spectacular.

Cons: Prices are steep but you’re paying for the view. You won’t get a table unless you reserve one ahead of time. Drinks aren’t the best there and they’re not very creative with cocktails. If you’re not a regular club-goer, you might find the atmosphere a bit too much after 10 p.m. (it will be a positive point for those who love clubs!). The thumping club music gets even louder and it’s not exactly a chill-out bar where you can relax and chat with your friends. If it rains, you’ll be moved to the indoor club Altimate on the 61^st floor.

Location: 1 Raffles Place, in the heart of the financial district. Closest train station: Raffles Place

Cé La Vie Skybar at Marina Bay Sands Hotel

Probably the most photographed hotel in Singapore, the Marina Bay Sands look like a futuristic surfboard/spaceship floating across the sky. The “surfboard” part of the hotel is where the awesome infinity pools are at (only for guests though) and where the rooftop bar is located. You may choose to go to the Skypark instead but you will have to pay $23 for a ticket and it doesn’t come with a drink! It’s definitely much more worth it to go to the bar directly.

Pros: No cover charge and no intimidating bouncers in black suits. Just go to the elevators at Tower 3 in the hotel lobby and they will bring you to the rooftop. Even though it’s a fancy hotel and bar, the atmosphere feels very welcoming and relaxing. The cocktails there are pricey ($25++) but they’re creative and delicious. Even my friend who doesn’t like the taste of alcohol was enjoying her drink. At the bar, you can take in the views of the Singapore river and surrounding buildings. But if you walk to the other side of the building, closer to the elevators, you will have an awesome view of Gardens by the Bay.

Cons: It can get pretty crowded and the space isn’t that big. There are tables but they are on a first-come-first-served basis. Some tables are right by the edge so you will have to wait for a chance to take a photo of the view. It’s a weird con, but there’s no view of Marina Bay Sands because you’re obviously in the hotel. The skyline just isn’t complete without this pretty hotel!

Location: Marina Bay Sands Hotel, 10 Bayfront Avenue. Closest train station: Bayfront

LeVel33

Technically not a rooftop bar, but I’m including this craft-brewery for its amazing views, great service and delicious beer! It resides in the penthouse of the Marina Bay Financial Center so you can expect more of an office crowd especially on weekdays. Compared to the other three bars on this list, I felt like LeVel33 had the most chilled-out and relaxed vibe (but I was there on a Sunday night, so take that into consideration!). It’s not a rooftop bar so the indoor section is much larger than the balcony. Do call ahead and make a reservation if you want to sit outside for great views of Marina Bay Sands Hotel and the surrounding area.

Pros: No cover charge and really good happy hour deals before 8 p.m. daily (the most affordable out of this list). Really friendly bartenders and servers who look like they really love their job. Won’t be closed like rooftop bars will be if it rains.

Cons: If you don’t manage to get a table outside, your views will be restricted. It’s located in a less touristy part of Singapore so international travelers might find it harder to find. This is especially true if they go there during the weekend and the financial center is mostly empty!

Location: Marina Bay Financial Center Tower 1 (take the LeVel33 private elevator straight up to the bar!). 8 Marina Boulevard. Closest train station: Downtown

Lantern at Fullerton Bay Hotel

Lantern is the shortest rooftop bar on this list but don’t let that stop you! The space felt larger than the other two bars and we were able to get a table. The atmosphere was classy, quiet and relaxing, and it felt like the type of place you can have a nice chat with friends or business meetings (both were happening when I was there). Another plus is that Fullerton Bay Hotel has a classic and stylish vibe to it. You have to check out the lobby while you’re there!

Pros: Panoramic views of marina bay. Since the hotel is shorter, the views are different but just as pretty. For those who have a fear of heights but would like to take in the skyline of Singapore, this would be a really good option! The bar offers happy hour and on the whole, drinks are cheaper than in Marina Bay Sands and 1-Altitude. They also have appetizers and desserts which are easier to consume when you’re able to get a table!

Cons: The view of Marina Bay Sands is only visible at the restaurant next door. No worries though, you can run over to take a photo and no one will bat an eyelash. At around 8 p.m., 9 p.m. and 10 p.m., there will be a light show at Marina Bay Sands. You’ll have a nice view from this hotel or walking along the river by the side of the hotel.

Location: Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay. Closest train station: Raffles Place

Here are some other highly recommended bars/restaurants with gorgeous views of Singapore:

Me@OUE  – serving Japanese/French/Chinese fusion cuisine.

Smoke & Mirrors – situated in the National Gallery, a historic building.

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