The best rooftop bars in Singapore

The view Relish in a refreshing cocktail while looking over the bay area. Day or night, the view is spectacular, featuring iconic landmarks such as Marina Bay Sands, the ArtScience Museum, and the Singapore Flyer.

The drinks Monti’s signature cocktails are fruity and invigorating, and are all priced at $24. For those who wish to have a taste of the tropics, indulge in the Boozy Swizzle, a Bacardi rum mixed with pineapple and orange. Or take a sip of the Ms Monti, a sophisticated but sweet cocktail with gin and strawberry.

The view By the poolside on level 33 of the Courtyard by Marriott Singapore Novena hotel serves up seriously underrated views away from the towering skyscrapers of the CBD, and closer to the unobstructed views of greener pastures: Macritchie Reservoir and Bukit Timah Hill. And you ought to visit during sunset hour – it is paired with an attractive happy hour program where drinks start from just $10 nett.

The drinks Cocktails (from $20) here are developed with spirit distributor Proof & Company, so you're in pretty good hands.  Take a leap of faith with the spice-forward Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas or the Tijuana Collins. Both feature the clever use of smoky mezcal balanced with vivacious grapefruits and perked up with a touch of spice.

The view Perched on level 39 of Andaz Singapore, Mr Stork has teepee huts hidden amid lush greenery for you and your date to nest in while enjoying panoramic views of the city skyline. Order a drink from the striking bronze pavilion bar and stroll along the cobbled paths that wind around the entire level, giving you a 360-degree city-viewing experience.

The drinks Choose Ruby ($22) – a citrusy concoction of lemon, ginger, fresh mint, vermouth and Ceylon arrack - served in an incredibly Insta-worthy elephant mug. Those who like their drinks fizzy can opt for Rhubarb ($22), a medley of rhubarb puree, strawberry and lemon juice, sparkling wine and a shot of vodka.  

The view Cinematic (read: long and narrow) views of the city and straits waters. Occasionally the reverie is broken by a half-togged infinity pool swimmer sauntering by, but the vibe is otherwise über-cool. 

The drinks A substantial list of mixed tipples. Some, like the Run Like Hell ($27) and I'm So Sexy ($27), are carry-overs from the bar at CUT by Wolfgang Puck, found downstairs. Touches of Asian flavours – guava, Thai basil, calamansi and lychee, for instance – show up in the cocktails, too.

The allure of any rooftop bar is founded on stunning views and standout drinks, and that’s where Verandah Pool Bar & Grill shines. As one of Singapore's trendy swim-up bars, it also comes elegantly enclosed in a floor-to-ceiling glass pavilion. When dusk falls, take in the breathtaking views of Singapore's skyline and the Southern Ridges. After all, you're perched on the rooftop terrace of Momentus Hotel Alexandra – a moment made even better when you have one of their crafted cocktails in hand. 

On top of an extensive drinks list, they offer a choice selection of four signature cocktails. Go with Alexandra's Allure ($25) for a honey and butter-infused bourbon, served with cinnamon smoke for an aromatic experience. You'll also want to try The Verandah Sundown, a pool dining experience that starts from $98 for two diners. It's one to indulge in with delectable bar bites served on a floating tray, from fresh oysters with yuzu granita to buffalo hot wings. The bar also runs a special happy hour deal on weekdays (11am to 7pm), with drinks starting from $9.

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The view Perched 56 storeys high, 1-ATICO is a new rooftop dining destination that brings together three different concepts. For cocktails with a view, swing by Atico Lounge for a bird's eye view of the buzzy city.

The drinks Look forward to a global-inspired menu, with a monthly spotlight on various destinations – from Italy's Negroni ($25) to highballs from Japan ($25). An all-day selection also features the Purple Rain ($25) layered with summer flavours of raspberry liqueur and ocean-tinted Caribbean Blue Curacao. 

The view From the outdoor terrace of this microbrewery perched on the Marina Bay Financial Centre, the Marina Bay, Esplanade and the city's eastern neighbourhoods splay out under its roost. 

The drinks The craft beers brewed in-house go for $11.90 for 300ml before 5pm, then climb to $16.90 a pour after. If you're not sure what to go for, platters of five 100-millilitre samplers of Level33's blond lager, IPA, stout, house porter and wheat beers can be ordered at $26.90. These brews also go into beer cocktails, but if you're avoiding malt altogether, shoot for the house wines or premium vintages.

The view Altro Zafferano’s sky-high location in the middle of the CBD gives it an unrivalled view of Singapore’s cityscape. Soak in the final glow of sunlight of the day during golden hour over a couple of drinks. The Terrace Lounge alfresco space is also fitted with a canopy of blooming tulip umbrellas that not only provide shelter from the elements but are set aglow with pretty hues at night. DJs also take the deck to set the mood on selected nights.

The drinks Meander your way down a truly extensive wine list spanning over 800 new and old-world wines. Though, 70 percent come from Italy in reverence to chef Andrea’s motherland. Feeling adventurous? Try the Vie di Romans Dessimis Pinot Grigio Friuli Isonzo, a trendy skin contact wine that came highly recommended by the charismatic in-house sommelier – all while taking in the views from the Terrace Lounge.

The view Nested on the 70th floor of the Swissotel the Stamford, Skai overlooks the civic district down from the Padang to Marina Bay.

The drinks Look forward to an impressive selection of spirits and wines alongside Vitality cocktails and mocktails, like the refreshing mango martini with turmeric and bitters to reduce inflammation and aid digestion. The Skai Bar menu will keep you satisfied with gourmet bites like spicy hamachi kueh pie tee and aged Kaluga hybrid N25 caviar. 

The view After undergoing a revamp, Kinki trades its funky aesthetic for one that is sleek and chic. Enter the lift, clad in a captivating Kintsugi-inspired wallpaper, and step into the open-air rooftop bar on the third floor, where you can catch a calming vista of the Marina Bay skyline.

The drinks Sip on Asian-influenced tipples ($22). Gin Assam Boi is a homage to the local sugarcane drink, with Kyro gin, Malibu rum, and pineapple juice; while Geisha-rita is a refreshing margarita cocktail made with umeshu and Cointreau. To match the sunset hues, consider the pretty Aurora Polaris ($19) with layers of butterfly pea-infused Kyro gin, lime juice, and grapefruit tonic.

The view Perched up 51 storeys high, Kaarla’s expansive floor-to-ceiling windows envelop you with the surrounding city lights. You’d often find yourself gazing at the panoramic skyline – we know cause we can't help it.

The drinks Possibly the swankiest spot there is in town, the beverage list shines a light on the top 10 best Australian wine regions in addition to their low-alcoholic beverage programme. There are also "garden-to-glass" cocktails crafted from ingredients harvested straight from the world's highest urban farm right outside. Sip on the refreshing tiki-style Coastal Isles ($20) that has a sharp ginger kick balanced with bright citrus notes.

The view It’s clear what this rooftop dining destination is known for; Vue is the French translation of the word ‘view’. From its high floor-to-ceiling windows, enjoy breathtaking views of the Civic District from the 19th floor of OUE Bayfront. The open air space is also home to Singapore’s first rooftop spritz bar. 

The drinks Pair the dramatic views with vibrant spritz cocktails. The Basil Spritz ($20) is a refreshing combination of dry gin, basil, and lemon, or try the special Reiwa Highball ($18) made with umeshu and rum with hints of shiso and mint. Drop by between 5pm and 7pm – prime hours to catch the sunset – and enjoy complimentary servings of canapés with your drinks. 

The view Nestled on the sixth floor of The Fullerton Bay Hotel Singapore, Lantern is an intimate poolside oasis with stunning views of the historic Civic District, the buzzing CBD, and the iconic Marina Bay. Enjoy the balmy breeze while lounging on plush sofas with a drink in hand.

The drinks At the heart of this elegant bar is a lantern-shaped centrepiece. Here, bartenders craft signature cocktails like the Fullerton Sling, Heritage Negroni, and Mojito Royale, best paired with bar bites such as Sichuan mala sweet potato fries, salted egg fried wings, and grilled lobster quesadilla. 

For an after-work treat, unwind with The Skive Life, a daily Golden Hour special featuring selected drinks from $10. Don’t miss the monthly Sunday Barbecue by the Pool, held on the last Sunday of each month with a scrumptious all-you-can-eat spread, free-flowing tipples, and Ibiza-style beats.

The view Skyscraper stacks, the Marina Bay Sands and, if you're at the right spot, those futuristic trees at the Gardens by the Bay. Starchitect Toyo Ito's giant red flower – it channels air in to cool the building – lords over the roof deck, and CapitaGreen's rooftop garden is also accessible to punters.

The drinks A wide variety of boozy beverages are available on the menu. Gin and tonic go for $20 each, highball are $20, and fruity cocktails are at $27. 

The view Nestled in the heart of Boat Quay, Empress Wu boasts a panoramic view of the CBD area. This attic bar is inspired by China’s first and only female monarch Wu Ze Tian, and aims to provide an exclusive experience for its female patrons. The atmosphere here is raucous on most days, with vibrant conversation punctuated by the tunes of regular live bands.

The drinks Have a Ginie in a Teapot ($48 per pot), a floral and light cocktail consisting of gin, elderflower, and English breakfast tea while sampling some Chinese tapas such as their mala thunder fries ($12) or ginger scallion har cheong chicken ($14). Empress Wu has Empress night every Wednesday from 5pm to 10pm, where ladies in groups of four are given a free bottle of prosecco.

The view Panoramic vistas of the sun setting over the Lego-like assembly of skyscrapers the city, the Gardens by the Bay, the east of Singapore and the ships parked on our southern straits. The Sky Deck and Club Lounge at CÉ LA VI at the Sands is the clubby and hipper counterpart to Spago and Flight down the deck. 

The drinks Classic, aperitivo and tropical cocktails ($25). Bottle service notably features large format (1750ml and up) vodka and champagne to water a swinging party.

The view Step into The Scarlet Singapore, and make your way up to the roof where you will be greeted with lush greenery and comfy sofas. Although this cosy outdoor terrace does not reach great heights (it’s only situated four floors up), customers can still enjoy looking over the trendy Erskine Road and charming shophouses.

The drinks Barouv offers a wide array of classic cocktails such as the Singapore Sling, Cosmopolitan, and espresso martinis (from $18). If you prefer to skip the cocktails and have your drinks neat, spirits and shots start at $13.

The view Escape the bustle of the city, and views of the concrete jungle, and trade it for the sea instead. Perched on Mount Faber Peak some 100m above sea level, Dusk provides panoramic views of the water and Sentosa Island – best enjoyed, of course, at dusk.

The drinks They are as dramatic as the views. Like the smoking nitro margarita ($18), or the Nitro-frost caviar martini ($18) topped with fruit caviar for flair and flavour. 

The view Sweeping 360º cityscapes of the Boat Quay end of the Singapore River, top half of the Singapore Flyer, and, at night, radiance of The Fullerton Hotel, Parliament House and Asian Civilisations Museum. 

The drinks Rum-shaken cocktails ($20-$24), zingy vodka cocktails with fruit ($18-$24) and a respectable list of vermouth and bitters ($12-$15) like Campari, Cynar and Aperol. During happy hour – until 8pm on weekdays – bubblies pour from $16 a flute and housepours go from $12 to $16.