The Ultimate Nightlife Guide to Singapore

Atlas is a word-famous specialty gin bar located in the grand lobby of the Parkview Square Building. Boasting more than 1,000 different gin labels, Atlas is making waves in the nightlife industry with its unrivalled gin collection and jaw-dropping opulence. Featuring a 15-metre-high ceiling and a three-storey gin tower, this is a bar that loves to make a statement. Realtors estimate Atlas’ monthly rental to rack up a whopping US$52,700. In addition to this, the bar has been featured in Time’s inaugural 2018 World’s Greatest Places list, and ranked number four in Asia’s 50 Best Bars 2018. Yes, this is where you can rub shoulders with real-life Crazy Rich Asians.

Hidden within an inconspicuous basement in the Dhoby Ghaut vicinity, a trip to HopHeads is like a debaucherous college house party. This hectic underground bar is filled with Singapore’s energetic youths challenging each other to friendly games of foosball, darts and beer pong. Recommended dishes include Chilli Crab Pasta (S$17.90) and Sambal Chicken Pizza (S$19.90). Grab some beer towers and let the good times roll!

Perched atop Marina Bay Financial Centre Tower One, LeVeL33 is the world’s highest urban microbrewery. As its name implies, the 33rd-floor penthouse microbrewery boasts panoramic views of Singapore’s gorgeous skyline – an ideal spot to unwind after a long day of work or sightseeing. Order a Beer Tasting Paddle (S$23.33) and sample LeVeL33’s signature beers, namely 33.15 India Pale Ale, 33.3 Stout and 33.9 Wheat Beer. All these fresh craft beers – served unfiltered and unpasteurised – are brewed on-site. An absolute must-visit for craft beer lovers!

Located on the second floor of Regent Singapore, the 1920s-inspired Manhattan Bar is a dream come true for cocktail connoisseurs. The swanky hotel bar has been awarded the title of Asia’s Best Bar for the past two consecutive years. Look forward to handcrafted alcoholic concoctions made from the world’s first in-hotel rickhouse, all made with exquisite homemade ingredients. You will not go wrong with their signature creations, the New York Sour (S$25++) and Manhattan (S$25++).

Located in a conservation shop-house in Tanjong Pagar, Tippling Club is a popular destination amongst epicureans. This cosy cocktail bar has gone from strength to strength since its inauguration in 2009, and clearly shows no signs of stopping. Today Tippling Club holds the honorable title of Asia’s 7th Best Bar. It is also the rightful creator of the world’s first edible cocktail menu. The Dreams & Desires menu features 12 different flavoured (alcoholic) gummy bears. Sample all the squishy gummies before deciding on your preferred cocktails (S$24++ each). Best-selling cocktails here include ‘Happiness’ and ‘Beauty’.

1-Altitude Rooftop Gallery & Bar is the tallest al fresco rooftop bar in the world. Standing at 282 metres above sea level, the nightlife establishment is frequented by A-listers from all over the world. Check the weather forecast before visiting, because the rooftop bar-slash-club closes under unfavourable weather conditions. Expect to pay a cover charge of S$35 per person (inclusive of two drinks) between 6:00pm to 9:00pm, and S$45 per pax (inclusive of two drinks) for admission into 1-Altitude after 9:00pm. The stunning views from above will make the hefty entrance fees worthwhile. Take note that a smart casual dress code applies and the use of tripods is forbidden.

Open till 6:00am on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, Bang Bang at Pan Pacific Hotel Singapore is where you can party till the sun comes up. The wildly successful nightclub spans 5,000 square feet and is renowned for its over-the-top parties. Think epic laser shows, diamond bar cages and VIP bottle services. Ka-ching. Despite its roaring success, Bang Bang has made a bold move of being the first nightclub in Singapore to eliminate all cover charges in January 2018. Kudos to Bang Bang!

CÉ LA VI is one of the most highly sought-after nightlife destinations in Asia; the nightclub is ranked #67 on DJ Mag’s 2018 Top 100 Clubs in the world. Resting on the observation deck of the iconic Marina Bay Sands skyscraper, this is where you can enjoy a spellbindingly beautiful view of Singapore’s ever-changing cityscape. Here is an insider tip for the ladies: Enjoy free entrance to CÉ LA VI and one complimentary premium pour on Wednesday nights (after 10:00pm till late).

Commas might be one of Singapore’s newer clubs, but it faces no shortage of partygoers. Situated in the sky garden of Suntec City, the club is open on Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays – and each day sees a distinctly different crowd. University students get to enjoy free entrance on Wednesday nights by simply flashing their student identification cards. And that’s not all! Other awesome Wednesday-only promotions include one-for-one bottles and glasses. On Fridays, Commas is popular with nearby office workers nights.Come Saturday night, the intimate club’s crowd evolves into a high-profile mix of nightlife tastemakers, affluent business travellers and regional socialites.

The turnover rate of nightlife establishments in Singapore is extremely high, but 27-year-old Zouk Singapore evidently remains unfazed by its rising competitors. In fact, Zouk was recently ranked as the World’s 3rd Best Club in DJ Mag’s 2018 Top 100 Clubs – and this impressive award is merely one of Zouk’s many accolades. Zouk has played host to hundreds of internationally acclaimed artistes such as Armin van Buuren, Hardwell, and late DJ Avicii. Having said that, partygoers can also anticipate spectacular performances by local Singaporean DJs.

Globetrotting high-flyers and F1 enthusiasts are known to fly in to Singapore over a weekend just to catch the annual Singapore Grand Prix. Held at Marina Bay Street Circuit, the ticketed three-day sporting event is frankly more than just speeding cars but is an entertainment night unto itself. This year, the F1 Singapore entertainment line up includes big shots such as The Killers, Dua Lipa and Mandopop king Jay Chou.

For one weekend only, you can experience Singapore’s heritage buildings like never before. The yearly art event itself has attracted more than half a million attendees – a steady 800% growth since its inception in 2008. What you can expect: Whimsical light installations and marvellous local musical performances in the Bras Basah.Bugis precinct till midnight. Admission is free for all light exhibitions.

St. Jerome’s Laneway Festival is a paradise for hipsters with a penchant for subculture music, and this year marks its eighth edition in Singapore. The indie music festival, which takes plane in January, featured a total of 23 acts in its 2018 iteration. The lineup includes a brilliant mix of local, regional and international talent, including Wolf Alice, The War On Drugs and several up-and-coming homegrown bands.

Having made its debut in 2015, Ultra Singapore has attracted over 40,000 electronic dance music fans each year. The two-day EDM festival is held at Ultra Park, an outdoor venue just a stone’s throw away from the Marina Bay Sands hotel. There are three stages at Ultra Singapore: The Main Stage, the Live Stage, and the Resistance Stage. Afrojack, Kygo and Steve Angello are just a few of the stellar DJs that have spun at Ultra Singapore.

ZoukOut is taking place at Siloso Beach, Sentosa this year on December for its 18th anniversary. The dusk-to-dawn music festival is one of Asia’s longest running dance music festivals, and this year’s exciting lineup includes Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike, Galantis and W&W. Early bird ticket prices start from S$98 per person. Bear in mind that a no re-entry policy applies after 10:00pm for all ticket holders (except VIP).