Singapore's bar scene is world-class. From award-winning cocktail bars in Tanjong Pagar to atmospheric hotel bars in the CBD, there's a perfect spot for every kind of night. Jigger & Pony is the single best starting point for first-timers.
Best Bars In Singapore Worth Knowing About This Weekend
Whether you're planning a first date, celebrating a promotion, or simply need a well-made cocktail after a brutal week, Singapore's bar scene has never been more exciting. The best bars in Singapore span everything from moody speakeasies tucked behind unmarked doors to breezy rooftop terraces with skyline views that do half the work for you. Knowing where to go — and more importantly, which neighbourhood suits your vibe — makes all the difference between a forgettable Tuesday night and one you'll be talking about on Friday.
Singapore punches well above its weight when it comes to cocktail culture. The city has produced multiple bars that regularly appear on Asia's 50 Best Bars list, and local bartenders are genuinely world-class, blending regional ingredients like pandan, calamansi, and buah keluak into drinks you won't find anywhere else on the planet. If you haven't been keeping up, you're leaving some seriously good nights on the table.
What Makes Singapore's Bar Scene So Good Right Now?
The past few years have seen an explosion of concept-driven bars across the island. Operators are no longer content to just serve drinks — they're building full sensory experiences, complete with original glassware, theatrical presentation, and menus that read more like short stories than drink lists. Neighbourhoods like Tanjong Pagar, Chinatown, and the CBD have become dense pockets of excellent watering holes, meaning you can bar-hop on foot without ever flagging a Grab.
Beyond the cocktail-forward spots, Singapore also does wine bars, sake bars, natural wine dens, and classic hotel bars exceptionally well. The diversity means there's a format for every kind of evening — whether you want to sit at a counter and chat with a bartender who genuinely loves their craft, or slide into a booth with a bottle of something cold and let the night unfold. Prices range from around $18 for a well-made highball to upwards of $35 for a signature cocktail at a top-tier venue, which is competitive for a city of this calibre.
Top Areas To Bar-Hop In Singapore
Tanjong Pagar is arguably the most bar-dense neighbourhood on the island right now. Ann Siang Hill and Club Street are lined with options at every price point, and the walkability makes it ideal for a progressive evening. Start with natural wine somewhere low-key, move into a cocktail bar for the main event, and end up somewhere with a DJ if the night calls for it.
Chinatown and the surrounding streets offer a grittier, more atmospheric experience — think heritage shophouses converted into intimate bars where the lighting is always just right. Over in the CBD and Marina Bay area, you're looking at hotel bars and rooftop venues where the view is part of the package. Orchard Road still holds its own with a handful of long-standing classics, while Dempsey Hill offers a more relaxed, garden-adjacent setting for those who prefer their cocktails without the crowd noise.
A Few Standout Bars To Add To Your List
Manhattan at the Regent Singapore consistently ranks among Asia's best hotel bars, known for its barrel-ageing programme and impeccable service. It's the kind of place where you dress up slightly and order a Negroni that's been resting in oak for weeks — deeply satisfying and worth every dollar of the $28-plus price tag.
Manhattan Bar
📍 1 Cuscaden Road, Regent Singapore, Singapore 249715
⏰ Mon-Sun 5pm-1am
🗺 View on Google Maps
Jigger & Pony on Amoy Street is another essential stop — a perennial Asia's 50 Best Bars fixture that does classic cocktails with precision and personality. The bar team here is among the most knowledgeable in the city, and the menu balances approachability with genuine depth. Expect to spend around $25-32 per cocktail, and absolutely don't skip the bar snacks.
Jigger & Pony
📍 101 Amoy Street, Singapore 069921
⏰ Mon-Sat 5pm-12am
🗺 View on Google Maps
For something more intimate and neighbourhood-y, Tipping Club on Tanjong Pagar Road delivers inventive cocktails in a space that feels personal rather than performative. It's the kind of bar where regulars know the bartenders by name, and the menu changes often enough to reward repeat visits.
Tippling Club
📍 38 Tanjong Pagar Road, Singapore 088461
⏰ Tue-Sat 6pm-late
🗺 View on Google Maps
The Verdict
Singapore's bar scene rewards curiosity. The obvious picks — Manhattan, Jigger & Pony, Tippling Club — are obvious for good reason, and they should absolutely be on your rotation. But the real joy is in wandering through Tanjong Pagar or Chinatown on a Friday evening with no fixed plan and stumbling into something brilliant. If you're only going to one bar this weekend, make it Jigger & Pony: the classics are flawless, the atmosphere is buzzy without being chaotic, and it's the single best introduction to what Singapore's cocktail culture is actually capable of.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best bars in Singapore for a date night?
Manhattan Bar at the Regent Singapore and Jigger & Pony on Amoy Street are both excellent for date nights — great atmosphere, impressive drinks, and enough prestige to make the evening feel special without being stuffy.
Which area in Singapore has the most bars?
Tanjong Pagar, particularly the Ann Siang Hill and Club Street stretch, is currently the most bar-dense neighbourhood in Singapore. Chinatown and the CBD are close runners-up and all three areas are walkable from each other.
How much does a cocktail cost at a good bar in Singapore?
Expect to pay between $18 and $35 for a cocktail at a quality bar in Singapore. Hotel bars and award-winning venues like Manhattan and Jigger & Pony sit at the higher end, while neighbourhood spots often offer better value around the $18-24 range.
Are Singapore bars open late?
Most cocktail bars in Singapore operate until midnight or 1am on weekdays, with some extending to 2am or later on weekends. Clubs and late-night venues in areas like Clarke Quay can go until 3am or beyond on Fridays and Saturdays.
Do I need a reservation at top Singapore bars?
For popular spots like Jigger & Pony and Manhattan, a reservation is strongly recommended, especially on weekends. Walk-ins are sometimes possible at the bar counter, but booking ahead guarantees you a seat and avoids disappointment.
