Singapore's skyline was made for rooftop drinking. But if your rooftop rotation starts and ends with Marina Bay Sands and 1-Altitude, it's time for an upgrade. The city's bar scene keeps evolving, and a crop of newer, lesser-known rooftop spots are serving better drinks, smarter vibes, and views that rival the big names — often without the tourist-heavy crowds. Here are five rooftop bars worth adding to your list.
1. Skai Bar — Swissôtel The Stamford, Level 70
Skai has technically been around for a while, but a recent revamp has transformed it into something worth rediscovering. The redesigned space leans into a moody, amber-lit aesthetic with floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the Marina Bay panorama. The cocktail programme now focuses on Southeast Asian botanicals — try the "Garden City," a gin-based serve infused with pandan, calamansi, and butterfly pea flower that shifts colour as you add the tonic. It's theatrical without being gimmicky, and the view from seventy storeys up is genuinely breathtaking.
2. Southbridge — Boat Quay
Perched above the shophouses of Boat Quay, Southbridge offers an open-air terrace with unobstructed views of the Singapore River and the CBD skyline beyond. It's more intimate than the mega-rooftops, seating around forty people, which means the atmosphere stays relaxed even on busy nights. The drinks list is oyster-and-wine-focused, making it an excellent pre-dinner stop. Their rotating natural wine selection is one of the most interesting in the city, and at sixteen dollars a glass for the house pour, it's not going to wreck your wallet either.
3. Lavo — Marina Bay Sands Tower 1, Level 57
Yes, it's technically inside MBS, but Lavo occupies a completely different vibe from the famous rooftop pool deck. This Italian-American restaurant and bar sits on level fifty-seven with its own outdoor terrace, and it draws a much more local crowd. The terrace cocktails lean classic — well-made negronis, spritzes, and a very good espresso martini — and the sunset views facing west over the city are arguably better than the famous infinity pool vista. Come for drinks around six p.m. on a clear evening and thank us later.
4. Mr Stork — Andaz Singapore, Level 39
Mr Stork is a rooftop tepee bar, and yes, that sounds quirky, but it works. The space features a collection of fabric tepees scattered around a wooden deck on the thirty-ninth floor of Andaz Singapore in the Bugis district. You can reserve a tepee for your group, settle in with cocktails, and enjoy panoramic views that stretch from Kampong Glam to the Marina Bay skyline. The drinks menu features a strong tiki influence — the "Stork Club Punch," served in a sharing bowl with rum, passion fruit, and coconut, is a highlight. It's a genuinely fun, slightly offbeat night out.
5. VUE — OUE Bayfront, Level 19
VUE flies under the radar despite sitting right on the waterfront at Collyer Quay. The rooftop terrace wraps around the building, giving you a wide-angle sweep from the Esplanade theatres to the Marina Bay Sands laser show. Cocktails here are polished but not pretentious — the bar team does excellent riffs on classics, and their "Singapore Sling Reimagined" is a far cry from the syrupy tourist version. The crowd skews after-work professionals during the week and date-night couples on weekends, keeping the energy pleasant without veering into club territory.
Tips for Rooftop Bar Hopping
Most rooftop bars in Singapore enforce a smart-casual dress code — leave the flip-flops at home. Reservations are recommended for weekend evenings, especially at smaller spots like Southbridge and Mr Stork. And if you're chasing the sunset, aim to arrive at least thirty minutes before — the golden hour over Singapore's skyline is one of the best free shows in the city.
Got a hidden rooftop gem we missed? Drop us a message on Instagram @hotinsg — we're always hunting for the next great spot.
