With 24-hour casinos, bars, stores and restaurants, Singapore has enough to keep you nocturnal creatures occupied. Of course we’ll always keep you in the know about the coolest new openings, the cheapest drinks, and hidden bars, but here’s a round-up of our favourite clusters of Singapore nightlife.
Clarke Quay
Anyone you ask about Singapore nightlife will probably direct you to Clarke Quay simply because this tipple town has something for everyone. The five blocks of restored warehouses play host to a dazzling array of restaurants, lounges, live music venues and hip dance clubs. The party here spills over into public areas like Read Bridge and the Central Fountain (also a hotspot for events), which brings a vibrant, festive atmosphere to Clarke Quay.
Boat Quay
Offering an eclectic mix of high-end restaurants, al fresco dining by the river and lively watering holes, the proximity of Boat Quay to Singapore’s Central Business District (CBD) makes it a favourite after work chill-out spot for corporate warriors.
Robertson Quay
The most easygoing of the three quays on the Singapore River, Robertson Quay is one laidback place to live in Singapore. This largely residential estate has evolved over the years into an entertainment enclave filled with restaurants, cafés, bars, art galleries and performing arts houses.
Marina Bay Sands
Singapore’s most iconic landmark and hotel always makes the list when you’re planning a swanky night out on the town. Not only do they have international brand name mega-clubs like Pangaea and Avalon, there’s also more than a peppering of restaurants by renowned celebrity chefs like Wolfgang Puck, Tetsuya Wakuda and Daniel Boulud.
Chinatown and surrounds
Despite the hordes of tourists you see in Chinatown, the neighbourhood is a treasure trove of trendy bars and cool restaurants. If you head to Club Street and Ann Siang Hill after work or during the weekend, chances are you’ll see someone you know, as it’s a popular haunt. It’s closed to traffic on Friday and Saturday evenings (7pm-1am), so fun often spills onto the streets.
Once a well-known red light district in Singapore, the brothels of Keong Saik Road have gradually been replaced with boutique hotels, offices, pubs and restaurants over the years. One of the newest buzzing tenants is Potato Head Folk – it’s the Singapore outpost of the supremely popular Bali and Jakarta bar and restaurants!
Tanjong Pagar
There are a few sleazy KTVs and pubs in this CBD district, but the area is mostly made up of classy bistros, bars and restaurants for date nights or simply a night out with a small group of friends. We especially like Duxton Hill and Tras Street.
Sentosa
If you don’t mind travelling off mainland Singapore, Sentosa has more than a few options for tippleholics. Feeling the salty tang of the sea breeze with your feet in the sand and an ice-cold drink in hand (even after the sun goes down) is probably one of the best things about living in the tropics.
Lead Image: Lantern Bar