Happy Hour Guides

Happy hour in Singapore: how it works

Happy hour in Singapore is a set time when bars sell some drinks for less. Most deals run from late afternoon into the early evening, when office workers finish for the day. Some bars also run a second deal late at night. Alcohol taxes are high, so a normal drink can cost a lot. A good deal can make a big difference to your bill. The legal drinking age is 18, and bars may ask for photo ID.

Common happy hour deals

• 1-for-1. You get two of the same drink for the price of one. Some bars serve both at once, others one after the other.
• House pours. House wine, house spirits and draught beer at a lower set price. Premium brands are usually not included.
• Set-price cocktails. A short list of cocktails at one lower price.
• Cheaper bar snacks. Some bars also cut prices on small plates, such as fries or chicken wings.

Where to find the best deals

Office districts

Bars near the CBD (Central Business District) compete hard for the after-work crowd. Try the shophouse streets around Amoy Street, Telok Ayer and Tanjong Pagar. A shophouse is a narrow old terrace building with a shop below. See Tanjong Pagar & Keong Saik for the area.

Along the river

Boat Quay and Clarke Quay have many bars side by side. Walk along and compare the deal boards before you sit down.

Rooftop bars

Some rooftop bars offer early-evening deals before the main crowd arrives. That is also the best time for sunset views. Read Best Rooftop Bars in Singapore With a View and the Rooftop Bars topic.

Restaurants near the bars

Drinking is easier on the body with food. These places sit close to the main bar areas:

• Lucha Loco: Mexican food in Chinatown and Tanjong Pagar.
• Super Loco Customs House: Mexican food in the Marina Bay and CBD area.
• Fu Lin Bar & Kitchen: modern Asian food in the Marina Bay and CBD area.

Hawker centres

Hawker centres are large food courts with many small, cheap stalls. Their drinks stalls sell bottled beer for much less than a bar, with no need to wait for a deal. Pair a drink with dinner at Makansutra Gluttons Bay, a hawker spot by Marina Bay.

Tips to get the most from happy hour

• Check the time window. Deals start and end at set times, and they change often. Check the bar's website or social media on the day.
• Read the fine print. Deals often cover only house pours or a short drinks list. Some apply only at the bar counter.
• Look for "++". A service charge and GST, the goods and services tax, are usually added to the deal price.
• Know rough costs. A happy hour drink often costs around S$10 to S$18. The same drink can cost S$20 or more at full price. Prices change, so check the menu.
• Order only what you want. A 1-for-1 deal is good value only if you planned to have two drinks anyway.
• Plan the rest of your night. After an early drink, catch the free shows in Free Light Shows in Singapore: Spectra & Garden Rhapsody.

Drink responsibly

Cheap drinks are no reason to drink more than you planned. The heat makes alcohol hit harder, so drink water between rounds. Drinking in public places is not allowed late at night, and some areas have stricter rules. Never drink and drive. Read Etiquette & Local Laws before your trip.

FAQs about happy hour in Singapore

What time is happy hour in Singapore?

Most deals run from late afternoon into the early evening. Some bars add a late-night deal. Times vary, so check with each bar.

What does 1-for-1 mean?

It means you get two drinks for the price of one. It usually covers only set drinks, such as house pours.

Is there happy hour at weekends?

Many bars run happy hour every day, but some only on weekdays. Check before you go.

Where is the cheapest place to have a drink in Singapore?

Hawker centres and kopitiams, the local coffee shops, sell bottled beer for much less than bars. In bars, happy hour is the cheapest time.

What is the drinking age in Singapore?

It is 18. Carry photo ID, as bars may ask for it.