Free
1 to 2 hours
Boat Quay
A riverside row of restored shophouses with restaurants and bars, a short walk from Raffles Place and Marina Bay.
Marina Bay & CBD Evening
Photo: DINS-COM, CC BY-SA 4.0, cropped
Things To Do
Singapore Nightlife Guide
River cruises, rooftop bars and the city after dark.
This Singapore nightlife guide lists the best places to spend an evening, from river cruises and light shows to riverside dining streets and bar areas. Each listing shows its area, so you can plan dinner and a night out close together.
The legal drinking age in Singapore is 18. Please drink responsibly and plan your ride home.
Showing 1–7 of 7 experiences
Per page
Free1 to 2 hoursCHIJMES
A restored former convent with a Gothic-style chapel and quiet courtyards, now home to restaurants, bars and event spaces.
City Hall & Clarke Quay Late afternoon into the evening
- Free1 to 3 hours
Clarke Quay
A riverside area of restored warehouses with restaurants, bars, river cruises and easy walks along the Singapore River.
City Hall & Clarke Quay Late afternoon into the evening
Free2 to 3 hoursDempsey Hill
Former army barracks across from the Botanic Gardens, now home to restaurants, cafés, bars and shops set among the trees.
Dempsey, Tanglin & Holland Late afternoon into the evening
Free1.5 hoursMarina Bay Night Walk
Waterfront promenade, Helix Bridge and a free light-and-water show.
Marina Bay & CBD From 7:30pm
40 minutesSingapore River Cruise
A bumboat ride past Boat Quay, Merlion Park and Marina Bay.
City Hall & Clarke Quay After dark
About 1 hour, including arrivalWings of Time
An evening show on Siloso Beach that uses water screens, lights, fire effects and music to tell a story by the sea.
Sentosa After dark
Singapore nightlife guide: what to expect
This Singapore nightlife guide covers much more than bars. Evenings are cooler than the day, so locals and visitors head out after sunset. You can watch a free light show, take a boat along the river or eat at a hawker centre. The city is generally safe at night, and the main areas are easy to reach. The legal drinking age is 18, and venues may ask for photo ID.
Where to go at night
Clarke Quay and Boat Quay
Clarke Quay is one of the best-known nightlife areas. Its old riverside warehouses now hold restaurants, bars and clubs. A short walk downriver, Boat Quay is a row of shophouses with outdoor tables. They face the office towers of the CBD (Central Business District). Both areas are good places to start an evening by the water.
CHIJMES
CHIJMES is a former convent near City Hall. Its courtyards and old buildings now house restaurants and bars. The old chapel is used for weddings and events, so please treat it with respect.
Dempsey Hill
Dempsey Hill is a former British army barracks set among trees. It has restaurants, cafés and wine shops in old colonial blocks. It suits a relaxed dinner more than a late night. Most visitors arrive by taxi or bus.
Shows, cruises and night sights
Some of the best evenings cost little or nothing. Our Marina Bay Night Walk takes in the free light and water shows around the bay. Free Light Shows in Singapore: Spectra & Garden Rhapsody explains how to see both in one evening.
A Singapore River Cruise after dark shows the lit-up skyline from the water. On Sentosa, Wings of Time is a ticketed night show by the sea, with water, light and fire effects. The Night Safari lets you see animals that are active after dark. Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay often has free music by the waterfront.
Rooftop bars and late-night food
Rooftop bars are popular for sunset views over Marina Bay. See Best Rooftop Bars in Singapore With a View for ideas. Many have a smart casual dress code, so read Rooftop Bar Dress Code in Singapore: What to Wear before you go. Drinks in Singapore cost more than in many cities because of high alcohol taxes. Prices change, so check menus first.
Supper is the local word for a late-night meal, and it is a big part of Singapore nights. Many hawker centres and coffee shops stay open into the evening. Some areas have stalls that serve food very late. See Best Hawker Centres in Singapore for Tourists to choose one near your hotel.
Getting home and staying safe
- Plan your ride. The MRT does not run all night, so check last train times. Taxis and ride-hailing apps are easy to find in the main areas.
- Drink responsibly. The legal drinking age is 18. Drinking in public places is restricted late at night, so finish your drinks inside licensed venues.
- Know the rules. Singapore has strict laws on drugs and public behaviour. Read our Etiquette & Local Laws topic before your trip.
- Dress for the venue. Some bars and clubs do not allow shorts or flip-flops.
- Watch your belongings. Crime is low, but busy areas still call for care.
FAQs about Singapore nightlife
What is the legal drinking age in Singapore?
It is 18. Bars and clubs may ask for photo ID, so carry a valid document with your date of birth.
Where is the best nightlife in Singapore?
Clarke Quay and Boat Quay along the river are the best-known areas. CHIJMES and Dempsey Hill suit a quieter evening with dinner.
Can I drink alcohol in public in Singapore?
Drinking in public places is not allowed late at night, and some areas have stricter rules. Licensed bars and restaurants are the simplest choice.
What can I do at night in Singapore without drinking?
Watch the free light shows at Marina Bay, take a river cruise or visit the Night Safari. You can also eat supper at a hawker centre or catch a show at Esplanade.
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