Cassandra NervaPicture this: It’s 2022 past 10.30pm, and you’re walking down the streets of Singapore. What was once a quiet area with few pedestrians and cars just a few months ago is now back to a place for nightlife in Singapore as we know it: streets and walkways abuzz with merry chatter, and crowds gathered in bars and restaurants celebrating the end of a tiring day.
If you’re wondering where these spots are to experience a party in Singapore, we’ve got you covered!
1. Clarke Quay
Image credit: Tamal Mukhopadhyay
The most quintessential place where one would experience nightlife in Singapore, Clarke Quay features a labyrinth of streets filled with bars and restaurants for every budget. Choose from a happy hour deal at Little Saigon, Wings, or Chupitos Shots Bar, or head to the area’s Singapore nightclub like Capital Zouk or Yang Club for a more lavish evening experience!
Alternatively, spend your time here as a local would by bringing your own bottle and sitting by the Singapore River waterfront to get a panoramic view of the shimmering lights, river, and passers-by that fill the area.
2. Boat Quay
Image credit: John
Walk further down the Singapore River past Elgin Bridge, and you’ll come across another popular spot in Singapore that comes alive at night: Boat Quay.
You’ve got a variety of restaurants here to choose from, with cuisines ranging from Spanish to Japanese. Our tip: Come here before the evening peak hour to ensure you can get a table next to the river.
3. Holland Village
Image credit: Visit Singapore Official Website
A personal favourite of ours, Holland Village is perhaps one of the most bustling Singapore nightlife spots for locals.
Lorong Mambong and Lorong Liput — the main roads in the area — will close to cars from 6.30pm onwards, making way for eateries to set up tables along pavements and pedestrians to walk by freely.
When you’re here, look out for signs displaying happy hour prices and take note of until what time these are available. Also, we recommend arriving with an empty stomach as you’ll find some of the best Mexican and Japanese food in Singapore here.
4. Cuppage Terrace
Image credit: Roots Singapore Official Website
If you’re looking for an Instagram-worthy Singapore nightlife experience, head to Cuppage Terrace. This area is home to 17 Peranakan-style terrace shophouses built in 1905, and became a gazetted conservation area in 1989.
Cuppage Terrace is just a five-minute walk from Somerset (aka one of Singapore’s best shopping areas), and is where you can find a string of bars offering happy hour deals; our favourites are Five Tapas Bar (where drinks are S$5++), Wine Connection, and The Curry Culture.
5. Far East Square
Image credit: Beer Factory Singapore Official Facebook Page
Do you want an affordable deal, and you’re already exploring Singapore’s CBD? Luckily, Far East Square has got you covered!
This heritage conservation spot in the heart of Telok Ayer offers one of the cheapest beer towers in Singapore at just S$40++. Whether you’re at Cocotto, Beer Factory, or Kanpai 2.0, your nightlife in Singapore experience wouldn’t be complete without an order of truffle fries or spam fries on the side of your beer tower; truly a local’s favourite combination!
6. Telok Ayer
Image credit: Moonstone Official Facebook Page
Since you’re already in Telok Ayer, why not check out the many other bars around the area, too? Exploring these will take you to both the popular and hidden watering holes along Keong Saik Road, Club Street, Ann Siang Road, and Amoy Street, and will beckon multiple visits to uncover everything that the area has to offer!
7. Tanjong Pagar
Image credit: Nicolas Lannuzel
Say you’re craving authentic Korean cuisine like BBQ, army stew, and fried chicken, and want to top it all off with a round of somaek, or soju and beer. Yes, we’re talking about the area where Korean food and nightlife in Singapore come together in one: Tanjong Pagar!
This 900-metre-long “Little Korea” road bustles with two parallel rows of shophouse restaurants for you to choose from, meaning that you’ll definitely leave here nothing short of satisfied.
Also read: 10 Korean BBQ Buffets in Singapore: The Ultimate Restaurant List
8. Punggol Settlement
Image credit: Izakaya 95 Official Facebook Page
At the tip of Punggol — one of the most picturesque neighbourhoods in Singapore — you’ll find Punggol Settlement. This two-storey establishment features restaurants and bars ranging from Thai mookata, or Thai BBQ, to Italian and Chinese restaurants, and is popular with cyclists or hikers coming in from the park connector.
Regardless of where you’re dining, we definitely suggest choosing an al fresco table; nothing beats spending an evening with the tranquil Johor Strait and the ships residing here just ahead of you.
Also read: 11 Overlooking Restaurants & Bars in Singapore With the Best Views
The biggest advice we can leave you with exploring Singapore’s nightlife is this: It’s not about the drinks you order, like Singapore Sling; but rather, about enjoying the affordability, immersing yourself in the atmosphere, and getting to know a different side of the country and how locals spend their time here!
