Rooftop Bars and the Singapore Sling: Drinking With a View

The Singapore Sling is a gin-based cocktail created in 1915 at Raffles Hotel's Long Bar on Beach Road, recognized for its fruity, refreshing flavor and its role as Singapore’s signature drink with deep cultural roots.

Originally crafted by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, the Singapore Sling was intended to appeal to women at a time when it was frowned upon for them to drink alcohol openly. The cocktail combines gin, cherry brandy, Benedictine, lime juice, and other ingredients, resulting in a balanced sweet and sour profile with hints of aromatic herbs.

Its significance goes beyond flavor: it represents Singapore’s colonial history and the evolution of its cocktail scene. Tasting an authentic Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel or other established bars features insight into the city’s beverage heritage.

Top rooftop bars in Singapore include 1-Altitude, Ce La Vi atop Marina Bay Sands, and Smoke & Mirrors at the National Gallery Singapore, each providing wide city views paired with quality drinks and distinct atmospheres.

1-Altitude occupies the 63rd floor of One Raffles Place in the Downtown Core, ranking among the highest open-air bars globally. It has a full 360-degree panorama of the city skyline and the Singapore River, with cocktails priced around EUR 15-22.

Ce La Vi, located on the roof of Marina Bay Sands on Bayfront Avenue, looks out over Marina Bay and the Gardens by the Bay’s illuminated Supertrees. Cocktails typically cost EUR 16-20. Smoke & Mirrors, perched on the National Gallery Singapore’s rooftop in the Civic District, provides views over the Padang and surrounding cityscape; drinks here range from EUR 12-18.

All these venues are accessible by MRT stations such as Raffles Place or Bayfront, followed by a brief 5-10 minute walk. Booking ahead is advisable, especially on weekends.

Rooftop bars in the Marina Bay area are easily reached by MRT, taxi, or walking from central locations, with Bayfront and Raffles Place as the nearest MRT stops.

To reach Ce La Vi at Marina Bay Sands, take the MRT to Bayfront station (Circle and Downtown lines), then follow the signage to Marina Bay Sands and use the dedicated elevators to the rooftop bar. The walk from Bayfront station takes about 5 minutes.

Taxis are readily available and generally take 10-15 minutes from Orchard Road or Chinatown, costing around EUR 6-10 depending on traffic conditions. Walking from Raffles Place MRT station to 1-Altitude at One Raffles Place takes roughly 10 minutes, passing through the heart of the central business district.

MRT services operate until around midnight, while taxis and ride-hailing options such as Grab remain available later into the night.

Cocktails at Singapore rooftop bars typically cost between EUR 12 and 22, varying by venue and cocktail complexity.

Standard drinks, including the Singapore Sling and classics like Margaritas and Martinis, usually fall in the EUR 12 to 16 range. Signature or premium cocktails, often featuring rare ingredients or elaborate garnishes, can reach EUR 22 or more.

Happy hour deals, common between 5 pm and 8 pm, offer 20-30% discounts on selected drinks. Some bars also offer group packages or special event promotions.

Menus should be checked in advance as prices differ significantly, especially at luxury hotels or exclusive venues such as Marina Bay Sands or the Fullerton Hotel.

Early evenings from 5 pm to 8 pm are ideal for rooftop visits, offering sunset views and cooler air, while late evenings reveal the city’s illuminated skyline and nightlife vibe.

Singapore’s tropical climate means evenings can be warm and humid, but many rooftop bars provide fans or shaded areas. Arriving before sunset allows guests to see daylight fade as city lights come on.

Weekdays generally see smaller crowds, which suits those seeking a quieter setting, whereas weekends draw lively groups of locals and visitors. Most rooftop bars close between midnight and 1 am, so timing your visit accordingly will help you make the most of your outing.

Events like National Day on August 9 and New Year's Eve feature fireworks visible from many rooftops, but these occasions require advance reservations.

For a full appreciation of the Singapore Sling, visit the Long Bar at Raffles Hotel where it was created, order the classic preparation, and accompany it with local snacks such as salted peanuts.

The Long Bar retains much of its 1915 character, including the tradition of guests tossing peanut shells onto the floor. The classic Singapore Sling here costs approximately EUR 18-20.

Ask the bartender about the cocktail’s ingredients and mixing technique to deepen your understanding of its layered flavors. Comparing the Sling with other cocktails on the menu can highlight its distinctive taste.

Consider joining a cocktail workshop or guided tasting at Raffles Hotel or similar venues to learn about the Sling’s history and variations, along with other Singaporean drinks.

After work or on weekends, Singaporeans often head to rooftop bars to relax with colleagues and friends, preferring venues with laid-back atmospheres and music. Areas like Marina Bay and Riverside & Clarke Quay draw locals seeking well-made drinks and city views.

Locals usually order a mix of classic cocktails and inventive new drinks. The Singapore Sling is viewed as a cultural symbol rather than an everyday choice, with many reserving it for special visits to the original Long Bar at Raffles Hotel.

To manage costs, locals take advantage of weekday happy hours and promotions at rooftop bars. They recommend venues in neighborhoods like Katong & Joo Chiat for a more casual rooftop setting with lower prices.

Public transport and ride-hailing apps remain the preferred ways to travel safely after drinks.

Most rooftop bars in Singapore enforce a smart casual dress code, so men should avoid flip-flops, shorts, and sleeveless shirts. Entry is usually free, though some bars require reservations, especially on weekends or during events.

Typical opening hours are from 5 pm to midnight or 1 am. Some venues close earlier on weekdays, so checking times ahead is recommended.

Prices are listed in Singapore dollars but generally convert to EUR 12-22 per cocktail. Credit cards are widely accepted, though carrying some cash is practical.

Transportation options include MRT, taxis, and ride-hailing services like Grab. MRT stations near popular rooftop bars are Bayfront, Raffles Place, and Clarke Quay. Walking distances vary but are usually within 10-15 minutes.

For a detailed list of rooftop bars and guided tours, see Best Tours in Singapore: Ranked and Reviewed.