Singapore, in my unbiased local’s opinion, is one of the best cities for night owls. There’s no lack of nighttime attractions and activities, it’s easy to get around, and it’s one of the safest places in the world. Whether you’re here for a stopover or an extended stay, here are the best things to do in Singapore at night – come make the most of your time in this vibrant city!
THINGS TO DO IN SINGAPORE AT NIGHT
1. Cruise the Singapore River on a bumboat
For a close-up view of Singapore’s night lights, embark on a refreshing bumboat cruise along the historic Singapore River, which meanders through the heart of the city from Clarke Quay to Marina Bay. You’ll pass by buzzing nightspots housed in traditional shophouses, glass-clad skyscrapers, and the Civic District’s colonial landmarks, while the onboard audio commentary tells you more about the history of the Singapore River as you cruise along. Get your tickets here.
Tip: Tickets do no have fixed timings and departures are hourly. We recommend going in the evening (6pm or 7pm), but there will no doubt be more passengers at this time.
2. Walk amid the Supertrees at Gardens by the Bay
Singapore is renowned for its exceptional abundance of greenery amid its urban landscape, but Gardens By The Bay is even more mesmerizing. It features its own wetlands, two massive climate-controlled greenhouses with waterfalls and walkways, and the famous Supertree Grove.
Each Supertree is a vertical garden towering up to 50 metres and hosting over 200 species of plants. By night, they’re lit up to create an otherworldly ambience; as you wander along the OCBC Skyway, suspended amidst the Supertrees, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of Singapore’s skyline. Get your tickets here.
Tip: For even more dazzle, visit the Supertrees at 7.45pm and 8.45pm for its spectacular light and sound show, Garden Rhapsody!
3. Take in the city’s best night views (with free options)
Singapore is tiny. And crowded. When you feel like rising above it all for a bit, there’s nothing like heading to a vantage point in town to watch the world go by in relative serenity. For the best night view in Singapore, try these places:
- Marina Bay Sands SkyPark. This iconic “floating” observation deck offers unrivalled views of Marina Bay as well as the mouth of the Singapore River. You can get tickets to the Observation Deck only, or dine/drink at its rooftop bars and restaurants to enjoy the view. If you want to swim in the Infinity Pool, you’ll have to book a stay in the hotel.
- LeVeL33. If you want to capture photos of Marina Bay with Marina Bay Sands in it, then this is a better choice. It’s also got a more laid-back vibe (and its own microbrewery).
- 1-Arden. Located at the 51st floor of the new CapitaSpring skyscraper, this rooftop bar is slightly set back from Marina Bay but will give you a birds-eye view of your entire surroundings.
- Mr Stork. This is located at Bugis and not Marina Bay, but I definitely prefer the open-air setting and inspiring sea views. If you’re planning to spend $150 and above, you can reserve their cute tipis.
Budget: Pinnacle@Duxton
I’ve mentioned this before, but Pinnacle@Duxton is a nice budget alternative to the many scenic bars in Marina Bay. It’s located in Chinatown, which means you still get a good view of the downtown Singapore. However, you’re not allowed to eat, drink, smoke, or otherwise cause a disturbance here.
Entry costs SGD 6 and the SkyBridge is open from 9am-9pm daily. I strongly recommend visiting on a weeknight, as public access is limited to 150 people daily.
Get details and directions here
Free: Dawson Estate
For views that are absolutely free, head to the Dawson public housing estate at Singapore’s Queenstown neighbourhood. This historic area has seen extensive redevelopment in the past decade and is now home to several high-rise HDB flats (public housing apartments built by the government with a 99-year lease) wtih sky gardens open to the public. You won’t get to see Marina Bay and the downtown area up close, but they’re great places to enjoy a breezy sunset.
You’ll want to check out the publicly accessible gardens at Skyville Dawson (47th floor), SkyTerrace Dawson (43rd floor), SkyResidence (27th floor), SkyOasis (14th/35th floor) and SkyParc (35th floor). Very creative names, I know. They’re all walkable from Queenstown MRT station (map).
Each estate comprises several buildings, so look out for signs at the ground level, especially at lift landings, to guide you to the right block of flats. More importantly, these are locals’ residences, so be considerate and do not smoke, play loud music, or litter.
4. Dine in a cable car
This is probably one of the most romantic nighttime activities you’ll find in Singapore. Imagine cozying up with your partner and watching nightfall descend on the city…all over a delicious meal.
Frankly, I wouldn’t do this activity with my partner because I’d be too busy gawking and taking photos to eat…but with the choice of Singaporean or international dishes and even optional wine and champagne to go with your dinner, it’s a lovely treat to celebrate a special occasion during your travels. Each dining cabin can accommodate up to 4 guests and children’s menus are available, so you can still enjoy this if you’re travelling with kids! Make your reservation here.
5. Spot wildlife at night
Small and urbanized as it may be, Singapore’s emphasis on being a “green city” means it has preserved sizeable tracts of jungle as reservoirs and nature reserves. As a tropical island, Singapore is home to thousands of species of flora and fauna – which nature lovers can discover even in the dark.
The Night Safari
The Night Safari is definitely one of the top night attractions in Singapore. Unlike traditional zoos, the Night Safari allows you to observe nocturnal animals in their natural habitat with a variety of themed walking trails, or on the free and accessibility-friendly tram ride. You’ll find Tasmanian Devils, pangolins, clouded leopards, elephants…and even free-roaming Malayan tapirs!
If you’d like to deepen your understanding of wildlife conservation while creating unforgettable memories, make sure to attend some of the keeper talks and Creatures of the Night presentation too. Get your tickets at 10% off.
Nighttime adventure with a naturalist
If you’re feeling adventurous or looking for an advanced nature activity, venture into local nature reserves with The Untamed Paths, a company which runs tours and camps focused on conservation and environmental sustainability. Torchlights and binoculars are provided for exploring in the dark, but be prepared to step into wet or muddy grounds!
The Mangrove Rambling tour is especially worth trying, since mangrove ecosystems are unique to equatorial climates. Get your tickets here.
6. Go ghost hunting
One of the most exhilarating things to do in Singapore at night? Go ghost hunting, of course. Singapore’s paranormal lore is exceptionally rich thanks to our mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian, and other superstitions – plus the dark times of World War II, when Japanese occupying forces committed countless acts of cruelty on locals.
The Creepy Tales of Singapore ghost tour covers some of the most haunted places in the country, and you’ll enjoy an educational dose of history peppered with urban legends while visiting a famous local cemetery, places where people were massacred by Japanese soldiers, and more. However, a minimum of two participants is required to book the tour. Get your tickets here.
7. Enjoy a captivating light show (with free options)
Looking for night attractions in Singapore that cost nothing? Then you’ll want to catch a light show. In addition to the Garden Rhapsody light show at Gardens by the Bay (above) and the HSBC Light & Sound Show at Jewel Changi Airport (below), there’s also:
- Spectra – A Light & Water Show at Marina Bay Sands. This free 15-minute extravaganza takes place at the waterfront Event Plaza. Shows take place at 8pm/9pm nightly, with an additional 10pm show on weekends.
- Magical Shores on Sentosa island’s Siloso Beach. Imagine a magical interactive projection mapping experience where otherworldly sea creatures swim around you…but on the beach! This has been one of my favourite experiences and it’s completely free. Open 7.30pm-10.30pm, Friday-Sunday (the show is not available on Mon-Thu despite what the website says).
- Wings of Time on Sentosa island. This is more than just a light show – it features a mesmerizing fireworks display. This is a paid show but you can get tickets at 15% off.
8. Ride a luge at night
If you’re visiting Sentosa island with friends or family, unleash your inner child or your competitive streak at the Skyline Luge! This scenic gravity-driven cart race offers four different scenic tracks and a heart-pounding Night Luge on Friday and Saturday nights, when the tracks are lit up in dizzying colours. Get your tickets here.
9. Party at the region’s best nightclubs
Singapore nightlife is among the best in Southeast Asia. After all, it’s home to world-renowned clubs like Zouk, Marquee, Drip, and more. Plus, the city-state plays host to large-scale events like the Formula 1 Grand Prix, which means the hottest DJs are frequently in town.
Most of the nightclubs in Singapore are located along the Singapore River, mostly at Clarke Quay or Marina Bay. The legal drinking age in Singapore is 18, but some clubs do impose higher age limits of 21 and above (and all are strict with ID). Also, alcohol is expensive in Singapore so you may want to consider pre-gaming.
10. Feast from sundown to sunrise
Singapore can get unbearably hot and humid in the daytime, so if you want to avoid getting too sticky and sweaty, there’s always the option to try its yummy local food at night instead. Some local hawker centres like Lao Pa Sat, Old Airport Road Food Centre, and East Coast Lagoon Food Village are known to cater to the evening crowd, so you won’t have to worry about closed stalls.
There are also several late-night supper spots popular among locals, like Swee Choon Tim Sum, Al-Azhar Restaurant (regional Muslim cuisine), and Heng Long Teochew Porridge (plain rice or porridge with your choice of meat/veggie dishes). They don’t open all the way till morning, though, so you’ll have to take a taxi back to your accommodation after enjoying your meal.
11. Stroll around at your own pace
Singapore truly comes alive at night, and this isn’t an exaggeration: most of us work until 6pm and beyond, so shops don’t close that early (many restaurants and malls don’t even open till after 10am.) Take your time to wander around the city’s ethnic enclaves, created during the British colonial era, and contemplate how much intermingling has happened since then.
Discover old shops tucked away in quaint corners, stumble upon charming boutiques, or simply immerse yourself in the local street life of Chinatown, Arab Street, and Little India. If you’re seeking libations, take a jaunt around Clarke Quay and Marina Bay to find a bar of your choice (or join a pub crawl if you prefer).
12. Explore Jewel Changi Airport
Have a red-eye flight or a layover through Singapore at an odd hour? You’re in for a treat. Singapore Changi Airport is regarded as one of the best in the world, thanks to facilities like 24-hour dining and mega-slides. The airport’s terminals surround Jewel Changi Airport, a mall enclosed in glass cocoon built around a jaw-dropping indoor waterfall and lush terraced gardens.
With the early check-in and luggage storage service, you’ll be able to shop, play, and dine freely in the mall. I recommend getting a ticket to the Canopy Park as well as the Walking Net for the thrill of walking “in the air”! Most of the dining establishments and attractions (including the HSBC Rain Vortex waterfall) close by 10pm, but you can still enjoy the gardens 24/7 – just don’t miss your flight. Get your tickets here.
Tip: Visit the HSBC Rain Vortex at 8pm and 9pm for its free Light & Sound Show!
Frequently Asked Questions: exploring Singapore at night
Is it safe to go around Singapore at night?
Singapore is among the safest countries in the world, making it a fantastic destination for first-time solo travellers. While you should still take basic travel safety measures, the city is safe enough that women can walk around late at night in most areas without fear of violence.
How easy is it to get around Singapore at night?
Unfortunately, late-night public transport is limited to a few specific bus routes as metro services end around midnight. Your best bet is to stay somewhere central or use taxis/private hire apps like Grab and Gojek.
Do I need to carry a lot of cash in Singapore?
Singapore is highly cashless. Most stores and public transport accept credit cards or Apply Pay/Google Pay. Still, smaller shops, hawker centres, and eateries still accept cash only (or a local cashless system that tourists can’t access). A small amount of cash, around $100, should suffice.
EXCITED YET?
Find more Singapore travel inspiration with our guides. Better yet, start planning your trip!
- Browse hotels on Booking.com
- Find cheap flights via Kayak
- Book tours and attractions on Viator
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