When we think about New Year’s Eve celebrations, it evokes glitz, glamour, spectacular sparkling fireworks and laser light show displays. And one of the world’s best cities to quench our every inner wonderment and sky-high experience is Singapore.

Coupled with jaw-dropping views, elevated, mouth-watering morsels and cooling cocktails, any one of Singapore’s many rooftop bars or restaurants in and around Marina Bay and Civic Districts will have you well and truly captivated. Creating one of the most memorable nights of your life. 

In fact, time spent at any of these lofty bars and restaurants will delightfully relax your body and soul, especially accompanied by the warm climate and a sizzling tropical sunset. Within easy walking distance of each other, it’s easy to check out several in a night. However, if you’re planning a New Year’s Eve celebration, early bookings are essential and staying put is a given.

So, let’s start with the highest alfresco bar in Singapore and the world:

1-Altitude. With 360-degree panoramic views of the city and Bay, days here are relaxing, sunsets sizzling and nightlife buzzing. At 282 metres high, you’ll find a range of wining and dining experiences from the 61st to 63rd floors of One Raffles Place tower. While dancing the night away, you won’t miss a single dazzling display over Marina Bay or any of the surrounding districts. 

Ce La Vi is the crème de la crème of Singapore’s rooftop bars. Perched 200 metres above the Bay on iconic Marina Bay Sands, its indoor and outdoor restaurant, sky bar, and club lounge spaces are trendy and luxurious. The views stretch from the ships in the strait, over Gardens by the Bay to the city skyline and being able to spy on the jet-set languishing in the infinity pool beside. This disc-shaped venue is top of the lot.

Lavo Italian Restaurant and Rooftop Bar on the 57th floor of Marina Bay Sands allows you to continue your New Year’s Eve dance partying to a New Year’s Day brunch party. The city, Bay, strait and all other views of Singapore from here in stylish, luxury comfort are a given.

Level 33 is a restaurant, neo-tech brewery and lounge deep-seated in the penthouse of Marina Bay Financial Centre high above the city. It’s not only the world’s highest micro-brewery but a superb, impressive sky dining venue. Luxuriate in your private dining room with spectacular city views. Or book your elegant outdoor sweet spot for unmissable, magical sights of all the action.

Artemis Grill and Sky Bar on the 40th level of CapitaGreen building is another amazing 360-degree indoor and outdoor rooftop space with Marina Bay views. Here, exquisite Mediterranean cuisine and drinks around the 100-year-old olive tree are a feature. Feast your eyes towards the futurist Garden by the Bay trees as the giant Starchitect Toyo roof deck flower envelopes you. From lunches, pre-dinner aperitifs and happy hours to romantic dinners, it's cosy and sophisticated.

Vue’s unobscured breathtaking Civic District and Bay views from OUE Bayfront’s 19th floor are hard to beat. Singapore’s only spritz bar is perfectly paired with vibrant sunset views and complimentary canapes between 5pm and 7pm. It’s a winning combination.

Smoke and Mirrors isn’t a skyscraper, but the majestic views of Esplanade Park and Marina Bay Sands from the sixth floor of the National Gallery are just as striking. Whether you choose an inside or outside position, the copper and timber features ooze a seductive warmth.

Zafferano offers breathtaking cityscape and Marina Bay views from their Terrace Lounge on the 43rd floor of the Ocean Financial Centre. This alfresco area is furnished with six boutique tulip umbrellas for daytime shelter and a glowing night-time ambience. The Italian influence spreads across the antipasti bar, charcoal grill, two open kitchens and a walk-in wine cellar.

Lantern Is another jewel in Singapore’s sparkling array of rooftop wining and dining areas. Settle into one of their many cozy spaces surrounded by tropical vegetation or beside the infinity pool and let the dazzling city, Marina Bay views and its 8pm laser light show entertain you. The resident DJ and cocktail mixologist ensure the mood is perfect.

Southbridge overlooks the Singapore River and Boat Quay’s other restaurants and bars. It dishes up the plumpest signature oysters and sensational champagnes alongside sweeping views of the city, Asian Civilisation Museum, Parliament House and top of Marina Bay Sands and Singapore Flyer. It’s an intimate oasis amongst the hustle and bustle below.

Mr Stork Rooftop Bar has more stunning panoramic views. Snuggle into one of their ten tee pee canopies, stroll the cobbled paths, and lounge around the tropical gardens. On the 39th floor of Andaz Singapore, its luscious rooftop vibe will delight and surprise you. It’s the perfect place to chill at any time.

Kinki Bar and Restaurant is another low-rise rooftop with gigantic calming vistas of Marina Bay. This sleek, chic third-floor open area Japanese inspired space pairs Asian tipples like Geisha-Rita or Aurora Polaris to match the sunset hues. The bar bits and extensive thirst-quenching liquid list has plenty to offer while enjoying the DJ music and charming atmosphere.

Dusk Restaurant and Bar. I’ve included this stunning oasis for those who want to escape the concrete jungle and its hustle and bustle. Positioned only 100 metres high on Faber Peak, Dusk is an idyllic spot to absorb the surrounding gracious Sentosa Island and water panoramas. The peaceful outlook is best enjoyed at sunset, of course.

There are three other venues that I would recommend in Singapore, but for which I didn’t have my camera with me when visiting. They are:

Skai’s modern Japanese influence rooftop restaurant and bar on The Stamford’s 70th level. This spot ticks all the boxes. Their food and drinks menus are inspired by mother nature and compliment the glorious city skyline views.  

Empire Lounge is set high on the 45th level of Land Tower Raffles Place in the CBD. The covered roof terrace affords magnificent vistas to Marina Bay. A part of the Fifty Raffles Place collection, you’ll also find other lounges and restaurants on this floor.

Orgo Bar and Restaurant sits atop Esplanade Mall, next door to the Theatres on the Bay. If you suffer from vertigo, this is your perfect spot. It’s only four floors from the street below but exudes magical city and Bay views. The stylish open terrace also has unique glass huts, ideal for those romantic interludes or private soirees.  

Header image: © Julia Kuznetsova. All other images: © Nannette Holliday