Singles guide: Top bars for meeting people

Life in a new country can be difficult enough without having to worry about chasing romance and love – but, if you’re a singleton – this could be the key to really feeling at home. There are plenty of cool bars in Singapore and these bars below are particularly good for single expats.

Kinki Rooftop Bar

Kinki Rooftop Bar offers panoramic views of Marina Bay and the city. Japanese-inspired snacks include crowd favourites like Ol’ Skool Fries with bonito flakes, Spicy Miso Meatballs, crispy Ebi Fries, and Temaki Bites filled with spicy tuna and salmon. With upbeat tunes, neon-lit vibes and waterfront views of the city, it’s a lively spot to watch the evening roll into night.

Super Happy Hour deals are from Monday to Friday (5pm to 8pm) and Saturdays (4pm to 8pm), featuring duos like Gin and Tonic or Vodka Soda at $23, draught beers at $26, 20 percent off cocktails, and a two-hour free-flow package at $48 (available on Saturdays).

#02-02 Customs House, 70 Collyer Quay
kinki.com.sg | IG @kinkibar

Writers Bar at Raffles Hotel

Take a seat in the corner of the Grand Lobby, where iconic architecture blends with a shimmering chandelier, solid brass bar counter and walls adorned with mementos and books, and wave goodbye to writer’s block with a classy cocktail in hand.

Serving up some of the finest cocktails in town, the updated bar menu showcases five handcrafted cocktails inspired by a book of poems called How to Build a Lux Hotel penned by Raffles Hotel Singapore’s first ever Singaporean writer-in-residence, Madeleine Lee.

You’ll also find a selection of handcrafted beverages that pay homage to celebrated novelists who have passed through the landmark hotel’s doors over the past century. These include the likes of Rudyard Kipling, Somerset Maugham and Joseph Conrad. From refreshing effervescent tipples and elegant twists of wine cocktails, to a colourful series of negronis and polished post-dinner cocktails, Writers Bar is a glamorous spot for intimate conversations and whiling away an afternoon or evening.

Don’t leave this hotel bar haunt without trying the signature Million Dollar Cocktail, a classic created in the early 19th century at Raffles by bartender Ngiam Tong Boon, who also created the Singapore Sling.

Raffles Hotel Singapore, 1 Beach Road
6412 1816 | IG @raffleswritersbar | writersbar.com.sg

More Options for Singles

Hero’s

Where: 69 Circular Road, #01-01
When: This is a good spot for happy hour during the week, but it can go until late!
Who: It’s a varied clientele here, from twenty-somethings to fifty-somethings, and many with their dancing shoes on
What: The in-house plays all sorts of music, six nights a week
Tip: Weekday nights are quieter than the weekends but still with the same great music

The Exchange

Where: 8 #01-05, Marina View, Asia Square Tower 1
When: Any weekday is good, but Wednesday is Ladies Night (6-10pm), which features free-flow Aperol spritzes, frizzante sparkling wine, pink gin with mixers and more, with just as many men (if not more) as women enjoying the night
Who: Working CBD professionals in their work clothes
What: A buzzing atmosphere that’s fun with a group of girls or guys
Tip: There’s no better drinks deal in town than Ladies Night, and the men are lucky too as they don’t have to buy all the drinks – win-win!

Club Street

Where: Chinatown
When: Friday after work is the start of the prime time for Club Street, which gets closed off to traffic so people can drink and talk in the street and at the tables set up by the bars
Who: Working professionals who want to end the working week on a high
What: Fun and friendly environment; most people go with co-workers or friends

Don’t like bars?

You can always meet people through the events of associations and social clubs.

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