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.  Whether you’re an expert expat and looking for some fun or you’re new to Singapore and need some help settling in – meeting single expats is as easy as 1, 2, 3.  Not to mention 4 to 10 – let’s get started.

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

Skinny’s Lounge

Where: #01, 82 Boat Quay
When: Always! But it’s probably best on Fridays and Saturdays, from around 9pm till late
Who: This dive bar is filled with expats in their twenties and thirties who come for the great throwback tunes, the pool table and the amazing karaoke room, where everyone joins for a singalong later in the night
What: For finding friendship and more, in a relaxed and fun atmosphere
Tip: Try the pickleback shots, and be nice to the staff as they’re amazing! (For more tips, see our full review of Skinny’s)

Tanjong Beach Club

Where:  120 Tanjong Beach Walk, Sentosa
When: Sunday afternoon, often as a fun place to nurse a hangover after a busy weekend
Who: A mix of ages, usually socially-minded people who just want to have a drink by the pool/beach; there’s always beer pong going on, which is an easy way to introduce yourself and show off your skills!
What: A chill environment to meet new people, so come with a few friends and mingle
Tip: The fresh coconut with banana rum is a great hangover-buster

LeVeL33

Where: 8 Marina Blvd, #33-01
When: Any weekday, grab a craft beer or cocktail and enjoy the spectacular view
Who: CBD working professionals come here after work, with ages varying from late twenties to fifties
What: You should come here for the amazing view alone, but the guests are usually quite chatty after a few beers too, and you’ll also find people mingling in the smokers’ section around the side
Tip: Get the beer paddle, with five 100ml tasters of LeVeL33 craft brews

Lulu’s Lounge

Where: 7 Raffles Boulevard
When: Weekends, or Wednesdays for Ladies Night, with great deals like free-flow canapés and drinks
Who: With a cool 1960s vibe and plenty of dark corners, it’s for anyone who enjoys live music, dancers and a good cocktail
What: You’ll meet a few attractive strangers but this is more of a place for a fling as the music makes it hard to talk
Tip: Lulu’s Lounge is attached to a club, Bang Bang, so don’t forget to go over there for some dancing after

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
Tip: Drinks & Co and #WTF are always buzzing on the street, but don’t forget to try some of the rooftop bars like Oxwell & Co

Employees Only Singapore

Where: 112 Amoy Street
When: Fridays and Saturdays are peak times, around 8pm
Who: It’s a big mix of people, nationalities and ages, but everyone has a good time
What: A dimly lit bar with great drinks, good people, and the right ambience for a little flirting!
Tip: Come very early if you want a seat, as it’s always busy – also, check out the rest of Amoy Street, as there are tons of people around in the evenings

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!

Don’t like bars?

You can always meet people through the internet. We recommend Bumble, Coffee Meets Bagel or good ol’ Tinder! Alternatively, a great way to meet people is through Facebook events, such as Kilo’s Sunday Social Market, a Gin Lane party or a pool party at Hotel Jen Orchardgateway.

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