Forget about famous bar Cé la vi and instead head to this great alternative to Marina Bay Sand’s rooftop bar – best views at Marina Bay Sands included.
Best alternative to Marina Bay Sand’s rooftop bar: 1-Altitude
Definitely, the best alternative to Marina Bay Sands’ rooftop bar in Singapore is 1-Altitude bar located at the Singapore River in Downtown between Clarke Quay and Marina Bay. It is the highest building of Singapore and offers a great view of Marina Bay – and of course Marina Bay Sands – as well as the whole centre of Singapore which is way better than actually being on top of Marina Bay Sands from my point of view. Normally there is a little queue at the elevator even if the bar itself is still empty. At the elevator, you have to pay an entrance fee and have the choice between paying 35 Singapore dollars including one drink or 45 Singapore dollars including 2 drinks – pick two!
How to get there:
1-Altitute bar, 1 Raffles Place, Singapore 048616
Close & exclusive: Lantern Bar
Few hundred meters further is Lantern Bar which belongs to Fullerton Bay Hotel – definitely also one of the best rooftop bars in Singapore. The bar has a very charming location directly at the water. It is not as high as 1-Altitude bar but is located directly opposite of Marina Bay Sands and allows you a great view of the light show of Marina Bay Sands at 9 p.m every day.
Even if the hotel looks super posh you can just walk in and go to the bar which is located on the upper floor. Instead of going up to the bar you can also just enter the terrace area and walk around there, enjoy the view at Marina Bay Sands or even watch the light show there – all for free! This one is my favourite and overall a free alternative to Marina Bay Sands’ rooftop bar Cé la vi.
If you want to eat or have a drink at Lantern Bar I recommend to do a reservation in advance otherwise all tables might be taken already and you will have to stand at the bar. There is also a pool but I didn’t see anybody swim at night time. I guess access is only for hotel guests and not at night time.
How to get there:
Lantern bar in Fullerton Bay Hotel, 80 Collyer Quay, Singapore 049326
Great food & great view: Super loco
This Mexican place is located next to Fullerton Bay Hotel and directly at the water on the opposite of Marina Bay Sands. Make a reservation outside on the terrace and enjoy the atmosphere of Marina Bay at night directly at the water. The big advantage of this place: It is not posh at all, relaxed atmosphere and great Mexican food.
How to get there:
Super loco, 70 Collyer Quay, #01-04, Singapore 049323
For free: Bayfront & Marina Boulevard
You don’t want to pay overpriced entrance fees or pay a lot of money for tiny cocktails? Then I have a real and free alternative to Marina Bay Sands’ rooftop bar fro you. You don’t need to go to a rooftop bar to enjoy the view of Marina Bay. Just pass Fullerton Bay Hotel and walk along the riverfront which leads you to the bayfront. From there you have almost the same view as from Super Loco or Lantern Bar, but for free.
How to get there:
Marina Blvd, Singapore
Metro station „Bayfront“
Ok, I give in, I was not only speaking about rooftop bars – but definitely the best alternative to Marina Bay Sands’ rooftop bar in Singapore, 1-Altitude, and a couple of more places not to miss out. If I missed one, or a new awesome bar popped up – let me know by dropping a comment.
