Lounges

Raffles is known for its classy, atmospheric bars, and the Long Bar is no exception. Mosaic tiled floors, dark woods, rattan furniture and potted plants give the bar a colonial feel, ideal for sitting back and sipping a Singapore Sling while tossing peanut shells on the ground – a custom that's not only permitted, but almost de rigueur. Casual but tasty pub grub is offered as well, and bands entertain in the evenings.

One Rochester provides a great opportunity get away from the bright city lights, and enjoy a tropical garden setting, complete with trickling water features and the ever-present chirp of cicadas. Kick back on a plush sofa in amongst the thick foliage of the beautifully landscaped gardens of this stunning colonial black and white bungalow, and sip on a fresh fruit martini, cold beer or choose from the 200-strong wine list. A tapas menu provides sustenance to accompany your drinks, while on-site restaurant Roast specialises in wholesome rustic cooking with a modern twist.

Part of the IndoChine group of trendy, upscale restaurants and bars, Bar Opiume is known as the preferred locale for big corporate events. Among those in the know, it's considered one of Singapore's most fashionable venues, with an award-winning indoor-outdoor design that overlooks the river and the Singapore skyline. Drape yourself over a cozy couch where you can gaze at the water and sip a perfectly chilled martini or prosecco, and marvel at the resident jazz combo which performs exactly the right blend of relaxing tunes and upbeat tempos. This is the ideal place to wear that fashionable new outfit you bought earlier in the day!

Make it past the giant terracotta warrior replicas looming scarily in the entrance and you'll find yourself in the decadent yet cozy Bar CoCoon, where trendy locals and savvy expats unwind after a hard day's slog at the office. Ladies' night on Wednesdays offers one-for-one deals. Need an escape from Singapore's extreme heat? Head into the minus-15 degrees Celsius Ice Palace, and just before the hypothermia hits, warm your innards with a shot – or several – of vodka.

This was one of Singapore's best-kept happy-hour secrets until a loose-tongued DJ blabbed on national radio a few years ago, and for a while it was so packed they had to turn people away. The draw? Cheap martinis (for a hotel bar) and free steak sandwiches – with, they say, only the finest beef, courtesy of sister restaurant Morton's of Chicago – from 5pm-7pm. A great place for a pre-dinner drink.

The legendary ultra lounge that became a celebrity hangout in cities such as New York, London and Miami opened its doors in Singapore in 2011, swiftly becoming the city's swankiest club. Sharing its floating Crystal Pavilion premises with mega-club Avalon, Pangaea provides a more laid-back and luxurious vibe. The opulent and richly adorned interior features ostrich skin sofas, African tribal masks and a 70,000 glass bulb ceiling. Noticeably absent is a dancefloor – but while Pangaea may boast a lounge concept, it's certainly not all about chilling here, with dance tiers in each banquette encouraging clientele to lose themselves in the music.

One of the most stylish hotel bars in Singapore, Lantern provides a poolside oasis atop the uber-stylish Fullerton Bay Hotel. What this roof top bar lacks in height, it more than makes up for in style. With stunning panoramic views of Marina Bay and the CBD skyline, this urban getaway oozes sophisticated chic with its Latin-inspired cocktails and bar snacks, comfy seating and cozy candlelit ambience. A live Cuban band completes the tropical holiday atmosphere. Go with a loved one or a group of good friends, but make sure you book a table to avoid disappointment.

Ku De Ta is one of Singapore's current see-and-be-seen hotspots. This bar, restaurant and dance club in-one, boasts one of the world's most stunning locations, perched at 257m atop the magnificent Marina Bay Sands hotel with unbeatable views across the city. Begin the evening with lychee and rose water martinis at the illuminated Sky Bar and then go on enjoy modern Asian fusion cuisine in the stylish restaurant, which gives you the option of indoor or alfresco dining. Night owls can end the night in the candlelit Club Lounge to dance the night away to live entertainment or well known DJs.

Before the influx of trendy roof bars came to Singapore, the New Asia Bar, situated on the 71st floor of the Swiss�tel the Stamford, was THE place to head to for sunset cocktails. The tallest hotel bar in Singapore is still a popular nightspot, serving up a selection of cocktails and glasses of cold bubbly, and boasting stunning city views which stretch as far as Malaysia. Revellers party every night to the sounds of the resident DJ, while the last Thursday of every month sees the party ramped up as visiting celebrity DJs hit the decks.