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Top 8 Bars in Chinatown, Singapore

Chinatown singapore
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Bars in Chinatown

Looking for the best nightlife in Singapore on a budget? Chinatown is your answer. As the sun sets, Chinatown transforms into one of the most vibrant destinations.  From hidden speakeasies, rooftop views, to traditional pub vibes, bars in Chinatown, Singapore, attract locals and international visitors seeking evening entertainment. This historic neighbourhood of Singapore Tourism offers an exceptional concentration of diverse bars within walking distance. Bars in Chinatown include cheap happy hours and high-end cocktail celebrations. Read this ultimate guide to learn about the top 8 bars in Chinatown, Singapore, including local tips, pricing, and must-try drinks.

Key Takeaways

  • Singapore's Chinatown nightlife offers something for every budget, from casual neighbourhood bars in Singapore to upscale cocktail lounges with premium experiences. 
  • The suggested bars are all located within a 10-minute walk of Chinatown MRT station, and it is easy to bar hop.
  • Craft cocktails are priced between SGD 15-25, and premium leads reach SGD 35-40 under normal business hours.
  • It is common to find venues crowded after 8:00 PM on weekends, and on weekdays, there are shorter lines to wait.
  • The district features bars inspired by Asian, British, and international themes, reflecting Singapore's multicultural heritage.
  • It is always advisable to make reservations when visiting over the weekend.
  • Bar hopping is one of the best activities in Singapore, particularly in the Chinatown area.

Best Budget Bars in Chinatown Singapore (2025)

1. The Brightside

the brightside bar

The Brightside is one of the most welcoming budget bars in Chinatown, Singapore. This cheerful spot eliminates the pretentious attitude that some upscale venues in Singapore have. It boasts of an excellent sound system, a cool environment, and long happy hours without breaking the bank. On the weekends, it gets heavy crowds because of its popularity and the cheap prices.

  • Location: Chinatown District, Singapore
  • Entry Fee: Free (No cover charge)
  • Happy Hour: Extended periods with 20-30% discounts

Tips: Excellent place to have fun and find other travellers and locals in a casual situation

2. Native Bar

native bar singapore

This bar allows you to enjoy music at night, from mainstream music to underground music. Having a great corner location, this place has easy access to the street-side seats and late-night food establishments. This is one of the best places to visit in Singapore if you are a music lover or seeking a local, authentic feel. It offers excellent value with affordable drink prices to go out in Singapore at night. You must try the Mango Sticky Rice Negroni at Native Bar, offering a unique flavour. 

  • Location: 52A Amoy Street, Singapore
  • Entry Fee: Free

Tips: Visit on Wednesday-Friday for Live DJ performances and street-side atmosphere

3. Shin

shin bar

Shin has a pretty unique setup within a traditional Cantonese association building. It is an excellent place to enjoy the authentic heritage of Singapore due to its cultural ambience. The cocktail program here is outstanding, with bartenders using traditional Chinese ingredients that will make your taste buds dance all night long. Whether it's a classic cocktail or an innovative creation, this place guarantees you'll remember your visit.

  • Location: 179a Telok Ayer St, #2nd Floor, Singapore
  • Entry Fee: Free

Tips: Perfect for cultural experiences and Instagram-worthy moments.

4. Night Hawk

night hawk bar singapore

This cocktail bar in the Tanjong Pagar area is inspired by that famous Edward Hopper painting, "Nighthawks." With beautiful interior design, this bar in Chinatown transports you to a retro-futuristic American diner from the 20th century. The exceptional cocktail menu and strategic location perfect for a night out. Night Hawk is perfect for a date night or just catching up with friends.

  • Location: 43 Tanjong Pagar Road, 01-02, Singapore
  • Entry Fee: Free

Budget Bar Comparison: Locations, Entry Fees & Highlights

VenueLocationEntry FeeFeatures/Notes
The BrightsideChinatown DistrictFreeHappy hour deals, friendly crowd
Native BarCorner spot, outdoor seatingFreeLive DJs, street-side vibes
Operation DaggerHidden basement, Club StreetFreeSpeakeasy experience, limited space
ShinHeritage buildingFreeTraditional ingredients, cultural vibe

Top Luxury Bars in Chinatown Singapore (2025) for Upscale Drinks & Views

1. Jigger & Pony

jigger and pony bar

Jigger & Pony is one of the most upscale bars in Chinatown, Singapore and was ranked among Asia’s 50 Best Bars in the previous year. It has precise Japanese bartenders, known for their award-winning Sakura Martini, offering a world-class cocktail experience to all. The bar offers high-end entertainment to wealthy neighbourhood residents, global visitors and drinkers of cocktails. 

  • Location: 165 Tanjong Pagar Road, Amara Hotel
  • Entry Fee: Free (premium cocktail prices SGD 18-30)

2. The Screening Room

the screening room

Want a rooftop bar experience? Head to The Screening Room. It is a special place which has magnificent scenery of traditional shophouses and contemporary high rises. This is a bar featuring indoor cinema as well as rooftop bars, where you can enjoy the skyline of Singapore while drinking cocktails. Unlike the nightclubs in Singapore, this bar offers a perfect ambience for couples seeking unique date experiences, and the Screening Room feels more intimate and cinematic. 

  • Location: Rooftop level, 12 Ann Siang Road, Singapore
  • Entry Fee: Free (cocktails SGD 16-25)

Tips: For the best skyline views at The Screening Room, ask for the north-facing tables

3. The Olde Cuban

the olde cuban

There are luxury bars in Singapore, and then there's The Olde Cuban. It provides premium experiences with over 200 types of cigars and exclusive whiskey collections. With climate-controlled cigar storage, plush leather seating, and old-world charm, this place is ideal for business meetings and special celebrations. The atmosphere includes premium service levels compared to standard venues. 

  • Location: 2 Trengganu Street 02-00, Singapore
  • Entry Fee: Free (premium cigars and whiskey at luxury prices)

4. The Good Beer Company

good beer company bar

Want to upscale your drinking experience? Visit The Good Beer Company. It spans four stories in a heritage building with its brewery operations. The house-brewed beers and rooftop garden offer you a premium craft beer experience. It's one of the major players in Singapore's craft beer scene, operating with late hours and attracting both tourists and locals.

  • Location: 3 Pickering Street, Singapore
  • Entry Fee: Free (craft beers SGD 12-18)

Luxury Bar Comparison: Prices, Experiences & Ambience Breakdown

Venue

Location

Drink Prices

Features/Notes

Jigger & PonyPremium ChinatownSGD 18-30Japanese techniques, cocktail flights
The Screening RoomAnn Siang rooftopSGD 16-25Cinema + bar, skyline views
The Olde CubanUpscale locationPremium pricing200+ cigars, whiskey library
The Good Beer Company4-story heritage buildingSGD 12-18House brewery, rooftop garden

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6 nights:

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3
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5 activities
Shared transfer
24x7 concierge
₹138,389
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  • Snow City Singapore (1 Hour Snow Play + Ice Hotel Gallery) (admission) (Tue,Wed,Thu,Fri,Sat,Sun)
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Best Areas to Drink in Chinatown Singapore (2025): Top Bar Districts

  • Club Street: The area has the best secret bars in Singapore, including speakeasies and cocktail bars squeezed into old-school shophouses.
  • Ann Siang Road: The rooftop bar capital in the city offering fabulous urban outlooks, luxury bars, and backgrounds that are fit approachable on Instagram.
  • Tanjong Pagar: A blend of the old pub culture with modern craft beer scenes in some casual as well as upscale places.

Top Tips for Visiting Bars in Chinatown, Singapore

  • Arrive early (6-7 PM) for happy hour deals and shorter queues 
  • Check for ladies' night promotions on weekdays
  • Wear smart casual clothes and comfortable shoes for bar hopping
  • Book in advance to visit tourist attractions over the weekend 
  • Make reservations and pre-book for special occasions and theme nights 
  • Minimum age is 18+, with a valid ID required for all venues

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6 nights:

Singapore (6N)

4
Hotels
6 activities
Shared transfer
24x7 concierge
₹75,000
per person
  • Universal Studios on Seat in coach
+ 5 more

Why Chinatown Singapore Has the Best Bar Scene in 2025

Bars in Chinatown Singapore are incredibly diverse, with some having cheap prices, free entry to the bar, and a luxurious bar experience. The convenience of transportation, secure atmosphere and a flawless mix of ancient and contemporary flavours form a memorable experience of nightlife. If this excites you to explore Singapore's night scene, check out the best Singapore tour packages from Pickyourtrail for your ultimate bar-hopping adventure.

FAQ's

What's the best bar in Chinatown, Singapore, for first-time visitors?

The Brightside and Native Bar are the most cost-effective and recommended bars with the cheapest experiences, or Jigger and Pony are posh cocktail bars.

Which Chinatown Singapore bars have no cover charge?

All bars in Chinatown, Singapore, have no cover charges. Entry is free at every venue - you only pay for drinks and food.

What's the typical dress code for Chinatown Singapore bars?

Most places require smart casual attire. Men are encouraged to put on collared shirts and closed-toed shoes. Women should avoid flip-flops or overly casual wear. High-end establishments such as The Olde Cuban take more to business attire.

What time do bars typically close in Chinatown, Singapore?

Most bars in Chinatown close between 1-2 AM on weekdays and 2-3 AM on weekends. Some venues stay open until 4 AM on Friday and Saturday nights.

What is the minimum age for Chinatown Singapore bars?

In Chinatown Singapore, the age limit to enter bars is 18 years old with a Valid ID proof.

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