Singapore Bars with Live Music

By <a href="#author-bio">Stuart Bak</a>
By Stuart Bak
Neon sign advertising live music in green and red lights.

Singapore is one of those cities that never sleeps, with oodles of late-night (and all-night) entertainment if you know where to look. And what better way to kick off a fun evening out with friends than by getting your feet moving at one of the dozens of Singapore bars with live music? From sultry jazz joints to crazy rock ‘n’ roll nights and silky smooth soul, we’ve got you covered with our guide to live music bars around the city. So what are you waiting for? Pull on your glad rags, buckle up those dancing shoes and shimmy on in!

Timbre

Timbre is a local legend of some pedigree with several venues around the city, each with a more unwieldy name than the last. These are the places to go if you fancy tapping your feet along to well-known local and international bands over a few casual beers or cocktails. Set in the historic district by the waterfront, Timbre X S.E.A is perhaps the best of the bunch, serving up pizza, wings, Southeast Asia-inspired dishes and live tunes in a beautifully restored colonial building. Head east to Changi for sister venue Timbre+ Eastside @ Expo. Effectively a modern hawker center with food and drink options galore, and live music every evening, it’s a cool and colorful place to hang out with friends. Last but by no means least is Timbre+ @ One-North in Queenstown, another hawker center with high-octane rock bands and a lively crowd.

Find it: various locations

Image of Concert, Crowd, Person, Musical Instrument, Saxophone, Adult, Male, Man,

Blu Jaz Cafe

Kampong Glam, one of Singapore’s hippest ‘hoods, is where you’ll find the ultra-cool Blu Jaz Cafe. Look for the electric blue (or should that be blu?) neon sign a stone’s throw from the landmark Sultan Mosque and enter the bar’s seductive glow, where on any given evening you can expect live jazz music, poetry slams, open mic comedy and late-night DJs. The drinks menu is every bit as eclectic as the entertainment, with a cocktail list that’s longer than your average experimental improvised jazz performance.

Find it: 11 Bali Lane, Singapore 189848

Cool Cats

Cool cats, crazy cats top cats, and hepcats: all are welcome at this seductively swanky jazz joint directly opposite the historic Raffles Hotel on Beach Road. Hit up the hotel’s legendary Long Bar – frequented by a boozy who’s who of iconic 20th-century legends over the years, including Elizabeth Taylor, Ernest Hemingway, Christian Louboutin and Queen Elizabeth II – and sample the signature Singapore Sling before slinking over to Cool Cat’s unmarked doorway and entering the dimly lit New York-style bar – all velvet drapes, plush cushions and brass fittings – for some of the hottest jazz and coolest craft cocktails in town. Sip on an Ella Fitzgerald-inspired Singapore Sling/French 75 crossover or try the Smoked Fig Sidecar, with its nod to Prohibition-era recipes and the smoky sounds of Miles Davis’s trumpet.

Find it: 32 Beach Rd, Singapore 189764

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Shake Eat

So beloved of Singaporeans that they made a TV soap set there, Holland Village (or Holland V to those in the know) is one of the city’s most happening districts, a thriving shopping and entertainment hub that draws crowds of (mostly) young people. At the heart of this diminutive district is the colorful Shake Eat bar, where you can expect high-energy Mandopop and Cantopop acts performing equally colorful tunes. There’s live music every night and, if the bands don’t float your boat, plenty more to entertain you, from darts machines to beer towers and more.

Find it: 34 Lorong Mambong, Singapore 277691

Hero’s

I just can’t, I just can’t, I just can’t control my feet. And why would you even want to at the toe-tappin’, shoe-shufflin’, booty-shakin’ boogie wonderland that is Hero’s? The party really gets started when the resident live band takes the stage at this massive Wild West-themed bar in Boat Quay, and it isn’t long before their repertoire of the classic rock and pop classics has the whole place on its feet to bust some hip-swivellin’, hand-jivin’ (ok, that’s enough now – ed.) moves. Not your vibe? Don’t worry: there’s live music six nights a week and a smattering of chilled acoustic acts mean it’s not this high octane all the time. But try telling that to the dudes in the VIP beer-tap booths, attempting to drink their way to the top of the ‘most wanted outlaws leaderboard’. An extensive menu of burgers, kebabs, pasta and pizza provide plenty of opportunity to temper any... overindulgence.

Find it: 69 Circular Road, #01-01, Singapore 049423

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Maduro

This hip Dempsey Hill lounge bar comes over like a friend’s living room, if your friend happens to have impeccable taste in interior decor and Singaporean jazz, that is. Pull up a chair at this plush hilltop hideaway, surrounded by the neighborhood’s lush greenery, and indulge in a few choice cocktails as you soak up the sounds of the finest local crooners and chanteuses. The playful cocktail menu takes the Jazz Age theme and runs with it, with classic manhattans and whiskey sours to satisfy discerning punters. After a few of these killer concoctions, you might imagine yourself listening to Nina Simone in a smoky New York nightclub, circa 1968. Yep, Maduro is that good.

Find it: 40C Harding Rd, Level 3, Singapore 249548

Muddy Murphy's Irish Pub

It’s a truth universally acknowledged that every city worth its salt should have at least one great Irish pub. And Singapore’s is Muddy Murphy’s, a truly Irish bar that was purportedly built in Dublin, then dismantled and shipped to Singapore back in 1996. This place has it all: cozy nooks and traditional wooden booths, exposed bricks and beams, walls festooned with vintage adverts and other knick-knacks, live music and, of course, great Guinness. Expect the kind of lively atmosphere for which these themed bars are renowned, with great craic and traditional Irish pub bands bringing the entertainment.

Find it: 442 Orchard Road, #01-02 to 05 Claymore Connect, Singapore 238879

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Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Freelance travel writer

Stu caught the travel bug at an early age, thanks to childhood road trips to the south of France squeezed into the back of a Ford Cortina with two brothers and a Sony Walkman. Now a freelance writer living on the Norfolk coast, Stu has produced content for travel giants including Frommer’s, British Airways, Expedia, Mr & Mrs Smith, and now Go City. His most memorable travel experiences include drinking kava with the locals in Fiji and pranging a taxi driver’s car in the Honduran capital.

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Sentosa skyline
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7 things to do on Sentosa Island

There’s fun on tap on Sentosa, a small but perfectly formed man-made isle off the south coast of Singapore. In Malay, the word ‘Sentosa’ translates to ‘tranquillity’, and while there are plenty of peaceful pockets to be found on this tropical island, there’s also tons of stuff to see and do. Pure feel-good territory, it’s little wonder the place attracts some 20 million visitors a year. One thing’s for certain – whether you’re here for action or relaxation, or you’re visiting for a day or a week, you can be sure your time here will be epic. As for how to spend it? Here’s a round-up of some of the highlights... 1. Get to know the island on a guided tour A driving tour is a great way to discover Sentosa – you’ll be introduced to the island’s best bits from the comfort of an air-conditioned bus, while a knowledgeable guide explains the history of the isle, which was once a British military base. Your guide will also show you the top sights and attractions, talk through interesting local facts and make handy recommendations. Tours last a couple of hours and will help you narrow down what you want to do and when, so it’s a good choice for day one of your visit. 2. Experience the ultimate adrenaline rush at AJ Hackett Sentosa Skypark Here for adventure? The AJ Hackett Sentosa Skypark is the place to get your kicks. With a prime location overlooking Siloso Beach, this much-loved attraction serves up a triple whammy of adrenaline in the form of three heart-pumping activities. First up is the Giant Swing, which catapults you towards the ocean at dizzying speeds of up to 120 miles-per-hour. You can choose to brave it solo or strap in with a couple of friends or family members for support. Close by, there’s the bungee jump – Singapore’s first – which invites you to dive headfirst off the side of a 50-meter-high tower. Finally, there’s the peaceful Skybridge walkway, which offers stellar views of the island and (thanks to transparent sections of the floor) the dreamy shoreline below. 3. Meet your movie heroes at Universal Studios Singapore Part of Sentosa’s sprawling Resort World, Universal Studios Singapore makes for a brilliant day out for families of all ages. You’ll find action-packed rides, laugh-a-minute shows, your favourite characters and themed shops and restaurants, all based on smash-hit Hollywood movies and spread across seven superbly created ‘zones’ – Hollywood, New York, Ancient Egypt, Sci-Fi City, Far Far Away, The Lost World and Madagascar. There are more than 24 attractions to enjoy here, but standouts include Battlestar Galactica: Human vs Cylon (the world's tallest battling roller coasters), Transformers: The Ride – a futuristic and super-realistic 3D experience, and Jurassic Park Rapids Adventure, which whisks you away on a wet and wild journey through the age of the dinosaurs. 4. Encounter creatures of the deep at Marine Life Park Marine Life Park is where you’ll find two of Sentosa’s most popular attractions – the S.E.A. Aquarium and Adventure Cove Waterpark. The former is one of the world’s largest aquariums, and home to more than 100,000 underwater creatures across 800 species, in more than 45 aquatic areas. You’ll come right up close to weird and wonderful sea life, including menacing looking sharks and technicolour fish and coral formations. Our favourite feature of all? The Open Ocean Habitat – a colossal tank that’ll make you feel as if you’re walking right along the seabed. The Adventure Cove Waterpark, meanwhile, combines water-based thrills with marine life enclosures. Float peacefully down Adventure River, take a sheer drop into darkness on Pipeline Plunge, and snorkel with 20,000 fish at Rainbow Reef. Another big-hitter is Ray Bay, where you can paddle with a friendly family of silky rays. 5. Take time out to unwind Time for a little R&R? Sentosa has three man-made beaches to its name, all of which unravel along the west coast and are ideal for lounging. Siloso Beach is the busiest – a vanilla-shaded powdery swathe in the isle’s north-west. If you tire of sunbathing, there’s an endless list of sports to try here, including kayaking, volleyball and skimboarding, as well as a palm-freckled promenade packed with bars and restaurants. Further south is Palawan Beach, which is quieter and a hit with families thanks to its long, wide belt of sand. There’s a friendly resident mascot to help entertain little ones, too, known as Captain Palawan. Lastly, there’s Tanjong Beach, where you’ll find peace and quiet and a cool, boho-style beach club, depending on which end you choose to settle on. Want to up to ante on the relaxation front? There’s an impressive spa scene on Sentosa Island. The isle’s luxury hotel resorts are decked out with decadent wellness centres, where you can experience sensation showers, cooling plunge pools, and soothing body treatments. 6. Take the kids to Sentosa 4D AdventureLand Families give a thumbs-up to Sentosa 4D AdventureLand, an immersive entertainment hub that uses state-of-the-art 4D technology to wow visitors. There are three attractions to discover here, including the Extreme Log Ride – a high-speed rollercoaster simulator that takes you speeding through the jungle without leaving the theatre – and Desperados, which requires you to saddle up and battle a gang of outlaws in the middle of the Wild West. Journey 2: The Mysterious Island, meanwhile, is a 4D show that lines up incredible special effects. 7. Get back to nature in Sentosa’s forests Take a breather from all the action and head deep into the tropical forests that cloak the isle’s interior and coast. Whether you’re hiking under your own steam, or you’ve opted for a guided tour with a local expert, you’re guaranteed to leave wide-eyed – tropical birds, exotic flowers, lizards, monkeys, and peacocks are just some of the gems you’ll clap eyes on in these parts. Don’t fancy all the legwork? Get a bird’s-eye look at the rainforest canopy from high up above it instead. Hop on the Sentosa Line – a slick cable car network that runs the length of the island. A round trip takes a little under 15 minutes to complete, and you’ll be treated to spectacular views of the island – and the Singapore mainland – along the way. Make BIG savings on Sentosa Island attractions Whether you want to experience as many Sentosa attractions as possible, or you’ve got a few firm favourites in mind to tick off, Go City can help. Our passes could save you up to 55% on top attractions, and everything is given the seal of approval by our travel experts. To find out more about how things work, click here.
Alex Birungi
The Singaporean national dish of chili crab.
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Where to Eat on a Budget in Singapore

You’ve probably heard Singapore can be a little pricey for the unprepared vacationer. And sure, those luxury hotel stays, Michelin-star dinners, world-class attractions and casino blowouts really can add up quickly. But there are ways to do Singapore on a budget. You can save on visits to multiple attractions with a pass from Go City, for example. Or stick to cheap eats which are anyway (in our humble opinion) some of the very finest you’ll find in Singapore. We’ve put together a whistle-stop guide to where to eat on a budget in Singapore, whether it’s mouth-numbingly spicy local cuisine that floats your boat or, you know, you’re just in the market for a burger or a decent bowl of pasta. Dive in to find out more, but be warned: the following blog is guaranteed to make you feel hungry... ***Note: prices quoted are in Singapore Dollars (SGD)***   Save on attractions and activities in Singapore Save on admission to Singapore attractions with Go City. Check out @GoCity on Instagram for the latest top tips and attraction info. So grab a Singapore attraction pass and make the most of it!
Stuart Bak
Stuart Bak
Wide view - green and pink blossom of trumpet trees with row of skyscrapers on horizon
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Singapore in March

You must have seen the Merlion - half lion, half fish - the symbol of Singapore? Created in 1964 to represent the city’s growth (from a humble fishing village to a powerful beast), its constant spout of water represents good luck and prosperity. Happily it’s your good luck to visit Singapore in March! With children busy at school the world over, it’s a great time to take advantage of affordable fares and enjoy an adult break. Why is March the best time to visit Singapore? Here’s why, including... • Weather in March in Singapore • Cherry blossom in Singapore • Singapore Jazz festival • St Patrick’s Day in Singapore • Adult activities in Singapore • Outdoor activities in Singapore March weather in Singapore Early spring in Singapore is perhaps the best time for sight-seeing. As the north-east monsoon peters out and temperatures start to climb, March sees the least amount of rain, the lowest humidity and the most sunshine. Pleasant dry weather - without the extreme heat and humidity of summer? And less crowds too? It’s a win all round. Sakura Matsuri at Gardens by the Bay If you hanker for Hanami (the traditional custom of enjoying the transient beauty of flowers), visit Singapore in March to experience the unforgettable sight of the Sakura Matsuri Floral Display. In Japan, cherry blossom (Sakura) has long been a national obsession, representing renewal - but also symbolic of the fleeting nature of life - and attracting both locals and tourists to witness the beauty of the delicate blooms. In recent years however, more and more visitors have also flocked to Singapore where the heavy rains of the preceding month and the springtime heat bring about the perfect conditions for blossom to bloom. The refreshing pink blooms of the local trumpet trees line the roads and everywhere else. But for the main event and the most Insta-worthy photo opportunities, don’t miss the magical displays at the Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay. Catch cherry and peach blossoms in mankai condition (that’s full bloom!) and be entranced by the canopy of picture-perfect pink and white blooms that drift down in perfect pastel clouds. For lovers of Japanese culture the exhibition goes all out, with a host of other traditional displays. Pose for photos by majestic red torrii gates and alongside cute Tokidoki cartoon characters. Be wowed by wagasa (colourful umbrella displays). And ensure your shots are framed by perfectly placed marumado (traditional circular windows). Remember that’s all in addition to the breathtaking displays in the Cloud Forest and Floral Fantasy areas, so you’re guaranteed a fabulous day, fuelled by flower power! Singapore Jazz festival From bloomers to crooners, the annual International Jazz Festival (otherwise known as ‘SingJazz’) is another reason to visit Singapore in March. But whatever you dooby-dooby-do, don’t be put off by the title, as in recent years Marina Bay Sands has played host to world-renowned artists from all sorts of genres - hip-hop-jazz, acid-jazz, soul-funk, reggae - and more. Groove on down for three nights of al-fresco entertainment and, whilst you’re about it, take time to kick back at one of the best rooftop bars in Singapore. Live life like a celebrity at the luxurious CÉ LA VI Skybar, where an All-Inclusive Pass or Explorer Pass from Go City lets you savour a complimentary drink along with sweeping views from the 57th floor. St Patrick’s Day in Singapore Singapore’s inclusive multi-cultural community means there’s always a different festival or holiday to celebrate and the Irish national day on March 17th is no exception, with enthusiastic ex-pat pub-crawls and a colourful parade (led by an inexplicably non-Irish convoy of Harley-Davidsons!) If you’ve the luck of the Leprechauns you might be around to enjoy the two-day St Patrick’s Day Street Festival held on the streets of Boat Quay. Wear green (even the Singapore River is dyed green for the occasion) and get ready for folk music, Irish dancing and hearty Irish stews washed down with gallons of Guinness. If that’s given you a taste for the hard stuff - or you’re simply taking advantage of a grown-up vacation - don’t stop at the black gold (as Guinness is often known). Singapore is also famous as the home of Tiger Beer, the golden draught served in over 60 countries.You can take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Tiger Brewery and learn the secrets of the production process which involves 200 quality checks. Then try your hand at pouring the perfect pint before tasting complimentary locally-brewed beers at a beer appreciation session in the Tiger Tavern. If you’re feeling really sophisticated, what could be classier than sipping on a ‘Singapore Sling’ in the bar where it was invented? Clink cocktails in the Long Bar at the Raffles Hotel, or sashay out to the lushly-landscaped courtyard of the Raffles Arcade. The iconic gin-based cocktail (which also includes cherry brandy and Benedictine) was created by Mr Ngiam Tong Boon, a bartender at the Raffles Hotel, back in 1915, but, over 100 years later, you can still enjoy the same standards of service, stunning surroundings and drinks to die for. Chin chin! A J Hackett Sentosa Giant Swing It may be that you need some of that Dutch courage for one of the best adult activities in Singapore - the AJ Hackett Skypark. Back in the 80s New Zealander AJ Hackett recreated a Pentecost Island ritual where islanders threw themselves off wooden platforms with a vine tied to their ankle and, after he shot to fame jumping off the Eiffel tower, bungy-jumping was born. You can bungy jump in Singapore too if you dare - or (for over-14s and not for the faint of heart) pick up a ticket for the AJ Hackett Sentosa Giant Swing. Strap in safely then swoop, screaming, towards Silosa Beach at 120km/h. To get your breath back, soak in the scenery and snap some selfies, as you stroll the 40km walkway of the Skybridge, with see-through sections to get your heart racing all over again. Outdoor activities in Singapore Its location right on the equator means it's often so hot and humid in Singapore that during the summer months any prolonged activity outdoors can feel like hard work. Which is why comparatively mild March is a great time to get out to see and do. Puzzle Hunt Singapore A Puzzle Hunt activity is one easy way to discover different parts of the city whilst having fun at the same time. Whether you take on the challenge as a couple, a group or a family, it’s an immersive combination of ‘choose your own world’ role play and outdoor escape room, where the outcome of the adventure depends on the choices you make along the way. Puzzle Hunt in Chinatown will see you scouring the streets for clues, whilst learning about Chinatown’s history, heritage and hawker culture (the 260 stalls in the Chinatown Complex Food Centre combine community with unmissable culinary treats.) There are different brainteasers to battle when you Ransack Little India, searching for a hidden treasure chest whilst discovering the area’s unique landmarks. Or, maybe you’ll choose to look and learn amongst the sprawling lawns and nine gardens of Fort Canning Park, with a military themed Ransack Fort Canning puzzle experience. Wherever you choose to explore, you’ll see the sights whilst finding out fascinating facts at your own pace and claim a prize at the end. What are you waiting for? Nature Kayaking at Pulau Ubin If you’re looking for a respite from the city’s hustle and love to get back to nature, another classic Singapore experience to pull in before the humidity hits is a kayak tour of Pulau Ubin. Just a 15 minute bumboat ride from Changi Point Ferry Terminal, this verdant island off Singapore’s northeast coast feels like half a world away and is one of only two remaining kampongs (traditional villages) in Singapore. Embrace the tranquility of the open water as you paddle past a natural paradise of lush greenery and thriving mangroves, looking out for kingfishers, herons, otters and more flora and fauna. Explore the coast and the island’s mangroves over a four-hour adventure towards Ketam Island. On land, for the adventurous, hiking and mountain bike trails criss cross the island. Maybe you’ll visit the weathered temples and shrines, or simply relax in the peaceful coastal surroundings. Remember there are no ATMs so take along enough money to rent a bike, enjoy a traditional meal, or quench your thirst with a coconut. Bliss. We hope you’ve enjoyed our whistle-stop tour of just some of the sights and sounds that await you in Singapore in March - and all year round. To make sightseeing easier, why not download the Go City app to keep track of all your adventures? Happy travels!
Jo Cooke

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