Whether you’re a local or a tourist, Clarke Quay is a must-visit spot. This popular haunt is where you can chill by the Singapore River, dine at many restaurants, or hop on a bumboat. Come sundown, the entire area comes alive so you’ll be spoilt for choice between getting down on the dancefloor at a nightclub, chilling at the bar over some giant beer pong, and hopping onto an adrenaline-surging ride.
Here are the best things to do in Clarke Quay, proving after all these years that it truly is the apex of Singapore’s nightlife scene.
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Image credit: @rivercruise1987 via Instagram
You can explore Clarke Quay on foot, or consider a whimsical boat ride along the Singapore River instead. The Singapore River Cruise Experience departs from Clarke Quay Jetty and takes you along Clarke Quay, Boat Quay, and Marina Bay. You’ll be riding in a charming retro bumboat that’ll add to that historic experience.
Image credit: @20200307_mami_sg via Instagram
The Civil Defence Heritage Gallery is where you can learn all about Singapore’s Civil Defence Force. This 2-storey museum houses vintage fire trucks, interactive exhibits that are suitable for kids, and even a reenactment of the Bukit Ho Swee fire incident that happened in 1961. We’ll leave you with a final fun fact: this museum is the oldest fire station in Singapore.
History buffs will be familiar with Fort Canning Park – it’s where the decision was made to surrender to the Japanese Forces during WW2. Aside from the underground war compounds, you’ll also come across cannons and the giant gothic gate which was part of Singapore’s defence back in 1942.
The Sang Nila Utama Garden is also one of the 9 gardens located in Fort Canning Park. It’s known for its Javanese-inspired architecture, like the split gates and water features.
Image credit: @_sandvvich via Instagram
You might know Old Hill Street Police Station as the building with the rainbow windows. But there’s more to this structure than just its gorgeous exterior. For the uninitiated, it was built in 1934 to police the growing gangs in the vicinity. It was then taken over by the Kempeitai during WW2, where prisoners would be kept here.
Considered the largest government building then, it currently houses the offices of the Ministry of Communications and Information and the Ministry of Culture, Community and Youth. While the place isn’t open to public, you can position yourself in front of a coloured window to snap an OOTD shot. Or, head across the river at night to capture the building when its lit up at night.
“Shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, shots, EVERYBODY!”.
If you live by that iconic LMFAO feat. Lil Jon song, Chupitos deserves to be your 2nd home. With a whopping 130 different shots to choose from, their menu is just one of the many impressive aspects to be excited about.
Marvel at the flaming magic of their specialty shots, including the Russian Roulette, where a bartender will set 5 shooters of Vodka, Galliano, and Sambuca concoction ablaze.
You can also get other flaming hot shots like Strawberry Shortcake. Another must-try is their Gas Chamber; this one is a mixture of Overproof Rum and Absinthe Green, and the bartender will light up the drink to collect an intoxicating gas in a cup. You can inhale this gas for an extra kick after you’ve gone bottoms up.
If you’re feeling competitive, challenge your pal to an Amazing Race. Whoever downs all the cranberry, orange, and peppermint flavoured vodka wins, no hands allowed! Loser gets a penalty shot, winner gets bragging rights.
For anyone who’s grown up loving video games, Level Up is a dream come true.
Revel in the glory of their old-school games like Bishi Bashi, Point Blank X, and Street Fighter.
Air hockey, basketball shooting, and racing video games will keep the nostalgia factor going, but all that playtime is sure to work up an appetite. Chow down on their bar bites that include Nachos and Drum & Wings – the latter is a platter of chicken wings and drumsticks that come with a choice of 5 sauces including honey soy and maple garlic butter.
Going by an apt slogan of “the drama before the party”, RedTail Bar by Zouk is the spot to pre-game before a wild night out.
Zouk’s reputation within the clubbing scene is nothing short of legendary. Now, at RedTail, they’re offering delicious food and incredible drinks, plus familiar drinking games that justify downing cup after cup at this bar in Singapore.
Image credit: Redtail Bar by Zouk Via Instagram
If you happen to notice how kickass the playlist at RedTail is, it’s ‘cause it was curated by Zouk’s resident DJs.
Good news if you’re itching to get that adrenaline pumping: there’s no need to travel all the way to some far-flung amusement park that requires at least half a day’s worth of commitment.
Simply swing by Clarke Quay and hop onto the GX5 Extreme Swing, notorious for causing a choir of screams to be heard along the riverbank whether day or night.
The swing sends you soaring sky-high, giving you stunning aerial views of Singapore’s greatest landmarks. If you’re brave enough to actually open up those peepers, that is.
Should you be up for a round 2, you can lug your already-trembling feet to the neighbouring Slingshot Singapore. This ride will catapult you and a brave friend 70m into the air, at 160km/h, then bounce the both of you up and down a couple of times in a bungee-like fashion.
You’ll even get to buy a video that captures your whole range of emotions while on the ride. Be warned, you’ll bear witness to faces you didn’t know you were capable of making, but the unglams make for endearing keepsakes.
Of course, no night of revelry down in Clarke Quay is complete without heading for the multitude of clubs peppered throughout the vicinity.
Image credit: @zouksingapore via Instagram
You’ve got the tried-and-tested Zouk, which has been the longest running club in Singapore. They’re also the minds behind Zoukout, with big names like Martin Garrix and Alesso headlining in the past, you know they’re all about throwing banger parties.
PULSE, previously known as YANG Club, is also another joint to let loose at. Known for their talented live band performances, this club is a peaceful juxtaposition to the head-banging and fist-pumping action that’s going on inside.
Image credit: @thecouncilsg via Instagram
Finally, you can make a beeline to Headquarters By The Council for some underground EDM to fuel your nights. Swathed in a blanket of red lights, the club makes you feel like you’re trespassing into unknown territory. But feel free to stay for its European vibes and unique techno and house tracks.
While robust and rowdy establishments are a dime a dozen at Clarke Quay, sometimes you’d rather have a mellow get-together. For quaint bites and drinks amidst Instagrammable backdrops, head to Here Kitty Kitty.
There are no actual cats to be found here, but the bar makes up for it with its exquisite decor. It borrows elements from 1950s Shinjuku, with its tell-tale Japanese murals and hanging ornaments.
To go along with your intimate conversations, order one of their many delicately prepared drinks. This Snow Angel is a Suntory Kakubin mix, enhanced with Kwai Feh lychee and rose cordial that’s way too pretty to drink. If you need something to munch on, go for their perfectly marbled Rib-Eye Sandos.
Image credit: @jaceonthemove via Instagram
On the flipside, Kanpai789 has always been a lively hotspot for those looking to get their alcohol fix before hitting the dance floors at their favourite clubs. What makes them stand out from the throngs of bars that line Clarke Quay is their affordable beer and cocktail towers.
They’ve got 2-litre Asahi Towers as well as 3-litre Yakult Soju Towers . Their Twin Jim Beam Highball Towers are also a steal if you’ve got a crowd. Pair your drinks with some delectable Thai food; classics like Pad Thai and Tomyum Seafood Vermicelli ensure you don’t KO because of an empty stomach.
After filling your stomachs, you can walk over to Zouk that’s just a 10-minute walk away. Do call in beforehand to reserve seats, as this place gets quite crowded especially on Fridays and weekends.
Image credit: Cash Studio
There’s a slew of karaoke studios in Singapore, but Cash Studio’s been around since 2003 so rest assured that they know their stuff when it comes to hosting a hearty karaoke sesh. It’s pretty affordable too, considering their prime central location.
Opt for their cosy Small Room for 4, or go big with their VIP Room that fits up to 25. Regardless of your pick, most of their rooms come equipped with a ministage – perfect for belting out solos. You can even request for tambourines and maracas to accompany the beats.
Image credit: @cashstudiokaraoke via Instagram
You can even throw birthday bashes here; do call in to enquire about birthday packages that come with personalised LED signs, food, and alcohol to commemorate the special occasion. Kids below 5 also enter for free, so you can even bring the little ones out to croon the day away.
If you’ve ever lamented the lacklustre snack options at your regular KTV spot, Tang Music Box is about to be your new go-to.
Step inside and you will be greeted with what seems like a mini-mart, fully stocked with goodies from all over the globe. You can even order bar bites from selected restaurants in Clarke Quay, like Chuan Grill & Noodle Bar.
Fickle-minded clubgoers no longer need to bicker among the squad when settling on a venue.
Get Juiced houses 3 different sections under one roof: a hip-hop club, a chill bar and lounge, and a rockin’ EDM dance floor.
A putt-putt course styled after Operation? Gulp.
Image credit: @holeymoleygolf via Instagram
Holey Moley is set to add even more pep and vibrant activity to Clarke Quay’s stellar lineup of hip bars. A super popular chain in its home country Down Under, the first outlet on our sunny shores will feature a mini-golf course with quirky themes.
Fun and games aside, they’re also known for being ridiculously strong in the #aesthetics department, so come dressed comfortable enough for a rousing session of mini golf, but fab enough to stock up on IG shots as well.
No matter your age or preference when it comes to kicking back and enjoying an evening out, Clarke Quay has something that’ll be right up your alley.
From classy post-work drinks and chit chat to an unforgettable celebration of life’s grand occasions, the area is a one-stop destination that never disappoints.
This post was brought to you by Clarke Quay.
Cover image adapted from: @zouksingapore via Instagram & Here Kitty Kitty
Photography by Dexter Looi.
Last updated by Joycelyn Yeow and Shannon Lee on 27th September 2024.
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