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If you often find yourself wishing for a spot to chill and relax at while you’re out, I’m just like you, and you’re just like me~ These are 10 rooftops I’ve discovered mostly by chance, just from my sole desire to sit down somewhere with a good view and good airflow when I get tired from strolling around while out.
What makes the best rooftop in my opinion?
Thinking back to rooftops that I have enjoyed, these are the 3 things that make it a relaxing and pleasant experience:
Comfort: Some rooftops have benches or seats installed, so you can take a rest and relax whilst bathing in the sun and taking in the good views.
Crowds: Some rooftops are more well-known and there can be a crowd, while others are more hidden and secluded.
Accessibility: Some rooftops require booking in advance to access the rooftop, while you can just walk in to others.
Here are the 10 must-visit rooftops to take in gorgeous views and chill at. The rooftops are not numbered in quality, but are just a collection of rooftops I personally enjoy, so pick the rooftop which best suits what you like. There is also a Verdict section at the end of this article to help you choose.
1. CapitaSpring 1-Arden Sky Garden
CapitaSpring’s 1-Arden Sky Garden is located on the 51st floor of the building, which is 280 metres high from the ground floor. When I visited, I recall my heart thumping faster whenever I took a closer step towards the railing. I’m still unsure whether it was because of how stunning the views were or because I was suddenly conscious of the height at which I was. The sky garden offers a 365 view of our city skyline, including Marina Bay and the Central Business District. I was moving around the sky garden, and every spot I stopped at offered me amazing views.
Apart from the rooftop sky garden, there is actually a mid-level sky garden called the Green Oasis, which is a vertical garden spanning 4 storeys with lush greenery and trees, along with social and activity spaces. However, prior booking is required to visit both 1-Arden Sky Garden and the Green Oasis. Prior booking is required, and you may book your desired slot here.
88 Market Street, CapitaSpring, Singapore 048948
+65 9837 8248
Daily: 8.30am – 10.30am & 2.30pm – 10pm
2. Funan Mall Roof Garden
Funan Mall’s Roof Garden is located at level R of the mall. You can access level R from Lobby B. When I took the lift up, I was immediately greeted with a cooling breeze. Additionally, from the roof garden, I spotted a historical landmark! The Old Hill Street Police Station with its stunning rainbow shutters. Right beside the Old Hill Street Police Station was the Central Fire Station, all in its red and white glory.
Besides the Roof Garden, there is also an urban farm accessible from Lobby A. It is located on level 7. It is a lush farm filled with a myriad of herbs, vegetables, fruits and more.
107 North Bridge Road, Funan Mall, Singapore 179105
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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3. Skyville @ Dawson Roof Garden
Skyville @ Dawson is a public housing building with 960 residential units arranged across 3 interconnected blocks. The views of their Roof Garden located on the 47th storey rival many observation decks, and best of all, this roof garden is free to access! When I went, there was a slight wait for the lift, which is understandable as both residents and people trying to access the roof garden were queuing. Depending on where you stand within the roof garden, you can either see the city skyline or an unobstructed sky with lush ground gardens and plants.
The roof garden is amazing and free to access, but bear in mind that it is a residential building, and the residents have been dealing with rooftop nuisances and littering, so do be mindful of the space while you take in the views and greenery.
86 Dawson Rd, Skyville @ Dawson, Singapore 141086
Daily: 7am – 10pm
4. Esplanade Roof Terrace
Many people go to Esplanade without realising there is actually a roof terrace, and I was one of those people until recently. The roof terrace at Esplanade has a beautiful view of both the city and Marina Bay. I like that the thorny exterior of Esplanade contrasts against the soft green lawns, shrubs and small shade trees on the roof terrace. While I was on the roof terrace, I spotted so many landmarks nearby, such as the Merlion in Merlion Park and the DBS Foundation Esplanade Outdoor Theatre.
The Esplanade roof terrace is free to access; come early if you want the best seats while watching the sunset with the city skyline behind!
1 Esplanade Drive, Esplanade, Singapore 038981
+65 6828 8377
Daily: 8am – 10.30pm
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5. Orchard Central Rooftop Garden
I discovered the Orchard Central Rooftop Garden after what felt like endless walking in Orchard Road. The rooftop garden is nestled on top of Orchard Central, and has a nice overview of the city. It was also fairly empty when I visited, which made it feel like a secret hidden garden away from the hustle and bustle of Orchard Road. I particularly liked the cute pathways that lead you through the rooftop garden and the little ponds around; it really added to a hidden magical garden feel.
The Orchard Central Rooftop Garden is free to access via an elevator to the 11th floor of Orchard Central mall, then an escalator ride up to the rooftop garden.
Orchard Road, Orchard Central, Singapore 238895
Daily: 11am – 10pm
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6. Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Roof Garden
The roof garden at Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre is 2000sqm and has glass curtain walls enclosing the perimeter of the roof garden. I noticed a black-tiled structure with beams which resembled a stage, and after a quick Google search, I found out that this roof garden actually doubles up as an event space! Another feature in the roof garden which caught my attention was a cube-shaped sculpture with circular cutouts in its middle. The roof garden is also surrounded by many smaller trees and shrubs, making it a lush garden to rest in.
The Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Roof Garden is free to access via an elevator to the R floor of the building.
1 Straits Boulevard, Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre, Singapore 018906
+65 6812 7222
Mon: 2pm – 8pm
Tues to Sun: 10am – 8pm
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7. Ng Teng Fong National Roof Garden Gallery
Most people head home after taking in the vast collection of Southeast Asian art at the National Gallery Singapore. However, there is actually the Ng Teng Fong National Roof Garden Gallery at level 5 of the National Gallery Singapore for you to rest and chill at after taking in all the beautiful art. This Roof Garden Gallery is free to access as well.
I really liked that the roof garden had reflective pools which cast shimmers and patterns of light and shadow around the vicinity, such as across the courtyards. It gave an ethereal feeling to the place and made it feel like some whimsical hidden spot. The roof garden also occasionally has bigger art installations by artists, but sadly, when I went, there weren’t any.
1 St Andrew’s Road, #05-01 National Gallery Singapore, Singapore 178957
Mon to Thu: 10am – 7pm
Fri to Sun: 10am – 10pm
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8. The Roof Garden at Marina Square
The Roof Garden is located at level 3 of Marina Square Mall and is free to access. I first discovered this rooftop while I was walking around the mall and noticed a sign tucked away in the corner of level 3 pointing towards it. The Roof Garden has a great view of iconic landmarks such as the Esplanade Theatre and The Float @ Marina Bay. The Roof Garden itself was vast, with plenty of seats to rest at and large walkways for strolling down.
I really liked how I got a clear and close view of the Marina Bay area and the skyline, and I always make it a point to drop by The Roof Garden whenever I head down to Marina Square Mall now.
6 Raffles Boulevard, Marina Square, Singapore 039594
Daily: 10am – 10pm
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9. Kampung Admiralty Rooftop
Kampung Admiralty is an 11-storey building covered in greenery and vegetation. Kampung means village in Malay, and I certainly felt the kampung vibes while walking around. There were a many facilities in the area, including a public plaza, hawker centre, medical facility, as well as the rooftop, making it feel like a village with everything you would ever need in one spot.
When I started to make my way up towards the rooftop, I couldn’t help but notice the lush greenery cascading down from it, making the area feel less like a rooftop and more like a vast forest I stumbled into. Walking around made me feel as though I was receiving a hug from nature, making me feel calm and relaxed. Honestly, I would love to stay in this estate because of the greenery.
676 Woodlands Drive 71, Kampung Admiralty, Singapore 730676
+65 6264 7764
Daily: 6am – 9pm
10. Design Orchard Rooftop
Design Orchard is located at a junction right opposite 313 Somerset, along Orchard Road. Despite its prominent location, I used to walk by this spot often without actually going into the mall. When I finally decided to venture into the building, I was greeted by shops selling local brands, which excited me as someone who likes to #supportlocal.
I discovered their rooftop resembles an amphitheatre, with tiered steps that function as seating, and there are umbrella shades as well. There is also a lawn area with more shaded seating. It also overlooks the junction, so if you like to people-watch like I do, this is a great spot for you to sit and take in all the sights of Orchard Road.
250 Orchard Road, Design Orchard, Singapore 238905
+65 9379 4725
Daily: 10.30am – 9.30pm
How to choose the right rooftop for a relaxing break
If uninterrupted skyline views are the priority, choose CapitaSpring 1-Arden Sky Garden and book ahead, or head to Skyville @ Dawson and Singapore Chinese Cultural Centre Roof Garden for free alternatives.
For sunsets and Marina Bay scenery, Esplanade Roof Terrace and The Roof Garden at Marina Square are practical options with easy access.
If you prefer greenery and a quieter setting, Orchard Central Rooftop Garden, Kampung Admiralty Rooftop and Funan Mall’s Roof Garden offer a more relaxed atmosphere. Design Orchard Rooftop suits people watching along Orchard Road, while Ng Teng Fong National Roof Garden Gallery pairs naturally with a visit to the National Gallery. The right choice depends on whether you value views, tranquillity or convenience.
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