Millennials Just Wanna Have Fun Hangout Spots in Singapore
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Millennials Just Wanna Have Fun: Hangout Spots in Singapore

| Last Updated: March 24, 2024

As a millennial (albeit on the younger end of the spectrum), I know very well how exhausting living in Singapore can be. We—my co-workers, friends, and I—spend all day working, and by the time we’re done, we just want to jump into bed and sleep.

But sometimes, when we’re not working, we just want to have fun with our friends. Sometimes, “fun” refers to going to lively bars and exciting nightclubs, but other times, it just means chilling in kopitiams and drinking a good cup of coffee or tea. 

If you want to know where millennials hang out in Singapore, check out this article. Here, I’ve listed some of the best hangout spots for millennials on the island. 

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Where did millennials hang out in Singapore before?

Where did millennials hang out in Singapore before

Before we became working adults, we were youngsters running around Singapore. And for nostalgia’s sake, here are the most common spots where millennials used to hang out with their friends before:

  • King Albert Park. Young people these days won’t know about the existence of King Albert Park, but it was all the rage in the past. This is where my friends and I went after exams and celebrated with ice cream from McDonald’s.
  • Arcades. The arcade is another hangout spot that we loved going to after school. It’s also the reason why we went “broke” at the time. We would always spend our allowance playing various games here. 
  • Libraries. It was boring to study at home, so we’d always head to the nearest library. Libraries were—and still are—great because of the quiet; it was also nice to study with my friends. 
  • Tuition Centers. Speaking of studying, we also spent a lot of our time (usually on the weekends) at tuition centers (private institutions offering tutor services). Singaporean youths still use tuition centers; it’s just part of the culture now.

Where do millennials hang out in Singapore these days?

Where do millennials hang out in Singapore these days

Now that we’re grown up, millennials now have different preferences of where to hang out. From what I’ve noticed, we tend to gravitate toward coffee shops, bars, and nightclubs, but we’re sometimes open to other spots as well. 

Here are a few great hangout spots for millennials, divided into four categories: namely, kopitiams and cafes, bars and speakeasies, and nightclubs.

Kopitiams and Cafes

This will probably make me sound old, but lately these days, I dislike being surrounded by many people and getting subjected to loud music. Sometimes, I just want a spot outside my house where I can go to read a book or watch a movie on my laptop.

Luckily for me, kopitiams or coffee shops are abundant across Singapore, and many of them offer great drinks and food. 

Genius Central

Since I work remotely, my apartment is where I spend most of my days. And while I prefer this setup to the office one, being alone all day long can get really draining. 

This is where cafes like Genius Central swoop into the rescue. This cafe actually doubles as a co-working space, so I can come here with my laptop and work on my tasks while being surrounded by my fellow WFH peers. 

In fact, most of the people I see here are working adults: some huddle around the long tables, having a discussion, while others book an event space for a private meeting. Sometimes, I feel like the cafe has now become the new home for remote workers.

And of course, I have to credit them for their food and drinks. I appreciate that practically everything being served here is healthy: the beverages are made from natural ingredients, while the entrees have some form of green vegetables with them. 

They also have indulgent offerings, such as popcorn chicken, which is what I usually order when I’m staying in the cafe to relax and watch movies. Sometimes, when I’m with friends, we order nachos so that we have something to munch on while we chat.

Traveler’s Tip: Come here as early as possible so that you can pick the best seat (aka nearest to a power socket). 

Kith Cafe

Kith Cafe has multiple locations on the island, but my favorite is the one on Millenia Walk. The reason it’s my favorite is it’s spacious and has a lot of charging stations, and as you already know by now, I love hanging out in cafes with my laptop.

The menu is also pretty impressive because of its wide variety. The dishes are also made from the freshest ingredients, so you don’t have to worry about your health when dining here.

The coffee is the one thing that takes the spotlight, which is strange for me to say since I’m not the biggest fan of coffee. Here, the coffee is heavy, rich, and sweet, and it becomes even more filling when paired with Kith’s scrumptious pastries.

Traveler’s Tip: For a more fun time, you and your friends can order a bunch of dishes and just share with each other. That way, you’ll get to taste as many of the offerings here as possible. 

Twenty Eight Cafe

  • Address: 28 Wilkie Rd, #01-06, Singapore 228051
  • Operating Hours: 7:30 am to 4:30 pm (weekdays), 8 am to 4:30 pm (weekends)
  • What You Must Try: Common Breakfast (S$27.69), Cajun Chicken (S$19.35), Beef Burger (S$25.83)

I always feel at ease when staying at Twenty Eight Cafe, and why shouldn’t I? It’s housed in a heritage building, so it gives off quaint, vintage vibes, and the white walls and the overhead lights make for a soothing atmosphere. 

Because of its relaxing environment, my friends and I actually treat this cafe as a brunch spot. We usually order the Common Breakfast or any of their filling dishes, then spend the rest of the time talking about every topic under the sun.

The best part about this cafe is that the dishes and drinks are actually reasonably priced, so you can order a few items without breaking the bank. 

To be honest, I’m guilty of ordering more once I finish eating something. I have no regrets, though! 

Traveler’s Tip: If you get overwhelmed with your options, you can never go wrong with any of the cafe’s sandwiches. Also, if you have a sweet tooth like me, you wouldn’t want to pass up on the Indian Churros.

6 Letter Coffee

Staying at 6 Letter Coffee, even if it’s just for a short while, feels like a warm hug. 

The cafe features white walls and several light fixtures to brighten up the space, and it’s also relatively quiet. All in all, it’s the coziest place for a hangout. 

As for the menu, it’s quite extensive with all the categories you can think of: there are various rosti and pasta dishes, salads, toasts, and more. They even have many kinds of waffles, gelatos, and pastries if you love desserts. 

Personally, my favorite dish is the Wagyu Burger, but I also really love their Seafood Aglio Oglio and Beef Bolognese. 

Of course, I wouldn’t spend a day in a cafe without trying some of their desserts. My favorite is the double chocolate banana waffles.

Traveler’s Tip: The portions here can be quite sizable, so it would be better if you have a companion so that you can share your food if you struggle with finishing it.

Amber Ember

  • Address: 730 Upper Serangoon Rd, #01-01, Singapore 534613
  • Operating Hours: 10 am to 5 pm (Tuesdays to Fridays), 10 am to 6 pm (Saturdays and Sundays), closed on Mondays
  • What You Must Try: Miso Butter Prawn (S$25), Pistachio Rose Waffle (S$18), Breakfast Roll (S$16)

It’s so easy to overlook Amber Ember, especially since it’s a hole-in-the-wall cafe. But once you figure out which door leads to it, you’ll be greeted by a cozy space with rustic vibes. 

But the best part of Amber Ember being a hole-in-the-wall establishment is that its secluded location means there won’t be a lot of people at any time of the day. So, if you’re looking for utter peace and quiet, this is the place to be. 

As for the food, you have many options—from all-day breakfast dishes to pasta to pastries. The beverage menu is just as varied: there are coffee drinks and non-coffee choices (personally, I really love the Strawberry-ade). 

Traveler’s Tip: Amber Ember is primarily known for being a cafe, but you can actually enjoy happy hour here because there’s an alcoholic beverage menu. I tried the Garage Project Hopbine, and that one was phenomenal.

ColBar

  • Address: 9A Whitchurch Rd, Singapore 138839 
  • Operating Hours: 11:30 am to 8:30 pm (Tuesdays to Sundays), closed on Mondays
  • What You Must Try: Chicken Curry Rice (S$11), Dry Hor Fun (S$8), Pork Cutlet and Mushroom (S$13)

ColBar may seem like a humble kopitiam tucked away in Queenstown, but it’s nothing to sneeze at. The dishes here are the ultimate comfort food, and with a cup of coffee or a bottle of craft beer, you’ll find yourself spending a long time here just to relax.

ColBar has actually been around since the 1950s. In fact, it once served as a canteen for the British army, hence the name (it’s short for “colonial bar”). 

It hasn’t been modernized in any way, so the whole place gives off quaint and vintage vibes.

Back to the food: the dishes here are hearty and tasty. My go-to is the Pork Cutlet and Mushroom, but I also really like the Chicken Curry Rice. 

When I’m with a few people, we usually grab drinks—usually English craft beers—and just spend the entire time chatting with each other. 

Traveler’s Tip: If you have children, you can let them play in the large green space outside while you’re finishing up your meal or chatting with someone.

Bars and Speakeasies

Hanging out in a cafe and sipping a good cup of coffee is great, but sometimes we millennials yearn for a stronger drink in a much quieter space. If this is what you’re looking for, then you need to hang out in hidden bars and speakeasies. 

Many of these establishments are hidden behind freezers and unassuming doors, so searching for them is always thrilling. Here are some of my favorite quiet bars and speakeasies on the island.

Mama Diam

  • Address: 38 Prinsep St, Singapore 188665
  • Operating Hours: 4 to 10:30 pm (Sundays to Thursdays), 4 pm to 12 am (Fridays and Saturdays)
  • What You Must Try: Claypot Asian Braised Beef Cheeks (S$25), Oyster Casino—six pieces (S$29), Classic Remix Cocktail (S$24)

Reminiscing the good old days is one of the things that we millennials like to do, and with Mama Diam, your nostalgia will kick in so hard that you’ll really think you went back in time. 

A “mama shop” is a convenience store typically located under an HDB property, and they were widely popular during the 1980s and 1990s. 

Mama Diam is a speakeasy inspired by the original convenience store, and you can really see the inspiration everywhere. 

The outdoor area features an old-school design and my favorite childhood snacks, and the bar itself serves drinks that are local favorites but with a modern twist. 

I personally really love their Classic Remix Cocktail. It’s smooth with a hint of sweetness.

They also have several delicious dishes, so you can order something with your alcoholic beverage. My favorites are the Claypot Asian Braised Beef Cheeks, Soft Shell Crab Bao, and Truffle Mushroom Gyoza.

Traveler’s Tip: The later you arrive at this speakeasy, the more packed it will be. So, if you prefer a little bit of peace and quiet, I suggest coming in as early as you can.

BeGin

I love a good pun. I don’t care if that makes me seem corny, but puns are fun! So, when I first heard of BeGin, I knew I had to check it out just because of its clever, punny name. 

Fortunately, the bar is actually great, so I didn’t regret coming here. It has the dark, moody ambiance that I always like in bars, but the best part is undoubtedly the menu for both the food and drinks. 

There are so many options to try that I actually had to spend a few minutes reading through the descriptions before deciding which one I’d like. The Lavender Cocktail was the first thing that I tried here, then I ordered a plate of chicken drumlets and a burger.

The menu even has drinks inspired by various countries, such as the Philippines, China, Australia, and more. I plan to come back here with friends next time, try out a few of these country-themed drinks, and discuss which one is the best.

Traveler’s Tip: Do you want to host a birthday or other special events? You might be interested in hosting it at BeGin. They will tailor a menu based on the event you’re hosting and your preferences.

Junior the Pocket Bar

  • Address: 6 Ann Siang Hill, Singapore 069787
  • Operating Hours: 6 pm to 12 am (Tuesdays to Saturdays), closed on Sundays and Mondays
  • What You Must Try: Way of Dee Dee Cocktail (S$26), Junior Meatballs (S$20), Apple Tart (S$14)

Junior the Pocket Bar is a speakeasy that I return to occasionally simply because its concept and menu change after six months. In other words, there’s always something new to experience no matter how often I’ve already visited!

So far, I’ve experienced a New Orleans-inspired ambiance, a tiki and mezcal-oriented bar, and a 70s ski chalet theme, and I’m excited to see what’s next when I come back soon. 

During my visits, I’ve come to really love their cocktails, specifically the Way of Dee and Eldest Child Syndrome. I also enjoyed their Junior Meatballs (the beef jus really tied the whole meal together), and Apple Tart had my heart (so buttery and sweet!).

Traveler’s Tip: If you want to do some sightseeing before your visit to this bar, Sri Mariamman Temple is just a short walk away. You might want to check out this iconic temple. 

Roxy 

Do you love rock and roll? Then you might also love Roxy, which is a glamorous cocktail bar that’s inspired by the back rooms and rock and roll nightclubs in 1970s Manhattan. 

Just like with any other speakeasy, Roxy is tricky to find, especially if it’s your first time. The door is unmarked and located in the loading dock of the Sail at Marina Bay, so you have to do a bit of sleuthing before finding this place. 

Once you’ve found it and entered the hidden world of Roxy, it’s time to get the party started. Take your pick from the long list of drinks.

I personally like CBGB Swizzle and Party Penicillin since they’re the signature drinks, but don’t hesitate to try the others.

Traveler’s Tip: Roxy only serves bar bites, so I suggest eating a full dinner first before coming here. You don’t want to drink alcoholic beverages with an empty stomach.

Native

  • Address: 52A Amoy St, Singapore 069878
  • Operating Hours: 6 pm to 12 am (Mondays to Saturdays), closed on Sundays
  • What You Must Try: Ants (S$28), Nasi Bakar (S$25), Sticky Jackfruit and Sugee Cake (S$16)

Native is another speakeasy that will send you on an adventure because of how hard it is to find, but don’t worry too much because it will be worth it. You’ll definitely have such a fun time at this bar.

What makes this bar stand out is its array of unique drinks. For example, they have a cocktail with freeze-dried ants in them! 

My eyebrows certainly shot up when I learned about that, but it tasted surprisingly good all thanks to the lemongrass gin and coconut yogurt. Another drink I tried and loved is Achar (it’s ginger flower gin with pineapple, calamansi, cucumbers, and chili).

The rums also caught my eye because there were so many options from different countries, but I wasn’t able to try any of them. Maybe next time when I return, I’ll make sure to taste the rum first.

Traveler’s Tip: Native has a few food selections, but it would be better if you eat beforehand. There’s a noodle house across the street called Swee Kee Fish Head Noodle House, and the meals there are incredibly hearty.

The Other Room

Are you in the mood to treat yourself to a bit of luxury? Then look no further than The Other Room, the speakeasy nestled within Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel on Orchard Road. 

I’m not kidding when I say that everything about this bar is oozing with opulence—from the interior design to the furnishings. Of course, their drinks are one-of-a-kind: I’ve never tasted cocktails with flavor combinations like the ones at this bar.

The best part is the vintage menu. These vintage cocktails are made using bottles from the 1970s, making them extremely rare. Once the bottle runs out, it’s gone forever. 

We also tried some of their dishes here, and they were definitely worth the price. Sometimes, I still catch myself craving their Sirloin Steak and Sea Urchin with Caviar. 

Traveler’s Tip: Cocktails and dishes here can get really pricey, so be mindful of how much you’ve already ordered!

Nightclubs

Who says clubbing is only reserved for the young? People aged 30 and upwards deserve to dance along to loud music and have fun all night long as well!

Admittedly, I’m more of a homebody kind of millennial, but sometimes, I do feel the urge to go out to nightclubs. The following are the nightclubs I’ve been to, and I’d definitely recommend them to you if you’re interested.

Zouk

If it’s your first time clubbing in Singapore, then Zouk is the first place to start. After all, this club is one of the most famous on the island. 

It was actually ranked #3 on DJ Magazine’s list of Top 100 Clubs all over the world in 2017.

What I love about this particular club is that it rotates its themes on a regular basis. Sometimes, the music will be modern songs, but other times, you get a throwback, with hits from Rick Astley and Abba playing all night long. 

Though most of the crowd is in their early 20s, you can still find people over the age of 30 and 40. So really, everyone is welcome to party here!

Traveler’s Tip: Zouk is incredibly popular, so it’s always in demand. To ensure you have a spot, be sure to book a reservation ahead of time.

Marquee

Another beloved club in Singapore is Marquee, and it’s also one of the largest on the island. It has a total area of over 2,300 square meters, so understandably, it has a lot of space for many things. 

For starters, the dance floor itself is spacious, and there are four bars with their own themes. There’s even a massive indoor Ferris wheel that gives you an unparalleled view of the club!

Sometimes, the club even welcomes well-known entertainers, such as A$AP Rocky, Steve Aoki, Afrojack, and more, so if you can, be sure to snag tickets for these shows. 

There are just so many things to do here, which is why I love coming back (even though I usually just spend my time riding the Ferris wheel).

Traveler’s Tip: Be sure to get properly dressed. Go for stylish and trendy outfits. That said, shorts, tank tops, flip-flops, and sandals are not allowed here.

Silent Disco @ Marina Bay Sands

Address: Marina Bay Sands SkyPark Observation Deck, 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956

This is kind of cheating because technically, it’s not a club—it’s an event—and it also only happens every few months or so. But I can’t write this article without mentioning Silent Disco because it’s my favorite thing to do with my millennial friends.

As the name suggests, Silent Disco is a disco where there’s no loud music playing. Instead, you have to wear headphones, and that’s how you get to listen to music!

Personally, I love this setup because it does make me feel like I’m dancing without no one watching. Plus, the event is held on the Observation Deck at Marina Bay Sands, so I get to enjoy a cityscape view while dancing. 

It really is awkward when you take off your headphones and see everyone dancing to silence. But that’s part of the charm. 

Traveler’s Tip: Unfortunately, Silent Disco doesn’t happen regularly in Singapore. As of writing, the next event at Marina Bay Sands is on June 3, 2023. Just follow Silent Disco Asia on social media to keep up with their upcoming events.

Tips on Hanging Out as a Millennial in Singapore

Tips on Hanging Out as a Millennial in Singapore

Going out is fun and all, but you still have to be mindful of many things to remain safe and sound. As a fellow millennial who just wants you to be safe, I have a few tips that I’d like you to keep in mind:

  • Try not to stay up super late. Listen, I know we always hear things like “the night is young” and whatnot, but the thing is, we’re not the spry 20-year-olds we once were. We need our beauty sleep if we want to be healthy. 
  • Go with a few people. While we’re on the topic of safety, I suggest you bring a few friends when hanging out, especially if you’re visiting bars. That way, you’ll feel safer knowing that there’s a companion with you.
  • Prepare Google Maps. Some of the establishments I mentioned in this list are in secret locations, so you’ll need the help of a navigation tool to help you reach them. It would be better if you have a picture of the bar’s entrance for reference.
  • Don’t drink and drive. This is a very common message, but it’s really important, so I’ll remind you again. It’s actually best if you don’t drive to the bars at all, but if you really want to bring a car, then someone in your group should remain sober.
  • Wear earplugs if you’re heading to a club. Clubs play extremely loud music—so loud that it can damage your ears. To prevent this from happening, be sure to bring your own earplugs and wear them when you’re inside the club.