Hard Rock Café
Photograph: Hard Rock Café/Facebook

The best gay bars and clubs in Singapore

Hit up these LGBTQ-friendly bars and clubs for the city's queer-ific nightlife scene

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Singapore may not be the world's capital for queer nightlife, but it is home to some of the best bars and clubs to keep the night young. Besides the annual Pink Dot event to celebrate an all-inclusive love, the LGBTQ scene here is thriving with more pop-up events and art exhibitions for a culture fix. From throwback music playlists and guest DJs to themed, glitzy soirees and exciting drag shows, here are the best gay bars for all you LGBTQ party animals.

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  • Clubs
  • Chinatown

This watering hole is a hit with the boys for its signature Blue Spin – a deadly cocktail that will have you spinning on the dancefloor before you even know it. Slow weekday nights see people chilling on the large benches in the green-lit courtyard, while on weekends the joint is jam-packed, standing-room only. The upbeat pop tunes and signature Long Island Teas are guaranteed to keep you buzzing all night.

  • Clubs
  • Chinatown
Backstage Bar
Backstage Bar

You can’t miss this bar with the rainbow flag noticeably perched above its entrance. Regulars come here for the strong Long Island Iced Teas (à la sister bar, Tantric's), double-shot drinks and also for the kitsch paraphernalia of NSFW, semi-nude male pictures and musical-theatre posters that lined the walls. Don't be alarmed by the friendly, personable and flirtatious staff and crowd – after all, we're here to have fun.

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  • Chinatown
Dorothy's Bar
Dorothy's Bar

Looking for some fun somewhere over the rainbow? Say no more. Simply follow the yellow brick road for Dorothy’s Bar. The bar is no stranger to the LGBTQ community, where you’ll meet the friendliest bartenders, up to serve you the concoction of your choice. Head upstairs for a towering view of Chinatown, or enjoy the laid-back ambience of its interiors. If you’re feeling adventurous, go for the absinthe towers and shots for a hard hit to Emerald City.

  • Tanjong Pagar

Tucked in the streets of Chinatown, the all-inclusive Lluvia (‘rain’ in Spanish) holds a special place for unwinding, socialising, and singing – yes, it’s also a karaoke bar! Besides having a rep for being a popular spot for bears and their chasers, the bar also holds special events, exciting drag shows, and works out great for dates if you’re looking for something far from the ordinary.

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  • Clubs
  • Tanjong Pagar

There’s no need for subtlety here – the name Sausage Market should already tell you everything you need to know. The bar is concealed behind a fake shop that sells Chinese sausages, so if you spot a shop that seems a little out of place in comparison to all the eateries and dessert spots along Neil Road, you’ll know that you’re at the right place. The bar frequently invites dancers from all over Asia to perform, including Japan, Thailand, and of course, Singapore. Knock back a couple drinks and dance the night away at Sausage Market, and who knows, maybe even indulge in some sausages yourself.

  • Music
  • Music venues
  • Orchard

Hard Rock Café is a family-friendly joint during the day, serving up American food like chicken tenders, buffalo wings, and a wide variety of burgers. By night, the beloved space turns into a vibrant club where the LGBTQ+ community gathers. Hard Rock frequently hosts drag shows by Baby Boy and Riot!, spotlighting local drag queens such as Sapphire Blast and Kak Nina Boo. Keep an eye out for upcoming drag shows on Hard Rock Café’s Instagram.

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