While there’s plenty of things to do in Singapore during the day, one might be puzzled – what to do when the sun goes down? Located near the equator, Singapore has days and nights that are almost the same length all year around. The sunrise is around 7am +-30min and the sun goes down around 7pm +-30min, depending on the month. So after you’ve watched a sunset at some beautiful location, had your dinner and finished with activities for tonight – what should you do next?

Here are some tips on things to do in Singapore when it’s late and dark.

1. Head to see Garden Rhapsody at Gardens By The Bay

Every day, at 7:45pm and 8:45pm Supertrees in Gardens By The Bay are engaged in the music and light show, which changes every few months. Most of the times, the very own Singaporean creatives, visual artists, designers and musicians are involved into the production of the show, and every single time large audience is gathering to see it. The show is free of charge, with exception of most of December, when Supertree grove is transformed into a Christmas Wonderland.

2. Watch light and water show at Marina Bay Sands

Another outdoor show to watch for free is the light, music and water show in front of the Marina Bay Sands. It’s happening daily, at 8pm and 9pm with additional 10pm shows on Fridays and Saturdays. There is story and vision behind every show, and it’s definitely worth the 15 minutes of your time.

3. Head to the Raffles Hotel to get your Singapore Sling

This is another must-do in Singapore, and even though the cocktail is overpriced (aren’t most things in the Lion City?) and the destination is a little too obvious, it’s for a good reason. I find that Raffles Hotel has a certain charm and old-time-vibe. Cocktails are delicious and as little detail as peanut shells under your feet adds so much to the ambiance. Sometimes popular places are popular for a reason.

4. Check out rooftop bars

After having a cocktail in the Raffles Hotel (or, if you can afford it, a few), you must head to one of the rooftop bars! There’s plenty of them all over the city, from the more pricey category (anything on the top of Marina Bay Sands Hotel or Level 33) to slightly cheaper versions (happy hour at Loof).

5. Take a river cruise

While this is something you might want to try during the day, I believe that evening ride is a little more special. All the lights, colorful bridges, shophouses and skyscrapers, people celebrating the end of the working day – it all adds to the certain feeling of the city, so why not see it from the water before becoming a part of it?

6. Visit the Night Safari

We simply loved our tour to the night safari. It seems to be the place where animals are treated well and have some freedom to roam around. Make sure you pre-book your ticket, just in case. The admissions are tied to the certain times of the day. My advice is not to choose the latest one, because then you might miss the show; or the earliest one, because some animals might still be sleeping.

Night Safari is also great for kids. If you are traveling with your young ones, check out THIS ARTICLE by A Winter Escape for itinerary ideas!

7. Head do a local hawker center

This is one of the most awesome things to do in Singapore in general. Yes, hawker centers are open in the evenings, and some of them are also open at night. Again, you can choose slightly more fancy option, like Lau Pa Sat or Makasuntra Glutton Bay stalls (which is not really a hawker center, but still has a selection of local dishes in a very central area). Or you might want to try and switch it up by visiting Albert Centre and Waterloo Street Food Centre, Chinatown Complex or hawker above the Tiong Bahru Market.

8. Gamble at the Singaporean casino

I must be honest – I’ve never actually been to the casino in Singapore (just because I’m not into going to casinos in general), but I heard of people who go there every time they visit. So if that’s something that could spark an interest in you or you ran our of things to do in Singapore – go try it out.

9. Visit 2am:dessertbar

Established by Janice Wong, who is probably one of the most famous pastry chefs in Singapore, the place offers both sweet and savory dishes. If you’d like to try something besides lava cakes, korean desserts, cheesecakes and ice cream – 2am is for you. And yes, it is open until 2 am Tuesday to Sunday (closed on Mondays). In case you’re not making it there this time, try to make a stop in Paragon. There you can find Janice Wong confectionery and get some chocolate bonbons and mochis for yourself or as a souvenir. The selection includes some very special Singaporean flavours, like for example Laksa Leaf Lemongrass or Gula Melaka Pandan.

10. Take a walk or sit down for a drink at Haji Lane

Arab Quarters are especially gorgeous in the evenings. The Sultan Mosque looks like the Sultan’s Palace from the Aladdin and streets are full of people eating, drinking, taking pictures with the street art and just enjoying their lives. Head down to Haji Lane for atmospheric drinks and live music. For me, it’s one of the must things to do in Singapore

Lion City offers plenty of choices for the night life, from Clarke and Boat Quay to rooftop bars to Orchard Towers. But make sure you try something that speaks to you, not just something that everyone else is doing.

If you’re visiting Asia, read also:

5 Types of People Who Should Visit Japan

The Rooftops of Hoi An

What I Found Surprising About Singapore