Singapore Nightlife
While definitely not known for crazy and raucous nightlife, Singapore does have a happening scene after dark, mainly in classy bars and clubs. There are also live music venues, concerts and the occasional festivals that can make an exciting alternative to the bar.

The Swiss Hotel offers a nice setting and breathtaking views of the city from its 71st Floor Lounge. Harry's Bar at Boat Quay is a favorite hangout of both American's and Europeans. It features live Jazz and R&B, and also serves food. China Jump's claim to fame is bartenders who can do fancy tricks. This is one of the top nightclubs in Singapore, with a big dance floor and a DJ playing contemporary music.

Velvet Underground has an older crowd and pumps house and techno beats, but overall Zouk is probably the best place to be in all of Singapore, often featuring the world's best DJ's. If the heavy dancing gets to be a bit too much, head next door to Phuture, a drum and bass inspired club that is a bit more laid back.

If clubbing isn't your thing you might want to try to get tickets to a performance at the Victoria Theatre. Dance, opera, live music and plays are on here year round, which can provide a nice look into the world of Singaporean performance art.

To really see the city come alive however, try to be here during one of its festivals. These can range from fun family filled events to intense religious ceremonies and pilgrimages, and both provide visitors with an intimate look at Singaporean culture. The Mooncake festival in September is one of the most enjoyable, with children carrying brightly colored lanterns at night, and vendors all over the city selling tiny cakes to be eaten or exchanged as gifts. Singapore's National Day is on August 9th, and is fun day filled with dances, a parade and nighttime fireworks. The Mini Gourmet Festival is held on Friday and Saturday evenings, and is a restaurant to restaurant trek led by a famous chef. Thaipusam is probably one of the most dramatic and shocking festivals in the world, in which thousands of Hindu worshippers pierce themselves with skewers and fishhooks, and carry huge cages supported on their flesh by metal stakes to show their devotion to their gods.