No pretenses about the crowd here ­ in Attica's own words, they're "all out to meet friends and new ones alike." What this means, though, is simply a cracking night out, whether you feel like gyrating to the funky beats, pretending you're on an urban safari with some unabashed people-watching, or lounging al fresco in the courtyard. The more hardcore clubbers can be found upstairs at Attica Too, where repeating riffs and house anthems dominate.

MOHAMED SULTAN. Butter Factory has two sections. The main space is comprised of a big dance floor decorated to look like a swimming pool, complete with diving board. Urban culture is the name of the game here, and hip-hop and R & B are the sounds. The second space is smaller and considerably more relaxed: Art Bar is just as visually appealing, with manga illustrations all over the walls and lots of comfy spots for lounging, and the music (indie, electro and house) is played at a lower volume so you can catch up with your friends.

SENTOSA ISLAND. The idea of sipping an ice-cold beer while watching the sunset on a beach is perennially appealing, which is why Café del Mar really hits the spot. Spend a lazy afternoon lolling on one of their beach chairs to a soothing backdrop of rippling waves and languid tunes, or join the decadent fun later in the evening as scantily-clad revelers hop between the pool bar, jacuzzis and dance floor. Happy to bare all (or most of it)? Dive into the bikini foam parties each Saturday from 3pm.

CHIJMES. The Chijmes shopping, dining and entertainment complex is an excellent example of historic architecture being revamped for modern use. Founded in the 1800s, the Catholic "Convent of the Holy Infant Jesus" started out as a small house but over the years grew to include a beautiful Gothic-style chapel and school. The convent moved to a more modern space in the early 1980s leaving the entire sprawling complex vacant. Fortunately, much of the complex was spared and today houses a wide variety of businesses. Among the restaurants are Lei Garden and Esmirada Grill & Wine Bar. Bars and nightclubs are abundant, and include the ever-popular Irish-themed Father Flanagan's, and Insomnia, popular for live music. Individual business hours vary; nightclubs may have a cover charge.

Part of the Colours by the Bay group of restaurants at Esplanade Mall, the upscale DXO is a classy destination attracting well-dressed 20- and 30-somethings. The space is divided into zones: X2 is the main dance hall, Loft is plush and upscale with an exclusive VIP space, Nook is a wine and cigar room, and The Nest and Barnova are outdoor chill-out spots. Music varies throughout the different zones, from R&B and hip-hop to house and acid jazz.