You gotta love Singapore. It may only be a little red dot but we’ve got it all; fab food, awesome nightlife, and stunning holiday destinations just a hop and skip away. But the best part – in our books? The shopping, of course! Not to brag but we reckon Singapore’s retail scene will tempt even the most hardened shopaholic.
Not convinced? Check out our five-part guide to the best shopping districts in Singapore.
Orchard Road
Every shopaholic worth her salt knows Orchard Road is the place for your shopping pilgrimage. With swanky shopping malls lining the entire stretch, your only question will be: where to begin? ION Orchard is your best bet: it’s home to over 300 retail stores such as COS, Kate Spade Saturday, Alice and Olivia, Topshop, and make-up mecca Sephora.
The shopping spree continues down Orchard Road at Paragon. Be warned, ladies: with a host of high-end, luxury boutiques like Balenciaga, DKNY, Burberry, and Calvin Klein, you’ll be flexing your plastic big time. Want to know what the local fashion scene has to offer? Head to Orchard Central to check out designs by Ashley Isham, K.I.N, SABRINAGOH, and The Reckless Shop – or better yet, find out the best local designers Singapore has to offer.
Want more? Check out our comprehensive Orchard Road shopping guide.
Tiong Bahru
Old-world charm meets offbeat quirkiness in Singapore’s hippest neighbourhood: Tiong Bahru. Pound the history-laden pavements of Eng Hoon Street, Moh Guan Terrace, Seng Poh Road, and Chay Yan Street for an eclectic mix of fashion, home wares, books, and everything else in between. Our top spots in the ‘Ru include multi-label boutiques Flea & Trees, and Stranglets, and charming hole-in-the-wall bookstore Books Actually.
We aren’t kidding when we say there’s plenty to see and do here. Check out Part 1 and Part 2 of our neighbourhood guide to Tiong Bahru.
Kampong Glam
Where can you go for a dose of history with a side of shopping? At Kampong Glam, that’s where. This former Arab enclave is now a must-visit for any fashionista seeking unique finds at wallet-friendly prices. First up, Haji Lane: a deceptively innocuous street offering one-of-a-kind apparel, accessories, and curios in hole-in-the-wall boutiques such as Soon Lee, Monday’s Off, Tokyobike, and Shop Wonderland. Slightly off the Haji Lane track (but definitely worth visiting too) are multi-label boutiques Threadbare & Squirrel on Bali Lane, et-i-kit, and cocktail bar-cum-menswear boutique Maison Ikkoku on Kandahar Street.
Can’t get enough of the Arab quarter? Neither can we! Check out our neighborhood guide to Kampong Glam and designer Ling Wu’s fave spots in the hood.
Chinatown
Straddling the line between old and new is Chinatown, the heritage-rich enclave that’s buzzing all-year round. But make no mistake: this kitschy tourist hotspot is also home to hidden shopping gems for the fashionistas. Get your hands on stylish threads that certainly aren’t your run-of-the mill high street finds at multi-label boutiques such as Willow & Huxley and Made by Lauren Jasmine on Amoy Street, MYthology and Ana Boutique on Club Street.
So much more to shop, eat, and explore here! Just check out our neighbourhood guide to Chinatown.
Marina Bay
Undoubtedly, Marina Bay is Singapore’s swankiest shopping district with glitzy malls peppered all around the city centre. The crown jewel of the area? The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, of course, where shoppers can get their designer fix with high-end luxury labels like Maison Martin Margiela, Diane von Furstenberg, Armani, and Moschino – credit cards, beware!
Further up North towards the City Hall district lie a host of retail options that’ll have you reaching for your wallets. New to the scene is Capitol Piazza, a swish shopping complex where the historic Capitol Theatre once stood. Hit the racks of trend-setting boutiques there such as cult Finnish label Marimekko, multi-label store Manifesto, and local designers Max.Tan and Benjamin Barker.