Here’s how to take on Orchard Road, Singapore’s most famed shopping strip.
New York has Fifth Avenue, Bangkok has Pathumwan. It’s a no-brainer that Singapore’s best shopping strip is the iconic Orchard Road. From glitzy malls like Ion Orchard to the retro maze of Lucky Plaza, you’ll find everything under the sun while shopping at Orchard Road in Singapore. So, are you game? Join us as we take you through Orchard Road’s best malls and restaurants, plus divulge some survival tips along the way.
The ultimate guide to Orchard Road’s malls in Singapore
1. Mandarin Gallery: Not-so-quiet luxury
When you see the bright pink lights of the Victoria’s Secret store, you’ll know you’ve just arrived at Mandarin Gallery. Complete with four duplex stores and six street-front stores across four levels, it’s an impressive building with a mix of local brands, independent boutiques, and flagship stores of international brands. Oh, and the open area often plays host to a number of pop-ups. So if you swing by at the right time, you’ll find the area bustling with buzzing events.
Mandarin Gallery, 333A Orchard Road, Singapore 238897
2. Ion Orchard: Dizzying heights, designers and an underground maze
At the nexus of Orchard Road (right above Orchard MRT station), Ion Orchard is probably the most popular out of the lot. The glitzy and futuristic exterior lures tourists to the mall, though it also boasts a variety of shopping, beauty and dining options inside. The mall is dotted with plenty of luxury brands, and Ion Food Hall is where you want to be to fill your tummy. End your afternoon at Ion Sky observatory deck on the 56th storey for stunning views of the Singapore cityscape. Plus, drop by 1-Atico Lounge for drinks in the clouds. See? A little bit of everything indeed.
Ion Orchard, 2 Orchard Turn, Singapore 238801
3. Wisma Atria: Fashion, baby
A true haven for anything chic and stylish, Wisma Atria is a fashionista’s dream come true. You’ll find international brands and fashion labels available here, alongside cafes and restaurants. Some highlights include Chamber, a ready-to-wear lifestyle concept that aims to lead the global brick-and-mortar experience. It uses module retail and digital activations to give you a whole new experiential shopping experience. Get limited-edition designer collabs and collectors’ shoes here. Other brands at the mall include Lacoste, Seafolly, and Tory Burch.
Wisma Atria, 435 Orchard Road, Singapore 238877
4. Scotts Square: The underrated luxury mall
Probably the most underrated mall on the list, Scotts Square may not be the first that comes to mind when shopping in Orchard, but we beg to differ. Offering a host of high-fashion labels (including Vivienne Westwood and Stussy) alongside cafes like Tiong Bahru Bakery and La Savoir, there’s plenty to do in this luxury mall.
Scotts Square, 6 Scotts Road, Singapore 228209
5. Wheelock Place: Iconic building and alternative shopping spot
The mall’s recognisable conical glass roof design, along with the office tower and Marks & Spencer’s food hall, spell Wheelock Place for most. It has reinvented itself over the years and is now home to many aesthetics and dental clinics, local brands and fashion accessory labels. Need a quick break? Rest your legs and people-watch at Prive’s alfresco terrace.
Wheelock Place, 501 Orchard Road, Singapore 238880
6. Lucky Plaza: Thrift shopping and Filipino cuisine
You haven’t had the real Singapore experience until you’ve scoured through pre-loved items at a secondhand shop in Lucky Plaza. Uncover affordable cosmetics and perfume knock-offs (we won’t tell), souvenir shopping (magnets and coasters, anyone?) and electronics in this old but iconic building. A haven for local Filipinos, it’s no surprise to see authentic Filipino restaurants here. The mall even has a Jollibee outlet. However, don’t attempt to visit on Sundays if crowds aren’t your thing.
Lucky Plaza, 304 Orchard Road, Singapore 238863
7. Palais Renaissance: A taste of luxury living
A respite from the crowds, the swanky Palais Renaissance is a treasure trove of exclusive boutiques, beauty and wellness spots and posh restaurants. Getting here from the MRT station may work up a sweat but a large plate of truffle fries from PS.Cafe or people-watching at Merci Marcel are great treats! Other eateries we love here include Binary and French Fold.
Palais Renaissance, 390 Orchard Road, Singapore 238871
8. Design Orchard
Located near the buzzing T-junction across the H&M building and Mandarin Gallery, Design Orchard is a retail space that spotlights Singapore creators and local brands. There’s even an incubation workspace for designers, a public amphitheatre for events, a cafe and – wait for it – a tranquil rooftop to rest your legs. The selection of local brands is ever-changing so there’s always something new to swipe your cards for.
Design Orchard, 250 Orchard Road, Singapore 238905
9. Shaw House: It’s all about IMAX at Lido
You’ll probably catch us here catching a movie at the IMAX theatres at Lido, having a bite at one of the stellar restaurants in Shaw Centre, or getting our retail fix at Isetan.
Shaw House, 350 Orchard Road, Singapore 238868
10. Far East Plaza: Singapore’s answer to Bangkok’s Platinum Mall
Many locals may recall spending most of their secondary school days here (we sure did) and with great reason. Much like Bangkok’s Platinum Mall, you’ll find many affordable to mid-range boutiques a la blogshop style at Far East Plaza. Don’t turn away just yet; the mall also plays host to budget nail parlours, hair salons, and tattoo parlours. Psst: there’s also a second-hand bookstore on the fifth level selling literary gems at a steal. Things get quiet by 8pm so we reckon tweaking your day for this.
Far East Plaza, 14 Scotts Road, Singapore 228213
11. Paragon: Not just another swanky mall
It’s a change of setting just a few minutes away at Paragon. The upscale mall is appreciated for its beautiful interior design and lovely light-up during the festive season. This place is mainly about high-end brands and posh art galleries. And if you realise while shopping at Miu Miu that you should pick up some milk, you can head downstairs for grocery shopping at CS Fresh Gold. That’s Singapore for you. Got kids? Head straight to level five for stores like Seed Heritage and even a playground. Pro tip: Paragon has one of the better taxi stands in Orchard when you’re done shopping for the day.
Paragon, 290 Orchard Road, Singapore 238859
12. Tangs Plaza: Multi-label madness
It’s easy to lose track of time at Tangs’ flagship. The multi-label and retail store has been around since 1923 and has continuously reinvented itself by hosting local brands and various pop-ups dedicated to men, women, kids’ fashion, tech items, food and home accessories. It’s even come up with an app for a seamless shopping experience.
Tangs at Tangs Plaza, 310 Orchard Road, Singapore 238865
13. Knightsbridge Mall: The Apple Store!
Years ago, the Knightsbridge Mall gained traction with Singapore’s first (and only) Abercrombie & Fitch outlet. Now, it’s on the radar again thanks to the enormous Apple Store. If you haven’t visited, we suggest you do so for some cool shots.
Knightsbridge Mall, 270 Orchard Road, Singapore 238857
14. Orchard Central: Tallest shopping mall in Singapore
Bet you didn’t know you can catch a glimpse of the fireworks during National Day season at Orchard Central’s roof garden. The tallest shopping mall in Singapore also boasts ample dining options – Japanese, Chinese, Korean BBQ, Western and fine dining. Or there’s always the popular 24-hour Japanese grocery store, Don Don Donki.
Orchard Central, 181 Orchard Road, Singapore 238896
15. Orchard Gateway: The only library on Orchard Road
Wedged between Orchard Central and 313@Somerset and located by Somerset MRT station, the mall draws many bookworms due to its fabulous public library on the third and fourth levels. Plus, it’s across the road from Emerald Hill and all those gorgeous shophouses if you need a total change of scenery.
Orchard Gateway, 277 Orchard Road, Singapore 238858
16. Ngee Ann City: Foodie paradise
A short scenic walk from Orchard MRT station will take you to this iconic red building with six floors of shopping goodness. While it has an assortment of brands for all budgets, the true highlight is the lowest level of Takashimaya. The atrium just by the indoor fountain plays host to a variety of events depending on the season. You’ll see mooncake, Christmas, and even toy fairs here. And we also love the section dedicated to food. Savour treats like taiyaki (a fish-shaped cake filled with custard or red bean), sourdough bread, or baumkuchen, a German cake.
Ngee Ann City, 391 Orchard Road, Singapore 238872
17. 313@Somerset: The hip hangout
Just a stone’s throw away from Orchard Gateway, you’ll find some of the hippest brands housed within 313@Somerset. This mall prides itself on bringing in leading global and local brands. Think the likes of Zara, Puma, and Pomelo. And if you’re all worn down from the shopping bonanza, refuel with delicious bites at Chimi’s or snack on a bag of Garrett’s popcorn.
313@Somerset, 313 Orchard Road, Singapore 238895
18. Tanglin Mall: A swanky neighbourhood spot
The cushy neighbourhood of Tanglin can rest easy knowing that Tanglin Mall has just about everything they need. If you’re lucky enough to be moving into this area, you’ll find everything you need here. Get all natural and organic produce from the sprawling Little Farms outlet, grab brunch at B for Bagel, and pick up some fashionable new threads for your little one at Chateau de Sable.
Tanglin Mall, 163 Tanglin Mall, Singapore 247933
17. And finally, all the dining options
If you think Orchard Road is bursting at the seams with malls, wait till you see the dining scene. Ah, where do we begin? Whether you’re booking a table for a hot date, a fun get-together or a family gathering, it has something to offer. There’s everything from Italian to Chinese; Indonesian to Japanese cuisine with various price points and settings, depending on the occasion. We’ve narrowed down our top favourite spots in this dining guide…
Now that you’ve got the 411 on Singapore’s iconic Orchard Road stretch, where will you begin?
