Shopping Tips
Before hitting the stores, do equip yourself with information on local practices and conditions. The shopping tips provided below will help make your shopping experience in Singapore a pleasant one .... more info
Shopping in Singapore
View our different shopping belts that are available through out Singapore
Shopping in Orchard
Named after the many nutmeg and pepper plantations that lined the street in the 1840s, Orchard Road was sparsely populated by plantation owners like Scotts, Cairnhill, and Cuppage whose names are familiar street names in the vicinity today. In the 1900s, a mysterious disease swept through the nutmeg plantations, wiping them out within a year. Because of its location in a valley, floods were also common. They were only controlled in 1965 when Stamford Canal - part of which runs below the pedestrian mall fronting Wisma Atria Shopping Centre today - was deepened and widened.
In the 1970s, pioneering landmarks like C. K. Tangs, Plaza Singapura and the Mandarin Hotel came up and led the way for entertainment complexes. Brick by brick, and block by block, towers of glass and steel lined what used to be mud-tracks to make Orchard Road the premier shopping belt today.
Centrepoint is among the largest and most popular shopping centres in Singapore, meeting virtually every need of tourists and locals alike. Here you'll find the legendary Robinsons & Co - the winner of the Tourism Awards 2002, Best Shopping Experience - Retail Outlet. There are also stores specialising in classical music, casual clothing, optical equipment, electronics, furnishings, Oriental rugs, sporting goods, fine arts, Asian antiques and artefacts, books and much, much more. The self-contained complex also has an excellent selection of restaurants and fastfood outlets.
A good place to browse for household items like Waterford crystal and Wedgwood china. Numerous upmarket clothing and accessory stores are also located here.
Opening Hours:
10am - 10pm (Sun - Thu) / 10am - 10.30pm (Fri - Sat)
DFS Galleria Scottswalk, the place to enjoy duty-free savings on the world's leading luxury brands. We bring you the most extensive selection of prestigious brands and the largest assortment of fashion and cosmetics in Singapore. DFS Galleria Scottswalk offers many exclusive DFS-Only items and a selection of unique local specialties. Shop with confidence as our products come with a DFS 100% Worldwide Guarantee. So come to DFS Galleria Scottswalk and experience the splendour of Singapore. http://www.dfs.com
Far East Plaza
14 Scotts Road Tel: (65) 6734 2325
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
You'll find yourself returning to this fun, mixed bag of sorts! Both locals and expatriates love to hang out at this bustling shopping centre which sells everything from the most fashionable and outrageous shoes and clothes, to precious gems, eyewear and CDs. Make sure you check out Level One, which boasts a wide array of street fashion, unique accessories and knick knacks!
Far East Shopping Centre
545 Orchard Road Tel: (65) 6734 5541
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
This complex comprises a host of shops from small jewellery stores, inexpensive clothing and tailor shops to health equipment and computers. Established Kwok Gallery specialises in rare porcelain, jade sculptures and fine old ivory carvings. House of Hung is a popular jewellery store for gold, diamonds and precious stones.
Here's where you'll find HMV, the largest music superstore in Southeast Asia. The restaurants on Level 5 offer a mouthwatering selection of Asian cuisine, from Peranakan to Japanese and Thai, while Movenpick Marche at the basement offers casual Swiss dining. At levels 4 and 5, the Annex presents a new shopping concept similar to Harajuku in Tokyo or Island Beverly in Hong Kong, where shops sell street and vintage fashion wear, unique accessories, quirky toys and comics.
The Shopping Gallery at Hilton
Hilton Hotel, 581 Orchard Road Tel: (65) 6734 5250
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
A firm favourite for designer items - this Gallery offers three levels of exclusive brands such as Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Paul Smith and Valentino. The link bridge to The Four Seasons Hotel Shopping Gallery provides shoppers with more exquisite choices, particularly at Notices, The Gallery, which is a treasure trove of fine art and paintings from around the world.
International Building
360 Orchard Road
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
Just across the street from Liat Towers, International Building houses many boutiques and tailor shops, as well as an assortment of Thai, Chinese and Japanese restaurants.
Mandarin Gallery, once known as the Meritus Mandarin Shopping Arcade, offers three levels of impressive shops. This 65,000 sq-ft hotel shopping mall sits along the well-known shopping hub of Orchard Road, housing over 50 prestigious and regional specialties stores, including The Link, Georg Jensen, Kwanpen, Braun Buffel, Esprit, Quintessential Handbags & Accessories, Trixilini, Sole 2 Sole, along with many other stylish apparels, arts & crafts, batik, bridal, beauty services, travel holidays, and fine jewelry stores. Fashion-savvy shoppers will certainly be mesmerized by Mandarin Gallery’s vast diversity of stores.
Also dedicated to providing an intimate shopping experience defined with the presence of retail outlets offering unparalleled products and services - the Mandarin Gallery is a distinctive shopping paradise for the discerning shopper.
Ngee Ann City
391 Orchard Road Tel: (65) 6739 9323
Nearest MRT station: Orchard (NS22)
It will take you more than a day to completely browse through this massive complex which won the Tourism Awards 2002, Best Shopping Experience - Shopping Centre. Besides the Japanese giant chain store, Takashimaya, there are over 100 specialty stores retailing sports items, stationery, electronics and electrical, jewellery and designer clothes. Popular US label Guess?, Hugo Boss Woman, Spain's Zara and Mango fashion labels and Australia's Country Road are just some of the many international boutiques here. Or drop by Kinokuniya, the largest bookstore in Southeast Asia. There's also a full-facility sports centre, an art gallery and a culture centre you can visit.
OG Orchard Point
160 Orchard Road
Orchard Point
Tel: (65) 6317 2222
Nearest MRT station: Somerset (NS23)
When you are in Singapore’s world-renown shopping belt, OG Orchard Point is a must stop. OG is a household name in Singapore. OG is our one-stop family store, for the young and forever young. OG has grown so hip. Whether you are looking for fashion, jewellery, cosmetics, watches, toys, good food, something for the home or anything else, you’re bound to get excellent value at OG.
Orchard Plaza
150 Orchard Road
Nearest MRT station: Somerset (NS23)
This complex is full of value-for-money tailors, hair salons and make-up specialists. Custom-made ladies shoes can also be ordered from several shops.
Jewelry, Thai silk, antique and leather shops vie for space here with tailors, electronic stores, several restaurants and a gourmet food and wine supermarket, Jasons.
Pacific Plaza houses some of Australia's most popular clothing lines like Stussy, Mambo, Billabong and Quiksilver. Drop into The Vintage Place for some great bargains of used designer clothing - Gucci, Prada, Donna Karan, Dolce & Gabanna and many more. For unique home and soft furnishings, head to Lifestorey.
This imposing complex is worth a visit whether to splurge on beautiful designer brands, or if only to admire the splendid interior. It houses a superb range of prestigious designer boutiques including DKNY, Gianni Versace, Prada, The Link and Jim Thompson.
Plaza Singapura
68 Orchard Road Tel: (65) 6332 9298
Nearest MRT station: Dhoby Ghaut (NE6 / NS24)
As the first multi-storey shopping mall to be built in Singapore in 1974, Plaza Singapura is a sentimental favourite among locals. This one-stop lifestyle shopping mall features a Carrefour, John Little, Marks & Spencer, Best Denki, cineplex, fashion, music, home furnishing and a wide range of food and beverage outlets. Plaza Singapura is linked with the existing Dhoby Ghaut MRT station, the new north-east MRT-line interchange and soon SMRT Light Rail line to the downtown Civic and Business District.
This haven for fashionistas delights with its diverse mix of renowned international brands such as Gucci, Valentino and Versace; edgy streetwear brands such as P.O.A Superstore, and department stores such as Metro and Marks & Spencer. A palatable selection of international and local cuisines awaits the discerning diner, particularly at The Food Cellar at B1. Other lifestyle shops include designer furniture stores, sports and spa outlets.
Here, you’ll find designer boutiques like Pois Pois, lingerie boutique - Blush, high end cosmetics brand Kiehl’s and boutiques by local designers such as Esther Tay. Scotts Picnic, the basement food court, will satisfy your tastebuds with a range of Asian and local delights.
Not to be confused with Shaw Towers on Beach Road, Shaw Centre is located along Scotts Road. Tourists are usually drawn to this complex for interesting curios at Ming Blue and rosewood furniture at Singapore Woodcraft. Also in the same building are local boutiques, Avana and Tyan, elegant furniture shops, and the designer store Rolf Benz. Feeling peckish? Drop by Les Amis, an award-winning restaurant, for fine French dining.
A favourite haunt among Japanese expatriates, Japanese department store, Isetan, occupies four floors of this complex including a well-stocked supermarket packed with Japanese snacks, noodles, sushi and other grocery items. Designer shops like Max & Co and Trussardi share the same premises, along with one of Singapore's most popular cineplexes, Lido.
A veteran in the Orchard Road scene, this centre is now home to John Little, one of Singapore's most established department stores. Specialty shops sell everything from Famous Amos cookies to winter coats and golf equipment.
Expatriates frequent this trendy shopping mall which features a pleasant blend of boutiques, restaurants and specialty shops selling an assortment of products from beadwork, clothes and accessories to home furnishings and ethnic collectibles. There's also a well-stocked supermarket at the basement.
Frequented for Asian antiques and curios, this centre also houses several shops specialising in exquisite Persian, Pakistani and Afghanistan carpets, and a variety of tailors and eating places. C.T. Hoo sells Mikimoto pearls from Japan while Antiques of the Orient offers antique maps and prints. Just next door at Orchard Parade Hotel is Manchester United's Theatre of Dreams' merchandise store.
Founded in 1932, Tangs has always positioned itself as an Asian lifestyle store with an international appeal. Its distinguishes itself from other stores by carrying exclusive and specialised merchandise, from beauty products, international fashion labels, shoes, accessories, electronics to homeware.
The Japanese department store, Isetan, fills one end of this distinctive blue complex while a mix of boutiques fills the other end. You'll also find designer boutiques and high street fashion at stores like Anteprima, Topshop and Warehouse.
Marina Bay
CHIJMES
30 Victoria Street Tel: (65) 6332 6274/5
Nearest MRT station: City Hall (EW13/NS25)
Having undergone a spectacular facelift as a national heritage site, CHIJMES (pronounced “chimes”) is now a popular shopping, dining and entertainment site. Formerly one of the last few cloistered convents in the world, the sprawling building with its impressive Gothic architecture and cobblestone courtyards makes an interesting place to wander around, particularly in the evenings.
CityLink
1 Raffles Link
Nearest MRT station: City Hall (EW13/NS25)
This is Singapore's first underground pedestrian mall which links City Hall MRT station to Marina Square and Suntec City Mall. A range of specialty shops and food outlets are located here, including Adidas, Lee Hwa Jewellery, FCUK, Loccitaine, HMV music store, The Coffee Connoisseur (TCC), Thai Express and Nooch Resturant.
Marina Square
6 Raffles Boulevard Tel: (65) 6339 8787
Nearest MRT station: City Hall (EW13/NS25)
Marina Square Shopping Mall is one of the larger shopping malls in Singapore. It comprises four levels of shopping with more than 300 exquisite shops in an exciting shop mix with Golden Village Cineplex and Superbowl Bowling.
Millenia Walk
9 Raffles Boulevard Tel: (65) 6883 1122
Nearest MRT station: City Hall (EW13/NS25)
With more than 190 shops, Millenia Walk has an excellent mixed of designer and street smart fashion stores and speciality shops. Here you'll find fashion stores like Raoul, watch boutiques like the Hour Glass and Cortina E'space, electrical and electronic superstore Harvey Norman and numerous eating outlets serving a diverse range of international cuisine.
Raffles City Shopping Centre
252 North Bridge Road Tel: (65) 6338 7766
Nearest MRT station: City Hall (EW13/NS25)
This is part of the Raffles City Complex designed by world-renowned architect I. M. Pei. The complex also houses two hotels, a variety of restaurants and a convention centre. The shopping centre lists among its tenants, the award-winning department store, Robinsons & Co, and numerous fashion and specialty shops such as Tommy Hilfiger, Guess, Lifeshop, Country Road and Metropolitan Museum of NY store. Watches, jewelry, electronics, optical goods and cameras are well represented here.
Raffles Hotel Shopping Arcade
328 North Bridge Road Tel: (65) 6337 1886
Nearest MRT station: City Hall (EW13/NS25)
Five of the some 70 shops in the Arcade are operated by Raffles Hotel, selling exquisite Raffles souvenirs, books, prints, teas and clothes. The other shops sell both international brand names and regional specialties, including fashion wear, jewellery, timepieces, antiques, gifts and mementos. Of interest are Thos S.B. Raffles which specialises in gourmet food, Ludwig Reiter which sells handcrafted and custom-made shoes, and Escentials, a personalised scent store.
Suntec City Mall
3 Temasek Boulevard Tel: (65) 6821 3668
Nearest MRT station: City Hall (EW13/NS25)
This giant 83,850 square metre shopping mall, the largest in Singapore, is divided into four thematic zones - Galleria, Tropics, Entertainment Centre and Fountain Terrace. The Galleria showcases a wide selection of famous brand names alongside Singapore speciality stores. Besides G2000 flagship store, Mango's largest Asia store is also located here. Specialty shops offering home furnishings, casual wear, lingerie and leisure products are located in the Tropics zone. World-wide French hypermart Carrefour boasts some of the lowest prices in town. At the 'heart' and civic core of the mall is the Fountain of Wealth, certified as the world's largest fountain by The Guinness Book of Records.
Shopping in Bugis
Bugis Street
Opposite Parco Bugis Junction area
Nearest MRT station: Bugis (EW12)
Today, Bugis Street has revamped itself by providing sheltered walkways and air-conditioned shopping zones. Now housing over 600 stalls, it offers an eclectic mix of trendy and functional street wear, cafes, hawker food and services. Possibly one of the best known areas in Singapore, Bugis Street retains its disctinctive street shopping feel.
OG Albert
60 Albert Street
OG Albert Complex
Tel: (65) 6210 2222
Nearest MRT: Bugis (EW12) or Little India (NE7)
When you are in the exciting Bugis district, drop into OG Albert. It’s a leisurely 3-minute walk from the Bugis MRT station and an easy 8-minute walk from the Little India station. OG is a household name in Singapore. OG is our one-stop family store, for the young and forever young. OG has grown so hip. Whether you are looking for fashion, jewellery, cosmetics, watches, toys, good food, something for the home or anything else, you’re bound to get excellent value at OG.
Lots of little shops selling everything from electronic items to clothes, knick-knacks and accessories can be found in this modern complex. Parco Bugis Junction, Singapore's first glass-covered air-conditioned shopping street boasts a delightful mix of clusters of shophouses, modern retail outlets, a sprawling Japanese department store, Seiyu, and even a cineplex.
Shopping in Chinatown
Nearest MRT station: Outram Park (EW16) or Chinatown (NE4).
Just behind the soaring skyscrapers of Singapore's financial district lies Chinatown - the cultural hub of the Chinese migrants. Bound by Upper Pickering Street, Cantonment Road, New Bridge Road and South Bridge Road, the crowded and colourful network of streets and alleyways is the signature look of this area. Here, Chinese merchants hawk their wares from the ground floor of quaint pre-war shophouses, from delicate bales of silk and gold jewelry to Singapore t-shirts and traditional crafts.
The sights and sounds of Chinatown are like no other: medical halls mix snake skin, herbs and spices and other exotic ingredients into potions for all ailments; traditional delicacies like sea cucumbers lie drying in the street; fruit sellers squat near mounds of rambutans, pungent durians, mangosteens and other seasonal fruits; fortune-tellers peer intently at open palms over make-shift tables; hawkers barbeque thin slices of pork for passers-by.
Try the Tanjong Pagar area for traditional teashops, clog and kite makers, painted masks, waxed paper umbrellas, lacquerware from China, handicrafts and artefacts from all over Asia. Then wander over to Smith Street, Trengganu Street, Temple Street and Pagoda Street where the narrow streets are chockfull of bargains.
The modern face of Chinatown shopping can be found in the area around the junction of Cross Street with New Bridge Road and Eu Tong Seng Street. The large shopping complexes here, such as Chinatown Point, Yue Hwa, People's Park Complex and Chinatown Complex, are not only good sources of Chinese products but also offer bargain-prices for anything from electrical and electronic goods, luggage and textiles to bargain-priced clothes and cosmetics. A wide selection of local crafts is available at the Singapore Handicraft Centre in Chinatown Point.
Shopping in Geylang Serai
Nearest MRT station: Paya Lebar (EW8)
This ethnic enclave of the Malays emanates old-world charm. Right in its midst is the Malay Village, a showcase of traditional business and cultural activities which is a throwback to the good old kampong days. Its shops display a potpourri of items from handicrafts, rugs and fabrics to furniture and antiques.
Drop by the wet market and indulge in the smells of cloves, cinnamon and nutmeg. Skirting the market are shops where you can pick up CDs of both traditional and modern Malay "keroncong" music for memories of your holiday in Singapore.
Pop into the modern Joo Chiat Complex and be dazzled by the widespread array of textiles, clothes and jewelleries.
Shopping in Little India
Nearest MRT station: Little India (NE7)
As you step into Little India, be prepared for an overpowering of the senses! First, you will be greeted by the strong, heady scent of spices and jasmine garlands, followed by the treasure trove of silverware, brassware, ethnic jewellery and colourful silk saris, dazzling to behold. Traditionally the home of Singapore's Indian community, Serangoon Road and its neighbouring side streets are still today a bustling hive of sights, sounds and intriguing aromas.
Check out the spice mill along Serangoon Road for ready-made packets of spices for fish, meat or vegetable curries that can be easily packed into a suitcase. Or indulge in some jewellery - silver amulets, bridal ornaments, cheap, colourful bangles, ankle chains and other adornments. Look out for Indian bedspreads and giant photographs of Indian movie stars. Chellas Gallery specialises in papier-mache boxes and other collectibles from Kashmir.
No visit to Little India would be complete without seeing two of the area's institutions -- the Tekka Centre and Mustafa Centre.
The Tekka Centre on Buffalo Road, known as KK Market to the locals, is a bustling wet market full of fresh vegetables, fish, meat, spices and flowers. For small souvenir items, check out the brassware shops or one of the other small shops.
At the other end of Serangoon Road in Serangoon Plaza is Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour emporium-cum-department-store-cum Aladdin's cave. Under its modest exterior, you’ll find every conceivable item here at some of the lowest fixed prices in Singapore.
Shopping in Shenton Way and Raffles Place
Clifford Centre and The Arcade
24 Raffles Place and 11 Collyer Quay
Nearest MRT station: Raffles Place (EW14/NS26)
Browse through the maze of specialty and souvenir shops for surprising bargains! You can linger on the pedestrian mall and have their shoes repaired or shined by roadside cobblers. Or watch the outdoor entertainment provided at various times of the year while enjoying a cuppa at one of the numerous sidewalk cafes.
OUB Centre
1 Raffles Place
Nearest MRT station: Raffles Place (EW14/NS26)
Located in the heart of the banking district, this is where office workers shop for their daily needs – from fashionable office wear and accessories to CDs.
What to Buy Arts, antiques, crafts and carpets
Arab street, Chinatown, Little India, Tanglin Shopping centre, Tanglin Mall, Dempsey Road, Holland Village
Art Galleries
Bras Basah Road, Beach Road & Marina: Raffles Hotel Shopping;
Arcade; Gemmill Lane; Kim Yam Road; MITA Building, 140 Hill Street; North Bridge Road: Stamford House; Orchard: Centrepoint, Ngee Ann City, Tanglin Shopping Centre
Carpets
Bras Basah Road, Beach Road & Marina: Marina Square, Raffles
Hotel Arcade; Dempsey Road; Orchard: Centrepoint, Far East Plaza, Tanglin Shopping Centre
Children's Apparel
Orchard: Forum The Shopping Mall, Ngee Ann City, Marina Bay: Marine Square, Suntec City Mall
Computers
Little India: Mustafa, Sim Lim Square, Funan Digitalife Mall
Cosmetics & Perfumes
All major department stores and some shops along the main shopping belt
Beauty halls of Tangs, Takashimaya, Robinsons, Isetan, Scotts, DFS and Metro
Crystalware
Orchard: Takashimaya, Paragon
Electrical & Electronics
(Cameras, hi-fi equipment, video cameras, etc)
Bras Basah Road, Beach Road & Marina: Millenia Walk, Raffles City Shopping Centre, Suntec City Mall; Bugis: Parco Bugis Junction; Chinatown; Little India: Sim Lim Square
North Bridge Road: Funan Centre; Orchard: Centrepoint, Far East Plaza, Forum the Shopping Mall, Ngee Ann City, Orchard Emerald, Orchard Plaza, Orchard Towers, Scotts Shopping Centre, Tangs, Wisma Atria
Fashion (Designer)
Raffles Hotel Shopping Arcade, Suntec City Mall, Capitol Building; Orchard: Delfi Orchard, Forum The Shopping Mall, Hilton Shopping Arcade, Ngee Ann City, Pacific Plaza, Palais Renaissance, Scotts Shopping Centre, Shaw House, The Paragon, The Promenade, Wisma Atria, Manor, N Gallery, Liat Towers
Fashion (Mid-range)
Beach Road & Marina: Marina Square, Millenia Walk, Raffles City Shopping Centre, Suntec City Mall; Bugis: Parco Bugis Junction; North Bridge Road: Funan Centre; Orchard: Centrepoint, Far East Plaza, International Building, Lucky Plaza, Ngee Ann City, Plaza Singapura, Scotts Shopping Centre, Shaw Centre, Specialists' Shopping Centre, Tangs, The Heeren Shops, Wheelock Place, Citilink Mall, Esplanade, Millenia Walk, The Arcade (Raffles Place)
Riverside: Clarke Quay, Great World City, Liang Court
Herbs & Spices
Marina Bay: Raffles Hotel Shopping; Arcade; Chinatown: Yue Hwa Chinese Products; Chinese medical shops; Geylang Serai; Kampong Glam & Arab Street; Little India; Supermarkets and sundry shops
Jewellery
Marina Bay: CityLink Mall, Raffles City Shopping Centre, Raffles Hotel Shopping Arcade; Chinatown; Little India; Orchard: Paragon, Ngee Ann City, Hilton Hotel Arcade, Scotts Shopping Centre, Centrepoint, Wisma Atria
Souvenirs & Gifts
Chinatown, Little India, Arab Street, Clarke Quay, Raffles Hotel Arcade, Raffless City Shopping Centre, Sentosa, Singapore Arts Museum, Singapore Botenical Garden, Zoo, Birdpark
Sports Equipment & Sports Wear
Bras Basah Road, Beach Road & Marina: Suntec City Mall; Orchard: Centrepoint, Ngee Ann City, Shaw Centre, Scotts Shopping Centre, Pacific Plaza, Tangs, Tanglin Place, Wisma Atria
Textiles
Arab Street; Bras Basah Road, Beach Road & Marina: Raffles Hotel Shopping; Arcade; Chinatown; Little India; Orchard: Ngee Ann City, Tangs, Tanglin Shopping Centre
Watches
Bras Basah Road, Beach Road & Marina: Bras Basah Complex, Millenia Walk, Raffles City, Raffles Hotel Shopping Arcade, Suntec City Mall; Orchard: Lucky Plaza, Ngee Ann City, Scotts Shopping Centre, Tangs, Tanglin Shopping Centre, The Heeren Shops, The Paragon, Wisma Atria