Have you heard about Singapore’s national favourite sport? It’s...
With the plethora of air-conditioned shopping malls, bustling roads and pasar malams, Singapore is a shopaholic’s dream. She was ranked as the number one city to visit in 2016 among non-Muslim countries by the Global Muslim Travel Index. #SGPride
[Spending 3D2N during your visit to Singapore? We have the itinerary for you!]
Best of Both Worlds Budgets
1. Orchard Road
Orchard Road has the highest concentration of shopping malls in the world! Each mall here comes with a mix of stores and tenants to entice various crowds. Luxury shoppers should visit Ion Orchard and Ngee Ann city. The spree continues down to Mandarin Gallery and DFS Galleria Scottswalk. They host even more independent designer boutiques. To be honest, there are just too many famous international labels to name here for you, so visit and find out!?
Hold up, only international brands here? Of course not! Head over to Orchard Central or TANGS for local designs by Ashley Isham, K.I.N and Sabrina Goh. Check out Ajjek too, a clothing line made form eco-friendly fabrics and Naiise for some quirky souvenirs.
Meanwhile, 313 @ Somerset and Plaza Singapura would be the go-to malls for families and youths. They have a wide array of shops and eateries like Daiso (S$2 all day everyday!), Spotlight and Marks & Spencer. Budget hunters can find their treasures at Lucky Plaza too.
#HHWT Tip: Most of Orchard Road is linked via the underground walkway, with more shops and a way to beat the heat.
2. VivoCity
VivoCity is a one-stop retail and entertainment spot. One of the city’s largest shopping mall, it comes with a variety of high street shops including Ted Baker, Zara, Vans and Timberland. My favourite place in VivoCity is definitely… Toys R Us! Not only will it keep the young kids happy, the young at heart will be too!
This lively mall is also extremely kid-friendly. There’s several children’s clothing stores, as well as play gyms, an open-air playground and the water-based Sky Park! It also boasts two supermarkets, a multi-screen cinema and plenty of eating options for all.
Address: 1 Harbourfront Walk, Singapore 098585
Operating Hours: 10am-10pm daily
Directions: Harbourfront MRT station (NE Line & Circle Line)
3. Jurong East
Credit: Edsel Little on Flickr
Like VivoCity, Jurong East is located in the West. It seems that the West is becoming the next shopping hub after Orchard Road! JCube is perfect for youths on a budget and those that would like to ice-skate. Visit the ‘Jurong East Mall Trilogy’, which consists of JEM, Westgate and Big Box! Big Box is actually a warehouse retail shopping mall, and if in season, you can even enjoy a durian buffet.
IMM Outlet Mall is the largest outlet mall in Singapore. It offers great deals for almost everything – fashion, sports, travel and furniture. It is possible to purchase your favourite brands at a better price than in town. So, what are you waiting for??
4. Arab Street & Haji Lane
Amidst the local attractions like Kampong Glam and the Sultan Mosque, there are plenty of shop houses that attract your wallets too! Along Arab Street, be spoilt for choice with silk clothes, laces, Persian carpets, handmade perfumes and gems. There are also unique fashion boutiques to check out.
Walk a few alleys down to discover Haji Lane. It is a hip and trendy shopping destination for many young Singaporeans. Find some cool stuff and some vintage clothes that will make people turn heads! Psst, Haji Lane is also a great location to do your own photoshoot!
[Lucky for you, there’s lots of halal cafes in this area!]
Budget Hunters
5. Chinatown
Despite its name, there is more to Chinatown then just Chinese food. Head over to Pagoda Street which is a popular destination for souvenirs. They provide cheap gift ideas and unique ones too. Apart from Singapore key chains, an attractive range of antique furniture, lacquer ware and Chinese tea are also waiting to be found!
You can also get great bargains for craft and embroidery items in Chinatown.
#HHWT Tip: Free wifi is available throughout Chinatown, so be sure to plug in!
[Check out other tourist attractions in Chinatown!]
6. Bugis Street
Bugis Street is always crowded with fashionistas in the making. With over 800 stalls under one giant canvas roof, you can experience all sorts of fashion styles here. Such as something that shouts ‘I Love Singapore’ or the next Kpop star. Don’t worry, there’s casual wear too.
Just try not to get lost in the labyrinth-like alleys (I get lost every time!). Grab some souvenirs on the way out too!
[Take a break at some nearby eateries serving international cuisine!]
Address: 3 New Bugis St, 188867
Operating Hours: 12pm – 10pm daily
7. Queensway
There are 3 things Queensway is known for – Queensway Shopping Centre, Anchorpoint and Ikea! Queensway Shopping Centre is a haven for all your sporting needs, especially those on a budget. Customised shirts and jerseys are also available there. Who need sales when it’s already so cheap?
Sleep-Shopping
8. Mustafa Centre
Located in the heart of Little India, this 24-hour mall has anything that you’re looking for at the cheapest prices. You may have heard about how their S$3 iPhone chargers only lasts for six months, or seen their ‘genuine’ Louie Vuitton bags. It’s still adored by both locals and visitors nonetheless for its wide selection of goods. This includes jewellery, gold, fashion, toiletries, electronics, household items, books, CDs, souvenirs and MORE!
Address: 145 Syed Alwi Rd, Singapore 207704
Operating Hours: 24-Hours!
Luxury
9. Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
If you didn’t know, this place was recently famous on Twitter for being the coolest mall in America. Well, let us Singaporeans reveal the truth and claim it back!?
The Shoppes is a one-of-a-kind shopping mall. This huge luxury shopping mall boasts 800,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space. It includes high-end luxury brands like Cartier and Chanel and even high street favourites like Guess. It’s also home to several jewellery shops and wellness outlets to keep you occupied. You can take a break by riding the Venetian gondolas running through the canal in the mall itself!
#HHWT Tip: You can also head to the 57th storey for a panoramic view of Marina Bay after shopping.
Address: 10 Bayfront Ave, Singapore 018956
Operating Hours: 10.30 am – 11pm daily, extended to 11.30pm on Fridays and Saturdays
Flea Market
10. China Square Central
Is the humid weather deterring you from outdoor flea markets? Well, rummage through racks and boxes in the cooling comforts of air-conditioning at this one! You’ll get to discover some hidden treasures. Find some vintage items like comics and records to toys and watches. Old is gold yeah!
Address: 18 Cross Street, 048423
Operating Hours: 11am-6pm on Sundays
Directions: NE4, Chinatown MRT, Exit E & DT18, Telok Ayer MRT, Exit B
11. *Scape
The *Scape flea market is one of the longest running flea market in town. Expect to find cool handphone covers and laptop cases, cheap beauty products, bags and caps. The weekend flea usually attracts the youths. But whether youthful or not, give it a try when you’re in town!
Address: 2 Orchard Link #04-01, Singapore 237978
With countless shops to choose from, let your inner shopaholic self do the work for you! ?