Beginners Guide on Where to Shop in Singapore

Shopping in Singapore

Singapore may be just a tiny red dot on the world map, but we have been put in the spotlight for many things. Apart from being a hub for transiting flights and hub for several other purposes, Singapore has been a popular tourism destination for her regional fans. While we may not have the glamor of the world famous Avenue des Champs-Élysées, we do have a myriad of options for every shopaholic – from budget shopping to all-time favorite high street labels to a session of luxury indulgence.

Here is our Beginners Guide on Where to Shop in Singapore.

1. Orchard Road

Definitely everyone’s favorite shopping spot in Singapore. Orchard Road is a long belt of shopping malls, each with its own characteristics and tenant mix to entice different crowds.

Far East Plaza has a whole cove of small shops with fab finds, from vintage goods to pocket-friendly fashion to cameras to tailors; spend a little more time here combing the levels and you might just be surprised by unexpected finds.

Ion Orchard and Ngee Ann City are the undisputed destinations for the luxury shoppers, where the international luxe labels congregate and spoil you with choices. Expect all-time favorites like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent Paris and Christian Dior.

313 @ Somerset and Plaza Singapura are two trendy malls with arrays of shops, eateries and beauty services stops. They are both all-in-one malls for the young and family crowds – think names like Daiso, Cotton On, Forever 21, The Body Shop and Jean Yip salons.

2. Bugis Village

This is THE ultimate spot for budget fashionable buys. Bugis Village is one fascinating destination for fashion lovers; even Steve Tyler was spotted buying a pair of shoes when he came to town recently! From accessories of all sorts, to male and female apparels, to shoes galore, Bugis Village has so much to offer – all at very competitive and unbeatable prices. Accessories go as cheap as S$2 for a pair of earrings, and it is not difficult to find dresses at S$10 each.

3. Haji Lane

For the indie lovers, for those with a thing for local designers, for vintage treasurers, Haji Lane is a colorful street just a stone’s throw from Bugis Village. With an exquisite and unconventional offering, this cult street sees both locals and tourists hunting for that unique buy that regular malls do not otherwise offer. Well, even if you are not a fan, take a stroll and snap some photos here because it is really quite a flavorful side of Singapore.

4. Vivo City

If you are not a fan of shopping in town, Vivo City is your next best option. Situated at the South of Singapore, just before our famed Sentosa Island, Vivo City is a relatively huge mall with a comprehensive shopping directory. Here, you can easily keep yourself entertained with the numerous things to do – Shop at your favorite brands like Zara, Aldo and L’occitane, or Tangs the departmental store; wine and dine at the many restaurants, fast food chains and small eateries; catch a movie in between shopping at the cinema; or pamper yourself with a facial or manicure at the various beauty services pit stops. You can even do your grocery-shopping at the hyper mart at the basement.

Words by Melody Yap