Shopping in Singapore

By Go City Expert
Published: July 18, 2024
Shopping Singapore

By Mia Russell

One of the world’s best shopping destinations, Singapore is a shopaholic’s heaven! The bustling city offers everything from electronics to clothing at affordable prices. The variety is mind-boggling, and you can indulge in luxury brands on Orchard Road or find ethnic treasures at one of the many craft markets. There’s something around every corner.

Shopping in Singapore is so much more than just buying things. It’s a showcase for the multicultural diversity within the city and the different worlds in which retail and heritage meet. From the vibrant Tanglin Mall Bazaar packed with vintage treasures to the sleek international flagship stores along Orchard Road, you’ll be immersed in the rich dichotomy that this incredible city-state is famous for.

Best Places for Shopping in Singapore

Singapore is a shopper’s paradise with an unimaginable array of places to shop. From the bustling markets on Pagoda Street in Chinatown to the world of electronics at Funan IT mall, here are some of the best places to shop in Singapore.

1. Orchard Road

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Home to mega malls, designer boutiques, and local and international department stores, Orchard Road is the most famous spot for shopping in Singapore. Dating back to the early 1830s, Orchard Road began as an unnamed road lined with nutmeg plantations, fruit orchards, and pepper farms. The first department store, TANGS, was built on Orchard Road in 1958, and today, the bustling boulevard is now a retail and dining paradise.

Begin your retail adventure at TANGS, one of Singapore’s oldest department stores. Designed in an Eastern style to homage to the Forbidden City, TANGS is stocked with Asian collectibles, unique souvenirs, and international brands.

In stark contrast, the ION Orchard is one of the city’s most dazzling shopping complexes. Boasting over eight levels of brand stores, restaurants, and an art gallery, the famously futuristic-looking mall is one of the most popular places to shop. You’ll find high-end brand stores like Gucci and Prada and specialist stores like The Grande Whisky Collection. The ION Art Gallery hosts local and international exhibitions, and the Far East Plaza is a bargain hunter’s utopia.

Another great retail haven along Orchard Road is the massive Far East Plaza. The plaza is famous for being the best spot in town to get Asian brands of apparel, accessories, and footwear at discounted prices.

Top tip: If you have limited time, Orchard Road is your best bet for one-stop shopping.

2. Marina Bay

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One of Singapore’s most glamorous locales, Marina Bay is home to several malls such as Raffles City and The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands that promise an unforgettable shopping experience. From trendy boutiques and international brand stores to state-of-the-art electronics, Marina Bay is one of Singapore’s top retail spots.

Take a break from shopping and head up to the SkyPark Deck on the top of the Marina Bay Sands. Based on the 57th floor, this popular spot offers the most incredible views of the city, Marina Bay, and the busy Singapore Strait.

Take a guided tour and learn about Singapore's history and enjoy a dip in the hotel’s famous infinity pool that seemingly floats over the city. Use your pass to enjoy a free drink from the CÉ LA VI SkyBar as you soak up the unbelievable views.

3. Chinatown

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Singapore’s Chinatown is renowned for being one of the most fascinating and vibrant places to shop in the city. Home to bustling markets, quaint spice shops, and colorful arts and crafts stalls, Chinatown is the best place to buy spices, unique gifts, antique Asian treasures, and souvenirs.

Make your first stop at Ann Siang Road. Named after the wealthy businessman, Chia Ann Siang, the road is lined with rows of beautifully restored and brightly colored shophouses that blend the district’s rich history with trendy shopping and dining options.

4. Little India

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Colorful, vibrant, and buzzing with energy, Little India is a maze of winding lanes lined with quaint shops selling rich sari fabrics, aromatic spices, beautiful flower garlands, and antique jewelry. The Mustafa Centre is the main mall in the district and is famous for being one of the best places in the city to shop in bulk for the lowest prices. You’ll find everything from electronics to fabrics and souvenirs and it’s also open 24 hours, 7 days a week, so you can shop until you drop at all hours of the day.

Other good places to explore in Little India include Serangoon Road and its many little side street shops, and the Little India Arcade.

Take a break from shopping and visit the Indian Heritage Centre to learn about the rich history of India and South Asia. Located in the heart of the Little India Heritage District, the museum has themed galleries displaying a wonderful array of artifacts and objects relating to Indian and South Asian heritage.

5. VivoCity

Situated on the HarbourFront, VivoCity is Singapore’s largest shopping mall and is hailed as the ultimate shopping, entertainment, and lifestyle destination. Boasting over a million square feet of retail space, this megamall is jam-packed with an array of brand-name stores from Chanel to Marks & Spencer, and everything in between.

VivoCity is more than just shopping – it’s also home to four food courts, a wading pool, an amphitheater, and the world’s largest cinema. There is also an open-air playground on the second floor and a rooftop sky park for the kids to burn off some energy.

6. Haji Lane

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If it's quirky boutiques and trendy designer stores you’re looking for, make your way to Haji Lane. Renowned for being one of the best street shopping places in Singapore, the famous narrow street in this Arab Quarter is lined with quaint vintage stores and chic boutiques.

From vintage cameras and stylish apparel, you’ll find a spectacular range of unique items, gifts, and souvenirs. Some of the top spots on Haji Lane include Fabulous Fads, Dulcet Fig, and Tangers.

7. Clarke Quay

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Clarke Quay is a beautiful riverside quay that is home to a clutch of historic warehouses that have been transformed into glamourous shops, fancy waterfront restaurants, and sleek nightclubs. Home to designer boutiques and high-end brand stores from around the world, Clarke Quay is the best place to splurge on shopping. Top shopping spots range from Central Clarke Quay, Riverside Point, and Great World City.

8. IMM

Singapore’s largest outlet mall, IMM in Jurong is a bargain hunter’s paradise! Home to over 80 outlets offering up to 80% discount all year round. You’ll find big brand apparel names like COACH, DKNY, and Sacoor, as well as local labels like Charles & Keith. The mall also has several home décor and furniture stores for all your interior designing needs.

9. Tanglin Mall Bazaar

Vintage lovers and retro nuts will love the Tanglin Mall Bazaar on Tanglin Road which is packed with second-hand apparel and accessories, nostalgic CDs and vinyl, and other quirky items. There is also a fantastic food court with a wide range of delicious fare.

10. City Plaza

One of the oldest malls in Singapore, City Plaza is a budget bazaar for locals and tourists alike. Five floors are full of stores selling clothing, accessories, electronics, makeup, and footwear with some of the most popular shops including Whitefiction, PEONY Collection, and the Power Photo Store.

Top Tips for Shopping in Singapore

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  • If you are planning a trip to Singapore with the sole aim of shopping, head to the city between May to July for the Great Singapore Sale. You’ll find massive discounts and fantastic bargains.
  • If you have limited time for shopping, choose a spot with many shops or malls to get everything under one roof to save time.
  • Look out for shops that have ‘GST Refund’ or ‘Tax-Free Shopping’ signs – keep all your receipts and claim back the tax when you get home.
  • If you are buying large appliances or electronic items, make sure to check that your purchase has an international warranty.
  • Shop with your own recyclable bags and help save the environment.
Go City Expert
Go City Travel Expert

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Things to do in Dempsey Hill Singapore
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Things to do in Dempsey Hill Singapore

Heading to Singapore for your vacation and staying in the Dempsey Hill district of the city? Good choice. There are plenty of things to see and do and places to relax and grab a bite. To save you time, we've researched this list of the best things to do in Dempsey Hill, so you don't have to. Read on, and discover why it's one of the best districts in Singapore! Including: Gardens by the Bay Trimmings Salon & Spa Lowen Dover Street Market Singapore Pearl Hill's Park The Museum of Ice Cream and more!   Gardens by the Bay If you're looking for things to do in Dempsey Hill, you cannot miss one of Singapore's most beautiful landmarks. Known across the globe as one of the most extravagant green spaces around, Gardens by the Bay practically demands a visit. With over a million plants housed within over one hundred hectares of floral delight, the green-thumbed of you will be spoilt for choice. Make sure to visit three of the location's biggest selling points. The Flower Dome is the world's largest glass greenhouse, with flowers from five continents on display across nine gardens, including thousand-year-old olive trees and unusual Baobab trees. Cloud Forest featuring Avatar: The Experience is an immersive experience created in conjunction with the hit movie franchise. You'll be transported to the fictional world of Pandora, where you can marvel at its cascading waterfalls, spiraling walkways, and fantastic creatures. And finally, the Sun Pavillion features over 1000 plants that call the sunnier parts of the world home. Desert species like cacti and succulents are beautifully arranged and will earn a spot on your social media.   Trimmings Salon & Spa Lowen Got a hankering for a pampering while visiting Singapore? Is your hair a mess, and are your nails in need of a good seeing to? Then check out Trimmings Salon & Spa Lowen, where you can get all that and more at a great price. They also offer full-body massages, facials, and if you're wrangling a group of unruly, unkempt children, they'll even host a spa party just for them. With manis, pedis, and styling all thrown in, they'll certainly come out the other end looking prim and proper. And when all kids want to do is have fun, styling is the perfect remedy to quash their excitable tendencies.   Dover Street Market Singapore Deal-seekers, rejoice! The world-famous Dover Street Market has now opened its doors in sometimes-sunny Singapore! And, just like its stores in New York, Tokyo, Seoul and London, you'll find tons of deals on brilliant designer attire. Situated in a disused army barracks, the interior's design somewhat resembles an art installation. But you're not here for the interior; you're here for your exterior. And you'll have plenty to choose from, with Comme des Garçons and Céline just some of the many lauded labels on display throughout. So, if you need some new attire, head to Dover Street Market!   Pearl Hill's Park The awe-inspiring modern metropolis of Singapore is something else, but that doesn't mean you won't be craving any nature during your vacation. So, if you're looking for things to do in Dempsey Hill and want to get your blood pumping, why not take a walk at Pearl Hill's Park? The Pipeline Trail, at a rather modest six kilometers, isn't necessarily for the faint of heart. Featuring a healthy dose of climbing and even wading through mud, you'll probably want to be a somewhat seasoned hiker if you fancy taking it on. However, if you do choose to do it, it's easily the best hike you'll find around Singapore. Just remember to pack your hiking boots; you don't want to ruin your sneakers and your back simultaneously.   The Museum of Ice Cream Do you like ice cream? Do you ever yearn to enter a world where everything is ice cream, or ice cream-adjacent? Well, we're pleased to let you know that Singapore has made your wish come true, all thanks to the Museum of Ice Cream. Pinch yourselves - it's real, folks. Featuring real installations like a giant sprinkle 'ball pit', and plenty of other frozen dairy goodness, it's a must-visit for any ice cream fan. Or, anyone who wants to make their followers incredibly jealous. Plus, every attendee gets a free ice cream cone when they enter, because of course they do.   Eat like royalty Speaking of food, you might be feeling peckish after all those things to do. So, let's explore the best restaurants in Dempsey Hill, Singapore! Let's start with the Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar. Created by three-Michelin-starred wonder Jean-Georges Vongerichten, the Dempsey Cookhouse & Bar's menu features a brilliant mix of Cantonese and Sichuan cuisine. So, if you're looking for dim sum, dumplings, and other Chinese treats, you've come to the right place. Or, if you're looking for some authentic Singaporean cuisine, set your sights on Morsels. This Little India mainstay has made its way to Dempsey Hill, where it has tons more space. With a host of sharing plates on offer, you can pick several dishes and try a bit of each. We recommend the Duroc Pulled Pork if you can handle a bit of spice in your life.   And drink like one too! And we'll end today's list with a few beverages. If you need to wet your whistle, these are our picks for the best bars in the district! Gin lovers will be well taken care of at The Rabbit Hole. This gin joint has plenty of international labels for you to sip, as well as signature gins brewed specifically for the venue. Who knows, you might find your new favorite gin inside. Amber nectar worshipers can head to the RedDot Brewhouse, where you'll find plenty of national and international beers on tap. They also do bar food and small plates, if you start feeling those session hunger prangs. And finally, for classy cocktails in a minimalist interior, check out COMO Club @ Dempsey. With a menu longer than your arm, you're sure to find your favorite tipple on tap. Or, if you're feeling daring, as the mixologists to whip you up a unique drink. The world, and the cocktails, are your oyster. And that's our list of the best things to do in Dempsey Hill. If you want to make the most of your trip to Singapore, and you're looking for more fun adventures to fill out your vacation, try Go City. With our Explorer Pass and All-Inclusive Pass, you can experience all the best bits of Singapore for one low price!
Dom Bewley
NYE
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New Years Eve in Singapore

By Mia Russell Singapore shimmers with bright lights and buzzing energy and is one of the best places to ring in the New Year. With extravagant fireworks displays, dazzling parties, and glittering celebrations, Singapore packs a punch when it comes to saying goodbye to one year and welcoming in the next. From fabulous fine dining at some of the world’s best restaurants to sipping cocktails at the top of the Marina Bay Sands, here are some ideas for celebrating New Year’s Eve in Singapore. Marina Bay Marina Bay is where it all happens on New Year's Eve there’s no better way to ring in the New Year than from the SkyPark Deck on the top of the Marina Bay Sands. Based on the 57th floor, this stunning spot offers the most incredible views of the sunset-silhouetted cityscapes and Marina Bay. Book a table at the CÉ LA VI SkyBar to get front-row seats of the breathtaking fireworks to display at the stroke of midnight. Enjoy a five-course menu with standout dishes and use your pass to enjoy a free drink. Watch the fantastic Share the Moment light projection show that illuminates the façades of the Fullerton Hotel Singapore and the Merlion hotels while resident DJs will be spinning dance-hall-infused hits all night long. Star Island Say hello to the new year with a musical extravaganza of live entertainment and spectacular fireworks at Star Island. Expect 80 minutes of dazzling lights, sound, and color with larger-than-life pyrotechnics, world-renowned DJs on the decks, and specially designed-fireworks. There is also plenty of pre-show entertainment and family-friendly activities at the Marina Bay Sands Event Plaza, including food and drinks booths and meet-and-greets with some of Sanrio’s most beloved characters. The Great Bay Fiesta Join the family-friendly festivities at the Great Bay Fiesta. Taking place at the Bayfront Event Space for the entire month of December, you’ll find a host of fun, family-friendly activities to enjoy from a circus show and a food festival to a colorful carnival. Feast on delicious local and global fare from 35 different food stalls and take a trip back in time on Flying Dumbo and Bumper Cars rides at the Great World Carnival. Make snow angels and build your own snowman; try ice skating, ice bowling, and ice curling; and watch acrobats perform death-defying stunts at the Great Cirque des Cascades. Skechers Sundown Festival Hit the beach for an epic New Year countdown event and dance your way into the new year. Head to Palawan Beach Sentosa for Skechers Sundown Live, a one-night music event featuring headline DJs and other Asian acts. There’ll also be loads of family-friendly activities like face painting, scratch art, film screenings, and a food village. Make your way to Sentosa Island with a fun ride on the Singapore Cable Car and use your pass to soar over Singapore’s skyline to the island. LAVO New Year’s Eve Party For a glitzy and glamorous countdown party, head to LAVO Italian Restaurant & Bar at the Marina Bay Sands. Located on the 57th floor of the luxurious hotel, the restaurant serves contemporary Italian-American cuisine and an inventive craft cocktail menu against a backdrop of spectacular views of Singapore’s glimmering city skyline. Relax over post-dinner drinks in the luxurious lounge to the tunes of international DJs before the midnight countdown in Marina Bay. Watch the fantastic Share the Moment light projection show illuminates the façades of the Fullerton Hotel Singapore and the Merlion hotels, followed by the world-famous fireworks display Singapore is famed for. Party at the MARQUEE Welcome to the new year with an unforgettable carnival experience at one of Singapore’s nightlife superstars: MARQUEE. Spread over three floors with 30-meter-high ceilings, the mega club features a giant indoor Ferris wheel, three-story slides, and four thematic bars. Party to a line-up of highly talented resident spinners and international DJs against a backdrop of stunning visuals and state-of-the-art lighting. 665°F and Mr. Stork at Andaz Singapore Take to the sky to ring in the new year with award-winning cuisine, fine wines, and spectacular views at 665°F and Mr. Stork at Andaz Singapore. Begin the evening with a special New Year’s Eve five-course tasting menu at sky-high steakhouse 665°F at Andaz Singapore. Feast on delectable bites like Boston lobster, Kaluga caviar, blue cod bouillabaisse, and winter black truffles. Sip the world’s finest champagnes and pair your meal with a selection of curated wines. After dinner, head up to Mr. Stork to soak up Singapore’s iconic skyline against a backdrop of tunes from a live DJ.
Cara Merren
Singapore skyline at night with colored lights
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Best night clubs in Singapore

Looking for somewhere to dance the night away in Singapore? You’re in luck! With its warm evenings and lively nightlife spots, this city is the perfect place to be nocturnal. From rooftops to resorts, house to hip-hop, there are clubs for all tastes here – and if you happen to stay out all night, there are plenty of picturesque spots for watching the sunrise. Our list of Singapore’s best night clubs includes: Zouk Ce La Vi Headquarters Marquee Tanjong Beach Club 1-Altitude Raffles Hotel Zouk One of the oldest and most famous clubs in Singapore, Zouk began life as a renovated warehouse complex in 1991. The first in the city to introduce house music, the club grew and expanded until it was relocated in 2016 to its current premises in Cannery Block in Clarke Quay, near Fort Canning Park. Past and future collide in this new, two-floor, five-bar compound, as it still has the feel of an industrial warehouse but with super-modern LED lights everywhere. Zouk always boasts an impressive list of resident and guest DJs – past artists to have led the rave here include Chemical Brothers, Avicii, Bjork, Louie Vega, Roger Sanchez and Primal Scream. And the DJs aren’t the only ones mixing things up here – there are karaoke rooms in the Red Tail Bar, and Spin classes available every day with Absolute Cycle X. Ce La Vi SkyBar If you’re going to scope out the night scene while you’re in Singapore, then you absolutely have to try the 57th floor Ce La Vi SkyBar at the Marina Bay Sands. Its lofty position attracts some of the best local and international DJs, so you can be sure you’ll be dancing to the best and freshest tunes. Enjoy unmatched views over the city, looking down on the Gardens by the Bay to the Marina and the river beyond. If you’re peckish, there’s a menu of tapas-inspired treats perfect for sharing, and their signature cocktails are inspired by classic favorites with a local twist. Party until the small hours with the stars overhead and the twinkling metropolis below. And the best part is, with your Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive pass, the first drink is already paid for! HeadQuarters by the Council If underground vibes are more your thing, head for Headquarters on Boat Quay opposite the Asian Civilizations Museum. Run by local music agency The Council, Headquarters hosts parties every Wednesday to Sunday night, showcasing local and guest DJ’s playing the best and newest house, techno and disco music. Red laser lights and a giant cage set the scene here – but if you’re feeling a bit more mellow, head upstairs to find a cozy balcony with sweeping city views. ‘Chilled’ is the catchword here, and there’s no dress code – instead Headquarters recommends you wear your most comfy shoes (though they do politely note that ‘slippers are not encouraged’). Marquee Another offering from the Marina Bay Sands, this time indoors – not that you’d know it, because this epic adult playground boasts 70-foot-high ceilings and around half an acre of floor space. Accurately calling itself the biggest nightclub in Singapore, Marquee fills its ample space with massive LED screens and cutting-edge sounds from the latest DJ heavyweights (previous acts include Tiesto, Afrojack and Steve Aoki), so it’s a properly immersive experience. As if that wasn’t enough, there are three-storey-high slides to ride down and an 8-pod Ferris Wheel with individual photo booths and epic views over the whole club. You’ll probably have to queue at some point, but it's worth it because this mega-venue is genuinely mind-blowing. Tanjong Beach Club Since we’re talking about clubs in Singapore, we can’t not put a beach bar on the list. There are plenty, but Tanjong is the one to beat. Snuggled on the western edge of Sentosa Island (just down the beach from the Wings of Time light display, if you want to make a proper evening of it), the Tanjong Beach Club was launched in 2010 by two brothers from Australia who felt that party goers in this very by-the-book sort of city needed a place to let their hair down. Pop by during the day for chill out music, beach volleyball and awesome seafood, or turn up on the right night and you can join one of their famous ‘Smack my beach up’ celebrations, where you’ll find plenty of opportunities for beer pong, cocktail buckets and whatever subsequent consequences might ensue. 1-Altitude Another one on Sentosa, this time a terrace bar taking up the entire roof of the Outpost Hotel. It’s easily recognizable thanks to its modern black and white exterior, and the entire hotel is adults-only so you can come here any time of the day or night to get your grown-up beach bar fix. It’s right in the center of the island, so if you’ve spent the day meeting your heroes at Madame Tussauds or pumping adrenaline at Universal Studios you can head here afterwards to sip a cocktail and enjoy 360 degree views of the sunset. Then get your dancing heels on (or kick them off, whatever suits) as this daytime oasis transforms into a trendy chill-out bar with sleek dance sounds and night sky views all around. Raffles Okay, this is not strictly a nightclub (unless you define night club as somewhere that serves drinks after sunset, in which case we’re good), so consider it our alternative suggestion for anyone who’s more into history than hangovers. Easily visited via the Red Line of the Big Bus Tour, this colonial-style villa is one of the oldest in the city and has a past-guests list brimming with celebrity and royalty. Raffles is also the birthplace of the Singapore Sling, invented in a time when it was considered impolite for ladies to consume alcohol in public. The bartender saw an opportunity and disguised it in a juice drink, and unsurprisingly it was a massive hit. You can try one in the historic Long Bar, or you might prefer the more sophisticated interior of the Writer’s Bar, named for the numerous literary greats who’ve stayed in the hotel over the years. Dance the night away with Go City In Singapore, you can sightsee all day and party all night with a Go City Explorer or All-Inclusive pass. You’ll save on all your favorite attractions and have a vacation that’s truly one to remember!
Karleen Stevens

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