Every city has that one street where everyone ends up: locals, tourists, window-shoppers, and people who just want to grab an air-conditioned break. In Singapore, that street is Orchard Road.
Orchard Road
Orchard Road is like the runaway in Singapore. This 2.2-kilometer strip is the city’s retail hub, with glitzy shops, high-end boutiques, and all the food courts you could want to keep you going from dawn to dusk. It’s where locals go on Saturdays, visitors go to mark off their must-see list, and everyone else goes to get away from the heat and enjoy some air conditioning.
But Orchard Road is more than just a place to shop. It promises an experience that includes food, shopping, and a little bit of theatrical. There is a certain rhythm to the street, with big businesses and small stores that are hidden away in the corners. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, it’s worth a visit just to see what all the fuss is about.
ION Orchard
Start with the one that stands out the most. ION Orchard is the mall that seems like it could be in a sci-fi movie. The curved glass front makes it look like it belongs in a sci-fi movie. Inside, there are polished marble floors, high-end stores, and exhibits so glamorous you won’t believe your eyes. You can find all the big names here: Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, Dior, and the rest. Even if you’re not here to shop, walking around ION makes you feel like you’re truly on holiday in another country. Don’t have a big budget? Don’t worry – the lower levels feature high-street names like Zara and Uniqlo, so you won’t feel like you can’t afford anything.
For something other than shopping, head up to the ION Sky observation deck on the 55th and 56th floors. The view from up there is amazing, and it’s free.
ION Orchard is about 10 minutes from Pan Pacific Orchard, Singapore, one of the five-star hotels on hotels in Orchard Road, Singapore.
Orchard Central
Orchard Central, Singapore’s first vertical mall, is right across the street from ION. This one’s all stacked up instead of spread out. Just looking at the floor directory feels like a workout.
This mall is more about lifestyle and unique finds than just luxury. You’ll find Japanese fashion brands, edgy streetwear, and random things you never knew you needed until now.
People who like art love it here too. The mall has art installations scattered around, which makes it more fun than your regular shopping trip.
Don’t forget the food. Orchard Central is packed with places to eat, from casual little eateries to restaurants with rooftop views. It’s the perfect place if you like to shop and then stop for a drink with a view.
Plaza Singapura
Keep walking down Orchard Road and you’ll come across Plaza Singapura, which locals call ‘Plaza Sing.’ This one isn’t so much about luxury as it is about being a one-stop shop where everyone can find what they need.
Need some clothes? There are Muji, Uniqlo, and Cotton On. Gadgets? Sony and Best Denki are here. Hungry? The subterranean food court is famous for its vendors that sell everything from chicken rice to Japanese ramen. Crystal Jade, one of Singapore’s most popular Chinese restaurant brands, is located right here as well.
Plaza Singapura is family-friendly and a practical stop for everyone. You visit this mall for one item but end up leaving with five bags you never planned to buy. It’s directly connected to the MRT, which is a lifesaver when the heat outside is too much to handle.
Ngee Ann City
Arguably the biggest and best mall on Orchard Road is Ngee Ann City, better known as Takashimaya thanks to its huge Japanese department store. This mall is one of the first and still one of the biggest.
There are cosmetics booths on the ground floor, endless apparel racks, and a basement food court that makes you want to gorge on food even if you’re on a diet. Meanwhile, the bookshop caters to readers. It’s the kind of place where you can spend hours here without even realizing it.
Takashimaya is not the only store in Ngee Ann City. There are numerous high-end labels throughout the rest of the mall, such Cartier, Chanel, and Hermès, as well as several mid-range favourites.
The mall often hosts fairs and pop-up events in a space out front – book sales and Japanese food festivals are regular highlights.
