Unique shopping experiences in Singapore

1 Tiong Bahru

10am to 12pm

Start your day amidst the Art Deco buildings of Tiong Bahru — this charming  stomping ground for hipsters and lovers of nostalgia alike.

As you stroll through one of Singapore’s oldest neighbourhoods, don’t forget to stop to admire the architecture.

Many of the buildings here are inspired by a style known as Streamline Moderne—with clean lines and rounded corners that hearken back to the industrial aesthetics of the 1930s.

Before you begin your adventure in earnest, stop by one of the many charming cafes in the neighbourhood like Flock and Tiong Bahru Bakery. The latter is known for its buttery croissants and delicious baked goods.

Travellers looking to spruce up their home can make a beeline for Tumbleweed Plants to add a touch of greenery to their abode. For elegant threads and sparkling accessories, consider perusing the wares at DGA Threads or Nana & Bird.

Alternatively, spend the morning crate-diving for vintage vinyl at Curated Records. This hole-in-the-wall record store is choc-a-bloc with jazz, classic rock and vintage pop records.

2 Orchard Road

12pm to 2pm

With a plethora of luxury malls, high-end fashion brands and global labels, Orchard Road is truly Singapore’s most famous shopping mecca.

Many of the malls along Singapore’s premier shopping belt exude their own unique styles, from the pagoda-like roof and oriental elements of Tang Plaza— based on the Imperial Palace—to the futuristic steel and glass monocoque façade of ION Orchard.

The latter—located right next to Orchard MRT—is a great first stop. Peruse the latest from international labels like Burberry and Dolce and Gabbana, then ascend 56 level to ION Sky, an observation deck with a spectacular view of the district.

For lovingly-crafted local wares, you can peruse a selection of handcrafted journals and leather accessories at Bynd Artisan, or make a fashion statement with the elegant designs from In Good Company.

TANGS—located just across the road— is one of the island’s most established department store, stocking everything from kitchen appliances and homeware to perfumes and cosmetics.

Before you leave, be sure to pay a visit to Design Orchard. More than just a shopping mall, this haven of local retail champions Singapore’s finest fashion designers, craftsmen and artisans.

Gear up for your next adventure with the stylish watches and apparel from BOLDR Supply Co., or add a glimmer of local charm to your wardrobe with the jewellery from Hadasity.

3 Kampong Gelam

2pm to 4pm

One of Singapore’s oldest urban quarters, Kampong Gelam exude an unforgettable charm for lovers of both hip culture and heritage alike.

The beautiful golden dome of the Sultan Mosque serves as the main landmark to get your bearings, as explore the narrow byways and bustling streets of the district.

Lovers of street culture may want to drop by Gelam Gallery, where the walls serve as canvases for murals from over 30 local and international artists.

If you’re in hunting for traditional wares and old-world craftmanship, you’ll find bespoke perfumes at Jamal Kazura Aromatics, handwoven baskets at Rishi Handicrafts and gorgeous antiques at the Malay Art Gallery.

4 Civic District

4pm to 7pm

Past and present intertwine in the beating heart of our city’s Civic District home to colonial architecture, world-class museums and modern malls alike.

Commemorate your visit to this historical district with a Singapore Sling at Raffles Hotel’s Long Bar. This storied accommodation is replete with fascinating tales from the past—Singapore’s last tiger once stalked through its hallways, and the rooms here have seen luminaries that include Queen Elizabeth II, Rudyard Kipling and Charlie Chaplin.

Continue your shopping spree at Raffles Hotel Arcade, where you’ll find enchanting souvenirs from Raffles Boutique and exquisite jewellery from Elliot & Carmen.

For a taste of modernity, take a stroll to Funan, where retail and recreation come together in a seamless blend. Peruse the latest electronics, scale the rock-climbing wall or sign up for a workshop that’ll have you crafting your own terrarium or leather wallet.

5 Marina Bay Sands^®

As the sun sets over the gleaming skyscrapers of the Civic District, take a stroll along the Singapore River and make your way to The Shoppes at Marina Bay.

Built on land reclaimed from the waters, this beautiful district teases a tantalising glimpse of the future’s endless possibilities, with buildings that evoke the surreal fantasies of a science-fiction novel.

At Marina Bay Sands, you’ll find coveted international brands like Chanel, Versace and APM Monaco, as well as one of the world’s most gorgeously designed Apple Stores—a shining dome designed to look like it floats over water.

If you’re looking to pamper yourself with a world-class meal, the mall houses a range of restaurants by some of the world’s most famous chefs. Indulge in Western fare at Gordon Ramsay’s Bread Street Kitchen, sate your carnivorous cravings at CUT by Wolfgang Puck or indulge in Michelin-starred Japanese fare at Waku Ghin.

6 Jewel Changi Airport

7pm onwards

Round off your trip with a visit to Jewel Changi Airport. A ten-storey nexus that fuses breath-taking spaces with world-class shopping, this scintillating destination turns Changi Airport into a tourist destination in its own right.

Snap a shot of the 40-metre tall Rain Vortex—the world’s largest indoor waterfall—and take a breather amidst the greenery of the Forest Valley before you continue your shopping spree.

Jewel Changi has lots to offer, from global brands Adidas and American Tourister, to the first permanent Pokémon Center outside of Japan.

For homegrown gems and heartfelt gifts, be sure to check out  RISIS Trésor for handcrafted jewellery, Supermama for exquisite porcelain tableware or The Cookie Museum for snacks with local flavours like laksa (spicy coconut milk-based noodle soup) and chicken rice.