Hip shopping haunts in Singapore

1 Tiong Bahru

From quaint boutiques to a bustling local market, Tiong Bahru is an eclectic, trendy neighbourhood jam-packed with some of the city’s best offbeat shopping destinations.

Take a morning stroll to check out venues like:

• Woods in the Books: An indie bookstore that stocks a range of beautifully illustrated picture books for the little ones.
• Olive Ankara: A slow fashion brand that celebrates fashion from across the globe. Take home a beautifully crafted cheongsam or a dress made with fabrics from Africa.
• Cat Socrates: This quirky store sells a plethora of whimsical trinkets and souvenirs, ranging from journals and posters to glassware and grooming products. Be sure to say hello to the cats that give this shop its distinctive name.
• Curated Records: an independent record store with a great selection of vinyl records, ranging from jazz and blues to vintage rock and old school pop.

2 Orchard Road

Design Orchard

More than just a mall, Design Orchard is a haven for local artisans and designers, stocking everything from locally-crafted sports apparel and exquisitely-scented perfumes to T-shirts emblazoned with colloquial puns.

Stock up on chic jumpsuits from GINLEE, peruse trendy hoodies and tanktops from Kydra and add some sparkle to your outfit with Marilyn Tan Jewellery.

Somerset 313

If hip threads are up your alley, be sure to mosey on by Somerset 313. A hip hangout frequented by fashion-forward youth, this shopping mall is the perfect shopping destination for the young and young at heart.

Drop by Dr. Martens to pick up a set of new boots for your next rock concert, peruse the threads at Forever 21 or check out the dresses and tops at local label Love, Bonito.

3 Bras Basah Museum & Art District in Bugis

Haji Lane

A hip and trendy shopping destination, Singaporeans in-the-know come here to check out the cute boutiques lining the road. Don’t miss stores like Crafune, where you can browse, shop and even try your hands at making bespoke leather goods.

Home to many explorative and experimental pieces of artwork. Supermama hosts a collection of objects and apparel designed by emerging artists—both locally and around the world.

The store works with various Japanese craft facilities to produce many of their in-house design collections. The establishment’s porcelain and giftware boast designs inspired by various icons of Singaporean heritage and culture, ranging from The Merlion to the orchid (Singapore’s national flower).

National Design Centre

National Design Centre is a treasure trove of design exhibitions that now boasts some of Singapore’s finest boutiques. Keepers features artisanal goods from accessories to beauty products and locally inspired furnishings, while Binary Style boasts a beautiful range of scarves and apparel inspired by local culture.

4 Civic District

While the Civic District is home to a range of global retail labels and iconic brands, you’ll also find a handful of hidden gems and hip souvenirs in this vibrant locale. Begin your treasure hunt at any of these locations:

• Davis Guitars: Channel your inner Bruno Mars or John Lennon and peruse a fine selection of electric and acoustic guitars. From Gibson Flying Vs to classic Fender Stratocasters, this music store stocks it all.
• Limited EDT: Hip fashionistas looking for the latest kicks on the market and limited-edition sneakers should make a beeline for this sneaker store at Peninsula Shopping Centre.
• Millenia Walk: This shopping mall is a treasure trove of bespoke fashion stores and unique brands. Check out Rossi for handsomely-tailored menswear and Love In A Bottle for terrariums that make great gifts for nature lovers.

4 Little India

Little India Arcade

Nestled in a cluster of conserved neoclassical shophouses, this charming locale is home to a range of traditional wares, curios and knick-knacks. Silverware, sweets and saris are just some of the treasures you’ll find at this bustling emporium.

If you’re feeling peckish before dinner, Moghul Sweet Shop sells a range of traditional sweets and snacks to sate your sweet tooth, such as gulab jamun (deep fried powdered milk balls doused in a sweet syrup).

Mustafa Centre

Need to pick up some last-minute supplies? There’s no place on earth like Mustafa Centre, a 24-hour mall where you can find everything from food and groceries to electronics, books, luggage and more.

For easy reference, you’ll be able to find silks and an array of saris at level B1, a range of cosmetics on the ground floor, and a mind-boggling array of curry, spices and snacks on the second level.