10 Best Places for Shopping in Singapore
Before leaving for a sisters’ trip to Singapore, Trippy user
Frances Chalke from Newport Beach posted this question:
Sister trip to Singapore! We're looking for clothes, shoes, and other gifts (for friends and parents) unique to Singapore, but also interested in the best shopping areas in general. Where are the best streets, stores, or malls to shop?
Whether you’re looking for made-to-measure clothing, one of a kind handbag, luxury fashion brands or locally made jewelry, Singapore has it all. You'll never be too far from a place to shop when you visit Singapore. Even a Parisian,
Carol K agreed. She wrote:
Singapore is an amazing city - incredibly modern, delicious foods and lucky for you: shops everywhere!
Wondering where to shop like Frances? Here are the 10 best places for shopping in Singapore:
1. Arab Street
Arab Street in the Arab Quarter of Singapore resembles the souks in the Middle East. The friendly merchants will lure you to check out the batik, the Persian rugs, textile, perfume, sarongs, bags, and jewelry. Stroll along the street, shop, enjoy a meal and get a taste of the culture in the neighborhood.
Jacinda from Singapore recommended:
If you are talking about local stuff, definitely head to Arab St. The big malls stock international brands that can be found everywhere. Go to a store called Naiise, many locally designed souvenirs that are unique to Singapore, e.g., chicken rice magnets or locally designed jewelry.
Raagulan Pathy from Sri Lanka liked Arab Street, here's his recommendation:
Try Haji Ln near Arab St. Great local boutiques - not too touristy for Singapore.
2. Bugis Street
Bugis Street, once the stomping ground for trans women and prostitutes is now the biggest bargain shoppers’ paradise in Singapore.
Trippy user from Hoi An Vietnam,
Duyen Pham likes Bugis Street. She wrote:
Bugis Street is the LARGEST street shopping experience in Singapore with some of the most competitive prices you can find!
From household goods and electronics to cosmetics, shoes, handbags, and clothing, Bugis Street is sure to delight anyone looking for variety and affordable products. It's the best place for souvenir shopping and fun knick-knacks to bring home.
For those who prefer to shop in an air-conditioned place, go to Bugis + and Bugis Junction. It won't offer a bargain shopping experience like the markets on Bugis Street.
Tricia Wong from Singapore wrote:
Haji Lane in the Bugis area for unique, exciting and better quality items.
3. Mustafa Centre
Established since 1971,
Mustafa Centre is a 24-hour shopping center on Campbell Lane in Little India. The center features jewelry, electronics, clothing, shoes, household goods, and food at rock bottom prices. Shopping at Mustafa Centre will give you a taste of the Indian culture in Singapore.
Try Indian food, check out the flowers and spices in the Little India neighborhood.
4. VivoCity
If you like megamalls, head over to
VivoCity, Singapore's largest mall at HarbourFront. With over 300 stores, restaurants, food courts and endless entertainment options, you'll need more than a day to shop and visit.
There is a playground, a rooftop park, and a multiplex movie theater for your travel companions that are non-shoppers.
HarbourFront is located next to the cruise and Regional Ferry Terminal, where shoppers can quickly catch a ferry to the Indonesian Riau Islands like Batam.
Duyem Pham from Hoi An wrote:
VivoCity: So many things to buy here. The service is superb. There are a number of items ranging from fashion to facility. You can join in many activities here. The price is high, for sure. But you get what you pay. So, if you want to get some good branded stuff, let's check it out.
5. IMM Outlet Mall
SC from Malaysia suggested IMM Outlet Mall. She wrote:
There's also Jurong, out in the 'burbs - IMM Building (the so-called "factory outlet"), Jem, Westgate.
IMM Outlet Mall has mixed reviews from shoppers. Located in Jurong East, most shoppers love the travel accessories, shoes, and sporting goods.
Check out their
daily deals online before heading over there.
6. Orchard Road
Long established as the avenue to visit for shopping, entertainment, and food, Orchard Road is a must for shoppers and non-shoppers.
Check out the boutiques, restaurants, malls, bookstores, coffee shops and specialty stores all spread over one mile of this beautiful street. If you prefer a night of glitz and glam, head over there in the evening and enjoy the many bars and night spots on Orchard Street.
Some shops we recommend: Kinokuniya - the largest bookstore in Singapore, ION Orchard, Paragon Mall, Takashimaya mall and Ngee Ann City mall. Orchard Street also has the bargain shops in Lucky Plaza and Far East Plaza.
Trippy user SC from Malaysia wrote:
Orchard Road-definitely - Orchard MRT is under ION Orchard. Somerset MRT is down the road (under another mall, 313@Somerset), but I suggest walking the whole road down instead. Street level ION Orchard and Ngee Ann City house the high-end brands like LV, etc., but downstairs is where it's at. The vibe gets younger the further down the road you go (if you started at ION).
Another Trippy user, Alex Lobov from Tallinn said:
Orchard Road will always be your go-to, but it's huge. My favorite mall along the strip is Mandarin Gallery which is just between Takashimaya & 313@Somerset. It's not as big as some of the others but contains a few more exciting boutiques such as Fred Perry Signature, Inhabit, Mulberry & the denim shop.
7. The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
Singapore has a large number of shops that cater to luxury shoppers, but none can compare with The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands. You'll find Asia's most extensive selections of luxury watches and jewelry, and handbags, shoes and apparel brands like Tory Birch, Burberry and Jimmy Choo.
Hire a personal shopping service and get a professional shopper to pick the best outfit for you if you're not sure what's best for you. Besides shops, the Marina Bay Sands has a hotel, museum, an array of entertainment and recreation facilities too.
Rei Singh from San Francisco said:
I liked Orchard Road and Marina Bay, and they do have some local boutique shops but mostly big brands - Gucci, LV, etc. On Orchard Rd, there are a lot of malls. Two specific stores I shopped at were Isetan and Takashimaya. There are foreign discounts so do look for those!
Enjoy the trip!
8. Chinatown
Besides Little India, Arab Quarter, there's Chinatown street market. Find souvenirs, Chinese herbs, traditional Chinese household goods and more along the street stores and shops.
In Chinatown, you can savor local Chinese foods from the morning till the evening.
9. City Square Mall
For a family-friendly mall, check out
City Square Mall. Located in Singapore's historic New World Park, on Serangoon and Kitchener Roads, City Square Mall offers over 200 shops and restaurants. It's known for its affordable prices and environmental and community-friendly concept.
10. Anchorpoint
Anchorpoint is considered the hidden gem and only the discerning shoppers know about it. There's no crowd, and the prices are incredibly reasonable. Trippy user Duyem Pham said:
Anchorpoint Shopping Centre is considered the first mall to introduce the concept of having a cluster of premium brand name boutique outlet stores in Singapore. Visiting here, you will get all kind of brand product at incredibly low prices.
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