A Guide to Shopping in Singapore | Best Things to Buy, Malls, Souvenirs & More
The only island city-state in the world, Singapore is one of the most extravagant yet dynamic cities for commerce and recreation. The city offers it all, including enormous shopping malls, stunning gardens, and an extremely fast transportation system. Here’s everything you need to know if you are going shopping in Singapore:
Best Things to Buy in Singapore
Orchid Perfume
Accessories
Since orchids are the national flower of Singapore and have excellent fragrances, purchasing these orchid-infused perfumes there makes sense. Be sure to head to places where authentic Singaporean perfumes are available to procure the best products.
Where to buy:
- Orchid Perfume - Singapore Memories - Find on map
- Jamal Kazura Aromatics - Find on map
Asian Housewares
Accessories
You must not miss out on Asian artifacts, and you should bring some with you when you go home. These are the top products to purchase in Singapore for gifts, ranging from stunning scrolls to one-of-a-kind antique antiques for your house.
Where to buy:
- The Cinnamon Room - Find on map
- HOUZE @ PLQ - The Homeware Superstore - Find on map
Tiger Balm Products
Herbal Items
Aw Chu Kin, a Chinese herbalist, founded the Tiger Balm company, which has its roots in the early ancient court of Chinese emperors. The company's operations were expanded from China to Singapore. These herbal medicinal products are best bought in Singapore.
Where to buy:
- LAC Nutrition For Life - Find on map
- FairPrice Bishan St 13 - Find on map
Bak-Kwa
Food item
Early Chinese immigrants brought Bak-Kwa, also called BBQ sliced pig or beef, to Singapore. It is barbecued over charcoal and marinated in sugar. It is commonly consumed and customarily given to relatives and friends during celebrations.
Where to buy:
- Bugis Street Food - Find on map
- Amoy Street Food Centre - Find on map
Gold Accessories
Luxury Items
The most luxurious present you can give to your loved someone. Real orchids are covered in 24K gold to create gold-plated orchids, which are used to create classy jewelry and official business presents like cards and pen holders, all of which are great things to buy in Singapore.
Where to buy:
- Suntec City Mall - Find on map
- TANGS at Tang Plaza - Find on map
Singapore Sling
Beverage
The "Singapore Sling," generally regarded as the national beverage of the city-state, was invented in the 1930s at the Long Bar of the Raffles Hotel. The original ingredients for this widely consumed beverage were gin, cherry brandy, orange juice, lime juice, and pineapple juice.
Where to buy:
- Long Bar - Find on map
- Stickies Bar @ Aljunied - Find on map
Best Shopping Streets in Singapore
Orchard Road
Shopping Street
Location: Orchard Rd, Singapore Find on map
Best for: Luxury accessories and clothing
Best stores: ION Orchard, Hermès, Shaw House
Getting there: Take a bus and get down at the Orchard Stn/Tang Plaza bus stop
Timings: 10 AM to 9 PM
Marina Bay
Shopping area
Location: Marina Bay, Singapore Find on map
Best for: Luxury clothing and accessories
Best stores: AURAHERA, LALU @ Marina Square, Massimo Dutti
Getting there: Take a bus and get down at the Promenade Stn/Pan Pacific bus stop
Timings: 10 AM to 9 PM
Chinatown
Shopping district
Location: 28034 Singapore, Spain Find on map
Best for: Local street shopping
Best stores: Michael Trio, Anthony The Spice Maker, Dustbunny Vintage
Getting there: Take a bus and get down at the Maxwell Rd FC bus stop
Timings: 10 AM to 9 PM
Little India
Shopping Street
Location: Little India, Singapore Find on map
Best for: Indian clothing and accessories
Best stores: Little India MRT, Nalli Chinnasami Chetty Pte Ltd, Singapore Indian Handloom
Getting there: Take a bus and get down at the Tekka bus stop
Timings: 10 AM to 9 PM
Bugis Street
Shopping Street
Location: New Bugis Street, Singapore Find on map
Best for: Budget shopping
Best stores: Fu Lu Shou Complex, Origins Bugis Junction, Bugis Junction
Getting there: Take a bus and get down at the Bugis Stn Exit B bus stop
Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM
Clarke Quay
Shopping Area
Location: 3 River Valley Rd, Singapore 179024 Find on map
Best for: High-end items
Best stores: Herschel Supply Co., Riverside Point, Temple Cellars (UE Square)
Getting there: Take a bus and get down at the Clarke Quay bus stop
Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM
Best Souvenirs in Singapore
Merlion Souvenirs
Where to buy: Melissa Zakka, Fountain Souvenirs & Gifts, Changi Airport
Coconut Jam
Where to buy: Ya Kun Kaya Toast, Raffles City MarketPlace, FairPrice City Square Mall
Laksa Paste
Where to buy: FairPrice Xtra VivoCity, Raffles City MarketPlace, Little Farms, Valley Point
Peranakan Porcelain
Where to buy: Hai Seng Porcelain, Star Porcelain Wares Sdn. Bhd.
Beaded Jewelry
Where to buy: Shinobeads, BeadtleSweet, Beads and Crafts
Singapore Pressed Pennies
Where to buy: Universal Studios Singapore, Gardens By The Bay gift shop, National Museum of Singapore
Best Malls in Singapore
VivoCity
Luxury shopping mall
What to buy: Clothing, accessories, and housewares
Location: 1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore 098585 Find on map
Timing: 10 AM to 10 PM
City Plaza
Shopping mall
What to buy: Accessories and clothing
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, Singapore 409286 Find on map
Timing: 10 AM to 10 PM
IMM
Shopping mall
What to buy: Jewelry and clothing
Location: 2 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore 609601 Find on map
Timing: 10 AM to 10 PM
Lucky Plaza
Shopping mall
What to buy: Clothing and accessories
Location: SG, Orchard Rd, Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863 Find on map
Timing: 10 AM to 10 PM
Anchorpoint Shopping Centre
Budget Shopping mall
What to buy: Affordable fashion accessories
Location: 370 Alexandra Rd, Singapore 159953 Find on map
Timing: 10 AM to 10 PM
City Square Mall
Shopping mall
What to buy: Clothing, accessories, and food
Location: 180 Kitchener Rd, Singapore 208539 Find on map
Timing: 10 AM to 10 PM
Best Luxury Shopping Destinations in Singapore
Orchard Road
Shopping Street
What to buy: Luxury accessories and clothing
Location: Orchard Rd, Singapore Find on map
Timings: 10 AM to 9 PM
Marina Bay
Shopping area
What to buy: Luxury clothing and accessories
Location: Marina Bay, Singapore Find on map
Timings: 10 AM to 9 PM
VivoCity
Luxury shopping mall
What to buy: Clothing, accessories, and housewares
Location: 1 HarbourFront Walk, Singapore 098585 Find on map
Timing: 10 AM to 10 PM
Clarke Quay
Shopping Area
What to buy: High-end items
Location: 3 River Valley Rd, Singapore 179024 Find on map
Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM
Paragon Shopping Centre
Luxury shopping mall
What to buy: Women’s clothing and accessories
Location: 290 Orchard Rd, Singapore 238859 Find on map
Timings: 10 AM to 10 PM
Ngee Ann City
Shopping mall
What to buy: Luxury and exclusive accessories
Location: 391A Orchard Rd, Singapore 238873 Find on map
Timings: 10 AM to 9:30 PM
Budget Shopping Destinations in Singapore
Anchorpoint Shopping Centre
Budget Shopping mall
What to buy: Affordable fashion accessories
Location: 370 Alexandra Rd, Singapore 159953 Find on map
Timing: 10 AM to 10 PM
Little India
Shopping Street
What to buy: Indian clothing and accessories
Location: Little India, Singapore Find on map
Timings: 10 AM to 9 PM
Bugis Street
Shopping Street
What to buy: Budget shopping
Location: New Bugis Street, Singapore Find on map
Timings: 10 AM to 8 PM
The Editor’s Market
Budget shopping outlet
What to buy: Accessories and clothing
Location: 201 Victoria St, #01-04 BUGIS +, Singapore 188067 Find on map
Timings: 10:30 AM to 10 PM
City Plaza
Shopping mall
What to buy: Accessories and clothing
Location: 810 Geylang Rd, Singapore 409286 Find on map
Timing: 10 AM to 10 PM
Lucky Plaza
Shopping mall
What to buy: Clothing and accessories
Location: SG, Orchard Rd, Lucky Plaza, Singapore 238863 Find on map
Timing: 10 AM to 10 PM
Shopping in Singapore: Essentials
Modes of payment:
- Visa/Mastercard: Most large establishments accept Visa and Mastercards, but you may be asked to make a minimum transaction.
- DBS PayLah: DBS PayLah is the most recognized and used online transaction application used in Singapore.
- Cash: Singapore is not a very cash-dependent city, but when making small purchases at flea markets and street food outlets, cash is the best way to go.
April, May, October, and November are the best months to visit and go shopping in Singapore because:
- Shopping is pleasurable throughout these months due to the lower possibility of rainfall.
- During some of these months, stores across Singapore offer discounts on their collections.
- Restaurant Ibid: Singapore has some great Chinese food establishments, and this restaurant is definitely among the top. Find on map
- MTR Singapore: This vegetarian establishment is equally well versed in serving delectable food for dine-in as well as for takeout. Find on map
- MIZ Japanese Restaurant: The lovers of authentic Japanese dining need not look much further than this quaint eatery on Kampong Bahru Road. Find on map
- Annalakshmi Restaurant: If it is Indian food that you are looking for, Annalakshmi Restaurant is the best place to choose in Singapore. Find on map
- Pietrasanta The Italian Restaurant: This eatery is known for its pizzas, pasta, and a wide variety of authentic Italian dishes. Find on map
By Metro: The quickest and easiest way to navigate Singapore is by using the MRT subway system. It is effective, spotless, and pleasantly cool. The system runs from 5.30 a.m. to midnight and includes more than 130 stops.
By Bus: You can enjoy air-conditioned comfort while taking in the lush foliage and stunning architecture of the "city in a garden," when traveling in a bus. Payment for buses can be made by using the EZ-Link card.
By Taxi: When you need to get to one of Singapore's few outlying districts that aren't served by the city-public state's transportation system, when you need to get somewhere quickly, or when it's late at night, metered taxis and rideshare services are available.
- Don't forget to bring an extra bag with you because Singapore is one of the best places in the world to go shopping.
- Plan your trip to Singapore between May and July to take advantage of the Great Singapore Sale if you're just going there to shop.
- To make it simpler to purchase everything you need in one location, pick a shopping region with lots of shops and malls.
- Visit outlet malls like IMM for affordable shopping because they provide year-round savings on all kinds of brands.
- Look for stores that advertise "Tax-Free Shopping" or "GST Refund."
- Don't forget to ask the shop if your item is covered by an international warranty.
- Check to see if using your card for free international purchases is permitted. If not, choose one that does in order to drastically cut the expense of your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions about Shopping in Singapore
The best things to buy in Singapore are artisanal products like beautiful shawls and ceramic items that you must buy. You can also find luxury brand stores selling exclusive jewelry, clothing, and accessories.
The best souvenirs to buy in Singapore are local products like wine, spices, and olive oil. You may also purchase ceramic plates and shoes.
The most preferred mode of payment throughout Singapore is a credit or debit card. You can also use online payment at big outlets and malls.
There are numerous famous shopping streets in Singapore. Gran Via and Princesa are great places to shop.
Southern Singapore, near Marina Bay and Clarke Quay, is famous for shopping.
Luxury clothes, accessories, jewelry, as well as artisanal items exclusively made in Singapore are probably the best things you can buy in Singapore.
VivoCity is possibly the most famous shopping center in Singapore. Ngee Ann City also has many shopping outlets and is a famous shopping center in Singapore.
Luxury clothes, accessories, jewelry, and artisanal items exclusively made in Singapore like designer housewares, crockery, chocolates, and decorative items are great things to buy in Singapore.
VivoCity, City Square Mall, and Ngee Ann City are the best malls to go to when visiting Singapore.
The best markets to visit in Singapore are Little India, Haji Lane, and Chinatown.
The major shopping streets in Singapore include Orchard Road, Haji Lane, and Bugis Street.
Singapore has some of the top kids’ toy outlets including the LEGO store. You can also head to one of the many theme parks and attractions on Sentosa Island that would delight and thrill kids.