Shopping in Singapore
Discover 52 markets, shops, and shopping spots in Singapore, Singapore. From local markets to specialty stores — curated from real traveler tips.
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Sim Lim Square
Not actually in Little India but right across the street, Sim Lim is Singapore's Akihabara, a giant electronics mecca squeezed into one building, with hundreds upon hundreds of tightly packed specialist stores. Some competitive prices can be found here on computer parts, but consumer electronics and cameras are not particularly cheap in comparison with large on-line retailers, and a good number of shops on the first and second floors engage in scamming tourists and wrecking their holidays. Upon stepping in, immediately skip the first and second floors (a big tourist trap) and start shopping at floors 4-5, descending to 3 later, not forgetting the back corridors - these are the only places to consider shopping. To reiterate, '''avoid''' the first and second floor shops as many of them have a tendency to grossly overcharge or cheat tourists by means of pricing tricks (omitting tax, selling included accessories separately, adding uunilateral fees, and similar misleading or deceptive tactics) and the occasional outright substitution fraud; unless you know exactly what you're doing and/or need something unusual, you might want to shop at Mustafa instead. The third floors and above are the real haven for computer geeks looking for cheap bargains and to upgrade or put together a system; grab price lists from the Sim Lim entrance and do your on-line price research. '''Sim Lim Tower''', just across the street, also has a few shops but these focus on electronic components; it pales in comparison sizewise.
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The Verge Shopping Mall
Little India's first and only modern air-conditioned shopping mall. In the process of being re-branded as the IT-oriented ''The Verge'' in a bid to compete with Sim Lim, just around the corner. Sheng Siong hypermarket occupies the 2 basement levels of the mall and there are travel agencies on the first and second floor. The ground floor houses ethnic Indian wear, F&B outlets and services. The fifth floor houses a collection of craft and florist shops. The retail shops are complemented with service providers. The mix of tenants ensures that there is something for everyone at The Verge. The adjoining block '''Chill @ The Verge''' is largely occupied by nightclub entertainment, a tattoo shop on the ground level and parking facilities on levels 3 to 7. The new Rochor MRT Station has an exit located next to Chill @ The Verge, which enhances its convenience.
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Raffles City
Large shopping mall directly above the City Hall MRT station. Notable for '''Jason's Supermarket''' in the basement, which has probably Singapore's largest selection of gourmet food items. Raffles City Shopping Centre covers most shopping bases, including fashion, books, music, sports, toys, eye wear and beauty stores. A haven for consumers looking for luxury items, it offers downtown shopping at its finest with a number of luxury and designer stores such as Omega, Thomas Sabo, Cortefiel, and Tommy Hilfiger, among others. Raffles City is also home to big department stores like Marks & Spencer and Robinsons, and fashion chains like Topshop, River Island, and Skyla. The mall also has a number of restaurants including modern Australian Double Bay and Brotzeit, and is connected to the Swissotel, home to the Equinox Restaurant and New Asia Bar.
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ION Orchard
Opened 2009, this is the largest new shopping mall on Orchard in years, extending four floors both above and under ground. While the spacey, pulsating, neon-lit facade is dominated by high-street flagships for Louis Vuitton and co, the interior has plenty of more affordable options including Japanese retailers '''Uniqlo''' and '''Muji'''. The fourth floor has the '''ION Art''' gallery, while the basement 4 '''Food Opera''' food court, while a bit pricey by Singapore standards, is enormous and very popular. Located on levels 55 and 56, at 218 metres, '''ION Sky''' offers a 360-degree view from the highest point on Orchard Road. It houses an observatory and contemporary restaurant Salt Grill, presided over by Australian chef, Luke Mangan.
2 Orchard Turn Website -
Mustafa Centre
Singapore's supreme discount department store: floor after floor of absolutely ''everything'' at what some say are rock-bottom prices, ranging from Rolex watches and washing machines to fresh mangoes, bags of lentils, tailored suits and airline tickets. Open 24 hours; the exchange counters in front are probably the best place in Singapore to exchange any currency you can think of (and many you can't) at competitive rates. Mustafa Centre also offers travel, hotel reservation and visa assistance services. '''There are now many mini-Mustafa outlets scattered along Serangoon Rd, but the original and by far the largest is the one facing Syed Alwi Rd'''.
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Lucky Plaza
Most visitors end up in Lucky Plaza thanks to the dubious street-level camera and electronics stores, which are legendary for ripoffs and poor customer service, and are best avoided unless you really know your stuff. However, there's more to the mall than that: cheap souvenirs (2nd floor), low cost salons that offer most services such as manicures, pedicures, facials, waxing and hair services (fourth floor), off-season designer perfumes and cosmetics (most floors) and a cheap and surprisingly good food court in the basement. Lucky Plaza is also the favorite hangout spot for the Filipino community and gets packed on weekends.
304 Orchard Rd Website -
Tekka Market
Little India is a cacophony of car horns, bicycle bells and the vibrant chatter of its residents. This explosion of sights, smells and sounds in Tekka Market is only a short walk from Little India MRT Station. Tekka (as it is locally known), has a plethora of stalls selling Indian, Malay and Chinese food that draws crowds from all over Singapore. There’s also a wet market stocked with the freshest vegetables, meat, fish, spices and flowers. Also available are souvenirs such as brass oil lamps and pots, or fresh garlands of jasmine, whose scent is signature aroma of Little India.
665 Buffalo Road -
VivoCity
This giant complex on the mainland just next to the Sentosa bridge is Singapore's largest shopping mall, featuring anchor tenants like The Gap, two food courts and creative landscaping. There is a huge hypermarket featuring Singapore's largest organic supermarket. The Sentosa Express monorail station is integrated into the mall - the ticketing station can be found on the 3rd floor beside the retro theme food court, and the Singapore Cruise Centre is connected to VivoCity via a bridge to the HarbourFront Centre, where there are also other shops as well.
HarbourFront MRT Website -
313@Somerset
313@somerset is directly linked to the Somerset MRT station and features a concentration of mid-range retail and dining outlets. Retail options include local and global fashion labels including Zara, Uniqlo, New Look, Esprit and a Forever 21 flagship spanning 4 floors. There are also some popular dining options including a cluster of restaurants and lounges such as Brotzeit German Bier Bar & Restaurant, Kamado Japanese Wood Fire, Central Hong Kong Café, Flying Chillies and Trattoria Cuccina Italiana on Level 1.
313 Orchard Rd Website -
Yue Hwa
Prominently located in central Chinatown, this stately building was originally built in 1936 as Chinatown's top hotel. Today, it's a six-floor emporium of Chinese products, from traditional medicine on the first floor, complete with deer horns and dried bats, to porcelain and furniture on the sixth. The sweeping lobby on the second floor now houses an amazing array of Chinese tea, ranging from $1.40/100g loose leaf and $3 cups to pedigreed $18,000 ''pu erh'' and $80,000 teapots.
70 Eu Tong Sen St Website -
Bugis Junction
Singapore's teenage haven, built around the '''restored shophouses''' of Hylam and Malay Streets, covered with a roof for shopping in any weather. Anchor tenants include department store BHG and the minimalist Japanese home decoration shop Muji (BHG 2F); also check out the ever-surprising '''fountain''' in the middle of Bugis Square. The basement has a good selection of cheap to mid-range eateries, and the Food Junction food court on the 3rd floor is a cut above the usual.
200 Victoria St Website -
Orchard Central
Modern, soaring twelve-story mall with a funky series of outdoor escalators and nice views from the terraces. Floors 7 and above are devoted to food, with restaurants including Korean barbecue masters '''Nolboo''' and Japanese set meal specialist '''Ootoya'''. The mall also houses the world's tallest indoor Via Ferrata climbing wall, a collection of public art installations by acclaimed international artists and a 24/7-operational Roof Garden.
181 Orchard Rd Website -
Bugis+
The latest mall in Bugis, aimed squarely at the same teen market as Bugis Junction and housing more or less the same shops, plus an 9-screen [http://www.filmgarde.com.sg/ Film Garde] cineplex. Worth a look at night, when the panels outside pulse and shift in an impressive light show. Houses (at least for now) a unique food court, '''Ramen Champion''', comprising nothing but ramen shops from Japan and that's worth a visit for ramen fans.
201 Victoria St -
United Square
Sits diagonally across the Thomson Road/Newton Road/Moulmein Road intersection from the other two malls at Novena. United Square is oriented towards children and education. Alongside the food outlets you'll find plenty of stores selling clothes and toys, as well as tuition centres offering to coach your youngster into an Olympic fencer or violin virtuoso. A branch of Cold Storage supermarket lurks in the basement.
101 Thomson Rd Website -
Naranjan Electronics
Small shop for basic electronics like digital cameras and mobile phones, with bargain-basement prices. Please note the rock bottom prices comes with no 'warranty' or 'service' what so ever. Many of items are not for sale in Singapore. So try to check your goods before you leave though, as these guys have a strict (and theoretically illegal) no-returns-whatsoever policy.
154 Race Course Road -
Geylang Serai Market
The heart of Singapore's Muslim community and long one of the most atmospheric markets in Singapore, the original dense warren was unceremoniously demolished in 2006. The new version, opened in 2009, is a bland, vaguely Malay-styled two-story building, but it still has a wide array of Malay and Middle Eastern goods and gets positively packed around Ramadan.
Jln Turi -
Suntec City
At the northeastern edge of the CBD is Singapore's 2nd largest shopping mall, featuring the '''Fountain of Wealth''', reputedly the world's largest fountain. If connecting to the Circle Line is inconvenient, the other way in is to take the MRT to City Hall and then follow the signs in the underground '''CityLink''' mall, a 15 min air conditioned walk.
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Lim Chee Guan
While Bee Cheng Hiang may be the more famous brand internationally, Lim Chee Guan is without a doubt the most popular ''bak kwa'' brand among Singaporeans, with 3-4 hour queues (with news crews filming this event from time to time) around the Chinese New Year period. Tastier than the competition, but harder to find as it has only three outlets.
203 New Bridge Rd Website -
People's Park Complex
Has numerous shops selling electronics, clothing, clocks, Chinese medicine and jewellery. Also, there are many massage parlours and travel agents. Head to the rooftop carpark on level 6 for a viewpoint of Chinatown and join in on the regular events held by the active mod-Sin '''[https://www.facebook.com/leparksg Lepark]''' bar.
1 Park Rd -
Sin Chew Chinese Cultural Products Supermart
True to the name, this store packs in vast quantities of Buddhas and Confucian deities, glittering in gold, blinking lights and all shades of kitsch. Note the statue of Hotei the "Laughing Buddha" outside — there is a steady crowd trooping up to rub his big belly, hoping to catch some of his good luck.
192 Waterloo St -
CityLink Mall
For the novelty of an entirely underground mall that links the Riverside district to Suntec City and the Esplanade. You could go round in circles here if you don't pay attention, as the mall starts from City Hall MRT to Esplanade MRT and back again. Brace yourself for the human crush.
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Plaza Singapura
Singapore's oldest air conditioned shopping mall, just above the MRT interchange and recently given a thorough face lift. Numerous eating options and a large cinema complex on the top floors. Very busy now that Dhoby Ghaut serves as an interchange for three different MRT lines.
68 Orchard Rd Website -
Velocity
Formerly ''Novena Square'', this is by far Novena's largest shopping mall. The main theme is higher-end branded sporting goods, including a large California Fitness gym, but there is also a decent selection of restaurants, a Kopitiam food court and a Cold Storage supermarket.
238 Thomson Rd Website -
OG People's Park
Sells a wide range of department store merchandise, well known brands such as Adidas, Giordano and Billabong have counters in the building. On the fifth floor, there is a food section selling mainly Korean products, with a Westlake cafe on the third floor.
100 Upper Cross St Website -
The Centrepoint
One of the stalwarts of Orchard Road, now largely outshone by newer competitors. Their decorations during Christmas used to be among the most flamboyant, but has since toned down. Will host a large branch of Metro department store from November 2014.
176 Orchard Rd Website -
Ngee Ann City
Where the ''tai-tais'' (wealthy ladies of leisure) hang out. Expensive branded goods on the first floors, more affordable shopping in the two basement floors. Also features '''Kinokuniya''', Southeast Asia's largest bookstore, on the 4th floor.
391 Orchard Rd Website -
Wheelock Place
Previously notable primarily for the giant Borders bookstore that used to occupy the entire ground level, this has been replaced by a large Marks & Spencer department store. There's a pretty good selection of restaurants on the 2nd floor.
501 Orchard Rd -
Sweet Enchantment
Singapore's first all-natural handcrafted rock candy shop where you can watch artisan candy chefs create lovely rock candies or lollipops inscribed with words to mark your passage in this lovely island country, i.e., "I ''Heart'' SG".
VivoCity #01-159 Website -
Army Market
Sells surplus equipment from the Singapore Armed Forces and the Singapore Police Forece. Mostly popular with local soldiers shopping for replacements, but also of interest to low-budget camping enthusiasts or camouflage fetishists.
Beach Rd -
The Tintin Shop
One of only seven others in the world, the Tintin Shop celebrates the beloved Belgian characters from Hergé. Looks more like a small gallery, but you'll be able to find all sorts of authentic Tintin books and collectibles.
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Puteri Mas
Famous for their durian puffs, a milder creamy dessert version of the infamous fruit. Give it a try if the real thing is too much. They also sell some ''nyonya kuehs'' and have another shop in Centrepoint on Orchard Road.
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Sungei Road Thieves Market
This flea market is open daily, but is most active on weekend afternoons. It may not be as polished as other flea markets in Singapore but if you look carefully, you might spot hidden treasures in among the junk.
Sungei Rd -
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
The Sands' shopping mall, chock full of expensive brands geared at stripping jackpot winners of their earnings, plus a dinky little canal where you can go for a spin in a ''sampan'' boat at $10/person.
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People's Park
It has a large food hawker centre selling local food on the first level. 2nd and 3rd level sells clothes and discount retail store selling cosmetics, skincare, beauty products, and toiletries.
1 New Market Rd -
Liang Court
This mall has a large offer of Japanese stores and dining places, most notably a big Japanese supermarket in the basement (Meidi-Ya) and an outlet of the Kinokuniya book store.
177 River Valley Road, Singapore 179030 Website -
Square 2
Atop the MRT station, Square 2 is consciously modeled on the hip malls of Seoul, packed with 500 small boutiques selling Korean fashions, electronics, accessories and food.
10 Sinaran Dr Website -
Little India Arcade
A narrow pathway through a cluster of restored shophouses, filled to the brim with Indian clothing, accessories, incense and a rather good Indian sweet shop at (#01-16).
48 Serangoon Road Website -
Far East Plaza
Frequented mostly by teenagers, this mall is a bargain hunter's paradise slowly creeping upmarket. Not bad for unique clothes and accessories at reasonable prices.
14 Scotts Rd -
The Arcade
A small shopping mall in the heart of the financial centre. Consists mainly of small shops operated by individual owners, which are unique to the mall.
11 Collyer Quay -
Bee Cheng Hiang
Bee Cheng Hiang is the most famous ''bak kwa'' brand internationally, with many outlets throughout the country and in many other Asian countries.
71 Pagoda St Website -
Peninsula Plaza
A place where Myanmese like to gather for a good meal of authentic home cuisine. Also notable for its concentration of specialist camera stores.
111 North Bridge Rd -
ButtOn Trendy Undies
Sells Singapore's funkiest collection of underwear. How about Hello Kitty panties or a Funky Year of the Monkey thong? All here and more!
Bazaar, 2nd floor -
Tea Chapter
Covered under Drink, this store also retails a wide variety of not only Chinese tea itself, but all the paraphernalia needed to brew it.
9 Neil Rd Website -
H&M
The Swedish fashion retailer's flagship store in Singapore, known for its fast-fashion clothing for men, women, teenagers, and children.
1 Grange Rd -
Paragon
Long one of Singapore's flashiest malls, packed with Prada, Gucci and other luxury brands, although ION has stolen some of its thunder.
290 Orchard Rd -
Chinatown Point
A shopping mall that mainly sells handicrafts, along with gifts and watches as well as beauty salons.
133 New Bridge Rd -
Wisma Atria
Designer boutiques and international brands populate this architecturally fascinating mall.
435 Orchard Rd Website -
Millenia Walk
Upscale mall known for housing Singapore's best collection of luxury watch retailers.
9 Raffles Blvd Website -
Huber's Butchery
Good butchery and deli plus a bistro specialising in German meat and beer.
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Data may have changed — verify opening hours before visiting.
Shopping Guide for Singapore: Markets, Stores & Souvenirs
Shopping in Singapore is one of the best ways to experience the city's local culture beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're browsing open-air markets for fresh produce and local delicacies, hunting for antiques in backstreet shops, or searching for artisan crafts and design goods to take home, Singapore's shopping scene has something for every kind of traveler and every budget.
This guide covers 52 shopping spots in Singapore sourced from Wikivoyage — the traveler-written travel guide — ensuring you're getting recommendations from real visitors who've been there. Unlike algorithmically ranked lists, these are the shops, markets, and stores that travelers actually tell each other about.
Types of Shopping in Singapore
Singapore's shopping landscape includes several distinct categories. Markets are the heart of local commerce — weekly or daily gatherings where you'll find fresh food, second-hand clothing, handmade goods, and antiques at prices far below tourist shops. Specialty stores in Singapore often have decades of history and deep expertise — bookshops, wine merchants, tea rooms, craft suppliers, and independent fashion boutiques. Souvenir and gift shops vary widely in quality: the best ones in Singapore sell locally made products, while others sell identical mass-produced goods found in every city. This guide steers you toward the former.
Shopping Tips for Travelers in Singapore
- Visit markets early. The best stalls at Singapore's markets fill up fast. Arrive in the first hour of opening for the widest selection and freshest goods, especially for food markets.
- Carry local currency. Many independent shops and market vendors in Singapore prefer cash. Have small denomination local currency on hand to avoid problems at card-only or cash-only stalls.
- Check opening days carefully. Many specialist shops in Singapore close on Sundays and some close on Mondays or Wednesday afternoons. Always verify hours before making a special trip.
- Ask about provenance. When buying what appears to be locally made or artisan goods in Singapore, don't hesitate to ask where items are made. Genuine local products make far better souvenirs than imported look-alikes.
- Budget for customs limits. If you're traveling internationally, keep in mind duty-free allowances for your home country, especially for food products, alcohol, and tobacco bought in Singapore.
- Bargaining culture varies. In some markets in Singapore light bargaining is expected; in most established shops, the price is fixed. Follow local cues — if other shoppers are negotiating, it's acceptable; if prices are clearly marked, they typically aren't.
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Singapore
The most meaningful souvenirs from Singapore are the ones that can't be bought elsewhere — locally produced food and drink, handmade objects by local artisans, books published in the city or about the region, and items that reflect the city's distinct cultural identity. Avoid mass-produced miniatures and branded merchandise that you'll find in identical form in every tourist shop. Instead, focus on the specialty stores and markets listed in this guide where authentic local products are the norm.
Shopping Neighborhoods in Singapore
Like most cities, Singapore's best independent shopping is concentrated in specific neighborhoods rather than spread evenly across the city. Historic city centers and old towns tend to have the highest density of specialty shops, antique dealers, and design boutiques. Residential neighborhoods often host the best local food markets and everyday shopping that tourists rarely discover. This guide's listings span the city so you can plan your shopping around whichever neighborhoods you're already visiting.
Meet Fellow Travelers While Exploring Singapore
Solo travel and group shopping are not mutually exclusive. Many Nomax users find travel companions for market days, afternoon shopping strolls, or finding someone who knows the city well enough to point you to the best local stores. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers currently in Singapore — whether you want a market guide, a fellow bargain hunter, or simply someone to share the discovery of a great find.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shopping in Singapore
Where to shop in Singapore?
Singapore has 52 curated shopping spots including markets, specialty stores, and local boutiques. This guide covers the best places to shop, from open-air markets with local produce and handmade goods to bookshops, antique dealers, and souvenir stores. Use the Nomax app to connect with fellow travelers who can share their favourite shopping finds in Singapore.
What souvenirs to buy in Singapore?
The best souvenirs from Singapore are those that reflect the city's culture and craftsmanship — local food specialties, artisan products, books about the city or region, handmade ceramics or textiles, and locally produced beverages. Markets are the best place to find authentic souvenirs at fair prices. Other travelers on Nomax often share tips on where to find genuinely local products versus tourist-trap shops.
Are there any markets in Singapore?
Yes, Singapore has several markets listed in this guide including weekly food markets, antique fairs, and craft markets. Markets are excellent for experiencing local daily life and finding unique items you won't find in chain stores. Opening days and hours vary — check individual listings for current schedules before visiting.
What are the best specialty shops in Singapore?
Singapore has a range of specialty shops covering books, design, fashion, food and drink, antiques, and local crafts. Many of the shops in this guide are independent stores with deep expertise in their niche — a far better experience than mall shopping. The listings here are sourced from traveler community knowledge, so they tend to be the kinds of places locals actually recommend.
How do I find shopping companions in Singapore?
Download Nomax to instantly connect with other travelers in Singapore. Whether you want a local recommendation, a shopping companion for a market day, or someone who knows where to find the best local products, Nomax lets you chat with and meet fellow travelers in the city. It's free and available on iOS and Android.
Is it safe to shop in Singapore as a solo traveler?
Shopping in Singapore is generally safe for solo travelers. At markets, keep an eye on your belongings and use a secure bag. For valuable purchases, ask for receipts and check the return policy. When browsing late-evening markets, stick to well-lit areas. Connect with other travelers on Nomax for up-to-date safety tips from people currently in Singapore.
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