Orchard Road
Orchard Road, Singapore
Singapore’s premier retail street, Orchard Road is a one-stop destination for everything from giant shopping malls, upmarket hotels and fine-dining establishments to basement food halls and entertainment complexes. There’s something for everyone in the famous district, which is named after the nutmeg plantations that once occupied the area during the 19th century.
The Basics
Stretching between Istana Park and the Singapore Botanic Gardens, Orchard Road offers a lot of ground to cover for those looking to shop, drink, dine, or simply take in the city sights. While the street is often busy with traffic, underground tunnels provide easy access to its shops and restaurants. Highlights include Orchard Tower with its racy performances, the traditional shophouses of Emerald Hill, ION Orchard shopping center, nearby Scotts Road, and Ngee Ann City, known for its Japanese brands. Many Singapore city sightseeing tours stop at Orchard Road, including the hop-on hop-off bus.
Things to Know Before You Go
Orchard Road is a must-see for shopaholics.
Wear comfortable shoes and be prepared to walk.
Beat the Singapore heat by taking advantage of the air-conditioned underground walkways.
How to Get There
While long, Orchard Road is easy to get to, as it’s serviced by the MRT stations Orchard, Somerset, Dhoby Ghaut, and City Hall.
When to Get There
The shops of Orchard Road buzz with activity throughout the year, but some times do offer a bit of extra excitement. Many retailers in the area offer significant discounts during the Great Singapore Sale (usually mid-June through mid-August), while the Christmas season is another popular time to visit, thanks to over-the-top decorations and a festive atmosphere.
Things to Do on Orchard Road (Besides Shopping)
There’s more to Orchard Road than just retail therapy. Check out the collection at the Pop and Contemporary Fine Art gallery, grab a cocktail (a Singapore Sling perhaps) at Emerald Hill, admire the architecture of Itsana, climb Singapore’s tallest indoor wall at BorderX, indulge in a spa treatment, or catch a movie at the Cathay Picturehouse.
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