Discover the best shopping in Singapore, from top malls and bustling markets to local souvenirs, food gifts and design stores. An insider guide for every traveller.
Singapore is one of the best shopping destinations in Asia, and visitors often find themselves surprised by the range of options packed into such a small island.
You can spend the morning browsing designer boutiques on Orchard Road, wander vibrant cultural markets in the afternoon, and pick up modern, design-led souvenirs before dinner.
This guide brings together the very best places to shop, along with insider tips to help you find quality items, avoid tourist traps, and make the most of your time.
Essential Tips for Shopping in Singapore
Before you get started, a few things are worth knowing.
GST and Tourist Refunds
Most purchases include GST (9%). If you spend over $100 in a single store and meet the requirements, you can claim a refund when departing from Changi Airport.
Look out for shops displaying the Tourist Refund Scheme logo. You’ll need your passport with you so that the shop assistant can initiate the refund. Be sure to keep the receipt to take to the airport with you.
At the airport, you can claim back your GST at the automated machines. Here you can choose to have it refunded to your credit card, or receive cash.
Best Times to Shop
The famous Great Singapore Sale may be a thing of the past, but there are still times when you can expect discounts in your favourite stores.
The GSS replacement, the Singapore Retail Festival, is held to coincide with the Formula 1 Grand Prix, running at the end of September – beginning of October. It not only features discounts but also interactive in-store activations, plus pop-ups, workshops etc
You will also find good promotions during Chinese New Year, National Day, Deepavali, and Christmas.
Opening Hours
Most malls open from late morning until around 10 pm, which makes it easy to plan your shopping around sightseeing.
Payment Methods
Credit cards are widely accepted. Apple Pay, Google Pay, and GrabPay are also common. Some market stalls will only accept cash.
When Bargaining Works
You can try bargaining at markets and some independent shops. It is not appropriate in malls, department stores, or supermarkets.
The Best Shopping Malls in Singapore
If you love fashion shopping, then you are in luck in Singapore. There are so many shopping malls to choose from, it can be hard to know where to begin. Here we give you the low down.
Orchard Road Shopping Malls
Orchard Road is Singapore’s most famous shopping district, with the highest concentration of shopping malls anywhere in the world.
It is the place to go for international brands, department stores, family shopping, and luxury labels.
Insider Tip: Many of the shopping malls on Orchard Road (all the way from Ngee Ann City to Wheelock Place and under the road to Tang Plaza) are linked by underground walkways. This means you can avoid the heat and humidity completely.
Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the best malls on Orchard Road:
- ION Orchard: Packed with designer boutiques and well-known fashion brands, ION is the most striking mall on the strip with its futuristic exterior.
- Ngee Ann City (also known as Takashimaya as it houses this popular Japanese department store): popular fashion destination, along with bookstores, beauty counters, and a much-loved basement food hall.
- Paragon: A polished mall with high-end labels, children’s boutiques, and quality dining.
- 313@Somerset and Orchard Gateway: These linked malls are filled with younger brands, denim shops, streetwear, and trend-led fashion.
The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands
This is the place to browse luxury brands in an architecturally impressive setting. Expect sleek walkways, glossy storefronts, and waterfront views.
You’ll also find an excellent food court in the basement, as well as a good range of restaurants, including several celebrity chef restaurants.
Raffles City
A convenient mall near the Civic District with mid-range brands and several good casual restaurants. It has the added bonus of direct access to the MRT.
VivoCity
The biggest mall in Singapore and extremely family-friendly. Kids’ stores, fast fashion, lifestyle shops, and plenty of dining make it a great stop before or after visiting Sentosa.
It has the added bonus of direct access to the MRT, plus the Sentosa Express monorail station is located here.
Jewel Changi Airport
Many visitors do their souvenir shopping here thanks to its mix of local brands, confectionery shops, and design stores.
You’ll find a good choice of mid-range restaurants and food court stalls… and of course it is home to the famous Rain Vortex waterfall.
Mustafa Centre
It’s a department store, not a mall, but this 24-hour shopping experience in Little India has everything from groceries to electronics. It is chaotic but fun.
Local Markets and Street Shopping
Bugis Street Market
This market, with over 600 stalls, is the largest street-shopping destination in Singapore.
It is renowned as a place to shop on a budget, with stalls selling a wide array of fashion items, toys, souvenirs, homewares, and beauty products.
Chinatown Street Market
A colourful area filled with Chinese handicrafts, tea sets, ornaments, and festive goods. For higher quality items, explore the side streets or look for family-run tea shops and calligraphy stores.
Little India Arcade
Come here for beautiful textiles, bangles, incense, and traditional clothing. The surrounding streets are also great for fabric shopping. You’ll also find plenty of gold jewellery shops nearby here.
Kampong Gelam and Arab Street
This historic neighbourhood specialises in textiles, perfume oils, carpets, leather goods, and tailor-made clothing.
Haji Lane
A narrow street lined with independent boutiques selling everything from handmade jewellery to quirky fashion and retro-inspired accessories. It is also one of the most colourful and photogenic areas in Singapore.
Where to Buy the Best Souvenirs in Singapore
Local Snacks and Food Gifts
Singaporeans love gifting food, so edible souvenirs are always a hit. Popular options include pandan cakes, kaya (coconut jam), bak kwa (barbecued meat), salted egg snacks, and pineapple tarts.
Good places to buy them include:
- Bengawan Solo
- Local supermarkets
- Jewel Changi Airport’s food shops
- Chinatown’s specialty snack stores
Traditional Singapore Souvenirs
Chinatown has a wide range of tea sets, Chinese calligraphy, lacquerware, and Peranakan-style items. Silk cushion covers, chopstick sets and Chinese-style fans are also popular.
If you want a higher-end version, look for boutique Peranakan shops specialising in beaded slippers, ceramics, and home decor.
Modern, Design-Led Souvenirs
For something a bit different, you’ll find several places selling more unique and interesting gifts. Here’s a few of our favourites:
- DORS at Design Orchard on Orchard Road showcases Singapore designers and makes it easy to find well-crafted jewellery, clothing, and homeware.
- Supermama is another favourite for porcelain and lifestyle items inspired by local culture.
- Head to Cat Socrates in Tiong Bahru and Joo Chiat for unique Singapore-themed gifts, such as tea towels, coasters, jigsaw puzzles and more.
- Small boutique Yeni Draws in Tiong Bahru has unique locally inspired artwork, cushions and homewares.
Best Places for Specialised Shopping
Electronics
Funan Mall is the top choice for laptops, cameras, headphones, and tech accessories. Challenger and Courts are reliable options. Sim Lim Square is well known, but research prices beforehand and buy from reputable shops only.
Books and Stationery
Kinokuniya at Ngee Ann City is one of the best bookstores in Asia. For something more boutique, head to Littered with Books on Duxton Road near Chinatown.
Local Fashion Designers
Look out for TANGS, DORS at Design Orchard, In Good Company and The Editor’s Market for homegrown labels and fresh styles. Charles & Keith remains a firm favourite for its well-priced fashion-forward shoes and accessories.
Children’s Shopping
Orchard Road is the easiest place for kids’ clothes and toys. Check out the top floor at Paragon for a selection of kids clothing stores, as well as Mothercare, The Better Toy Store and Toys“R”Us .
You’ll also find Toys“R”Us and several baby brands at VivoCity. Great World City is another good option with kids’ clothing brands, such as Chateau de Sable and locals’ favourite kids’ store, Mothers Work.
Suggested Shopping Itineraries
Need some help putting it all together? Here’s a few suggestions!
Half-Day for First-Timers
Start at ION Orchard, walk along Orchard Road to Takashimaya for browsing and a snack, then finish at Paragon or 313@Somerset.
Luxury Shopping Day
Spend the morning at The Shoppes at Marina Bay Sands, enjoy lunch by the water, then continue at Paragon or ION Orchard.
Family-Friendly Shopping
Begin at VivoCity, enjoy lunch on the waterfront, and head into Sentosa for the afternoon.
Souvenir Hunter’s Trail
Explore Chinatown Street Market, wander Little India or Kampong Gelam for textiles and perfume oils, then finish at DORS at Design Orchard for modern, design-focused gifts.