More than just shopping! Discover the best things to do, restaurants, bars and hotels in Orchard Road with our insider guide.
If there’s one place synonymous with shopping in Singapore, it’s Orchard Road.
Stretching for more than two kilometres through the heart of the city, this famous boulevard is lined with shopping malls, department stores, luxury hotels and some of Singapore’s best-known brands.
Whether you’re hunting for designer labels, looking for somewhere to escape the heat or simply want to experience one of the city’s most iconic districts, Orchard Road is likely to feature on your itinerary.
But there is more to Orchard Road than shopping.
Venture beyond the malls and you’ll discover charming heritage shophouses, lively bars, family-friendly attractions and even pockets of greenery.
And while Orchard Road may not be a foodie destination in the same way as Chinatown or Katong, you’ll find no shortage of excellent restaurants, elegant afternoon teas and some of Singapore’s best dim sum.
Whether you’re planning a shopping spree or simply looking for somewhere central to base yourself, here’s our insider guide to Orchard Road.
Why You’ll Love Orchard Road
- Home to Singapore’s most famous shopping street.
- Excellent location with easy access to the rest of the city.
- Luxury hotels and rooftop pools.
- Great restaurants, bars and afternoon teas.
- Beautiful heritage shophouses on Emerald Hill.
- Family-friendly attractions and activities.
- Easy access to the Botanic Gardens and Fort Canning Park.
- Magical Christmas lights at the end of the year.
Things to Do in Orchard Road
While Orchard Road is best known for shopping, there is much more to the neighbourhood than malls.
From heritage shophouses and local designers to surfing, escape rooms and karaoke, Orchard Road has plenty to offer visitors of all ages. It is also ideally located, with the Botanic Gardens at one end and Fort Canning Park at the other.
Here are some of our favourite things to do in Orchard Road:
- Go mall hopping – Orchard Road is home to some of Singapore’s most famous shopping malls, including ION Orchard, Takashimaya, Paragon and 313@Somerset. Whether you’re looking for luxury brands, department stores or family-friendly shopping, there’s something for everyone.
- Discover Design Orchard – Showcasing local designers and brands, this stylish lifestyle destination is one of the best places to pick up uniquely Singaporean fashion, gifts and souvenirs.
- Take in the views from ION Sky – Head to the 55th floor of ION Orchard for panoramic views over Singapore from one of the city’s lesser-known observation decks. Insider Tip: Flash a same-day receipt with a minimum spend of $50 and enjoy a complimentary welcome drink at Atico Lounge between 12pm and 4pm.
- Explore Emerald Hill – Step away from the bustle of Orchard Road and wander among beautifully restored Peranakan shophouses. In the evening, the bars and restaurants come alive.
- Experience Trifecta – Singapore’s first surf, snowboard, ski and skate lifestyle destination is an unexpected addition to Orchard Road and a fun option for adventurous visitors. Learn more here.
- Challenge yourself at Trapped Escape Room – Located inside The Centrepoint, this immersive escape room is perfect for families, couples and groups of friends. Learn more here.
- Bounce Singapore – Burn off some energy at this huge indoor trampoline park, which is particularly popular with families and teenagers. Learn more here.
- Head to SkyPark @ Cineleisure – This rooftop play area features a skate park, basketball court and climbing structures, making it a great spot for older kids and teens. Learn more here.
- Sing your heart out at karaoke – Join the locals and book a room at Candy K-Bar, HaveFun Karaoke or K-Star for a fun night out.
- Treat yourself to a foot massage – After a day of shopping and sightseeing, a relaxing foot reflexology session at Natureland is hard to beat. There are several locations on Orchard, including in ION Orchard.
- Try an ice cream sandwich – A Singapore favourite, these colourful treats feature blocks of ice cream tucked inside rainbow bread or wafers and are perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
- Visit the Singapore Botanic Gardens – Just beyond the Orchard Road shopping district, this UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a welcome escape from the city and is home to the beautiful National Orchid Garden.
- Explore Fort Canning Park – Located near Dhoby Ghaut MRT, this historic park is known for its walking trails, colonial history and famous tree tunnel.
- See the Orchard Road Christmas lights – Visiting in November or December? The annual Christmas light-up transforms Orchard Road into one of the most festive places in Singapore.
You’ll find more great things to do in Singapore in our article 60+ Things to do in Singapore.
Shopping in Orchard Road
Orchard Road is Singapore’s most famous shopping district, with one of the highest concentrations of shopping malls anywhere in the world.
It is the place to go for international brands, department stores, family shopping and luxury labels. Whether you’re after the latest fashion, beauty products, children’s clothing or simply somewhere to escape the heat, there’s a mall for every taste and budget.
Most shopping malls on Orchard Road are open daily from around 10am to 10pm, making it easy to fit in a little retail therapy before or after sightseeing.
Insider Tip: Many of the shopping malls on Orchard Road are linked by underground walkways. This means you can move between malls in air-conditioned comfort without having to brave the heat, humidity or tropical downpours.
Some of our favourite malls include:
- ION Orchard – With its futuristic exterior, ION Orchard is perhaps the most recognisable mall on Orchard Road. Inside, you’ll find luxury labels, international fashion brands, beauty stores and an excellent food hall. Don’t miss the ION Sky observation deck on the 55th floor.
- Ngee Ann City (Takashimaya) – Known to many simply as Takashimaya, this enormous shopping complex is home to the popular Japanese department store, the flagship Kinokuniya bookstore and one of our favourite basement food halls in Singapore.
- Paragon – Paragon has a more polished feel and is particularly popular with families thanks to its children’s boutiques and quality restaurants. You’ll also find plenty of luxury brands here.
- 313@Somerset and Orchard Gateway – These linked malls have a younger vibe and are packed with high-street fashion, sportswear, denim brands and casual dining options. They’re particularly popular with teenagers and young adults.
Insider Tip: If you’re looking for something more unique than international brands, head to DORS at Design Orchard. Showcasing more than 80 Singapore designers, it’s one of our favourite places to discover local fashion, beauty and lifestyle brands.
Our Guide to Shopping in Singapore has more ideas on where to shop, what to buy and the best Singapore souvenirs to bring home.
Restaurants in Orchard Road
Unlike Chinatown or Katong, Orchard Road isn’t really a neighbourhood of independent restaurants and hawker centres. Much of the dining is found inside shopping malls and luxury hotels, but don’t let that put you off.
From elegant afternoon teas and dim sum lunches to lavish hotel buffets and Michelin-starred restaurants, Orchard Road is one of the best places in Singapore to treat yourself.
Afternoon Tea
Orchard Road is one of the best places in Singapore to enjoy a leisurely afternoon tea.
- The Tea Room at The St. Regis Singapore – traditional afternoon tea served in elegant surroundings.
- Marmalade Pantry – located inside ION Orchard shopping mall, this is a local favourite for a mid-shopping break and sweet and savoury treats.
- Ginger.Lily at Hilton Singapore Orchard – beautiful interiors and creative pastries make this one of our favourite hotel lounges.
- Arteastiq at Mandarin Gallery – afternoon tea with a local twist, from this tea house that “pays homage to the vibrant spirit and soul of Singapore’s culinary history”.
Dim Sum and Dumplings
Shopping can work up an appetite and Orchard Road is home to some excellent Chinese restaurants.
- Crystal Jade Golden Palace – don’t be put off by its location in Paragon shopping mall, this is one of Singapore’s most popular high-end Chinese restaurants and is our favourite for a mid-shop feast.
- Imperial Treasure Fine Teochew Cuisine – refined Chinese dining with excellent dim sum and seafood dishes.
- Tim Ho Wan – famed for its Michelin-starred origins and famous baked BBQ pork buns.
- Din Tai Fung – not technically a dim sum restaurant, but its xiao long bao are among the best dumplings in Singapore.
Our guide to the best dim sum restaurants in Singapore has plenty more ideas.
Food Courts
One of the joys of Orchard Road is that you can eat very well without spending a fortune.
- Food Republic at Wisma Atria – one of our favourite food courts in Singapore and a great place to sample local favourites.
- Food Opera at ION Orchard – ideal for trying classic Singapore dishes.
Cafes and Brunch
Need a break from shopping? Orchard Road has no shortage of great cafes.
- PS.Cafe – a Singapore institution known for its cakes and European-inspired dishes. The one at Palais Renaissance is our favourite.
- Wild Honey – with its around-the-world breakfast menu, this is one of the city’s most popular brunch spots.
- Merci Marcel – French-inspired cafe with a lovely atmosphere.
- Surry Hills Grocer – Australian-style brunch favourites within ION Orchard shopping mall.
Our guide to the best brunches in Singapore has more ideas.
Hotel Buffets
If you’re looking to indulge, Orchard Road is home to some of Singapore’s best hotel buffets.
- StraitsKitchen at Grand Hyatt Singapore – a wonderful introduction to Singapore cuisine, with live cooking stations showcasing local favourites.
- The Line at Shangri-La Singapore – one of Singapore’s most famous buffets and always a popular choice.
- Estate at Hilton Singapore Orchard – beautifully presented international cuisine in stylish surroundings.
Michelin-Starred Dining
Orchard Road is home to some of Singapore’s finest Michelin-starred restaurants, including:
- Les Amis – one of Singapore’s most celebrated French restaurants.
- Shisen Hanten – the world’s first Michelin-starred Szechuan restaurant.
- Iggy’s – innovative cuisine and impeccable service.
- Sushi Ichi – exceptional Edomae sushi.
- Summer Palace – Michelin-starred Cantonese cuisine.
Something Uniquely Singapore
No Orchard Road guide would be complete without mentioning Violet Oon at ION Orchard. Serving beautifully presented Peranakan dishes in elegant surroundings, it’s one of our favourite places to introduce visitors to Singapore cuisine.
Bars and Nightlife in Orchard Road
With so many luxury hotels along Orchard Road, you’re never far from a stylish hotel bar if you need a break from shopping or somewhere to unwind after a busy day.
Beyond the hotel lounges, you’ll also find lively bars on Emerald Hill, hidden whisky dens and intimate cocktail bars. Here are some of our favourites:
- Manhattan – if we had to pick just one hotel bar in Orchard Road, this would be it. Located in the Conrad Singapore Orchard, Manhattan is regularly ranked among Asia’s best bars and is famous for its creative cocktails and elegant atmosphere.
- No.5 Emerald Hill – one of Orchard Road’s most iconic bars, this long-time favourite occupies a heritage shophouse and is famous for its lychee martinis.
- Alleybar – also located on charming Emerald Hill Road, Alleybar serves creative cocktails inspired by local flavours.
- Acid Bar & Restaurant – a lively venue popular with the after-work crowd. Known for its live music, laid-back atmosphere and great happy hour. We love the alfresco area for people watching.
- The Writing Club – whisky lovers shouldn’t miss this intimate whisky library in Palais Renaissance, which houses more than 700 hand-picked bottles, including many rare and collectible labels.
- The Bar Kakure – for something completely different, this reservation-only 10-seater Japanese cocktail bar is hidden inside a charming black-and-white colonial bungalow on Scotts Road. The cocktails and omotenashi hospitality make it well worth seeking out.
Our guide to the best rooftop bars in Singapore has even more ideas for drinks with a view.
Where to Stay in Orchard Road
Orchard Road is one of the best places to stay in Singapore. Its central location, excellent transport links and huge choice of shops and restaurants make it a convenient base for first-time visitors.
From stylish boutique hotels and family favourites to some of Singapore’s most luxurious addresses, there’s something for every budget.
Luxury Hotels
- Artyzen Singapore – A stylish boutique hotel with an incredible rooftop pool and a more intimate feel than many of Orchard Road’s larger hotels. Read our full review. Check prices here.
- Pan Pacific Orchard – One of Singapore’s most striking hotels, this nature-inspired property features lush terraces, beautiful pools and some of the most Instagrammable spaces in the city. Read our full review. Check prices here.
- Shangri-La Singapore – Set in 15 acres of tropical gardens, the Shangri-La feels like a resort in the city and is one of our favourite hotels in Singapore for families. Kids will love the indoor and outdoor play areas and massive swimming pool. Check prices here.
Mid-Range Hotels
- JEN Singapore Orchardgateway by Shangri-La – One of the best-value hotels in the area, with direct access to Somerset MRT station and a spectacular rooftop infinity pool overlooking the city. Check prices here.
- Hilton Singapore Orchard – Located right in the heart of Orchard Road, this stylish hotel is home to five excellent restaurants and offers easy access to the area’s shops and attractions. Check prices here.
Budget-Friendly Options
- YOTEL Singapore Orchard Road – Compact but cleverly designed rooms and an excellent location make this a great choice for travellers wanting to stay on Orchard Road without breaking the bank. Check prices here.
- Lloyd’s Inn Singapore – Tucked away on a quiet side street near Somerset, this minimalist boutique hotel feels like a peaceful oasis just minutes from the bustle of Orchard Road. Its clean design and greenery-filled setting make it one of our favourite affordable stays in the area. Check prices here.
Still trying to decide where to base yourself? Our guide to Marina Bay vs Orchard Road vs Sentosa compares three of Singapore’s most popular neighbourhoods and explains who each area is best suited to.
How to Get to Orchard Road
One of the reasons Orchard Road is such a popular place to stay is that it’s incredibly easy to get around. Several MRT stations serve the area, making it simple to reach the rest of Singapore.
By MRT
The easiest way to get to Orchard Road is by MRT.
- Orchard MRT Station (North-South Line and Thomson-East Coast Line) serves the heart of Orchard Road and provides easy access to ION Orchard, Tang Plaza and Ngee Ann City.
- Somerset MRT Station (North-South Line) is ideal for 313@Somerset, Orchard Gateway and Design Orchard.
- Dhoby Ghaut MRT Station (North-South, North-East and Circle Lines) sits at the eastern end of Orchard Road and is convenient for Plaza Singapura and Fort Canning Park.
By Taxi or Ride-Hailing Apps
Orchard Road is around 25-30 minutes from Changi Airport by taxi, depending on traffic.
Taxis and ride-hailing apps such as Grab are readily available throughout Singapore and are a convenient option if you’re travelling with children or carrying lots of shopping bags.
Insider Tip: Traffic along Orchard Road can be surprisingly heavy during weekday rush hours and on weekends. If you’re heading into the city during peak times, the MRT is often faster.
You’ll find taxi ranks outside most major shopping malls and hotels, making it easy to grab a ride when you’re ready.
By Bus
Numerous bus routes run along Orchard Road, making it easy to reach from other parts of Singapore.
On Foot
Many of Orchard Road’s shopping malls are connected by covered walkways and underground passages, making it easy to explore the area on foot while escaping the heat and humidity.
Orchard Road is also within easy reach of the Singapore Botanic Gardens and Fort Canning Park.