Orchard Road is Singapore’s most famous shopping avenue. Singaporeans especially love to do two things during their free time: Shopping and eating at restaurants.
The long avenue has a lot of traffic, and on both sides, there are massive shopping centers and a wide sidewalk adorned by trees, benches to sit on, and accompanied by the music of street artists who play, sing, or even set up a mini theater of puppets.
Galleries and underground tunnels interconnect most shopping centers. If we consider the tropical climate of Singapore, it is an excellent place to take refuge from the heat since the air conditioning is always on there. Sometimes, it is even too cold. That is why it is advisable always to carry a light sweater in your bag.
Although each shopping center is different, they have something in common: fast food restaurants and Hawker centers are almost always in the basement.
In this article, I want to share my favorite places along Orchard Road, most of which are inside the shopping centers; keep in mind that there are countless places to eat and shops to visit for all tastes, but let’s say this is my choice, personal since I have lived in this area for many years.
If you visit Singapore, I recommend visiting Orchard Road at least once.
I assure you that you will have an excellent day shopping, tasting the diversity of Singaporean food, and learning more about Singaporean culture.
1. Things to do in ION Orchard
ION Orchard is a high-end shopping mall located on Orchard Road in Singapore. It is known for its modern and innovative design and has won several awards for its architecture. It opened in 2009 and features over 300 luxury fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands. Some notable shops include Chanel, Dior, Prada, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton.
The mall also features an art gallery and a variety of dining options.ION Orchard is one of Singapore’s most popular tourist destinations, attracting many visitors yearly. —address: 2 Orchard Turn, MRT Orchard
Grab a coffee at Marimekko Cafe
Established in 1951, Marimekko is a renowned Finnish brand celebrated for its distinctive prints and designs. The company recently marked its presence in Singapore by opening its first store—an exciting success! The location at ION boasts a delightful shop and a charming cafe. The store offers diverse products, including clothing, accessories, and homeware.
Adorned with Marimekko ceramics and textiles, the café creates a light, bright, and colorful atmosphere.
This infusion of Scandinavian design brings joy and happiness to their customers, offering a delightful touch of Marimekko’s unique style. —address: #02-16 ION Orchard
Explore exciting art pieces at Opera Gallery
The Opera Gallery in Singapore is a gem as it’s one of the few art galleries in the city, and the best part is that admission is entirely free.
It’s a fantastic opportunity for art enthusiasts and the general public to explore a diverse collection of modern and contemporary artworks, including paintings and sculptures by renowned artists like Marc Chagall, Auguste Robin, Henri Matisse, and Fernando Botero.
The warm and welcoming atmosphere makes the Opera Gallery even more remarkable. The staff is amicable and approachable.
They’re always ready to engage in conversations, offering insights into the art on display and explaining the nuances of different pieces. Whether you’re a seasoned art connoisseur or just starting to explore the art world, the staff’s willingness to share their knowledge creates an educational and enjoyable experience.
If you’re in Singapore and love art, I highly recommend checking out the Opera Gallery. For the most up-to-date information on exhibitions and events. —address: #02-16 ION Orchard
Visit the ION Art Gallery
The ION Art Gallery in ION Orchard, Singapore, is a lovely spot to see art, and it’s free! They change their exhibitions regularly, so there’s always something new.
The last time I visited, they had an exhibition called “A Journey Through Time” by Royal Selangor, celebrating The Walt Disney Company’s 100th anniversary. It was interesting! If you’re looking for a cost-free way to enjoy some art, the ION Art Gallery is a good choice.
Just check their website or social media to see what’s happening when you plan to visit. Enjoy your time exploring the gallery. —address: ION Orchard level 4, next to the lobby.
Take in the Breathtaking Views from ION Sky
ION Sky, situated atop ION Orchard, treats visitors to breathtaking views of Singapore’s cityscape, landmarks, and the surrounding landscape.
A pleasant surprise awaits as no tickets are required for entry, making the experience even more accessible. Moreover, spending at least $50 in the mall will give you a delightful bonus—a free drink between 12-4 pm.
Download the ION Sky App to enhance your experience and identify your favorite landmarks.
Attico Lounge Bar Restaurant occupies most of the space and is a fantastic spot to enjoy delicious cuisine. Despite this, there’s an accessible 20-30m walkway for savoring the panoramic skyline. Enjoy the views! —address: ION On the 55th level, Take the elevator from ION Art Gallery free entrance from 12-4 pm
2. Things to do in Ngee Ann City
Ngee Ann City is a stylish hub along Orchard Road. The building’s polished granite exterior, dressed in various shades of red, gives it a classy and textured vibe. It comes with a cool semi-circular civic plaza for hosting events.
Conveniently located near Orchard and Somerset MRT stations and connected to Takashimaya, it’s your gateway to high-end shopping with an impressive array of luxury brands.
Immerse in Botanical Delights at Sunshine Cafe
Sunshine Cafe is a cafe that, if you google it, will confuse you since it is also a Korean hair salon chain.
On the 5th floor of Ngee Ann City, this cute cafe looks like a store selling plants at first glance. As soon as you enter, you will feel very comfortable since the decoration is charming, with leather armchairs, chairs, and tables that offer enough privacy to chat with friends.
I only come here for coffee, but I know they have a menu with Korean dishes and a happy hour with prosecco. —address: Ngee Ann City, 391B Orchard Rd, #05-05A
Get Lost in Singapore’s Largest Japanese Library
Kinokukiya is on the 4th floor of the Ngee Ann City shopping center. This Japanese bookstore is enormous; as soon as you enter, you will find several sections for all tastes; if you want to read your future, there is a spiritualism section with tarot cards!
There are books in Japanese and Chinese; the Manga section is trendy. There is also a good selection of cookbooks and travel guides. Here, you can easily spend an hour browsing books and magazines. It also sells stationary items and puzzles. —address: Fourth floor of Ngee Ann City Shopping Centre.
3. Things to do in Takashimaya
Takashimaya is a Japanese department store chain in Singapore. It’s a popular destination for both locals and tourists.
The Department store is known for its wide range of products, including fashion, beauty, home decor, toys, and sports clothes. It also features a variety of dining options, including a food hall and several restaurants in the basement.
There is also a Cold Storage in the basement if you need to do some groceries. This Shopping Center is interconnected with Ngee Ann City, Ion, and the Metro Station Orchard.
Visit the Takashimaya Food Hall
One of the places that you should take advantage of is the Takashimaya Food Hall, a gourmet food market located in the basement of Takashimaya.
It is known for its wide selection of high-quality and imported food products, including fresh seafood, meats, fruits and vegetables, pastries, and confectioneries.
The food hall also features a variety of prepared foods, such as sushi, sashimi, bento boxes, and sandwiches, which can be enjoyed in the seating area.
Try the Taiyaki, a traditional Japanese fish-shaped cake filled with custard or chocolate, for S$2.20 at Mr. Obanyaki’s food stall.—address: Takashimaya 391 Orchard Road, MRT Somerset & Orchard.
4. Things to do in Orchard Gateway, Orchard Central, and 313 Somerset
Orchard Gateway, Orchard Central, and 313 Somerset are interconnected shopping centers, so I have put them together in the same category.
The easiest way to get there is to take the metro to Somerset; the metro stop is in the basement of 313 Somerset. From there, you can move quickly, explore the shops and restaurants, and enjoy Orchard Road.
Immerse Yourself in Swiss Comfort at Marché Mövenpick
One of the restaurants that caught my attention the most when I arrived in Singapore was Marché Mövenpick 313@somerset.
Outside, at the level of the shops, the entrance to the restaurant is a small display case with cakes and sandwiches and some small tables to have a drink. But from there, you can’t imagine that down in the basement, there is a huge restaurant.
As soon as you descend the stairs and enter the restaurant, you will feel very comfortable, as if you were in a Swiss chalet; the tables and chairs are made of wood, and hanging on the walls, there are typical objects that you could find in a refuge in the Swiss Alps.
In the middle, several sections with cooks prepare pizzas, meats, salads, and paellas on the spot. There is also a dessert and coffee section.
During lunch, from Monday to Friday, they have a special menu that includes a drink; there is also a vegetarian option that almost always consists of soup, a quiche, and a lemonade.
This place is ideal for coming in a group but can also be a quiet place to have a coffee with a piece of cake during the afternoons when the lunch rush hour has passed. —address: 313@somerset Shopping Center next to the main exit to Orchard Road.
Read with Amazing Views at Library@orchard
Library@Orchard is a library that is a little hidden in Orchard Gateway and has two floors on the 3rd and 4th floors. In Singapore, there are several national libraries spread throughout the country.
The Orchard Library has a modern design with lots of light and light colors. On the 3rd floor, you will find books about fiction, magazines from various parts of the world, and a large area with chairs and tables that students, especially, share to do their work. There is also a room where they organize workshops.
On the 4th floor are books on design, architecture, business, and all types of cooking, and one of my favorite sections is the section with travel guides.
Here, you can sit with an impressive view of the park and Killiney Road and read in complete tranquility with air conditioning. For a more intimate experience, you can sit in one of the seats with a snail-shaped wall.
Admission is free; taking and reading the books is free if you don’t take them out of the library. If you want to be a member, you must be a Singaporean or permanent resident; membership is free. Resident foreigners can become members as well by paying a small annual fee.
If you are tired of doing so much shopping or if you need a quiet place to continue planning your itinerary, I recommend going to the library. —address: #03-12 / #04-11 Orchardgateway shopping center. MRT Somerset.
Uncover Hidden Art at Orchard Central Rooftop
The rooftop terraces in Orchard Central are excellent places to have impressive views of the city, and they are also quiet places to take photos. One of my favorite places is the floor with sculptures by the famous Japanese artist Yayoi Kusama.
This artist has become famous worldwide for her polka dots; even Louis Vuitton released a collection with polka dots in her iconic bags.
The Rooftop terrace is easily accessible by taking the elevator or escalator from the mall’s central atrium. —address: Orchard Central shopping center (connected to Orchard Gateway), level 10. MRT Somerset
Eat vegetarian food at Real Food
Real Food is a restaurant that must be included in this guide to Orchard Road, and its name honors the variety of dishes it offers. It is a vegetarian restaurant with a varied menu of typical Asian dishes, such as noodles, samosas, dumplings, and fried rice. They also have dishes with an Italian twist, like risotto, pasta, and even pizza! There are vegan and vegetarian dishes; the prices are very affordable.
The restaurant is large and decorated in pastel tones with living room-style armchairs that are perfect for a chat with friends; they also have tables with chairs next to the windows with a view of Killiney Road. If you come here, be patient as they prepare each dish.
My favorite dish is the Vegan Sichuan Eggplant With Garlic, which I tried to recreate in this recipe.
Apart from being a place for dinner and lunch, it is also an ideal place to have a coffee (try the turmeric latte!) with a delicious cake. —address: Orchard Central, 2nd floor; take the escalator at the entrance between Killiney Road and Orchard Road.
5. Sip and Unwind at Cuppage Terrace
Cuppage Terrace is a pedestrian and covered street with several al fresco restaurants.
The most beautiful thing about this street is the colorful shophouses you can see while eating or enjoying a glass of wine. In the Orchard area, there are few restaurants where you can sit outside since almost all the restaurants are inside the shopping centers.
Cuppage Terrace is a trendy place, especially on weekends, where people gather to share a drink with friends in an informal atmosphere with music—address: Cuppage Terrace, MRT Somerset.
6. Admire the beautiful Shophouses in Emerald Hill
This is one of my favorite places! Especially if you love architecture and photography. The site is known for its pre-war Peranakan shophouses.
These shophouses were built in the early 20th century and are now considered Singapore’s significant cultural and architectural heritage. The area was initially owned by wealthy Straits Chinese families and was known for its luxurious terrace houses.
Today, many shophouses have been converted into restaurants, bars, and boutique shops, making it a popular destination for visitors looking to experience the culture and history of Singapore.
It’s also a popular spot for taking pictures as it has a beautiful and colorful street.
The area is surrounded by many high-end malls, making it an excellent location to see the contrast between the old and the new. —address: Emerald Hill MRT Somerset.
7. Uncover Local Design Gems at Design Orchard
Design Orchard is a design-focused shopping destination on Orchard Road in Singapore. It opened in 2019 and aims to promote and support local design talents and brands.
It offers a curated selection of fashion, accessories, home decor, and lifestyle products from local designers and brands, many of which are unavailable in other shopping malls.
The building also features a rooftop terrace, which you can visit for free! Grab a drink and enjoy the evening lights of Orchard Road from the rooftop.
It is a popular destination for locals and tourists looking for unique and high-quality products from local designers and those interested in exploring the local design scene—address: 250 Orchard Road, MRT Somerset.
8. Visit Lucky Plaza Filipino Shopping Center
Lucky Plaza is known for its wide range of products catering to the Filipino community in Singapore, including Filipino food, beauty products, and fashion.
It is also popular among Filipinos working as domestic helpers in Singapore as it has many remittance centers, phone card vendors, and other services catering to their needs.
The mall is also known for its wide range of shops selling gold and jewelry. Here, you can find affordable hairdressers and nail salons. The mall has several floors and is a budget-friendly option compared to the high-end malls around the Orchard Road area.
I would not recommend visiting Lucky Plaza on Sundays as it is the domestic helper’s day out and can be extremely busy. —address: Orchard Road MRT Orchard and Somerset.
In this article, I shared A Guide to Orchard Road with recommendations for restaurants, cafes, art galleries, and interesting shops. If you want to read more about Singapore, read my other articles with Travel tips, and if you are into hiking and nature, look at my Hiking guides.