Singapore is one of the favorite shopping destinations in the world. You can count it as probably one of the most complicated yet diverse shopping destinations. A great place to shop all year around, Singapore offers great variety and quality to its shoppers. The eight-week Great Singapore Sale held in the months of late May to July each year has further enhanced its reputation of being one of the top shopping destinations in the world. Shopping in Singapore is considered a favorite national hobby and the locals are really passionate about it. Singapore boasts of having more number of malls per square mile than any other country in the world. A visit itself to the spectacular Orchard road will sweep you off your feet considering the variety and quality available at your disposal. With outdoor markets forming an equally potent shopping center along with the spectacular mega malls in town. Areas such as Chinatown, Little India, and Bugis Street Market offer a great shopping experience in its own right and should definitely be counted as one of the best places for shopping in Singapore.
Best places to shop in Singapore
1. Orchard Road
The 2.2 kilometer stretch of mega malls is definitely the shopping hub of Singapore. Power packed with more than 20 shopping centers, the Orchard road offers a complete shopping delight for shopping addicts through its pristine complexes such as 313@Somserset, ION Orchard, and Paragon house that house all the major designer labels you would have ever come across. There is also Far East Asia and Lucky Plaza which is a perfect place for all bargain hunters. You will be spoilt for choices considering the number of Singapore shopping malls in the area. Add to that a fine list of bar lounges and restaurants, you cannot probably ask more from a shopping destination. You can probably term it as a retail onslaught considering its sheer size.
2. Chinatown Street Market
No matter how many times you explore this place, you just can’t get enough of this place. The Chinatown Street Market stretches beyond Pagoda, Sago streets, and Terengganu almost every night. Immerse in the Chinese culture as you browse through stalls which sell traditional authentic candles, artwork, clothing & accessories, and busy quick bite counters that serve cheap and tasty Chinese delicacies. If you looking for where to shop in Singapore, then Chinatown is the solution to all your queries. Souvenirs and gifts to be carried back home are probably the best things to buy in Singapore’s Chinatown.
3. VivoCity
Undoubtedly the largest shopping mall existing in Singapore, the VivoCity is home to 15 cinema screens, an open-air playground, an art gallery for art lovers, an array of fine-dining restaurants and bars, a rooftop amphitheater, and an endless list of designer label boutiques and outlets. Unveiled to the public in the year 2006, call it due to its vast size or an odd Flintstones-style façade or a waterfront location facing Sentosa Island or a distinctive wavy structure or just pure marketing, the VivoCity in its own capacity to lure the crowd from the madness of Orchard road.
4. Queensway Shopping Center
One of the best things to do in Queenstown. You will probably fall in love considering the cheap sportswear and accessories available at your disposal. Set your eyes on something and we assure you that you will probably not find it cheaper in any other place in Singapore i.e. Nikes for less than $100. Although the shops sell the leftovers of the last season, you can rest assured on the quality of the goods sold. The prices in different shops vary and do browse around before finalizing on options.
5. Haji Lane
Leave the bustling malls of Singapore and enter the narrow lane of Haji Lane, which houses cute vintage stores and boutiques that are painted with vibrant colors. Situated in Kampong Glam, the Haji Lane is considered a pilgrimage for hipsters in Singapore People come here to enjoy shopping and the picturesque background. Explore the cool collection of men and women clothing and accessories, home wares, and much more during your visit. One of the oldest boutiques that sell women wear is Dulcetfiq. Post sunset, the Haji Lane is a wonderful spot to catch up with friends and loved ones for a drink or two.
6. Marina Bay Sands
The iconic Marina Bay Sands complex is one of the places which you should definitely visit even if you are not a shopping enthusiastic. The architectural marvel structure is sufficient enough to catch the attention of people around. Coupled with giant glass windows, a central waterfall, and a vast open atrium is something which would be very hard to miss. You have all ranges of designer labels and high street names parked in the complex. Don’t forget to 57th storey of the building to enjoy a spectacular view of the bay.
7. Little India
Located in Serangoon road, Little India stands apart with its vibrant radiant colors, intriguing smells, and exotic noises. The clothes sold along the road is probably the cheapest you will find in Singapore. Apart from these, explore the electronic shops, traditional Indian fabric and dress stores, and an array of delicious curry houses. The 24-hour Mustafa Center departmental store offers a unique and wonderful experience in itself. Do look out for handicrafts, textiles, and boutiques. An ideal place for keen bargainers but do not bargain if you do not intend to purchase.
Best time to shop in Singapore
The Great Singapore Sale starting from late May to early July each year is one of the widely anticipated annual shopping extravaganzas in the region for both tourists and locals. It is raining discounts and surprises. You can consider this as a retail blowout.
The fashionistas would probably wait for the Singapore Fashion Week to arrive to visit Singapore. One of the important events which mark the local fashion calendar. The event was originally held in May each year, but since last year it will be held annually in October.
The range of retail hotspots in Singapore is endless, right from traditional shop houses to retail powerhouses. You will be spoilt for choices considering the range and quality of the goods available. Couple that will picturesque backgrounds and packed world-class amenities, and you get a complete shopping experience. The best part of shopping in Singapore is that it is a city of duty-free luxury goods, modern technology, and matches latest fashion trends. You can even consider it as an Asian hub for exotic materials such as silk, porcelain, traditional spices and medicines, and tea. Other popular shopping spots include the Clarke Quay and the Bugis Street Market.
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