Joanna James
Singapore, better known as the Lion City, is a shopping paradise that caters to every taste and wallet. From luxury brands to local crafts and markets, this city-state offers an amazing mix of shopping experiences. This guide is a breakdown of the hows and the where when it comes to shopping in Singapore.
One of the most popular shopping destinations in all of Singapore is Orchard Road. It is the epicentre of shopping and a paradise for shopaholics. The streets are lined with a number of malls, that house a variety of international and local brands. Orchard Central and Wheelock Place are some of the best when it comes to luxury shopping. They have everything from high-end designer wear to affordable fashion outlets. While shopping at Orchard Road, many tourists opt to stay at the Venue Hotel and other boutique hotels in the vicinity, for the affordability and comfort they offer.
For a shopping experience that wows the senses, one needs to look no further than Little India. The streets are filled with rows and rows of colourful Indian saris and shops filled with exotic spices. The saris range from plain to elegant and intricately detailed. Mufasa Centre is a must-visit when shopping in Little India because the store is open 24 hours a day and boasts of having almost anything under the sun. After a tiring day of shopping, it is time to head over to the comfort of one of Singapore's affordable hotels to rest up for the next day.
If the goal is luxury shopping, you need to head to Marina Bay Sands. The many outlets at Marina Bay Sands house many high-end brands like Chanel, Gucci and Prada. Even if you decide not to buy anything, the iconic architecture and the breathtaking view of the city from the observation deck are totally worth the visit. Marina Bay Sands tends to get very crowded at times, so it's always advised to research the best times before heading there for an unobstructed experience.
For tourists seeking apparel which is more affordable, Bugis Street is a must-visit. This busy market is filled with vendors selling trendy clothes, fashionable shoes and flashy accessories all for affordable prices. With various shops, shoppers always end up with great deals and offers while browsing. Bugis Street is ideal for anyone who is budget-conscious.
Chinatown is known for being an iconic cultural gem in Singapore. It is also a place to shop for souvenirs as well as traditional Chinese products. A great place to buy cultural artefacts, antiques and traditional cuisine would be the Chinatown Street market and Chinatown Heritage Centre. Whether you are looking for a unique gift or just a piece of Singaporean history, Chinatowns got you covered.
If the goal is to find a souvenir to take home or an elegant hand-crafted item, Singapore has a range of local crafts and speciality shops. Haji Lane in the Kampong Glam district is known for a great variety of independent boutiques. Shoppers love to explore Soon Lee and the Moon which offer exciting and unique lifestyle products as well as beautifully curated clothes and accessories. Many local vendors love to acquaint their buyers with tales about the products they sell.
In conclusion, shopping in the Lion City is a very exciting endeavour, filled with a diversity of colours, smells and materials. Shopping in Singapore caters to a wide range of shoppers, from luxurious high-end brands to simple hand-crafted goods. The important thing is to enjoy this amazing experience. Make sure to visit budget-friendly places, because you'll always find interesting things in the mix.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
