Many top hotels also have an attached shopping arcade with fine boutiques specialising in designer fashion, accessories, jewellery and watches.
And designer brands from the fashion runways of the world can be affordable - if you know where to look. Find them at the growing number of discount shops around the city. The magic is affordable in Singapore.
Central Shopping Belt
Singapore's Central Shopping Belt extending
from Tanglin Road all the way down Orchard Road and
Bras Basah Road to Marina Bay has been tagged Fifth
Avenue, Regent Street, Champs-Elysees, Via Veneto
and Ginza for good reason.
This is where world-class shopping abounds. A day
spent browsing and buying turns into an unforgettable
experience as theme designer boutiques, local and
international department stores, speciality shops
and bargain counters compete with outdoor cafes and
gourmet restaurants for your attention.
City & Fringe Shopping
Great shopping in Singapore isn't confined
to just Orchard Road and its surroundings. Quality
goods at prices that won't burn a hole in your pocket
can be found in lots of places around the city centre.
The Riverside area by River Valley Road is home to
both some of the newest as well as the oldest shops
in Singapore. Look in the heart of the financial district
around Raffles Place and Shenton Way where the office
crowd throngs the shops for a surprising variety of
goodies.
Suburban Shopping
If you're prepared to venture further afield,
you can combine shopping with a little off-the-beaten
track sightseeing as well. In fact, you'll discover
some of the best bargains where most Singaporeans
live, eat and shop - out in the heartlands of Singapore.
These suburban shopping centres offer a surprisingly
comprehensive range of items from branded to electronic
goods at prices to delight the value-conscious and
determined bargain hunter. Business hours vary from
shop to shop but as a general guide, most shops are
open from 11am to 9pm.
Town centres in the larger estates of Tampines and
Bishan are easily accessible by MRT. Shopping at these
bustling town centres is a fascinating experience,
providing insight into the local lifestyle and a chance
to mingle with Singaporeans at their most comfortable.
You also reap another benefit - the opportunity to
tuck in "local style" at the numerous food
centres and informal coffee shops.
