Best Shopping Places In Singapore: Where To Buy & What To Buy

Energised Singapore is characterised by a rich cultural tapestry alongside sophistication, offering an unsurpassed shopping experience that stretches beyond globally celebrated malls. From the colourful street markets selling local goodies to vintage shopping precincts promoting its individually handpicked goodies, Singapore truly caters to the whims and fancies of every shopper. Be it luxury merchandise, such as the best of traditional crafts and high-end fashion or off-the-wall offerings. Find out what’s in store at the best places to shop in Singapore and let yourself feel the pulse of the thriving retail world that truly makes Singapore a bona fide shopper’s paradise.

Table of Contents

Top 10 Best Shopping Places In Singapore

Discover some of the most popular shopping places in Singapore, the hub of wonders, from bustling markets to luxury shopping malls.

1. Mustafa Centre

Mustafa Center in Singapore is a popular shopping destination with a bustling atmosphere.

Photo: ProjectManhattan / Wikimedia Commons

Mustafa Centre is a 24-hour shopping paradise located in Little India, selling all reasonably priced products. This vast building occupies an area of six levels and sells everything from electronic goods to clothing and household items, spices, jewellery, and souvenirs. The serpentine aisles are full of local and international products, thus wholly meeting the trend of a single-stop platform for the budget-conscious customer seeking variety with value. The busy environment and 24-hour operating system of Mustafa Centre make this one of the most phenomenal and convenient places to go shopping in Singapore.

Timings: 24*7
Location: 145 Syed Alwi Road, Singapore 207704
How To Reach: Accessible via Farrer Park MRT Station (NE8), followed by a short 5-minute walk to the centre.

2. Chinatown Street Market

An image of Pagoda Street in Chinatown, one of the best shopping places in Singapore.

Photo: Dietmar Rabich / Wikimedia Commons

Chinatown Street Market gives one the feel of shopping, where the cultural wave can be sensed amongst oldie shophouses along vibrant streets. This crowded market comprises hundreds of stalls selling everything from traditional handicrafts, textiles, and antiques to souvenirs. Food lovers can also delight in a wide selection of authentic Chinese delicacies from the numerous hawker stalls and restaurants. One can visit the market during the festive seasons to have all the more fun with decorations and special events. In this case, a visit becomes a must to experience Singapore’s Chinese heritage in this market.

Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Location: Pagoda Street, Trengganu Street, Sago Lane, Singapore
How To Reach: Accessible via Chinatown MRT Station (NE4/DT19), which opens directly onto Pagoda Street at the heart of the market.

3. Haji Lane

Haji Lane in Singapore is famous for its trendy boutiques, street art, and shopping places.

Photo: Honeylemons / Wikimedia Commons

Haji Lane is Singapore’s trendiest shopping street, nestled in the heart of Kampong Glam, with indie boutiques and stunning street art. On both sides of this narrow lane, eclectic shops peddle unique fashion pieces, second-hand items, handmade accessories, and quirky home décor items that are difficult to come by in other places. Colourful murals on the walls add to the area’s artistic vibe; thus, the place is trendy among photography enthusiasts. After shopping, one can retire to any of the hip cafes and bars that give a bohemian touch to Haji Lane.

Timings: 11 AM – 8 PM
Location: Haji Lane, Singapore 189214
How To Reach: Accessible via Bugis MRT Station (EW12/DT14), followed by a short 5-minute walk to Haji Lane.

4. Little India Arcade

Little India Arcade is a shopping destination in Singapore known for its diverse shops.

Photo: Maksym Kozlenko / Wikimedia Commons

The Little India Arcade is an excellent spot for shopping and immersing oneself in Indian culture. An arcade of colourful restored shophouses is set with shops hawking traditional Indian wear, fine jewellery, hand-crafted souvenirs, spices, and rich silks. The air is scented with aromatic herbs and incense. Visitors can relish good Indian snacks and sweets available in different stalls in the arcade. Little India Arcade offers the best spot for anyone wanting to explore and buy authentic Indian products while embracing the rich culture of Singapore’s Indian community in all its glory.

Timings: 9 AM – 10 PM
Location: 48 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217959
How To Reach: Accessible via Little India MRT Station (NE7/DT12), followed by a short 3-minute walk to the arcade.

5. Arab Street

An image of Arab Street which is one of the best shopping places in Singapore.

Photo: Moheen Reeyad / Wikimedia Commons

Arab Street, situated in historic Kampong Glam, has a reputation for having all kinds of textiles, fabrics, and traditional crafts. This fashion designer’s and enthusiast’s dream of a street filled with quality silks, batiks, and other fine materials, with row upon row of shops. Other than textiles, there is merchandise from the Middle East, which includes carpets, perfumes, and various items used for decorations. This area also contains several Middle Eastern restaurants and coffee shops, providing authentic cuisines on the shopping spree. Quaint surroundings fronted by the historic Sultan Mosque add to the beauty and cultural diversity of Arab Street.

Timings: 10 AM – 8 PM
Location: Arab Street, Singapore 199745
How To Reach: Accessible via Bugis MRT Station (EW12/DT14), followed by a 5-minute walk to Arab Street.

6. Far East Plaza

Far East Plaza in Singapore is a key shopping destination offering a variety of retail options.

Photo: Terence Ong / Wikimedia Commons

Far East Plaza is the youth and trendsetter’s haven for shopping, specifically regarding the affordability and fashionability of items on sale. This mall is located at City State near Orchard Road and offers more than 800 retail outlets in fashion, accessories, and beauty services. Trendier and edgier styles from local designers and boutique shops can provide for every taste in fashion. Besides fashion, Far East Plaza offers a broad spectrum of dining options, everything from casual eateries to speciality dessert shops—making it just where one can experience complete shopping and dining without necessarily having to face hefty price tags.

Timings: 10 AM – 10 PM
Location: 14 Scotts Road, Singapore 228213
How To Reach: Accessible via Orchard MRT Station (NS22), followed by a short 5-minute walk to the plaza.

7. Clarke Quay

An image of Clarke Quay which is one of the popular shopping places in Singapore.

Photo: C1815 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

A destination alongside the Singapore River reminds one of the charisma presented by the Singapore Waterfront; it brings a fusion of shopping, dining, and entertainment. The area also offers a shopping experience with boutique houses and art galleries set amongst gorgeously restored warehouses, thus shopping with different historical environments. Shoppers can shop for fashionable wear, eclectic souvenirs, and local art pieces while enjoying the scenic riverside ambience. During the night, it comes to life with nightlife, where many bars, clubs, and restaurants take over and serve people all types of international cuisines and entertainment.

Timings: 11 AM – 10 PM
Location: 3 River Valley Road, Singapore 179024
How To Reach: Accessible via Clarke Quay MRT Station (NE5), a short walk from the main area.

8. IMM Outlet Mall

IMM in Jurong is known for its outlet shopping, making it a Singapore shopping place.

Photo: Sengkang / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

The Largest Outlet Mall in Singapore, the IMM Outlet Mall, with more than 90 outlet stores, still offers its products all year round with discounts of up to 30-80% off. Shoppers can get many international brands available in fashion, sportswear, accessories, and home furnishings, all at significantly reduced prices. The mall also houses many restaurants and a vast outdoor playground; these facilities make it a great place that can accommodate shopping for the whole family, with a spacious retail space containing an extensive range of discounted merchandise and convenient facilities.

Timings: 10 AM – 10 PMaily
Location: 2 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore 609601
How To Reach: Accessible via Jurong East MRT Station (NS1/EW24), followed by a free shuttle bus service or a 10-minute walk to the mall.

9. Tiong Bahru Market

Tiong Bahru Market’s vibrant market atmosphere - one of the best shopping in Singapore.

Photo: Qingwu Zhou / Wikimedia Commons

Another great local shopping spot in Singapore, one of the finest hawker centres in the country, is Tiong Bahru Market. The market’s ground floor is where one can establish the true nature of Singaporeans in terms of traditional goods, seafood, and fresh products. Upstairs is the renowned hawker centre, which allows visitors to access a variety of local delicacies affordably. In addition, the Tiong Bahru neighbourhood has a lot of indie boutiques, bookstores, and cafés where you can find something interesting for those who like local culture, food, and unique shopping finds.

Timings: 6 AM – 12 PM (Market), 8 AM – 9 PM (Hawker Centre)
Location: 30 Seng Poh Road, Singapore 168898
How To Reach: Accessible via Tiong Bahru MRT Station (EW17), followed by a 10-minute walk or short bus ride to the market.

10. Sim Lim Square

Sim Lim Square is a shopping place in Singapore, that offers a wide range of electronics.

Photo: Robert Sim / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Sim Lim Square in Singapore is ideal for people who are into gadgets or technology. With several stores retailing a wide array of devices, computers, cameras, and electronic accessories at highly competitive prices, this multilevel complex has it all. It is a paradise for shoppers looking for the latest technology products and specialised components, thus luring people who love technology and DIY hobbies. Of course, one can still haggle here, but cross-checking the prices and authenticity of the products is highly advisable. With an extensive range of electronics in Sim Lim Square, you get a detailed and interactive shopping experience for all your tech needs.

Timings: 10:30 AM – 8 PM
Location: 1 Rochor Canal Road, Singapore 188504
How To Reach: Accessible via Rochor MRT Station (DT13), with the mall located just beside the station.

Best Places Shopping in Singapore is an activity that mixes international brands with luxurious and local stalls in malls and streets. It is a one-stop shopping destination. Markets in Singapore have everything one could want, from fine dining to fast food outlets, branded clothes, accessories, entertainment zones, and many other captivating sights. So what are you waiting for? Plan a trip to TripXL and enjoy luxurious and local venues.

Cover Photo: Nicolas Lannuzel / Wikimedia Commons

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any hotels or other places to stay near these shopping places?

Indeed, many of these shopping locales are found in central zones, where there are diverse types of accommodation facilities, such as hotels, hostels, and serviced apartments for different classes of persons.

What should you wear while shopping in Singapore?

It is warm, so dress lightly and comfortably as you go through the various activities. Since shopping involves walking, one should put on comfortable shoes because the distances can be very long.

How easily can one access these shopping places?

The shopping sites are within reach of Singapore’s highly developed MRT trains and bus transport network. Some of the added facilities also include nearby parking spaces for those using automobiles.

Do any of these shopping places provide eating outlets?

Indeed, most of these shopping destinations complement retail shopping with ready options in places to eat, including local hawkers, international restaurants, and even quality cafés, to enable shoppers to have their meals and snacks while shopping.

What is the best time to visit these places?

Weekdays are visited relatively less often than weekends and holidays, depending on the country's cultural and traditional significance. Apart from malls and large establishments, consumption can also be done early in the morning and late in the afternoon since the temperatures are mild.

Best Shopping Places In Singapore: Malls, Markets, and Boutiques