Orchard Road Singapore is popular for its lively shopping streets. It has vibrant malls, upscale boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and other entertainment alternatives. It is popular as the shopping Paradise of Singapore with high-end shopping malls attracting locals and tourists. It has dining options that suit all palates and pockets. There are multiple iconic landmarks nearby. You can visit here with your family and friends for seasonal events and festivities. This is an easily accessible place and is centrally connected to the nearby popular destinations. The bustling atmosphere captivates travellers and makes it a cardinal stop on your visit to Singapore.
Location
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The Orchard Road is centrally located in the mid-region of the city. It starts from the Tanglin area in the South which is close to the junction of Tanglin Road and Grange Road. It is about 2.2 km in length. It is one of the most well-known streets in Singapore and is also located near the popular UNESCO World Heritage site, Singapore Botanic Gardens. The road ends at Dhoby Ghaut near the north.
How To Reach
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By Road: You can reach Orchard Road by taxi or private car from all the main parts of the city. It takes about 20 to 30 minutes to reach Orchard Road from Changi Airport. It takes 10 to 15 minutes from Marina Bay. A distance of 6 km needs to be covered to reach Sentosa. Popular apps like Grab and Gojek can be used for taxis.
By Air: To reach Orchard Road by air, Singapore’s Changi Airport is the main airport, especially for international travellers. There are three terminals – T1, T2 and T3. The taxi fare is about SGD 22 to 30 from the airport to Orchard Road. A ride of 20 to 30 minutes by taxi needs to be covered to reach this place. Airport shuttle service is also available and the fare is about $9 per person.
Things To Do
1. Shop Your Heart Out At Orchard Road
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The Orchard Road shopping malls offer designer labels and high-street fashion. There are upscale malls, flagship stores, and retail outlets for garments, shoes, and bags. ION Orchard has international brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Prada. Paragon is known for premium fashion whereas Orchard Gateway has a variety of shops in a contemporary setting. There are other alternatives also for cheap shopping in Orchard Road, that will not dig a hole in your pocket.
2. Explore The Dining Options
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In addition to great shopping options, this place has world-class restaurants serving delicious food. There are a variety of options ranging from fine dining to local alternatives. You can visit wild honey for eggs Benedict and pancakes with your family and friends. The coffee bean and tea leaf at ION Orchard is a great place for a quick coffee. Crystal Jade has Chinese delicacies while local food courts serve great Laksa and Satay.
3. Indulge In Art And Culture
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During a visit to Orchard Road, you must experience the local and international art exhibitions at Ion Art Gallery. It is located on the fourth floor of Ion Orchard and is a great place to visit for art connoisseurs. It has traditional and contemporary art pieces that are loved by one and all. The Heeren’s art exhibition is located in the Heeren Mall– a great place to visit. It has attractive exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year. It is also a great place to explore local and international art.
Places To Visit In & Around Orchard Road
You can visit the following nearby attractions:
1. Singapore Botanic Gardens
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This is a popular UNESCO World Heritage site and is a peaceful place to visit. It has a lush green landscape with tropical plants and beautiful lakes. It is a great place to visit for a picnic or nature walk with your loved ones. The National Orchid Garden has the largest collection of orchids whereas the Swan Lake is ideal for a boat ride. Jacob Ballas Children’s Garden is a great place for families with kids.
Distance From Orchard Road: 3 km
2. The Istana
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This is another popular place situated at the Southern end of Orchard Road. It takes a walk of 10 minutes to reach here from Orchard Road. It is the authorized residence of the President of Singapore. It is a major national landmark and hosts open house events during public holidays. These public holidays include National Day and Hari Raya Puasa. The Ithaca Gardens is a lovely place for a nature walk.
Distance From Orchard Road: 1 km
3. Emerald Hill Road
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Emerald Hill Road is a captivating attraction near Orchard Road. It is a charming street with historic architecture. It is popular for its traditional Shop houses that are stunningly preserved. It provides a beautiful blend of the modern atmosphere of Singapore. The Heritage Shop houses with intricate facades are the highlight of this place.
Distance From Orchard Road: 200-300 m
4. Fort Canning Park
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This place in Singapore offers a blend of lush green landscapes and cultural landmarks. It is a historical hilltop Park and is about a five-minute drive from Orchard Road. This place is cardinal to the history of Singapore and relates it to colonial times. Fort Canning Hill is popular because it had a British military base in the past. Fort Gate, Malai Heritage Centre, and Canon displays are the highlights.
Distance From Orchard Road: 1 km
5. Tiong Bahru
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A little further out, this place is known for its Art Deco architecture and boutique stores. It has 20 cafes and an extremely vibrant neighbourhood. It is about 10 minutes away from Orchard Road. This place has an old-world charm and a modern vibe that attracts visitors from all parts of the nation and abroad. Tiong Bahru Market is a must-visit Hawker Centre popular for its local cuisine. You must explore the old-school bookstores and Indie shops here
Distance From Orchard Road: 3 to 4 km
Where To Stay
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Many accommodation options are available near Orchard Road, as per your preference. Luxury hotels include the St. Regis Singapore offers elegant rooms, butler service, and a spa. Mandarin Orchard Singapore offers all the modern amenities right at your fingertip. Mid-range hotels including Holiday Inn Express Singapore Orchard Road and Royal Plaza on Scotts offer a comfortable stay to the visitors. Budget hotels include Orchard Hotel Singapore and Hotel Chancellor@Orchard offer free Wi-Fi and easy access to the shopping malls.
Where To Eat
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Near Orchard Road, you can eat at fine dining restaurants like Iggy’s and Lawry’s The Prime Rib. These restaurants are popular for contemporary European food and American steakhouses respectively. Casual dining options include crystal Jade and wild honey. Din thong is popular for Taiwanese dumplings. For quick bites, Tiong Bahru Bakery and Lady M are popular. Chatterbox is a great place to try Hainanese chicken rice.
Best Time To Visit
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The Orchard Road observes a tropical climate and remains humid all around the year. The dry season, the months of February to April are best for outdoor activities. During this time you can enjoy shopping and sightseeing. For indoor activities, you can also visit during the rainy season from November to January. The interim periods of May to October provide milder weather. Singapore Grand Prix, Chinese New Year, and Great Singapore Sale are some exciting times to visit.
Tips For Travellers
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- Carry an umbrella and water bottle.
- Wear comfortable shoes for exploration.
- Check for seasonal sales at the malls
The Orchard Road Singapore is a fantastic destination to visit, especially for shopaholics. You cannot miss this destination with your loved ones for a great vacation, filled with good food and entertainment. Plan a trip with TripXL, your travel companion for a seamless experience. Hurry! This exciting trip guarantees lifetime memories full of love and laughter.
Cover Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons