The Complete Guide to Shopping in Singapore
From Luxury Labels to Street Bargains
Singapore has a diverse retail landscape that promises an unforgettable shopping experience, whether you're hunting for high fashion, unique souvenirs, or the latest gadgets. Get ready to explore a vibrant mix of grand malls, charming street markets, and artistic enclaves.
Funan Mall - IT shopping and more
What you can buy here:
Electronics & Gadgets - While no longer just an IT mall, it still houses major tech retailers like Challenger, COURTS, Best Denki, and brand-specific stores (e.g., Lenovo, Xiaomi). You can find laptops, gaming accessories, smart home devices, and photography equipment.
Fashion & Lifestyle - A mix of local and international fashion brands, unique independent boutiques, and lifestyle stores for home decor, wellness, and gifts.
Sporting Goods & Outdoor Gear - Given its emphasis on active lifestyles, you'll find sports apparel, outdoor gear, and even a dedicated Brompton Bicycle flagship store.
Art & Design - Look out for local artisan jewelers and concepts featuring Singaporean artist designers.
Food & Beverage - A diverse range of dining options, from casual cafes and a high-tech food court (KOPItech) to more upscale restaurants
Once known primarily for electronics, Funan has been completely redeveloped into a dynamic "experiential creative hub." It integrates technology, wellness, and unique leisure activities alongside retail. Think indoor cycling paths, a rock-climbing wall, an urban farm, and even a theater – all within the mall! It's designed to be a place to live, work, and play.
Points of Interest:
The Tree of Life - This striking 25-meter-tall centerpiece of the mall houses various retail pods and pop-up concepts, often hosting workshops and showcasing emerging brands. It's a visual highlight and a focal point for the mall's creative spirit.
Indoor Cycling Path: One of Singapore's first commercial establishments to allow cycling through the building on a dedicated lane (Level 1). You can even rent bikes here.
Urban Farm: Located on Level 7, this urban farm allows visitors to see vegetables and herbs being grown right in the mall, often used by the mall's F&B outlets.
Futsal Court & Rock Climbing: Active recreational facilities that encourage visitors to engage beyond just shopping.
W!LD RICE Theatre: Funan houses a professional theatre, offering a cultural dimension to the retail experience.
How to get here:
City Hall MRT Station (North-South Line & East-West Line): Funan is directly connected to City Hall MRT via a convenient underground pedestrian link, making it very easy to access.
Clarke Quay MRT Station (North East Line): Also within walking distance (approx. 10-15 minutes).
Opening Hours:
Most retail stores generally operate from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. However, specific F&B outlets, entertainment facilities (like the cinema or rock climbing gym), and some specialty stores may have varying hours. It's always a good idea to check their website for specific store timings if you have a particular destination in mind. For instance, Climb Central at Funan operates later on weekdays (until 11 PM) and earlier on weekends (from 9 AM).
Takashimaya Shopping Centre (Ngee Ann City): International Luxury
What you can buy here:
Luxury Fashion & Accessories: Top-tier international brands like Cartier, Chanel, Dior, Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and many more. You'll find haute couture, designer ready-to-wear, and fine leather goods.
Beauty & Cosmetics: An extensive selection of high-end beauty brands, fragrances, and skincare.
Home & Lifestyle: Quality homeware, kitchenware, bedding, and unique lifestyle products, often with a Japanese aesthetic from the department store.
Japanese Products: From gourmet Japanese foods in the basement food hall (Takashimaya Food Hall) to unique crafts and seasonal specialties.
Books: Home to Books Kinokuniya, one of Singapore's largest bookstores, offering a vast collection of English, Japanese, and Chinese titles.
Electronics: While not an IT mall, you'll find major electronics retailers like Best Denki here.
Fine Jewellery & Watches: Numerous boutiques dedicated to exquisite timepieces and high jewellery.
Takashimaya, housed within the distinctive Ngee Ann City complex, is a hallmark of sophisticated shopping on Orchard Road. It offers a premium shopping experience, blending the renowned Japanese department store's quality with a vast array of international luxury brands and specialty stores
Points of Interest:
Takashimaya Food Hall: Located in the basement, this is a gourmet paradise offering a fantastic array of local and international delicacies, including Japanese bentos, pastries, and artisanal foods. It's a popular spot for lunch or to pick up unique snacks and gifts.
Takashimaya Square: This large indoor atrium often hosts exciting themed bazaars, pop-up events, and promotional sales, especially during festive seasons.
Civic Plaza: The outdoor plaza directly in front of Ngee Ann City frequently hosts large-scale events, concerts, and public gatherings
How to get here:
Orchard MRT Station (North-South Line): Takashimaya Shopping Centre is directly connected to Orchard MRT station via an underground linkway. This is the most convenient way to access it.
Opening Hours:
Most stores within Takashimaya Shopping Centre and Takashimaya Department Store generally operate from 10:00 AM to 9:30 PM daily. Individual luxury boutiques or F&B outlets might have slightly varied hours.
Vivo City: Singapore's Largest Mall
What you can buy here:
Popular Fashion Brands: A comprehensive mix of international and local fashion retailers (e.g., Zara, H&M, Uniqlo, Cotton On, Marks & Spencer).
Department Stores: Major department store like Tangs.
Electronics & IT: Large electronics stores (e.g., Best Denki, Challenger) and specialized tech shops.
Children's Wear & Toys: Extensive options for kids, including the flagship Toys 'R' Us store.
Supermarkets & Hypermarkets: Home to a large FairPrice Xtra hypermarket for groceries and daily necessities.
Beauty & Wellness: A wide array of beauty brands, spas, and wellness services.
Dining: An incredible selection of over 100 food and beverage outlets, ranging from diverse food courts (like Food Republic) to casual cafes, family-friendly restaurants, and upscale dining experiences (e.g., Crystal Jade, HaiDiLao HotPot, Jumbo Seafood).
As Singapore's largest shopping mall, VivoCity offers an expansive range of retail, dining, and entertainment options, making it a great choice for families and those looking for a comprehensive shopping experience under one roof. Its location near Sentosa also makes it a convenient stop.
Designed by world-renowned architect Toyo Ito, VivoCity boasts a distinctive, undulating design inspired by the waves of the sea. Beyond its vast retail space, it features a beautiful waterfront promenade, an open-air playground for kids, a massive Golden Village cinema (Singapore's largest), and a rooftop SkyPark with wading pools and an amphitheater.
Points of Interest:
SkyPark & Play Pools: Located on the rooftop (Level 3), this expansive outdoor park features lush green spaces, an outdoor amphitheater, and several wading pools for children, offering stunning panoramic views of the harbor and Sentosa Island. It's a fantastic spot for families to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Waterfront Promenade: VivoCity boasts a long, scenic waterfront promenade offering alfresco dining with fantastic views of the sea, Sentosa, and passing cruise ships.
Gateway to Sentosa: Its direct connection to the Sentosa Express monorail and a scenic boardwalk makes it the most popular starting point for a day trip to Sentosa Island, home to Universal Studios Singapore, S.E.A. Aquarium, and various beaches.
Public Library: Home to library@harbourfront, a large and modern public library with scenic views.
How to get here:
HarbourFront MRT Station (North East Line and Circle Line): VivoCity is directly connected to HarbourFront MRT station via Exit E, leading right into the mall's basement. This is the most convenient way to access it.
Sentosa Express: The monorail to Sentosa Island departs from VivoCity's third level, making it the primary gateway to the island's attractions.
Buses: Numerous bus services stop at the HarbourFront Bus Interchange, adjacent to VivoCity.
Opening Hours:
Most retail stores and F&B outlets in VivoCity generally operate from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily. Some restaurants and entertainment venues (like the cinema) may have extended hours. The FairPrice Xtra hypermarket in the basement has even longer hours, often until 11:00 PM daily.
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