Orchard Road is a 2.2km stretch of swanky entertainment spots, designer stores, quaint boutiques, luxurious hotels, and resplendent restaurants and cafés. Considered as one of Singapore’s main entertainment spots, the street has been compared with world-famous strips such as London’s Oxford Street and New York’s 5^th Avenue.

This does not come as a surprise because, despite its humble beginnings, Orchard Road is an ultra-modern area with an Asian flair. In fact, it has been ranked as one of the top most expensive streets in the world. Nevertheless, this has not deterred people from visiting the place. Scores of visitors from around the world flock to the area each year to enjoy every bit of what it has to offer.

A Bit of History

Orchard Road is steeped in history, and believe it or not, in the 1830s it was a simple country road flanked by fruit orchards, spice gardens, pepper farms and nutmeg plantations. But by the 1860s, the road had slowly transformed into an Eden of beautiful houses and bungalows. Today, it is a shopper’s paradise and one of the hottest entertainment spots in Singapore.

Places of Interest

The one thing that Orchard Road delivers in spades is wholesome entertainment for people of all ages. There are movie theatres, karaoke rooms and game arcades where kids and adults can get entertained. Apart from recreational arenas, discover art galleries, botanical gardens, archaic landmarks and architectural structures that adorn the street.

If you are a historical buff, visit the Singapore Art Museum and National Museum of Singapore to learn more about the rich culture and diversity of the people of Singapore. Other buildings that may catch your interest during your walkabout include the Istana, a magnificent looking building that houses the President’s office, and the MacDonald House.

Another amazing structure that is definitely worth seeing is ION Orchard, a futuristic-looking shopping complex that is made of glass, steel, and marble. Located just above Orchard MRT station, it is a place for luxury shoppers and anyone who loves being pampered. But, you'd need deep pockets to afford their superior services, which include Butler services and Michelin-starred dining.

ION, however, mainly provides glamorous shopping. There is a huge array of fashion brands that the building houses, from fashion greats like Louis Vuitton, Prada, Cartier, Giorgio Armani and Miu Miu to affordable brands like NewL ook and Topshop.

Dining

Orchard Road offers more than shopping and recreational activities. After a long day touring landmarks, trawling the malls, shopping and engaging in some fun activities, you are sure to work up an appetite.

There are many places to quiet your rumbling stomach, whether you are looking for a quick bite or a hearty meal. From food courts, cafés to fine-dining restaurants, there is a diverse range of options to choose from.

Some eateries, of course, are more affordable than others. If you have a blasé palate, there are a number of Michelin-starred restaurants that serve exquisite cuisines to satisfy your sense of taste, style and preference.

The beautiful thing about each eatery is that it has something unique to offer. Whether you like authentic Singaporean food, fast food or international cuisine, there is something for every palate.

Shopping

There is no better place to shop in Singapore than Orchard Road, which is lined on both sides by high-end fashion stores, malls, gift shops and boutiques. Whether it’s day or night, the street is bustling with activities as people stroll around the malls looking for bargains.

Many of the shopping centers are easily accessible owing to Orchard Road’s incredible underground infrastructure. Three MRT stations (Somerset MRT, Dhoby Ghaut MRT and Orchard MRT), and underground walkways connect the different streets and malls in the locality. This makes it real easy to get around since everything is within easy reach.

The 313@Somerset shopping mall is located above Somerset MRT Station and it houses a blend of local and international retail outlets. These retail outlets include local and international brands, such as Zara, Espirit and New Look. There also a wide range of dining options to choose from including plenty of restaurants and bars, such as Flying Chillies, Trattoria Cuccina Italiana and Brotzeit German Bier Bar.

Orchard Gateway and Orchard Central are two of the newer shopping malls on Orchard Road. These 3 malls including 313@Somersert shopping mall are all connected by a sheltered linkage referred to as the Discovery Walk.

Orchard Gateway mall houses a range of high-end stores, mini boutiques, cafes, restaurants and a library. Orchard Central, on the other hand, is well known for housing the tallest indoor climbing wall in the world. It also offers panoramic views of the city from its terraces, a well-manicured roof garden, and an impressive wide selection of retail shops, restaurants and cafes.

Other malls on the strip, like Plaza Singapura and Centrepoint are equally popular, more so because they provide affordable shopping. While malls like ION Orchard, Palaise Renaissance, Mandarin Gallery and The Paragon, which cater to the more sophisticated tastes also have their fair share of visitors.  

There are a number of small shops that sell different kinds of things, such as books, souvenirs and the like. Popular gift shops like Monoyogo, Risis and St. Ming Souvenir Shop are worth checking out if you are looking to buy a souvenir or gift for a friend or relative.

Nightlife

Orchard Road is the street that never sleeps, so to speak. It may be one of Singapore’s hottest shopping strips, but it also has a lot to offer when it comes to the club scene.

If you are the type of person who enjoys an electrifying night of revelry, there are splendid nightclubs on the strip that you might fancy going. Some the highly rated night clubs and swanky bars include Club-V, D’Underground Lounge and Bar, The Other Room, Brix and Acid Bar.

It is all about what you want. If you are looking to enjoy a nice evening without the crippling noise of loud music and overzealous revelers, try Bar Canary, Harry’s Cuppage, Bar on 5 or Muddy Murphy’s Irish Pub, as they offer a more tranquil atmosphere.

Getting there

Now, if you have never been to Singapore, once you get there, you will realize that it is a pretty small country and so you can’t get lost easily. Orchard Road is situated at the hub of Singapore and it is served by three MRT stations (Somerset MRT, Dhoby Ghaut MRT and Orchard MRT). This makes it easy to get in and out of Orchard Road. 

You can also easily get there by bus or cab.

When to Visit

You can choose to visit Orchard Road at any time of the year. But, the best time to visit is during the Christmas holidays. During this time of year, the strip transforms into a fairy-like nirvana. There is an incredible display of lights and elaborate decorations that deck the malls, trees and the entire strip. Along with the festive lighting are street performances and an array of festivities that really bring out the spirit of Christmas.