4 Best Shopping in Singapore

Named after chef Julien Royer's grandmother, Odette at the National Gallery Singapore has held three Michelin stars since 2019 and topped the Asia's 50 Best Restaurants list, serving exquisite French cuisine in a dreamlike dining room of marble, flowers, and Flemish-inspired art that feels like dining inside a painting. Royer's tasting menus showcase impeccable technique and deeply personal storytelling, with dishes like white asparagus mimosa with Oscietra caviar and langoustine ravioli with bisque that demonstrate masterful respect for classical French cooking while incorporating Asian ingredients and flavors. The exceptional wine program focuses on natural and biodynamic producers from small European estates.

Jewel is a world-class multi-dimensional lifestyle destination that seamlessly links three of Changi Airport’s terminals. Its centerpiece is the 40-meter-tall HSBC Rain Vortex, the world’s tallest indoor waterfall. Historically, it redefined the concept of an airport as a destination itself. The sensory experience is a futuristic jungle—the sound of rushing water, the scent of over 2,000 trees in the Shiseido Forest Valley, and the cool, climate-controlled air. Experts recommend the Canopy Park on the top level for the glass-bottomed Canopy Bridge. Pro tip: The waterfall light and sound show happens nightly at 8:00 PM and 9:00 PM (plus 10:00 PM on weekends). If you have a layover of at least 5 hours, this is a must-visit, but remember to clear immigration first as it is located in the public landside area.

Once a valley of nutmeg and pepper plantations in the 1800s, Orchard Road has evolved into Asia’s most famous shopping street. Spanning 2.2 kilometers, it is a sensory blitz of neon signs, massive digital screens, and endless rows of luxury malls and department stores. The atmosphere is high-energy, especially during the year-end 'Christmas Light-Up' when the entire street is transformed into a festive wonderland. Experts recommend exploring the underground tunnels that connect major malls like ION and Wisma Atria. Pro tip: For a local experience, buy a $1.50 'bread ice cream' from the traditional street carts found along the sidewalk; avoid shopping on Saturday afternoons if you dislike heavy crowds, as this is when the street is most congested.

ION Orchard is the futuristic 'crown jewel' of Orchard Road, featuring an award-winning glass and marble facade inspired by the patterns of a nutmeg skin. Historically, it sits atop the strategic Orchard MRT station. The sensory experience is one of ultra-luxury retail therapy, spanning eight levels from high-street brands in the basement to couture labels on the upper floors. The 'ION Sky' observation deck on the 55th floor offers a 360-degree digital experience and view. Experts recommend the food hall in the basement (ION Food Hall) for its incredible variety of international and local cuisines. Pro tip: ION Sky access is often tied to a minimum spend in the mall; check the current ION Orchard app promotions to see if you can redeem a visit with your shopping receipts.