Singapore can attract tourism solely on shopping because there is something for everyone, everywhere. From hi tech electronics to designer clothing, trendy to vintage, shopping centers, malls, and markets run rampant in the city. The following places are the best options for spending or just browsing:
1) Orchard Road
Listed in every guidebook, Orchard Road is the place to be seen at. Almost 2.2km in length, it is the main shopping area with 22 shopping malls and 6 department stores offering everything your heart desires. Department stores include the loved Takashimaya and Tang’s. The fashion on Orchard Road is swankily high end with a pretentious feel, but still offers a great walk for window shoppers. The road also houses many restaurants, hotels, and entertainment venues.
2) Sim Lim Square
For tech-lovers, Sim Lim Square is a piece of heaven with six floors of electronic dealers being Singapore’s largest electronic and computer center. From computers to cameras to cell phones, this gadget filled square offers the best prices in town especially on the higher floors (it’s common to get ripped off on the first floor).
3) Vivo City
It would be rude not to mention Singapore’s largest retail mall sizing over 92,000 sq meters. Housed in futuristic design, it offers a twist to visitors with a mix of retail and lifestyle concepts. With exciting entertainment and waterfront relaxation, Vivocity is more than great shopping. You can spend the day swimming, shopping, dining, and watching a movie (24 hour cinema) without ever leaving the complex. Big name retailers include, National Geographic (entertaining to browse), Swarovski, Sephora, Zara, and many many more selling a mix of products.
4) Holland Village
A popular spot among expats, Holland Village is the Bohemian shopping center of Singapore with loads of art, music, and diversity in a laid back atmosphere. The two story building is landmarked with a windmill on its roof. There is no wondering why it attracts foreigners, students, and the eclectic crowd with such a variety of art and craft shops, art galleries, music stores, wine cellars, organic food outlets, theme party clothing stores, tarot card readers, home decor shops, ethnic restaurants, pubs, and trendy coffee shops.
5) Sungei Road
Ditch the pretentiousness and commercialism, and head to Sungei Road Flea Market for a whole new shopping experience. This flea market is also known as the Thieves Market because of its history. Many years ago, Thieves Market was the place to buy stolen goods, but that has changed since the authorities stepped in. It is now a place to buy rare vintage goods or just plain old junk. Browsing through the options here makes you wonder where you are.
Great blog! Sorry to get off subject, but since Nashville is getting a lot of press lately, I’d like to find a great sushi restaurant or Japanese restaurant in Nashville TN. Have you heard of any good ones? There’s a new one called Nomzilla Sushi Et Cetera, but I’ve only seen a few reviews. Here’s the address of this new Nashville Japanese Restaurant, 1201 Villa Place, Suite 101 Nashville, TN 37212 – (615) 268-1424. Thoughts? Thanks!