Orchard Road: Flagship Malls, Design Orchard and Emerald Hill Side Streets

Orchard Road is the shopping boulevard of Singapore, a tree-lined street about two kilometres long, with a mall on almost every corner. The name goes back to the nineteenth century, when the area was covered with fruit orchards and nutmeg and pepper plantations. It became the retail centre in the 1970s and 1980s, and today it is a long stretch of air-conditioned malls linked by underpasses and covered walkways, which makes it a useful place to shop in any weather.

How the street is organised

The boulevard has three main sections, each with its own feel. The western end near Tanglin has quieter shops and hotels and sits close to the botanic gardens. The middle section around Orchard station has the biggest malls and the highest crowds. The eastern end near Dhoby Ghaut is more youthful, with cinemas and cheaper outlets, and it connects to other districts. Walk the street in one direction, and use the MRT to return.

The malls that matter

Large malls such as ION Orchard, Ngee Ann City and Paragon offer international brands, department stores and big food courts. Wisma Atria and Orchard Central have smaller and more local shops. Design Orchard is a showcase for Singapore brands, with products made locally, which makes it a place to look for gifts that are not mass produced. Most malls have air-conditioned links, and many have restaurants on the upper floors.

Escape from the shops

Not everything on the street is retail. Emerald Hill, a short road of Peranakan terraces, sits a few steps from the main road and shows another side of the area. The nearby Istana, the president's residence, opens its grounds on a few days of the year. The Botanic Gardens, covered in the Singapore Botanic Gardens guide, are just beyond the western end and give a green finish to the walk.

The year-end lights

At the end of the year the street is decorated with large light displays, and the pavements fill with people in the evening. It is a festive time, with busy malls and a lively atmosphere, but also with crowds and slower travel. If you plan to visit then, go on a weekday and allow extra time. Dates and themes change each year, so check the official tourism site.

Practical advice

• Use the underpasses and the covered links to avoid sun and rain.
• Visit sale periods with patience, as they bring large crowds.
• Check the tax refund rules if you are shopping for a larger purchase, since some stores offer a refund to visitors.
• Carry a light layer, because malls are cooled strongly.

What to eat

The food range is wide, from food courts in the mall basements to restaurants of many cuisines on the upper floors. For something local, choose a food court and order a plate of chicken rice, a bowl of laksa or a dessert of shaved ice. For a quieter meal, walk to a side street. If you want a market atmosphere, take the MRT to a hawker centre instead.

Who it suits

The street suits shoppers, families who need a cool place to spend a rainy afternoon and travellers who want to see how Singaporeans spend their free time. It is less suitable for travellers who dislike crowds or malls, since most of it is commercial. If you prefer independent shops and heritage, see Tiong Bahru or Kampong Gelam.

What to skip

You do not need to visit every mall. Pick two, one big and one design-led, and spend the rest of the time on the quieter corners. Avoid weekend afternoons if you dislike queues, and avoid buying souvenirs at the first shop you see.