Singapore Travel Guide: Best Places to Go and Things to Do in Orchard Road
If there’s one street that defines modern Singapore, it’s Orchard Road. Famous worldwide as a shopping haven, this vibrant stretch is much more than gleaming malls and luxury labels. Here, you’ll find leafy parks, historic landmarks, buzzing nightlife, and hidden corners that show off the city’s rich cultural blend. If you’re wondering what things to do in Orchard Road, Singapore, this guide covers it all.
Things to Do in Orchard Road, Singapore
Here’s a list of things you can do in this neighbourhood:
Wander Through the Singapore Botanic Gardens
Need a breather from the neon lights and shopping bags? Just a short walk or ride away, the Singapore Botanic Gardens is a lush sanctuary where time slows down. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its sweeping lawns, rainforest patches, and the National Orchid Garden.
Step Into History at The Istana
Not everything in Orchard Road is about the present or future. Take The Istana, for instance: a stately 19th-century residence that now serves as the official home of Singapore’s President. Its neo-Palladian design and sprawling grounds are usually off-limits, but on certain public holidays, the gates open to visitors.
Go Big at ION Orchard
If malls were cathedrals, ION Orchard would be the most dazzling of them all. With its gleaming glass-and-steel facade and futuristic interiors, the place feels more like an art installation than a shopping complex. Inside, you’ll find global fashion giants, high-end dining, and even concierge services that take shopping to another level.
All-in-One Fun at Ngee Ann City
Just down the road is Ngee Ann City (Takashimaya), a mall that offers pretty much everything under the sun. It’s the sort of place where you can lose track of time browsing bookstores, picking out couture pieces, grabbing a coffee, and then stumbling into a live event at the plaza outside. There’s often something happening here beyond just retail therapy.
Skate, Chill, Repeat at Somerset Skating Park
Somerset Skating Park is where you’ll find skaters carving up ramps, graffiti artists showing off their latest work, and tourists hanging around for the vibe. It’s a safe, inclusive spot with coaches on hand if you want to learn.
Clarke Quay After Dark
When the day winds down, Orchard Road’s nightlife extends to Clarke Quay, just a short distance away. Picture this: neon reflections on the Singapore River, bustling terraces filled with chatter, and music drifting out of clubs and bars.
Stroll Through Emerald Hill
If you’re deciding what is there to do in Orchard Road beyond the obvious, Emerald Hill deserves a spot on your list. It is a quiet pocket that feels like a world apart. Lined with colourful shophouses and elegant private residences, it’s an architectural showcase of Peranakan and Chinese baroque influences. A slow walk here reveals boutique bars, charming cafes, and plenty of photo-worthy corners.
Where to Eat in Orchard Road
Of course, no Orchard Road guide is complete without talking about food. This district spoils you with choices.
- Consider food courts and hawker-style eats at Orchard Road malls like ION Orchard Food Opera or Takashimaya’s Food Village for affordable flavours.
- Experience upscale dining at celebrity-owned restaurants inside ION and Ngee Ann City for a more refined experience.
- Emerald Hill is home to cosy bars and cafes that serve everything from Peranakan-inspired bites to artisanal cocktails.
How to Reach Orchard Road?
Thanks to Singapore’s excellent public transport system, you can easily get around Orchard Road.
- By Mass Rapid Transit (MRT): The most convenient way is to take the North-South Line (Red Line) and get off at Orchard MRT Station (NS22). Other nearby stations include Somerset MRT (NS23) and Dhoby Ghaut MRT (NS24), depending on which part of Orchard Road you want to explore first.
- By Bus: Numerous bus services run along Orchard Road, with stops directly outside major Orchard Road malls like ION Orchard and Takashimaya.
- By Taxi or Grab: If you’re carrying shopping bags or travelling late at night, taxis and ride-hailing services like Grab will drop you off right at your destination.
- On Foot: If you’re already in the city centre, Orchard Road is within walking distance from neighbourhoods like Dhoby Ghaut and Newton.
Wrapping Up
Orchard Road is more than a shopping street. From wandering the Botanic Gardens to skating in Somerset and sipping cocktails by the river, there’s no shortage of fun things to do in Orchard Road, Singapore. If you’re planning an extended stay, consider Weave Living’s thoughtfully designed long-term rentals just 6 minutes away from Orchard Road, where comfort, convenience, and modern living meet in the heart of the city.