Two kilometres of connected malls — ION, Paragon, Takashimaya, Mandarin Gallery and a dozen more. The densest concentration of retail in Southeast Asia.
Tip: The malls are linked underground and by overhead bridges, which matters in the afternoon rain. Tourists can claim GST back at Changi on purchases over S$100.
Tip: Bags must be sealed at the entrance and the checkout queues are long after 20:00. Go in the early morning.
4. Chinatown Street Market, Pagoda Street
Photo: Tim Evanson from Cleveland Heights, Ohio, USA · CC BY-SA 2.0 · source
Souvenir stalls along the shophouse rows — silk, tea, trinkets and calligraphy — plus the genuine teashops and medical halls on the surrounding streets.
Tip: Step off Pagoda Street onto Temple and Smith Streets for the actual tea merchants rather than the souvenir versions.
5. Haji Lane and Arab Street
Photo: Fabio Achilli from Milano, Italy · CC BY 2.0 · source
A narrow lane of independent boutiques, vintage sellers and perfumers beside the textile merchants of Arab Street. The one part of Singapore retail that is not a chain.
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