Things To Do In Orchard Road: A Hidden Gem Guide
Orchard Road, Singapore, is renowned as a shopaholic’s haven, drawing fashion enthusiasts and luxury seekers from all around. However, if shopping isn’t your cup of tea, fret not! Orchard Road has surprises in store for everyone. Beyond the glitz and glamour, you’ll discover vibrant cultural experiences, delectable dining options, and captivating entertainment venues. So, even if you’re not inclined to shop till you drop, there are always plenty of things to do in Orchard. We've picked the 15 most unique things to do in Orchard for you:
Are you ready to be pleasantly surprised?
1. Museum of Ice Cream
Located within a massive 60,000 sq.ft. space in Dempsey, just outside of the Orchard district, the loveable Museum of Ice Cream is adored by kids and grown-ups alike. The space is a multi-sensory delight with 14 interactive installations.
Picture this: learning about ice cream while lounging on a vibrant Californian beach and reminiscing about your childhood in a classic Singaporean dragon playground - a visit here will take your love for ice to a whole new level.
Pro tip: Make sure to enjoy the unlimited sweet treats they have to offer.
Opening hours: Mon to Sun, 10am to 9pm. Closed on Tues.
2. Fort Canning Park
Located at about a 12-minute walk from Orchard Central, taking a stroll in this beautiful heritage park is an absolute bliss, making for a nice contrast to Singapore's busy streets.
This is among the city's top historic sites - one of the few places that have witnessed everything from the Malay reign to World War II. The most noted relic is the Battlebox, a former underground military command centre.
You can always check out the place by yourself. But, for a much better experience with stories told first-hand by a knowleadgeable guide, it's recommend to go with a tour.
Opening Hours: 24 hours
3. Manhattan Bar
The Whiskey flight experience and Rickhouse cocktail experience at the Manhattan Bar at Conrad Singapore Orchard, is something that you must try out at least once.
A remarkable "flight" of three-release, custom-finished American and Japanese whiskies awaits you. We'd suggest you pre-book this premium cocktail-tasting experience since it is almost always sold out.
Rickhouse cocktail "journey", the Manhattan team will walk you through the whole process of barreling cocktails. You also get to sample two cocktails from their prestigious Rickhouse Collection.
Pro tip: Don't forget to try their New York-style cheesecake.
Opening hours: Closed on Mon. Tues to Thurs, 5pm to 12am. Fri & Sat, 5pm to 1am. Sun, 12pm to 3pm.
4. Am I Addicted
If you haven't yet given one of the best creative therapies a try, this place is a must-visit, and one of the best pottery classes in Singapore. It offers a few options for you to indulge in, apart from its standard two-hour pottery class.
Pro tip: Don't forget to take home the pieces of art you create.
Opening hours: Open daily, 10am to 9pm
5. National Orchid Garden
Situated just outside Orchard Road, the UNSECO-awarded Singapore Botanic Gardens is an experience packed with many experiences.
If you like hikes, you can climb up to the highest hill in the gardens and enjoy magnificent views.
One highlight is exploring the beautiful National Orchid Garden, home to over 2000 gorgeous orchids.
Pro tip: Don't miss the Mist Garden, Crane Fountain, and Silver Arches. They offer some great Insta-worthy photo-ops.
Opening hours: Open daily, 8:30am to 7pm
6. WeTuft
Designed for the young and old, this unique craft experience is not to be missed. This expert-guided tufting workshop, where you can tuft your own rugs, ensures an extremely satisfying, well-spent day.
You can book different sessions here (all material provided), and the rug you craft will be delivered to you within 3-4 weeks at no extra cost!
Pro tip: They allow two people to work on a single rug for the price of one.
Opening hours: Open daily, 10am to 10pm
7. National Museum of Singapore
The National Museum of Singapore, the city's oldest and most fascinating museum, has state-of-the-art, cutting-edge technology to showcase the country's culture and development.
The museum has several workshops, pop-ups and many permanent and temporary/travelling exhibits, with something designed for all tastes.
Pro tip: The Singapore Night Festival which happens all year round, is highly recommended.
Opening hours: Open daily, 10am to 6:30pm
8. Bounce Trampoline Park
Let's start with something fun - trampolines! Bounce is Singapore's top trampoline park where you can jump on trampolines and bounce off walls, literally flying in the air. You can play basketball, dodgeball and fly trapezes - all while bouncing on a trampoline!
Pro tip: Make sure to check with your doctor if you suffer from any orthopaedic issues. Not suitable for pregnant women.
Opening hours: Mon to Thurs, 10am to 8pm. Fri, 10am to 9pm. Sat, 9am to 9pm. Sun, 9am to 8pm.
9. 111 Somerset
For starters, locals call it TripleOne (not OneOneOne) Somerset, and it is THE place to go if you're a 'cafe explorer'. You can easily spend an entire day here chatting with friends, reading a book, or simply enjoying coffee or tea with yourself.
You'll find some hidden gems, apart from regular coffee shops, which serve fine beverages, vegan food, and artisanal tea/coffee. Glyph Supply Co., Noa, Old Tea Hut, Hvala, etc.
10. Orange Mocha Artisan Cafe and Bistro
Known for its stunning minimalistic design and great food, the cafe is any booklover's dream come true. And, while you enjoy a good read, don't miss their all-day brunch and decadent cheesecakes.
Pro tip: The cafe houses an Art Porters Gallery - a showcase of work by noted Asian artists.
Opening hours: Open daily, 11am to 7:30pm
11. Design Orchard Rooftop
Design Orchard is known for being the go-to place for top artists and designers. It hosts numerous art workshops, meet-and-greets, and pop-up shops regularly.
However, you don't necessarily have to be an artist to visit this architectural marvel. The building also has great shops and food joints for you to indulge in.
What takes the cake, though, is the rooftop garden. It offers stunning views of the bustling Orchard Road.
Pro tip: Make sure you reach early in the evening to get a nice seating spot under some shade.
Opening hours: Open daily, 10:30am to 9:30pm
12. Timezone Orchard Xchange
At 22,000 sq.ft., this is the biggest gaming and entertainment outlet in Orchard Road, Singapore, drawing in locals and tourists alike.
Bumper cars, game zones, VR arena, massive-sized TV screens, jumbo hotdogs, and humongous meals - you will be amazed at what you find here.
Pro tip: Make sure to be with your kids at all times. This place is so big, one is bound to get lost!
Opening hours: Mon to Thurs, 11am to 10pm. Fri, 11am to 11pm. Sat, 10am to 11pm. Sun, 10am to 10pm.
13. Ana Bookstore
A second-hand bookstore is packed with stories and hidden memories that pull bibliophiles to it everyday, and is a rarity in Orchard Road.
If you love the scent of old books, this 40-year-old gem is waiting for you. The store is a treasure for those collecting old magazines, books and comics.Tip: Keep your eyes peeled for "lost" first editions here.
Opening hours: Mon to Sat, 12:30pm to 7pm. Sun, 2pm to 5pm.
14. Foot Locker Basketball Court
Believe it or not, Foot Locker's biggest store in Singapore has a massive basketball court!
The court is built solely for basketball, and you can book two slots per week. Each online booking accommodates up to five people.
What's more? The store also houses a wide range of sportswear from top names like Nike, Adidas, Converse, Puma, etc.
Opening hours: Open daily, 11am to 10pm
Bonus Tip:
Enjoying rare finds in and around Orchard Road without giving in to the lure of retail therapy, makes you appreciate the city much more than you would otherwise, doesn't it?
With its incredible architecture and glittering markets, Singapore is quite a sight at night. We strongly recommend you book the Big Bus Singapore tour to make the most of the beautiful experience and avoid the last-minute rush.
How To Reach Orchard Road
By Metro/MRT:
The MRT connectivity in Singapore is great. Being an important shopping and business spot, Orchard Road has three MRT stations within 2-km of each other - Dhoby Ghaut, Orchard, and Somerset.
This is the cheapest and quickest way to reach this destination. You can book your EZ-Link Card - an everyday public transport essential for Singaporeans
By Taxi
This is the fastest way. However, since this can be expensive, it is recommended that you download ride-hailing service apps like Grab, Gojek or CDG.
Commonly Asked Questions
How long does it take to go through all of Orchard Road?
It depends on how you wish to spend your time here. ou’ll find tonnes of awesome places to shop, eat, explore art and design, and soak in the culture. We'd suggest planning your trip with the help of an expert or after thorough research.
Are there good places to stay on Orchard Road, Singapore?
Of course! You will find dozens of hotels, depending on your preferences, in and around Orchard Road, Singapore.
Can I use euros in the shops here?
No, you can only use Singapore dollars (SGD) and Brunei currency when making payments within Singapore.
I have heard that food and drink can be quite expensive here.
It can be, yes. But hawker centres provide delicious and cheaper options. You might even want to have a look at a local supermarket for popular snacks or drinks.