Orchard Road comprises of 2.2 kilometres of prime shopping territory. Its name comes from the fact that it once led to the city-state's plantations and orchards. Today, visitors are more likely to be seen plucking designer clothes off the shelves. Shopping centres and huge department stores invite tourists and locals alike to splash their cash. There is also an abundance of other attractions – cinemas, restaurants and hotels, not to mention the official residence of the most important figure in the country.
Take your pick from Orchard Road's 22 shopping centres. DFS Galleria is extremely popular among tourists due to its duty-free incentive. Here you’ll find some of the biggest luxury brand names in the world. It's a rare opportunity to purchase such items at such low prices. Ngee Ann City is the biggest shopping centre on Orchard Road, selling branded boutique products, as well as a mind-boggling amount of books (many are available in English). Orchard Central is the tallest shopping centre to be found here, while Lucky Plaza is notorious for the influx of shoppers that it enjoys every Sunday.
When you're tired of shopping, stay in the area to enjoy the ample entertainment. Get an alfresco coffee or beer and watch other shoppers hurry by. Dine at the 900-seat food court at Wisma Atria, or eat at Scotts Shopping Centre, where Singapore's first ever food court is located. Watch a film at the cinema at Plaza Singapura. Or head to Orchard Towers to go clubbing.
Also, make sure that you see the Istana this is the official residence of the president of Singapore and a superb example of Singapore's colonial architecture. Watch the swans on the lake and take photos of the huge Japanese cannon that stands on the lawn.
Orchard Road is in central Singapore. Walk from your accommodation or take the MRT to the Orchard station. Buses also serve the area. Most stores are open daily. Even if one or two are closed, it's likely that you'll be able to find what you're looking for elsewhere.
