Shopping in Singapore is second only to eating as a national pastime. From iconic malls in all shapes and sizes to the curated local boutiques and local shopping centres, the Lion City is known for its burgeoning shopping scene. While there are many shopping belts here, Orchard Road proudly stands as the queen of shopping malls with high-street brands, fashion houses and few discount outlets thrown into the mix. However, the most popular shopping in Singapore is done in the flea markets where you get souvenirs, fashion items and even salon services. Most of the street markets in Singapore are located in the centre of the city with the popular ones being centred around Chinatown, Pasar Bella and Bugis Street Market.
Here is the list of best markets for cheap shopping in Singapore (in no particular order):
The crowded Bugis Street Market (Source)It is one of the most popular street markets in Singapore, where you get all the knick-knacks like souvenirs, postcards, stationery, etc. Bugis Street Market is a must-visit as the market is enormous, cheap and one of the hottest where the whole city comes to shop. The items start from SGD 1 and have many vibrant things to offer. It is not precisely a fashion area but if you look deep enough, you might get the best clothes like jeans at SGD 10, sunglasses and hats from SGD 2, shirts and t-shirts from SGD 5 and shoes from SGD 15. It even has many eating options like Satay, fried snacks and an old noodle stall. The unique thing about Bugis is the fantastic salon services provided at a reasonable cost. Essentially, Bugis Street is typically for shoppers looking for some street prices and cheap shopping in Singapore, giving them one fantastic experience.
Location: 4 New Bugis St, Singapore Timings: 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM. It's open seven days a week and is considered preferable to go in the evening.
2. Mustafa Centre
Mustafa Centre in Singapore (Source)One of the most popular places for cheap shopping in Singapore, the highlight of Mustafa Centre is that the store owners buy the products in bulk to get lower prices so that the customers also don't have to pay much. Housing almost everything from jewellery to electronics and shoes, this Centre is open 24 hours and even 365 days a year which makes it all the more popular among the visitors looking to for a cheap shopping experience in Singapore. It serves to late-night shoppers so that people can go according to their convenience.
Location: 145 Syed Alwi Road, Mustafa Centre, Singapore Timings: 24 hours open
3. Far East Plaza
The Far East Plaza Building (Source)Far East Plaza is known for the trendy clothes available at a low price. Another place for cheap shopping in Singapore, it has the right mix of Hong-Kong Style, Korean style, retro and vintage apparels. The Far East Plaza houses a variety of shops selling trendiest apparels, footwear and accessories. Apart from a small dress boutique where you can get your tailor-made clothes, this shopping centre is also home to some beauty stores. Don't head here if looking for branded wear, as you'll be left disappointed.
Location: 14 Scotts Road, Far East Plaza, Singapore Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
4. Lucky Plaza
The entrance to Lucky Plaza shopping centre (Source)Housed in a 20-year-old building, the Lucky Plaza is reminiscent of old Singaporean shopping centres. It has been acknowledged as one of the most popular places for shopping in Singapore (both among locals and tourists) offering a variety of products at an affordable price. The Lucky Plaza has one of the cheapest good quality products like sunglasses, souvenirs, low-end watches and medical oil products always on sale. This quaint street market gives a feel of old Singapore and gets fun to explore the unusual locations. Even the most expensive perfumes are sold here in sample sizes. If you are in a mood to try out different fragrances, then Lucky Plaza could be perfect for you!
Location: 304 Orchard Road, Singapore Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
5. Chinatown Street Market
Colourful Chinatown Street Market lined with shops and lanterns (Source)
Chinatown is among the biggest street markets in Singapore offering a variety of antiques, fashion items, electronics and souvenirs. The most lovable factor in this market is that it has all the pocket-friendly restaurants and street food jam-packed in the small space. As the name suggests, you will get a variety of hawker styles signature dishes such as Satay, chicken over rice, dim sum and laksa and stingray. You would be surprised to know the price range of the food items and it's just SGD 5 - SGD 10.
Location: Pagoda Street and surrounding roads Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
An experience in itself, a trip to the 'indie' Haji Lane will leave every visitor satisfied with its blast-from-the-past ambience with its architecture and shophouses. The stores hold some of the most comprehensive yet most intriguing set of items ranging from exotic decor pieces to cross-cultural attire. Take a stroll down the street and be greeted by friendly shop owners, visit old and timeless shophouses, and try some of its eccentric cafes. The Haji Lane is for those who look for a cross-cultural experience of shopping in Singapore.
Location: 21A Haji Lane, Singapore Timings: 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
7. Scape Underground
A bunch of students shopping at Scape Underground (Source)Scape Underground is known as one of the best places for cheap shopping in Singapore. this Centre is a part of SCAPE, which is a youth upliftment Centre with an aim to support youth and talent development. So, SCAPE is explicitly designed for students as they know the essence of a budget. The clothes sold here are of high quality and serves to all age brackets. It is an indoor shop whose retailers are youth which helps in understanding the customers better.
Location: 2 Orchard Link, Singapore Timings: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM
8. City Plaza
Bird's eye view of the City Plaza building (Source)Being the oldest mall in the city-state, City Plaza is perfect for cheap shopping in Singapore. The mall has an entire floor dedicated to clothes along with offering a variety of tops, pants and dresses at a budget-friendly price. The shops in City Plaza also buy clothes from the people who are willing to sell their clothes for a modest sum of money. Many retailers and fashion bloggers buy fashion items from City Plaza in bulk because of its excellent quality and low price.
Location: 810 Geylang Road, Singapore Timings: 9:30 AM to 10:00 PM
Little India Arcade is a beautiful and bright complex representing the fantastic collection of Indian and Arabian clothing, homeware and fabrics. Linger through the Indian Street, and you will discover the speciality of India like fried herbs and spices, traditional dresses, colourful artwork, exuberant accessories and sweet shops - all at discounted prices. The whole lane is shining bright orange and attracts the passerby. If you want to evade the heat, then visit the arcade in the evening and to escape the crowds, visit in the day!
SourceIMM Outlet Mall is the biggest outlet mall in Singapore. The mall's significant portion is occupied by around 85 outlet stores, 215 retail shops and 60 food and beverage stores. This outlet mall sells all the top-notch brands at low prices which assures that the high quality is maintained. Offering different discounts all year round, the apparels sold here are renowned for their quality and trend!
Location: 2 Jurong East Street 21, Singapore Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
Anchorpoint Shopping Centre is the place to go to buy branded luxury at pocket-friendly prices, be it on clothes, shoes, electronic goods, etc. Get the best in trends for rates as low as SGD 5 per piece during the Centre's weekly sales. Also, it houses a clinic, a supermarket, a full-fledged food court and even a laundrette. The Anchorpoint Shopping Centre lets shoppers stay atop of the times, without the compromise of emptying their pockets. Here's a tip, they don't tolerate bargainers.
Location: 370 Alexandra Road, Singapore Timings: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM
12. Pasarbella
Pasarbella (Source)Pasar Bella is typically a farmer's market where it has all the food items at a wholesale price. Housed within a superb environment, Pasar Bella encompasses a seafood market, fresh produce, wines and craft beers, meat, dairy, global cuisines and personal services, making it an all-inclusive street market in Singapore. If you are hosting a house party, then taking produce from here would be of great utility and will be pocket-friendly as well!
Timings: 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM Open 7 days a week
13. Tanglin Mall Bazaar
SourceThis bazaar is different from other bazaars as it has some unique items like second-hand CDs, vinyl records, retro clothes, old toys etc. Tanglin has a mid-size food court and some cafes and bakeries too! The incredible part is that the mall is not crowded and seems peaceful and relaxing to be here. The food items start from SGD 7 and are one of the most affordable eateries. It even sells modern paintings and tacky jewellery.
The Editor's Market will have anyone and everyone on a shopping binge with its step pricing policy. Which means, the more products purchased, the cheaper the purchase amount. This multi-brand fashion outlet has the latest trends from major international street labels to products from a time forgotten yet cherished, like the '70s with its disco pants, bobby heals and chiffon shirts. The Editor's Market is a great place for shopping in Singapore, especially for those looking to upgrade up their wardrobe at a great bargain.
Location: 313 Orchard Road #03-01 to 08, [email protected], Singapore Timings: 10:30 AM to 10:00PM
The Sungei 'Thieves' Market has quite the infamous reputation in the past where its second-hand products were a misconception to be stolen goods, hence the name. It holds some of the most bizarre range of second-hand products to factory rejects ranging from suitcases, jewellery and shoes to high-end electronic appliances to gadgets, and the best of all, army merchandise, all sold at a great 'steal'. Go to the Sungei Road Thieves Market with an open mind and an open shopping list.
Location: Woodlands Recreation Center, 200 Woodlands Industrial Park E7, Singapore Timings: Saturday to Sunday, 11:00 AM to 7:30 PM
16. Tiong Bahru
SourceTiong Bahru is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Singapore and houses some of the most trendy indie stores. This area isn't commercialized and has some interesting independent stores. Stores that are worth checking out are BooksActually for books by non-mainstream authors, Strangelets for some offbeat jewellery, stationery and gift items and Curated Records, a vinyl store selling everything from classics to the latest hits. It is perfect if the hipster in you wants to go for shopping in Singapore!
Address - Tiong Bahru Road, Singapore Timings - 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM
17. Holland Village
SourceHolland Village is the place that sells all things Asian. Here, you can find souvenirs, carpets, clothing items, art, second-hand books and many more things which are all made in Asia. This is Singapore's Bohemian enclave and usually attracts a young crowd. It is especially a great place for handicrafts and art. It has a laid-back vibe, which is the charm of this place. The places where you can shop from are Holland Road Shopping Centre, Holland V Shopping Mall, and the four main streets. Lim's Arts and Living is a great store for buying some souvenirs and gifts.
Address - Holland Avenue, Lorong Mambong, Singapore Timings - 10:30 AM to 9 PM
18. Durian Culture
SourceWhen in Singapore, you cannot miss out on trying this 'king of fruits'. One of the chief imports of Singapore, Durian has a high demand despite its distinct odour and taste. In Singapore, this fruit is not allowed in many public spaces, including the Subway. Durian Culture is a marketplace which has been in business for 40 years. Here, you can find a wide variety of fresh durians and eat it on the spot. Be sure to put on some gloves before diving into the fruit as it helps keep the smell from lingering on your fingers.
The landmark of Little India, Tekka Centre is famous for its fresh produce, its hawker centre as well as its enormous collection of Indian fashion. If you want to purchase some local fresh produce and seafood, then Tekka Market is the place to go to, though tourists often visit the market to also enjoy the different cuisines that are served there, especially Indian and Muslim ones. You will also find a lot of vendors selling dry goods here, such as organic rice, nuts, spices, etc. Tekka Centre is also renowned for its amazing collection of Indian attire, from traditional attire to silk saris; as well as shoes and matching accessories. The place is also a good spot to pick up some antique souvenirs on the way back, including brass oil lamps, pots and fresh garlands of jasmine.
Address: Bukit Timah Rd, Singapore Timings: Wet market: Opens at 6:30 AM, Shopping Centre: Opens at 10:30 AM
Of all the flea markets and street shops in Singapore, the China Square Central Flea Market is the place to be at while in Singapore on Sundays. Sellers reach the venue early in the morning to set up their stalls, and the best part is that this flea market is set up inside a mall in an air-conditioned environment, so even the heat cannot hinder your shopping experience. The market is spread across two floors, jam-packed with stalls, with tables and stands even outside the shops; and shopping here becomes a different experience altogether. The market is flooded with a lot of toy and comic book stores, and you will also find a lot of antique items here, including vintage china items, retro clocks, and phones.
Address: 20 Cross St, Singapore 048422 Timings: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM every Sunday
21. So Galem Market
So Galem Market is a vibrant flea market in Singapore, which has on display some of the most unconventional arts and crafts that you will find in all of Singapore. Thanks to the variety of pop up stores at the flea market that keep changing with time, the market has a dynamic ambience to itself, which makes it the favourite spot for tourists to visit. The stalls have on display a lot of homemade beauty products, henna, flowers, and candles; and apart from shopping, the market is also an excellent place to enjoy some delicious food and drinks at. Also, do not forget to take part in the traditional Kampong games here, like spinning tops and five stones, to get a better feel of local culture here.
Considered to be the one true blue vintage night market in all of Singapore, the Katong Square Lifestyle and Vintage Market attracts vintage buffs to it in large numbers, astonishing them with its impressive collection of watches, jewellery, vinyl records, timeless fashion pieces, souvenirs, and other vintage artefacts. Well known pop-ups at the market include The Retro Factory, Memory Lane and The Great Vinyl Exchange, while options for entertainment are also numerous here, in the form of old school DJs and local bands. And after a long day of cheap shopping in Singapore, you can gorge on the katong laksa or kaya toast to end the day on a perfect note!
Address: 86-88 E Coast Rd, Singapore 428788 Timings: 7:30 AM - 12:00 AM every day
Tips for Street Shopping in Singapore
Make sure that you know a rough price of the item that you are buying. This is because some sellers at these shops often end up quoting a really high price, especially when they confront foreign tourists.
If planning to buy electronic items, make sure that you take your time and don’t rush through. It is best to spend some time comparing prices before you buy something.
Sellers in Singapore follow a strict no return, no exchange, and no refund policy, so make sure you clear that out with the seller before making a purchase. Always keep your receipts with you in case you need them to exchange some faulty items.
If you can, wait till the Great Singapore Sale to start shopping in Singapore. Shops reduce their prices considerably during this sale, which lasts from late May to early July; and you will find unbelievable discounts and offers during this time.
If one of the prime reasons for visiting Singapore is shopping, May to July is an ideal time as this when the Great Singapore Sale is on. Otherwise, except for high-end brands, many of the places mentioned above usually sell items at inexpensive prices. So, the next time you plan a trip to Singapore, do not forget to pack an extra bag.
