When exploring Singapore through the lens of a fashion insider, the city’s unique blend of cultures and modernity offers travelers a rich tapestry of sights, tastes, and experiences. This guide delves into the best places to shop, eat, and spend your days in Singapore—revealing hidden gems that reflect its vibrant fashion and culinary scene.
Shopping Hotspots
New Bahru: A newly established lifestyle destination, New Bahru is a must-visit for those interested in local craftsmanship and sustainable products. The space features 40 local creative talents, offering everything from eco-conscious skincare from Omno to stylish, well-cut clothing from Good Addition. Don’t miss the multi-disciplinary designs at Beyond The Vines or the bespoke home essentials from SOJAO. The ambience of being in a refurbished school building adds genuine charm to your shopping spree.
The Wellness Club: Located within JW Marriott Singapore Spa, this space understands the vital connection between beauty and wellness. With offerings from well-known local brands like Skin Inc and curated wellness journals, The Wellness Club provides the perfect respite from the city’s hustle.
Something To Hold: For those who appreciate minimalist design, this pop-up store offers understated yet functional pieces that reflect a refined aesthetic. Make sure to follow their updates on Instagram for the next opportunity to shop.
Supermama: This design store uniquely incorporates local culture and Japanese design elements, resulting in beautifully crafted porcelain items that resonate with Singapore’s heritage.
Culinary Adventures
Hawker Centers: Singapore’s culinary heart beats in its hawker centers, with Maxwell Market being a local favorite. The iconic destination serves up beloved dishes like Hainanese Chicken Rice and Laksa and is frequented by celebrities, making it a quintessential experience.
AIR & PS.Cafe: For those seeking a unique dining experience, AIR offers a serene farm-to-table contemporary Asian meal surrounded by lush greenery. Meanwhile, PS.Cafe at Dempsey Hill combines a French brasserie vibe with local flair, making it perfect for a relaxing brunch.
Violet Oon: Known for her expertise in Peranakan cuisine, Violet Oon’s restaurant is an essential stop to experience the rich flavors that stem from a harmonious blend of Chinese and Malay influences.
Candlenut: As the world’s first Michelin-starred Peranakan restaurant, Candlenut presents a contemporary take on traditional dishes, making it both a culinary and cultural hotspot.
Activities to Engross You
Singapore Botanic Gardens: This UNESCO World Heritage site is a lush paradise right in the heart of the city. Walking through its trails a relaxed pace allows for a serene connection with nature, particularly the famous National Orchid Garden, which showcases an impressive array of orchids.
Bar Hopping: The bar scene in Singapore is globally recognized for its inventive cocktails and lively atmosphere. Venues like Atlas and Native offer not just drinks, but curated experiences where mixology meets artistry.
Exploring Joo Chiat: Famous for its iconic Peranakan architecture, Joo Chiat is a vibrant neighborhood offering a mix of history and modernity. Visit The Intan to deepen your understanding of Peranakan culture while enjoying the area’s buzzing food and retail scene.
Home-Based Dining: In recent years, home-based dining experiences have blossomed. These intimate setups allow visitors to savor authentic home-cooked meals while getting to know friendly locals. Restaurants like The Drunken Chef and Ben Fatto 95 offer dining that’s as much about the atmosphere as the food.
Enticing Accommodations
The Edition Singapore: One of Singapore’s newest luxury hotels, The Edition epitomizes tropical modernism. Its spacious rooms and tranquil design invite you to unwind, all while being steps away from Orchard Road’s vibrant shopping scene.
The Warehouse Hotel: A gem steeped in history, The Warehouse offers an unforgettable stay with its tasteful fusion of heritage and modern design. Paying tribute to its past as a bustling area for Chinese immigrants, the hotel incorporates cultural elements into its design.
21 Carpenter: This heritage hotel is perfect for longer stays. With its rooftop infinity pool offering breathtaking views of the city, it resembles more of a home than a hotel, engaging guests in the stories woven throughout its décor.
My Perfect Day in Singapore
Start your day with an early morning stroll at the Singapore Botanic Gardens, appreciating the tranquil beauty of nature. Afterward, pop into a local Kopitiam for traditional Kaya Toast paired with a local coffee. Spend mid-morning exploring historic neighborhoods like Joo Chiat or Tiong Bahru, before heading to a hawker center for lunch.
As the afternoon sun blazes, retreat into one of the many shopping malls or head to Tanjong Beach Club on Sentosa for some relaxation. In the evening, indulge in a classic Singapore seafood dinner—chili crab is a must-try. Conclude your day at Gardens by The Bay, where the Supertrees create a breathtaking light display, before enjoying a late-night bite at RASA, a new dining destination merging nightlife with culinary creativity.
This guide offers a taste of what Singapore has to offer through the eyes of a fashion insider. By embracing its diverse culture, savoring its culinary delights, and engaging with its local creatives, you can experience this city-state in a way that transcends the ordinary. Singapore is more than just a destination; it’s an ever-evolving landscape of style, flavor, and connection.
