Insta-worthy Staircases For Your Next #OOTD
Rather than scale endless flights of stairs to get to our destination, it’s safe to say that us Singaporeans would rather take the escalator – which is no surprise since we are notorious for our obsession with efficiency and whizzing through this fast-paced city life.
Sadly, our propensity to avoid stairs has caused us to bypass many unique staircases that are hidden in plain sight. For most of us, the only insta-worthy stairs include the ones leading up to National Gallery, or the famous Bugis spiral stairs.
But besides those insta-famous stairs, you’ll find other quirky staircases scattered around town. From spiral stairwells to asymmetrical steps, these chio staircases will open your eyes to a whole new world of staircases and level up your OOTD game.
1. Apple Store at Orchard Road
For us Apple fanatics in Singapore, the long-awaited day for the opening of this tech giant’s store has finally arrived.
Just like the sleek electronics it houses, this elegantly curved, marble-lustred staircase is consistent with Apple’s clean aesthetic and minimalist designs.
Inside, this ginormous spiral staircase leading up to the store’s second floor is in itself a monument to behold – just standing in the midst of it is enough to dwarf any human being.
Sneakerhead tip: Strut up and down these marbled stairs in vibrant kicks for an oh-so-casual OOTD.
Getting there: A 7-minute walk from Orchard MRT station.
Address: 270 Orchard Road, Singapore 238857
On Gwen: YOU by Skechers – Inspire (Red)
2. Ngee Ann Polytechnic Blk 51
Located in Blk 51, also fondly known as Makan Place, these long staircases may appear rather nondescript at first glance, but look closer -the geometric patterns on the buildings’ walls make the interior look like it’s in motion.
The turquoise-painted walls also give its interior a much-needed pop of colour.
With these babies, you can effortlessly parade up and down these stairs for that golden shot
Get a wide angle shot of these zig zag stairs from its side, or snap your OOTD on the steps to capture that psychedelic backdrop.
Getting there: A 12-minute bus ride from Clementi MRT station (take buses 52, 154, or 184). Head to level 4 of Blk 51 for this view.
Address: 535 Clementi Rd, Singapore 599489
On Gwen: YOU by Skechers (White/Black)
3. Plaza Singapura
Some of us may have bypassed these stairs as we dive into the air-conditioned mall to seek refuge from the unbearable humidity outside.
Located right across Plaza Singapura’s main entrance, you’ll find these stairs concealed beneath an interesting domed roof.
An unexpected alternative to symmetrical lines that our eyes are attuned to, these grayscale steps look like they’re ensnared in a gigantic white web when captured from this angle.
Sneakerhead tip: These bright red sneakers will give your muted outfits a quirky pop of colour
So the next time you’re waiting for that forever-tardy friend, you can chill on these steps to take cover from the sweltering heat outside and bask in the shelter that this concrete web offers.
Getting there: Nearest MRT is Dhoby Ghaut Station, stairs are located at the exit of Plaza Singapura where Starhub is located.
Address: 68 Orchard Road, Singapore 238839
On Gwen: YOU by Skechers – Inspire (Red)
4. Space Furniture Asia Hub
With its blacked-out steps and bleached white walls, Space Furniture Asia Hub’s other-worldly spiral staircase offers a futuristic twist to the average staircase and will make you feel like you’ve stepped into an alien spaceship.
For a trippy view of this unique stairwell, head to the top to snap a pic, or stand at the bottom of the stairs for a wide angle shot from the top.
Sneakerhead tip: Pair these pure white sneakers with some ripped jeans to achieve that Hypebeast aesthetic.
Getting there: A 4-minute bus ride or a 10-minute walk from Dhoby Ghaut MRT station
Address: 77 Bencoolen Street, Singapore 189653
On Gwen: YOU by Skechers – Inspire (White)
5. Singapore Institute of Management (SIM)
Surrounded by buildings that tower overhead, this stairway nestled beside SIM’s Block D is an urban valley amidst concrete mountains.
For a shot that really brings out the building’s sleek design and grunge-y tones, slip on a monochromatic outfit for that hypebeast vibe.
Sneakerhead tip: Achieve that Vogue-worthy monochromatic look with all-black sneakers and a white outfit, set against these grayscale steps.
Getting there: A 10-minute bus ride from Clementi MRT station (take buses 52, 154, 184)
Address: 461 Clementi Road, Singapore 599491
On Gwen: YOU by Skechers (Black)
6. School Of The Arts
Right in the heart of the city, you’ll find the SOTA building – an architectural masterpiece housing the most art-sy of us.
Most of us have passed by the iconic steps that skirt around the buildings’ entrance, yet not many notice its side entrance right next to I’m Kim’s Korean BBQ restaurant.
So, step into SOTA’s unassuming entrance on Prinsep Street to discover this hidden staircase, flanked by slanting wooden walls that arch high above.
You’ll also notice striking splodges of neon paint – a distinct contrast to the black steps.
Getting there: A 5-minute walk from Plaza Singapura, next to I’m Kim’s Korean BBQ on Prinsep St.
Address: 1 Zubir Said Drive, Singapore 227968
On Gwen: YOU by Skechers – Inspire (White)
7. Marina Square Roof Maze
From eye-level, this roof may look like a mess of stairs that lead to nowhere, or an endless stream of walls, walls, and more walls. But all you have to do is survey the area from top down and you’ll see a maze unfold beneath you.
This unique rooftop maze consists of a slew of emergency exits leading to the shops in the building, but in times of non-emergency, you can perform all sorts of highly instagrammable visual illusions here, such as lying on the ground and pretending to scale its walls.
These navy blue sneakers go with anything – denim skirts, white tops, black jeans, you name it
Getting there: Marina Square level 2 samsonite entrance rooftop
Address: 6 Raffles Boulevard, Singapore 039594
On Gwen: YOU by Skechers – Inspire (Navy)
8. St. Andrew’s Cathedral
Constructed in 1856, the site for St. Andrew’s Cathedral was first reserved as a Cathedral by Sir Stamford Raffles himself. But besides its iconic clock tower and castle-like spires, this English Gothic cathedral also boasts an expansive contemporary garden behind its rustic gates.
Here, you’ll find semi-circular stairs that are an interesting combination of concrete and grass, and wide and narrow steps.
Plus, this hidden spot right in the heart of town is concealed from its hustle and bustle – making it the perfect picnic spot on a lazy Saturday afternoon.
Getting there: A 5-minute walk from City Hall MRT station. These stairs are located next to the St. Andrew’s cafe
Address: 11 St Andrew’s Road, Singapore 178959
On Gwen: YOU by Skechers – Inspire (Navy)
9. Enabling Village
Designed as a wheelchair-friendly space, these stairs in Enabling Village are not just functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
It’s asymmetrical design, subtle slopes, and perpendicularly tiled steps create an interesting play of intertwining straight lines, while the green and brown wooden tiled steps allude to nature’s lush greenery.
Getting there: Nearest MRT is Redhill. Stairs are located between Hive and Village Green.
Address: 20 Lengkok Bahru, Singapore 159053
On Gwen: YOU by Skechers (Burgundy)
10. SUTD
Located in SUTD’s Building 2 Main Entrance, these broad stairs spiral into a curious circle at the bottom – a testament to the school’s avant-garde architecture.
The grey concrete floors make it the ideal backdrop for rocking bright colours or blending in with a monochromatic wardrobe, and you can get a shot of that OOTD on these steps or by lying in the middle of the circle.
Getting there: A 9-minute walk from Expo MRT, or take buses 2, 5, or 24 and alight outside Building 2.
Address: 8 Somapah Rd, Singapore 487372
On Gwen: YOU by Skechers (Black)
Strut yo’ stuff on these unique staircases
With Singapore’s progression towards contemporary architecture, you’ll find many interesting staircases you never knew existed. From schools, to shopping malls, to HDBs, just keep your eyes peeled and you’ll be pleasantly surprised with some stairs so quirky that climbing them wouldn’t even be a chore.
To combat the fatigue of our constant power-walking and stair-scaling, Skechers’ new line of shoes, YOU by Skechers™, offers some of the most comfortable and versatile sneakers that will allow you to effortlessly trek through Singapore’s concrete jungle in style.
For some of us, choosing the right pair of shoes to match our carefully put together outfit can be a chore, especially if you’re in a rush. But whether you dress to impress or prioritise comfort over style, these vogue shoes – from laced to slip-ons and colourful to monochromatic – will give you the best of both worlds and step up your OOTD game.
Check out Skechers’ catalogue of shoes here!
This post was brought to you by Skechers.