20 New & Lesser-Known Things To Do Along Orchard Road Apart From Going To Don Don Donki

Things to do along Orchard Road

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Orchard Road is the ultimate playground for anyone who loves fashion, food, and fun. This bustling area is constantly evolving, and new attractions are popping up all the time. Even if you have managed to comb the entire area, there may still be some hidden gems waiting for you to discover. 

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned local, we’ve compiled a list of 20 new and lesser-known things to do along Orchard Road that will surprise and delight you.

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– New things to do –

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1. Dabao NYC-inspired cream croissants at Swish Rolls

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Image credit: Eatbook

Desserts are not as simple as just cake and ice cream at Swish Rolls. They offer reinvented classics like egg tart croissants ($2) and croons ($6.20) – croissant-shaped donuts with rich chocolate, pistachio, or Biscoff fillings.

The original outlet is at Botanic Gardens but if that’s out of the way, Swish Rolls has a pop-up at Paragon from now till 24th May 2023. Apart from the sweet stuff, they’ve got savoury pastries such as the Garlic Cream Cheese Shio Pan ($4) too.

Address: 290 Orchard Road, #B1-39/40, Paragon Shopping Centre, Singapore 238859
Opening hours: 9am–9pm, Daily

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2. Go on a staycation at Pullman Hotel Singapore

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When you don’t have enough AL for an overseas jaunt, but still want a holiday, a staycation is your answer. If you’re looking for a new hotel in Singapore to check into, put Pullman Singapore Orchard on your list.

Image credit: Pullman Singapore Orchard 

There are 9 types of rooms available, ranging from a cosy Classic Room that’s sure to be a hit with couples, to a spacious Presidential Suite for big celebrations with friends. 

Image credit: Pullman Singapore Orchard 

Once you’ve figured out which room you want, the rest of your staycay will be fuss-free. The hotel is a high tech one, where you can easily check in online ahead of time. You’ll then be able to head straight up to your room with a digital key, bypassing the crowd at the reception.

While you’re here, spend some time at the hotel’s P.S.O. Beach Club. Book a cabana by the pool, get a cocktail, and feel like you’re in Bali.

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3. Dine at Orange Mocha, a hidden book cafe in Wisma Atria

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Image credit: OCBC

Bookworms who are on the lookout for places to satisfy their reading needs may already have BookXcess at Wisma Atria on their radar. But, foodies too can get their fill of good eats at gem hidden behind the shelves – Orange Mocha Cafe. 

Image credit: @saltyaaron via Instagram

Pop by for a bite between pages with their all-day brunch set (from $14.98) or desserts like Yokeless Cheese Cake (from $8.50). The cafe also houses the Art Porters Gallery that showcases works by Southeast Asian artists.

Image adapted from: @sceneshang & @saltyaaron via Instagram

The cafe also has corners dedicated to furniture from SCENE Shang and ornaments from Crane Living, in case you feel inspired to zhng up your home.

Pro tip: OCBC cardholders can get up to 15% off here. Non-cardholders can apply for one on-site to score $30 BookXcess and $10 Orange Mocha Cafe vouchers.

Address: 435 Orchard Road, #04-01 Wisma Atria, Singapore 238877
Opening hours: 11am-7.30pm, Daily

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4. Enjoy an intimate 10-seater omakase experience at Sushi Moka

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Image credit: @whimsybunny via Instagram

If all you know is that you want Japanese food, but not so much what exactly, then Sushi Moka might be a solution. This restaurant does omakase, so you won’t have to worry about deciding what to eat – the chef will do that for you.

Lunch starts from $138 and dinner from $238. Both have at least 7 courses that include an appetiser, a binchotan-grilled dish, a signature dish, and 6 or 7 pieces of sushi. If the little ones are crashing your date, there are also kids’ lunch bentos available for $98.

Address: 435 Orchard Road, #04-01 Wisma Atria, Singapore 238877
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12pm-2.30pm & 6pm-10.30pm (Closed on Sundays)
Contact: 9392 1332

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5. Create your own rug at WeTuft

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You’ve probably already seen the viral TikToks of people creating their own rugs. Now you can make your own at WeTuft.

Image credit: @wetuftsg via Instagram

The workshops start from $118 and include all you need for your masterpiece: a tufting gun, backing canvas, and 62 different colours of yarn. They’ll even provide projectors so you can shine your chosen image onto the fabric if sketching isn’t your strong suit. Your finished rugs will be delivered to your doorstep free of charge in 3-4 weeks.

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6. Unleash your inner child at Timezone Orchard Xchange

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Gone are the days when arcades just had pinball machines and classics like Street Fighter and Pac-Man. Case in point: Timezone Orchard Xchange, the newest arcade in town located within Orchard MRT Station. It’s also the largest Timezone on our island.

Sure, you’ll find old-school arcade games, but there’s also a VR arena for first-person shooter matches, as well as rows of claw machines filled with plushies for you to win. This Timezone even has 2 bowling alleys – one for adults and one for kids – plus a bumper car rink that’s fun for the whole family.

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7. Indulge in pastries & desserts at Le Matin Patisserie

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Image credit: @lematin.sg via Instagram

You won’t need to jet off to France for a taste of authentic French pastries – not when there’s Le Matin Patisserie around. The bistro at ION Orchard offers sweet classics like Pain Au Chocolat ($7.50) and Canele ($5.50), as well as savoury ones such as Lamb & Red Wine Pie ($15).

Image credit: @lematin.sg via Instagram

For something more filling, you can also get brunch from Wednesdays to Sundays. There are French-inspired dishes such as Summer Truffle Scrambled Eggs Croissant ($32) and Seafood Pot Pie ($25) available.

Address: 2 Orchard Turn, #B2-49, ION Orchard  Singapore 238801
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 8030 7303

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8. Shop furniture at Nitori, the IKEA of Japan

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Image credit: Uchify

So you’ve got the keys to your BTO and are now looking to fill it up. Fans of the minimalistic, Japanese style popularised by Muji can look to Nitori for similar furniture finds. The store stocks pieces such as matching sofa sets, dining room tables, and even gaming chairs with the same aesthetic.

Image credit: Uchify

You can also bag N-Cool Sheets (from $39.90), which keep your body cool as you snooze – a must in Singapore’s hot weather.

Address: 260 Orchard Road #04, COURTS Nojima The Heeren, Singapore 238855
Opening hours: 11am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 6916 3861

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9. Check out Chinese literature at The Zall Bookstore

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Image credit: 卓爾书店 the zall bookstore via Facebook

The Zall Bookstore might be a new favourite hangout spot for those who have a deep appreciation for Chinese literature. This 2-storey bookstore is home to a diverse collection of works ranging from the classic writings of Confucius to the contemporary masterpieces of Mo Yan.

Image credit: @zallbookstore via Instagram

Beyond books, the store also boasts numerous IG-worthy spots for book enthusiasts to capture photos with their new literary finds. There’s an area with pristine white shelves juxtaposed against shiny black marble, and even arches that resemble ancient Chinese bridges.

Address: 501 Orchard Road #01-02/#02-18, Wheelock Place, Singapore, Singapore
Opening hours: 10.30am-7.30pm, Daily
Contact: 6232 7549

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10. Customise your ‘fit at Uniqlo Orchard Central

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Image credit: Uniqlo

Those who have been teased for being a walking Uniqlo ad with their collection of basic, monochromatic tees can now stand out from the crowd while still rocking their fave t-shirts. Uniqlo Orchard Central has a custom corner where you can jazz up your apparel with your own personal touch by adding embroidered designs.

Image credit: Uniqlo

For those feeling extra creative, you can also come up with your own illustrations and then have your fashion statement printed onto a brand-new tee or tote bag.

Address: 181 Orchard Road, #01-01 to 04/23-25, Singapore 23889
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 11am-10pm | Sat-Sun 10.30am-10pm
Contact: 6835 7297

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– Lesser known things to do –

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11. People-watch from the rooftop garden of Design Orchard

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Enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Orchard Road for free from the rooftop garden on top of Design Orchard. Offering tons of sunlight and fresh air, the outdoor space is a great spot to hang out and chit-chat with friends. Seating is plentiful although it does get extremely hot during the day, so make sure to head down early to chope a spot under the shade.

There’s a small cafe on the first floor where you can grab a refreshment or two. If what you’re craving for is good buys on the other hand, there’s a retail space on the first floor loaded with plenty of interesting skincare, fashion and even home decor products from over 60 local brands.

Address: 250 Orchard Road, Singapore 238905
Opening hours: 10.30am-9.30pm, Daily
Contact: 8642 3576

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12. Customise your own sneakers at Adidas Makerlab

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Sneakerheads can rejoice at the opening of Adidas Orchard which is home to the Adidas Makerlab, a 3-storey design space where you can fully customise your shoes. 

Customisation comes at a cost ($5-$8 per vinyl, depending on size), but is discounted by 30% when you purchase a pair of shoes in-store to customise on the spot. Other than sneakers, you can also customise Adidas apparel such as shirts, shorts and even tote bags. 

Address: 270 Orchard Road, Singapore 238857
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 6496 8188

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13. Sip on craft cocktails at a 1920s USA-themed speakeasy

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Image credit: The Other Room via Google Maps

You might remember learning about the prohibition era back in school, a period during the 1920s when American governments prohibited the sale and consumption of alcohol. This led to the opening of speakeasies, hidden bars where people could drink privately without fear of arrest.

Image credit: @theotherroomsg via Instagram

Drink as if you’re in the prohibition era at The Other Room, a swanky speakeasy tucked away in Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel. 

Helmed by master bartender Dario Knox, previously from the legendary FOC tapas bar, The Other Room specialises in craft cocktails and unique bar bites. Specials include the Reuben Sandwich and Jamón Ibérico, classic Latin delicacies that are much harder to find elsewhere in Singapore. 

Address: 320 Orchard Road, Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel Lobby, Singapore 238865
Opening hours: Tue-Sat 6.30pm-2.30am (Closed on Sundays & Mondays)
Contact: 6100 7778

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14. Shop vintage clothes & local brands at The Corner Shop

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Take a trip back to the 60s at The Corner Shop, a retro vintage clothing store tucked away in Far East Plaza. Decorated with vintage memorabilia, the entire store is a throwback to carefree days of the distant past. 

Image credit: The Corner Shop via Google Maps

More than just vintage clothes, The Corner Shop also sells clothing and accessories produced by local and regional brands – such as Raw Emotions and Paradise Youth Club. With its vintage decor and retro atmosphere, the store is a joy to visit even if you’re not looking to buy anything. It’s almost like a museum of vintage knick-knacks!

Address: 14 Scotts Road, #03-16 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213
Opening hours: 12.30pm-8.30pm, Daily
Contact: 6235 7614

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15. Grab a cup of coffee while shopping at The Editor’s Market

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A common gripe among serial shoppers and their partners is that shopping for hours on end can be tiring, especially when there’s nowhere to sit and take a short break. Grab a cup of coffee, a slice of cake or a pastry, and chill at Found Cafe, located inside The Editor’s Market at Takashimaya. 

Image credit: @cafefound via Instagram

Unlike most stores which have the nearest rest stop next door at best, the cafe here is actually inside the clothing store. The minimalist Korean-style cafe offers a range of cakes, pastries and handcrafted beverages. The lemon loaf ($5.50) and Sesame Dirty ($8.50) – a thick, earthy sesame coffee – are especially popular.

Address: 391 Orchard Road, #B1-16 to 24 Ngee Ann City, Singapore 238872
Opening hours: 10am-8pm, Daily

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16. Cafe-hop at 111 Somerset

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Image credit: @cafesgp via Instagram

Cafe-hopping as a go-to activity swept the nation when hipster cafes first became popular a couple years ago. Chances are, you’ve spent your weekend going from cafe to cafe at least once. While many think that it’s an activity limited to the Tiong Bahru area, there are actually quite a few cafes clustered in 111 Somerset that make for a solid outing. 

Matcha warabi mochi Matcha warabi mochi from Hvala.
Image credit: @hvala_sg via Instagram

The lesser-known neighbour of 313@somerset and a short walk from Somerset MRT, 111 Somerset is a great respite from town crowds. It houses familiar favourites such as Hvala which serves Japanese tea inspired treats, but also lesser-known gems like Glyph Supply Co, which specialises in artisanal coffees and Green BA vegetarian cafe, for all your meat-free cravings. 

Address: 111 Somerset Road, Singapore 238164

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17. Create your own perfume at Maison 21G, Takashimaya

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Some say that the way you smell can be an even better way of creating a lasting first impression than the way you look. Create your own signature scent at Maison 21G, where you can customise your own perfume for $180. 

Image credit: @photosbysheyz via Instagram

The process only takes around an hour from start to finish, so it’s perfect for if you want a quick and personal activity to do with a loved one, or even just by yourself. 

Attending local tours and workshops like these that are organised by SG businesses not only lets you bring home your own creation but also provides valuable insight into the BTS process. Armed with this knowledge, you might even be able to DIY your own creation at home in the future.

Price: $180

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18. Give a used book a second life at Ana Bookstore

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Hidden deep within Far East Plaza is Ana Bookstore, an old-school secondhand bookstore that buys and sells used books. Walking in almost feels like you’ve left sleek and modern Orchard and entered a time machine back to the early 2000s.

Image credit: Zinc Tang via Facebook

Give your old books a second life or pick up something new to read. With nearly everything priced under $10, you can’t really go wrong. If you’re interested in selling your used books, just bring them in and the shopkeeper will quote you a price.

Address: 14 Scotts Road, #05-01 Far East Plaza, Singapore 228213
Opening hours: Mon-Sat 12.30pm-7pm | Sun 2pm-5pm
Contact: 6737 2385

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19. Try pottery at affordable prices at Orchard Gateway

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You may have seen the famous pottery scene in the movie Ghost, where Patrick Swayze wraps his hands around Demi Moore as she makes a ceramic vase. If you’ve ever thought about recreating this scene – or, just having some good, clean pottery fun – you have your chance at Taoz Ceramics Studio in Orchard Gateway.

Image credit: Taoz Ceramics studio

The private pottery studio is located on the third floor of Orchard Gateway, and is fully equipped with all the sculpting tools and facilities you would need to create your own piece of pottery. The sessions are unguided, allowing you to fully unleash your creativity.

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20. Shoot some hoops for free at the Footlocker basketball court

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Most people have been to the huge Footlocker outlet along Orchard Road, but few know that there is actually a basketball court in the basement. If shopping isn’t your thing but you’ve been dragged by your friends, family or SO to Orchard Road anyway, you may want to check this out. 

Image credit: @ka.thiam via Instagram

Use of the court is free, but prior booking is required through the Footlocker website. Slots fill up fast so it’s recommended that you book far in advance to secure a slot. Each slot is 50 minutes long, and a maximum of 10 players are allowed per session.

Address: 218 Orchard Road, Orchard Gateway @ Emerald, Singapore 238851
Opening hours: 10am-10pm, Daily
Contact: 6950 0255

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Things to do along Orchard Road

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With Orchard Road being such a staple in the weekly hang-out spot rotation, it can sometimes feel like we’ve seen it all. Clearly, though, there are still quite a few hidden gems that have yet to be explored. In fact, new places are popping up every month, and there’s even more to look forward to, especially with the ongoing revamp of Cineleisure Orchard and *SCAPE.

For other new and lesser-known things to do in Singapore, check out:

• Late-night things to do in Orchard
• Museum of Ice Cream
• Hidden gems in Serangoon Gardens
• Heartland spots in the South
• Secret Bugis street finds

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Cover image adapted from: Pullman Singapore Orchard, @ka.thiam via Instagram
Originally published on 3rd April 2022. Last updated by Pat Yuan Teng on 9th May 2023.