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 new and lesser-known things to do in Orchard Road, Singapore that will surprise and delight you.
Getting to Orchard Road is easy and convenient. You can take the North-South Line (NSL) to Orchard MRT station (NS22), located directly beneath ION Orchard mall. Alternatively, you can also get off at the Somerset (NS23) and Dhoby Ghaut (NS24/NE6/CC1) stations.
There are also plenty of buses that stop along Orchard Road, such as 36, 124, 167, 143, and 16, but when in doubt, you can always rely on a Grab or taxi to take you directly to your destination.
Now that you know how to get there, let’s dive into some of the best things to do in Orchard Road.
From revamped malls to DIY instant noodles, here’s what to do and check out in Orchard Road, Singapore.
After a 2-year hiatus, The Cathay is back in action, and it’s looking better than ever. While all tenants will be fully up and running by Q3 2025 – that’s from July onwards – the mall is already giving us a taste of what’s to come.
You’ll spot the massive 3-storey 360° Multimedia Tower right as you enter. Grab a seat on the steps in front of the screen for the best view and a chill break.
There’s no shortage of food options either. You’ll find familiar favourites like Wingstop, Yoshinoya, and Starbucks, with more on the way.
Pop by the Sky Garden on Level 4 before you leave – it’s a pet-friendly oasis where your furkids can roam freely, while you kick back and soak up some rays.
Image credit: @nightatorchard via Instagram
No need to book a flight to Bangkok just to get your night market fix – we’ve got one right here in town. Night at Orchard is a monthly pop-up that takes over the last weekend of each month, with the next edition happening from 27th to 29th June 2025, 3pm to 10pm. There’ll be a lineup of booths dotting the pedestrian stretch from ION Orchard all the way to Ngee Ann City.
Image credit: @nightatorchard via Instagram
Treat yourself to a little retail therapy as you browse through a variety of knick-knacks like accessories, scented candles, and even digital cameras. The vendor lineup changes each month, so there’s always something fresh to discover at every edition.
Stay tuned to Night at Orchard’s website for more details.
If you missed out on the outdoor movie experience at Hendrick’s Sunset Cinema, now’s your chance to mark your calendar for Nightflix Somerset, happening every first Saturday of the month at *SCAPE. Just BYO picnic mat and headphones for the full under-the-stars experience.
Keep an eye on the *SCAPE website for the latest deets and to register for the next movie screening.
This one’s a legit hidden gem – Ume Maru is a speakeasy tucked away in Far East Plaza, and finding it is half the fun. To get in, you’ll need to locate the right bookshelf and give it a little push. Hint: look out for the one with the Ume Maru sign above it.
The bar draws inspiration from Jimbocho, the popular bookstore district in Tokyo, so don’t be surprised to find shelves lined with comic books you’re free to flip through while sipping on your drink of choice.
It’s a coffee bar by day from 9am to 5pm, and it only serves alcoholic drinks from 5pm. Lunch and dinner menus differ, but expect to find classic Japanese dishes like Salmon Teriyaki Bento ($12.90) and Prawn Mentaiko Pasta ($24).
Image credit: Rebecca Maki via Google Maps
Brandy Melville left Singapore in 2020, and now, the cult-fave American fashion brand has made its grand return to Singapore. They’re back with a spanking new outlet at Peranakan Place Complex. You’ll find it on the first floor, and it’s pretty hard to miss – just cross the road from Orchard Gateway towards Foot Locker, and the store will be in your line of sight on the right.
Shop wardrobe staples like baby tees, oversized jumpers, slouchy jeans, and accessories.
Image credit: Harriot NN via Google Maps
Ask any Singaporean where their go-to bak chor mee spot is, and chances are they’ll rattle off a stall hidden in some heartland hawker centre. But surprise, surprise – Orchard Bak Chor Mee is serving up this beloved dish right in the middle of town, located in the rather unassuming Orchard Plaza.
It opens from 7pm all the way till 5.30am – you know where to head to for a post-party supper stop after drinks with the crew. Prices start from $6.90, with the Signature Bak Chor Mee Sua going at $7.90.
Image credit: nads via Google Maps
Reviewers have been singing praises about the soup – clean, yet packed with flavour – and let’s not forget the crispy pork lard that adds a crunch to every bite.
Image credit: Eatbook
Singaporeans love hitting the supermarket – not just for the groceries, but for the sweet, sweet aircon while casually strolling down the aisles. So, if you haven’t explored these unique FairPrice outlets, are you even Singaporean? Of all of them, the FairPrice Finest at Centrepoint is the one you can’t miss.
Image credit: Eatbook
It has a DIY instant noodles bar where you’ll get to pick your favourite brand and flavour, then zhng it up with fun add-ons like cheese tofu and mini sausages. Starting at just $2.50, it’s a budget-friendly feast. You’ll even get to control the doneness of your noodles using the hot water dispenser – just set your preferred cooking time and your customised bowl is ready.
We don’t gatekeep around here, so we’ve compiled some of the more underrated attractions and things to do in Orchard Road.
Image credit: Golden Village x The Projector at Cineleisure via Google Maps
Remember those days heading to Cineleisure to shop at Beadstreet, where you could find everything from quirky phone accessories to statement jewellery? Then capping off the day with a movie at Golden Village with your friends after school? ICYMI, Golden Village has teamed up with The Projector, an indie cinema, to bring you the best of both worlds.
The GV-branded halls still screen the latest blockbusters that everyone’s buzzing about, while the other 3 halls dive into indie and foreign films, cult classics, and documentaries for something a little different from the usual crowd-pleasers.
Image credit: Amber via Google Maps
No matter which side of the cinema crowd you’re on, you’ll get to soak in the retro vibes of Golden Village x The Projector at Cineleisure. Don’t forget to munch on some elevated cinema bites like fried chicken and pizza from the No Spoilers Bar.
Image credit: X-Scap8 @ Orchard Central via Google Maps
Shopping and dining aren’t the only things to do in Orchard Road – there’s also X-Scap8 @ Orchard Central, an indoor playground with high-element obstacle courses ($38/pax) and plenty more fun activities.
Even if heights aren’t your thing, you can still get your heart pumping at the Lava Mayhem (from $45 for up to 3 pax), blow off some steam at the Smash Lab (from $38/pax), or test your ninja skills on the X-Warrior Challenge Course ($29/pax).
Image adapted from: Caleb Teo & Hazel Angelin via Google Maps
There’s even a Retro Arcade Zone featuring nostalgic favourites like Pac-Man and Donkey Kong. Prices start from $15 for 15 tokens, so go ahead and relive those childhood memories.
Book tickets to X-Scap8 @ Orchard Central.
Image credit: Micheal Lim via Google Maps
If you didn’t already know, Ah Chew Desserts has a branch at Cineleisure, which means you can get your dessert fix right in the heart of town, without having to brave the long queues at their Bugis outlet.
Image credit: Kenji Koh via Google Maps
They serve up traditional Chinese desserts at wallet-friendly prices, from comforting bowls of almond paste and tang yuan, to crowd-favourites like mango sago and steamed milk pudding. Prices start from $3.30.
Image credit: Sppfy via Google Maps
Next time you’re wondering what to do in Orchard Road, here’s a wholesome activity to try – a terrarium workshop at Sppfy for just $38/pax.
Nestled within Far East Shopping Centre, not Far East Plaza, don’t mix them up – this cosy studio lets you get your hands dirty creating your very own mini garden. You’ll get free-flow materials to build your masterpiece, with friendly staff on site to guide you every step of the way.
Image credit: Sppfy via Google Maps
Choose to add a little flair with cute character figurines from just $1 each. It’s a fun way to spend an afternoon with your besties, or even as a date idea that doesn’t involve awkward small talk over coffee.
Book Sppfy’s terrarium workshop.
Image adapted from: @me_cafe_games via Instagram
Here’s another fun activity inOrchard Road that’s anything but basic – at ME Cafe & Games, you can play board games, glamp in private gaming tents, and hang out with free-roaming cats all in one place.
They have over 30 board games, more than 40 Nintendo Switch titles, and adorable kitties wandering around just waiting for head pats. For something chill, the Basic Purr package lets you enjoy cat cuddles and board games at $16.80/pax for an hour.
Image credit: @me_cafe_games via Instagram
But if you’re in the mood to go all out, opt for the Ultimate Campout package at $28.80/pax for 2 hours. You’ll get access to console games, board games, your own private glamping tent, and of course, unlimited cat time.
Book a slot at ME Cafe & Games.
Image credit: Elijah Tan via Google Maps
Test your luck at Snore House, a trading card game store located in Lucky Plaza – pretty apt, considering you’ll need a fair bit of luck to score a rare Pokémon card from a pack.
Image credit: cherry via Google Maps
Collectors love this spot for its wide selection of cards at great prices, and the friendly owners are always up for a chat or ready to share their TCG know-how.
Check out our guide to collecting Pokémon cards to get started.
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 $128 and dinner from $178. Both feature an appetiser, a binchotan-grilled dish, a signature dish, and Nigiri sushi.
You’ve probably already seen the viral TikTok videos of people creating their own rugs. Now you can make your own at WeTuft.
Image credit: @wetuftsg via Instagram
The workshops start from $128 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 5 to 8 weeks.
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 $23.90), which keep your body cool as you snooze – a must in Singapore’s hot weather.
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.
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.
Those looking for more relaxing things to do in Orchard Road can head to the rooftop garden on top of Design Orchard. Here, you can enjoy a bird’s-eye view of Orchard Road for free. 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.
The retail space on the first floor plays host to pop-ups, so you’ll always find something new to check out, from skincare and accessories to fashion and lifestyle goods.
Keep an eye on Design Orchard’s Instagram for the latest happenings.
Adidas Orchard is a 3-storey store that’s also home to the Adidas Makerlab, a design space where you can customise your shoes and apparel.
Here’s where you can zhng your kicks with vinyls, pins, charms, and laces, or go beyond sneakers and personalise shirts, shorts, and even tote bags. It’s a space to let your creativity run wild.
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 the American government 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 the Marriott Tang Plaza Hotel.
The bar specialises in craft cocktails and unique bar bites. Try the Invisible Cheesecake ($28) and Tinkerbell ($29) cocktails for drinks you won’t find anywhere else. Food specials include the Taro Borracho ($28) and Jamón Ibérico ($36).
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 the 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!
Image credit: Hyeonjin Cho via Google Maps
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.
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. There’s also Rise Bakehouse, a cafe serving up desserts that taste as good as they look.
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 $200/pax.
Image credit: @photosbysheyz via Instagram
The process only takes around an hour from start to finish, so it’s perfect if you want a quick and personal activity to do with a loved one, or even just by yourself.
Maison 21G also hosts reed diffuser workshops at $180/pax, where you’ll get to craft your own signature home scent. Each experience is fully guided, and you’ll walk away with a beautifully balanced fragrance and a sleek bottle to match.
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.
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.
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, 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. A Wheel Throwing trial lesson starts from $45/pax for a 35-minute session, where you’ll get to mould your very own ceramic piece from scratch.
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. At the time of writing, bookings are currently unavailable until further notice, so keep an eye on the booking page to see when slots open up again.
Image credit: OCBC
Orange Mocha Cafe at BookXcess at Wisma Atria has closed.
Image credit: @lematin.sg via Instagram
Le Matin Patisserie at ION Orchard has closed, but you can still shop their bakes online.
Image credit: @cafefound via Instagram
Found Cafe at The Editor’s Market at Takashimaya has closed. However, The Editor’s Market store is set to reopen in July 2025.
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.
More things to do in Singapore:
Cover image adapted from: Eatbook, Sppfy & X-Scap8 @ Orchard Central via Google Maps, @cinewav via Instagram
Originally published on 3rd April 2022. Last updated by Wei Yin on 16th June 2025.
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